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Royalist parties such as the Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) currently believe that restoring the monarchy through street protests is unlikely—at least for now. They are of the view that instead of taking to the streets, their focus should be on strengthening their position in Parliament and through elections.

Since 2008, the RPP has consistently advocated for the restoration of the monarchy and a Hindu state. But the current situation marks a notable departure from the past, primarily due to former King Gyanendra Shah’s apparent decision to take a more active role in the movement. Shah reportedly believes a united royalist street campaign could pave the way for his return as monarch.

Recently, the former king met dozens of supporters, including senior and youth leaders of various royalist parties, at a hotel in Nagarkot. At least two leaders present at the meeting told ApEx that Shah appeared more outspoken and optimistic than ever about reviving the monarchy.

According to leaders, Shah believes that the crowd that welcomed him at Tribhuvan International Airport on March 9 is a ‘public endorsement’ for his return to power. He has urged his supporters to mobilize even larger gatherings in the streets. 

While the former monarch believes that political parties should spearhead the movement, he is reportedly skeptical of current RPP Chairman Rajendra Lingden’s leadership. Multiple sources say Shah has expressed dissatisfaction with Lingden’s performance and certain RPP agendas. The former king believes a more charismatic leader is needed to lead the movement, said one leader on condition of anonymity.

After considerable behind-the-scenes effort, Shah has succeeded in uniting royalist forces under the leadership of Navaraj Subedi. Prominent figures such as Lingden, Kamal Thapa and other veteran RPP leaders have now agreed to join a united campaign set to begin after May 29. To make the movement effective, Shah has shared a set of strategic suggestions. The protests should be continuous rather than one-off events, should draw participants from outside the Kathmandu Valley, and should be supported by a broader awareness campaign around the royalist agenda.

However, some within RPP argue that by sidelining Lingden and promoting Subedi, Shah is alienating the very party that has long championed the royalist cause. This means RPP will support the movement, but it may not participate actively, said one party leader.

Following an extended conversation with the former king, some supporters have concluded that there is a growing disconnect between their vision of a ceremonial monarchy and what Shah seems to envision. Several leaders now suspect that Shah may not be willing to remain a symbolic figurehead if the monarchy is revived.

Shah has also acknowledged missteps, notably the controversial appointment of Durga Prasai to lead the March 28 protest, which turned violent. He believes that political figures—not non-political activists—should be at the forefront, though he has yet to name a clear preference beyond backing Subedi for the time being. Shah has also urged his supporters to resolve internal divisions within the royalist camp.

Some RPP leaders remain frustrated with Shah’s stance. They feel he has been reluctant to credit RPP for sustaining the pro-monarchy agenda over the years. During the last RPP convention, former RPP Chairman Thapa publicly accused Shah of interfering in party politics by backing Lingden for party leadership. After losing to Lingden, Thapa left the party, openly blaming Shah for meddling. Now, three years later, Shah appears equally disappointed with Lingden’s leadership.

The former king has told his supporters to advance his vision of the Prithvi Path—a roadmap for nation-building based on the Dibya Upadesh (Divine Counsel) of King Prithvi Narayan Shah. In a video message released on the eve of Nepali New Year 2082, Shah reiterated that the Dibya Upadesh remains highly relevant even today.

Since March 9, Shah has grown more vocal in expressing his desire to return to the throne. He has framed the recent royalist protests as a sign of the people’s awakening. Yet many who have met and spoken with him remain puzzled by his confidence.

As the May 29 protests approach, their direction and impact remain uncertain. The government has already signaled it will crack down on the movement. Senior leaders of major political parties have issued warnings against organizing such protests. Over 100 people, including Rabindra Mishra, Dhawal Shumsher Rana, and Durga Prasai, were arrested in connection with the March 28 violence.

There is something magical about the sharp, citrusy tingle of timmur on the tongue. The sensation is bold and unmistakable. For Nepalis, it brings back memories of home—of warm meals, steep hills, and the smell of mountain air. Timmur is more than a spice. It’s part of our culture, medicine, and identity.

Known locally as timmur, and internationally as timur or Zanthoxylum armatum, this wild pepper has long been used in pickles, meat dishes, and chutneys. It’s also valued in traditional healing. In Nepal, it’s everywhere—but beyond South Asia, few people know it exists. That must change. Timmur has the power to connect Nepal’s farms with the global spice market. With a little effort and imagination, this tiny fruit could become a global sensation.

Timmur is a hardy shrub. It grows naturally in Nepal’s mid-hill regions, between 1,000 and 2,300 meters. You can find it on village slopes, backyard gardens, and even city balconies. It survives with little care. It doesn’t need much water. It resists pests. And its fruit is packed with aroma and flavor. In many homes, people grow a few timmur bushes in pots. They germinate seeds in trays during February or March. When seedlings have five or six leaves, they are moved to larger pots or soil. A little compost and partial sunlight is enough to keep the plant happy.

