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Santosh Shah was crowned winner of BBC’s MasterChef: The Professionals Rematch special in scenes that aired tonight after he lost out on the title in 2020. 

The 34-year-old chef, who was dubbed the ‘people’s champion’ in last year’s series, wowed judges Marcus Wareing, Monica Galetti, and Gregg Wallace with his Nepalese cuisine, according to the news report.

Santosh stepped back into the kitchen along with fellow finalists Philli Armitage-Mattin and Bart van der Lee, who appeared on last year’s series, and Jamie Park, who reached the final in 2017.

Speaking to media he said, “I was so delighted to be invited back into the MasterChef kitchen to cook again, and had so much fun being reunited with Bart, Philli, and Jamie from the 2017 series.” 

As 2021 draws to a close, so does another year of engrossed reading. And there is always so much to read about our own country and the neighborhood. The region, by the way, also makes for the most popular non-fiction reads here in Nepal. Here are the ‘Top 10’ non-fiction bestsellers for the year as per Mandala Book Point, Kantipath, Kathmandu.  

1. All Roads Lead North: Nepal’s turn to China by Amish Raj Mulmi 

This book navigates Nepal-China relationship over the past three centuries. Mulmi tries to tackle Sino-Nepal relations from the perspective of those whose lives are directly impacted by the geopolitical developments in this region. He records experiences of Nepal-Tibet traders, former Khampas (Tibetan guerillas), Nepali entrepreneurs and the population living near the country’s northern border with China. Alongside, there’s also a concise modern history of the complex Nepal-China-India relations. The book portrays China’s increased influence in Nepal through trade, tourism and bilateral investment and highlights how that affects people living along the Nepal-China border.

2. India and Asian Geopolitics: The Past, Present by Shivshankar Menon 

The author gives an insight into India’s role after independence, within Asia and the broader world. Menon tries to capture modern India’s navigation of regional geopolitics in order to pursue its foreign policy goals. He also looks at the future and analyzes how India’s policies might evolve in response to the current and new challenges. As India continues to grow economically and gain stature on a global scale, its domestic preoccupations and international choices become more significant. Monon’s long diplomatic career and his grasp of geopolitical and diplomatic history is reflected in his writing. The book is a must read for anyone interested in understanding India’s role in the emerging world order.

3. Unleashing the Vajra by Sujeev Shakya 

Shakya analyses the social, political, and cultural aspects underlying the state of Nepal in order to strategize the recalibrations required to capitalize on its location. He questions the basics of Nepali culture, consumerism, conduct, and convergence of economic activities with its two neighbors, India and China. Nepal now has the opportunity to unleash its economic potential and take advantage of the two populous and emerging economic neighboring powerhouses, but the book asserts that the country has only two decades to realize this potential. There is a good overview of the historical underpinnings of today’s achievements and opportunities. In addition, it offers thoughtful perspectives for readers who have an interest in Nepal’s economic and foreign policies.

4. The Politics of Nepal: Persistence and Change in an Asian Monarchy by Leo E. Rose & Margaret Welpley Fisher

The book offers a systematic introduction to the Nepali political system. Rose has always been invested in Nepali politics from when he first co-wrote Democratic Innovations in Nepal with Bhuban Lal Joshi, about two personalities from extreme sides of the political spectrum: King Mahendra and the first elected Prime Minister, BP Koirala. Nepali politics had long been neglected by scholars and was largely unknown to the outside world until mid-fifties, even though Nepal is quite unique considering it has never been reduced to a colonial status and it was one of the few Asian countries where monarchy was the chief agency in the modernization of traditional institutions. 

5. Beyond Possible by Nimsdai Purja 

Beyond Possible tells the reader that anything is possible, as long as you have hope and determination. Nimsdai Purja takes us on his journey of achieving the seemingly impossible: scaling 14 mountains of over 8,000m in six months and six days under ‘Project Possible’. Along the way he saved several stricken climbers and put spotlight on climate change and the Nepali climbing community. Not only does the book talk about his bravery but also moments he wavered due to his near-death experiences in an avalanche and the frustration when no other climbers were helping him rescue lost climbers. One encounters a world which is so ruthless that death is a common phenomenon. 

