SAFF 2013 pictures

Here are some pictures during Nepals game in SAFF championship 2013.

Samsung Galaxy S4- the most innovative phone

With all those features, I am sure this is gonna be an iPhone Killer and speculate new innovations and censor controls in new smartphones to come.

Top Ten unbelievable incidents in Narayan Gopal's Life.

Swor Samrat Narayan Gopal's name needs no introduction to all the Nepali out there. A legend in the Modern Music's first generation (Adhunik Geet yug) was borned today, (Oct 4) in the year 1939. Marking his birth anniversary, I am here to post top ten unknown incidents in his life (taken from film maker/writer Prakash Sayami).

Top Ten Movies of all time

I always want to read top tens in everything until now that I have started writing top ten stuffs in my blog.In this post, I am putting my own best Movies of all time. These movies are not only in the top of my favorite lists, but also are the greatest movies of all time in the history of Cinema.

CG to enter into telecom sector

Chaudhary Group, one of the biggest business house of Nepal (popular for electronic products and food/beverages) is all set to enter the telecom market with the brand name CG tel.

Jul 22, 2013

GSM RF optimization trends

Tools are indispensable for a telecom operator which help the carrier to foster its health in this highly competitive business. Lakhs ( 0.1 Million) of customers are being added to their network seeking good quality service in affordable rates. The ability to cater the increasing demand for the service, is dependent upon the time, the carrier takes to extend their network (adding more resources be it frequency carriers or BTS itself) and that sometimes is also possible by making maximum use of the existing resources: Optimization. No matter what, tools should be there to fasten/improve the effort.

RF optimization work is a process through which different physical parameters (like antenna adjustments) in a cell and logical parameters like RF parameters of a cell/BSC (collectively called BSS) are modified to provide good coverage, quality and capacious network. Drive testing a route with a software tool in a laptop, and iterative actions to improve the service, is the conventional way of performing the optimization work. GSM RF team that I am working with are doing this sort of hit and trial work to address the problem so far. Drive testing an area identifies a very common problem for the cell, that is degrading the quality of service for the users in that area but the extensive analysis of the DT log file requires a post processing tool that determines the cause of severe problems and helps solve it immediately. Absence of post processing tool in RF optimization has paid a lot in being efficient/fast in solving a RF related problem. But when it comes to solving a problem in whole of the network, DT and post processing even falls short for the limitation of analysis only in the DT route (as most of the DT are done in streets and roads) and the time it takes in analysis and solving the problem. Also more than half of the network usage happens indoor, drive testing and post processing in every corner requirement makes it out of date. Virtual Drive test (VDT), is one of the new techniques that enables every mobile users to be a drive testing tool, and acquires the signal measurement of serving and neighbor cells by the user along with its position. Those measurement data from probe can be analyzed with tools to identify problems in whole of the network and act instantly.

Integration of prediction data and Drive test or Measurement data (from Probe) is also possible in the latest planning/optimization tools in giving better work plan for RF optimization and is pretty significant in yielding good KPI (Key performance Indicators). This sort of tool (Capesso with Aircom Asset) is the latest to reach me which has not only such integration but has the ability to efficiently optimize the number of the sites for the coverage/capacity/quality requirement. Measurement report accumulation requires additional probe in BSC/RNC/Core which can even monitor and analyze customer problem happened in the near past. Other tools (that may come to my hand in near future), even has the ability to automatically modify/plan network configuration, being based on the live data taken from the network. Such tools remove the need for periodic and cuber some manual data processing, and is one step further towards the fully automated Self Organizing networks (SON).

Self Organizing Networks (SON) is a fully automated technology that has the functionality to self configure, self optimize and self heal in a mobile Radio access network (RAN), such that rapid roll out of better quality network is possible with least manual interactions. Self configuration enables a site to be just plug and play, with the automatic cell configuration, yielding faster roll-out. Self optimization include automated load balancing to handover optimization to coverage optimization for speeding the best optimization for good quality network. Self healing automatically adjusts cell parameters and recover failures in case of detection of a failure. SON being a feature of LTE (Long Term Evolution),can also be applied to GSM and UMTS radio network but is not yet launched full fledgedly.

Trends in GSM RF Optimization, from drive test based to integration of prediction, measurement and live data, is now moving towards full automation, which is the future of next generation mobile networks. All in all, such tools help a telco run a good quality network, satisfying customers in every nook and corner.

Jul 20, 2013

NFDC National Film Award held (with complete list of winners).