On farms, timmur grows in small plots and large fields. Farmers prepare the land before the monsoon. They dig pits, add compost, and plant young shrubs a few meters apart. Most plants are watered by rain alone. After three or four years, the plants begin to fruit. Harvesting is simple. The husks are picked by hand, dried in the sun, and stored in airtight containers. With care—pruning, mulching, and regular weeding—timmur bushes remain productive for years.

Right now, timmur is mostly grown in Nepal and nearby regions. But its climate needs—temperate air, moderate altitude, and loamy soil—exist in many parts of the world. Trials could begin in places like the Pacific Northwest of the USA, northern India, or even Israel. These countries already grow other medicinal or aromatic plants. Timmur could fit right in.

Researchers are also asking if timmur could grow without soil? Hydroponics is changing the way people grow food in cities. But since timmur is a woody shrub, it doesn’t grow easily in water-based systems. Still, with vertical aeroponics or deep water culture, it might be possible. This is an area for future experiments.

People don’t just use timmur for flavor. It has long been used as medicine. It helps digestion. It eases bloating. Its oils fight bacteria in the throat and gums. It reduces joint pain. It improves appetite. And it’s full of antioxidants. In many ways, it stands beside other global ‘super spices’ like turmeric, black pepper, and ginger. Its benefits are known in Nepali households, but they deserve to be known everywhere.

There are many reasons. Few people outside Nepal know about it. There’s little branding. Packaging is poor. Processing and grading are inconsistent. Export systems are weak. Even its name creates confusion. Some call it timmur. Others call it szechuan pepper. But it’s not the same as the Chinese variety. Still, the link is useful. Marketing it as ‘Himalayan szechuan pepper’ might help foreign buyers understand it better.

To go global, timmur needs a push. Timmur’s journey must begin with stories. Food bloggers, chefs, and Nepalis abroad can show the world how to use it. Online videos, recipes, and cookbooks can create demand. Next, farmers’ groups in Nepal must improve drying, grading, and packaging. Labels should be clear. Export rules must be followed. Government and private investors can help.

Meanwhile, scientists can study the plant’s chemical compounds. They can research its health benefits. They can help create new markets—in food, health, and natural remedies. Urban gardeners around the world should get starter kits. These kits should include seeds, soil tips, and grow guides in different languages. That way, even a small balcony in Berlin or Boston could grow a little piece of Nepal.

Timmur tells a story of Nepal. Of hills and herbs. Of tradition and taste. Of resilience and richness. It grows without fuss and heals without harm. In a world filled with artificial flavors and factory-made food, timmur offers something real. Something wild. Something deeply human. All it needs is one chance. Just one bite and the world will never forget that tingle.

The author is a London-based R&D chef

The security of your email account is non-negotiable. Whether with Gmail or another provider, your email is so much more than just an inbox for messages to land. It’s a focal point that connects you to a sea of web-based services and contains a vast treasure of private and professional information. Think about it: you likely needed an email address in order to download apps from the App Store, Google Play Store, or Microsoft Store onto your devices. Apart from that initial access, email today has become the backbone of business communication, enabling seamless discussions, exchange of useful attachments, and storage of useful records of conversations.

Indeed, email addresses are a necessity for nearly all those who are browsing the net. General usage makes your email account the hijacker and hacker’s first choice, thereby emphasizing the urgent need to load robust security tools. The fate of an exploited account is grim, as attested to by the scary fact:

Think of a burglar stealing not only your house keys but also the key to every safe and lockbox in your possession. This is the harsh reality of a hacked email account. Hackers who get unauthorized access can usually:

Access saved passwords: Saving passwords for various sites and services in one’s email account or related browser settings is a very common practice. A hacker who gets access to your email can easily locate this gold mine of credentials and gain access to your banking, shopping, and other related sensitive accounts.

Take over social media profiles: Your email address is likely your go-to recovery method for your social media accounts. If a hacker controls your email account, you'll be able to reset your Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter account passwords, leaving yourself locked out, and, as a potential malicious purpose, they might wind up using your accounts for evil deeds.

Keeping your email account secure basics

Enabling 2-factor authentication

Activating Two-Factor Authentication adds a priceless extra layer of security beyond just your password. When you log in, you’ll be prompted to enter not only your password but also a unique security code. This will most often be generated by an authenticator app on your cell phone or sent via text message. Even in the highly unlikely event that one of those ‘hacking pro’s’ gets through to steal your password, they won’t have any access to your account if they don’t possess this time-limited, backup code. In effect, two gates on your front door—a whole lot less likely for thieves to break in!

Strong, unique passwords

While 2FA is important, your good password remains your first defense. Do not use easily accessible information like your name, birthdate, pet name, or common words. Incorporate passwords that are:

Long: The larger the number of characters, the harder it is to crack. Use at least 12 characters, but the better.

Complex: Alternate the use of upper and lower case letters, numbers, and special characters (!@#$%^&).

Unique: Do not ever use the same password for multiple online accounts. If one of them is compromised, the others will be safe. Utilize a password manager to safely store and generate strong, unique passwords for all your accounts.