6. Nehru, Tibet and China by Avtar Singh Bhasin

Bhasin analyses history to understand why Indo-China relations continue to remain tenuous. The book analyses events from 1949 to the Indo-China war in 1962 and its aftermath to provide more context about the bilateral dynamic. Jawaharlal Nehru’s futile attempts to prevent the communists from taking over Tibet and the fleeing of the 14th Dalai Lama to India was the onset of India’s souring relations with China, he writes. Documents and archives are used to make the narrative authentic and credible. A synopsis highlights how policies were made during this critical period in India-China relations as well as their continued relevance. 

7. Political Economy of Social Change and Development in Nepal by Jeevan R. Sharma

Nepal has been undergoing various socio-political and economic changes since the 1950s. From a hierarchical monarchy to a republican order which has engrained ideas of human rights and equality, there has been a gradual shift in the political economy of rural livelihoods and deeply penetrated ideas of development and modernity in the countryside. Focusing on local discourses and experiences, it draws attention to the power of historical processes and how they produce ideas of equality, human rights, and citizenship. Sharma also builds on the scholarship in Nepal from a multi-disciplinary and synoptic perspective. 

8. Backfire in Nepal: How India Lost Plot to China by Sanjay Upadhya

The author takes the reader through a timeline of Nepal-India relations in the past 15 years. Starting with Nepal’s own Comprehensive Peace Agreement (2006) to the signing of the new transit, security, and strategic treaties between Nepal and China most recently, Upadhya highlights seminal developments that have enhanced China’s role while reducing India’s in this landlocked country. He discusses China’s growing investments in Nepal as well as a number of high-level visits, including from Chinese President Xi Jinping. As is clear from the book, the 2015 unofficial border blockade was, in many ways, the turning point in China’s engagement in Nepal. The book is a must read for anyone who is interested in understanding recent developments in India-Nepal relations. 

9. Kathmandu Dilemma: Resetting India-Nepal Ties by Ranjit Rae 

Rae examines the contemporary state of India-Nepal relations and offers a plethora of details in bilateral ties. After the 2015 blockade, the relations have gone through several ups and downs. And with China increasing its influence in Nepal, the author argues, the country could become a closely-contested geopolitical battleground. The book is at its most interesting when Rae talks about Nepal as one of the best assignments for an Indian diplomat.

10. The Power of Geography: Ten Maps That Reveal the Future of Our World by Tim Marshall

Mountains, deserts, and distances will have an eternal mark on national character and international relations. Marshall spotlights ten regions that are set to shape global politics and power: Australia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, the UK, Greece, Turkey, the Sahel, Ethiopia, Spain, and Space. He explains how a region’s geography and physical characteristics affect its leaders’ decisions. Like its predecessor ‘Prisoners of Geography’, the book provides a thoughtful introduction to crucial concepts of international politics through the prism of geography. Any student of geography, in any of its manifestations, would love this book. 

(Compiled by Paridhi Bhutra)

CPN (Maoist Center) Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal Prachanda has said that America’s grant under Millennium Challenge Corporation(MCC) could be endorsed by Parliament only after amending some clauses.

In a political document presented in the party's 8th General Convention that began on December 26, Prachanda has said that it cannot be endorsed without amendment. According to a member, Prachanda told his party cadres that MCC would be amended to serve the national interest.

The ruling coalition is sharply divided over MCC. Speaking at the inaugural session of the Maoist convention, Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba defended MCC stating that there are not any provisions that would hurt national interests. Parties plan to table MCC in Parliament after the Maoist party concludes its convention. The Maoist jamboree, however, is likely to endorse Prachanda’s position on MCC. America, however, said that the MCC compact cannot be amended. 

The 8th General Convention of CPN (Maoist Center) has begun in Kathmandu, on December 26. The four-day convention will conclude by electing new leadership.

Top leaders of major parties including Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba were invited as guests of the inaugural session of the convention. Addressing the inaugural session of the Maoist convention, Prime Minister and Nepali Congress President Deuba said the American grant Millenium Challenge Corporation (MCC) is in national interests so it should be endorsed by Parliament. CPN (Maoist Center) Pushpa Kamal Dahal is likely to be re-elected as party chair from the convention. 

Speaking at the inaugural session, CPN(Maoist Center) Pushpa Kamal Dahal Prachanda convention will take measures to revive the strength of the party. 

The Standing Committee of the party has proposed a 15-member office-bearer which is likely to be endorsed by convention. This is the first time the Maoist Centre has provisioned senior vice-chair and general secretary posts.As many as 1,631 delegates are attending the convention.  

If you’re the kind of person who enjoys working in a lively space infused with the smell of rich home-grown coffee, Kefi Deli is the place for you.

