WITHOUT F EAR OR FAVOUR

Nepal’s largest selling English daily Vol XXVIII No. 233 | 8 pages | Rs.5 O O Printed simultaneously in Kathmandu, Biratnagar, Bharatpur and Nepalgunj 35.3 C 5.5 C Thursday, October 15, 2020 | 29-06-2077 Bhairahawa Jumla With a Cabinet rejig, Oli sows the seeds of conflict in the ruling party The prime minister, who is also the party chair, ignored calls not to reassign ministers and imposed his unilateral decision, once again, insiders say.

ANIL GIRI & TIKA R PRADHAN KATHMANDU, OCT 14

Despite promises that a reshuffle in the Oli administration will be “based on merit, system and performance”, the prime minister on Wednesday effected a minor rejig in his Cabinet which smacked of internal political maneuverings. POST FILE PHOTO The changes included removal of Bishnu Poudel has got the Finance Ministry. Ishwar Pokhrel as the defence minis- ter and inclusion of Bishnu Poudel as nising the regional leaders and gave the finance minister. up on his demand for declaring Butwal Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has the provincial capital as he sided with kept the Defence Ministry portfolio his boss Oli on declaring Deukhuri as with himself. The Finance Ministry, the capital of the province that has which was with Oli since Yubaraj been named Lumbini. Khatiwada resigned earlier this Sources in the party say Poudel month, has been given to Poudel, who pulled off a coup, as he has not only POST PHOTO: MANOJ PAUDEL is also the general secretary of the earned an important ministerial Monks from Thailand receive alms at the Thai Vihar in Lumbini. During their three-month long ritualistic stay at the Buddha’s birthplace, the monks sustain on one daily meal gathered as alms. ruling Nepal Communist Party (NCP). berth but also managed to slight The Ministry of Communication and Pokhrel, his competitor in the party. Information Technology has been Pokhrel, who was not happy with given to Parbat Gurung, who was min- the leadership for elevating Poudel ister for children, women and senior to the powerful post of general secre- citizens. tary, had agreed to lead the Defence Recommendations on virus response have gone The finance portfolio for Poudel, Ministry after he was left with according to insiders, is a reward for no option, according to ruling party the role he played in settling the dis- leaders. pute that had emerged over the name Pokhrel has been given the charge and capital of Province 5 earlier this of the Prime Minister’s Office. unheard almost every time, officials say >> Continued on page 2 week. Poudel took the risk of antago- As cases continue to spike, government authorities have failed to take strong measures and abide by the suggestions based on data and investigations.

tan and other local levels of the Valley.” Besides updating the heat map daily, the centre has also developed an app for contact tracing, which was launched five months ago. Officials say the Health Ministry, however, has not shown interest in using the app. The tool can be of great help in ensur- ing effective contact tracing, accord- ing to officials. Last week, the Covid-19 Crisis Management Centre, which is led by Minister for Defence Ishwar Pokhrel, presented an updated heat map of coro- navirus cases in Kathmandu Valley at its meeting. Until Wednesday, Pokhrel was also the minister for defence. The centre also presented a report on the occupancy of general beds and availability of intensive care unit beds and ventilators, but the ministers who attended the meeting could not reach any decision and forwarded the reports POST PHOTO: SANJOG MANANDHAR to the Cabinet for further review. Nepal’s coronavirus tally hit 117,996 on Wednesday with 675 deaths. But on Monday, the Cabinet did not address any of the centre’s concerns. ARJUN POUDEL The centre also identified 10 It instead decided to lift restrictions KATHMANDU, OCT 14 hotpots with the maximum number of on public transportation, allowing infections–Naradevi, Dhokatole, them to run in full capacity. For two months now, the Covid-19 Bhimsensthan, Lagan, Sankata, Om The same day, the Health Ministry Crisis Management Centre has been Bahal, Makhan, Bangemudha, Dilli declared all 13 state-run hospitals in generating the heat map of the coun- Bazar and Gyaneshwor. the Valley as Covid-19 hospitals. try’s coronavirus daily cases. Based The centre officials say these areas However, government hospitals in on the data provided by the should be sealed followed by massive the Valley said that the idea is not Epidemiology and Disease Control testing and tracing efforts to break the feasible. Division, the technical staff at the chain of the virus transmission. But “We are waiting for the official let- centre update the heat map, identify- our prescriptions continue to be ter, work procedure and guideline to ing red zones and emerging hotspots. ignored, according to them. completely focus on Covid-19,” Dr The map is then shared with ministry “At the time of lifting the prohibito- Dirgha Raj RC, director at the Civil officials and higher authorities for ry orders, we presented the heat map Hospital, told the Post. “We also need devising a plan of action. of the hotspots at the meeting of a human resources, financial resources The plan includes whether to seal high-level committee and proposed to for safety gears, personal protective those areas or increase the number seal the areas and increase tests, but equipment and time to buy other of tests or expand contact tracing. our suggestions were ignored then equipment.” Recommendations are made accord- and they continue to be ignored now,” The hospital, which has been pro- ingly. said an official at the centre request- viding services to around two dozen But the higher authorities barely ing anonymity as he was not allowed Covid-19 patients, said that dozens of pay heed to the recommendations, to speak to the media. its health workers have contracted the according to officials at the centre, There were only three to four hot- virus and are on leave. “Right now, we which was formed a little over six spots in Kathmandu Valley four weeks do not have beds for patients infected months ago to fight the pandemic. ago, when the prohibitory orders were with coronavirus,” he added. “Even if On Sunday, the centre identified 32 lifted, according to the official. the government provided us with all red zones in the Kathmandu In areas such as Kalimati and Teku, the resources, it would take more than Metropolitan City including Teku, which were reporting new cases, it a month to prepare a facility to admit Naxal, Lazimpat, Maharajgunj, was found that most of the cases were infected patients.” Baluwatar, Tangal, Boudha, Mitra detected among returnees from India Tribhuvan University Teaching Park, Jaya Bageshwori, Gaushala, or who had recently arrived from hot- Hospital, which has allocated over 150 New Baneshwor, Tripureshwor, spots in some Tarai districts. beds for Covid-19 patients said that the Kalimati, Kalanki, Swayambhu, Following the government decision new decision to convert the hospital Sorakhutte and Chhetrapati. to lift the prohibitory orders, many into a completely Covid-19-focussed people had returned to the hospital is not possible, as the hospital Capital to resume their work, cannot deny services to other non-Cov- and according to officials, id-19 patients. records show that most of these “We cannot deny intensive care ser- new cases were amongst fruits vice to anyone, who is in need,” Dr and vegetable vendors and scrap Dinesh Kafle, executive director at the collectors, among others. hospital, told the Post. “We cannot “Had they paid heed to our refuse dialysis services to renal suggestions and enforced restric- patients or attend to patients suffering tions in those particular areas, from head injuries, and we can’t expel infections would not have spread the burn victims from the hospital at the current scale,” said the and deny appendicitis surgery, for official. “Now, there are hotspots instance.” in every ward of the metropoli- >> Continued on page 2

C M Y K THURSDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2020 | 02 NATIONAL Number of Covid-19 patients in need of critical care is increasing in Sudurpaschim The current medical infrastructure and human resources across all Covid-19 specific hospitals in the province are not enough to provide effective treatment, health officials say.

