Oli Skipping Meeting to Avoid Criticism Is Disgraceful, Leaders

WITHOUT F EAR OR FAVOUR

Nepal’s largest selling English daily Vol XXVIII No. 123 | 8 pages | Rs.5 O O Printed simultaneously in Kathmandu, Biratnagar, Bharatpur and Nepalgunj 35.2 C 13.0 C Saturday, June 27, 2020 | 13-03-2077 Nepalgunj Jomsom Oli skipping meeting to avoid criticism is disgraceful, leaders say Oli knows that the Standing Committee is preparing to ask him to choose between the prime ministership and the party chair.

TIKA R PRADHAN KATHMANDU, JUNE 26

A looming crisis appears close to coming to a head in the ruling Nepal Communist Party with Standing Committee members preparing to demand the resignation of Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli over his government’s poor handling of the Covid-19 pandemic. Sensing which way the wind is blowing, Oli skipped Friday’s Standing Committee meeting, although the meeting only discussed the border dispute with India. Standing Committee members still faulted POST FILE PHOTO the Oli administration for failing to lay the Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli groundwork for diplomatic talks with India over the border dispute and allowing Nepal- Oli knows that the deck is stacked against India ties to deteriorate to the lowest levels in him at the 44-member Standing Committee. recent history. At most, he commands the loyalty of hardly Oli has avoided major discussions during 15 members and that is nowhere near enough the previous Standing Committee meeting to repel a proposal calling for his resignation. held in December and many Central On Wednesday, the first day of the meeting, Committee meetings whenever he feels that Oli and Dahal had both accused the other of he is going to be criticised by his own party failing the party and the government, with members. the latter hinting that Oli should resign as The ongoing Standing Committee meeting, either prime minister or party chair. RSS which was supposed to be held on May 7, was Now, other party leaders are preparing to A truck carrying goods on its way to Upper Dolpa from Mustang district. People living in the mountain region are better served due to the new road connection. postponed time and again by Oli. follow suit, said one Standing Committee On Friday, many leaders asked Pushpa member. “Many leaders are preparing to Kamal Dahal, the other party chair, about Oli’s seek Oli’s resignation as a majority of the whereabouts but Dahal too was unaware. party feels that Oli cannot be trusted to run General Secretary Bishnu Poudel then the government anymore,” said Matrika informed the meeting that the prime minister Yadav, a Standing Committee member who is India refuses talks and there is no boundary was busy with his work and would join the close to Dahal. meeting later. He never showed up. During Wednesday’s meeting, Dahal had “Oli has either ignored the significance of said that the party wouldn’t remain if the the meeting, which is being held after such a status quo continued. dispute with China, foreign minister says long time, or he has other reasons,” said The Dahal faction, which now includes sen- Gokarna Bista, a Standing Committee mem- ior leaders Madhav Kumar Nepal, Jhalanath ber who is close to Nepal. “A chairman avoid- Khanal, Bamdev Gautam and Narayan Kaji ing his own party’s meeting is disgraceful. He Shrestha, is planning to enforce the ‘one lead- Pradeep Gyawali’s clarifications on Friday come after a number of media reports stating India’s should have listened to his party leaders.” er, one responsibility’ doctrine, asking Oli to Among the 18 leaders who spoke on Friday, choose between the party chair or the prime offer for talks and boundary disputes with China. many, including Asta Laxmi Shakya, Bhim ministership. Rawal and Oli’s own man Raghubir Mahaseth, “The prime minister can do anything to ANIL GIRI India offering to sit for talks, as reported in did not reply. In early May, after India opened a questioned the prime minister’s intent in save his position and he has already told his KATHMANDU, JUNE 26 some Indian media outlets, it had refused to sit link road via Lipulekh, Nepal again asked for ignoring the crucial meeting. people to remain prepared for a split,” said to currently hold any dialogue with Nepal to talks, with India responding that talks would Leaders were irate over the continuous Yadav. “But we are in favour of keeping the Foreign Minister Pradeep Gyawali has counter- resolve the boundary dispute despite repeated only be possible once the Covid-19 pandemic ‘disgrace’ to the party meetings with Shakya party intact.” acted two assertions regarding boundary dis- requests from Nepal. Contrary to some reports was over. Nepal eventually published a new saying that the meeting was held at Baluwatar, Even before the meeting began, Oli had putes that have been making the rounds of both in the Nepali and Indian media, Gyawali clari- political map, incorporating all territories dis- the prime minister’s residence, just because been trying to woo leaders from the Dahal Nepali and Indian media--that India offered to fied that there were no boundary disputes with puted with India. of Oli and that if he refuses to attend, the faction in order to prevent a damaging pro- sit for talks but was rebuffed by Nepal, and that China and if any such disputes arose, they “We had offered talks in November, December, meeting must be held at the party headquar- posal at the Standing Committee. China has encroached upon more Nepali terri- would be resolved through talks. January and May but India rejected them, say- ters in Dhumbarahi. >> Continued on page 4 tory than India. Two Standing Committee members told the ing that they are occupied with Covid and once Gyawali, speaking at the ongoing Standing Post that some party leaders criticised the KP both nations will overcome the pandemic, for- Committee meeting of the ruling Nepal Sharma Oli government on Friday for not doing mal talks can be initiated,” Gyawali said at the Communist Party (NCP), said that contrary to adequate homework to hold talks with India, meeting, according to party leaders. failing to cultivate alternative lines of commu- Acharya, however, said that the government nication with New Delhi, and also failing to needed to push its claims internationally, by propagate Nepal’s claim to its lands on national publishing in both Nepali and English so that and international platforms. Nepal’s claims are recognised by experts, opin- “There is national unity on territorial integ- ion makers, leaders, diplomats and the general rity and publication of the map but we sincere- public. The government must also pursue other ly lack homework for talks with India,” Bhim avenues for dialogue, he said. Acharya, a Standing Committee member, said. “Though the government has claimed that it “The government cannot sit idly after calling is ready to sit in talks, our efforts are not ade- for talks with India.” quate,” said Acharya. “Let’s reach out to other Ever since India released a new political map sections of Indian society like political party in November that included Kalapani within its leaders, experts, diplomats and public intellec- territory, Nepal has been pushing for talks, dis- tuals to put pressure on New Delhi.” patching at least three diplomatic notes. India >> Continued on page 4 Socially isolated and in financial despair, LGBTIQ individuals are taking their own lives The lockdown due to the coronavirus pandemic has taken away livelihoods and forced queer individuals back in with prejudiced families, leading to social isolation and failing mental health.

ELISHA SHRESTHA isolated in a room without sup- KATHMANDU, JUNE 26 port. I think all these circumstances led her to take her own life,” On Sunday evening, Pinky Gurung said Gurung. received a text from her friend Various studies have shown that Narayani, who said she was the LGBTIQ community is at high- depressed. Gurung immediately er risk of depression, anxiety, went to Narayani’s rented apart- PTSD and suicide. These mental ment in Sorakhutte where the two health problems are often trig- had a heartfelt conversation. gered by a lack of family support, Gurung thought that Narayani, a discrimination and prejudice. The transwoman, was feeling much Covid-19 and ensuing lockdown better. But the next day, when she only made things worse—exacer- was unable to reach Narayani on bating social isolation and eco- her mobile phone despite calling nomic despair. multiple times, Gurung sensed According to the Blue Diamond that something was wrong. Society, four queer individuals The body of 50-year-old have committed suicide during the Narayani was discovered by the lockdown, while as many as 20 police early Monday morning. Her people have reached out to Gurung death was ruled as suicide. POST FILE PHOTO personally via social media asking “Six months ago, Narayani had A participant of the Pride Parade last year. Studies have shown that the LGBTIQ for help with their anxiety and lost her daughter to suicide. Just community is at higher risk of depression, anxiety, PTSD and suicide. depression. when she was trying her best to There have also been reports of cope with the grief, the lockdown According to Gurung, Narayani, ures put in place in response to the LGBTIQ individuals experiencing took a toll on her mental and a sex worker, had had no work Covid-19 pandemic. She had decid- deteriorating mental health after financial health,” said Gurung, since the beginning of the locked against returning to her home being forced to isolate alongside who is president of the Blue down on March 24. She had told in Dang because she was still clos- family members who don’t accept Diamond Society, the country’s Gurung that she was experiencing eted and feared being stigmatised. their sexual orientation and gen- oldest LGBTIQ rights organisa- extreme isolation and trauma “Narayani was a transgender der identity. tion. because of social distancing meas- woman with existing problems, >> Continued on page 4

