Pratap Malla was one of the most famous kings of Malla Dynasty. He constructed some magnificent and beautiful architectural structures around Kathmandu. The way he came to the throne is very interesting and controversial at the same time. He had the experience of administration even when his father was alive. When his father Laxmi Nara Singh's madness grew worse, he imprisoned his father and he himself ruled as a regent of his father in Kantipur.
He was an able administrator. Kantipur was highly developed during his reign. Trade with Lhasa (Tibet) was also going on well. By his tact he was making the kings of Lalitpur and Bhaktapur play against each other.
Sarah and Jamie stood on their tiptoe and gave the card from their school to the tall man behind the counter of a farm. The man frowned and made a face.
"So you're looking for some work. And who are you?" "I'm Sarah. I'm twelve. This is my brother Jamie; he's eleven." "Shouldn't you be at school?" "We are on holiday. And would like to earn some money and support our parents."
The man lifted his hat and scratched his head. "Working in the farm is a quite tough job for kids like you. I need somebody big and strong to work here."
"There must be some work for us in this big farm. Could you please find one?" Sarah pleaded.
"Do you know what a Cabbage White is?" "Yes. It's a beautiful white butterfly that lays its eggs on cabbages. And those eggs change into caterpillars," answered Sarah. "And do you know what the caterpillars do?" "They eat the cabbage leaves!" shouted Jamie. "Aren't you afraid of caterpillars?" "Not at all," retorted Sarah. "Alright. I want you to check every single cabbage in the garden and eliminate all the caterpillars," replied the man.
June 29, 2019 — The Editor, XYZ Online, Kathmandu
Being a Nepali student and getting in touch with something related to our work and history is always fascinating and moving, especially when you are far from home ('How two students built Kathmandu's water pipelines and laid its roads', June 12 and 13, Online).
I came in touch with the news from the paper's official site and found myself overwhelmed when I read something so deeply researched about the overseas students and how they were related to Nepal. It is very rare when someone touches the matter of neglected, minority groups and presents it with true facts and astute research.
Newspapers play an important role in spreading messages. With the volume of countless readers this esteemed newspaper has, it is exciting for us to have the contributions of overseas students recognised. Even today, we are chased by curious questions about who we are — and about whether we are from the bordering country. Although we are Nepali, we are oftentimes asked about how we came to learn the national language by judging the colour of our skin.
I hope that you give steadiness to issues and stories usually side-lined so that ignored contributions within Nepal like ours can be acknowledged by all. — Avaya Bantawa, via email
In the late 1600s, the Enlightenment swept through Europe, bringing an explosion of invention and innovation. Separated from Europe by the Atlantic Ocean, Sybilla Masters contributed to this outpouring. She was the first English colonist to receive a royal patent.
Sybilla was mistress of a prosperous household in Philadelphia. She watched Native women pound corn with a mortar and pestle — their methods inspired her. She invented a corn gin that could do the same work with less human effort. In 1712, she sailed to London to get a patent. Because she was a woman under English law, she could not apply in her own name. She submitted it in her husband's name. Her husband insisted she be listed as the true inventor in government records. After receiving the patent, they sold corn meal called "Tuscarora Rice" — similar to grits today.
Sybilla also invented a method for weaving palmetto leaves to make hats, bonnets and furniture, receiving a second patent. Her ingenuity ensured her legacy as the only colonial woman to receive a patent from the English government.
| Column A (Meaning) | Column B (Word) | Answer |
|---|---|---|
| i. A sudden outburst of something | (a) submitted, (b) ingenuity, (c) mistress, (d) explosion, (e) colonies, (f) insisted | |
| ii. A woman in a position of authority or control | ||
| iii. Territories controlled by another country | ||
| iv. Demanded something forcefully | ||
| v. The quality of being clever and inventive |
Recipe: Vegetable Fried Rice
Serves: 4 people
Ingredients: 2 cups cooked rice, 1 cup mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, beans), 2 eggs, 2 tbsp oil, 2 tbsp soy sauce, salt and pepper to taste, 2 cloves garlic (minced).
Directions:
1. Heat oil in a large pan or wok over high heat.
2. Add garlic and fry for 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Add vegetables and stir-fry for 3–4 minutes.
4. Push vegetables to one side and scramble the eggs in the pan.
5. Add the cooked rice and mix everything together.
6. Add soy sauce, salt and pepper. Stir-fry for 2 more minutes.
Serving: Serve hot, garnished with spring onions. Enjoy as a main meal or side dish.
Message of Congratulations
It is with great joy and pride that we extend our heartfelt congratulations to our dear friend Anuska Sherpa for winning the First Prize in the Speech Competition organised by the Municipality.
This outstanding achievement is a true reflection of your hard work, discipline and exceptional oratory skills. You have made us all extremely happy and proud by bringing such honour to yourself and our community.
We wish you continued success and the very best in all your future endeavours. Keep inspiring others with your wonderful talent!
— [Your name / School name]
[Date]
To,
The Class Teacher,
[School Name]
Subject: Application for Leave due to Illness
Dear Sir/Madam,
I am writing to respectfully request a leave of absence from school for three days, from [start date] to [end date].
Yesterday, I fell sick and visited Dr. [Name], who diagnosed me with a fever and throat infection. The doctor has advised me to rest at home for at least three days and has prescribed medicines accordingly.
Due to my illness, I am unable to attend school during this period. I sincerely apologise for any inconvenience caused.
I assure you that I will cover all the lessons and coursework I miss during my absence as soon as I return. I will collect notes from my classmates and complete any assignments given.
I kindly request you to grant me leave for the above-mentioned period.
Yours obediently,
[Your Name]
Class: [X], Roll No: [XX]
Film Review: Chhello Show (Last Film Show)
Director: Pan Nalin · Language: Gujarati · Year: 2021 · Genre: Drama
Plot Summary: The film follows Samay, a nine-year-old boy in rural Gujarat, India, who becomes obsessed with cinema after watching his first film. He befriends the projectionist and sneaks into the projection room to watch movies, discovering his passion for filmmaking. The story beautifully captures childhood wonder, friendship and the bittersweet end of an era as digital cinema replaces film projectors.
Strengths: The acting is outstanding, especially by the child actor Bhavin Rabari who delivers a natural and heartfelt performance. The cinematography is breathtaking — the golden fields, rural settings and train scenes are visually stunning. The background music perfectly blends with the emotional tone of each scene.
Weaknesses: The film moves slowly in the middle section, which might test some viewers' patience. Also, some cultural references may be difficult to follow for international audiences.
Recommendation: I strongly recommend this film to anyone who loves cinema, childhood stories or life in rural South Asia. It is a deeply moving experience that reminds us of the power of dreams.
_____? (Add question tag.)_____ (finish) her assignments before her teacher arrived. (Correct form of 'finish'.)(a) a — first mention of an unspecified girl → indefinite article "a".
(b) in — travelling in a car → "in".
(c) was going — past continuous for action in progress at that moment → "was going".
(d) Can you drop me — direct speech, polite request → "Can you drop me" (simple present modal).
(e) isn't there — positive statement "there is" → negative tag → "isn't there".
(f) was — "Neither...nor" with singular noun "the girl" closest to verb → singular "was".
(g) because — reason (not working BECAUSE it had hit) → "because".
(h) was badly injured — passive past, singular → "was badly injured".
(i) would — third conditional result clause → "would have helped".
(j) help — make + object + bare infinitive → "help".