MOHAN BUDHAAIR says the current medical infrastruc- showed. DHANGADHI, OCT 14 ture in the province is not enough to According to Laxmi Upadhyay, deal with the surging number of chief at the health section of the The number of Covid-19 patients in Covid-19 patients. Dhangadhi sub metropolis, the num- need of ICU and ventilators in “If the number of asymptomatic ber of positive cases in the sub-me- Sudurpaschim Province has increased patients increases day by day, it won’t tropolis has been increasing of late. since mid-August, health workers say. be possible to handle them all with “There were only 233 Covid-19 cases Dr Hemraj Pandey, the medical limited health workers and infrastruc- in Dhangadhi sub metropolis before superintendent at the Seti Provincial tures,” he said. “Evaluating the possi- mid-August. Now, the number stands Hospital, said the number of critical ble risk, we are going to add two venti- at close to 1,000,” she said. “Among the patients across the province’s hospi- lators in each of the nine district hos- 233 patients, 97 percent were newcom- POST PHOTO: ELITE JOSHI tals is on the rise. pitals in the province. The directorate ers who had arrived in the district Nepal Army personnel rehearse for the upcoming Fulpati parade at Tundikhel, Kathmandu on Wednesday. The parade is staged every year on “Most of the Covid-19 patients who is also planning to add at least 1,000 from India and other countries. But the day of Fulpati, the seventh day of the Dashain festival. have checked into the provincial hos- isolation beds in every district.” there has been a surge in the number pital in the past few days are in need of infections in the district since then. of ventilators,” he said. “It is becom- Ninety-seven percent of new infec- ing increasingly necessary for the hos- So far, 8,205 people tions have been reported from the pital to add more ICU beds, ventilators community level.” and even health workers.” have tested positive According to her, within the last two Recommendations on virus response ... Seti Provincial Hospital has been months, Dhangadhi reported around designated as the referral hospital of for Covid-19 in 800 new Covid-19 cases and none of >> Continued from page 1 Tripathi; Industry, Commerce and Saturday, six days before the stipulat- coronavirus in Sudurpaschim them had any travel history. “This The hospital has added 14 intensive Supplies Minister Lekhraj Bhatta; ed holiday period starts, and enforcing Province. According to Pandey, there Sudurpaschim. indicates that the virus has already care unit beds to address the growing Health and Population Minister a “semi-lockdown”. are eight ICU beds for coronavirus transmitted at the community level.” demands of the Covid-19 patients, but Bhanubhakta Dhakal; the Finance “That’s our proposal, but it’s up to patients and five ICU beds for regular So far, 997 people have tested posi- it will take at least two months to pre- Minister; Agriculture Minister the Cabinet,” said Dr Roshan Pokhrel, patients in the hospital. Currently, Kailali is among the top tive for the coronavirus in Dhangadhi pare the facility, as the hospital has to Ghanashyam Bhusal; Foreign chief specialist at the Health Ministry. “We have 10 ventilators now. But ten districts with the most number of with 201 active cases. follow a public procurement process, Minister Pradeep Gyawali; Energy “We, however, believe that the infec- only adding equipment cannot ensure Covid-19 cases in the country. Until The data of the Sudurpaschim bring equipment from India, accord- Minister Barshaman Pun; and Culture tion rate will come down if our recom- effective care for patients; we also Monday, 3,022 individuals in the dis- Health Directorate showed that 8,205 ing to the hospital administration. Tourism and Civil Aviation Minister mendations are implemented.” need critical care doctors,” he said. trict have tested positive with 10 people have tested positive for Covid- “A lot of patients, who spent all Yogesh Bhattarai are in the directive The ministry a few weeks ago had “We only have one critical care doctor Covid-19-related deaths. There are 673 19 in Sudurpaschim Province until their money in private hospitals, have committee of the centre. recommended a lockdown if the num- at the hospital currently.” active cases in the district, the data of now. Among them, 1,282 are active been waiting for beds in our hospital’s Epidemiologists and infectious dis- ber of active cases hit the 25,000 mark. According to him, the hospital the District Health Office in Kailali cases with 19 reported deaths. emergency,” said Kafle. “They are not ease doctors have long been lamenting The country surpassed that target on administration has informed the pro- in a position to afford service in a pri- that the Oli administration doesn’t October 8. The number of total cases vincial and federal governments about vate hospital. How can we deny servic- listen to experts or acknowledge sci- on October 10 crossed the 100,000 the situation at the hospital. es to them?” ence-guided strategies. The govern- mark. The number of total active The Sudurpaschim Health Officials say the higher authorities ment has made several mistakes in the cases stand at 36,367 as of Wednesday. Directorate says only three govern- have been ignoring the suggestions past, and it continues to repeat the Public health experts say the ment hospitals in the province have from the initial days when the cases same mistakes, according to them. authorities have been making ICU beds and ventilator facilities. had just started to appear. On Wednesday, Nepal’s coronavirus ad-hoc decisions for months, without Dadeldhura Hospital has three venti- “The centre’s recommendations tally hit 117,996, with 675 deaths. In the realising the bigger danger that lies lators and Mahakali Hospital in have been ignored right from the last 24 hours, the Health Ministry said ahead. Kanchanpur has three ventilators and beginning,” an official at the 2,638 new cases, including 1,403 cases “When the restrictions were needed eight ICU beds, the data at the directo- Health Ministry told the Post. in Kathmandu Valley, were reported. to contain the virus transmission in rate showed. “Due to the higher authorities’ indif- With the festival season just around particular areas, we lifted the restric- All Covid-19 specific hospitals, ference towards scientific sugges- the corner, public health experts are tions,” said Dr Prabhat Adhikari, an including district hospitals, in tions, we have come to this stage of concerned about the massive infectious disease and critical care Sudurpaschim are facing a shortage the pandemic.” spread of the virus, as people will expert. “As cases started to rise at an of beds and health workers worry that Home Minister Ram Bahadur start travelling. alarming rate, there should have been the hospitals might not be able to Thapa; Federal Affairs and General The Health Ministry has proposed a lockdown based on case investiga- accommodate the increasing number Administration Minister Hridayash declaring Dashain holidays from tion and contact tracing.” of Covid-19 patients. In Seti Provincial Hospital, out of a 43-bed isolation facility, 36 beds are occupied by Covid- 19 patients. “There are five patients in ICU beds and three patients on venti- lators,” said Pandey. There are a total of 310 isolation beds in nine district hospitals, includ- ing Mahakali and Dadeldhura hospi- tals, of the province. Until Monday, there were 96 Covid-19 patients in the isolation facilities of these hospitals. Several local units and non-govern- ment organisations in Sudurpaschim Province have also set up 1,921 isola- tion beds for the treatment of Covid-19 patients. Currently, 476 patients are occupying those beds, the data of the local units showed. POST PHOTO Dr Gunaraj Awasthi, director at the Seti Provincial Hospital has been designated as the referral hospital for Covid-19 patients in Sudurpaschim Health Directorate, Sudurpaschim Province.

With a Cabinet rejig, Oli sows the seeds of conflict in the ruling party >> Continued from page 1 A Standing Committee member tions for former UML in Province 2. At least two knowledgeable sources said Wednesday’s reshuffle is likely to Even though party chairmen Oli told the Post that removing Pokhrel as create more conflict in the party. and Dahal held a two-hour-long meet- the defence minister is largely guided “Poudel cannot handle the Finance ing on Wednesday, leaders say the lat- by his “not-so-good” relations with the Ministry, let alone his dual duty as he ter is not happy with the Cabinet Army chief Purna Chandra Thapa. is also the party general secretary,” reshuffle. According to the sources, Pokhrel said the Standing Committee member “Dahal is not happy with the prime did not share cordial relations with who was one of the members of the minister’s move,” said a leader close Thapa for quite some time. The Army task force formed by the two chairs to to Dahal. “He has been trying to chief was especially not happy when defuse the crisis that had led the party convince Oli for a Cabinet reshuffle as the national defence force was dragged towards a split. “The situation once per the spirit of the recent decisions into controversy over the procure- again is returning to the stage of party meetings.” ment of medical equipment to fight prior to September 11. Conflicts will Dahal had long been pressing Oli to Covid-19. reappear now.” recall all ministers and make fresh Pokhrel also faces criticism for fail- appointments based on merit and per- ing to handle the Covid-19 pandemic formance. Insiders, however, say that as the coordinator of the High-level Dahal had long been the demand stemmed from his desire Covid-19 Crisis Management Centre. to remove Ram Bahadur Thapa, the He also faces corruption allegations in pressing Oli to make home minister, and Lekhraj Bhatta, the medical equipment procurement. the industry minister. Leaders close to Oli, however, ruled fresh appointments Both Thapa and Bhatta were Dahal’s out any differences between Pokhrel long time allies but they appear to and Thapa and they defended the based on merit. have sided with Oli of late. move to take Pokhrel to the Prime A member of Dahal’s secretariat Minister’s Office. said the party chair is not happy with “Actually, Pokhrel wanted to look With Poudel’s inclusion in the Cabinet reshuffles in instalments.

after the PMO since the very begin- Cabinet, many say chances are “Oli did not even discuss his plan to ning. It was at the prime minister’s Shanker Pokhrel, chief minister of rejing the Cabinet,” the member told request that he had agreed to lead the Lumbini, could be brought to the Post on condition of anonymity. “A Defence Ministry,” said Surya Thapa, Kathmandu to look after party affairs. decision to reshuffle the Cabinet must Oli’s press adviser. Shanker Pokhrel, who is also a have been taken in line with the deci-

“Since the prime minister felt the Standing Committee member, is said sion of the Standing Committee meet-

need to have someone to look after the to be the leader whom Oli trusts the ing and recommendations of the task PMO to coordinate among various most. force led by Poudel.” departments under it and the minis- The other faces in the Cabinet The Madhav Nepal faction too has tries, Pokhrel has been given the include Krishna Gopal Shrestha as the its reservations about Wednesday’s

responsibility.” minister for Urban Development and Cabinet reshuffle.

According to Thapa, with at least Lilanath Shrestha as the minister for “Oli’s unilateral decision to induct five secretaries at the PMO, it makes a women, children and senior citizens. three ministers is unacceptable to us,” combination of four-five ministries. Krishna Gopal Shrestha had once a Standing Committee member But in the Cabinet system Nepal switched sides to Nepal briefly. He has close to Nepal told the Post. “Oli has follows, many say, asking Pokhrel to been rewarded for glorifying Oli, once again breached the party look after the PMO means he is effec- according to insiders. Lilanath understanding.” tively a “minister without portfolio”, a Shrestha had contested against Nepal, according to the leader, had massive relegation from his earlier Pushpa Kamal Dahal from Siraha recommended Yagya Raj Sunuwar for position. Constituency 5 in the 2013 Constituent the Urban Development Ministry.

