WITHOUT F EAR OR FAVOUR

Nepal’s largest selling English daily Vol XXIX No. 107 | 8 pages | Rs.5 O O Printed simultaneously in Kathmandu, Biratnagar, Bharatpur and Nepalgunj 37.7 C 11.7 C Saturday, June 05, 2021 | 22-02-2078 Bhairahawa Jumla For Oli, power—not governance—is priority, as country fights virus wave Thakur-Mahato faction joins government, inviting questions for themselves of being complicit with someone who they once opposed for his loathing for the Madhes.

TIKA R PRADHAN Nepal and Rastriya Janata Party KATHMANDU, JUNE 4 Nepal had formed the government in Province 2. Days of hectic negotiations on Friday The Sanghiya Samajbadi Forum culminated in the entry of a section of was later renamed Samajbadi Party the Janata Samajbadi Party into the Nepal after its merger with Baburam KP Sharma Oli government, with as Bhattarai’s Naya Shakti party. many as 10 members from the Sanghiya Samajbadi Party, led by Mahantha Thakur-Rajendra Mahato Upendra Yadav and Bhattarai, had faction getting appointed ministers. merged with Rastriya Janata Party, Eight members were sworn in as led by Thakur, in April last year. ministers, with Mahato also getting The Thakur faction’s decision to the deputy prime minister post, and join the government follows Oli’s two were appointed state ministers. assurances to address its long-stand- Even though Oli was elected in ing demands, including constitutional February 2018 to govern for the full amendments, release of Resham term—what was seen as a semblance Chaudhary and making public the Lal of stability in the country, he has Commission report. thrown the country into uncertainty. The faction claims that the Oli gov- Observers say Oli has been ernment has already addressed some POST PHOTO: MANOJ POUDEL using all the tricks in the book to of its demands. Nuns and monks attend prayers at Royal Thai Vihar in Lumbini on Friday. cling on to power and the latest Friday’s reshuffle comes at a time move of inducting ministers when Oli’s May 21 House dissolution from the Thakur-Mahato faction move is being tested by the Constitu- is just a continuation. tional Bench of the Supreme Court. Friday’s Cabinet reshuffle is Even though his earlier December likely to have direct implications 20 decision to dissolve the House was INSIDE World is giving medical in Province 2, as the Janata overturned by the Supreme Court on Samajbadi Party that governs February 23, calling it unconstitution- the province is now vertically al, Oli repeated the act, which has Cases of Dalit discrimination goods to Nepal. Concern is divided. been criticised again for being uncon- After the 2017 elections, the stitutional. got worse during pandemic, Sanghiya Samajbadi Forum >> Continued on page 2 rights advocates say if they are fairly distributed KATHMANDU: As many as 80 cases of caste-based discrimination were reported in 2020, an increase by 50 Foreign missions say they keep track of what they provide, but percent compared to the previous year. Similarly, there was a sharp rise some observers do not rule out misuse of such assistance. in the cases of assault and murder of the people from Dalit community with 27 assault and 18 murder cases reported last year, which is over 200 percent more compared to 2019. Nepal was declared a nation free of caste- based discrimination and untoucha- bility 15 years ago, but the Dalit com- munity continues to suffer from dis- crimination and hate crime. Reports by various organisations advocating for Dalit rights show that the people from the community have become more vulnerable to discrimination during the pandemic. (Details on Pg 3)

Indian panel warns partial vaccination ineffective against Covid-19 variant NEW DELHI: The coronavirus variant first identified in India is highly infectious and can be caught by peo- ple who have already had the disease POST FILE PHOTO or been only partially vaccinated, a China is the largest provider of pandemic aid to Nepal as it battles its second virus wave. panel of Indian scientists said in a report on Friday. Dubbed the “delta ANIL GIRI a senior Health Ministry official who variant” by World Health Organi- KATHMANDU, JUNE 4 looks after logistical and management zation, it is estimated to be 50 percent issues, told the Post. “We also send more transmissible than the variant When Nepal witnessed the peak of a them to the provinces as per our plan first found in Britain, researchers at devastating second wave of the pan- which is based on demand from them.” Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genetics demic last month with people dying Once medical assistance lands at Consortium and the National Centre from a lack of oxygen and almost Kathmandu airport, it is received by for Disease Control said. They every second test returning positive, either the health minister or senior warned that “prior infections ... and the world’s eyes turned to the country. Foreign or Health Ministry officials. partial vaccination are insufficient Much medical aid poured in. After the materials go through the impediments to its spread, as seen in From oxygen cylinders from China customs, they go to a warehouse near Delhi, and strong public health to antigen test kits from Switzerland, Tribhuvan International Airport response will be needed globally for from oxygen concentrators from Spain where the aid is logged into the elec- its containment”. The variant has to ventilators from the United States tronic logistic management informa- spread to over 50 countries, including and United Kingdom, Nepal received tion system (eLMIS) of the Ministry the Britain, where Prime Minister much in coronavirus relief. More than of Health and Population, helped set Boris Johnson has warned that its two dozen countries have extended up by the US Agency for International rapid spread could affect the reopen- support to Nepal during the last one Development, and stored at the ing of the economy. India’s cases have month alone to fight the pandemic. humanitarian aid staging area at steadily declined in large cities over But there were also reports of poli- Sinamangal. the past few weeks. (Details on Pg 4) ticians taking oxygen cylinders to The electronic logistics manage- their constituencies, bypassing the ment system provides real-time infor- government mechanism. mation on medical supplies and com- Nepal all set to sign fertiliser This has raised questions on wheth- modities across Nepal’s supply chain er the foreign aid is reaching places it which starts in Kathmandu and supply deal with India is needed the most and put the spot- includes the National Public Health KATHMANDU: Nepal is all set to sign a light on not only the government’s Laboratory, nine central medical long-term chemical fertiliser supply process of distributing aid across the stores, 39 designated Covid-19 treat- deal with India following the country but also donors’ scrutiny on ment hospitals, seven provincial ware- Cabinet’s approval in principle this the utilisation of their support. houses and public health laboratories, week in a move to avoid recurring “Accountability should be estab- 77 district health offices and 753 local shortages during the peak growing lished as we have heard that some government stores. season. Yogendra Kumar Karki, sec- politicians have misused these medi- Every week the Management and retary at the Ministry of Agriculture cal goods provided by foreign donors,” Supply Division of the Health Ministry and Livestock Development, told the Amod Pyakuryal, a medical sociolo- prepares a distribution plan as per the Post that a five-year govern- gist, told the Post. “The medical sup- demands placed by various hospitals ment-to-government agreement port should not be seen as the optics and provincial governments as well as would be sealed this month to ensure and their arbitrary distribution part of its own arrangement. uninterrupted supply of the vital should be discouraged.” “There is no chance of misuse of plant nutrients. As per the draft According to serving and former such foreign assistance because we accord, Nepal can buy up to 200,000 government officials that the Post have to later report each and every tonnes of chemical fertilisers, most talked to, there is a system in place to foreign mission about their aid,” said of it urea, from the southern neigh- disburse the aid and to audit the dis- Dhungana. “We do not keep records of bour annually without following glob- tribution system. the distribution of small stuff like al tender. A joint secretary-level team “We prepare a distribution plan masks or gloves but all items donated of the two countries will determine every week and as per the plan we by foreign missions are under our the rate before any purchase agree- distribute the medical equipment to auditing purview.” ment in a respective year. (Details on Pg 5) needy hospitals,” Upendra Dhungana, >> Continued on page 2

C M Y K SATURDAY, JUNE 05, 2021 | 02 NATIONAL Health workers at Bheri Hospital call probe committee’s report unfair Medical fraternity in Banke says the committee failed to provide a fair investigation into all aspects of the incident since it has not addressed the issue of violence against women.