C M Y K SATURDAY, JUNE 27, 2020 | 02 MEDLEY

Inside the Post Quote of the day

Experts say Covid-19 epidemic yet to start, stress community tracing, Page 3 National The government is giving final touches to a bill under which licences to operate private schools will be granted on the condition that operators don’t use their profits for personal benefit. “Thinking that the risk will be minimised by releasing people from quarantine Money without conducting proper tests Americans will soon get a first full look at which businesses received $515 billion of taxpayer funds when the government, after initial resistance by President will be a blunder.” Donald Trump’s administration, releases borrower data for one of its highest- profile pandemic aid efforts. Dr Mingmar Gyelgen Sherpa, former director of the Department of Health Services, on the coronavirus infection risk in Nepal. World President Donald Trump’s administration petitioned the US Supreme Court to invalidate the Obamacare law introduced by his predecessor that added millions to the healthcare safety net, seeking to scrap coverage during the novel coronavirus crisis. Most read online Sports Oli scrambles to prevent censure at Standing Committee Liverpool’s coronation as English champions for the first time in 30 years is the culmination of a dramatic journey since Jurgen Klopp’s appointment as manager meet but Dahal remains adamant in 2015. The ongoing Standing Committee meeting of the ruling Nepal Communist Party is going to be a political quagmire for Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, with rival factions readying to call for his resignation. This Standing Committee meeting, Culture & Arts which will continue on Friday after beginning on Wednesday, has already gotten Since the untimely death of actor Sushant Singh Rajput, the discussion around off to a combative start, with both party chairs—Oli and Pushpa Kamal Dahal— nepotism has resurfaced in the circles of Hindi film enthusiasts. Everyone is now accusing the other of failing the party and the government. talking about how fickle Bollywood is as an industry, where every Friday a new star is born--but it’s easier to be that star if you come with connections. Restaurants and cafes in Kathmandu defy government order A handful of restaurants and cafes in the Kathmandu valley have started allowing customers to order and dine on their premises going against the govern- News Quiz ment’s order to operate only takeaway services. The Post’s observation at a number of restaurant hubs such as Jhamsikhel, Thamel, Durbarmarg, and Lazimpat showed that restaurant owners, fed up with the lockdown, have started defying 1. Which of the following has b. Jhapa POST PHOTO: KESHAV THAPA the order. defied the government restric- c. Saptari A woman sweeps the premises of Swayambhunath Stupa, a UNESCO World Heritage site, tions and opened their business? d. Morang in Kathmandu. a. Swimming Pools Pokhara locals attack police post over decision b. Cinema Halls 5. Which countries are going to host to bury Covid-19 patient in their ward c. Restaurants the 2023 Women’s World Cup? d. Shopping malls a. South Korea/Japan Agitated residents of a ward in Pokhara vandalised a police check post on b. Hungary/Poland On this day in history Thursday demanding that authorities withdraw their decision to bury the body 2. Junior doctors at which hospi- c. USA/Canada of a man infected with Covid-19 in their area. tal have demanded encourage- d. Australia/New Zealand ment allowance and refused to UN grappling with discord over its role Growing apples in the Tarai? Innovative farmer report on duty? a. Dhangadhi Hospital SAN FRANCISCO - Even as world dignitaries gather to celebrate the United shows it can be done b. Gajendra Narayan Singh Nations’ first 50 years, the organization is grappling with discord over its role in Apple farmers in Nepal’s northern Himalayan region smile when there is a good Hospital the next half-century. spell of snowfall in the winter as they know that their fruit trees will produce c. Seti Zonal Hospital Past and present UN leaders took up the debate on Sunday, the eve of the 50th bumper harvests. The fruit has been grown in the cold Himalayan region for d. Karnali Provincial Hospital anniversary of the signing of the UN charter in San Francisco. centuries because the crop needs chill hours to prosper. They agreed that genocide in Bosnia and other nations must be stopped - but 3. People of which city attacked the added that increasingly fickle public opinion complicates the task. police post over decision to bury The attitudes of states and people change quickly, warned UN Secretary Covid-19 patient in their ward? REUTERS General Boutros Boutros-Ghali. By the time conclusions are reached on difficult a. Dharan issues, the tides may have turned. Corrections b. Pokhara 6. Which company said it will The celebration concludes Monday with visits by President Clinton and other c. Itahari rename its skin-lightening world leaders. Our reporters and editors do their best to make sure our reporting is free from d. Ghorahi cream following criticism for errors. But when we make mistakes that warrant correction, we will be transparent promoting negative stereotypes The Kathmandu Post and clarify at the bottom of the specific article. 4. Farmers in which Tarai district around dark skin tones? June 27, 1995 If you believe we have got something wrong and it requires correction, please have grown apples by planting a. L’Oreal email us at [email protected] with “correction” in the subject line. a climate tolerant variety from b. Unilever Answers to News Quiz: 1(c), 2(d), 3(b), 4(a), 5(d), 6(b) For the most recent corrections, visit kathmandupost.com/corrections. Australia? c. Johnson & Johnson a. Rupandehi d. Clinique HOROSCOPE ARIES (March 21-April 19) CANCER (June 22-July 22) LIBRA (September 23-October 22) CAPRICORN (December 22-January 19) **** *** *** *** Why are you resisting taking the advice that A casual conversation could turn toward emo- A lot of tantalising projects could be coming Today, you might need to step up and get every- people in your family have been giving you? Do tional topics, and you’ll be thrilled about it, your way, and you might start to think that the one on the same page. Re-center the group. you think it’s a sign of failure to do something mostly because your conversation partner is way to go is to drop what you’re doing and pick Luckily, your leadership energy is at an all-time that they suggest you do? Nonsense! They love someone you’re curious about. This is a great up one of them. But be careful! Are you becom- high! Focus on getting all the different personal- you and want you to be happy, and they think chance for you to get to know how they think, ing a victim of the “grass is always greener” ities in sync, with the same goal. Make a plan they know how that can happen. Sure, they why they think what they think, and maybe syndrome? It’s wisest just to hang tight right that everyone can stick to. And if someone com- might be wrong, but so can you. even what they think of you. now and stick with your current projects. plains, don’t take it personally.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20) LEO (July 23-August 22) SCORPIO (October 23-November 21) AQUARIUS (January 20-February 18) **** **** **** *** The course of your day will be difficult to pin Why be so modest when the whole world is sing- When you use your charm to get what you want It’s true that your daily routine can make your down. So even if you think you have everything ing your praises? Okay, maybe not the whole in life, you need to understand that other peo- life feel like it’s on autopilot from time to time, scheduled down to the minute, you could find world, but a significant enough group of people ple then have the right to do the same thing. So but today you might find great comfort in know- yourself revising plans once or twice. But don’t for you to feel like it’s the world that’s respond- watch out today. People are likely approaching ing exactly what you are going to be doing and worry. These changes will be fun, and they’ll ing. This is a wonderful time for you, when peo- you for a reason. Luckily, you’ll see right when you’re going to be doing it. After all, hav- probably make you very happy. Sometimes com- ple are finally paying attention to all the good through their fawning flattery and know that ing no unpredictability in your life does not have mitments are made to be broken. stuff you’re doing and recognising you. they have ulterior motives. to mean no excitement!

GEMINI (May 21-June 21) VIRGO (August 23-September 22) SAGITTARIUS (November 22-December 21) PISCES (February 19-March 20) **** **** *** *** You can be tight with money all you want, but You’re moving back and forth between different Circumstances beyond your control could Expression is necessary in life if you want to you should never be tight with your time! If options so quickly that people could get whip- cause you to feel a little bit of stress today, so grow. In fact, it’s the only way to show the world someone needs a few dollars, it’s perfectly fine to lash trying to follow your train of thought! you’ll have to get some perspective. Think what you feel while opening the door to feed- tell them you aren’t in a position to help them Being indecisive is not a character flaw, so you about it this way: If these things are beyond back. Debate and conflicting opinions aren’t out right now. They will totally understand. But have nothing to feel embarrassed about. If you your control, then what can you really do about necessarily bad things. They are often the keys if they need some of your time, do whatever you can’t decide about something, no matter how it anyway? Accept what you can’t change and to improving yourself. So don’t shy away from can to give it to them. trivial, that’s okay! stop beating your head against the wall. voicing your thoughts.

CROSSWORD SUDOKU

YESTERDAY’S SOLUTION

C M Y K 03 | SATURDAY, JUNE 27, 2020 NATIONAL Nepal Bureau of Standards cancels permits of two cement factories KRISHANA PRASAIN KATHMANDU, JUNE 26

The Nepal Bureau of Standards and Metrology revoked the production permits of two cement factories and demanded clarification from two others for disregarding its directives. Reliance Supertech Cement of Bara and International Cement of Parsa lost their production permits for con- tinuing to sell their products even though their licences had been suspended for an earlier violation, the bureau said. Their permits were cancelled as per the Nepal Standards (Certification- mark) Rules, 1983, rule 16. Reliance produces Portland slag cement while International Cement makes ordinary Portland cement. The bureau, which is the monitor- ing and regulatory body, demanded clarification from Agni Cement of Rupandehi and Sarbottam Cement of Nawalparasi as their products did not meet the required standards. The two factories that lost their permits are not allowed to continue pro- POST PHOTO: ELITE JOSHI duction, said Bishwo Babu Pudasaini, Ishan Adhikari, a youth activist and a member of the independent youth-led campaign ‘Enough is Enough’, stages a hunger strike to protest against the government’s handling of the Covid-19 pandemic in Patan, director general of the bureau. But Lalitpur, on Friday. Adhikari and four other activists were detained by Lalitpur police on Friday evening for demonstrating at Patan Dubrar Square, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The youth-led campaign has been they can begin a fresh process to demanding, among other things, expansion of polymerase chain reaction tests to detect Covid-19 and making public the details of the government’s spendings in response to the pandemic. acquire new permits, he said. “Reliance Supertech and International Cement did not comply with the suspension orders of the reg- ulator.” Tests of the samples of Portland Pozzolana cement manufactured by Covid-19 epidemic is yet to start in Nepal, experts say Agni Cement showed that its average compression strength after three days was 14 megapascal while it should be 16 megapascal as per the standard Public health experts deem quarantine tests alone not enough to control the contagion and stress community tracing. specification. Also, the compression strength ARJUN POUDEL know if the disease has spread there.” formed in communities, as disease pain and fever, among others. ago to know the risk level,” said after seven days was 21 megapascal KATHMANDU, JUNE 26 The government has been perform- might have spread from such people.” According to Sherpa, polymerase Marasini. “We should start testing all while the requirement says 22 meg- ing polymerase chain reaction tests Authorities across the country have chain reaction tests should be per- the people visiting health facilities apascal. At a time when most of the Covid-19 only on those who developed Covid-19 been releasing hundreds of people formed for all having Covid-like symp- with symptoms and start testing vul- The samples of ordinary Portland tests are being performed on suspects symptoms, have a travel history to from quarantine facilities with or toms and in highly vulnerable com- nerable communities in the Tarai cement were found to have an insolu- placed in quarantine facilities across disease-hit countries or came in close without rapid diagnosis tests every munities, where a lot of people have region.” ble residue level of 7.6 percent while the country, public health experts contact of the infected people. day. Officials at the Health Ministry returned from abroad and tested posi- Meanwhile, the Epidemiology and the maximum limit is 2 percent. have stressed tests in communities Thousands of people who returned hope that once the pressure in quaran- tive for the coronavirus. Disease Control Division said that The insoluble residue in the ordi- too, especially those which are highly from abroad, especially India, have tine centres lessens and people return “We don’t know if the people who sporadic cases have been reported in nary Portland cement manufactured vulnerable. already been released or are being to their villages, the risk of coronavi- returned from abroad and were some communities but community by Sarbottam Cement was 3.7 percent. They said that the Covid-19 epidem- released, after rapid diagnostic tests, rus spread will subside. released from quarantine have mixed transmission has not yet been seen. The insoluble residue is a non-ce- ic has not yet started in Nepal which have been giving misleading “Thinking that the risk will be min- up with the residents of a communi- “We are testing more people placed menting material which lessens the and performing tests only on people results. imised by releasing people from quar- ty,” said Sherpa. “We need to take pre- in quarantines, as they are suspects, strength of the cement, so the bureau placed in quarantine does not help Hundreds of people released from antine without conducting proper caution.” returned from disease-hit countries has set a maximum limit. prevent the looming public health quarantine after rapid diagnostic test tests will be a blunder,” Dr Mingmar Due to the failure to manage quar- and have symptoms,” Lila Bikram The bureau while conducting mar- threat. results have later tested positive for Gyelgen Sherpa, former director of antine facilities properly, a lot of peo- Thapa, senior public health adminis- ket inspection and collecting samples Those who have tested positive for the disease in polymerase chain reac- the Department of Health Services, ple are being infected there. Dr trator at the division, said. “We will from factories in different times and Covid-19 so far do not represent tion tests. Some who tested negative in told the Post. Baburam Marasini, former director at also test the people of the community places found the cement factories not the real situation of the pandemic the rapid diagnostic tests have also “It will be almost impossible to con- the Epidemiology and Disease Control if they have symptoms that match following the standards. in Nepal, Dr Anup Bastola, spokesper- died on the way home or after reach- tain the disease if it spreads to com- Division, said that the risk would be with Covid-19.” The bureau collected around 100 son for the Sukraraj Tropical and ing home. munity. Concerned officials should lower if the quarantine centres were Thapa concedes the risk of commu- cement samples during the lockdown Infectious Disease Hospital, told “We all know that some people have not take this issue lightly.” managed properly and people released nity transmission and need of com- period which are being tested in its the Post. sneaked into Nepal through the Due to the absence of Covid-19 test- only after confirming that they will munity testing. So far 11,755 people labs, Pudasaini said. “Almost all the people who have porous border [with India], and the ing in most health facilities across the not spread the disease in their fami- have been infected with Covid-19 The bureau has also suspended the tested positive had returned from authorities have released thousands country, tests are not being performed lies and communities. as of Thursday including 2 deaths. licence of Everest Gas, a gas bottling abroad and were placed in quarantine. of people after rapid diagnosis tests,” even on the people having symptoms “Tests for Covid-19 should have Of them, 2,698 people have been plant based in Chalnakhel, Kathmandu Tests in communities are necessary to said Bastola. “Tests should be per- of Covid-19—respiratory issues, chest been performed in communities long recovered. for violating quality standards. Government finalising bill to license Evacuation flights to continue schools only if investors agree not at least until June 30 As the first phase of repatriation of Nepalis stranded abroad ended on to use profits for personal gain June 25, a total of 9,413 citizens have returned home from 22 countries. BINOD GHIMIRE CHANDAN KUMAR MANDAL KATHMANDU, JUNE 26 KATHMANDU, JUNE 26