This episode may set in motion a Assembly elections from then CPN- “Both Dahal and Nepal have decid- new series of events in the party UML but had lost by a small margin. ed to call a meeting of the party which is mired in factional feud, Shrestha and Raghubir Mahaseth are Secretariat to discuss Oli’s unilateral according to insiders. the only two leaders who won the elec- move,” he said.

C M Y K 03 | THURSDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2020 NATIONAL Kathmandu to host Indian army chief as India, Nepal attempt to normalise ties Experts say visit symbolises an olive branch from India and will help resume dialogue disrupted due to the border row.

ANIL GIRI KATHMANDU, OCT 14

Officials in Kathmandu and New Delhi are preparing for a visit by India’s Chief of Army Staff General Manoj Mukunda Naravane to Nepal— the first-ever high-level visit from the southern neighbour after a border row between the two countries plunged ties to an all time low in recent history. The stated purpose of the visit, scheduled for early November, is for Naravane to be decorated with the

honorary rank of General of the WEBSITE A RMY INDIAN COURTESY: PHOTO Nepal Army, in accordance with a tra- POST PHOTO: DEEPAK KC dition of friendship between both the A week after the opening of a 80 A biker on a morning ride in Ramkot, Kathmandu. Trails around the Valley provide an excellent challenge for mountain bikers. armies. But the implied purpose is to kilometre long track by Singh in mend fences with Nepal, a year after Lipulekh on May 8, General Naravane the boundary dispute came to the fore, had said that it was in fact China that experts and two senior officials told was creating a flashpoint between the Post. Delhi and Kathmandu. “I don’t know “In fact, it [the visit] is an olive what they are actually agitating about. No takers for government’s migrant repatriation plan branch from India to normalise rup- There is a reason to believe that they tured relations due to the long-stand- might have raised this problem at the ing territorial dispute. I think this behest of someone else and that is CHANDAN KUMAR MANDAL most of them have already come chartered flights,” said Pandey. “Now, of jobs and shelter, Nepali migrant visit will positively contribute towards very much a possibility,” Naravane KATHMANDU, OCT 14 home,” Bharatmani Pandey, spokes- there are regular flights so workers workers in the Gulf, Malaysia, South reviving much-needed dialogue had said at an online conference in person for the labour ministry, told are not reaching out to these embas- Korea and other countries had to go between the two countries,” Geja May. Not a single Nepali worker applied to the Post. sies and might be returning on their through quite an ordeal for months Sharma Wagle, who writes on strate- His statement had created a huge the country’s diplomatic missions Since the government launched its own.” before they were allowed to return gic affairs and foreign policy, said. uproar in Kathmandu. Many officials abroad seeking repatriation under the repatriation scheme in June following A total of 3,133 Nepali workers had home. “The visit is meaningful as it comes believe that Naravane’s statement was government’s Covid-19 evacuation outbreaks of Covid-19 in labour desti- applied to return home under the gov- The labour ministry is the only amid a diplomatic standoff between one of the major reasons behind plan in the first week of October, offi- nation countries, a total of 103,807 ernment scheme between September agency that maintains data on return- the two countries,” added Wagle. Kathmandu’s decision to release the cial data shows. Nepalis, including migrant workers, 24 to October 1 while 10,866 migrant ing migrant workers and those apply- Although the boundary dispute will new map. The reason: Most workers who were have returned home from 59 countries workers landed home during the peri- ing to come home under the govern- not figure on the agenda of the army After a nod from the Cabinet, Nepal desperate to return home after losing under the evacuation plan, as of od. ment repatriation plan. chief ’s visit, it will open a line of com- Army on Wednesday announced that their jobs have already come home, Monday. But not a single Nepali migrant “The number of new applicants or munication between the two sides at Naravane will visit Nepal in officials say. The resumption of regu- The highest number of Nepalis worker applied to return home under migrant workers who wish to return highest-level and help restore normal- November. Spokesperson Brigadier lar international flight in September, have returned from the United Arab the evacuation plan between October home from these [the Gulf, Malaysia cy, officials in touch with New Delhi General Santosh Ballav Poudyal told also meant that workers, who had to Emirates (29,823), followed by 16,052 1, the day the government lifted its cap and Korea] countries have almost over the visit told the Post. the Post, “We have offered two dates to wade through bureaucratic hassles to from Saudi Arabia, 16,001 from Qatar, on the frequency of international ended,” said Pandey. “Now there are Foreign Minister Pradeep Gyawali the Indian side for the visit,” he said, get expensive return tickets on char- 14,852 from Malaysia and 9,511 from flights, and October 8, even though not many workers who are waiting to also told the Post that the government adding that it was highly likely that tered flights, can now come home on Kuwait. officials have not announced an end to return home.” hopes such high-level visits will help the Naravane will land in Kathmandu their own. “When there were no commercial the scheme. The government, however, hasn’t normalise ties. “Definitely, the Indian in the first week of November. “There are not many Nepali work- flights, migrant workers would turn to With limited and expensive char- announced an end to its repatriation side faced some difficulties after we The visit, approved by the govern- ers left who want to return home as our embassies to secure a place in the tered flights to return home and loss programme. published the new map,” he said. “But ment of Nepal on February 3, had there is no alternative to talks. Visits been postponed due to the Covid-19 of this kind will create an environ- lockdown in both the countries, the ment for talks on boundary dispute,” army said in a statement. During the said Gyawali. visit, President Bidya Devi Bhandari Deep Kumar Upadhyay, former will confer the honorary rank of BRIEFING Foreign TV channels can’t run adverts from Oct 23 ambassador to India, said the visit General of the Nepal Army to shows bilateral ties are gradually get- Naravane amid an investiture ceremo- PRITHVI MAN SHRESTHA Cable TV operators stream pay that it helps increase Nepal’s advertis- ting back to normal. “But we should ny, the army said in a statement. Manthali Municipality KATHMANDU, OCT 14 channels and free-to-air channels to ing market and create employment for stop unnecessarily criticising others A senior official told the Post that television sets in Nepal. Nepali artists, and public figures. because every state is free to exercise the visit would likely take place from closed until October 18 The government has directed distribu- As per the law, those violating the Rabindra Kumar Rijal, president of its sovereignty. There is no need to November 3-5. During the visit, RAMECHHAP: All services, except emer- tors to broadcast foreign channels in clean feed policy are subjected to pay Advertising Association of Nepal, a lash out at others,” he said. Naravane will pay a courtesy call on gency ones, have been closed in Nepal without advertisements from up to Rs500,000 as penalty. grouping of advertising agencies, said The boundary dispute between President Bhandari, will meet Vice Manthali Municipality after 20 indi- October 23, warning of legal action The ministry has also said that it would help double the advertise- Nepal and India had surfaced in the President Nanda Bahadur Pun, Prime viduals working in Manthali against those who fail to comply. agencies like the Indian Broadcasters’ ment market over the next two years. first week of November last year after Minister KP Sharma Oli and his Municipality Office, Manthali branch In a statement on Wednesday, the Forum, Discovery Networks and BBC “Currently, Nepal’s annual advertis- India placed disputed Kalapani, Nepali counterpart General Purna of Nepal Electricity Authority and Ministry of Communication and News had requested the government ing market is estimated to be worth Lipulekh and Limpiyadhura in its Chandra Thapa, among others. “We Rastriya Banijya Bank, among other Information Technology reminded the to postpone the implementation of the around Rs12 billon. This is expected to new political map after the revocation are preparing a schedule for his visit offices, tested positive for the corona- distributors of foreign television policy. The ministry, however, has reach Rs24 billion in two years,” he of Article 370 of its constitution. to Muktinath. But it is too early to virus. Issuing a notice on Tuesday, channels that the Advertisement made it clear that the law itself gave added. This was followed by the opening of confirm,” sources said. Ramesh Kumar Basnet, mayor at the (Regulation) Act 2019 requires that enough time to air content free of for- With foreign television channels a new track by Indian Defence The visit, although symbolic, high- municipality, said, “The municipality foreign TV channels be aired in Nepal eign advertisements. airing advertisements, multinational Minister Rajnath Singh in the first lights the importance of military has been closed until October 18.” without advertisements by October 23 “There is no option but to air for- companies don’t spend on advertising week of May in the disputed territory. diplomacy between the two countries, this year, and that the law has already eign channels without advertisements in Nepal. Nepal then sent four diplomatic notes said Sharma. “As both the Nepali and given them one year to prepare for the from October 23,” Gokarnamani When foreign channels are barred to India to hold talks to settle the dis- Indian army have, to some extent, dip- Soldier remanded in custody change. Duwadi, spokesperson for the from airing advertisements, multina- pute. However, as India was reluctant lomatic leverage on their respective CHITWAN: The District Court in “The agencies concerned are Ministry of Communication and tional companies will be required to to sit for talks on the boundary issue, governments,” said Wagle, “It is worth Chitwan on Tuesday remanded a requested to air foreign TV content Information Technology, told the Post. spend big in Nepal for visibility of Nepal’s government issued a new map noting that the Nepal Army played an Nepal Army soldier, who was arrest- without advertisements as per the Advertising agencies have wel- their products and services in the of the country incorporating the dis- instrumental role in lifting the Indian ed on the charge of assaulting a spirit of the law,” the ministry said. comed the government’s move saying country, officials say. puted territories. blockade in 2015.” Chepang youth, in judicial custody, said Shiva Adhikari, the information officer at the Court. Chiran Kumar Budha, 40, a sergeant of the Nepal Army deployed at Liglig Post in Batuk Dal Battalion of the Chitwan National Park was arrested on September 20 on the charge of Students to be promoted without conducting regular exams assaulting 24-year-old Raj Kumar Chepang of Ward No. 2 in Rapti Municipality. On July 22, Raj Kumar Education experts say the Covid-19 pandemic needs to be taken as an opportunity to improve the assessment system in country’s schools. died from what is believed to be the injuries inflicted by the Army BINOD GHIMIRE Among seven million students, over personnel after he was caught inside KATHMANDU, OCT 14 five million are enrolled in the around the park. 29,000 public schools across the coun- School students will not need to take try. the usual examinations this academic The government claims that the stu- Only two ventilators operating year to be promoted to the higher dents have been provided with various at Covid-19 hospital grade. platforms for virtual learning. The Curriculum Development However, reports suggest that a major- SUNSARI: Out of 10 ventilators at the Centre has asked the schools and ity of the students are not engaged in Covid-19 hospital in Dharan-based BP teachers to follow the continuous teaching-learning activities due to the Koirala Institute of Health Sciences, assessment approach and test the pandemic. The Education Ministry only two ventilators are in operation. practical knowledge of students, rath- has already reduced the curricula by A doctor at the institute said, “Eight er than using the traditional examina- 30 percent to complete the current ventilators in the hospital are out of tion format. As virtual learning has academic session by the usual time, order. We could save many lives if all replaced in-person classroom study mid-April. ventilators were in use.” The ventila- due to Covid-19, the centre says there Education experts say it is a right tors were installed in the hospital will be changes in the evaluation pro- move to promote students based on around three months ago. Until now, cess as well. continuous assessment and after 50 individuals have died of Covid-19 Under continuous assessment, evaluating their practical knowledge. in the hospital, as per the record of teachers will evaluate the day-to-day Besides, they argue it’s time the institute. performance of students and rate to start open book evaluation rather them based on their overall perfor- than sticking to the traditional for- Lamjung locals demand mance in the entire academic year. mat. Under practical assessment, students “The pandemic could be an opportu- hydel project be halted will be asked what life skills they have nity for a shift in our evaluation pro- LAMJUNG: Locals of Besisahar learnt. For instance, a student can cess, which prioritises rote learning,” Municipality, Lamjung have demand- explain how a particular crop is culti- POST FILE PHOTO said Binay Kusiyait, a professor at ed authorities stop the construction vated or how Covid-19 has affected the The Curriculum Development Centre has asked schools to follow continuous assessment approach and test practical knowledge of students. Tribhuvan University. “It is necessary of a 50 MW Marsyangdi Besi economic and social aspects of their for the evaluation process to test the Hydropower Project citing that it family. twice—in mid-December and in mid- 8 and 10 students. The new format will schools have already conducted their practical knowledge our children have, would ruin a ghat. Though the power “We need a departure from regular April next year—before students are be applicable only for other grades,” first terminal examinations online. which is useful for their entire lives.” purchase agreement has already been three-hour tests to promote students,” promoted to the higher grade. Two he said. Government officials, however, say Kusiyait says the students completed, a few locals from the area said Ganesh Bhattarai, director at the terminal and one final examinations The respective local governments the schools are free to hold the tests in could be given project work and be who will be affected by the project centre. “Teachers shouldn’t be limited are held, in normal conditions, to pro- conduct the examinations for grade 8 the usual formats if it is feasible for evaluated on how innovatively they said they were not informed about to evaluating the knowledge of stu- mote students. while the Office of the Controller of them. complete it. The new evaluation model the previous activities. Besisahar dents and how well they can compre- The new testing modality, however, Examinations holds the Secondary The new rules will mostly apply to could be adopted even during the nor- Municipality Ward No 6 and 10 are hend their curricula.” will not apply to students from grades Education Examinations. the students from public schools, most mal times, he suggested. “However, the areas that are going to be the Bhattarai said unlike in the past, 8 and 10. “There will be standardised The decision from the centre comes of which are still struggling to com- there is a need to train our teachers most affected by the project. students’ evaluation will be done only tests following the usual grid for grade at a time when most of the private mence teaching-learning activities. first.”