First ever National Film Award (NFA) of our Country, was held today in Kathmandu. All the Nepali film artists including actors, directors, producers, technical persons, film journalists were present in a star studded award ceremony, organized by NFDC (National Film Development Corporation) in association with Gopi Krishna Movies, at Army Officers Club. International artists from India, Russia, Ukraine also made it to the show, among which Bollywood Singer (originally from Nepal) Udit Narayan Jha and Deepa were the main spotlight. The award ceremony was broadcast live in TV filmy and Radio filmy (both owned by Gopi Krishna Entertainment) from 3:30 pm to 9:30 pm Saturday (including the Red Carpet Ceremony). The six hour award ceremony had performances from popular actors (like Sushil Chettry, Gajit Bista, Garima Panta, Priyanka Karki, Nishma Ghimire, Namrata Sapkota, Ashishma Nakarmi and many more) in a medley fashion, but most of them were improvised in a monotonous way (like the tracks for B-boying). Among those dances, Priyanka, Nishma, Gajit, and not forgetting Salsa from Namrata Sapkota were outstanding. Deepak Raj Giri and Deepa Shree also performed a comedy show with the mocking interview of Udit Narayan Jha.

Marking the fifty glorious years of Nepali film industry, the award was given in 15 different categories, named after the various pioneers and artists in the film industry. Superstar Rajesh Hamal started MC-ing the show from the inauguration till three award distribution, and he even managed to tell some jokes made in his own name, popular as "Rajesh dai ko jokes". After Rajesh Hamal, Ayush Rijal and Priyanka Karki jointly hosted the show for the half of the categories whereas later half was hosted by Actors Resh Marhatta and Nisha Adhikari. Being the first such award of its kind, there were many flaws in the event management to keep the prestige of such national level ceremony in front of such International guests and Ambassadors but the show managed somehow to be held successfully so as to uplift Nepali Film Industry in some ways. 

Sayaad sweeps National Film Award 2069.

Nominated for 8 categories, Sayaad swept away seven awards including Best Director, Best Movie, Best Supporting Actor, Maha Critics Award. Though Samyam Puri was nominated for his performance in the movie Sayaad, he got Maha Critics Award (that was awarded without any nominations).  I myself, am not happy with some of the awards, including Best Actor ( for which I supposed Raj Ballav Koirala or Saugat Malla as winner), Best Supporting Actress (Diya Maskey or Reema BK deseved it) and many others were even left out with no nominations. Wilson Bikram Rai was among the favorites to be a winner,  for which he did for Best Supporting Actor (Sayaad), and he even mesmerized people with caricature of Nir Shah, Udit Narayan Jha and some Muktas, taking long with his winning speech, which compelled Nisha Adhikari to keep asking for cutting short.
Apart from the statute, all winners were given a cheque worth Rs 51,000 from NFDC and Best Actor & Actress even got hefty Ten Lakh rupees cheque from a housing sponsor and not forgetting a tab from Samsung.

Here is the complete list of winners for NFDC National Film Award 2069.

Chetan Best script: in the name of script writer Chetan Karki.
Suraj Subba Nalbo (Sayaad).

Pradeep Best Sound Mixing: in the name of pioneer Sound Engineer Pradeep Upadhyaya.
Rajkrishna Shrestha / Sunayamana Shrestha (Phool).

Kusume Rumal Best Commercial Film: in the name of Kusume Rumal: First Rajat Jayanti Celebrated Nepali Movie.
Sayaad. (Sunil Rawal: Producer).

Maha Jury (Critics Award): in the name of the most popular Maha jodi( Madan Krishna and Hari Bansha Comedy Duo).
Samyam Puri (Sayaad).

Puskar Best Journalism Award: in the name of pioneer Film Journalist Puskar Lal shrestha- who started film journalism from Kamana prakashan.
Bidur Giri.

Bhutani Fight Director: in the name of Late Fight Director/ Actor Gopal Bhutani.
Chandra Pant (Hamesha).

Manju Best Cinematographer. in the name of pioneer Cinematrographer Manju Kumar Shrestha.
Sanjay Lama (Sayaad).

Udit Best Play Back Singer Award: in the name of Singer Udit Narayan Jha.
Swaroop Raj Acharya for "Pagal Ma Banna Sakchhu" (Rhythm).

Sambhujit Best Musician Award: in the name of Music Director Shambujit Baskota.
Suresh Adhikari (Maya's Bar).

Basanta Best Dance Director. in the name of Dance Director Basanta Shrestha.
Kabiraj Gahatraj (K ma timro sathi banna sakchu).