THAKUR SINGH THARU, RUPA GAHATRAJ & ence to violence against women. of doctors and nurses present there, MADHU SHAHI “The report does not have a single claiming that the patient died due to NEPALGUNJ, JUNE 4 point referring to the violence we had the negligence of the medical team at to face on that day,” said Gurung. the Covid-19 ward. The brothers of the The probe committee—which was According to Shila Sharma, nursing deceased man, Man Bahadur Rawat formed to investigate last week’s in-charge at Bheri Hospital, women and Bharat Rawat, and son Lokraj attack on health workers at Bheri health workers have been feeling anx- Rawat, among other relatives, attacked Hospital—made public its report on ious and unsafe at work since the the health workers. Wednesday, stating that the incident incident. Some of the health workers fled the took place as the family of the “The result of the investigation site by jumping off a window from the deceased acted ‘in a fit of rage’ after puts the blame on health workers and hospital’s first floor. the health workers ‘failed to give clear forgets to register the assaults on “The incident seems to have taken answers about the patient’s health to our health workers that day,” said place as the health workers could not his relatives’. Sharma, who is also the nurse coordi- provide information about the The committee also suggested that nator at the Covid-19 ward of the hos- patient’s health issues,” said Assistant the medical personnel should work on pital. “We had submitted an applica- Chief District Office Bista. improving relations with the relatives tion to the National Women The protesting health workers have of patients seeking treatment. Commission. But the incident has called the report unfair and have Following the findings of the com- been completely politicised. I don’t decided to continue their protests mittee, the medical fraternity in feel safe here either.” until their demands are met. POST PHOTO: DEEPAK KC Banke has said the committee failed to The committee said in its report Dr Binod Karna, the chairman of Two women carry construction aggregates at Swayambhu, Kathmandu on Friday. provide a fair investigation into all that the relatives of the deceased Nepal Medical Council in Banke, said, aspects of the incident since it has not attacked the health workers impul- “Our demands still stand. We want the addressed the issue of violence sively owing to misunderstandings. assailants to face five years in prison. against women. The shortage of human resources at We will continue our protests till our Sadiksha Gaire, one of the nurses at the hospital during the pandemic and demands are addressed.” the hospital attacked by the relatives unfolding events after the patient’s The health workers have been stag- World is giving medical goods to of a Covid-19 patient on May 29, feels demise were the causative factors, ing demonstrations from 5pm to 6pm the report does not do justice to the says the report. every day. medical staff, mostly women, who According to Assistant Chief Basanta Gautam, the focal person were assaulted. District Officer of Banke Shankar of Advocate Forum, a rights organisa- Nepal. Concern is if they are fairly ... “The report does not mention any- Bista, also the coordinator of the tion in Banke, agrees with the medical thing in regard to the assault on the probe committee formed by the staff of Bheri Hospital and says female medical staff,” said Gaire. District Administration Office, the that the case of violence against >> CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 upon arrival into the country until equipment and supplies provided by Gaire, who had to face six to seven committee prepared its report after women has been brushed aside in this But former Health Ministry officials they reach their end user. the EU member states through the angry relatives of the deceased, was visiting the incident site and inquir- incident. say such aid does get misused. “We are also supporting Nepal’s government system. grabbed by her neck by one of the men ing with the doctors and health work- “The case of violence against “There is no exact data on how Ministry of Health and Population “All these can be tracked in eLMIS,” of the family. ers who were attacked, the accused women has been sidelined here. It much of such donation or support through additional human resources it said. “I don’t feel safe anywhere any- party, eyewitnesses and attendants of goes to show that there is no safe goes unused or misused but around as they take the following steps to But foreign donors are also aware more. From the moment I step outside other patients receiving treatment at working environment for women in five to seven percent of medical sup- track the commodities and make sure of misuse. my house to go to the hospital until the Covid-19 ward on the day of the this country,” Gautam said. port either the government has pro- that they end up where they are most “At the ground level, we are plan- the time I reach home, I fear someone incident. The District Police Office in Banke cured or received in grant is mis- needed,” the US Embassy said. ning to request our project partners to will attack me,” Gaire told the Post. The 53-year-old man from Dang had had arrested three accused soon after used,” former health secretary Kedar The United States says it has three monitor the use of the equipment and “We may recover from the physical been admitted to Bheri Hospital on the incident. The accused are in police Bahadur Adhikari said. steps to keep track of its aid. supplies,” said the European Union assault but the verbal abuse will stay May 18. The patient was put on venti- custody. According to him, in his experience, The first is counting the incoming Delegation to Nepal in the email. with us for a long time.” lator support after his health condi- “The report submitted by the probe a donor country or agency hardly shipments of commodities to make A senior official of a western Ashwini Gurung, one of the nurses tion deteriorated on May 27 but he committee has recommended that the seeks reports on deployment of its aid sure the quantities and items match embassy told the Post, on condition of who was attacked, says she too feels died the same night. deceased’s brothers and son be or assistance and the status of its uti- what was expected; the second is feed- anonymity, that it is very difficult to threatened and scared after the inci- Relatives of the deceased barged charged for attempted murder and lisation. ing the information on the incoming get updates on its aid from the govern- dent. She questions the report released into the ward, vandalised the inten- public offence,” said Chief District “If they get third party information items and quantities into logistics ment side. by the probe committee on its indiffer- sive care unit and assaulted the team Officer Shivaram Gelal. that their support or aid is being mis- management software (eLMIS); and “So we have adopted the mul- used or has not come into use or left in the third is making and following a ti-pronged strategy,” the official said, limbo, then they pick up such issues distribution plan for moving the com- referring to its disbursement of aid during the meeting,” Adhikari told modities rapidly and efficiently to through the government as well as its the Post. where they are needed the most. development partners. The Post contacted a number of An official of another diplomatic Kathmandu-based diplomatic mis- mission, however, said that they do sions of donor countries to ask them A senior official of a not have the authority to monitor the how they are monitoring their pan- government of Nepal so they follow demic aid to Nepal. Some responded, western embassy up after delivering the support. others didn’t and some talked on con- But the agency does express con- dition of anonymity. says it is difficult to cern if it gets reports of misuse. Some countries like Australia “Once we hand over the medical extend support directly to the local get updates on its aid support to the government, that comes and international non-governmental under the purview of Nepal govern- organisations they have partnerships from government. ment but if we read news or get infor- with. mation that our support has gone use- On May 21, the Australian Embassy less or misused, we do raise the con- in Kathmandu announced an addi- The plan uses information on stock cern with the relevant government tional 7 million Australian dollars levels and requirements in different agencies,” he told the post on condi- (NPR 635 million) in funding to areas to decide where, when, and in tion of anonymity. Nepal to support the response to what quantities to ship commodities, Dhungana of the Health Ministry, Covid-19. the embassy said. however, said that the government “This funding will be delivered to During the second wave of the will let the donors know how and our trusted and established partners Covid-19 pandemic, China has donat- where their aid was utilised. working on-the-ground across Nepal, ed the largest amount of medical sup- “Once this Covid-19 pandemic situa- in coordination with the work being port from its mainland and provincial tion gets normalised, we will then undertaken by other donors including governments. send reports on where their medical the US, UK, Japan and UN agencies,” But the Chinese Embassy in assistance has gone,” he said. “There the Australian Embassy said in a Kathmandu, despite repeated calls is no chance of misuse of such foreign statement issued earlier. and messages from the Post, said that assistance because we have to later According to Dhungana, when for- it had “no comment” over whether the report to each and every foreign mis- eign donors have their preferences, Chinese medical support to Nepal is sion about their aid.” the Nepal government channels the properly used or not and on whether it But Adhikari, the former health aid as per those preferences when it is following up with the government secretary, is sceptical about goes through the Health Ministry. of Nepal or not. Dhungana’s claims. In an email response, the US On the other hand, in an email “There is no culture of informing Embassy in Kathmandu said that response to the Post, the European donors about their support or of POST PHOTO: THAKUR SINGH THARU USAID keeps track of the commodi- Delegation to Nepal said that the EU is donors asking us about the status of Health workers at Bheri Hospital have been staging demonstrations every day, demanding that the assailants face five years in prison. ties from the time they are unloaded keeping track of the status of medical implementation,” said Adhikari. For Oli, power—not governance—is priority, as country fights virus wave

>> CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 ter for women, children and senior “Now this sudden Cabinet reshuffle to lean towards Oli immediately from about Thakur also. Thakur led opposite side of Thakur, on Friday Oli’s status is currently reduced to a citizens. is a serious political and governance the second week of March. a party to denounce the constitution questioned Thakur’s decision to join caretaker prime minister and instead Oli has given continuity to Finance issue,” said Rameshore Khanal, a for- In a dramatic incident, 15 members when it was promulgated in 2015. the government. of focusing on fighting the pandemic, Minister Bishnu Poudel, Education mer finance secretary. “The politi- of the Thakur-Mahato faction stayed The Madhes-based parties ever since “The moot question—how have he is engaged in reshuffling the Minister Krishna Gopal Shrestha, cians Oli has inducted into his Cabinet neutral when the House voted on Oli’s have observed September 20, the those who celebrated the constitution Cabinet to fulfil his vested interests, Law Minister Lilanath Shrestha and have been tried and tested and confidence motion on May 10. The day the charter was adopted, as and who denounced it have come say observers. Physical Planning and Transport they are incompetent. They cannot Yadav-Bhattarai faction, however, “black day”. together? How those who cheat hill “A Cabinet reshuffle in general is Minister Basanta Nembang. deliver. It is apparent that Oli’s move voted against. The constitution promulgation had voters by championing ultra-national- not a big deal, but there has to be the Those who have been relieved of is aimed at retaining power. He is After Oli lost the confidence of the led to months-long Indian blockade, ism and those who cheat Madhesi rationale behind it,” said Bhojraj offices are Ishwar Pokhrel (deputy eying elections.” House, Thakur issued a statement say- which gave Oli the nationalist plank to voters by talking about regionalism Pokharel, a former bureaucrat and prime minister), Pradeep Gyawali The Thakur-Mahato faction’s deci- ing that his party would not become return to power. have come to the same place,” former chief election commissioner (foreign minister), Hridayesh Tripathi sion to join the Oli government, how- part of any process to form a new Surendra Labh, a political analyst, Bhattarai wrote on Twitter. “Where who lobbies for good governance. (health), Bhanubhakta Dhakal (tour- ever, has intrigued some observers, government, indicating that it would said only time will tell how Thakur is exactly is the root of this bonding “The reshuffle today is clearly aimed ism), Parbat Gurung (communication including those who have followed not support the Nepali Congress in its going to convince his constituency of between the supporters and opposers at influencing the elections, if they and information technology) Padma Madhes politics closely. bid to claim the government. his decision to side with Oli. of the blockade? Have both not happen.” Aryal (agriculture), Shiva Maya There was a time when Mahato, a Thakur’s decision not to support “With conjectures from India, been exposed?” Mahato has joined the Oli Cabinet Tumbahangphe (land management), firebrand politician from Dhanusha, the Congress led to the reappointment including by some diplomats and Observers say how Thakur will deal as deputy prime minister and minis- Ganesh Singh Thagunna (federal would not be tired of chiding Oli. Oli of Oli as prime minister on May 13. experts, that Thakur decided to back with his constituency can be left for ter for urban development. Sharat affairs), Prem Ale (forest), and Julie himself holds a reputation as an “I do not know or see any reason Oli at the behest of New Delhi, his time to answer. The issue at hand is Singh Bhandari has been given Kumari Mahato (women, children and anti-Madhesi politician. why people like Thakur who fought credentials are sure to come under the how Oli has manipulated things and the Ministry of Energy, Water senior citizens minister). Thakur, a long-time Nepali Congress for democracy for five decades sup- scanner,” Labh, a member of Policy effected an unnecessary reshuffle, not Resources and Irrigation, Anil Jha Three state ministers—Navaraj member before he decided to form his ported individuals like Oli, who is an Research Institute, a government paying attention to governance at a Water Supply, Laxman Lal Karna Rawat, Rambir Manandhar and own party, is known as a principled anti-constitutional and anti-democrat- think tank, told the Post last week. time when the country is ravaged by Land Management, Cooperatives and Bimala BK—have also been removed. politician. ic person,” said Lal. Thakur, however, has maintained the coronavirus, according to them. Poverty Alleviation, Bimal Srivastav This is not the first time Oli CK Lal, political analyst and col- “Personally, socially, nationally and that his faction decided to support the “Oli’s only aim is to consolidate Labour, Employment and Social has quickly reshuffled his Cabinet umnist for the Post, said he was internationally, Thakur’s move to sup- government because Oli assured that power. He just wants to assert that Security, Uma Shankar Argariya whenever he felt his position was amazed that “such a principled person port Oli does not have any advantage he would fulfil their demands. An politics is still under his control Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, untenable. decided to support Oli”. for him or the Madhes. If we have a ordinance on the Citizenship Act is despite losing the moral ground to Chanda Chaudhary Women, Children Observers say Oli should have tech- “I find it inexplicable that Thakur democracy, we can fight for our seen as Oli’s move of trying to appease govern,” said Lal, the political ana- and Senior Citizens and Ekwal Miya nically resigned when his first House decided to support Oli whose creden- agendas forever, but when democracy the Thakur-Mahato faction. But there lyst, on Friday evening. “The constitu- has been given the Ministry of Youth dissolution was overturned by the tials are anti-democratic and dies, there is no space to fight for the are still concerns about its implemen- tion was rushed at his behest because and Sports. Supreme Court. It was unethical on anti-Madhes,” Lal told the Post last agendas.” tation and whether the ordinance he wanted to become prime minister Chandra Kanta Chaudhary has part of Oli to continue as prime minis- week when talks were ongoing While there is no dearth of ques- indeed would help address the con- at the earliest. Now he is doing been appointed state minister ter even after losing the vote of confi- between Thakur and Oli on joining tions against Oli for lacking cerns raised by the Thakur-Mahato everything to save his position.” for energy, water resources and irriga- dence in the House on May 10, accord- the government. moral grounds and principles to gov- faction. tion and Renuka Gurung state minis- ing to them. The Thakur-Mahato faction started ern, questions now are being asked Bhattarai, who is currently on the (Anil Giri contributed reporting.)

C M Y K 03 | SATURDAY, JUNE 05, 2021 NATIONAL

BRIEFING

Oxygen plant installed in Bajhang BAJHANG: The District Hospital in Bajhang installed an oxygen plant in the hospital premises on Friday. According to the provincial govern- ment, a total of Rs 8 million has been invested for the construction of the oxygen plant. Dr Milan Khadka of Bajhang District Hospital said, “The hospital will start regular production of oxygen from Sunday.”

Covid-19 hospital set up in Golbazar SIRAHA: A temporary Covid-19 hospi- tal has come into operation at Golbazar in Siraha district from Tuesday. According to Golbazar Municipality Mayor Devnath Sah, the hospital with 25 beds and an oxygen facility was established at the cost of Rs13.5 million. Lalit Bahadur Thapa, a local social worker, donated one bigha of land worth around Rs 40 mil- lion to set up the hospital.