The government is giving final touch- The government has decided to extend es to a bill under which licenses to the first phase of its programme to operate private schools will be grant- repatriate Nepalis stranded abroad by ed on the condition that operators five more days. don’t use their profits for personal The Ministry of Culture, Tourism benefit. and Civil Aviation had earlier said The draft education bill, which will that evacuation flights in the first replace the prevailing Education Act, phase will go on from June 1o-25 envisions turning school education (Thursday). into a non-for profit sector. As the new As the first phase of repatriation law won’t have a retrospective effect, it flights completed on Thursday, thou- will not be applicable to schools sands of Nepalis are still waiting to already in operation under the compa- come home. That’s why the Ministry ny law. of Tourism has decided to allow “Private schools will get permission flights from various countries at least on the condition that investors don’t until June 30, officials said. use their profit for personal benefit,” “A meeting of various ministries, reads one of the clauses of the bill. on Thursday, decided to continue the Currently, a majority of private POST FILE PHOTO evacuation flights up to June 30. schools are registered under the com- The High Level National Education Commission has suggested that the government stop However, the number of flights, their pany law,which allows investors to use the commercialisation of education. schedules and destinations have not profits earned by schools for personal been finalised yet,” said Rajan Paudel, benefit. the spirit of the constitutional provi- any interest towards fully implement- deputy spokesperson at the Ministry POST FILE PHOTO The bill, which is with the Ministry sion was to ensure that every child ing the constitutional provision of of Tourism. Nepali women migrant workers arrive at the Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu of Law after it received approval from gets school education without free and compulsory education. I The government has been repatriat- after they were sent home by the Kuwaiti government under its amnesty scheme. the Ministry of Finance, will be tabled having to pay for it. The High Level won’t get surprised even if the new ing Nepalis stranded abroad on char- in Parliament during its ongoing ses- National Education Commission law suffers the same fate,” Binay tered flights as regular international Myanmar, the UAE, Japan, Australia, schedules. Some Nepal Airlines flights sion, officials said. formed by the government to recom- Kusiyait, a professor at Tribhuvan flights to and from the country remain Kuwait, Afghanistan, Hong Kong, could not be operated,” said Paudel. “The Ministry of Education seems mend policy changes to the education University who researched education, suspended since March 22 in view of Oman, Bahrain, Pakistan, Bangladesh, “Now, we need to operate flights to to have drafted the bill to meet the sector, also suggested that the govern- told the Post. the Covid-19 crisis. Maldives, Sri Lanka, Thailand, countries where we could not fly government’s constitutional obliga- ment stop the commercialisation of Teachers working with the private “The number of flights required to Singapore, Cambodia, Saudi Arabia, before.” tion to provide free school education education. schools also have been demanding bring Nepali from various countries Qatar, South Korea, the United States On Thursday, 1,185 Nepalis returned to all,” a senior official at the Ministry A report by the commission, sub- that private schools be converted into will be decided only after gathering of America and the United Kingdom. home, from the UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, of Law told the Post on the condition mitted to Prime Minister KP Sharma trusts school operators be barred from data on the number of Nepalis who The first two flights at the begin- Japan and the United Kingdom. of anonymity as he was not allowed to Oli in mid-January last year, had rec- using profits for their personal want to return home,” Paudel told the ning of the evacuation plan sponsored During the lockdown, a total of talk to the media on the issue. “The ommended that the government con- benefit. In July 2017, the legisla- Post. “The Ministry of Foreign Affairs by the Kuwaiti government had 9,413 Nepali citizens have returned bill will be sent to the Cabinet for vert all private schools into trusts ture-parliament endorsed an amend- is talking to Nepali missions abroad to brought over 300 Nepali women home by flights, starting from one approval before it gets registered in from companies over the next 10 years. ment to the Education Act-1972 mak- come up with data on Nepalis who migrant workers home. Nepali citizen who returned from Parliament.” The commission had concluded that ing it mandatory for new private want to return before deciding on the Of the 67 flights, Nepal Airlines Malaysia on June 3 in a cargo plane The bill also makes it mandatory for changing the ownership model could schools to be registered as trusts, end- number of flights.” was authorised to conduct 24, carrying relief materials. Two days private schools to receive approval stop commercialisation of private ing the option to run under company During the first round of repatria- Himalaya Airlines 19 and other later, a Myanmar government-spon- from their respective local govern- schools and convert education into a law. The move was criticised as it tion since the Covid-19 lockdown, foreign airlines 24. Although the air- sored flight brought home 26 Nepalis. ments before accepting any donation service-oriented sector. stopped the entry of new schools in the ministry had permitted a total fare for repatriation flights was Another flight from the United Arab in cash or kind. Approval from the There are around 8,000 private the market allegedly at the behest of of 67 flights, which included both capped, returnee Nepalis were asked of Emirates (UAE) repatriated 169 Ministry of Finance is necessary for schools across the country where the school operators who were also chartered flights and flights provided to pay for the ticket. Nepalis. donations from abroad. It says that nearly 20 percent of students study. members of Parliament. by labour destination countries However, not all the flights could fly Government estimates had shown property of the schools will remain in Education experts say it is necessary Establishment of the new schools, such as Kuwait for undocumented as per schedules. As the repatriation that nearly 25,000 were expected to its possession, and its operators won’t to turn schools into non-profits. But however, has been banned in places workers. began, dates and the timetable for sev- return during the first phase of the be allowed to use them for personal they doubt the new law will be imple- like Kathmandu where a large According to Covid-19 Crisis eral flights were changed for various repatriation plan. This means that a benefit. mented. number of schools are already in Management Centre, Nepalis have reasons. large number of Nepalis are still wait- Advocates for right to education say “The government has hardly shown operation. been evacuated from Malaysia, “There were changes in flight ing to return home.

