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Police have arrested two persons with a pistol and its bullets from Boudha in Kathmandu.

Basudev Thami of Sindhupalchok and Megh Bahadur Tamang of Sindhuli were apprehended for their alleged involvement in stealing the pistol and bullets that belong to Prabhakar Khadka, the private security officer of Supreme Court Justice Nahakul Subedi, said the police.

Tamang was arrested from his rented house in Boudha and Thami was held based on the statement provided by Tamang, said SP Kumod Dhungel, spokesperson at the District Police Range, Kathmandu.

They stole a bag containing the pistol and bullets from the apartment of Khadka with the help of a pole fixed with a hook, he said.

Later, Khadka lodged a complaint at the Metropolitan Police Circle, Kathmandu.

Based on the complaint, police started the search and arrested the duo.

Have you ever noticed lemons and chili peppers hanging at the doors of Hindu homes? While you might be familiar with the ‘scientific’ explanation that they help ward off flies, mosquitoes, and moths due to their aromas, there’s a deeper cultural and mythological significance to this practice.

Hindu mythology speaks of Laxmi, the goddess of prosperity, having a twin sister named Alakshmi or Jesthadevi, who is considered the goddess of poverty and deprivation. Laxmi prefers sweet dishes, while Alakshmi favors sour and spicy flavors. To attract the blessings of Laxmi while keeping Alakshmi at bay, people hang lemons and chilies outside their homes.

Beyond the mythological aspect, Nepalis share a profound love for chili peppers, which plays a significant role in their culinary traditions. Chili peppers are indeed a distant cousin to the local varieties like jyanmara, dalle, aakase, and jire. Despite its fiery reputation, chili peppers are adored for their ability to enhance the taste of dishes, striking the perfect balance of flavors in Nepali gastronomy.

Chili peppers have a captivating history that spans continents and cultures. Originally from America, these small, vibrant fruits found their way to India, where they became an integral part of the country’s diverse culinary landscape. The pungent and fiery flavor of chilies infused Indian dishes with new dimensions, enriching the complexity and depth of flavors. Over time, chili peppers spread globally, transforming regional cuisines across Europe, Africa, Southeast Asia, and beyond.

In Nepal, chili peppers are cherished for their exceptional taste, and the demand for them is on the rise. One family in Palpa sold akabare (cherry chili) worth four million Nepali rupees last year. It’s expected to reach six million Nepali rupees this year. This surge in demand reflects the unwavering popularity of these spicy delights in the country.

Nepal’s culinary landscape is a reflection of its multi-ethnic, multicultural, and multi-religious fabric. The country embraces a rich tapestry of diverse eating traditions, and chili peppers play a pivotal role in many Nepali dishes. From the sweet and sour flavors of sel-roti prepared during Tihar to attract the blessings of Laxmi, to the fiery delights like ‘choyela’ and ‘nibuwa sadheko’, Nepalis have a deep-rooted love for chili-infused cuisine.

In the world of gastronomy, balancing flavors is an art, and chili peppers are an essential component of achieving that balance. The five fundamental tastes—sweet, sour, bitter, hot, and umami—come together harmoniously in Nepali dishes. Chili peppers provide the fiery element that complements the other tastes, making them a vital supporting ingredient in Nepali kitchens.

Chili peppers have long been known for their medicinal properties, particularly in Ayurveda—the ancient Indian system of medicine. Their use in traditional medicine across India and Nepal is a testament to their cultural significance beyond the realm of culinary arts.

As chili peppers made their way to different parts of the world, they seamlessly integrated into various regional cuisines, leading to culinary adaptations and the creation of unique dishes. Each culture infused its culinary traditions with chili peppers, resulting in a vibrant array of flavors and heat levels. From the smoky chipotle peppers of Mexico to the explosive Thai bird’s eye chilies, the versatility of chili peppers shines through in their adaptability to diverse culinary contexts.

While chili peppers have become an essential ingredient in cuisines worldwide, their presence in traditional European dishes may not be as prevalent compared to other regions like Asia, Africa, or Latin America. Historical factors, such as chili peppers’ introduction to Europe after Christopher Columbus’s voyages in the late 15th century, contributed to their slower integration into European cuisine.

The allure of chili peppers lies not only in the heat they bring to dishes but also in their ability to trigger the body’s natural cooling mechanisms. Despite the temporary heat sensation they create, chili peppers induce the release of endorphins, which contribute to a sense of pleasure and well-being, often referred to as a ‘spice high’ or a ‘chili rush.’

The history of chili peppers is a testament to their remarkable journey from America to becoming an integral part of cuisines worldwide. Their introduction to India and subsequent global spread transformed culinary traditions across continents. As we relish the diverse flavors and fiery sensations that chili peppers offer, let us celebrate their rich history and the culinary experiences they continue to inspire.