Parsa reports drop in oxygen demand PARSA: The demand for medical oxy- gen has decreased in Parsa district over the last two weeks. According to Bhimkant Paudel, assistant chief dis- trict officer, Parsa is sending oxygen cylinders to other districts these days. Around 1,400 oxygen cylinders are filled in Parsa on a daily basis but the current demand in the district is just around 700, Paudel said. Currently, there are 187 active Covid- 19 cases in the district, according to POST PHOTO: KESHAV THAPA the data of the District Health Office. Two boys play badminton in Kathmandu during the Covid-19 lockdown on Friday. Discrimination cases Black carbon speeding up melting of glaciers, posing got worse during water scarcity threat to millions, report finds Himalayan glaciers provide water to hundreds of millions of people, but they’re melting faster because of climate change pandemic, Dalit and threatening level of pollution, which is likely to get only worse if actions are not taken in time. CHANDAN KUMAR MANDAL sequences to the region and hundreds ciers accelerated by climate change, emissions stop, giving hope for limit- KATHMANDU, JUNE 4 of millions of people dependent upon the study had concluded. ing its impacts on mountains. Lower these mountain ranges for their needs, According to the World Resources emissions of black carbon can also rights advocates say Black carbon deposits coming from the study has warned. Institute, from 1.5 billion to 1.7 billion improve human health around industries, vehicles, and cooking prac- Glaciers have been crucial to the people or 70–81 percent of the popula- the world. tices aggravate climate change’s balance of the ecosystem and ensur- tion in South Asia are projected to be But, the business-as-usual practices Incidents of discrimination haven’t decreased due to lax adverse impacts to accelerate the ing ecosystem services to the people exposed to water scarcity by 2050. would not make any difference but melting of glaciers in the Himalayas, living downstream. Another World Bank report in 2018 rather speed up glacier melt, with implementation of law, according to national rights body. the Hindu Kush, and the Karakorum “Glaciers help to moderate flows in estimated that rising temperatures harmful implications for the health (HKHK) ranges, a new World Bank the region’s major rivers by providing and changing patterns of monsoon and well-being of people in the region, BINOD GHIMIRE protection against any form of dis- report has concluded. a source of meltwater in hot, dry rainfall due to climate change could the study cautioned. KATHMANDU, JUNE 4 crimination. Caste Based As the countries around the globe years and storing water during colder, lower the living standards of half the “Regional cooperation to protect Discrimination and Untouchability mark ‘World Environment Day’ on wetter years,” read the report. regional population by 2050. these resources will pay important As many as 80 cases of caste-based (Offence) Act-2011 and the Criminal Saturday, the findings come as anoth- “Himalaya, Karakoram, and Hindu Besides the scarcity of water, the dividends for the health and well-be- discrimination were reported in 2020, Code, which came into effect in 2018, er warning for Nepal and other coun- Kush mountain ranges of South Asia, latest study warns that the melting of ing of the people in the region,” said an increase by 50 percent compared to have mad discrimination a punishable tries of the HKHK mountain ranges, which contain almost 55,000 glaciers, glaciers threatens both local gla- Schafer. the previous year. offence. where impacts of climate change are store more freshwater than anywhere cier-related tourism and infrastruc- The major finding of the Glaciers Similarly, there was a sharp rise in However, the survey of Samata becoming more visible in recent years. but the North and South Poles.” ture that facilitates tourism as well as of the Himalayas report is that fully the cases of assault and murder of the Foundation shows that out of 78 cases The HKHK region spans 2,400 kilo- According to the study, melting gla- other physical infrastructure. implementing current black carbon people from Dalit community with 27 of caste-based discrimination report- metres across six nations— ciers and loss of seasonal snow pose The rapid shrinking and retreating emissions policies in South Asia can assault and 18 murder cases reported ed in the fiscal year 2019/20, only 40 Afghanistan, Bhutan, China, India, significant risks not just to the people of glaciers influence the formation reduce its deposition in the region by last year, which is over 200 percent cases were reported to the authority. Nepal, and Pakistan. who live in the mountains but also to and expansion of glacial lakes, multi- almost one quarter. more compared to 2019. Moreover, perpetrators were convict- The report, ‘Glaciers of the the stability of water resources in the plying the risk of glacial lake outburst Existing policies to limit black car- Nepal was declared a nation free of ed in just 10 percent of the reported Himalayas: Climate Change, Black South Asia region more broadly. floods (GLOFs). bon emissions—through enhancing caste-based discrimination and cases. Carbon and Regional Resilience’, It is estimated that more than 750 The region where dangerous glacial fuel-efficiency standards, phasing out untouchability 15 years ago, but the “Complaints from the Dalit commu- states that along with rising tempera- million people depend on the glacier lakes have been identified and are diesel vehicles and promoting electric Dalit community continues to suffer nity are hardly heard,” Pariyar said. tures and changing rainfall patterns, and snow-fed Indus, Ganges, and ticking like a time bomb can cause cars—although laudable, are not from discrimination and hate crime. “Even if they are registered, police black carbon deposits—air-borne par- Brahmaputra rivers for freshwater. massive damage to physical infra- enough to prevent an acceleration of Reports by various organisations files weak cases in the court of law ticles generated by incomplete com- water releases from glacier melt in the advocating for Dalit rights show that leading to a low conviction rate.” bustion from brick kilns, diesel region. the people from the community have Court proceedings when it comes of exhaust, and the burning of bio- An additional 50 percent emission become more vulnerable to discrimi- cases of discrimination are also slow. mass—are speeding up glacier and of black carbon can be reduced by nation during the pandemic. For instance, the district court of snowmelt in these ranges. enacting and putting in place new pol- “The crisis impacts the marginal- Rukum (West) is yet to announce its “Rising temperature has already icies that are currently economically ised community the most,” Pradip verdict in the killings of six youths in been contributing to faster melting of and technically feasible, said the Pariyar, executive chairperson of Soti village of Chaurjahari glaciers in the mountain. Even vari- report. Samata Foundation, an organisation Municipality in May last year. ous studies have shown the global “The mountain region also has two advocating for the rights of Dalit com- Although the accused individuals are temperature rise will be much higher biggest emitters India and China. munity, told the Post. “This was appar- in judicial custody, the families of the in the Himalayan region,” Arun Countries need to adopt a clean devel- ent from the experience of Covid-19 victims are yet to get justice. Prakash Bhatta, an undersecretary opment mechanism and clean energy pandemic in the first wave and Binod Pahadi, a former lawmaker with the Ministry of Forests and resources for reducing the emission the situation is worsening in the and a Dalit Right activist, says the Environment, told the Post. “Besides, of greenhouse gases like black car- second wave.” discriminatory state mechanism is black carbon, which absorbs radiation bon,” said Bhatta. Dalit right activists say an over- largely responsible for the continued and converts to heat, as shown by the Improving the efficiency of brick whelming number of people from the discrimination against Dalits. study, adds another challenge for us.” kilns, which account for roughly half community experienced discrimina- “The government has made no The impacts of global warming and of black carbon emissions, would tion during the pandemic and the attempts to address the concerns of climate change already witnessed on reduce melt-accelerating deposits. problem was even more serious among the marginalised communities even the region’s mountains are further Cleaner cookstoves and cleaner fuels women. when they have been affected the most multiplied by black carbon emissions, are another key way to reduce black A survey conducted by the founda- amid this pandemic,” he told the Post. which is the second most significant POST FILE PHOTO carbon emissions, suggested the study. tion among 1,500 people from the Dalit The survey by Samata Foundation, anthropogenic agent of climate Rising temperatures have already been contributing to faster melting of glaciers. Likewise, incentivising households to community showed some 18 percent which covers the period between change. switch from biomass or coal to lique- of them faced discrimination during March to December last year, also Studies have shown that black car- The report warns that changes in the structure and cause loss of human fied petroleum gas (LPG), and, in the the pandemic. Similarly, an assess- shows that 45 percent of people from bon can have a greenhouse effect two- volume and timing of flows could have lives and livelihoods downstream. long run, to solar energy could help ment conducted by Feminist Dalit the Dalit community faced jobs cuts thirds that of carbon dioxide (CO2), crucial economic and social implica- A decade-old study had estimated the region cut down black carbon Organisation showed 48 percent Dalit due to the pandemic. Similarly, nearly and greater than methane. Black car- tions for the people of the region. the damages from potential GLOFs for emission. women experienced the caste-based 82 percent of the survey participants bon or soot is a short-lived pollutant “Melting of glaciers at an accelerat- three major glacier lakes in Nepal What makes it more urgent for discrimination last year while 30 per- reported financial distress. and the second-largest contributor to ed rate is perhaps the biggest threat ranging from US$2.2 billion to US$8.98 countries in the region to act quickly cent experienced domestic violence. There has not been any substantial warming the planet. for countries like Nepal. Black carbon billion. is not only they are mountainous People from the Dalit community, improvement in the condition of Black carbon is an essential con- covering all over these snow-capped These consequences will only get countries battling impacts of climate who already lacked access to the jus- Dalits, like their social status, eco- tributor to warming because it effec- mountains will be disastrous for us,” worse unless greater efforts are change, but also the fact that South tice system, were further deprived nomic condition, literacy and employ- tively absorbs light and heats its sur- said Bhatta, the official at the Climate made to curb black carbon deposits Asia is at the global epicentre of the from justice due to the Covid-19 ment rates, access to land ownership roundings. As per estimates, black Change Management Division of the that are accelerating melting, generation and adverse impacts of air lockdown. and justice, according to the report by carbon has a warming impact on cli- Environment Ministry. “Such melting according to the study. pollution. The National Human Rights the foundation. mate that is several hundred times of glaciers will not only threaten our “Recent devastating flash floods The study has pointed out that Commissions has a similar observa- Dalit rights activists say the govern- stronger than CO2. water security with the decline in the attributed to a collapsing glacier in regional cooperation will be neces- tion. The constitutional human rights ment must establish a Dalit cell in all In terms of its effects on mountains, volume of water stored in these moun- the Himalayas were a sobering sary for fully addressing the challeng- watchdog says despite the constitu- police stations to look into the cases relat- black carbon can increase glacial tains but also lead to various disasters reminder of the sometimes disastrous es associated with the melting glaciers tional and legal guarantee against ing to the community. They also recom- melt by decreasing surface reflectance like floods and landslides.” effects of climate change and the dan- of the Himalayas, which is a trans- caste-based discrimination, incidents mend that each districts court should of radiation and increasing air A 2019 study, which assessed the gers we have to protect against,” boundary task and goes beyond of discrimination haven’t decreased have separate bench so that the cases temperature. world’s 78 mountain glacier-based Hartwig Schafer, World Bank vice the scope of a single country’s due to their lax implementation. related to caste-based discrimination and Once black carbon is deposited on water systems for the first time and president for South Asia, was quoted policymakers. “The cases of murder, assault, tor- untouchability are swiftly decided. the surface of snow and ice, it increas- ranked their significance to the down- as saying in its press release. “As gla- “Water resource management poli- ture, social exclusion and denial of Dalit rights activists have also es the absorption of solar radiation by stream communities and their vulner- ciers shrink, the lives and livelihoods cies must evolve because the trends state facilities continue against the called for formation of monitoring decreasing the surface albedo (the abilities in terms of various factors, of many people downstream are we are observing point to a different people from the Dalit community in committees in all national human ability to reflect sunlight) of the gla- including future changes, concluded affected by changes in the water sup- and more challenging future,” said the lack of effective implementation right institutions to monitor cases of cier surface. As the area heats up, that over 1.9 billion people could face ply. We can slow glacier melt by collec- Muthukumara Mani, lead economist of the legal shield against such prac- caste-base discrimination. snow melts faster. water shortage in future. tively acting to curb the black carbon in the World Bank’s South Asia region tices,” said Tika Ram Pokharel, “Government’s responsibility Likewise, circulating black carbon People relying on mountains for deposits that are speeding the thin- and a lead author of the report. spokesperson at the commission. “We should not be limited to issuing raises air temperatures before it is meeting their water needs would face ning of the ice.” “Success will require an active and are concerned over the impunity in reports and statements,” Pahadi said. deposited, ultimately playing a part in an acute shortage of water because Unlike other climate-warming agile cooperation between researchers the cases related to caste-based dis- “It should walk the talk, work proac- fast-melting snow cover in the water stored in those water towers is greenhouse gas emissions, black car- and policymakers so both groups can crimination and untouchability.” tively towards ending all forms of mountains. quickly disappearing due to rising bon is quickly washed out and can be continue to learn about the problems The Constitution of Nepal provides discrimination.” Such a trend can spell negative con- demands and excessive melting of gla- eliminated from the atmosphere if its at hand.”