C M Y K SATURDAY, JUNE 27, 2020 | 04 NATIONAL Budget meant for poor Road construction projects put settlements housing programme likely in Baglung at risk of landslides to freeze in nine districts Since the monsoon rains intensified in the past two weeks, the district has seen over a dozen landslides. PRAKASH BARAL BAGLUNG, JUNE 26 of Bagmati Province Baglung saw its first landslide of the year in Kathekhola Rural Municipality last week; the disas- The province had launched the housing programme in all 10 ter buried several houses and claimed the life of a woman. districts except the three in Kathmandu Valley this fiscal year. Since the monsoon rains have intensified in the past two weeks, PRATAP BISTA ished families of Dalit, marginalised and the district has seen over a dozen HETAUDA, JUNE 26 endangered families in the country. The landslides. On Thursday alone, six programme was handed over to the provin- houses were buried by a landslide The government’s plan to build around 2,000 cial government in the fiscal year of 2018/19. under the road leading to Shantipur houses for the poor and the marginalised The Bagmati government had announced by way of Sigana and Bareng vil- communities in Bagmati Province could not to give continuity to the programme in 10 of lages. be completed this year. 13 districts in the province this fiscal year. In Dhullu Baskot Village of The Bagmati Province government had Under the programme, the provincial exec- Bareng, two houses are in immedi- allocated Rs 430 million in the running fis- utive had allocated Rs 150 million to ate danger of getting buried by a cal year 2019/20 to construct a total of 2,096 Makwanpur, Rs 130 million to Chitwan, Rs landslide as a road construction houses in 10 districts under the People’s 30 million to Dhading, Rs 15 million to project is underway in the area. Lil Housing Programme. With just three weeks Ramechhap, Rs 15 million to Sindhuli, Rs 10 Bahadur Khatri, whose house and remaining for this fiscal year to end, the million to Sindhupalchok, Rs 10 million to land is at risk of being swept away, project is nowhere near completion. Dolakha, Rs 10 million to Kavre, Rs 10 mil- is taking shelter at his neighbour’s Out of the 10 project districts, Sindhuli is lion to Nuwakot and Rs 10 million to house. Despite the rains, gravel the only district where the project was exe- Rasuwa. work is ongoing at one section of cuted, that too after several delays. The programme was targeted to the fami- the Mid-Hill Highway, putting The funds allocated under the programme lies of Chepang, Bankariya, Gandharba, Khatri’s and his other neighbour in nine districts remain unspent and are Majhi and Dalit, among other impoverished Tek Bahadur Thapa’s houses and expected to freeze. minority communities. land at risk. Rajesh Kumar Paudel, chief at the Urban According to the division office, the pro- “The ongoing construction work Development and Building Construction gramme was in the implementation phase has not been properly planned out, Division Office in Hetauda, said construc- after preparing working guidelines. with many canals blocked due to tion of 50 houses in Sindhuli was currently “The work has been halted due to the landfall, which increases risks of in progress while nine other districts had lockdown. The budget under the People’s flood,” Shiva Prasad Kandel, chair not even prepared the list of beneficiaries Housing Programme will be frozen this of ward number. 5 of Kathekhola yet. year, except in Sindhuli,” said an engineer Rural Municipality, told the Post. Officials say the Covid-19 pandemic and at the division office. The construction work is being car- POST PHOTO: PRAKASH BARAL the subsequent lockdown affected the pro- The People’s Housing Programme has ried out jointly by the Infrastructure Authorities’ tendency to start construction work after monsoon starts has increased the risk of disasters like landslides and floods. ject’s execution. been implemented in Makwanpur district Development Programme and the “We were authorised to implement the for the past 10 years. As many as 700 houses Road Department, with a budget of ply chain to the district headquar- said. “It has created further confu- risk of disasters like landslides and programme only in February. We hadn’t have been constructed in the district so far. Rs 15million and Rs 10million ters of Baglung has been obstruct- sion as many under-construction floods. even selected beneficiaries when the lock- Pandey said the government provides respectively. ed for the past six days after roads are blocked, halting the “For project officials, it is more down was enforced,” said Sanjaya Pandey, Rs 332,500 to each beneficiary in three While the road upgradation its water pipe got blocked by a land- movement of vehicles.” important to spend the budget allo- the acting chief at the Makwanpur branch instalments. project puts the lives of Sigana vil- slide. Rajendra Dhungana, chair of the cated for the current fiscal year of the division office. Owing to the lackadaisical work plan and lagers at risk of landslides, “The [road upgradation] work District Coordination Committee, than to properly construct roads. The federal government had announced the Covid-19 lockdown, the project benefi- many old roads across the district should have been completed a long said that the authorities’ tendency This leads to a haphazard construc- the People’s Housing Programme in 2013 ciaries won’t be moving to new homes this have also developed cracks due to time ago,” Rajan GC, chair of ward to start construction work after tion of roads and disasters,” vowing to build houses for the impover- year. landslides. The drinking water sup- number 8 of Baglung Municipality, monsoon starts has increased the Dhungana said. Oli skipping Returnees prefer hotels to unmanaged India refuses ... >> Continued from page 1 meeting to avoid According to Gyawali’s statement on Friday, the and overcrowded quarantine facilities government is in communication with New Delhi through various channels and it has consistently PRAKASH BARAL stay at a hotel, even though I have to pay tion, 80 people are currently quarantin- received the message that the possibility of talks are criticism is BAGLUNG, JUNE 26 for the stay unlike at a government-run ing at different hotels in Baglung slim as long as the Covid-19 crisis is present. facility,” he told the Post. Bazaar. Nilesh Rajbhandari, chairman A total of 18 Standing Committee members spoke A recent returnee from Saudi Arabia Most returnees to Baglung of late of the Hotel Association in Baglung, on Friday about the boundary issue, according to disgraceful ... was asked to stay a night at a quaran- have begun staying at hotels rather said returnees from foreign countries party spokesperson Narayan Kaji Shrestha. All of tine facility in Baglung Bazaar before than going to government-run quaran- book hotels in Baglung as soon as they them urged the government to hold effective talks making his way to his hometown the tine centres in light of multiple reports land in Kathmandu. with India in order to bring back Nepali land that is >> Continued from page 1 told him to wait till the next day. Having heard of the poor state highlighting the poor management of Seven hotels in Baglung Bazaar are presently occupied by India. But he has not had any Standing Committee takes a and mismanagement of the govern- these facilities. Overcrowded rooms, currently open for returnees to quaran- Spokesperson Shrestha, who is also a former for- luck yet, say party insiders. decision.” ment-run quarantine facilities and unhygienic restrooms, unhealthy food tine in. eign minister, said that Nepal should also talk with Both Nepal and Gautam But with Dahal command- holding centres, he chose to stay at a and safety issues have marred the gov- “We can provide quarantine services China on Lipulekh. have privately told Oli that ing a majority in the hotel to self-quarantine at Rs 1,700 a day. ernment’s efforts in setting up commu- to 100 people at the moment from seven “India considers Lipulekh disputed but both India his unilateral manner of Standing Committee, the “My relatives and friends had nity quarantine facilities at the local hotels,” said Rajbhandari “We can and China agreed to develop trade routes via running both the govern- Nepal Compact is not likely informed me that a good number of level for returnees to stay at while they accommodate up to 150 people in those Lipulekh,” Shrestha said. “Lipulekh is a trijuncture ment and the party will not to be endorsed in its current people have to share a single room in undergo tests for the coronavirus. hotels in Baglung Bazaar, if need be.” but both India and China have forgotten this fact, so be acceptable any more, form. While more hardline quarantine facilities. So I decided to According to the local administra- He, however, was against the local we have to protest this move strongly with both sides according to a leader close former Maoists have stood units’ idea to use hotels as holding cen- and should talk with China too.” to Nepal. against the MCC completely, tres for a few days before moving the According to Raghuji Pant, another Standing Dahal believes that the returnees to community quarantine Committee member, some leaders urged the govern- Nepal Compact can be facilities. ment to end the bitterness with India and settle the Next meeting passed after a number of The hotels provide one room with an differences once and for all. amendments. Party insiders attached bathroom per person and “We are currently facing an inundation problem on will deal with say that Oli too is coming meals are delivered to their rooms. “We the border. We have yet to come to an agreement to around to this conclusion as follow all SOPs for the safety of our scrap or revisit the 1950 Peace and Friendship Treaty government’s he realises that it will be guests and staff,” said Enjil Shakya, a and the report of the Eminent Persons’ Group on exceedingly difficult for him hotelier. “We don’t allow intermingling Nepal-India Relations has yet to be submitted,” said response to to pass the MCC as it is, if it among guests or staff.” Pant. “Considering all these differences, we urge the Covid-19. is to be passed at all. He, however, fears that the local com- government to take adequate measures to resolve all As the agenda for the munity might boycott his hotel for outstanding issues permanently. We need to restore Friday meet was the border offering his establishment as a quaran- ties with India.” In a bid to pacify the situ- dispute, leaders, including tine facility. If it is not possible to hold talks at the governmental ation, a cornered Oli had Leelamani Pokhrel and Dev Meanwhile, state-run facilities find level, Nepal should open another line of communica- even dispatched general sec- Gurung, proposed a pass- themselves overwhelmed with the mas- tions with New Delhi, said Pant. And Nepal should retary Poudel to meet top port and visa system for sive influx of returnees, and authori- also attempt to bring to the notice of the Indian people leaders, including Dahal India while Beduram ties claim this to be the reason behind that the map was released due to India’s action in urging them not to escalate Bhusal, Amrit Bohara and poor management of these facilities. order to manage public perception and prevent a dete- the situation. Poudel Raghubir Mahaseth were in Around 1,500 people are currently rioration in people-to-people ties. requested Dahal to prevent favour of fencing the Nepal- staying in various quarantine facilities “If there is a trust deficit, we have to build confi- the conflict from escalating India border. in the district’s 10 local units. Baglung dence but releasing the map was not an anti-Indian but Dahal said that how All Standing Committee has reported 142 cases of coronavirus action,” he said. things unfold depends on members urged the govern- as of Thursday. Some members, including Dev Gurung, Lilamani the prime minister, accord- ment to bring back all lands Amar Thapa, chairman of Pokhrel, Pampha Bhusal and Amrit Bohara, even ing to Dahal’s press advisor encroached upon by India, Kothekhola Rural Municipality, said, demanded that the Nepal-India border be fenced off. Bishnu Sapkota. including the Kalapani area “We have a limited budget of Rs 500 per “In this time of corona, we have mobilised the Oli had also attempted to and Susta. person per day and we cannot set up Armed Police Force,” Pokhrel reportedly said at the pass one of the most conten- The next meeting, sched- proper quarantine facilities with that meeting. “Now, we have to advance by fencing the bor- tious issues in the party— uled for Saturday morning, amount. We are trying to provide the der. Let’s regulate the Nepal-India border.” the Millennium Challenge will deal with the govern- POST PHOTO: PRAKASH BARAL best possible services we can to all But Shrestha said that instead of building a Corporation’s Nepal ment’s response to Covid-19 Seven hotels in Baglung Bazaar are currently providing quarantine services. quarantined people,” said Thapa. fence,Nepal needed to better control the open border. Compact before the and the government’s Standing Committee meet, performance, which is like- according to a leader who is ly to be much more critical close to Oli. of Oli. Things could then “The prime minister was come to a head, say party in favour of calling a meet- insiders. Socially isolated and in financial despair, LGBTIQ ... ing of the Parliamentary “The scenario will be Party and pushing the MCC clear within a few days,” ahead by allowing lawmak- said a Standing Committee >> Continued from page 1 state and was rushed to the hospital by his and Gender Minorities Nepal, a transwom- can seek help, both Magar and Gurung said ers to vote on their own,” member and former minis- “LGBTIQ individuals who haven’t come brother-in-law. an in Parasi and a gay man in Dharan both that most people from the queer communi- said the leader. “But this ter in Oli’s cabinet. “Leaders out may find it increasingly difficult to “I have rented a room to live separately took their own lives after suffering physical ty are reluctant to talk about their mental plan changed after senior are preparing for a change keep their gender identities and sexual from my parents and I used to earn a living and verbal abuse from their parents with health while others are unaware. leader Madhav Nepal and in the existing setting of the orientations private in a lockdown,” said by dancing in weddings and ceremonies,” whom they were quarantining during the Magar is afraid that there must be many vice-chair Bamdev Gautam party and the government.” Dr Baikuntha Raj Adhikari, professor and said 18-year-old Shah who has yet to come lockdown. LGBTIQ individuals silently suffering from head of the Department of Psychiatry at out to his family members. “However, due Although these incidents speak volumes mental problems in the absence of social the Dharan-based BP Koirala Institute of to the lockdown, I’ve found myself jobless. about the need to address stigmatisation support. “The lockdown has made us real- Health Sciences. “Many have even been I didn’t have any option but to move back in and its impact on the mental health of ise that the LGBTIQ community needs to forced back into the closet just to be able to with my family.” queer individuals, Magar said that mental invest in both creating mental health survive this pandemic, while for others, At a time when he was still struggling to health is still not openly discussed and awareness and also creating a trusted plat- things can take a tragic path.” come in terms with his gender identity, there is a lack of resources for psychosocial form where they can seek professional help Government and medical officers have taunts regarding his sexuality and con- counselling from organisations working without any fear,” he said. been telling people that the home is the stant pressure from his family to get mar- for LGBTIQ rights. The Tribhuvan University Teaching safest place to be to prevent contracting ried took a toll on his mental health, lead- “While everyone is aware of the need for Hospital (TUTH) suicide hotline Covid-19 but according to Adhikari, for ing him to attempt suicide, he said. psychosocial facilities to address mental (9840021600) and the Patan Hospital crisis many of thousands of LGBTIQ individuals, “I felt suffocated trying to pretend who I health problems within the community, helpline for suicide prevention (9813476123) home might be where prejudice, discrimi- was not. No one understands me except for none of the organisations that work for operate 24 hours. nation and abusive conditions lie. my friends, with whom I can only commu- LGBTIQs has hotlines or professional The Transcultural Psychosocial On Saturday evening, Binesh Kumar nicate by text,” said Shah, who was dis- counsellors,” said Magar. Organization (16600102005) provides help- Shah, who identifies as a transwoman, charged from hospital on Monday evening Even though there are different helplines line services between Monday to Friday attempted suicide by drinking poison after and is back at his parents’ home. for psychosocial counselling provided by from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm. his parents placed pressure on him to get According to Bibek Susling Magar, pro- organisations such as the Transcultural BPKIHS Helpline: 9805316785, 9802331176 married. He was found in a semi-conscious gramme officer at the Federation of Sexual Psychosocial Organization, where anyone from 8:30 am to 5 pm every day.

