Tag: Nepal

Sports

Sesa Football Academy’s Aaroshi Govekar Poised for National Team Debut Against Nepal

allycaralgoa

In a proud moment for Goa and Sesa Football Academy (SFA), talented defender Aaroshi Ramdas Govekar has been called up to the Indian Senior Women’s Football Team for the one-off friendly against Nepal, to be held on October 29, 2025, at Paljor Stadium in Gangtok, Sikkim.

This match, India’s first-ever international fixture in Sikkim, is part of the celebrations marking 50 years of Sikkim’s statehood. The event not only highlights the growing prominence of women’s football in India but also showcases the increasing representation of Goan players on the national stage.

Aaroshi, hailing from Nerul, Goa, has been a standout performer since joining Sesa Football Academy in 2018. Her consistent defensive displays in the Vedanta Women’s League earned her the ‘Best Defender’ award in the 2024–25 season, while she also helped the SFA Women’s Team lift the Championship title. She represented Goa at the Senior Nationals in 2024 and 2025, proving her mettle at the highest state level.

Her football journey began humbly—playing with village boys out of curiosity and determination—before progressing to represent clubs like Bengaluru FC, Calangute Association, and Puneri Warriors FC. Her growth reflects years of discipline, training, and an unwavering love for the game.

Speaking on her selection, Aaroshi said, “It’s a dream come true to wear the Indian jersey. This moment is not just a personal achievement but the result of years of dedication, passion, and hard work. I’m deeply grateful to Sesa Football Academy, my teammates, and my family for their support. I’ll give more than my best to make the country and Goa proud.”

She also expressed gratitude to the SFA coaching staff, crediting them for shaping her tactical awareness and physical development.

Mr. Gavin Araujo, Technical Director at Sesa Football Academy, shared, “We are extremely proud of Aaroshi’s selection to the National Camp, which embodies the values Sesa Football Academy stands for — perseverance, discipline, and excellence. With more Goan women now making it to the national level, the future of women’s football in the State looks promising.”

Aaroshi’s selection follows that of another SFA star, Pearl Fernandes, who recently represented India at the SAFF U-17 Women’s Championship in Bhutan, helping the team clinch the title and qualify for the AFC Asian Cup 2026.

From local fields in Goa to the international stage, Aaroshi’s journey is a reflection of Goa’s growing impact on Indian women’s football — and a source of inspiration for aspiring athletes across the state.

#Allycaral – Connecting Global 🌍
Stay tuned for more updates on Goan sports and national achievements at www.allycaral.com

International

Nepal Withdraws Social Media Ban After Deadly Youth Protests

allycaralgoa

Kathmandu, Sept 9 — The Nepal government has withdrawn its controversial decision to ban social media platforms after widespread protests by youths turned violent, leaving at least 19 people dead and more than 300 injured.

The announcement was made by Prithvi Subba Gurung, Nepal’s Minister for Communication, Information and Broadcasting, following an emergency Cabinet meeting on Monday.

The earlier ban had sparked outrage among the country’s young population, who argued that restricting access to platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and X violated their right to free expression and access to information. What began as peaceful demonstrations soon escalated into violent confrontations with security forces, leading to the tragic loss of life.

“The government has heard the voice of the people,” Minister Gurung said, adding that the withdrawal was aimed at restoring peace and ensuring stability in the country.

Human rights groups and digital rights activists had strongly criticized the ban, warning that it would isolate Nepal from the digital world and stifle democratic freedoms.

The reversal has been welcomed by protesters and civil society organizations, though many stress that accountability must follow for the deaths and injuries caused during the unrest.

The incident highlights the growing tension between governments and citizens in the digital age, where social media is both a tool for mobilization and a space for freedom of expression.

With the ban lifted, focus now shifts to how Nepal’s leadership will balance governance, security concerns, and digital rights in the months ahead.

International

Nepal Bans Facebook, X, YouTube, and 23 Other Social Media Platforms Over Registration Dispute

Tanisha Cardozo

In a controversial and far-reaching decision, the Government of Nepal has ordered the shutdown of 26 major social media platforms — including global giants Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), YouTube, and Instagram — citing their failure to comply with mandatory registration requirements. The decision, announced by the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology on September 4, follows a seven-day deadline that expired the previous night.

According to the Ministry, the ban will remain in place until the platforms are formally registered with Nepali authorities. The Nepal Telecommunication Authority has been instructed to enforce the ban immediately. Officials stated that multiple requests had been made for compliance, with the final deadline passed without any action from the social media companies.

However, this crackdown has sparked widespread backlash both domestically and internationally. Free speech advocates and digital rights organizations have condemned the move, describing it as an attempt to suppress dissent and limit public discourse. Critics argue that the government’s registration demands are excessively intrusive, requiring platforms to submit to tight oversight and control that may violate global standards of digital autonomy and privacy.

Ujjwal Acharya, Director of the Center for Media Research, criticized the decision as deeply misguided, warning that it threatens Nepal’s democratic credentials. He emphasized that social media is no longer just a political tool but an essential part of modern life, used by individuals and businesses alike for communication, commerce, and creativity.