Nir Best Supporting Actor Male: in the name of Actor/Director Nir Shah.
Wilson Bikram Rai (Sayaad).

Basundhara Best Supporting Actor Female. in the name of Comedy Actress Basundhara Bhusal.
Karishma Manandhar (Maya'z Bar).

Shiva Best Actor: in the name of First Actor of Nepal Shiva Shankar and the popular Actor Shiva Shrestha.
Jiwan Luitel (Malati ko Bhatti).

Bhuwan Best Actress. in the name of Bhuwan chand (First Nepali Actress: Aama), and Bhuwan KC.
Nita Dhungana (Notebook).

Hira Best Movie. in the name of Late Hira Singh khatri ( First film Director of Nepal: Aama)
Sayaad. (Durgish Films).

Prakash Best Director. in the name of Prakash Thapa (Late film director).
Suraj Subba Nalbo (Sayaad).

Suraj Subba Nalbo giving speech for winning Best Director for Sayaad. Source: TV Filmy

Please click here for the full nomination list of National Film Award 2069.

Jul 16, 2013

World Cup Twenty 20 qualifiers schedule out: Nepal to play against Denmark first.

Nepali Cricket Team- that is promoted to ICC World Cricket league Division 2, and secured a place to play the ODI World Cup qualifiers 2014 (to be held in New Zealand), will be playing against Denmark for T20 World Cup qualifiers to be held in U.A.E from November. ICC has officially announced the schedule for the World Twenty20 qualifiers Cricket tournament, dividing16 teams into two pools. Nepal has been put in the Pool B alongside Afghanistan, Netherlands, Scotland, Kenya, Bermuda, Papua New Guinea and Denmark whereas pool A consists of Hong Kong, Ireland, Namibia, Canada, Uganda, United States, UAE and Italy.
Among the teams in Group B pool, Kenya, Afghanistan, Netherlands and Scotland are Division 1 playing nations leaving Papua New Guinea and Bermuda which are Division 2 and 3 team respectively.

Here is the schedule of the T20 World Cup qualifiers for Nepal.

Nov 15 – Nepal vs Denmark (ICC GCA2)
Nov 16 – Nepal vs Kenya (ICC GCA2)
Nov 18 – Nepal vs Scotland (ICC GCA2)
Nov 19 – Nepal vs Papua New Guinea (Sharjah Stadium)
Nov 20 – Nepal vs Netherlands (Sharjah Stadium)
Nov 22 – Nepal vs Afghanistan (Sharjah Stadium)
Nov 23 – Nepal vs Bermuda (ICC GCA1)

Top five teams from each group will be selected for playoffs, from which six standing teams will be qualified for the World Twenty20 Cricket Tournament 2014 (to be held in Bangladesh) together with 10 test playing nations.

Jul 15, 2013

Latest Loadshedding schedule effective from Shrawan 1 2070 (July 16 2013).

NEA (Nepal Electricity Authority) has released a new loadshedding schedule that is effective from first of Shrawan 2070 BS (July 16, 2013).
Here is the new load-shedding routine effective from Tuesday Shrawan 1, 2070- the first day of the fiscal year 2070/71. Click to enlarge

Jul 13, 2013

NFDC National Film award to be held. (with full nomination list).

NFDC (Nepal Film Development Company): the company that  is established to foster Nepali film industry and provide various technical works, is set to organize the National Film award (NFA) 2069, with the support of Gopi Krishna Entertainment. Nepali films that were screened in the year 2069 are considered for the award which is going to be held on 5th and 6th of Shrawan. There are some rumors about arrival of some Bollywood artists for the award, like Mahesh Bhatt, representatives from Yash Raj Films and Balaji Films and Singer of Nepali Origin: Udit Narayan Jha, Dipa and Aaditya. It is also known that Russian actress Yanina Kalganova and Ukranian actress Nele will be there in the ceremony. According to TV film (the only one Nepali film TV from Gopi Krishna Entertainment), the first of such kind film award is going to be held to celebrate 50 years of Nepali Cinema. I have seen much excitement in Nepali People to predict, vote and watch such type of international awards in Bollywood & Hollywood. Though I don't see any excitement in people for the award except for the artists, any such national level recognition/award should be held regularly for promoting movies and artists. They even have called for SMS based voting to a short code 4999 to vote for their favorites. Only concern I have is if they go solely with the SMS votes or the jury has decided the winner (for their near and dear ones). 
Here are the nominations in each categories for Film awards named after filmworkers (worked for more than 25 years in Nepali Film industry). 
Hira Best movie:
    Ke Ma Timro Sathi Banna Sakchhu
    Kina Lagchha Maya
    Malatiko Bhatti
    Rhythm
    Saayad