C M Y K 05 | SATURDAY, JUNE 27, 2020 MONEY

FOREX Oil prices erase gains US Dollar 121.34 Nepal, China agree to reopen second border Euro 136.15 in US trade, set for Pound Sterling 150.40 point for supply of goods after five months Japanese Yen 11.36 weekly falls

Chinese Yuan 17.14 REUTERS As per the agreement, Chinese cargo drivers will drop the goods off at the Nepal border point in Rasuwagadhi and once LONDON, JUNE 26 Qatari Riyal 33.33 the Chinese loaders and drivers leave, Nepali drivers and loaders will receive the shipment and take them. Australian Dollar 83.49 Oil prices dipped on Friday, erasing earlier gains, on concerns about Malaysian Ringit 28.28 BALRAM GHIMIRE from the customs of both countries. rising new coronavirus cases in the RASUWA, JUNE 26 “We have to complete the necessary United States and China and Saudi Arab Riyal 32.35 preparations including border securi- expectations of US output ticking Exchange rates fixed by Nepal Rastra Bank Nepal and China have agreed to ty arrangements, quarantine checks, up while crude stockpiles linger at resume one-way traffic to Nepal health security arrangements, cus- record highs. through the Rasuwagadhi border toms checks and other issues on Brent crude LCOc1 futures were PRICE PER TOLA point after a closure of five months, as Nepal’s side as soon as possible,” he 13 cents lower at $40.92 at 1342 GMT. BULLION much construction material neces- said. “The opening of the border US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) sary for hydropower and airport pro- depends on our plan.” crude CLc1 futures were down 33 Fine Gold Rs 90,600 jects have been stuck at the northern The bridge at the Rasuwagadhi bor- cents at $38.39. border. However, the exact date to reo- der point was formally opened in June The contracts are on track for week- Silver Rs 940 pen the border has not been finalised. last year with Chinese aid after the ly falls of around 3.1 percent and 3.6 Nepal had closed its two border old bridge was damaged in the 2015 percent, respectively, after record US SOURCE: FENEGOSIDA points with China—Tatopani and earthquake. The distance from crude inventory data dragged prices Rasuwagadhi—since January 29 to Rasuwagadhi to Kerung, the second down on Wednesday. prevent the spread of the coronavirus. international border point between Earlier gains, supported by some GASOLINE WATCH Hari Prasad Pant, chief district Nepal and China is 24 km. optimism over rising road traffic officer of Rasuwa, said that Currently, in Rasuwagadhi there boosting fuel demand, were erased in reopening the border point had been are few security officials at the border early US trading. discussed between authorities checkpoint and some empty contain- “Markets have got ahead of them- from the two countries at the Nepal- ers lined up to go to Kerung to pick up selves and with the coronavirus pan- China Friendship Bridge (Miteri the goods. demic still doing the rounds, there Bridge) on Wednesday. Khadka said that revenue remains plenty of volatility on the As per the agreement, Chinese collection in Rasuwagadhi customs horizon,” PVM analysts said. cargo drivers will drop the goods at POST FILE PHOTO has come to zero in the last three There are fears that a spike in Nepal border point and once the A file photo of the Rasuwagadhi border point. months. Readymade garments, apples, Covid-19 infections in southern US Chinese loaders and drivers return, shoes and slippers, bags and glasses states could stall the demand recovery, Nepali drivers and loaders will receive import essential goods, mainly Khadka said that people’s move- are mainly imported from this especially as some of those states, the shipment and take them to the construction equipment, in the ment would not be allowed on border point. such as Florida and Texas, are among respective places. first phase.” either side of the border except the On March 25, the high-level coordi- the biggest gasoline consumers. The Chinese authorities have asked As the financial closure of most of workers and the drivers. “Their [driv- nation committee for the prevention The global economic outlook has Nepali side to provide details of 15 the projects like hydropower and air- ers and workers] test will be conduct- and control of Covid-19, headed by also worsened or at best stayed drivers and 15 workers who will bring port need to be completed by mid-July, ed every day.” Defence Minister Ishwar Pokharel, about the same in the past month, a the goods from the border point, said which is the end of the current fiscal Pant said that both sides agreed had decided to reopen the two Chinese majority of economists polled by Punya Bikram Khadka, chief customs year, priority will be given to import to temporarily stop the movement border points to ensure supply of Reuters said, and the recession under- officer at Rasuwa Customs Office. their equipment, he said. of people in view of the Covid-19 essential goods including medicines way is expected to be deeper than ear- Khadka said that initially four A large number of equipment of pandemic. and medical equipment from the lier predicted. trucks will be allowed to import goods Bhairahawa and Pokhara internation- The Chinese side also agreed to northern neighbour. The prospect of increased US crude daily and the number of trucks will be al airports has been stranded in the check the cargo trucks on their side Tatopani border was opened on production also kept a lid on gains on increased gradually. border point after the lockdown was of the border as part of safety meas- April 8 to bring medicines and health Friday. US rig count data is due later “We have accorded priority to imposed in January. ures. Usually, goods need clearance equipment from China. on Friday. Unilever Nepal to rebrand ‘Fair & Lovely’ New brand name to be announced after regulatory approvals.

Over the last decade, Fair & Lovely’s advertising has evolved to communi- cate a message of women empower- ment. In early 2019, the brand’s communication moved away from benefits of fairness, whitening and skin lightening, towards glow, even tone, skin clarity and radiance which are holistic measures of healthy skin. Unilever Nepal also removed any visuals or words on Fair & Lovely’s packaging that could indicate a fairness-led transformation—including the removal of two-faced cameo show- ing shade transformation, as well as the shade guides. The company said it upholds princi- ples that no association should be made between skin tone and a person’s achievement, potential or worth. Sanjiv Mehta, President-South Asia, Unilever said, “We are making our skin care portfolio more inclusive and want to lead the celebration of a more diverse portrayal of beauty. In 2019, we removed the two faced cameo as well as the shade guides from the packaging of Fair & Lovely and the SHUTTERSTOCK brand communication progressed POST REPORT from fairness to glow which is a more KATHMANDU, JUNE 26 holistic and inclusive measure of healthy skin.” Unilever Nepal Limited has “We now announce that we will announced the next step in the remove the word ‘Fair’ from our brand evolution of its skin care portfolio, name Fair & Lovely. The new name with the rebranding of its brand is awaiting regulatory approvals, Fair & Lovely. and the pack with the revised name Taking forward the brand’s journey will be available in the market in the towards a more inclusive vision of next few months.” beauty, the company will stop using Fair & Lovely works to improve the word ‘Fair’ in the brand name skin barrier function, boost the ‘Fair & Lovely’. skin’s microbiome, improve skin The new name of Fair & Lovely will firmness and smoothen skin texture be announced after the necessary reg- to enhance radiance and glow POST PHOTO: KABIN ADHIKARI ulatory approvals, the company said holistically, according to the compa- Labourers transport baskets of stones to the reconstruction site of Swayambhunath in Kathmandu. Historical monuments had been damaged after the devastating in a press statement. ny’s press statement. earthquakes in 2015. US lenders, businesses brace for disclosure on small business pandemic aid

REUTERS “There’s a level of anxiety,” said Launched in April, the programme for transparency around this WASHINGTON, JUNE 26 Suzie Saxman, a partner at Chicago- allows small businesses hurt by the programme but believes SBA, based law firm Seyfarth Shaw. “I’ve pandemic to apply for a forgivable Treasury and Congress should treat Americans will soon get a first full said to everybody: Prepare to be dis- government-backed loan from a bank, the release of this information look at which businesses received $515 closed, prepare to be audited.” the largest-ever of its kind. carefully,” said Richard Hunt, presi- billion of taxpayer funds when the The Treasury and SBA said they In the scramble to distribute funds, dent of the Consumer Bankers government, after initial resistance will release a swath of information, the programme was beset by technolo- Association. by President Donald Trump’s admin- including the names, addresses, gy glitches, documentation snags and On Monday, the National Federation istration, releases borrower data for loan amount ranges and jobs support- revelations that some banks prior- of Independent Business asked one of its highest- profile pandemic ed for businesses that received $150,000 itized their most profitable clients. As Mnuchin to halt the data release. aid efforts. or more. That should account for a result, more affluent companies got Beyond the risk of negative head- The colossal data set for the roughly 75 percent of the dollars funds, while less well-heeled borrow- lines or regulatory scrutiny, business- Paycheck Protection Programme, to granted, but only 15 percent of the 4.7 ers missed out. es worry that securing aid could be released by the Treasury million loans. Those revelations left lingering scare off clients and vendors, or that Department and Small Business The agencies have not said when questions on whether the most companies working from their home Administration in the coming they will release the data. needy benefited. address could be exposed, said days, will provide transparency for a Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin To date, the SBA has released broad Seyfarth Shaw’s Saxman. For others, first-come-first-served programme initially refused to release the data, distribution figures for states, indus- the data will be insufficient. that from the outset was plagued saying it included proprietary busi- tries and the largest lenders. But the Maxine Waters, Democratic chair by technology, paperwork and ness information. But under pressure new data will paint a much more of the House Financial Services fairness issues. from lawmakers, he agreed to shine a detailed demographic picture of Committee, this week said the data That could make life uncomfortable light on large borrowers. which local communities and sub-sec- would provide “minimal disclosure” for borrowers that broke the spirit or “The opportunities for waste, mis- tors received support and whether it since, while covering the majority letter of the rules, and for banks that management, abuse and corruption helped save jobs. by value, it would not include shoveled the money out the door. are enormous, and we just can’t know While that is important data for most of the loans issued. She called The aim of the $660 billion pro- unless we have the information,” said economists and policy wonks, busi- for the full data set, adding: “We must REUTERS gramme was to help cash-strapped Lisa Gilbert, executive vice president nesses and banks are preparing for ensure the administration’s transpar- A person in a mask walks on a nearly empty street in the coronavirus outbreak near the companies keep workers employed at the Washington-based government more backlash. ent and responsible stewardship of Treasury Department in Washington, US. and make rent. watchdog group Public Citizen. “The industry understands the need taxpayer dollars.”