This is not the first time Nepal has moved against social platforms. In 2023, the government temporarily banned TikTok under similar circumstances. That ban was reversed in August 2024, only after TikTok agreed to register in Nepal. Since assuming power over a year ago, the K.P. Sharma Oli government has faced repeated allegations of authoritarian tendencies and increasing hostility toward online dissent.

Earlier this year, the government attempted to introduce sweeping legislation aimed at regulating all online activity under the pretext of protecting users. That effort was met with significant resistance from civil society and media watchdogs. The current ban appears to be an extension of that same regulatory vision, now enforced with greater authority after a Supreme Court ruling two weeks ago upheld the necessity of mandatory registration for all online platforms operating in Nepal.

The sudden blackout of widely used platforms has sent shockwaves through Nepal’s digital population. Many users posted what they feared could be their last messages before the sites went dark, while others decried the government for undermining basic freedoms.

As the country navigates the fallout of this decision, concerns are growing about the long-term implications for online expression, entrepreneurship, and Nepal’s global reputation as a democratic nation. Whether the banned platforms will eventually comply or push back against the government’s demands remains to be seen — but for now, Nepal’s digital landscape has changed dramatically, and not for the better.

International

Nepal’s Supreme Court Ends Tax on Sanitary Pads in Historic Menstrual Equity Ruling

Tanisha Cardozo

Kathmandu, July 31, 2025 — In a historic decision, Nepal’s Supreme Court has ruled to eliminate the tax on sanitary pads, nearly four years after a legal petition was filed by two students from the Kathmandu School of Law.

The court’s ruling is a significant milestone in Nepal’s journey toward menstrual equity and women’s health rights. The decision was handed down by a bench comprising Justices Manoj Kumar Sharma and Mahesh Sharma Poudel in response to a writ petition filed in 2021 by Shreena Nepal and Abhyuday Bhetwal.

Their argument was clear: Menstrual products are essential goods, not luxury items, and should not be taxed as such. At the time of filing, imported sanitary pads were subject to an 18% tax — 5% customs duty and 13% VAT — a rate that applied even to raw materials used for local production.

The court had instructed the petitioners to obtain responses from four key ministries — Finance, Women and Children, Law and Justice, and Health. Despite minor reforms over the years, including reduced import duties in 2022–23, the petitioners and health advocates pushed for full tax exemption.

The ruling is expected to result in:

  • Lower product prices: A pack of pads priced at Rs60 could now cost Rs50.
  • Boost to local industry: Encouraging domestic production and possibly exports.
  • Expanded access: Helping reduce school dropout rates and workplace absenteeism due to poor menstrual hygiene.
  • Global alignment: Joining countries like India, Colombia, and Scotland in taking bold action against period poverty.

According to the Department of Customs, Nepal imported over 213 million sanitary pads last year, generating Rs251.2 million in tax revenue. Activists argue that this figure pales in comparison to the potential social benefits of tax exemption.

This decision represents more than a legal victory — it’s a statement about dignity, health, and equality for women and girls in Nepal.

National

Reliance Consumer Products Partners with CG to Launch Campa in Nepal

Tanisha Cardozo

Reliance Consumer Products Limited (RCPL), the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) division of Reliance Industries, has officially taken its iconic Indian beverage brand Campa beyond borders, with a strategic partnership with Nepal’s leading conglomerate — Chaudhary Group (CG).

The launch of Campa in Nepal marks a significant milestone in RCPL’s expansion strategy and a revival of the nostalgic drink that has won hearts since the 1970s in India.

A Blend of Heritage & Innovation

Originally a homegrown soft drink brand in India, Campa was revived in 2023 by RCPL. The reimagined Campa lineup now features exciting flavors — Campa Cola, Campa Orange, and Campa Lemon — along with two energy drinks: Campa Energy Gold Boost and Campa Energy Berry Kick.

The drinks are priced to be consumer-friendly, with soft drinks available at NRs. 30 and energy drinks at NRs. 40 for a 250ml bottle.

Leadership Speak

Ketan Mody, Executive Director of RCPL, shared his enthusiasm about the launch:

“Campa is a celebration of youthful energy and resilience. We’re thrilled to bring this beloved brand to Nepal and create a new legacy of taste, affordability, and trust.”

Nirvana Chaudhary, Managing Director of CG Group, echoed the sentiment:

“This partnership is more than a product launch — it’s a collaboration of vision and values. Campa offers Nepali consumers a beverage that is rich in legacy, yet refreshingly modern.”

Long-Term Vision

The Campa launch is part of RCPL’s broader mission to become a global player in the FMCG space, offering Indian innovation to global consumers. The collaboration with CG Group ensures efficient distribution, local adaptation, and strong market penetration.

As part of their strategy, both companies will work to expand Campa’s availability across major Nepali cities and retail chains, bringing the brand closer to everyday consumers.