C M Y K THURSDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2020 | 04 OPINION EDITORIAL Manels and the Nepali heart Listen to rural women Nepal must commit to uplifting the status of those at the bottom of society.

Today, October 15, marks International Day of Rural Women. This sounds a bit odd, doesn’t it? If March 8 is already being celebrated as International Women’s Day, what is the need to have a separate day for rural women? It is not unusual for any of us to have this question in our minds when we hear of this. And that is exactly where the answer to our question lies: The concerns of rural women have historically been sidelined, ren- dering them voiceless and invisible across the world. The prob- lem is especially stark in countries in the global south that lack social, economic and physical infrastructures to raise the sta- tus of rural women to be at par with that of other groups. The statement issued by the United Nations for this year’s Day of Rural Women has pointed out the disadvantage rural women face, especially this year in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic, as ‘they are less likely to have access to quality health services, essential medicines, and vaccines’. The state- ment couldn’t be clearer when it says there is a need to adopt measures to alleviate the care burden women face and redis- tribute it between women and men, and between families and SCREEN GRAB: DEEPAK THAPA public/commercial services, especially in the most marginal- the umbrella body that speaks for those the panellists, in nearly all instances the biomedical sciences worldwide, Dr ised villages. Recognising the structural barriers and discrimi- The consistent case of only a without the country, the Non-Resident they were the sole female representa- Collins’ stance has certainly made a natory social norms that continue to hinder women’s deci- few women being invited to Nepali Association (NRNA), appears to tion, strengthening the impression that difference. More and more speakers sion-making power and political participation in rural areas, hark to a bygone era. For, despite the they were invited for reasons of their have begun declining invitations to the UN International Day of Rural Women this year focuses on momentous changes society back home gender alone. speak at manels. Even though that speak at most conferences has undergone, it does not appear to have In all fairness, it is perhaps not right push has not quite seeped into Nepal so ‘building rural women’s resilience in the wake of COVID-19’, to affected the NRNA, a fact made clear to single out the NRNA for the scale of far, it is only a matter of time. We all create awareness of these women’s struggles, their needs, and reeks of tokenism. with some force during the recently held this omission. As the 1974 AD song goes, have a part to play in hastening it their critical and key role in society. NRN Global Knowledge Convention. they are Nepalis after all. Particularly either by following Dr Collins’ lead, or The day of rural women has a special significance for Nepal, Consider this screenshot from the when the home country is led by a at the very least by reporting manels to DEEPAK THAPA rural women lag far behind their urban counterparts in the online meeting of the steering commit- prime minister who believes that it is at websites dedicated to ridiculing them tee of the Convention held in July ear- the instigation of NGOs that women are such as Say No to #ManPanels or Human Development Index and the Gender Inequality Index, AS I LIKE lier this year. If there ever was a demanding representation at levels Congrats, you have an all male panel!. among others. Reproductive health and mental health of rural ‘manel’, as male-only panels are becom- guaranteed by the constitution of which Dr Collins had also made the impor- women remains a taboo subject even today. Research has shown ing known, that was it. Eighteen faces he was perhaps the most enthusiastic tant point of ensuring the inclusion of that the emotional-psychological well-being of rural women gracing the screen and not a single endorser. Such a parochial view is only ‘women and members of other groups woman. What makes it worse is that to be expected from someone who rou- underrepresented [added emphasis]’ as remains neglected. Women in rural areas fail to seek maternity not all of the attendees are non-resi- tinely chairs the all-male panel of the a condition for his participation in healthcare, or even if they do, they do so pretty late for several I have to admit to a slight twinge of dent Nepalis, since I spy among them a ruling party’s nine-member apex body, events. That is where the NRNA seems reasons that include lack of transport, distance to health facil- envy as a young man upon learning childhood friend who has lived in Nepal the secretariat, and seemingly finds it to have missed out as well. Just look at ities, the women and family members not considering materni- that ‘Down Under’, the 1980s hit by the all his life; meaning not one Nepali perfectly normal. the surnames of the 18 men in the con- ty healthcare a serious issue, and others. Lack of skilled birth Australian band Men at Work, had been woman—whether in the country or Regardless of anyone’s viewpoint, ference call, starting from the top left: adopted as the unofficial national abroad—was believed capable of join- the world has moved on and it will soon Sharma, Mahato, Mishra, Pradhan, attendants during delivery at home also affects the health of anthem of the country Down Under. ing that group of worthies. There were become more difficult to justify manels. Kafle, Bhandari, Timsina, Adhikari, rural women, increasing maternal and neonatal morbidity. Nepalis were still living under the actually two women among the A courageous blow against that outdat- Dahal, Adhikari, Adhikari, Gaulee, The high rate of uterine prolapse, at almost 10 percent, Panchayat heel at the time and subject- 31-strong steering committee (of whom ed tradition was struck by Dr Francis Basnet, Bhattarai, Sharma, Upreti, remains a major public health concern in Nepal. The burden is ed to insipid renditions of ‘Sreeman 18 were in on that July call). I know for Collins, Director of the American gov- Rasali and Panta. Here, too, the record high among urban women, as their access to healthcare is lim- Gambhir’, certainly not a number one a fact that at least one of the two was ernment’s National Institutes of of the Nepali government’s is not much could belt out in joyous spontaneity. We brought on board at the urging of a Health, who declared to much acclaim better. A cursory glance at the names ited. Lack of access to formal education, child marriage and had to wait many more years before we male member of the steering commit- that ‘it is time to end the tradition in of individuals appointed to various early motherhood continue to limit rural women’s access to were able to boast of our own unofficial tee who had found their absence rather science of all-male speaking panels, government positions would throw up quality of living. In addition, lack of access to formal employ- anthem in the form of ‘Yo Man Ta Mero amiss. Without trying to second-guess sometimes wryly referred to as a permutation of similar-sounding sur- ment, mobility and security continue to impede the growth of Nepali Ho’ by the rock band 1974 AD. the NRNA, having just two women in “manels.” Too often, women and mem- names. At least we can be quite proud rural women in Nepal. Add to that the systemic oppression With lyrics referring to an exceptional the committee feels suspiciously like bers of other groups underrepresented that outside of the government, it has set of qualities Nepalis are endowed what it looks like—tokenism. in science are conspicuously missing become the norm to ensure greater rural women belonging to ‘low-castes’ face in countries like with as well as heirs to a glorious past, Since the Knowledge Convention in the marquee speaking slots at scien- social heterogeneity even if not every- Nepal, and the situation of rural women remains pretty combined with a very catchy tune, it is was showcased as an opportunity for tific meetings and other high-level con- one has unreservedly embraced the depressing. Rural women, thus, face multiple disadvantages as no wonder that the song became a huge the country to harness the expertise of ferences. Starting now, when I consider reasons to do so. If our national anthem compared to the urban population. hit, and remains popular even today, the global Nepali diaspora, a group speaking invitations, I will expect a celebrates the Nepali nation as a gar- As a society that has done little work towards uplifting the nearly two decades after its release. presumably more enlightened than level playing field, where scientists of land of a hundred flowers, it is only Perhaps nowhere is the song’s stand- their stay-at-home compatriots, with all all backgrounds are evaluated fairly for natural to celebrate that diversity in status of rural women, Nepal has a lot of commitments to ing higher than among Nepalis spread the exposure they would have received, speaking opportunities. If that atten- practice as well. Just as we should make today, beginning with getting rid of the parochial notion across the world. Understandably so, the exclusion of women was all the tion to inclusiveness is not evident in acknowledge the prominent place that women’s problems are particular to women alone. Rather, given that it brims with patriotism and more jarring. While there were admit- the agenda, I will decline to take part.’ accorded to women in our national they have to do with each one of us. And so we must strive to has the stirring refrain that we retain tedly very few manels at the conference It is unfortunate that his ultimate emblem, a decided change from the two solve those problems not just for the sake of the women but for our Nepali-ness no matter what we do or proper, the fact that such panels were boss, Donald Trump, has no use for armed men that were sported for dec- where we go; the heart remains pure even conceived of is quite inexplicable. such sentiments, but as someone who ades past—another manel that deserved everyone’s sake. Nepali. Unfortunately, the heart within And, where women did figure among heads a leading funder of research in getting rid of.