C M Y K SATURDAY, JUNE 05, 2021 | 04 WORLD

BRIEFING Security Council Indian panel warns partial vaccination meet on June 8 Boat with 81 Rohingya found stranded on Indonesia island to recommend BANDA ACEH: Villagers in Indonesia’s ineffective against coronavirus variant Aceh province on Friday discovered a stranded boat carrying 81 Rohingya next UN chief Muslims, who had left a refugee camp Under fire for a slow vaccine roll-out, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government has been in talks with major in Bangladesh, officials said. Miftach ASSOCIATED PRESS Cut Adek, the leader of the local trib- foreign vaccine producers to boost supplies even as domestic manufacturers scramble to boost output. NEW YORK, JUNE 4 al fishing community, said 90 people were on board the boat when it left REUTERS The UN Security Council will meet the refugee camp on February 11, but NEW DELHI, JUNE 4 June 8 to make its recommendation nine died during the trip. More than for the next secretary-general and 700,000 Rohingya have fled from The coronavirus variant first identi- almost certainly approve current UN Buddhist-majority Myanmar to fied in India is highly infectious and chief Antonio Guterres who is the camps in Bangladesh since August can be caught by people who have only candidate. 2017, when the military launched a already had the disease or been only The recommendation from the clearance operation in response to partially vaccinated, a panel of Indian 15-member council will then be sent to attacks by a rebel group. Myanmar government scientists said in a report the president of the 193-member security forces have been accused of published on Friday. General Assembly, which must mass rapes, killings and the burning Dubbed the “delta variant” by the approve a resolution selecting the of thousands of homes. World Health Organization, it is esti- world’s top diplomat. mated to be 50 percent more transmis- The Security Council revised its sible than the coronavirus variant program of work late Thursday to Putin inks law to ban first found in Britain, researchers add a private meeting next Tuesday ‘extremists’ from elections at Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genetics morning entitled “Recommendation MOSCOW: Russian President Vladimir Consortium and the National Centre for the appointment of the Putin on Friday signed legislation for Disease Control said. secretary-general of the United that bars members of “extremist” They warned that “prior infections Nations.” organisations from running for office, ... and partial vaccination are insuffi- Estonia’s Ambassador Sven a move allies of jailed Kremlin critic cient impediments to its spread, as Jurgenson, the council president for Alexei Navalny say aims to sideline seen in Delhi, and strong public health June, told a news conference Tuesday them from parliamentary election response will be needed globally for its that even though there is only one this year. Putin’s approval of the law containment”. candidate “the process is still the comes days before a court will consid- same.” er outlawing Navalny’s anti-corrup- Traditionally, candidates for the tion foundation and regional cam- The US has said it UN’s top job have been nominated by a paign groups on the grounds they are UN member state, but that is not a extremist. The law bars members or will share 25 million requirement in the UN Charter or a heads of groups declared extremist resolution adopted by the General from running for seats in the State surplus vaccine Assembly in 2015 that made the previ- Duma, the lower house of parliament, ously largely secretive selection of the or taking part in other elections for doses to countries secretary-general more open and periods ranging from three to five transparent. It allowed the world years. The legislation effectively including India. body’s member states for the first time derails campaigns for the parliament to see basic information about all announced by some Navalny allies. candidates, including their resumes, The variant has spread to over 50 and to meet and question them at countries, including the Britain, open sessions. UK ‘people’s tribunal’ hears where Prime Minister Boris Johnson Guterres, a former Portuguese claims China abused Uyghurs has warned that its rapid spread could prime minister and UN refugee chief, affect the reopening of the economy. REUTERS was elected by the assembly to LONDON: A “people’s tribunal” set India’s new cases have steadily A doctor tends to a Covid-19 patient at Holy Family Hospital in New Delhi, India on May 1. succeed Ban Ki-moon after a hotly up to assess whether China’s alleged declined in large cities over the past contested and transparent race in rights abuses against the Uyghur few weeks, but rural areas remain in On Thursday, the United States laid from Friday, the Gujarat government new coronavirus infections over the October 2016 that initially included people constitute genocide opened the grip of a disastrous second wave out a plan to share 25 million surplus announced. last 24 hours, while deaths rose by 13 candidates—seven women and in London on Friday, with witness of infections. Covid-19 vaccine doses with countries “With states showing restraint in 2,713—the lowest in over a month. The six men. Guterres took office on Jan. alleging that inmates at detention Experts have warned that the coun- including India. reopening, the economic recovery tally of infections stood at 28.6 mil- 1, 2017. camps for Uyghurs were routinely try needs to ramp up the pace of vacci- Experts and government officials from this virus wave will be more lion, the second highest in the world, This year, seven individuals submit- humiliated, tortured and abused. nations to avoid future surges in infec- have said vaccinations are key to gradual than last year,” said Darren and the death toll at 340,702, the health ted applications to be secretary-gener- Chairperson Geoffrey Nice said tions among its population of more opening up parts of the country that Aw, Asia Economist at Capital ministry said. al without backing from any govern- more than three dozen witnesses than 1.3 billion people. have been under lockdown for weeks. Economics in Singapore. Experts believe the actual numbers ment, including most recently former would make “grave” allegations Under fire for a slow vaccine roll- Some states such as Delhi and Modi’s “But the slow vaccine rollout are far higher, as the official count Ecuadorian President Rosalia against Chinese authorities during out, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s home state of Gujarat are gradually means that rapid reopening would only registers cases where people have Arteaga. four days of hearings. The tribunal government has been in talks with loosening restrictions. increase the threat of renewed virus been tested for the virus, and in India Guterres, whose five-year term ends does not have UK government back- major foreign vaccine producers to In Gujarat, authorities allowed outbreaks, potentially with more con- many people have not been tested, December 31, was the only applicant ing and has no powers to sanction or boost supplies even as domestic manu- shops and other commercial establish- tagious variants.” especially in the rural areas, where nominated by a UN member state, his punish China. (AGENCIES) facturers scramble to boost output. ments to remain open for longer hours India on Friday reported 132,364 some two-thirds of Indians live. home country Portugal. Fishermen feeling impact of Sri Lanka ship disaster Suu Kyi’s lawyer worried

ASSOCIATED PRESS Fisheries Solidarity Movement. both to the livelihood and environ- fire, and a court in Colombo on KEPUMGODA, JUNE 4 As the ship started to sink, crews ment of Sri Lanka,” Yoskovitz said. Tuesday banned the captain, the over representation for tried to tow it into deeper waters away The fire erupted on May 20 when the engineer and the assistant engineer Sri Lanka’s fishermen are already from the port but failed after the ship’s ship was anchored about 9.5 nautical from leaving the country. The feeling the impact of an unfolding stern became submerged and rested miles (18 kilometres) northwest of government has said it will take legal environmental disaster caused by on the seabed 21 meters (70 feet) below Colombo and waiting to enter the port. action against the owners of the ship secrets case the slow sinking of a fire-ravaged the surface. X-Press Feeders have said the fire to claim compensation. cargo ship that had been loaded with Shumel Yoskovitz, the chief execu- destroyed most of the ship’s cargo, Kumara’s fishing group along with REUTERS chemicals. tive of the ship’s operators X-Press which included 25 tons of nitric acid other activist groups on Friday YANGON, JUNE 4 Internet outages across Fishing remained banned on Friday Feeders, apologised for disaster and other chemicals. petitioned the Supreme Court to along about 80 kilometres of coastline, Friday in an interview with Channel Both the navy and coast guard have call on authorities to assess the The top lawyer for Myanmar’s deposed Myanmar, witnesses report as debris from the Singapore-flagged News Asia. been preparing for a spill with assis- long-term damage to the environment leader, Aung San Suu Kyi, voiced MV X-Press Pearl—including tons of “I’d like to express my deep regret tance from neighbouring India. India and marine life, possible hazardous- concern on Friday that she had no YANGON: Military-ruled Myanmar plastic pellets and burned fibreglass— and apology to the Sri Lankan people has sent three ships to help. ness of eating fish and the legal representative listed in the experienced a widespread internet continued to wash ashore. for the harm this incident has caused Sri Lankan police are probing the health impacts. case against her brought by the outage around the country on Friday, Authorities were also on guard for military junta for breaking the Official but services resumed after about one the possible leak of oil and chemicals Secrets Act. hour in the biggest city Yangon, wit- from the ship, which started sinking Khing Maung Zaw said the Supreme nesses said. Broadband, mobile inter- off the country’s main port on Court had announced cases to be net and wireless services were Wednesday, a day after a fire that heard on June 23 against Suu Kyi disrupted, several witnesses told raged on the vessel for 12 days was and four others, including her Reuters by telephone. A military extinguished. Australian economic adviser, spokesman did not answer a call seek- A lone fisherman, Kinson Jayalath, Sean Turnell, but had listed all of ing comment and the country’s main was defying the ban Friday on them as representing themselves. telecoms operators could not immedi- Kepumgoda beach. He said he was “We have concerns that they ately be reached. trying to catch food for his family but won’t have any legal representatives was growing frustrated by the lack of and there won’t be any transparency fish in an area where he said there had with hearing,” Khin Maung Zaw for the first time since the coup been plenty just a week ago. told Reuters. this month on lesser charges, In a nearby village home to many “Normally, they should contact the which include breaking Covid-19 people who depend on the fishing defendants and need to give the protocols. industry, Ajith Nelson said even before opportunity to the defendants to No explanation has been given the restrictions were announced fish- contact their lawyers before they for taking the secrets case directly to ermen were having their nets ruined announce the case.” the Supreme Court, whose verdict by huge chunks of cottonlike material Reuters was unable to reach the cannot be appealed. that became entangled in them. Supreme Court or a junta spokesman The army overthrew Suu Kyi on While fishing is still allowed in for comment. February 1, cutting short a decade deeper waters, sales of seafood have The secrets charges are the of democratic reforms that resulted plummeted because consumers AP/RSS most serious ones facing Suu Kyi, 75, from a long campaign for democracy fear chemical contamination, said A man fishes on a polluted beach filled with plastic pellets washed ashore from the fire-damaged container ship MV X-Press Pearl in and could mean a 14-year jail that made her a national heroine and Herman Kumara of the National Kapungoda, on the out skirts of Colombo, Sri Lanka, on Friday. sentence. She appeared in court won her the Nobel peace prize. Hong Kong locks down Tiananmen vigil park amid tight security, arrests organiser