Being vigilant about phishing attempts

Cybercriminals also try to trick you into giving your login details or other data with fake emails known as phishing. Such emails typically appear to be from legitimate organizations like banks, social media organizations, or even your email service provider. Be careful of:

Suspicious emails: Especially those that ask for personal information, passwords, or financial details.

Poor grammar and spellings: Legitimate companies have proper communications.

Fishy links: Don’t click on a link until you roll your mouse over it to see the actual web address. If the link looks strange or has nothing to do with the person who sent it, don't click.

Desperate requests: Phishing email induces a sense of urgency to get you to do something without thinking.

Keeping your recovery information up-to-date

Email services have recovery options in case you forget your password or your account is hacked. Your recovery email address and phone number must be current and accessible. This is crucial for the retrieval of your account if required.

Monitoring account activity and associated devices

Most email services allow you to review recent activity on your account, including locations logged in from and devices used to log in to your account. Review this information regularly. If you see anything unusual or unfamiliar devices, respond right away to lock down your account and change your password.

Being safe on public wi-fi

Public Wi-Fi networks are not as secure as your home or office network. Don’t log in to sensitive accounts, such as your email, when on public Wi-Fi. If you need to, think about using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to encrypt your online traffic.

Keeping your devices and software updated

Software updates often include security patches that fix known weaknesses. Ensure your operating system, web browser, and any security tools you use are current at all times.

By performing these straightforward but fundamental security measures, you can efficiently prevent your email account from being broken into and keep your valuable online life safe. Keep in mind that caution and good security manners are your most effective defense against the constantly changing landscape of cyber threats. Don’t let your digital existence be on the line—get these simple measures done today and secure your email and, in turn, your online world.

“Kaal Sanga Kusti” is an unconventional biography of a man who has lived and fought death throughout his life both as a former Gorkha soldier and as a cancer survivor. The book authored by Chun Bahadur Gurung encapsulates all the ups and downs of Captain Aash Bahadur Gurung’s memorable and determined life, from his difficult childhood in rural Khewang (reidentified today as Okhle), Syangja, his experience at the British Army, his stint with the Gurkha Reserve Unit (GRU) in Brunei, as a virtuous social worker, and finally, to his valiant defeat of stage-four prostate cancer at the age of 82. 

What makes this biography unconventional is the author’s approach to not only depicting Captain Gurung’s life but also enriching the readers by providing overlooked and neglected narratives, such as the tale of the once glorious Mukhiya system of Kewang, the might of Duma Gurung, who defied the Bhirkote Rajas, the struggles of being a “Laure,” and the science behind the holistic approach to healing.

At its core, however, the book centers on Captain Gurung, starting from his agrarian days when he worked for days on end, tirelessly, as a “Bause” in his native village of Kewang. Those days were both difficult and formative for him, particularly after the death of his father. The book captures the wonderful ethos of traditional Nepali society, much to the credit of the author. Similarly, the book’s focus on Daxmi Gurung, Captain Gurung’s mother, is emotional and might hit home for many readers. Daxmi endured much during her life. Widowed young, she raised Gurung and his three siblings independently. Her wisdom and tenacity continue to influence Captain Gurung even to this day.  

In his late teens, Gurung’s aspirations grew, and the desire to enroll in the British Army intensified. The book covers his conscription process in Paklihawa, setting up the readers for the next phase in his life. The biographer, Chun Bahadur Gurung, then, places the readers right in the middle of the 1962 Indonesia–Malaysia confrontation, where Gurung, now a “fit for fight” British Gorkha soldier, showcases his ability to navigate through various impediments in the dense jungles of Indonesia. This section of the book is an interesting read as it grabs the readers’ attention with its tension and realism. The book also brings forth the inequality prevalent in the British Army, as Captain Ash recounts he and his fellow Nepali soldiers being subjected to unfair treatment.

Lasting eight chapters and chronologically tied, the author takes some time to get to Captain Gurung’s battle with cancer. And here, the focus is on the holistic approach to healing, which Captain Gurung credits as his remedy. The author accentuates the importance of the combination of spiritual, medical, ayurvedic, and familial harmony against a debilitating and soul-crushing disease like cancer. This, today, is unorthodox and might even surprise modern readers. But the intention of the book is to highlight how effective alternative remedies can be if synergized with medical science. And while the book lapses into over-expositions for evidence, it just about manages to keep the narrative interesting. 

The author’s dedication towards telling an authentic story is discernible as sufficient references are provided to back his argument. But the book sometimes digresses and bears the burden of being an academically credible work. This results in regular fluctuations in the pace it strives to maintain, which might throw off some readers. Also, the constant shift from B.S to A.D. and vice versa creates unwanted confusion. Nevertheless, the book addresses various contemporary social issues by drawing on historical analysis and the experiences of Captain Gurung, which makes it a unique reading experience, and with simple language, the book is seamless, despite its issues with pacing. “Kaal Sanga Kusti” is a must-read as you get a first-hand account of victory over cancer by a man whose life is nothing short of a parable. The journey is emotional, enlightening, and definitely thought-provoking.