Strengthening federalism

more active among the newer institu- Intergovernmental tions created by law. However, its last meeting was held more than a year relationships are to be refined ago. The council is a forum to discuss fiscal issues between federal, provin- through experience and cial and local governments. The Provincial Coordination Council is practice, not directed by laws. another important forum for intergov- ernmental relations as it facilitates planning and budgeting issues KHIM LAL DEVKOTA between provincial and local govern- ments. Earlier, this provision was included in the Local Government Act. The Intergovernmental Coordination law has scrapped this provision from the Local Government Act and included it in the Intergovernmental Coordination law. Article 232 of the constitution clearly The Intergovernmental states that federalism in Nepal is Coordination law also includes the based on the principles of coopera- provision of a National Coordination tion, coexistence and coordination as Committee and sectoral committees. it visualises a non-hierarchical rela- These are newly created institutions tionship between the federal units. and have not been activated yet. Further, the constitution spells out the Sectoral committees are the bodies spheres of government as autono- that strengthen the thread of inter-lev- mous (exclusive functional assign- el relations. Such committees are for- ments) and interdependent upon each mally and informally active in almost other through concurrent functions. all federal countries. The constitution provides the sub-fed- eral units (provincial and local gov- Are they necessary? ernments) extensive powers to pre- A few weeks ago, I had a working paper pare and execute an annual budget, SHUTTERSTOCK published from the Andrew Young formulate and implement laws, poli- are to be refined through experience Parliament, have also started the prac- government and the provinces Council, National Coordination School of Policy Studies at the cies and plans on any matters within and practice as opposed to being tice of interacting with the thematic (Cantons) should respect and assist in Committee and sectoral committees. University of Georgia in the US in their respective jurisdiction. directed by the constitution and laws. committees of the provincial assem- the implementation of each other’s The first four of these institutions are which I have elaborated all the Nepali According to Article 235 of the con- We can see examples of this in classi- blies. The federal sectoral ministries rights. bodies mentioned in the constitution intergovernmental relations institu- stitution, Parliament is to make neces- cal federal countries like the United have also started to discuss with their The role of the bodies that strength- itself. The rest were created by law. tions discussed here. Regarding the jus- sary laws to maintain coordination States, Switzerland, Germany, Canada provincial counterparts. en the relationship between the vari- The constitution provides for the tification and necessity of these institu- between the federal units. In accord- and Brazil. Although the The United States, Canada and ous levels of government is crucial in formation of a Constitutional Bench tions, Professor Roy Kelly from Duke ance with this provision, Parliament Intergovernmental Coordination law Brazil do not have any constitutional forming common views on issues of in the Supreme Court to resolve dis- University had questioned whether has enacted a law entitled Federal, has just been approved by Parliament or legal arrangements for intergov- common concern among the federal putes between the federal units. The they are really necessary. Similar to Provincial and Local Level in Nepal, some provisions came into ernmental relations. However, there is units and to resolve disputes, misun- Inter-Provincial Council is a dispute Kelly’s version, I had questioned the (Coordination and Interrelationships) practice before the law was ever enact- no rift in intergovernmental relations derstandings and differences of opin- resolution body between the federal effectiveness of these institutions at the Act. This Intergovernmental ed. Further, there have been better in these countries. In Switzerland and ion. The more active these institutions and provincial governments or State Affairs and Good Governance Coordination law provides the basis practices than what is written in the Germany, some good aspects of inter- are, the more effective the implemen- between different provincial govern- Committee of the House of of inter-governmental relationships law as well. governmental relations are written in tation of federalism will be. However, ments. The National Natural Representatives on June 7, 2020. As between the spheres of government, For example, the prime minister the constitution. In Germany, the leg- this does not mean that federalism is Resources and Fiscal Commission Kelly said, I don’t think much is needed. guidelines to prepare legal documents, has directly and indirectly discussed islature bridges the gap. The constitu- strengthened solely by having such also has a responsibility to make sug- Whatever intergovernmental rela- policies and plans, a basis for drafting with the chief ministers of the prov- tion has given mostly legislative rights institutions. gestions in case of disputes between tions institutions we have, we should laws for exclusive and concurrent inces, while the speaker/deputy to the federal government and execu- There are many intergovernmental different spheres of government over work to make them more active, fruit- powers, formation of the National speaker of the House of tive power to the provinces (Landers). relations institutions in Nepal. They the use of natural resources. The ful and exemplary. The more active Coordination Committee, sectoral Representatives and the chairman/ The Landers implement the policies, include the Constitutional Bench, District Coordination Committee is and effective these institutions are, committees, settlements of inter-gov- vice-chairman of the National rules and laws made by the federal Inter-Provincial Council, National responsible for delivering develop- the more the chances of success in the ernmental disputes, and so forth. Assembly have consulted with the legislature. In Switzerland, the consti- Natural Resources and Fiscal mental coordination between various implementation of federalism. speaker/deputy speaker of the provin- tution contains the principles of inter- Commission, District Coordination spheres of government working in the Informal relations cial assembly on various federal governmental relationships. The con- Committee, Intergovernmental Fiscal respective district. Devkota is a fiscal federalism and In fact, intergovernmental relations issues. The thematic committees of stitution stipulates that the federal Council, Provincial Coordination The fiscal council seemed to be a bit local government analyst.