REUTERS This year, with thousands of police “She only wanted to go to Victoria “From the bottom of my heart, I candles flickered at windows through- HONG KONG, JUNE 4 deployed across the city, some marked Park, light a candle and commemo- must say I believe Hong Kong is still a out the buildings. Seven churches that the anniversary in churches or at rate,” Chiu Yan Loy, executive mem- China has never very safe and free city,” senior super- arranged to hold memorial masses Police blocked off a Hong Kong park home amid fears of being arrested. ber of the Alliance, told Reuters. intendent Liauw Ka-kei told report- were full, according to their Facebook to prevent people gathering to com- In the working class district of Mong He said believed her arrest was provided a full ers, saying police had no option but to pages, with some of the congregation memorate the anniversary of China’s Kok, minor scuffles broke out and meant to strike fear into those plan- account of the 1989 enforce the law. holding white flowers and lighting 1989 Tiananmen Square crackdown on police arrested one person. As night ning to attend. Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie candles. Friday and arrested the planned vig- fell, police cleared people from around Chow told Reuters earlier this week violence in Beijing’s Lam has only said that citizens must One church on Hong Kong island il’s organiser. Victoria Park as they walked with that June 4 was a test for Hong Kong respect the law, as well as the quickly reached its 30% capacity set The ban on the vigil came their phone lights on. “of whether we can defend our bottom Tiananmen Square. Communist Party, which this year cel- by coronavirus restrictions and amid growing concern in the “Being able to have a memory is a line of morality”. ebrates its 100th anniversary. June 4 opened up its courtyard to accommo- pro-democracy movement and inter- basic human right. Taking that away The Alliance’s chairman, Lee commemorations are banned in main- date more people. nationally about the suppression is beyond anyone’s authority,” District Cheuk-yan, is in jail over an illegal three cross-harbour tunnels. land China. Jailed activist Jimmy Sham said via of the semi-autonomous city’s tradi- Councillor Derek Chu told Reuters. assembly. The heightened vigilance from China has never provided a full his Facebook page he planned to “light tional freedoms, notably a national “We need to remember those people Authorities warned of more arrests authorities was a marked departure account of the 1989 violence in a cigarette at 8pm”. security law imposed by Beijing last who have been sacrificed for democra- and said that anyone who took part in from Hong Kong’s freedoms of speech Beijing’s Tiananmen Square. The “We do not see the hope of democra- year. cy in the past.” an unauthorised assembly could face and assembly, bringing the global death toll given by officials days later cy and freedom in a leader, a group, The annual June 4 vigil is usually Early on Friday, police arrested up to five years in jail. financial hub closer in line with main- was about 300, most of them soldiers, or a ceremony. Every one of us is held in the former British colony’s Chow Hang Tung, vice-chairwoman Police cordoned off most of the land China’s strict controls on society, but rights groups and witnesses the hope of democracy and freedom,” Victoria Park, with people gathering of the Hong Kong Alliance in Support downtown park, including football activists say. say thousands of people may have he said. to light candles for the pro-democracy of Patriotic Democratic Movements pitches and basketball courts. They Police did not say whether com- perished. Last year, thousands in Hong Kong demonstrators killed by Chinese of China, for promoting an unauthor- also conducted stop-and-search checks memorating Tiananmen would breach At the United States consulate and defied the ban on marking the troops in Beijing 32 years ago. ised assembly. across the city, with officers posted at the new national security law. European Union office in Hong Kong, Tiananmen anniversary.

C M Y K 05 | SATURDAY, JUNE 05, 2021 MONEY

FOREX US Dollar 117.10 Nepal all set to sign fertiliser supply deal with India Euro 141.90

Pound Sterling 165.44 The five-year agreement will assure supply of 30 percent of Nepal’s annual fertiliser requirement, officials say.

Japanese Yen 10.63 SANGAM PRASAIN of diammonium phosphate in April Chinese Yuan 18.27 KATHMANDU, JUNE 4 averaged $629 per tonne, up from $413 per tonne in April last year. Qatari Riyal 31.72 Nepal is all set to sign a long-term The average price of urea in April Australian Dollar 89.82 chemical fertiliser supply deal with was $513 per tonne in the global mar- India following the cabinet’s in princi- ket, a rise from $386 in April last year. Malaysian Ringit 28.37 ple approval this week in a move to The subsidy amount of Rs12 billion avoid recurring shortages during the allocated for the next fiscal year is Saudi Arab Riyal 31.22 peak growing season. enough to buy less than 300,000 tonnes Exchange rates fixed by Nepal Rastra Bank Yogendra Kumar Karki, secretary of chemical fertiliser. Officials said at the Ministry of Agriculture and that if the government does not take PRICE PER TOLA Livestock Development, told the Post the issue seriously, a severe fertiliser BULLION that a five-year government-to-govern- crisis is imminent. ment agreement would be sealed this In 2009, in a bid to end the perennial Fine Gold Rs 93,400 month to ensure uninterrupted sup- shortages, Nepal signed an agreement ply of the vital plant nutrients. with India for 100,000 tonnes of chem- Silver Rs 1,340 As per the draft accord, Nepal can ical fertiliser (60,000 tonnes of urea buy up to 200,000 tonnes of chemical and 40,000 tonnes of DAP) annually at SOURCE: FENEGOSIDA fertiliser, most of it urea, from the import parity prices. southern neighbour annually without The pact allowed Nepal to purchase following a global tendering process. fertiliser directly without going GASOLINE WATCH “Regarding pricing, a joint secre- through the six-month-long tendering tary-level negotiation team of the two process. In 2018, Nepal had proposed countries will determine the rate to renew the agreement to procure before any purchase agreement is chemical fertiliser for at least five made in the respective years. The years at import parity prices. price will be the below-cost quoted The proposal was in line with the price or tendering of that year, month 10-year Prime Minister Agriculture or day,” Karki said. Modernisation Project introduced in Officials at the Agriculture Ministry 2017 which aims to boost farm output said that Nepal planned to fulfil at substantially. The Agriculture least 30 percent of its annual fertiliser Ministry had proposed importing requirement through the govern- 150,000 tonnes of fertiliser (100,000 ment-to-government supply mecha- tonnes of urea and 50,000 tonnes of nism. The fertiliser will be brought by potash) in the first year, that is 2018. state-owned Agriculture Inputs It had planned to import 170,000 Company. But India has not named the tonnes in the second year under a gov- company that will be authorised to ernment-to-government deal, 195,000 sell the product. POST FILE PHOTO tonnes in the third year and 210,000 Nepal had revived long-stalled talks The new arrangement made through a government-to-government deal needs no lengthy procurement process, and it will ensure tonnes each in the fourth and fifth for a chemical fertiliser agreement that farmers have adequate supply during times of shortages, according to ministry officials. years. with India in December last year The expected government-to-gov- under which it would buy a fixed which largely depends on agriculture. The government had allocated Rs11 curement is cancelled due to price ernment pact has been pending since amount over a long-term period to Scarcities have been appearing billion to subsidise chemical fertiliser volatility or other factors, it leads to December 2018, when Nepal submitted avoid frequent shortages during the annually during the peak crop plant- this fiscal year ending mid-July, up havoc in the farm sector. the first draft of the proposed memo- main growing season. ing period, especially in recent years from Rs9 billion in the last fiscal year. The new arrangement made randum of understanding. According to Karki, Nepal had with more Nepali farmers going into Nepal imports Rs19 billion worth of through a government-to-government A former secretary at the made several deals with India to commercial farming which has soil fortifiers annually. deal need not go through a lengthy Agriculture Ministry said they had obtain chemical fertiliser in the past, pushed up demand. The budget for the next fiscal year procurement process, and it will sent the proposal and several rounds but they were signed on an ad-hoc When the border with India was has allocated Rs12 billion for chemical ensure that farmers have adequate of discussions had been held, but BIZLINE basis. tightened due to the Covid-19 pandem- fertiliser subsidies. supply during times of shortages, India refused to provide chemical fer- “Nepal will get assurance of supply ic, Nepali farmers were put into a Nepali private companies are reluc- according to ministry officials. tiliser at the import parity price. of fertiliser the same way it has assur- right panic as smuggled fertiliser tant to engage in the fertiliser trade More than seven global tenders India itself imports more than 10 Green Resilient Agricultural ance of supply of petroleum products stopped coming. They have habitually due to the high costs and risks called recently by Agriculture Inputs million tonnes of chemical fertiliser Productive Ecosystems project from India. But fertiliser shipments depended on contraband to make up involved. Agriculture Inputs Company Company for the supply of chemical annually. will be made only when there is a cri- for the shortfall in legitimate supplies. has been allowed to import 70 percent fertiliser failed to attract bidders as According to the Agriculture launched in Nepal sis, not all the time.” The crippling effect of the shortage of the fertiliser requirement and Salt global prices had skyrocketed, offi- Ministry, Nepal’s annual requirement KATHMANDU: On the occasion of World Chemical fertiliser has become a was seen in paddy production this Trading the rest. Both are both state- cials said. of chemical fertiliser stands at more Environment Day, the European political commodity, and Nepali farm- year as Nepali farmers were prevent- owned enterprises. According to reports, prices of than 700,000 tonnes while imports Union (EU), the Ministry for Foreign ers have been plagued by repeated ed from performing better even when It normally takes six months to pro- diammonium phosphate, the world’s amount to around 300,000 tonnes. Affairs of Finland (MFA) and the shortages when they need it the most, they had an abundant labour supply, cure chemical fertiliser following a most widely used fertiliser, saw a Demand for chemical fertiliser has German Federal Ministry for severely slashing their income and and the monsoon rains were the best global tender call under the Public steep jump in April compared to the shot up following the spread of com- Economic Cooperation and hitting the country’s economic growth in the past three decades. Procurement Act. And in case the pro- same period last year. The global price mercial agriculture. Development (BMZ) are pleased to announce the launch of a new devel- opment cooperation project titled “Green Resilient Agricultural Productive Ecosystems (GRAPE) in Nepal”. The project is funded under India central bank says Biden widens list of Chinese firms the Team Europe approach showcas- ing EU and member state cooperation in Nepal. The overall objective of the GRAPE Project is to foster climate focused on growth as resilient, green economic growth of off-limits for investment Sudurpashchim and Karnali provinc- es, reads the press release. The pro- ASSOCIATED PRESS inflation not ‘persistent’ WASHINGTON, JUNE 4 ject will support Nepal’s capacity to adapt agricultural practices to cli- mate change and thus strengthen REUTERS tum of growth that was evident in the China vehemently objected on Friday income generation of marginalised MUMBAI, JUNE 4 second half of 2021 and to nurture to President Joe Biden’s expansion of households. the recovery,” Das said earlier in a a list of Chinese companies whose The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) kept statement. shares are off-limits to US investors. interest rates at record lows on Friday India’s annual economic growth Late Thursday, the White House UNDP and Ncell partner up and announced additional bond pur- rate picked up in January-March com- issued the update of to an order signed chases to support the economic recov- pared with the previous three months, last year by his predecessor Donald for sustainable development ery, at risk of being derailed by a dev- but economists are increasingly pessi- Trump that aims to strengthen con- astating second wave of Covid-19 mistic about the June quarter after a trols on investments in Chinese com- infections. huge wave of Covid-19 cases triggered panies that the US says are linked to The RBI’s monetary policy commit- lockdowns in several states. defence and surveillance. tee (MPC) voted unanimously to hold Das said RBI will buy 1.2 trillion Chinese Foreign Ministry spokes- the repo rate, its key lending rate, at 4 rupees ($16.44 billion) worth of bonds man Wang Wenbin urged Washington percent and kept the reverse repo rate, in the September quarter on top of the to withdraw the order and “provide the borrowing rate, unchanged at 3.35 quantitative easing programme Chinese enterprises with a fair and AP/RSS percent as predicted in a Reuters poll. announced in April. The RBI said then non-discriminatory business and A file photo shows attendees walking past a display for 5G services from Chinese technology The central bank also promised to it would buy 1 trillion rupees worth of investment environment.” firm Huawei at the PT Expo in Beijing. keep its policy accommodative for as bonds under the G-SAP 1.0 pro- “China will take necessary meas- long as necessary, as it downgraded gramme. ures to resolutely safeguard the legiti- not supporting Chinese companies and investment. the growth forecast for the 2021/2022 Economists said the government mate rights and interests of Chinese that undermine the security or values Telecoms equipment maker Huawei fiscal year and said current inflation would also need to step up and enterprises,” he told reporters at a of the United States and our allies.” Technologies, China’s big state-owned pressures would likely be transient. announce fiscal measures in an effort regular briefing in Beijing. The revised list includes companies telecoms companies and China “At this point of time the MPC has to aid the recovery as monetary policy The executive order is the latest that Washington alleges contribute to National Offshore Oil Corp all are on KATHMANDU: The United Nations very consciously taken the decision alone will not prove adequate. indication that Biden has not softened surveillance of religious and ethnic the new list of 59 companies. The ear- Development Programme (UNDP) to focus on growth,” said RBI Governor “We believe that expecting the RBI Washington’s stance on alleged securi- minorities or to repression and “seri- lier list included 31. The prohibitions and Ncell Axiata Limited have Shaktikanta Das during a press to do all the heavy lifting for an econo- ty risks from companies US officials ous human rights abuses.” on investments in the companies takes entered into a partnership to promote briefing. my suffering from massive demand say are linked to the Chinese “mili- Many but not all of the companies effect August 2. sustainable development solutions, “The MPC was of the view that at destruction, is rather unfair on the tary and industrial complex.” on the expanded list already were on a The companies are also included in including through promotion of this juncture policy support from all central bank,” said Kunal Kundu, It says the aim of the revised order Defence Department blacklist that the Treasury Department’s Foreign cycling for healthy lives and cities in sides is required to gain the momen- India economist at Societe Generale. is to “ensure that US investments are limits access to American technology Assets Control list. Nepal. UNDP Resident Representative Ayshanie Medagangoda Labe and Ncell CEO Andy Chong signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) virtually to this effect on June 4. The cycle campaign, dubbed China seeks to milk the milk market but doesn’t have enough cows ‘Greenway’, was originally launched in January 2021 with the objective of promoting sustainable urban trans- REUTERS Orient Dairy. Its analysis shows that government has heavily promoted China Modern Dairy Holdings Ltd 500,000 by buying up smaller farming portation and environment-friendly BEIJING, JUNE 4 60 percent of the new projects have set milk and its benefits—in part to sup- told Reuters. “The potential is huge.” companies and building new farms. lifestyle choices for urban dwellers, their sights on 10,000-plus cows and in port the rural dairy industry—boost- She said Chinese people, especially Shanghai-based processor Bright reads the press release issued by China has come to crave milk. Demand total the plans call for some 2.5 million ing consumption. Even so annual per children, have begun eating more Dairy and Food Co Ltd aims to build the company that had been steadily growing has cows—roughly half of China’s cur- capita intake is only 6.8 litres cheese which will further inflate four more farms to add 31,000 cows to spiked further after doctors touted its rent milking herd—to be added in the compared to 50 litres for the United demand. A kilogram of cheese its 66,000-strong herd. China Youran health benefits amid the coronavirus coming years. States, according to Euromonitor generally requires 10 kilograms of Dairy is planning an IPO, seeking up Unilever Nepal collects and pandemic and dairy firms across the On the face of it, China’s dairy mar- International. milk to make. to $800 million to expand its breeding processes Dhaulagiri Mountain country have embarked on a ket, worth some $62 billion in annual “Average per capita consumption is Milk in China is, however, still con- herd and increase milk output. farm-building frenzy. sales, is ripe for development. The still very low,” Gao Lina, the CEO of sidered special enough to be a popular According to Beijing Orient Dairy, waste in partnership with But quenching that thirst will be gift. Fresh milk costs about $2 a litre, new Chinese farms needing a total of Nepal Army problematic, not least because finding roughly double UK and US prices, 1.35 million cows are already under the millions more cows needed for while the more common 240 ml packs construction, but some of those will KATHMANDU: As part of Unilever’s planned new and expanded farms will of room temperature UHT milk cost have to sit empty. commitment “to make sustainable be challenging. about 40 cents. It estimates that over the next two living a common place”, it has part- China is the world’s third-largest Demand for fresh chilled milk espe- years, China’s domestic herd will gen- nered with the Nepal Army in the milk producer, but last year’s 34 mil- cially, which constitutes just a fifth of erate about 500,000 new heifers while “Mountain Cleaning Campaign 2021”. lion tonnes of output only met milk sales in China, has shown rapid imports could come in at around This mountain clean up initiative dis- about 70 percent of domestic growth, climbing 21 percent in the 400,000 if the pace of imports stays the posed 5020 kg of waste, of which 4720 needs. Complicating matters are feed first 11 months of 2020 versus 10.9 per- same as last year when China import- kg non-biodegradable waste was sent costs at multi-year highs, while land cent for room-temperature milk, ed almost 200,000 heifers, mostly from for recycling and remaining 300 kg of and water are also in short supply, according to Nielsen data. Australia and New Zealand. bio-degradable waste was disposed making the country a costly place to To satisfy that demand, big players Importing heifers is the fastest way through Dhaulagiri Rural produce milk. will need to develop more raw milk to stock a new farm, shaving about a Municipality. Transitioning to a cir- Spurred on by near record highs for sources closer to wealthier population year off the time it would take to cular economy approach is at the raw milk prices and government sub- centres, analysts say. breed the stock at home. Imports are heart of Unilever’s strategy for a sidies, just over 200 new Chinese dairy Firms outlining grand plans include also preferred as the cattle are free waste free world, reads the press farm projects were announced last REUTERS Modern Dairy, which wants to double from the many diseases circulating in statement issued by the company. year, according to consultancy Beijing A staff member arranges cartons of milk on refrigerator shelves at a supermarket in Beijing. its herd over the next five years to China’s herd.

