RDMAN

Sep 28, 2013

Miss Nepal Ishani Shrestha ends up top 10 in Miss World 2013.

Update: Ghana wins third place for the miss world 2013.
Runner up to the Miss world is France.
And the Miss world 2013 is Philippines... Indonesia: the host's nearest neighbors... Congratulations Miss Philippines Megan Young and People of Philippines. There was a big hype in this part of the world: Asia for her probability in winning the Miss world 2013.

Miss Nepal Ishani Shrestha after winning "Beauty with a purpose" sub title, ends in the Top 10 finalist list of Miss world 2013. This is a big achievement for recognition of Nepali Beauty in such international event since the first Miss Nepal. Getting the first ever sub title, landing third in multimedia round and the latest top 10 beauty of the world is creating a buzz in social media and all Nepali are feeling proud of it. There were fake posts regarding her Top 5 achievement (as a matter of Top 6 including the people's choice award) but we could not move further than Top 10. Top 6 announced were France, Philippines, Ghana, Brazil, Spain and Gibraltar (People's Award). Lets wait and see who will be crowned the beauty of the world: Miss world 2013. Though my country Nepal is not in the Top 6 list, I prefer Spain's Patricia Rodriguez to be the winner which I love to say mi otro Pais (my another country).

World dances in Nepali song with Miss Nepal Ishani Shrestha

New loadshedding schedule effective from September 15 ( Bhadra 30, 2070).

NEA (Nepal Electricity Authority) has released new loadshedding hours to be effective from September 15, 2013 (Bhadra 30, 2070). The power cut hours is now increased to 7 hours per day.
Here is the new schedule from September 15 Sunday 2013 ( Bhadra 30, 2070).

Compare Xiaomi MI3, MI2s with iPhone 5S, 5C.

Apple launched two smartphones in Sep 10 event at its headquarters which will be available after Sept 20. Though the phones did not come as a huge excitement for extra feature for 5S and low price for iPhone 5C, those phones are still the talk of the tech world lately and huge people are ready to grab it soon. Previous week had a similar buzz in the tech world with Xiaomi- the 10 billion Chinese company for releasing another outstanding phone MI3 that will be available online in October only. As they only sell their phones through the official website, it was very tough for me to get the MI2S phone from China. Thanks to Amrit, Kabin, and unknown officials in Huawei, Xiaomi to help me get the phone, which i am very much satisfied till now especially with the fast response, the camera and the whopping 2GB RAM. All the cons it has is you need to ignore the default Chinese apps (MIUI ones) and first install Google play store on our own.

The phones that are being compared here have outstanding features in processor (quad core to 64 bit) and camera features ( iSight feature, Facetime to raw capture support) that puts you in difficult situation to select one, but Xiaomi outstands all in the race if you compare all those features available with such price tag (less than half of iPhone price). Millions are ready to pay the price for Xiaomi which only sells their product online, that leaves no choice but to wait for international release or keep on searching for the cheapest one in other online shops. If x VP of Google, Hugo Barra entrance makes some sense then we could expect another Xiaomi event soon for the launching of MI3, MI2s phones outside China.

Here is the comparison of Xiaomi MI3, MI2S Vs Apple iPhone 5S, 5C.

Apple reveals two new smartphones iPhone 5S and 5C.

Apple inc unveils two new smartphones in an iPhone event on Wednesday (September 11) here in Nepal, which is September 10 in USA. Both iPhones, namely iPhone 5S and 5C are found to be very near to their predecessor iPhone 5 but with some enhanced processor and exciting colors. The aluminum 5S comes with first 64 bit A7 processor(along with M7 coprocessor for motion data sensor), which is known to be twice as fast as previous phone and much energy efficient. Finger print recognition and better camera (still 8 MP ) are other features of the high end flagship iPhone 5S.

The 5C has much of the same features as iPhone 5 (same processor, 4 inch display and 8MP camera) but made of polycarbonate plastic with somewhat larger battery and new Facetime front HD camera. Finger print recognition (Touch ID) is not available to this relatively cheap version of iPhone but price of $550 not up to peoples expectation. Siri- Apple's voice assistant will also be available to 5C, which was previously rumored to be cut off for low price. Wide range of colors are available for this "C for Colorful" plastic phone, from blue, green, yellow, red to white.