C M Y K 05 | THURSDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2020 MONEY Kiwi farmers in eastern Nepal told not to Government reduces harvest fruits until they are fully ripened insurance premium Local authorities have decided to keep a close watch as premature picking may harm their market value in the future. subsidy for its credit BIPLAV BHATTARAI as Rs800 per kg. But due to unhealthy ILAM, OCT 14 competition and profuse production, the fruit is traded at Rs100-250 per kg programmes Authorities in eastern Nepal have told these days. kiwi farmers not to harvest their Local farmers say they have also crops until they are fully ripened benefited from the Kiwi Zone PRITHVI MAN SHRESTHA reduced its subsidy in credit guaran- as immature fruits without nutrient Programme launched under the Prime KATHMANDU, OCT 14 tee on possibly default by borrowers. value have been flooding the market, Minister’s Agriculture Modernisation As per the amended working proce- threatening to harm their market Project in 2018 to promote commercial The government has reduced the sub- dure, the government will provide just value. kiwifruit farming. sidy it has been providing for insur- 50 percent of the total fees to be paid to The local administration and the The Kiwifruit Zone Office has also ance coverage premium for enterpris- the Deposit Insurance and Credit District Agriculture Knowledge been urging farmers to become aware es and insuring credits extended Guarantee Corporation for credit Centre issued the notice after growers of sustainable farming practices. under the government’s subsidised guarantee while the concerned bank began picking the fruits too early in a “If kiwifruit is supplied to the mar- loan scheme. or financial institution that extended bid to make large profits. ket before it has ripened, it will not The government provides subsi- loans, should bear half of the cost for The red kiwifruit is normally har- give the authentic taste and nutri- dised loans to different groups and for the credit guarantee facility. Earlier, vested in early November, but the pro- tion,” said Ganga Bista, secretary at different kinds of enterprises without the government used to cover 75 per- duce had already begun to appear in the Kiwi Zone Programme at collaterals but since there is a chance cent of the fee to be paid for credit the markets of Jhapa and Ilam in POST FILE PHOTO Sandakpur. “If consumers find that of default the loans have to be insured. insurance and the commercial banks August. Local authorities have decid- There is a loss in nutritional value if the fruit is harvested before time, according to experts. the fruit does not taste good, they will According to the amended Working and final institutions 25 percent. ed to keep a close watch to stop unripe not buy it again, and this will hurt Procedure on Interest Subsidy Credit guarantee or insurance fruits from being sold in the market as healing properties as it helps to treat forced to harvest their crops early. genuine farmers.” released by the central bank on means the Deposit Insurance and premature picking may harm demand and prevent several diseases like high Wild animals target the ripening “A number of people have raised Tuesday, the government will only Credit Guarantee Corporation will in the future. blood pressure, malfunctioning of the fruits. The red kiwifruit is harvested concerns over the taste of the kiwi- provide a 50 percent subsidy in premi- repay the loans if the borrower fails to There is a loss of nutrition value if digestive system and diabetes. in early November, and other varieties fruit available in the market,” said um to be paid to the insurance compa- pay the loan to the concerned bank or the fruit is harvested before it is time, Some farmers said that due to com- are normally harvested in the winter, kiwi producer Kausila Rai. “We have ny for projects promoted by targeted financial institution. according to experts. petition and with the aim of getting according to farmers. But this year, been requesting other farmers not to groups. Kiwi is a small fruit that packs a lot more money, immature fruits are markets in Jhapa and Ilam were sell their products before they have Earlier, such a subsidy on insurance of flavour and plenty of health bene- being shipped to market two months already flooded with kiwifruit in ripened as this may hurt the value.” coverage was 75 percent of the total The government fits. The fruit originated in China and before they are usually harvested. August. But farmers are not listening as premium to be paid. As per the work- was previously known as Chinese Other farmers have a different prob- If the trend of dispatching the har- they are losing their standing crops to ing procedure, insurance coverage of has allocated nearly gooseberry. Kiwi fruits grow on large lem. Wild animals are emerging as a vest to the market early continues, it wild animals and thieves, she said. the project is a must to get the loan vines and usually ripen within 25 new threat to their valuable crops, may dent the image of the fruit, said Farmers complain that due to lack under this scheme. Rs14 billion for weeks after flowering. they said. officials at the Agriculture Knowledge of cold storage facility, they are not “The main reason behind the gov- It is a brown, large egg-sized oval “It is not possible to guard our fields Centre, formerly the District able to store their harvests safely. ernment reducing its cost for insur- the subsidy this fruit. When sliced, it yields an attrac- the whole night,” said Purushottam Agriculture Development Office. As Immediately after the local kiwifruit ance premium and credit insurance, tive emerald green flesh with rows of Bhattarai, a local farmer of Jamuna concerns have been growing for the season ends, the market is flooded could be to expand the net of benefi- fiscal year. small dark edible seeds and a light in Sandakpur Rural Municipality. last few years, the centre this year with imported fruits and they cost ciaries instead of limiting the facility cream coloured centre. “Wild animals can eat 40 kg of kiwi issued a notice not to sell the kiwi- more too. to a limited number of people,” said Rich in Vitamin C and Actinidain fruits in one night,” he said, and that’s fruits before they are ripened. Big farmers have been urging the Dev Kumar Dhakal, executive director A new category of credit for techni- enzyme, kiwi fruits can be grown at a big loss for farmers. Commercial kiwifruit farming government to set up a cold storage at the central bank. cal education training and youth elevations ranging from 1,200 to 2,400 He said that as many farmers were started in the district a decade ago, plant for a long time. Ilam produces “While reducing support to an indi- self-employment credit has been metres. The fruit is recognised for its facing this problem, they were being and farmers initially earned as much 200 tonnes of kiwifruits annually. vidual beneficiary, the government added in the latest amendment. has increased the total size of the Under this scheme, a person graduat- budget for providing subsidy under ed with secondary level education can this scheme. This shows that the gov- get a loan up to Rs500,000 for self-em- FOREX ernment aims to increase the number ployment. of beneficiaries.” One must have taken the training Nearly nine of 10 workers want to keep According to Dhakal, the govern- of at least seven days from govern- US Dollar 117.59 ment has allocated nearly Rs14 billion ment run training agencies to get this Euro 137.98 for the subsidy this fiscal year, a sharp credit. The working procedure has Pound Sterling 152.29 rise from the Rs5 billion allocated in stated that the people affected by work-from-home option, survey shows the last fiscal year. earthquake, floods and landslides Japanese Yen 11.16 Under this scheme 10 different should be given priority to provide Chinese Yuan 17.47 REUTERS and challenges of doing their jobs ers, who prioritised effective commu- types of loans are provided. They this category of loans. Qatari Riyal 32.30 LONDON, OCT 14 remotely. nication and collaboration above include: commercial farming and live- According to Dhakal, this has Australian Dollar 84.30 Even though only 5 percent of those everything else. stock credit; educated youths self-em- opened the window for less educated Malaysian Ringit 28.33 Nearly nine out of 10 workers want to surveyed worked from home most of He said technology would also be ployment credit; credit to returnee people to get credit. Earlier under the be able to choose whether to work the time before the lockdown, now 87 used to ensure employees were safe migrant workers; women entrepre- educated youths self-employment Saudi Arab Riyal 31.35 from home or the office once Covid-19 percent of workers wanted the ability and their data was secure in their neurship credit; Dalit community credit category, only those who have Exchange rates fixed by Nepal Rastra Bank workplace restrictions ease, and have to choose where, how and when they working environment, whether in the business expansion credit; higher and passed diploma level education can greater autonomy over their hours, worked—blending between being home or the office. technical education credit; credit to only get the credit. Shares according to research from Cisco office-based and working remotely, This could include, for example, earthquake affected people for con- The government provides an inter- Systems. Cisco said in a report issued on sensors that monitored the heating structing private homes; textile est subsidy of five percent in most Nepse 1,561.17pts -0.47% The pandemic has rapidly shifted Wednesday. and lighting in a home work industry credit. categories of credits under this attitudes towards home working, Cisco Vice President Gordon station, or technology that checked Under this scheme, credit is provid- scheme. In the case of women HIGHEST LOSERS the research showed, with two Thomson said companies would have social distancing and whether ed either based on project or collective entrepreneurship credit, the govern- GHL API BARUN CHL RHPC KRBL -7.26% -5.91% -5.91% -5.7% -5.56% -5.33% thirds of workers developing a to reconfigure how they operate to people were wearing masks in the guarantee rather than on collaterals. ment will provide the interest subsidy greater appreciation of the benefits help meet the new demands of work- office, he said. Likewise, the government has also of six percent. MODERATE LOSERS RRHP RLFL UMHL AHPC NHPC GRDBL -5% -5% -4.91% -4.82% -4.5% -4.4%