C M Y K SATURDAY, JUNE 05, 2021 | 06 SPORTS | MEDLEY BRIEFING Nepal earn second win over Chinese Taipei Federer, Djokovic, Chelsea extend Tuchel’s deal Forward Anjan Bista and substitute Nawayug Shrestha score a goal each as coach Almutairi’s team register Nadal enter French LONDON: Chelsea have extended Thomas Tuchel’s contract until 2024 an identical 2-0 victory over the same opponents to strengthen their grip on the fourth position in Group ‘B’. after the German manager won the Open third round Champions League this season, the AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE London club said on Friday. Tuchel PARIS, JUNE 4 took over midway through the 2020-21 season after the Premier League club Novak Djokovic, birthday boy Rafael Nadal and sacked Frank Lampard and the Roger Federer all reached the French Open third German led them to a top-four finish round on Thursday. as well as the FA Cup final. His side Top seed Djokovic continued his bid for a second clinched the Champions League with Roland Garros and 19th Grand Slam title with a a 1-0 win over Manchester City in straight-sets win over Uruguay’s Pablo Cuevas. Porto. Tuchel arrived at Stamford The 34-year-old, who is looking to become the first Bridge in January on an initial man in more than 50 years to claim all four Slams 18-month deal with the possibility of multiple times, won 6-3, 6-2, 6-4. “I stayed concen- an extension, which was granted six trated. I thought the third set was very difficult for days after he led Chelsea to me because he lifted the level of his game,” said Champions League glory. Chelsea the world number one after his 350th Grand Slam have lost just five of the 47-year-old’s match in which he fired 32 winners. 30 games in charge, including the 1-0 Djokovic will next face Lithuanian Ricardas FA Cup final defeat by Leicester City Berankis. last month, and conceded only 16 World number three Rafael Nadal, bidding for a goals in all competitions. 14th French Open and record-setting 21st Grand Slam title, celebrated his 35th birthday by defeat- Alexander-Arnold out of Euro ing Richard Gasquet, a player he first met when they were 12 years old. Nadal stormed to a 6-0, 7-5, LONDON: Trent Alexander-Arnold will 6-2 win in a match played in an empty Court miss the European Championship Philippe Chatrier as it clashed with a 9pm after the Liverpool right back with- Covid-19 curfew. drew from the England squad with a Gasquet won just nine points in the first set. He thigh injury, the national team managed a brief show of defiance from 2-5 to 5-5 in announced on Thursday. Alexander- the second set but eventually fell to a 17th defeat in Arnold limped off during the closing 17 matches with the Spaniard. “The important stages of England’s 1-0 friendly win thing is winning the matches. If it’s in straight over Austria on Wednesday and sets it’s better,” said Nadal. “I don’t complain at all, British media reported he faces a the main thing is to feel myself playing well.” recovery period of four to six weeks. Next up for Nadal is Britain’s Cameron Norrie England manager Gareth Southgate who he has beaten twice this season, at the will name a replacement after Australian Open and on clay in Barcelona. Sunday’s warm-up game against Gasquet’s loss means there are no Frenchmen or Romania in Middlesbrough. PHOTO COURTESY: NSJF women in the third round for the first time. Alexander-Arnold was dropped from Nepal’s forward Anjan Bista (second right) took his international tally to four goals, including three against Chinese Taipei in the World Cup and Asian Cup joint qualifiers. Federer stayed on course for a quarter-final the England squad in March before showdown with Djokovic but only after becoming the Euro qualifiers but he was rein- SPORTS BUREAU take the resulting penalty and converted against remarkable scoring chances. entangled in a rare running dispute with the chair stated after helping Liverpool to a KATHMANDU, JUNE 4 his favourite opponents. Dangi’s scorcher in the 80th minute from out- umpire. The 20-time major winner and 2009 cham- third-placed finish in the Premier “We were able to win the match and it is more side the area sailed inches above the bar. pion in Paris saw off Marin Cilic for the 10th time League. England start their campaign Forward Anjan Bista scored against Chinese important than me scoring the goal,” said Bista. But Shrestha doubled the advantage for Nepal in 11 meetings, winning 6-2, 2-6, 7-6 (7/4), 6-2. against Croatia in the Group D open- Taipei for the second match in a row as Nepal “We had played with the ambition to win and a minute later when he applied a spectacular one Federer was handed a time violation by umpire er on June 13 at Wembley. notched up a 2-0 victory in the joint qualifiers were able to execute the strategy set by touch finish to convert a brilliant pass from Emmanuel Joseph at 1-3 down in the second set for match of the 2022 FIFA World Cup and 2023 AFC the coach.” Suman Aryal. taking too long between points in order to fetch his Greece hold Belgium 1-1 Asian Cup at the Jaber al-Ahmad International It was also the first victory for Nepal’s coach Nepal created yet another scoring chance in towel. “I don’t even dare to go my towel anymore,” Stadium in Kuwait City on Thursday. Abdullah Almutairi who had lost his first match the 86th only for Shrestha to head Santosh he said to Joseph. BRUSSELS: A spirited Greece fought Bista and second-half substitute Nawayug in charge against Iraq during an international Tamang’s free kick above the bar. Federer, the oldest man in the draw at 39, contin- back to hold top ranked Belgium to a Shrestha scored in the either half for Nepal as friendly. “We had done good research about Nepal captain Kiran Limbu said there were ued to lose his cool and the set before recovering to 1-1 draw in their friendly internation- they registered identical 2-0 victories in both Chinese Taipei. We were confident that we could drastic improvements in the mentality of play- defeat former world number three Cilic. “I had al in Brussels on Thursday as legs over Chinese Taipei in their Group ‘B’ control the match if we got an early score. We ers after the arrival of the new coach. “He has very good moments, in the tie-break in particular, Georgios Tzavellas’ second half goal match. Forward Bista had scored both goals in were successful in our plans,” said the Kuwaiti instilled the confidence that we can play better and I served really well to finish,” said Federer cancelled out an early strike for the the first leg in September 2019 at the Taipei national. He also dedicated the victory to front- football, attack and score against any oppo- after hitting 47 winners. hosts from Thorgan Hazard. Belgium Municipal Stadium. With his three goals against line health workers in Nepal. nents,” said Limbu. Playing in only his second French Open since were missing several regulars like Chinese Taipei, the 23-year-old Bista, who also Nepal again resorted to a 4-3-3 formation mak- In another match of the group, Australia 2015, Federer goes on to face Germany’s 59th-ranked Thibaut Courtois, Kevin De Bruyne netted in a 6-2 friendly defeat against Iraq, took ing two changes to the squad that played against edged Kuwait 3-0 to strengthen their hold atop Dominik Koepfer. and Eden Hazard, but they were still his scoring tally to four goals. Iraq on Saturday. Almutairi started with Sunil the table with 15 points from five matches. Defending champion Iga Swiatek eased into the hoping to send out a message of The outcome meant Nepal strengthened their Bal in place of Nawayug Shrestha as forward Kuwait and Jordan are in second and third place third round with a 6-1, 6-1 win over Sweden’s intent ahead of next week’s kick off grip at the fourth position with six points after and replaced Manish Dangi with Ashis Lama in respectively with equal 10 points. Kuwait have Rebecca Peterson. The eighth-seeded Pole goes on of the European Championship. But playing six matches. Chinese Taipei, 30 spots the midfield. Dangi, who scored a goal against played six matches and Jordan five. Nepal are to face Estonian 30th seed Anett Kontaveit for a Greece, who did not qualify for the above Nepal in the FIFA rankings, are at the Iraq, was brought on at the start of second-half fourth and Chinese Taipei fifth. place in the last 16. Swiatek hasn’t dropped a set at tournament, proved dogged oppo- bottom of the five-team group and have yet to replacing Lama while Shrestha came in the 69th The winners of all eight groups and four best Roland Garros in her last nine matches. nents with little regard for their win. Nepal will play against Jordan on Monday in place of Bal. runners-up will secure places in the AFC Asian Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz, 18, became the youngest hosts’ status in a feisty clash behind and Australia on Friday before the group stage Chinese Taipei could have levelled in the 11th Cup 2023 Finals in China as well as the final player to make the last 32 since Andrei Medvedev closed doors at the King Baudouin wraps up. They have not earned points against minute but custodian and captain Kiran Limbu round of the World Cup qualifiers. The remain- in 1992 when he defeated 28th seed Nikoloz Stadium. Hazard put Belgium ahead any of the other opponents – Kuwait (in both denied Wu Chung-Chin’s header from the ing 24, except for the four bottom-placed teams, Basilashvili 6-4, 6-2, 6-4. after 20 minutes but Tzavellas levelled legs) and Australia and Jordan in the first leg. close range. who fail to pass the joint Qualifiers hurdle, will Two Italian teens made it through with 18th the score midway through the second In their previous matches, Nepal lost 5-1 to Bista created yet another chance in the 24th have another shot at earning tickets to the AFC seeded Jannik Sinner seeing off compatriot half. Belgium play a second warm-up Australia, 3-0 to Jordan and 7-0 and 1-0 to Kuwait. when he dribbled past two Chinese Asian Cup. The 24 teams will fight it out for Gianluca Mager while highly-rated Lorenzo before Euro 2020 at home to Croatia Nepal opened the scoring with an early Taipei defenders but fired straight at goalie Shin another 12 berths for the Asian Cup. Musetti put out Japan’s Yoshihito Nishioka. on Sunday. Their first game at the fourth-minute penalty after Cheng Hao handled Shin-Am. Nepal are already out of the race of World Cup Ninth seed Karolina Pliskova exited at the hands tournament is away against Russia in the ball inside the box in his bid to defend Chinese Taipei dominated the ball possessions qualifiers but they could still advance into the of 2018 runner-up Sloane Stephens as the St Petersburg on June 12. (AGENCIES) Santosh Tamang’s freekick. Bista stepped up to in the second half but they failed to create any next round of Asian Cup qualifiers. 59th-ranked American won 7-5, 6-1. HOROSCOPE ARIES (March 21-April 19) **** CANCER (June 22-July 22) *** LIBRA (September 23-October 22) *** CAPRICORN (December 22-January 19) **** Saturday’s skies are downright contentious, Aries. Relationships have been an undoubted point of ten- Saturday’s skies turn the heat all the way up, Libra. As a Capricorn, you tend to prefer avoiding dramat- Your ruling planet, soldiering Mars, spends the day sion in recent weeks, Cancer. That story seems to be Irritable Mars spends the day in a tense opposition ic, emotional displays at all costs. That may be hard in a heated opposition with truth-seeking Pluto. chugging along today, as the cosmic clean-up crew with emotionally raw Pluto, stirring up unprocessed to sidestep under Saturday’s skies, as irritable Mars Exercise is essential, as the moon’s placement in pushes you to deal with any remaining skeletons in feelings or stories concerning your home and family locks eyes with sore spot revealing Pluto. Today stay your sign demands physical release. the closet. environment. home and keep a low profile.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20) *** LEO (July 23-August 22) *** SCORPIO (October 23-November 21) *** AQUARIUS (January 20-February 18) *** Things are heating up beneath Saturday’s skies, Tensions run high beneath Saturday’s skies, Leo. Emotions run high beneath Saturday’s skies, Saturday’s skies are sprinkled with tensions to untan- Taurus. Be mindful of your word choice and tone Any buried anger or long held resentments concern- Scorpio. Your ruling planet, self-motivated Mars, gle, Aquarius. Hot headed Mars locks into a tense today, as any festering issues around self-expression ing your individual needs are likely to emerge today, locks eyes with sore spot revealing Pluto. Be mindful opposition with emotionally potent Pluto today. Head- and getting your needs met is likely to burst onto the as self-interested Mars butts heads with truth-reveal- of your word choice today, as it’s easy for you to be in on with any buried frustrations—especially those scene. ing Pluto. attack mode. concerning your work environment.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21) **** VIRGO (August 23-September 22) **** SAGITTARIUS (November 22-December 21) *** PISCES (February 19-March 20) *** Today’s cosmic landscape is looking less than pleas- It’s all too easy to get worked up over the state of Saturday’s cosmic landscape is rife with tensions. It’s one of those days where when it rains it pours, ant, Gemini. Tensions are lurking around the intima- your aspirations today, Virgo. Aggressive Mars locks Things are likely to get heated and truths unearthed, Pisces. Tensions are weaved throughout the day, as cy department. Rather than snap at a partner, work to eyes with truth-revealing Pluto today—prompting as hot-headed Mars locks eyes with emotionally raw irritable Mars locks into an unsettling opposition see how you can become more direct about what you powerful, cathartic releases of frustration over your Pluto. Aim to be honest and vulnerable about your with emotionally raw Pluto. Romantic connections need individually. creative goals and personal ambitions. needs without setting things on fire. are liable to reveal secrets. CROSSWORD SUDOKU