Both phones come with new operating system iOS 7, LTE support and new camera app that allows to shoot in square format. The high end flagship 5S will be available in three colors: Gold, White and Gray with relatively high price ( $ 650 for 16Gb memory) without contract. Apple has even announced to sell different colored rubber case for both of the latest phones.

As the new release could not live up to the expectations from the people for more high end plus new innovations for the latest flagship and cheaper iPhone with all the exciting features con Colors, the Chinese android phones (cheap and high end) sales are expected to rise more.
Source: Nepalitelecom.com

Afghanistan is the new champion for SAFF 2013.

Thrashing defending champion India with 2 no score, Afghanistan became the new champion for the SAFF 2013 tournament, held in Kathmandu, Nepal. This is the first time they had won the prestigious football tournament in this region: SAARC, which they joined 6 years before. Earlier they had defeated Nepal in a very competitive semifinal match here in Dasarath Rangashala, which provoked serious remarks against Nepali players especially Rohit Chand for missing two penalty in a row. With Victorious season this SAFF, Afghanistan were already speculated to be the winner having such energetic, good tackling players, and the added advantage of their height. India somehow managed to reach final, though lost to Nepal 2 1 in group stage match and played a better game today against Afghanistan. Skipper Sunil Chetri missed plenty of opportunities, before succumbing to the strong rival.

Team Afghanistan won $ 50,000 along with the titles and their goal keeper won the most valuable player of the year. Team Nepal won fair play award this SAFF with $10,000 (for each semifinalists), and defender Robin Shrestha won the most valuable player from Nepal this SAFF.

Team Nepal for SAFF 2013.

Star striker from Maldives Ali Ashfaq with goal score of 10, won the maximum scorer award. Football Academy heads from all SAARC nations, Youth and Sport Minister from Nepal, and Chairman of Interim Election Council (like Interim prime minister) Khil Raj regmi were present in the post match award distribution program.

It was already announced yesterday that the ninth edition of the SAFF will be held in India's capital New Delhi. So, until then, its me signing off for SAFF updates.

See photos of the games of SAFF 2013 here.
Nepal Vs India in pictures: SAFF 2013
Bangladesh Vs Nepal in Pictures: SAFF 2013.

SAFF 2013 semifinal and final schedule

Though Afghanistan and Maldives leveled the same 7 points with no score match today at Dasarath Rangashala Stadium, Maldives topped the group due to huge no of goals (10 and 8) against Srilanka and Bhutan respectively. In an another match at Halchowk Stadium between the teams that were already out of the group stage level, Srilanka beat Bhutan 5 to 2.

So the first Semifinal match between Group A topper Nepal and Group B runner up Afghanistan will be held on Sunday, September 8, 2013 at 6:30 pm Nepali time whereas second semifinal match between India and Maldives is scheduled on Monday, September 9, 2013, 6:30 pm Nepali time. And the winner from the matches will see each other on the final day, September 11, 2013, 6:30 pm, which decides the SAFF champion 2013. My belief for host Nepal is pretty strong and hope/pray for that to happen but it could be Maldives if its not our country. There are equal chances for the semifinal playing countries to be the winner, but it is obvious that Golden boot/ the maximum scoring player will be Ali Ashfaq from Maldives.

Here is the semifinal schedule of SAFF.

SAFF championship Group A final points.

Nepal Vs India in pictures: SAFF Championship 2013

In a crucial match today at Dasarath Rangashala Stadium, Nepal beats India 2 to 1 and advances to semifinal, topping the Group A and will meet either Afghanistan or Maldives in the first semifinal on Sunday, Sep 8th 6:30 pm Nepali time. Nepal could not make a breakthrough in the first half despite numerous opportunity from the Host backed with 18 thousand supporters. Anil Gurung and Jumanu Rai scored in the 70th and 81st minute for Nepal while Syed Nabi scored in the injury time. Despite their lost, India also advanced to semifinal for their head to head advantage over Pakistan who defeat Bangladesh 2 to 1 in the another match held at Halchowk Stadium.
It is known that this win over India is after 20 years, which was in penalty shootout that time. Now, all we expect is similar win in the political scenario. Let there be no interference from the nearest neighbor in our internal matters, from positive change in behavior from our so called leaders.
See some more photos @ Nepal Vs Bangladesh in Pictures.

Here are some pictures from the today's match: Nepal Vs India.