MODERATE GAINERS RBCL NICBF AKJCL NLBSL GBD80/81 SABSL 1.48% 1.65% 1.72% 1.74% 1.95% 1.99% HIGHEST GAINERS IMF envisions a sharp 4.4 percent drop in global growth for 2020 BNT NIBSF1 GMFBS NHDL NFS GIC 2% 2.06% 2.58% 5.22% 9.75% 9.84% ASSOCIATED PRESS the slightly less dire forecast to fast- time to regain lost jobs, lost business The IMF said that while a swift WASHINGTON, OCT 14 er-than-expected rebounds in some investment and diminished schooling recovery in China had surprised fore- PRICE PER TOLA countries, notably China, and to gov- that will reduce the development of casters, the global rebound remains BULLION The International Monetary Fund ernment rescue aid that was enacted human capital around the world. vulnerable to setbacks. It noted that foresees a steep fall in international by the United States and other major For the United States, the IMF fore- “prospects have worsened significant- Fine Gold Rs 94,500 growth this year as the global econo- industrial countries. casts an economic contraction of 4.3 ly in some developing countries where my struggles to recover from the pan- While forecasting a global contrac- percent this year, 3.7 percentage points infections are rising rapidly” and that Silver Rs 1,205 demic-induced recession, its worst tion this year, after 2.8 percent growth better than in its June forecast. The in India and in poorer nations in collapse in nearly a century. in 2019, the IMF predicts a rebound to less-pessimistic outlook reflects a Africa and Asia, the pandemic has SOURCE: FENEGOSIDA The IMF estimated on Tuesday that global growth of 5.2 percent next year, stronger-than-expected bounce from continued to spread and in some areas the global economy will shrink 4.4 0.2 percentage point lower than in its the $3 trillion in relief aid that even accelerate. “Preventing further percent for 2020. That would be the June forecast. REUTERS Congress enacted earlier this year. policy setbacks,” the IMF said, “will GASOLINE WATCH worst annual plunge since the The 189-nation lending agency cau- the IMF’s chief economist, wrote in For next year, the IMF envisions 3.1 require that policy support is not pre- Great Depression of the 1930s. By tioned that many developing coun- the new outlook. “Recovery is not percent growth in the United States, maturely withdrawn.” comparison, the international econo- tries, notably India, are faring worse assured while the pandemic continues 1.4 percentage points less than in its In the United States, a variety of my contracted by a far smaller 0.1 than expected, in large part because to spread.” June outlook and in line with the view economic aid programs, including percent after the devastating 2008 of a resurgent virus. Many nations At a news conference, Gopinath of private forecasters. Last year, the small business loans to prevent financial crisis. face the threat of economic reversals said it was critical that government US economy grew 2.2 percent. layoffs and a $600-a-week unemploy- The monetary fund’s forecast for if government support is withdrawn economic support not be withdrawn China, the world’s second-largest ment benefit, have expired. Congress 2020 in its latest World Economic too quickly, the IMF warned. too quickly. economy, is expected to grow 1.9 per- has so far failed to reach a compro- Outlook does represent an upgrade of “While the global economy is com- “This crisis will leave scars,” she cent this year, a sharp slowdown from mise agreement to provide further 0.8 percentage point from its previous ing back, the ascent will be long, une- told reporters, stemming from dam- the 6.1 percent gain in 2019, and then financial assistance to individuals forecast in June. The IMF attributed ven and uncertain,” Gita Gopinath, age to labour markets that will take expand 8.2 percent in 2021. and businesses.

No jet orders, more 737 MAX cancellations for Boeing REUTERS log when it applies stricter accounting SEATTLE, OCT 14 standards, stood at 1,006 aircraft. Canceled MAX orders, including 1. Boeing Co lost another three orders those where buyers converted one for its grounded 737 MAX jetliner in type of jet to a different model, was September, and delivered 11 total air- 436 jets—and 448 for all jets across BIZLINE craft to customers, less than half the Boeing’s portfolio, Boeing said. number from the same month a year On the delivery side, Boeing handed ago, company data showed on Tuesday. to airline customers 10 twin-aisle jets The closely watched monthly in September, down from 25 a year Classic Legends launches Jawa snapshot also shows that quality flaws earlier and 12 in August. and Jawa forty two in Nepal on the 787 Dreamliner continue to hamper efforts to develop an alter- KATHMANDU: Classic Legends has native cash cow to the 737 MAX, 2. launched Jawa motorcycles in Nepal grounded after two fatal crashes in in collaboration with Agni Moto Inc, 2018 and 2019. 3. a subsidiary of Agni Group and As Boeing works to win regulatory authorised distributor of Mahindra approval, potentially early next two wheelers and generators. month, to fly the 737 MAX again in the Customers will be able to choose United States, the coronavirus pan- from two models, the Jawa and Jawa demic continues to hurt demand for forty two, states the press release jets from both Boeing and European 4. issued by the company. The Jawa is rival Airbus. 5. priced at Rs648,500 for single Boeing said it lost orders for two 737 channel ABS while the dual channel MAX jets from leasing company BOC ABS variant costs Rs648,000. Aviation and another jet from an uni- The Jawa forty two starts from dentified customer in September. Rs620,000 for the single channel For 2020 through September, the 6. ABS variant and Rs648,000 for dual number of MAX orders canceled, or channel ABS. removed from Boeing’s official back-

C M Y K THURSDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2020 | 06 WORLD

BRIEFING India sees 63,000 Indian Americans solidly behind Biden cases, China tests Hunt for missing rescue team in flood-hit Vietnam 4.2 million people VIETNAM: A search operation has been in US presidential election, survey shows launched for a missing rescue team ASSOCIATED PRESS as severe flooding and landslides bat- Indian Americans, the second largest immigrant group in the US, make up less than 1 percent of registered voters. NEW DELHI, OCT 14 tered central Vietnam, authorities said on Wednesday. Close to a million India has confirmed more than 63,000 people have been impacted by heavy new cases of the coronavirus, an downpours and rising waters since increase of over 8,000 from the previ- mid last week, with more than 200,000 ous day but still far fewer than it was homes flooded, according to the reporting a month ago, when the virus International Federation of Red was at its peak in the country. Cross and Red Crescent Societies. The Health Ministry reported 63,509 Thirty-six people are now dead, new cases on Wednesday, raising Vietnam’s disaster management India’s total to more than 7.2 million, authority said, while rescue workers second in the world behind the US. have launched a search for around 30 The ministry also reported 730 fatali- people missing at a hydropower plant ties in the past 24 hours, raising the in Thua Thien Hue province follow- death toll to 110,586. The country was ing landslides. seeing more than 1,000 deaths per day last month. According to the Health Ministry, Biggest WWII bomb explodes India’s average number of daily while being defused cases dropped to 72,576 last week from WARSAW: The biggest World War Two 92,830 during the week of September bomb ever found in Poland exploded 9-15, when the virus peaked. Over the under water on Tuesday as navy last month, the country has been see- divers tried to defuse it. More than ing a trend of declining cases on a 750 people had been evacuated from week-to-week basis. the area near the Piast Canal outside the town of Swinoujscie where the Tallboy bomb used by Britain’s Royal China has reported Air Force was found. It weighed near- ly 5,400 kg, including 2,400 kg of a total of 4,634 explosive. “The deflagration process turned into detonation. The object deaths among can be considered as neutralised, it will not pose any more threat,” 85,611 confirmed Second-Lieutenant Grzegorz Lewandowski, the spokesman of the cases of Covid-19. 8th Coastal Defence Flotilla, was quoted as saying by state-run news agency PAP. REUTERS On Tuesday, India registered 55,342 Democratic US presidential nominee Joe Biden and vice presidential nominee Kamala Harris are pictured in Phoenix, Arizona, US, last week. new cases, its lowest single-day tally since mid-August. Thai protest rivals in show REUTERS mate. Harris is the first Black woman Trump and Indian Prime Minister Trump,” said Milan Vaishnav from In other developments in the Asia- NEW DELHI, OCT 14 and Asian American in history to Narendra Modi have raised expecta- the Carnegie Endowment for Pacific region, China says it has car- of force on Bangkok streets make the presidential ticket for a tions of a shift. International Peace, Devesh Kapur ried out more than 4.2 million tests in BANGKOK: Thousands of Thai Nearly three-quarters of Indian major party. In an effort to win support from from Johns Hopkins and Sumitra the northern port city of Qingdao, anti-government protesters and royal- Americans plan to vote for Democratic The survey found 72 percent of reg- Indian-American voters, Trump host- Badrinathan in their assessment. with no new cases of the coronavirus ist supporters of King Maha presidential candidate Joe Biden in istered Indian American voters sup- ed a 50,000-person “Howdy Modi” rally Voters who were polled listed the among the almost 2 million results Vajiralongkorn staged rival shows of the US election next month, believing ported Biden for president compared in Texas with Modi last year. Modi economy and healthcare as their top received. force on Wednesday with political the country is headed in the wrong to 22 percent for Trump. The rest returned the favour in February, two concerns in the lead-up to the The city has reported a total of 12 tension growing after three months direction under President Donald either chose “others” or said they did organizing a 110,000-attendee rally for vote. US-India ties were near the bot- cases, six with symptoms and six of demonstrations. Anti-government Trump, according to a survey on not intend to vote. Trump in India. tom of the list. without, since the new outbreak was demonstrators set off from the Wednesday. The survey, a collaboration between There has been speculation the Harris’s run for vice president has first spotted over the weekend at a Democracy Monument for the govern- Indian Americans, the second larg- the Carnegie Endowment for Indian community in the US may not galvanised Indian Americans to turn hospital. ment’s official compound to demand est immigrant group in the United International Peace, Johns Hopkins- favour a potential Biden presidency, out to vote, especially the Democrats. China on Wednesday reported 27 the departure of Prime Minister States, make up less than 1 percent of SAIS, and the University of fearing he may be tougher on India on About 49 percent of respondents new cases, including 13 of local trans- Prayuth Chan-ocha, a former junta registered voters for the November 3 Pennsylvania, covered 936 Indian issues such as human rights and civil indicated that Harris’s nomination mission and 14 brought from outside leader, and a new constitution. They election. But both parties have reached Americans. liberties that activists say are increas- made them more enthusiastic the country. The local cases included have also called for reform of the out to the community in case they It was conducted between Sept. 1 ingly at risk under Modi. Still, the about Biden’s candidacy while just seven that had been shifted to con- monarchy. Despite some brief scuffles become important in the event of a and Sept. 20 in partnership with survey showed little erosion in sup- 15 percent said it made them less firmed from asymptomatic. with the security forces, the two sides close vote. YouGov with an overall margin of port for Biden. enthusiastic. It wasn’t immediately clear whether largely kept apart, but the standoff The Indian community is also in the error of +/- 3.2 percent. “The big takeaway from these num- Harris is born to an Indian mother any of those involved cases reported revived fears of trouble in a country spotlight after Biden picked Senator The Indian community has tradi- bers is that there is scant evidence in and a Jamaican father who both emi- in Qingdao. China has reported a total that suffered a decade of street vio- Kamala Harris, the daughter of an tionally supported the Democratic the survey for the widespread defec- grated to the United States in their of 4,634 deaths among 85,611 con- lence before a 2014 coup. (AGENCIES) Indian immigrant, as his running Party, but strong personal ties between tion of Democratic voters toward youth to study. firmed cases of Covid-19.