YESTERDAY’S SOLUTION

C M Y K 07 | SATURDAY, JUNE 05, 2021 CULTURE& LIFESTYLE Treatise on a Genius Par Excellence The book ‘Yadunath Khanal: Bidwaan Kutnitijna Samaalochak’ by Jaya Raj Acharya is a comprehensive biography of one of Nepal’s ace diplomats.

MADAN KUMAR BHATTARAI of Nepal’s foreign relations—and King work on Nepal’s foreign policy until the the least, a speech writer and wordsmith Birendra—an epitome of decency who tail end of King Mahendra’s rule. who kept the audience spellbound, diplo- hile many who knew sought to focus on striking a balance After King Birendra ascended the mats soul-searching and the younger the late Yadunath between diplomacy and zone of peace. throne on January 31, 1972, Khanal was generation deeply motivated and Khanal (1913-2004) Acharya wrote the first book on appointed to Tribhuvan University refreshed. know him as an ace Khanal eighteen years ago and it was Service Commission and chapter 12 is Acharya’s treatise is an exemplary diplomat. But titled Yadunath Khanal: Jivani Ra dedicated to this period of Khanal’s life. work in terms of coverage and analysis Khanal was more Vichaar, which translates to Yadunath Chapter thirteen is devoted to his of the contributions of one of the most Wthan that. He wore many hats as a writer, Khanal: Life and Thought. The present assumption of the plum post of the famous veterans of Nepali society who academician, administrator, speechwrit- book is, in essence, the second edition ambassador to the United States where dominated the scene for almost six dec- er, etc. with a few changes in some chapters and he received triumphal reception from ades. While I have all the admiration for The book Yadunath Khanal: Bidwaan considerable value additions in the form both President Richard Nixon and the author, I have not been able to recon- Kutnitijna Samaalochak, which roughly of photos, maps, and several documents America’s intellectual and academic cile with his decision to shift the land- translates to Yadunath Khanal: Scholar, under appendices. The new book with 19 community. mark sketch of Khanal by the then Diplomat and Critic, by Jaya Raj Acharya chapters has 23 appendices serving as a Chapter fourteen is about Khanal’s Crown Prince Birendra from the front is a very important book that exhaustive- veritable mine of information as com- appointment as chairman of the Public cover in the first edition to inside pages ly covers Khanal’s life. The author is a pared to only nine in the first edition. Service Commission, which made him in the current edition. relative of Khanal and enjoyed long per- The book’s first three chapters covers the second head of foreign office to Left to myself, I would have retained sonal and academic interactions with Khanal’s ancestors and parentage, his assume the post—the first one being the historic and unprecedented sketch him, making him an eminently qualified childhood days, and marriage and educa- Munshi Sardar Nagendra Man Singh made by one of the most ardent fans of person to write such a comprehensive tion, respectively. The fourth chapter Pradhan. Likewise, chapter fifteen Khanal’s writings in the front cover and volume on Nepal’s ace diplomat. deals with his time as a professor of depicts his entry into active diplomacy keep the special postage portrait inside. Besides being a brilliant student, pro- English at Trichandra College, his forays once again as the ambassador to China. Since the author has not given any rea- lific writer and scholar with flair in into literature, a year-long stint at the His return from China in 1982 signalled son for doing so, I am not sure if he has Nepali, Sanskrit and English languages, London University, and a select list of his the end of his active involvement in gov- any other logic behind his decision. With Acharya is also a diplomat himself and students who excelled in public life. ernment. this humble reservation, I wish to offer served as foreign policy adviser to the Khanal’s participation in the historic The three subsequent chapters respec- congratulations to the writer for his late Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala and pathbreaking Bandung Conference Chapters eight, nine and ten, respec- tively deal with his academic exercises illustrious publication. before being appointed Nepal’s of Asian African countries in 1955 is tively, deal with Khanal’s appointment as after returning from Beijing, his views Permanent Representative to the United detailed in chapter five. foreign secretary, ambassador to India, on Nepal after democratic restoration as Bhattarai is a former Foreign Secretary Nations, New York. The subsequent chapter deals with his and his second stint as foreign secretary he served as adviser to the Prime and author involved in the study of The book’s front cover includes the initiation into civil service as the that fully established him as the topmost Minister, and his reflections on Nepali Nepal’s foreign relations from a first day issue of the postage stamp with Secretary to Prime Minister Tanka exponent of Nepal’s foreign policy both literature. The nineteenth and last chap- historical perspective. He is available the portrait of Yadunath Khanal affixed Prasad Acharya. The chapter also covers in terms of formulation and practice, ter summarises Khanal as a reader par on [email protected]. by the Department of Postal Services on the period when Khanal served as the and scholarly inputs in the form of excellence much more than anything else December 31, 2019 to honour the veteran home secretary and his role in the prom- speeches, articles, books and advices. For including assumption of key positions scholar. ulgation of the civil service act and waiv- reasons not fully comprehended, he and assignments during his nonagenari- YADUNATH KHANAL: BIDWAAN The back cover has a photo taken by ing the ban on Nepal Communist Party. opted out of government service after an life. KUTNITIJNA SAMAALOCHAK seasoned journalist and analyst Dhruba He was also sent to Oregon University as three years of his second term as foreign In a nutshell, Acharya has rightly pre- Jayaraj Acharya Hari Adhikary of Khanal and Acharya. a preparatory exercise to eventually secretary. sented Khanal—a true adherent of the The photo was taken just five days prior make him the first Vice-Chancellor of Chapter eleven marks his return to the maxim, ‘plain living and high think- Publishers: Pairavi Prakashan, to Khanal’s demise. Tribhuvan University. While he never academic world in the form of fellowship ing’—as a seasoned diplomat who made Kathmandu, 2020 Khanal served with King Mahendra— became the vice-chancellor, he did at the Center for International Affairs, important contributions in his many Pages: 402 who was known for his exemplary tact become a member of Yojana Mandal Harvard University, resulting in the roles as a teacher, litterateur, planner, Price: Rs. 745 and initiative in diversifying the ambit (planning body). preparation of a comprehensive research administrator, diplomat, and, last but not BEST-SELLERS | NEW RELEASES

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Cannes lineup features Wes Anderson, Sean Penn, Leox Carax The annual French Riviera extravaganza is hoping to make a triumphant comeback.