With a cozy lounge space embellished with warm wooden linings and a not-too-crowded balcony seating area, it offers a homely environment to tug at your creative strings. Kefi also serves healthy breakfast options, with both organic food and fresh juices on offer. Another of their specialities is that they produce their own coffee and serve vegan options in certain recipes.

There is sufficient parking for both two-wheelers and four-wheelers. So still searching for a nice coffee shop to start your day or for a comfy space for evening hot chocolates? You might want to give Kefi Deli a go.

Kefi Deli

Chef’s Special Dishes:

Meatlovers Benedict
Peanut Butter Granola Smoothie Bowl
Kefi special Hot Chocolate

Opening time: 7:30 AM to 10:00 PM
Location: Kupondole height 
Meal for 2: 1,200
Card/Phone pay: Yes
Reservation: 9803472187

The Department of Revenue Investigation (DRI) has raided the offices of Samanantar Nirman Sewa Pvt Ltd for alleged corruption in Kathmandu Metropolitan City’s Teku building construction project, and tax evasion.

The move follows complaints filed by the Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA), a constitutional body mandated to investigate corruption. 

On December 17, the DRI team confiscated all the documents related to the contract from its office located at Old Baneshwor.

Samanantar, a construction company, has been building government infrastructure for a long time. The company has been accused of getting large governmental contracts through its political nexus, particularly during the tenure of the erstwhile PM Oli. 

Also read: Dubious dealings at Sindhu Bikash Bank  

Currently, the company has almost Rs 13 billion worth of contracts related to government-owned buildings, including one worth Rs 5.87 billion for a new Supreme Court building.

Further, it has contracts from Nepal Police Club, Nepal Oil Corporation, Bhaktapur District Court, provincial ministries’ offices and quarters, Department of Roads, Nepal Rastra Bank, Metropolitan Police Office, and Office of Attorney General.

Besides the buildings, it also builds roads throughout the country. The recently built International Conference Center at Godawari was also the work of Samanantar. The center’s roofs had started leaking even before its inauguration. 

Company Chairman Achyut Kharel, however, has denied the charges. “We have VAT bills for each transaction. There was no need to confiscate our documents,” says Kharel.

Hanan Goder, Ambassador of Israel to Nepal, has said that media remains a prime ingredient of the discourse for preserving democracies, democratic inclusion, and democratic life.

Speaking at a program organized to mark the sixth anniversary of Media Action Nepal(MAN), a research-based media rights advocacy group, the Envoy said that Israel is very proud of what it has achieved in the last 73 years in the bilateral relation, Ambassador Goder added. Appreciating Nepal’s independent and inclusive media, he lauded Nepal’s press freedom.  The 6th anniversary was celebrated in Kathmandu on December 21 with a dialogue program on the foundations of independent and inclusive media.

Speaking at the same program, Secretary of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) Murari Prasad Kharel, said that the state was not seen as liberal in granting freedom of the press even though it was mentioned in the constitution.

Chairperson of the National Women Commission Kamala Parajuli, said that the media sector was the carrier of inclusive social and gender transformation and that it should disseminate news in a fair and independent manner.

Chief Commissioner of the National Information Commission (NIC) Mahendra Man Gurung pointed out that a handful of journalists are exercising their right to seek information. He said that the media houses had failed to ensure the freedom of the press and inclusion guaranteed by the constitution of Nepal.

Laxman Datt Pant, MAN Chairperson stated that the organization has conducted various programs for the benefit of more than ten journalists since its inception. It has provided training and fellowships to more than 700 journalists since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, he added.

Career Point Education Services Pvt Ltd, in association with Texas College, Presidential Business School, and IIMS College, organized Career Fest 2021, third of its kind, on 21 December 2021 at Rastriya Sabha Griha. The annual one-day event was focused on connecting +2 graduated students with various colleges and national-international curriculums so that students can pursue their further studies in Nepal.  

The event consisted of two sessions—an educational expo and a seminar. 

The first session, educational expo was inaugurated by Nepali Congress leader Pradip Paudel. 

Similarly, the seminar was inaugurated by the former finance minister and vice-chairman of CPN (UML) Surendra Pandey. CEO of Nabil Bank Anil Keshary Shah, Miss Nepal 2019 Anushka Shrestha were the key speakers where comedian Subodh Gautam and singer Almoda Rana Uprety gave their performances.