C M Y K SATURDAY, JUNE 27, 2020 | 06 WORLD Coronavirus on rise in the United States, As Covid cases rise, other countries with big populations White House seeks to Surging infections across southern US states highlight the risks of reopening without effective treatment or vaccines. scrap ‘Obamacare’ ASSOCIATED PRESS over 3,000. Transmissions have spiked WASHINGTON, JUNE 26 following Republican Gov. Doug Ducey’s decision to lift stay-home As coronavirus cases rise in more restrictions in May. than half of the states, the Trump The numbers “continue to go in the administration is urging the Supreme wrong direction,” said Ducey, who Court to overturn the Affordable confirmed that the state has post- Care Act. poned further efforts to reopen. The administration’s high court fil- He pushed back against reporters’ ing at 10:30 pm Thursday came the questions about his position on the same day the government reported use of masks and his attendance at that close to half a million people who President Donald Trump’s indoor lost their health insurance amid the campaign event this week at a Phoenix economic shutdown to slow the spread church. Many of the 3,000 people who of Covid-19 have gotten coverage attended did not wear face coverings. through HealthCare.gov. REUTERS Deaths tolls have dropped even as The administration’s legal brief Donald Trump the number of infections have makes no mention of the virus. increased, possibly reflecting better More than 20 million Americans that contributed to their winning back medical treatments and better efforts could lose their health coverage and the House. In the case before the to prevent infections among the most protections for people with preexist- Supreme Court, Texas and other con- vulnerable, like nursing home resi- ing health conditions also would be servative-led states argue that the dents. A rising proportion of cases in put at risk if the court agrees with the ACA was essentially rendered uncon- the US is among younger people, who administration. Nothing will happen stitutional after Congress passed tax are more likely than their elders to immediately. The case won’t be heard legislation in 2017 that eliminated the survive a bout with Covid-19. before the fall. law’s unpopular fines for not having India, which has the world’s sec- House Speaker Nancy Pelosi blasted health insurance, but left in place its ond-largest population, has seen regu- the administration’s latest move in a requirement that virtually all lar record daily increases. The 24-hour partisan battle over “Obamacare” that Americans have coverage. spike of 17,296 new infections report- has stretched on for a full decade since Trump has put the weight of his ed Friday raised the confirmed nation- the law’s passage in 2010. Pelosi is administration behind the legal chal- al caseload past 490,000, including planning a floor vote early next week lenge. If the health insurance require- 15,301 fatalities. on her own bill to expand the ACA, ment is invalidated, “then it necessar- In India and in neighbouring sweetening its health insurance subsi- ily follows that the rest of the ACA Pakistan, government leaders have dies so more people will be covered. must also fall,” Solicitor General Noel AP/RSS resisted new restrictions, citing con- “There is no legal justification and Francisco wrote Thursday. It’s the A three-year-old has his temperature taken by a teacher as he arrives at Cobi kindergarten in Barcelona, Spain, on Friday. cerns they could further hurt their no moral excuse for the Trump admin- third time the court is being asked to struggling economies. Even so, Indian istration’s disastrous efforts to take undo “Obamacare.” Two previous ASSOCIATED PRESS ed a record 6,579 new cases, as trans- must stay inside for just over two Railways delayed the resumption of away Americans’ health care,” she attempts failed. ROME, JUNE 26 missions increase after it loosened weeks, not even emerging for food— regular train services by more than a said in a statement. At the White House on Friday, there what had been one of the world’s authorities will deliver groceries to month, until Aug. 12. Just as the nation seemed to be get- was no turning back. While China moved closer to contain- strictest lockdowns earlier this month. them. The complex must be kept in A comeback of the virus is also ting better control over the virus out- “A global pandemic does not change ing a fresh outbreak in Beijing, the Britain’s health secretary, Matt “rigorous isolation,” Gov Vincenzo De erasing hard-won gains in South break, states including Arizona, what Americans know—Obamacare coronavirus took a stronger hold else- Hancock, warned that the government Luca said. Korea, which reported 39 newly con- California, Florida, Georgia, Nevada has been an unlawful failure,” White where, including the United States, has the power to act to prevent over- In China, where the pandemic orig- firmed cases on Friday, mostly from and Texas are reporting a surge in House spokesman Judd Deere said where surging infections across crowding that could cause new infec- inated in December, authorities have the densely populated capital area cases. Overall, more than half the Friday in a statement. He said it limits southern states have highlighted the tion spikes. mobilised resources for mass testing that had escaped the worst of the states are seeing case increases and choice and “forces Americans to pur- risks of reopening economies without He was responding to scenes of and locked down parts of Beijing this country’s outbreak in February and some are tapping the brakes on reo- chase unaffordable plans.” effective treatment or vaccines. packed beaches and trains heading to month due to an outbreak that has March. There’s criticism that authori- pening plans. Other prominent Republicans, Another record daily increase in coastal resort towns a day earlier and infected 260 people. The 11 new cases ties, concerned about a fragile econo- Anger over problems with including Sen. Lamar Alexander of India on Friday pushed the caseload throngs of jubilant fans celebrating reported in the capital jon Friday con- my, were too quick to ease social dis- “Obamacare” was once a winning Tennessee, have said Congress didn’t in the world’s second most populous Liverpool’s first English soccer league tinued a downward trend that sug- tancing guidelines and reopen schools issue for Republicans, helping them intend to bring down the whole law by nation toward half a million, and title in 30 years. gests transmissions have been largely starting in May. gain control of the House in 2010 and striking the coverage penalty. other countries with big populations Italy, one of the hardest hit brought under control. Australia on Friday reported 37 new the Senate in 2014. But the politics of Alexander, who leads the Health, like Indonesia, Pakistan and Mexico European nations, battled to control The United States, which counts the cases of the coronavirus, including 30 the issue flipped after President Education, Labor and Pensions com- grappled with large numbers of an outbreak among Bulgarian season- most infections in the world, is seeing in Victoria state, where health author- Donald Trump failed to deliver mittee, has repeatedly said there’s no infections and strained health care al crop pickers near Naples. daily jumps in Covid-19 cases nearing ities are scrambling to contain an in 2017 on his vow to “repeal and way Congress would repeal protec- systems. The governor of southern the peak reached in late April. outbreak. Authorities said they tested replace” the health law and provide tions for people with preexisting con- South Africa, which accounts for Campania region insisted that the Arizona’s 3,056 additional infec- 20,000 people in Melbourne suburbs as lower-cost coverage for everybody. ditions. He says senators intended to about half of the infections on the workers who live in an apartment tions reported Thursday was the they went door-to-door in their Democrats were energized by their repeal the penalty for people who go African continent with 118,375, report- complex with dozens of Covid-19 cases fourth day in a week with a increase attempts to stamp out the virus. successful defence of the ACA, and without coverage, and that’s all.

BRIEFING Islamabad condemns India’s expulsion Lightning strikes kill over 100 in two Indian states of diplomats NEW DELHI: Lightning strikes have REUTERS killed more than 100 people in India’s ISLAMABAD, JUNE 26 eastern Bihar state and in the northern state of Uttar Pradesh, their Pakistan has accused old rival India chief ministers’ offices said. Eighty- of trying to distract the attention three people were killed in Bihar, and of its people by expelling Pakistani at least 22 people died in Uttar diplomats after Indian forces got a Pradesh, the most populous state. “battering” at the hands of Chinese Twelve people were also injured in troops in a clash on their disputed lightning strikes in Uttar Pradesh, Himalayan border. the chief minister’s office there said. Pakistan is concerned about the In Bihar, a government spokesman tension after the June 15 clash in the said so far there was no information Ladakh region, in which 20 Indian on the number of injuries. The two soldiers were killed, in particular states announced compensation of about the possibility Pakistan could 400,000 rupees ($5,300) for the next of get dragged in, Foreign Minister Shah kin of each of the dead. Mahmood Qureshi said. “Things have deteriorated, things are very delicate,” Qureshi told Forces swoop on Iran-backed Reuters in an interview at his minis- militiamen in Baghdad try in Islamabad late on Thursday. The BAGHDAD: Iraqi security forces raided nuclear-armed neighbours have dis- a stronghold of a powerful Iran- putes over high-altitude border demar- backed militia in southern Baghdad cation in the Himalayas. For years, late on Thursday and detained more confrontation between India and than a dozen members of the group, Pakistan has been seen as the most government officials and paramili- dangerous of the disputes but the vio- tary sources said. The raid was the lence between Indian and Chinese most brazen action by Iraqi forces forces has renewed alarm about theirs against a major Iran-backed militia too. Qureshi denounced India’s in years and targeted the Kataib AP/RSS announcement on Tuesday that it Hezbollah group, which US officials In this picture made available on Friday an aerial view shows a giant ephemeral landart painting by Swiss French artist Saype entitled “World in Progress” representing two would expel half the staff in Pakistan’s accuse of firing rockets at bases host- children drawing their ideal world, at the European headquarters of the United Nations in Geneva, Switzerland, on Wednesday. embassy in New Delhi over spying. ing US troops and other facilities in Iraq. It signalled that new Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi, whose government is negotiating Iraq’s security, political and economic ties with Washington, intends to fulfil Black fashion culture seeks to move from runway to control tower pledges to rein in militia groups that have attacked US installations. REUTERS US police of unarmed Black men and because that’s where the decisions are NEW YORK, JUNE 26 women, Johnson proposed the Beverly made about what the designer looks Armed attacks in Mexico’s Johnson Rule. It would require fash- like, and the designer is then the per- More than 40 years after Beverly ion and beauty companies to inter- son who is able to determine what the Sinaloa state leave 16 dead Johnson became the first black model view at least two Black professionals runway show looks like and what the CULIACAN: Two armed attacks in the to grace the cover of Vogue, the fash- for openings on executive boards and advertising campaign looks like,” violence-plagued western Mexican ion industry is facing its own reckon- other influential positions. Givhan said. Stylist Law Roach, who state of Sinaloa, home of notorious ing over racism and exclusion. “I believe that the door has been has worked with singers Zendaya, drug lord Joaquin “El Chapo” Anna Wintour, regarded as one of cracked open just a little bit,” said Ariana Grande and Celine Dion, said Guzman, have left 16 people dead, the the most influential figures in fashion, Johnson, who first graced the Vogue he sometimes feels as if he does not head of the state’s public security has apologised for “hurtful and intol- cover in 1974. Washington Post exist in the industry. ministry said on Thursday. Security erant” mistakes by the magazine dur- fashion critic Robin Givhan said “Have I ever been introduced as the forces found the bodies of seven sup- ing her 30-year tenure as Vogue’s edi- she can spot the lack of diversity in assistant and my white female assis- posed cartel hitmen on a dirt road, tor-in-chief. luxury brands by looking at their end tant as me? Absolutely, a thousand strewn next to a bullet-riddled pickup But Black members of the industry products. percent,” said Roach. He said that at truck, apparent victims of a shootout. say real change must come from cor- Egregious missteps in recent years fashion shows in New York, he had “There are seven bodies, most of porate boardrooms that often exploit include Prada’s 2018 keychain of a been asked “to see my ticket or to see whom were wearing tactical clothing Black culture but do too little to sup- monkey with inflated lips and Gucci’s my text message with my seat assign- and vests, apparently only one fire- port its creators. 2019 “black face” high-neck sweater ment lots and lots of times.” arm was found,” said public security “I think fashion is a great example with a mouth cut out and trimmed One of the first steps Roach will minister Cristobal Castaneda. of a platform and business that loves in red. take to bring about change is to do “Clearly this is a fight between gangs Black culture, loves the Black body, “There’s really only two that have better at championing Black brands. or organised criminal groups,” he but doesn’t want to pour back into the men of colour at the helm. Olivier “I’m holding myself accountable as added. A separate attack on a small Black community financially,” said Rousteing at Balmain. And Virgil somebody who has the power to make town left another nine fatalities, Emil Wilbekin, the former editor-in- Abloh who designs the menswear for a difference in someone’s career and seven of them supposedly local chief of Essence magazine. Louis Vuitton,” Givhan noted. life. I’m holding myself accountable to REUTERS residents and the other two bodies As mass protests took place nation- “The place where the changes really make sure that I do it more frequently In this January 16 photo, a model presents a creation by Virgil Abloh as part of his Fall/Winter have not been identified. (AGENCIES) wide this month about the killings by have to happen are in executive suites, for people who look like me,” he said. 2020 collection show for fashion house Louis Vuitton during Men’s Fashion Week in Paris.