The author is a UK-based R&D chef

Kuber Adhikari, a well-known internet personality, is an Intellectual Quotient (IQ) tutor for the Public Service Commission’s examination. He has been working as a teacher for approximately ten years. His expertise in teaching material related to the intellectual quotient has earned him the title of ‘IQ King’ in the online community.

Adhikari was born and brought up in Dailekh, Karnali Province. This was also where he went to school. Due to political disturbance in 2000 during the Maoist insurgency, his entire family had to move to Kathmandu. From a very young age, he was intelligent and studious. He had always intended to become an engineer. But due to financial constraints to sustain in the capital, he chose to become an army officer instead.

For the post, he had to prepare for the commission’s exam. That year, he put his heart and soul towards the preparation. He and his friends were taking the test at the same time. In the middle of the examination, he was stopped by the invigilator for helping out his friend. “My dreams came to an abrupt end,” he says. 

In the Public Service Commission, intellectual quotient subjects are a part of the selection process. But there weren’t many teachers or resources available in the early years because the IQ program was new in Nepal. Keeping that in mind, he and his friends decided to start their own private preparation center in Baneshwor, Kathmandu, in order to put their collective experience to good use. “I wasn’t planning on teaching for a long time,” he says. But the heartfelt praise from his students persuaded him to reconsider. Later, he realized that he enjoyed teaching and chose to continue.

Back in his days, not many people aimed to get into public service. But that changed after 2015, with many people showing interest in it. With that, the number of students looking for coaching classes grew, which fueled Adhikari’s drive to teach. He once traveled to Dhankuta for Public Service’s orientation in 2017 which was organized by Chintang Rural Municipality for the students who can’t afford paid classes. There, he found that students used to travel three hours by foot to get to the coaching center. He says he finally understands peoples’ desire to get into public service.

Additionally, he felt obligated to facilitate the learning process in all parts of Nepal. As a guest instructor, he has visited about 57 districts for orientations. He says that not every district has proper access to needed study materials or information. However, he says that some districts are working on offering free classes to tackle the situation. 

When students have to come to Kathmandu, their expenses become high. They need to pay for services like hostels, food, class and transportation. To ease their situation, he decided to help people collectively by sharing his classes videos on YouTube channels like ‘IQ Kuber Adhikari’ and ‘Teach for Nepali’ (personal account) for which he has also earned YouTube’s Silver Play Button. He has written a number of books for students’ convenience, including ‘All in one IQ’. It’s one of his bestselling books in the market. 

“Youth involvement in the Public Service Commission has grown tremendously,” claims Adhikari. According to him, lack of job opportunities in the private sector could be the main reason behind this popularity. In addition, he says that the deeply ingrained belief in Nepali society that employment stability comes from either government agencies or by going abroad might have contributed to this growth. 

He states that working at governmental agencies guarantees a secure career. Even during the Covid-19 pandemic when private sectors faced severe financial setbacks, government workers were receiving paychecks. 

According to him, in terms of building a career, teachers are like guardians for students and he strongly believes that teachers should create a friendly space where students can ask anything without hesitation. “Teaching is difficult, as it’s not always about teaching for the sake of teaching. Rather it’s about engaging with students to help them understand better,” he adds. He says that his best achievement as a teacher is the fact that he has never once heard his student complain about his classes being boring in his 10 years of teaching career.

Most people nowadays depend on online platforms for studies. So he is working on improving and modernizing teaching methods using digital platforms and social media. “The app ‘Ambition Guru’ was developed by our team with the aim of aiding students in their preparation for various exams, including those for public service, as well as medical and engineering entrance exams, among others,” he says.

Adhikari draws attention to the struggles of people in rural areas as they don’t have proper access to educational materials to prepare for public service’s examination. For such areas, besides physical classes, he and his team are working on developing innovative ideas for simple learning by making significant investments. He emphasizes that the government needs to be responsible enough to ensure proper internet connection and communication all across Nepal. He expects the government to work on budget allocation for e-learning and different free teaching programs.

Forty-one Ex-Indian Gurkha Army of Chitwan district have been honored with 'Senior Warrior Award'.

At a program jointly organized by Consulate General of India in Birgunj, and Ex-Servicemen Welfare Club on Saturday, 41 Ex-Indian Gurkha Army above 80 years were honored.

On the occasion, former General Dr Prem Singh Bansyat said both Nepal and India should respect the contribution of the Ex-Indian Gurkha Army.

The Ex-Indian Gurkha Army had played the role of bridge to maintain the friendly relations between the two countries.

Similarly, Consul General of Consulate General of India in Birgunj, Nitesh Kumar said that the Indian government would honor the Ex-Indian Gurkha Army continuously.

He said the Consulate General of India in Birgunj, organized such a program for the first time and it would be continued.

The honored Ex-Indian Gurkha Army expressed happiness for honoring them appreciating their contribution.