Nepal Pulse

Arsenal has etched its name in UEFA Champions League history with a stunning 7-1 victory over PSV Eindhoven in the Round of 16. This record-breaking performance makes them the first team to score seven goals in an away knockout stage match.

The Gunners’ dominant display saw goals from Jurrien Timber, Ethan Nwaneri, Mikel Merino, Leandro Trossard, Riccardo Calafiori, and captain Martin Ødegaard, who netted twice. This historic win also marked PSV’s worst-ever home defeat, ending their 113-year record of never losing by a six-goal margin.

Arsenal’s triumph surpasses previous away knockout records, with Real Madrid’s 6-1 win over Schalke in 2013-14 being the closest comparison. Even Bayern Munich’s famous 8-2 demolition of Barcelona in 2020 occurred at a neutral venue.

With this result, Mikel Arteta’s side has one foot in the quarterfinals, where they await the winner of the Real Madrid vs Atlético Madrid tie. Arsenal can now afford to rotate their squad in the second leg as they prepare for key Premier League clashes, including a crucial fixture against Manchester United.

Melamchi Pipeline Burst Causes Road Damage and Flooding in Thapathali

A major water supply pipeline burst in the Thapathali area of Kathmandu early on March 4, 2025, causing significant damage to roads, businesses, and traffic flow. The rupture occurred near the turning point from Thapathali Chowk towards Norvic Hospital, leading to flooding in nearby shops, including restaurants, pharmacies, and fruit vendors. The powerful surge of water resulted in the collapse of a section of the road, scattering mud, stones, and debris across the area.

The sudden flooding created difficulties for both pedestrians and vehicles, leading to temporary traffic disruption. Authorities responded promptly, deploying clean-up crews and heavy machinery to clear the debris. The water has now been drained, and the road has been reopened for normal operations.

This incident highlights recurring concerns about Kathmandu’s water infrastructure. Just last month, on February 12, a similar pipeline burst in the Bijulibazar-Babarmahal area submerged government offices, including the Department of Forest and Soil Conservation. The frequent failures of Melamchi pipelines raise serious questions about their durability and maintenance, sparking concerns over their long-term impact on urban infrastructure and public safety.

Virat Kohli Leads India to Champions Trophy Final with Win Over Australia

India secured a thrilling four-wicket victory over Australia in the semi-final of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, held at the Dubai International Stadium on March 4. Veteran batsman Virat Kohli led the charge with a composed 84, anchoring India’s chase of 265. Although he fell in the closing stages, KL Rahul’s unbeaten 42 ensured India crossed the finish line with 11 balls to spare.

Australia, after electing to bat first, posted 264 runs, with skipper Steve Smith scoring 73 and Alex Carey contributing 61. India’s bowling attack, led by Mohammed Shami (3-48), restricted Australia despite key partnerships. Spinners Varun Chakravarthy and Ravindra Jadeja chipped in with two wickets each.

India faced early setbacks in their chase but recovered through a crucial 91-run partnership between Kohli and Shreyas Iyer (45). Australia’s bowling unit, missing key pacers Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood, fought hard, with Adam Zampa and Nathan Ellis taking key wickets. However, Rahul and Hardik Pandya’s late contributions sealed India’s place in the final, where they will face either South Africa or New Zealand.

India’s victory marks redemption for their defeat to Australia in the 2023 ODI World Cup final. The second semi-final will take place in Lahore on March 5.

Amidst criticism and following Pakistan's unexpected defeat to the USA in the T20 World Cup 2024, Pakistan's captain Babar Azam achieved a significant milestone by surpassing India's Virat Kohli to become the leading run-scorer in T20 International (T20I) cricket. This feat was accomplished during Pakistan's campaign opener against the United States at Grand Prairie Stadium, Dallas.

Babar scored 44 runs off 43 balls, which included three fours and two sixes, helping his team post a competitive total of 159 for 7 in 20 overs. With this, Babar's total T20I runs reached 4067 in 120 matches, overtaking Kohli's 4038 runs in 118 matches.

The upcoming high-stakes match between India and Pakistan on June 9 in New York will offer Kohli a chance to reclaim the top spot. This game is highly anticipated, although the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium has faced criticism for its pitch conditions, which have been challenging for batsmen due to uneven bounce and a slow outfield.

Despite the defeat, Babar's record-breaking performance stands as a testament to his skill and consistency in T20I cricket. His achievement not only highlights his individual talent but also adds a competitive edge to the forthcoming matches in the T20 World Cup.

Chahat Fateh Ali Khan, a Pakistani singer, recently faced a setback when his viral hit 'Bado Badi' was removed from YouTube due to copyright infringement claims. The song, which garnered millions of views across South Asia within a month of its release in April 2024, is said to be a rendition of a classic track originally performed by Noor Jehan in the 1973 film "Banarasi Thug." The popularity of 'Bado Badi' was significant, with listeners from India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh, highlighting its widespread appeal.

Khan, who gained popularity during the COVID-19 lockdown in 2020 through his unique music videos, has a repertoire that includes songs like "Pyara PSL," "Lota Lota," "Gol Kattara," and "Tu Chor Chor Chor." His distinctive style, characterized by repetitive beats and altered lyrics from existing tracks, has sparked divided opinions among music enthusiasts. While some appreciate his entertaining approach, others criticize it for lacking musical depth.

The removal of 'Bado Badi' has reignited debates on copyright issues and artistic expression in the digital age. Despite the controversy, Khan's unconventional music continues to engage audiences, and his presence in the entertainment industry remains strong.