C M Y K 07 | SATURDAY, JUNE 27, 2020 SPORTS BRIEFING How smart signings made Liverpool the champions Former PSG, France defender Jallet retires Liverpool’s net spend over the past five years is £109 million, less than the outlay of Bournemouth, Aston Villa and Brighton. PARIS: French defender Christophe Jallet, a two-time Ligue 1 champion with Paris Saint-Germain, announced his retirement on Friday at the age of 36. “All good things must come to an Red’s key strengths to the title run end and it’s time for me to retire,” said Jallet, an unused member of the REUTERS France squad that finished run- LONDON, JUNE 26 STANDINGS ners-up at Euro 2016. Jallet spent five Team P W D L GF GA Pts seasons with PSG after joining from Liverpool were crowned champions of Liverpool 31 28 2 1 70 21 86 Lorient in 2009, helping the club to England for the first time in 30 years the league title in 2013 and 2014. He on Thursday with seven matches Man City 31 20 3 8 77 33 63 also won the French Cup and League remaining, having turned the Premier Leicester 31 16 7 8 59 29 55 Cup. Jallet earned 16 caps for France League title race into a procession. Chelsea 31 16 6 9 55 41 54 and was twice named in the Ligue 1 They have smashed records along Man Utd 31 13 10 8 48 31 49 team of the year. the way and more could follow, includ- Wolves 31 12 13 6 44 34 49 ing most wins, most points and the Tottenham 31 12 9 10 50 41 45 biggest winning margin. It will go Sheffield 31 11 11 9 30 31 44 Qatar hosting pre-World down as a season for the ages, but Arsenal 31 10 13 8 43 41 43 Cup test in 2021 what makes Juergen Klopp’s side such Palace 31 11 9 11 28 36 42 DOHA: Qatar will host a pan-Arab foot- an unstoppable force? Burnley 31 12 6 13 35 45 42 ball tournament in November and December 2021 as a dry-run exactly a A Core Of Steel Everton 31 11 8 12 38 46 41 year before the 2022 World Cup, the Newcastle 31 10 9 12 29 42 39 country’s football association said on All truly great sides are constructed Southampton 31 11 4 16 38 54 37 Thursday. The 22-nation men’s invita- on unshakeable foundations and Brighton 31 7 12 12 34 41 33 tional competition will be vital for Liverpool are no exception. Watford 31 6 10 15 28 46 28 When Manchester City splashed out Qatar to test key infrastructure ahead West Ham 31 7 6 18 35 54 27 35 million pounds ($43.39 million) on of 2022, opportunities for which have Bournemouth 31 7 6 18 29 50 27 been limited by the coronavirus cri- goalkeeper Ederson in 2017 it raised Aston Villa 31 7 6 18 36 59 27 sis. Qatar has yet to confirm which eyebrows but a year later Liverpool countries will participate although AP/RSS paid nearly double that for another Norwich 31 5 6 20 25 56 21 the participation or absence of Liverpool supporters celebrate outside of Anfield Stadium in Liverpool on Thursday after they clinched the English Premier League title. Brazilian shot-stopper, Alisson Becker. Doha’s rivals Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, It was a masterstroke. Alisson kept 21 block” when lesser opponents sat in Egypt and the United Arab Emirates AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE lion ($93 million). Inspired by Salah’s into this season, with only the corona- clean sheets last season as Liverpool deep and let Liverpool pass them- will be closely watched. The four LIVERPOOL, JUNE 26 free-scoring form, the instant impact virus pandemic preventing possibly and Manchester City went head-to- selves into knots. countries abruptly broke off ties with of Van Dijk and growing maturity of the earliest-ever crowning of English head in an epic title race, more than Then something happened. Youth Qatar in 2017 over their claims that Liverpool’s coronation as English full-backs Robertson and academy champions. Yet, in an era of sheikhs any other keeper. He leads the way product Trent Alexander-Arnold Doha was supporting radical Islamist champions for the first time in 30 graduate Trent Alexander-Arnold, and oligarchs, Liverpool’s success is again with 12 this time despite being established himself as first-choice movements and backed Iran, denied years is the culmination of a dramatic Liverpool reached the Champions not in outspending their rivals, but out injured early in the season. right back and left back Andy by Qatar. However in 2019, the coun- journey since Jurgen Klopp’s appoint- League final in 2018. doing so more efficiently. In front of him, Dutch centre back Robertson joined from Hull for a pal- tries agreed to participate in the ment as manager in 2015. Two howlers from Loris Karius According to transfer specialists Virgil van Dijk has been a colossus try 8 million pounds. Operating like same competition in Qatar. Klopp is the charismatic face of against Real Madrid delayed a sixth Transfermarkt, Liverpool’s net spend since joining from Southampton in well-oiled pistons on each flank, they Liverpool’s transformation from top- European Cup win for a year, but what over the past five years is £109 million, 2018. Rarely can a defensive signing are arguably the best fullback pairing four contenders to Champions League happened afterwards showed the less than the outlay of Bournemouth, have made such an incredible impact. in the world, providing pace, penetra- Dortmund confirm signing of winners and now Premier League club’s ruthless desire to get back to Aston Villa and Brighton. Van Dijk’s ability to pick a pass means tion and creativity to open up even the champions. However, the Reds’ suc- winning major trophies. It is a testament to Klopp’s manage- Liverpool can turn defence into attack most limpet-like defensive rearguards. PSG defender Meunier cess on the pitch has been made possi- Karius has never played another rial skill that the departure of in the blink of an eye. And when it Alexander-Arnold is second behind BERLIN: Borussia Dortmund on ble by plenty of shrewd work on sign- game for Liverpool as another world Philippe Coutinho to Barcelona for comes to defensive basics, he does only Manchester City magician Kevin Thursday confirmed the signing of ings and sales behind the scenes. record fee, this time for a goalkeeper, £142 million in January 2018 did not everything with rare grace. de Bruyne in the assist charts this Belgium defender Thomas Meunier Of the 18-man squad named by was splashed on Alisson Becker from derail his side’s progress. The sales of In front of Van Dijk is Liverpool’s season with 12, while Robertson is on a four-year deal with no transfer Klopp in his first match in charge Roma. Fabinho, Naby Keita and Mamadou Sakho, Dominic Solanke, engine block. Jordan Henderson, fourth on the list with eight. fee after his deal with Paris Saint- less than five years ago, only James Xherdan Shaqiri were also recruited Danny Ward, Danny Ings, Christian Georginio Wijnaldum and Fabinho, Germain ran out. “Thomas Meunier Milner, Adam Lallana and Divock in 2018 in a spending spree of more Benteke and Jordon Ibe have with James Milner as a reliable back- The Attacking Trident is a player who has proven his Origi have featured this season, in than £160 million. helped contribute another £120 up, provide the relentless intensity quality at the highest level, including peripheral roles. Win is what they have done relent- million. opposing sides find so suffocating. In Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane and in the Champions League and with The construction of Liverpool’s lessly for two years. A mammoth total Having climbed the mountain, Without them working in unison, Roberto Firmino Liverpool possess an the national team over a long period title-winning squad has been a steady of 97 points was still not enough to Liverpool plan on staying there. A Liverpool’s attacking maestros could attacking trio that is almost impossi- of time,” said Dortmund’s sports process. In Klopp’s first summer win the title last season due to host of key players including Salah, not flourish. ble to contain. As well as searing pace director Michael Zorc. The 28-year-old transfer window, Sadio Mane and Manchester City’s own stunning lev- Mane, Firmino, Robertson, Alexander- and lethal finishing prowess, Salah right back will link up with Belgian Georginio Wijnaldum arrived to help els of consistency. However, the Arnold and Jordan Henderson have Winging It and Mane are a midfielder’s national team-mates Axel Witsel and secure a return to the Champions upgrades for the 2018/19 season were signed contract extensions in the past dream with their intelligent runs. Thorgan Hazard under Swiss head League. The next year they were rewarded in silverware with a two years. The signing of highly rated When the mercurial Philippe Salah and Mane have bagged 32 coach Lucien Favre. The transfer joined by Mohamed Salah, Andy Champions League triumph. On the 17-year-old Harvey Elliott and using a Coutinho left for Barcelona in 2018, league goals between them this season means that Meunier will not Robertson and Alex Oxlade- way to the trophy Liverpool thumped bargain £8 million buyout clause to some feared Liverpool’s creative spark while the Klopp’s modern day number feature for PSG in the Champions Chamberlain. By January 2018, a long Barcelona 4-0 in the second leg of the secure Takumi Minamino from Red would fade. Instead they have flour- nine Firmino is the unsung hero, League quarter-finals when the com- pursuit of Virgil van Dijk resulted in semi-final, even without the injured Bull Salzburg in January are further ished. Klopp’s early Liverpool sides running himself into the ground for petition resumes this August in the Dutchman becoming the world’s Salah and Roberto Firmino. examples of Liverpool’s long-term often came unstuck against the “low the cause. Lisbon. (AGENCIES) most expensive defender for £75 mil- The momentum of Madrid rolled planning. 2023 Women’s World Cup Djokovic will put Bremen, Hamburg fighting for final the mice back in will break new ground hole, says Matic chance of Bundesliga next season AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE BELGRADE, JUNE 26