Victorious Nepal heads to semifinal after beating India. #SAFF

Host Nepal beat defending Champion India in the last game of their group stage match. Victorious Nepal won by 2 to 1 against the nearest neighbor, in a very crucial match at Dasarath Rangashala Stadium. Anil Gurung and Jumanu Rai scored for Nepal whereas Syed Nabi made a consolation goal in the injury time. With that, Nepal advances to Semifinal, leading the group A and will meet either Maldives or Afghanistan (Tomorrows match will decide) on Sunday, September 8th 2013. In an another match held in Halchowk Stadium, Pakistan beat Bangladesh 2 to 1 due to which India also advanced to Semis with head to head advantage over Pakistan ( not forgetting the own goal).

Till the time I post some pictures from the match, here is our boys saluting the crowd.

See more pictures of the game at http://rdulal.blogspot.com/2013/09/nepal-vs-india-in-pictures-saff.html

SAFF championship 2013 points table.

Click here for the SAFF Semifinal and final schedule.
Update: Host Nepal beat defending Champion India in the last game of their group stage match. Victorious Nepal won by 2 to 1 against the nearest neighbor, in a very crucial match at Dasarath Rangashala Stadium. Anil Gurung and Jumanu Rai scored for Nepal whereas Syed Nabi made a consolation goal in the injury time. With that, Nepal advances to Semifinal, leading the group A and will meet either Maldives or Afghanistan (Tomorrows match will decide) on Sunday, September 8th 2013. In an another match held in Halchowk Stadium, Pakistan beat Bangladesh 2 to 1 due to which India also advanced to Semis with head to head advantage over Pakistan ( not forgetting the own goal).

Here is the final point table for Group A.

http://rdulal.blogspot.com/2013/09/saff-championship-group-final-points.html

After a last minute goal against Pakistan by Bimal Ghartimagar: 16 year old rising star, Nepal made a draw with Pakistan. In a match played in the daytime, India also shared the points with Bangladesh with similar injury time goal by captain Sunil Chhetri.

In group B matches yesterday, Maldives scored a record making 10 goals against Srilanka with double ha-trick from Ali Ashfaq whereas Afghanistan won against Bhutan by 3 goals to no.

Here is the point table for the two groups of the SAFF championship 2013 being held in Kathmandu, Nepal.

Xiaomi to release MI3 and tablet this September.

Here comes September- the month of new releases be it for American company's Apple inc or Chinese favorite Xiaomi tech that are releasing their flagship smartphone this season. Apple has already sent an invitation for its iPhone 5s and 5C launch event on September 10 whereas Xiaomi event is scheduled on September 5 in Beijing. It is speculated that Xiaomi will be releasing MI3 smartphone, and an android tablet in the event. The world will be eying on the event as Hugo Barra- VP of Android leaves Google to enter Xiaomi, and it is also expected their products to reach international market other than China.

Rumor roundup for Xiaomi MI3:

The latest of its MI series smartphone is known to feature Tegra 4 chip processor, 5 inch display, 2GB RAM. other features include:

13 megapixel rear camera.
NFC support.
36000 mAh battery.
may have 3GB RAM version.
1,999 RMB ( $320 ) price.

Xiaomi Zimi Tablet specs rumor.

Xiaomi is also known to release a tablet named Zimi which has following rumor for its specs till now.

1.5 Ghz Quad core processor.
7 inch display.
1GB RAM.
16GB Memory.
13 Mega Pixel Camera.
WCDMA support.
4000 mAh battery.
$212 price (1299 yuan)

Nepal Vs Bangladesh in pictures: SAFF Championship 2013

Host Nepal beat Bangladesh (2-0) in the first match of SAFF championship 2013, held in Dasarath Rangashala Stadium. The stadium was full packed with 20,000 roaring crowd, almost all home supporters and the crowd had all reasons to say it loud... Nepal! Nepal!! Nepal!! Nepal missed some golden chances that could have made the score at least four but we have improved a lot in passing and so far it was a very good game from our boys. With such game, I am confident that we will reach the finals and get the title in our hands.

Being a bit farther from the field, I captured some other stories like face paints, taking picture in the stadium, Nepalese condom culture, Nepalese wave, score display and the stadium itself.

See more pictures of Nepal's game: Nepal Vs India in pictures