Prakash Best Director:
    Bikash Acharya (Rhythm)
    Ganesh Dev Pandey (Malatiko Bhatti)
    Gopalchandra Lamichane (Kina Lagchha Maya)
    Shabir Shrestha (Ke Ma Timro Sathi Banna Sakchhu)
    Suraj Subba ‘Nalbo’ (Saayad)

Shiva Best Actor:

    Aryan Sigdel (Ke Ma Timro Sathi Banna Sakchhu)
    Jiwan Luitel (Malatiko Bhatti)
    Raj Ballav Koirala (Apabad)
    Saugat Malla (Chhadke)
    Samyam Puri (Saayad)

Bhuwan Best Actress:
    Garima Pant (Phool)
    Nisha Adhikari (Maya’s Bar)
    Nita Dhungana (Notebook)
    Priyanka Karki (Kollywood)
    Rekha Thapa (Lanka)

Best actress in character roles:
    Diya Maskey (Soongava)
    Karishma Manandhar (Maya’s Bar)
    Nandita KC (Malatiko Bhatti)
    Reema Bishowkarma (Visa Girl)
    Sumina Ghimire (Rang)

Best actor in character role:
    Anubhav Regmi (Rhythm)
    Bipin Karki (Chhadke)
    Karma (Mrigatrishna)
    Subash Thapa (Facebook)
    Wilson Bikram Rai (Saayad)

Fight Director:
    Chandra Pant (Hamesha)
    HImal KC (Bodyguard)
    NB Maharjan (Maya’s Bar)
    Rajendra Khadgi (Lanka)
    Yogendra Shrestha (Chhadke)

Best Musician :
    Arjun Pokharel (Bindaas)
    Basanta Sapkota (Notebook)
    Dinesh Sunam (Ke Ma Timro …)
    Laxman Shesh (Kina Lagchha Maya)
    Suresh Adhikari (Maya’s Bar)

Udit Best Singer:
    Astha Raut
    Pramod Kharel
    Rajesh Payal Rai
    Shiva Pariyar
    Sworupraj Acharya

Best Cinematographer :
    Dipak Bajracharya
    Hari Humagain
    Purushottam Pradhan
    Sanjaya Lama
    Shiva Dhakal

Best Sound mixing:
    DJ Alex
    Mukesh Shah
    Rajkrishna Shrestha / Sunayamana Shrestha
    Uttam Neupane

Best Script writer:
    Abinash Shrestha
    Bikash Acharya / Shiva Regmi
    Prachandman Shrestha
    Shivam Adhikari
    Suraj Subba

Apart from those 12 nominations, Maha Jury (Critics), Puskar Best Journalism and Kusume Rumal Best Commercial Film are also going to be awarded with all together of 15 categories.
Let the best ones win and leave no disappointment.
Lets Promote Nepali Cinema.

Jul 2, 2013

Nokia to buy Siemens stake of NSN.

Nokia- the pioneer in mobile communication, has inked a deal to take over NSN (Nokia Siemens Network- a joint venture) fully, buying Siemens 50 percent stake for a hefty sum of $2.2 billion. The joint venture (est. in 2007) have started to make profit in recent months, coming from years of challenge in the intense competitive market. With the series of job cuts and market leader in LTE, NSN was showing a positive sign and this deal comes as a surprise. But it is already known that Siemens were discussing the sell out with other firms to shift their focus and the deal sum also comes cheaper than the expected price. Nokia once a global leader in handsets business and now standing in the bottom 10, has not been able to regain their sales in recent years despite their partnership with Microsoft for Windows OS. Lets see if this deal makes a significant change in the overall profit of the very popular company. And a curiosity for what will be the name of the OEM as NSN is already a hit among telecom pundits.

New loadshedding schedule effective from Ashar 19 2070 ( July 3, 2013).

Nepal Electricity Authority has announced the load shedding hours to be reduced  to 5 hours a day. The new load shedding schedule is said to be effective from Wednesday- Ashar 19, 2070 (July 3, 2013). As more electricity is produced from the hydropower plants, NEA is able to reduce the power cut hours. 
According to NEA, the total electricity production is 700 Megawatt which falls short of 300 Mega watt for the total demand.

Here is the new load shedding schedule to be effective from Ashad 19, 2070. 
Click the picture to download the latest loadshedding schedule.