Manchester United’s Nemanja Matic on Thursday backed his fellow coun- tryman Novak Djokovic, who was widely slammed for hosting a tennis exhibition where he was one of four players to test positive for the coronavirus, and said the world number one was the “cat” who will chase away the “mice”. “Mice came out of the hole and gave REUTERS themselves the right to criticise the The Sydney Opera House lights up in celebration of Australia and New Zealand’s joint bid to world number one, in tennis but also host the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 in Sydney on Thursday. how he relates to all other people in the world,” Matic wrote in an open AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE Four groups will be located in each letter of support to Djokovic pub- SYDNEY, JUNE 26 country with the opening match lished by local media. scheduled for Auckland’s legendary “But I don’t care. Very soon the cat Australia and New Zealand were Eden Park—home to rugby heavy- [Djokovic] will be on the court, and the selected as joint hosts of the 2023 weights the All Blacks. mice in the hole.” women’s World Cup in the early hours Quarters and semis will take place The midfielder stressed that the of Friday morning. across both countries before the final tournament in Belgrade was organ- The 2023 World Cup will be ground- at Sydney’s ANZ Stadium, which host- ised in line with the Serbian law. He breaking in more ways than one way. ed the opening ceremony of the 2000 labelled the event “great” and voiced It will be the first with 32 teams, up Olympics when 110,000 people hope it will become traditional. “The from the 24 nations who competed at crammed in. only thing for which I resent Novak is last year’s finals in France, won by the Match scheduling will likely involve that he apologises to the mice who United States. That means more lunchtime and evening kickoffs to criticise him for no reason. No, Nole. AFP/RSS matches and more revenue to be cater for global audiences. They will apologise to you - soon.” A file photo shows Mainz’s Jean-Philippe Mateta (left) and Bremen’s Christian Gross vying for the ball during their Bundesliga match in Mainz. ploughed back into women’s football. Australia and New Zealand’s bid Djokovic, Grigor Dimitrov, Borna The sports-mad host nations are was the most commercially viable of Coric and Viktor Troicki all tested AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE the club’s top scorer with seven goals Should Hamburg come third in the expecting 1.5 million spectators, the final three in contention, ranking positive after taking part in the second BERLIN, JUNE 26 this season, is doubtful with an ankle second tier and Bremen manage 16th which would be another record, while above Japan—who dropped out this leg of the charity event last weekend injury. Duesseldorf and Bremen are in the Bundesliga, there would be a prize money is set to be most ever week—and Colombia. in Croatia. Players had embraced Werder Bremen have one final chance fighting to avoid joining bottom side heated northern German derby in the offered, reflecting the growth of the This was largely due to predicted across the net, played basketball and to avoid automatic relegation this Paderborn, who are already relegated. two-legged promotion/relegation game. record ticket sales and significant gov- even danced in a nightclub the week Saturday on the last weekend of the No other club—not even Bayern play-off. “I would rather see Hamburg It will be the first women’s World ernment support, with the two nations before in Belgrade. Bundesliga season while fellow fallen Munich, who have already won the play Duesseldorf in the play-offs - I Cup co-hosted by cooperating nations committed to contributing a combined Djokovic on Tuesday issued an apol- giants Hamburg will also make a last title before Saturday’s game at wouldn’t want to face Bremen,” for- and the first to take place in the south- $76 million. ogy for the now-cancelled Adria Tour, bid to earn a chance to win promotion Wolfsburg—has spent longer in the mer Hamburg legend Uwe Seeler told ern hemisphere. FIFA will almost certainly turn a where social distancing was minimal back to Germany’s top-flight. Bundesliga than Bremen. Sport Bild. Bremen have won the After controversy over the award- sizable profit through broadcast and matches were played in front of The best either team can hope for is If they are to survive, the club from ‘Nordderby’ 47 times to their rivals’ 38 ing of the 2022 men’s World Cup to rights, while Australia and New thousands of fans. The Serbian said a spot in the playoff for the final northern Germany must stop history victories with 36 draws. Qatar, the votes of FIFA council mem- Zealand can expect a major boost in he is “so deeply sorry” that the tour- Bundesliga slot next season. Both repeating itself. By coincidence, it was After 10 years at Bayer Leverkusen, bers were made public, with 22 of the tourism revenues as they recover from nament “caused harm”. His wife must overtake the team above them to a 5-0 home defeat to Saturday’s oppo- home-grown in-demand forward Kai 35 going to the joint bid ahead of the coronavirus pandemic. More than Jelena has also tested positive after do it. “We owe it to everyone in the nents Cologne in May 1980 which Havertz, 21, could play his last game Colombia. one billion people are expected to the couple travelled back from Croatia club to fight until the very last sealed their only previous relegation. for the club at home to Mainz on It followed FIFA’s evaluation report watch the event. to Belgrade to be tested. moment, as long as it is still mathe- Until the season before last, Bremen’s Saturday. Real Madrid, Chelsea, ranking Australia and New Zealand Women’s football has seen incredi- matically possible,” said Bremen head arch-rival Hamburg was the long- Manchester United and Bayern higher in stadiums, team and referee ble growth over the past decade but it coach Florian Kohfeldt. To have any est-serving Bundesliga club. If Munich are all reportedly interested facilities, accommodation, commer- still lags far behind the men. FIFA chance of staying up, second-from-bot- Hamburg are to return, they need to in the attacking midfielder. His cial opportunities and competition-re- recently doubled its investment in the tom Bremen must win at home against win on Sunday and hope third-placed Leverkusen contract runs until 2022, lated event sites. women’s game over the next four Cologne and hope Union Berlin beat Heidenheim do not win. with no exit clause, and the rising The two countries already have con- years to US$1 billion and has a goal of Fortuna Duesseldorf in the capital. If Hamburg, relegated in 2018 for the Germany star has said he will decide siderable experience in hosting 60 million women playing globally by Duesseldorf draw, Bremen, who are first time in their history, blew their his future at the “end of the season”. major sporting events, with frantic 2026. A successful 2023 tournament is winless in their last 14 home league chances of automatic promotion last A win could lift Peter Bosz’s last-minute lobbying, led by popular considered crucial to help further games, will need to win by four goals Sunday when they leaked two late Leverkusen to fourth and into the New Zealand Prime Minister build its image and bolster participa- against Cologne to climb to 16th and goals in a 2-1 loss at Heidenheim, who Champions League places, providing Jacinda Ardern, helping get the bid tion. Football Federation Australia give themselves the hope of a two-leg- leapfrogged into third place. Fourth- Moenchengladbach lose at home to over the line. also sees the event as a driver for ged relegation/promotion playoff placed Hamburg must beat mid-table Hertha Berlin. Havertz’s decision The tournament will be played in 12 social change, creating role models for against the side who finish third in Sandhausen and hope Heidenheim could be influenced by whether or not cities along Australia’s famed coast- young girls and helping promote equal AFP/RSS the second division. fail to win at Bielefeld, who are already Leverkusen play Champions League line and across rugged New Zealand. pay and gender equality. Novak Djokovic In a blow to Bremen, Milot Rashica, promoted as champions. football next season.

C M Y K SATURDAY, JUNE 27, 2020 | 08 CULTURE & ARTS (C.R.P.D.) - 3/052/053 Netflix’s Bulbbul has little creative brilliance, and is saved only by its actors’ performances The latest Netflix film is a retelling of a ghost story from a feminist point of view, showcasing great work by a lesser-known cast who overpower the not-so-strong screenplay.

ANKIT KHADGI supposed to wear, because it is believed that it KATHMANDU keeps women in check by pressing a nerve in the toe, to the inverted legs of the chudail, or ince the untimely death of actor the horrifying scene where an act of gender Sushant Singh Rajput, the discussion violence is conducted, Dutt uses the analogies around nepotism has resurfaced in of legs to reflect patriarchy. the circles of Hindi film enthusiasts. There’s also the deft use of colours, like Everyone is now talking about how blood red and shocking pink, which appear on fickle Bollywood is as an industry, the screen when the chudails haunt men, that Swhere every Friday a new star is born—but it’s need a mention. Making the use of a red pal- easier to be that star if you come with connec- ette in most of the scenes is a good creative tions. Nepotism has clouded over the industry. choice, as it adds a mystery element as well as Amid such discussion around nepotism, serves a storytelling purpose. The colours are Netflix’s latest original Hindi film ‘Bulbbul’, used by women to adorn themselves, either written/directed by debutant Anvita Dutta, through sindoor or saris, and they historically was released on June 24. And the film fits symbolise women’s dedication for their hus- around this discourse perfectly because bands. However, because patriarchy has suffo- it features actors from non-filmy backgrounds, cated women, they often feel trapped in this with a producer, Anushka Sharma, an actor redness. And thus the same red also stands for who’s also from a non-filmy background back- strength, valour and a fire in them as well, ing it. something that patriarchy has always tried to Set in the 19th century, during the British blow out. Raj, ‘Bulbbul’ is a genre-defying movie that Siddhant Diwan’s talent to capture the plays in a non-linear structure, telling the frames exquisitely, the beguiling soundtrack story of Bulbbul (played by Tripti Dimri), a by the brilliant Amit Trivedi, and the believa- child-bride, who later turns into the matriarch ble sets reflecting the settings of the period by of a haveli. Meena Aggrawal is spellbinding and sets an Bulbbul is married to Indranil (played by example of what can happen when talents like Rahul Bose), a Bengali aristocrat who’s her these decide to collaborate. father’s age. In her husband’s big haveli, But the screenplay is the biggest let down in Bulbbul lives with Indranil, his twin brother the movie. Dutta’s ambition in redefining the Mahendra, his sister-in-law Bindoini (played horror and suspense genre leads her to murk by Paoli Dam), and his younger brother Satya PHOTO: SCREENGRAB VIA NETFLIX INDIA/INSTAGRAM the fundamentals of writing a suspense story: (played by Avinash Tiwary). Dimri as Bulbbul, who has to do most of the Indranil, he brings authenticity to his charac- based on local folklore of chudails who are keeping the suspense intact. As they are similar in age and share the heavy lifting in the movie, lives in the skin of ter, a patriarch, living with insecurity of hav- believed to be man-eaters deserves a mention Regardless of the predictability, the acting same love for stories, Satya and Bulbbul start the character. In the beginning of the movie, ing a younger wife. as well. Because this is where, as a writer, Dutt talent of the cast, especially Dimri, holds the becoming close. Sensing their burgeoning where the conflict hasn’t arrived, she perfectly Paoli Dam, as a jealous sister-in-law, is equal- succeeds. The re-telling of a folklore from a whole film together, making us invested in the friendship, Indranil sends Satya to London, brings out the naivety and innocence required ly convincing. She brings complexities to her feminist point of view is an eye-opener for journey of Bulbbul. ending the relationship. The story then takes a for her character’s age. Her body language, character, leading people to empathise with many people, as it makes people rethink about And this is why you should watch Bulbbul. five years leap, where things are quite differ- demure, and even the way she speaks, reflects her, as she has also been a victim of patriarchy, the stories featuring female ghosts like that of It’s not a perfect film but it has actors who are ent. Satya comes back to see a very different the experiences of many girls, who are in the as well as her cunning and manipulative chudails with a completely new lens. According talented and deserve appreciation for their Bulbbul. She’s no longer a naive, playful girl, age of puberty, where life experiences haven’t behaviour can equally make people loathe her. to folktales, chudails are considered to be the skill. In an age where nepokids still rule but the head of the haveli, the thakurain on moulded their personality. Although Tiwary, who was phenomenal in spirits of those girls/women who were killed Bollywood, these are the underrated actors whom the villagers depend to seek justice and Likewise, when she becomes the thakurain, 2018’s Laila Majnu, has the easiest role among after men raped them, but they’ve never been who prove that when it comes to acting, talent to solve their problems. the matriarch of the haveli, her portrayal of a the cast, and his conviction to sincerely play emphasised. The film makes us question our- precedes over lineage. Outside the haveli, in the village, men are strong, no-nonsense lady who owns her his role is visible. selves as to why we never questioned the patri- getting killed at night. Villagers believe the sexuality is portrayed by Dimri in such a con- The actors’ work is what pulls the film archal structures that lead to the rape and killings are being committed by a chudail vincing manner, that one becomes in awe of through. The plot which Dutt builds up is too death of women/girls? And why is that even in (witch) who has inverted legs. Satya, a British the acting range she posses even if she’s just predictable. The suspense isn’t really sus- folklore, for a woman to receive catharsis and BULBBUL educated man, on the other hand disregards one film old. penseful: quite early on in the film, the audi- justice she has to be a ghost? the existence of the supernatural creature and Meanwhile, Bose’s portrayal of Mahendra, ence can easily guess who’s behind the grue- Women’s feet is also a significant motif in Starring: Tripti Damri, Paoli Dam, starts his own investigation. And this is basi- the younger twin is nothing special, as the some killings in the village. Likewise, since the the story. From the very beginning of the Rahul Bose, Avinash cally the whole premise of the movie, nothing writing doesn’t allow him to do much: his char- movie is just one hour and thirty minutes long, movie, Dutt clearly shows how society wants to Tiwary extraordinary. Yet, the film manages to hold acter is written with the same stereotypical the characters do not get enough space to show control women’s feet, which serves as a meta- Producer: Farah Khan the attention of the audience, and the credit troupe of representing people living with men- their multi-facet personalities. phor for women’s freedom. From a toe ring, Director: Anvita Dutt has to be given to the performances of the cast. tal illness. However, as the elder brother, Dutt’s attempt in creating a suspense thriller bichhua in Hindi, which married women are

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