BY JAKE COYLE and Apichatpong Weerasethakul (‘Memoria,’ starring Tilda Swinton). he Cannes Film Festival on Four of the 24 films in competition are Thursday unveiled a lineup directed by women, a low percentage but of films from big-name one that ties the festival’s previous top auteurs—including Wes mark. That includes new films from Mia Anderson, Asghar Farhadi, Hansen-Løve (‘Bergman Island,’ with Mia Hansen-Løve and Sean Mia Wasikowska, Tim Roth and Vicky TPenn—for its 74th edition, an in-person, Krieps) and Hungarian filmmaker Ildikó summertime event that aims to make a Enyedi. stirring return in July after being can- Cannes has previously refused to play celled last year because of the pandemic. in competition any film that doesn’t have Among the films that will be compet- a theatrical release in France, leading to ing for Cannes’ Palme d’Or are the festi- an impasse with Netflix. Though other val opener, ‘Annette,’ by Leox Carax and movie institutions like the Academy starring Adam Driver and Marion Awards have bent theatrical rules during Cotillard; Anderson’s ‘The French the pandemic, Cannes has not. Dispatch,’ a film originally set to pre- Among the standouts playing out of miere in Cannes last year with an ensem- competition, or in Cannes’ new ‘Cannes ble cast including Timothée Chalamet; Premiere’ are: Andrea Arnold’s ‘Cow’; ‘Red Rocket,’ Sean Baker’s follow-up to Todd Haynes’ documentary ‘The Velvet his acclaimed ‘The Florida Project’; Paul Underground’; Tom McCarthy’s Verhoeven’s ‘Benedetta’; and Sean Penn’s ‘Stillwater’; and the Oliver Stone docu- ‘Flag Day,’ in which he stars alongside mentary ‘JFK: Through the Looking his daughter, Dylan Penn, as a conman. Glass.’ Lescure, president of the festival, and Spike Lee, who debuted ‘Do the Right Thierry Frémaux, artistic director, Thing’ at Cannes in 1989, will preside announced the Cannes’ lineup at the UGC over the jury selecting the Palme d’Or Normandie theater in Paris in a live- winner. He’s the first Black person to streamed event that was part press confer- ever head the Cannes jury. At the opening ence and part pep rally for world cinema. ceremony, an honorary Palme will be “Cinema is not dead. The extraordi- given to Jodie Foster, who first came to nary and triumphant return of the audi- Cannes as a 13-year-old for the premiere ence to movie theaters in France and AP/RSS of Martin Scorsese’s ‘Taxi Driver.’ around the world was the first good full vaccination or a recent negative tions will be removed just five days before typically runs in tandem with the festival Speaking to The Associated Press after news,” said Fremaux. “I hope the film Covid-19 test. Cannes’ famed red carpet the festival opens. Concern over a new and draws much of the film industry for the press conference, Fremaux said it festival will be the second very good leading up to the stairs of the Palais des virus strain led France last week to insti- a week of frenzied deal-making, will be will be ‘the ultimate Cannes.’ news.” Festivals will resume in full, but with tute a seven-day quarantine for travelers held virtually in late June. “It will be something special. In five As cinema’s preeminent global stage, tweaks to the traditional pageantry. arriving from the United Kingdom—a But the Cannes program, while per- years people will be asking ‘Were you in the annual French Riviera extravaganza “We’re used to kissing one another at potential blow to the British film indus- haps lacking a Hollywood title as antici- Cannes in 2021?’ and people would say is hoping to make a triumphant come- the top of the stairs. We will not kiss one try that regularly decamps to Cannes. pated as Quentin Tarantino’s ‘Once Upon ‘No I wasn’t.’ ‘Oh you weren’t? That’s a back when it runs July 6-17—two months another,” said Fremaux. For such an international festival as a Time in Hollywood’ (an entry in 2019, pity. It was really great,’” said Fremaux. later than its usual May perch. But many Still, there are many questions leading Cannes, many other travel regulations when Bong Joon Ho’s ‘Parasite’ won the “It’s going to be a special Cannes.” things will be different at this year’s fes- up to a Cannes that will unfold just as could pose complications. Fremaux Palme), was praised as top-class. It AP’s Jeffery Schaeffer contributed to tival. Attendees will be masked inside France is reopening and loosening acknowledged some filmmakers may not includes former Palme d’Or winners this report from Paris. theaters and required to show proof of restrictions. Audience capacity limita- be able to attend. The movie market that Jacques Audiard (‘Paris 13th District’) — Associated Press

C M Y K SATURDAY, JUNE 05, 2021 | 08 CULTURE & LIFESTYLE (C.R.P.D.) - 3/052/053 Music legend Shambujeet Baskota picks his 12 memorable songs The artist behind some of the most iconic Nepali songs shares his memorable creations and why they are dear to him.

ANKIT KHADGI sis. It’s a patriotic song sung by Yo Gau Ko Thito Ma KATHMANDU Karna Das. Besides being great singers, both Udit At the time, there were strikes, pro- Narayan Jha and his wife, Deepa Jha, hen Shambhujeet tests and bandhas happening across were very good friends of mine. So I Baskota broke out the country and common people were was obviously very excited to be work- in the music suffering. When Unnati Bohora, the ing with them. scene in the ‘80s, song’s lyricist, showed me the lyrics, I This song also gave a break to their he was in his mid- was deeply moved and I composed the son Aditya Narayan Jha. The fact that teens. The first song in an hour, the shortest time I the entire Jha family was involved Wsong he wrote and composed, Timro have ever taken to compose a song. with the song is what makes the song Tyo Hasilo Muhar, went on to become I even directed the music video of memorable for me. an instant hit. He has since then com- the song. Whenever my heart feels posed more than 2,000 songs and has heavy, I listen to the song and I feel Timro Maya Le K Garyo K Garyo lent his expertise to 368 movies. peaceful. Garyo In his illustrious career, Baskota This is another one of my favourite has worked with the heavyweights of Yestai Rahecha Yaha ko Chalan songs from my collaboration with the both Nepali and Indian music indus- The reason why I like this song espe- duo Udit Narayan Jha and Deepa Jha. try, from Mira Rana, Narayan Gopal, cially is that I feel everything was They are both very melodious singers Devika Bandana, Dipesh Kishore perfect in it. From the lyrics by Yadav and I always feel great working with Bhattarai, Deepak Kharel to Asha Kharel, Devika Banadana’s voice to talents like them. This song was from Bhonsle, Udit Narayan Jha, Sonu the composition, everything landed a movie called Yo Maya ko Sagar. Nigam and Danny Denzongpa. Some perfectly. of his major hits include Rato Tika However, the arrangement of this Tala Tala Tala Tala Besi Ma Nidhar Ma, Samjhana Birsana, song was very different, initially. We Maichang Nachideu Maichang, Man Paraune actually re-recorded it and I have sung many songs with Devika Hajar, Nidharai Ma Larkayera rearranged it. Bandana but this song is my favourite. Saptarangi, Himal Ko Chaddke Tika, This song also led me to receive a lot I loved the melodious tune of this etc. His latest song Paryo Maya Jalai of praise and admiration for my tal- song. We arranged the song’s track in Ma has become a huge hit. ent, and wherever I get the chance to Bombay and we did the vocals in The legendary musician shared 12 hear it, I feel very happy. Kathmandu. I will cherish this song of his most memorable songs with the forever. Post. These songs, which are in no Gairi Khetko Sirai Hanyo particular order, are completely based PHOTO COURTESY: RAJ BHAI SUWAL The song is from the film Prem Pinda. Meri Basanti on how impactful they were to him songs, and Deepak Kharel sang it. The him listen to the song. reached out to me and said he was The story behind how I came to be the I have composed different genres of instead of how popular they were, he backstory of the song is really He really liked it and told us that he interested in singing a song before he music director of the film is very song—from folk, modern, patriotic to says. interesting. would be interested in singing it. And left for Bombay. interesting. cultural. I had composed a song that had very that’s how he came on board and we However, he could only stay in When the film was announced, One song that stands out the most is Timro Tyo Hasilo Muhar powerful lyrics, but unfortunately, I recorded the song. Kathmandu for a day as he had to three music directors including me Meri Basanti from the film Basanti. This is my first song. I was 16 or 17 later learned that another musician During the recording, Narayan leave for Bombay the next day. I quick- were roped in to create the Nir Shah wrote the lyrics and it was when I wrote and composed this song, had already used that lyrics and com- Gopal wanted to pronounce the word ly wrote and composed two songs and film’s music. Each of us were sung by Sworoop Acharya. The song and it was sung by Deepak Kharel. posed and finalised a song. So, I had to ‘Maa’ in a certain way, whereas I want- made him listen. He liked both of working on different songs. But later, I became historical just like the film. Legends like Nati Kaji and Gopal drop the song. ed him to pronounce it differently. them, among which one was Raatko was told to compose all the songs of Similarly, the chord and the composi- Yonzon ruled the music industry at Seeing me sad, my friend Nir Shah Eventually, after my request, he Rani Phule Jhai Sajama. the movie. tion of the song was so perfect that I the time. When I entered the industry, gave me the lyrics of Badal Banai agreed to pronounce the word the way The next day at 11 am, we started I composed the tune of this song on really admire the beauty we were able I was very young and had a very fresh Diyo. I wanted him to. recording the song at Radio Nepal and a plane to Bombay. After I reached to create. approach to music and was able to For me, this song is a timeless clas- also performed this song at a stage people from Nepal Television also there, we recorded the song in a give a new taste to Nepali songs. sic, a deeply philosophical piece of art and he shared that this was one of his came and started recording everything famous studio. It was there that I met Yo Zindagi Le K Garyo K Garyo The song became a massive hit and that I will always cherish. favourite songs. Knowing that a song I on camera and that’s how the music RD Burman, someone that I always Like Meri Basanti, the reason why I everyone, from journalists to people composed was one of Narayan Gopal’s video of the song was created. looked up to. love this song is also primarily within the music industry, appreciat- Timile Bhaneka Sara Dev Choyera favourite songs still makes me happy. By 4 pm, we were done recording Initially, we did have a few issues because of its chord and composition. ed the song’s lyrics, vocals and compo- The song was written by Dr and Danny left Kathmandu that very during recording as Asha Bhonsle had However, we had to really work hard sition. Bishwambhar Pyakhurel and we had Raatko Rani Phule Jhai Sajhama night. I think the song is one of the difficulty pronouncing a few while recording it as Sonu Nigam, the I think one of the reasons the song already recorded this song with What makes songs special are the most popular Nepali songs based on words. But in the end, she sang it so singer, was having difficulty singing became so popular was because it was a singer. memorable incidents attached to Kathmandu and it is an absolute beautifully. in Nepali. a sentimental love song and many Back then I used to often meet them. For me, this song is special favourite of mine as well. I worked really hard for this song In a recording studio in Bombay, people could relate to it. Narayan Gopal and we shared a good because of all those beautiful memo- and all the hard work paid off. It is an Sonu Nigam and I sat together for four bond. Both Pyarkhurel and I were ries I have of recording it. Farki Aau Shanti Timi evergreen song. Whenever I meet hours, and I helped him to sing it easi- Badal Banai Diyo very interested to work with a Danny Denzongpa was here in I composed this song when our coun- Asha Bhonsle, she still asks me about ly in Nepali. The song became a huge This is another one of my favourite legend like him and we made Kathmandu for a shoot and he had try was going through a political cri- the song. hit and our hard work paid off.

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