Kathmandu:

Here’s a fun way to start yet another month and test your GK and celebrity goings-on IQ. We have for you a number of news items, and your job is to spot the real thing from the fabricated ones. If you answer correctly, you could win some fabulous prizes.

All the best!

AbhiAsh to seek Pashupatinath blessings

It comes as no surprise that Abhishek Bachchan and Aishwarya Rai are planning to pay homage to Lord Pashupatinath before they tie the knot. This devout pair, who has been to almost all the major temples in India, are expected here next week.

Aishwarya, said to be mangalik, has been performing various pujas at various temples, and her wedding to trees has caused quite a stir in India.

However, unlike their previous religious trips, this time neither Bollywood superstar Amitabh Bachchan nor Jaya Bachchan will be accompanying them.

A source close to the family said that the couple hopes that unlike in India, they will not be hounded by the Nepali media.

Fondly named AbhiAsh by the media, they are reported to get married in April at a private ceremony followed by a grand reception.

This is the first time that they will be visiting Nepal as a couple. They have visited Nepal earlier, but separately.

A digital Ghanta Ghar

‘Creating a new Nepal’ — this phrase has taken the country by storm. And the latest thing to come under the spell is the historic clock tower at Durbar Marg.

To keep up with time and technological development, Ghanta Ghar is being digitalised. The decision was taken by the Ministry for Cultue, Tourism and Civil Aviation after holding consultations with engineers and architects regarding the possibility of renovation.

The digitalisation is being done after receiving a number of complaints regarding the inaccuracy of the time(s) shown by the four faces of the clock at Ghanta Ghar. However, no major changes will be made; only the old fashioned clock will be replaced by a brand new digital one. The old clock, which has decorated the Ghanta Ghar for ages, will be securely placed in the National Museum in Chhauni.

According to the ministry, the renovation process has begun at the planning level and the actual work will begin within this month.

Shakira spotted in thamel

After wowing her Indian fans, Latin sensation hip-swinging Shakira was spotted in Thamel earlier this week. Though it was a hush-hush visit, the petite star performer stayed at a private guest house in Thamel.

Being interested in different cultures, this star did not want to lose the opportunity to visit Shangri-la, said a reliable source. She stayed in the Capital for two days, and the source added that she missed her diet of tropical fruits, though she enjoyed roaming the streets like an ordinary person.

Yet another Hollywood star who is bound this side of the world is Britney Spears. After finally having settled her divorce with husband Kevin Federline, she is said to be looking east in search of inner peace. Her destinations remain sketchy — Tibet, Bhutan or Nepal.

(Have you spotted the real thing? Gotcha! All the news items are fabricated, so you win a big April Fool hamper of nothing for scoring zero on GK and celeb-happenings IQ)