China sees Saudi hosts G20 talks on affirmation in election to Human virus recovery, debt relief Rights Council ASSOCIATED PRESS BEIJING, OCT 14

China said Wednesday its reelection to the United Nations Human Rights Council, despite stiff opposition from leading democratic states and rights groups, was proof of the international community’s “high recognition” of its achievements in the field. Foreign ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian also dismissed criticism of China’s election Tuesday from US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo as “very absurd,” while attacking Washington’s own record and accus- ing it of interfering in other coun- AFP/RSS tries’ internal affairs using human Saudi Minister Majid al-Qasabi chairs a virtual G20 finance ministers’ meeting in September. rights as a pretext. “This (election) fully reflects the AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE fully” to help poor nations weather the international community’s high rec- RIYADH, OCT 14 health crisis. ognition of the development and pro- “I think there will be compromise gress of China’s human rights cause G20 finance ministers and central language (on) maybe a six-month and China’s participation in global bankers are set to hold talks on extension that can be renewed depend- human rights governance,” Zhao told Wednesday aimed at spurring global ing on debt sustainability,” Malpass reporters at a daily briefing. recovery from a coronavirus-triggered said. The DSSI has received 46 applica- recession while considering a propos- tions from eligible countries across al to extend debt relief for crisis-hit the world, most of them from Africa, China won election poor countries. the G20 said last month. The virtual talks, hosted by current But global campaigners have criti- with 139 votes, G20 president Saudi Arabia, come a cised the group for doing little to help day after the International Monetary poor countries stave off the knock-on 30 percent fewer Fund warned that global GDP would effects of the pandemic. contract 4.4 percent in 2020 and the The talks, chaired by Saudi Finance than the 180 it damage inflicted by the pandemic Minister Mohammed al-Jadaan and would be felt for years. central bank governor Ahmed al-Kho- garnered in 2016. The meeting will “discuss updates lifey, come as the surging health crisis to the G20 Action Plan—supporting continues to batter the global econo- the global economy through the Covid- my and triggers unemployment on a Rights groups criticised China’s 19 pandemic,” G20 organisers said in a massive scale. election to the UNHRC, alongside statement. Huge injections of government aid Russia, Cuba, Pakistan and Nepal, The group will also discuss “the have kept economies from plunging citing Beijing’s rights violations in progress made on the G20 Debt Service further in 2020, but the continued Hong Kong, Tibet and Xinjiang, as Suspension Initiative (DSSI) and its presence of Covid-19 means the out- well as attacks on human rights proposed extension into 2021,” the look is highly uncertain, the IMF said defenders, journalists, lawyers and statement added. in its latest World Economic Outlook government critics. The 20 most industrialised nations on Tuesday. The US announced its withdrawal had pledged in April to suspend debt The recession has been less severe from the council in June 2018, partly service from the world’s poorest coun- than expected but still deep and “the because it considered the body a tries through the end of the year as ascent out of this calamity is likely to forum for hypocrisy about human they faced a sharp economic contrac- be long, uneven, and highly uncer- rights, though also because tion caused by the pandemic. tain,” IMF chief economist Gita Washington says the UNHRC is The World Bank and campaigners Gopinath said. Campaigners warn of anti-Israel. have called for the debt suspension a looming debt crisis across pover- Amid the criticism, China won ree- initiative to be extended through the ty-wracked developing nations. lection with 139 votes, 30 percent fewer end of 2021, while charities such as The World Bank on Monday said the than the 180 it garnered in 2016. That Oxfam say it needs to be stretched debt of the world’s 73 poorest coun- reflects “the growing international through 2022. tries grew 9.5 percent last year consensus that China’s brutal assault But World Bank President David to a record $744 billion, which shows on human rights cannot, and must Malpass on Monday warned G20 coun- “an urgent need for creditors and not, go unchallenged,” Pema Doma of tries may only approve a six-month borrowers alike to collaborate to the rights group Students for a Free debt relief extension because “not all stave off the growing risk of sover- Tibet said in an emailed statement. of the creditors are participating eign-debt crises”.

C M Y K 07 | THURSDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2020 SPORTS | MEDLEY Ukraine inflict shock defeat on Spain, English FA warns against Germany’s defending woes continue breakaway as EFL clubs Enrique’s Spain face first defeat since November 2018 while Loew’s Germany fight back for a 3-3 draw against Switzerland. enthuse over proposals REUTERS governing body, has the power to block AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE MANCHESTER, OCT 14 any changes and made a warning MADRID, OCT 14 about the risks clubs would take with English football’s increasingly bitter regard to Champions League partici- Substitute Viktor Tsygankov’s strike row over plans to change the structure pation. “UEFA look to us to nominate gave Ukraine a surprise 1-0 win over and financing of the game descended the league, and therefore the clubs, goal-shy Spain in their Nations League into threats and warnings ahead of that will play in their competitions,” clash in Kiev, while Germany had to Wednesday’s crunch meeting of wrote Clarke. come from two goals down to limp to a Premier League clubs. But while Clarke’s comments clear- 3-3 draw against Switzerland on The plans, backed by Liverpool and ly provide a deterrent to any top flight Tuesday. Manchester United and dubbed clubs thinking of a breakaway option The 22-year-old Dynamo Kiev player ‘Project Big Picture’, would see an should the plan fail to win enough latched onto Andriy Yarmolenko’s increase in funds for the 72 clubs in support from the Premier League superb through ball and fired past an the Football League (EFL) but also clubs, the EFL clubs appear enthusias- exposed David de Gea in the 76th min- include special voting rights for the tic about the plans. ute. The goal came against the run of top clubs in the Premier League and a The EFL said the plans “...received play with Spain applying most of the reduction in the size of the top flight strong support, with an overwhelming pressure at the Olympic Stadium, to 18 clubs. majority of clubs indicating a willing- where coronavirus restrictions were While EFL club chairmen talked of ness to discuss the proposals further eased enough to allow a limited num- “overwhelming support” for the plans, on the basis that the primary benefits ber of fans to attend. which include a 250 million pounds for the future of the English pyramid It was a shock result after Spain— rescue package for their clubs, FA are clear. “...while there are no specif- who had not lost since November chairman Greg Clarke addressed ic timescales for what happens next, 2018—won 4-0 when the sides met in reports that there had been a threat there is a clear need for a progress in Madrid just last month, and Ukraine from clubs backing the plan to leave this matter as quickly as practically are now only a point behind Luis the Premier League. possible,” added the statement . Enrique’s team in League A, Group 4. Clarke said he had been involved in While several owners of third and With two rounds of matches still to initial discussions with the top clubs fourth tier clubs have been enthusias- play in November, Spain top the group but left them after they began to dis- tic about the plans, Peter Ridsdale, the on seven points, a point above both cuss the possibility of a breakaway. owner’s representative at Champ- Germany and Ukraine, with winless “In late spring, when the principal ionship club Preston North End, said Switzerland bottom on just two points. aim of these discussions became the that he was wary of the big clubs. The Ukraine squad were fortunate concentration of power and wealth in “I don’t think some of the top six not to fall behind on several occasions the hands of a few clubs with a break- clubs believe in the pyramid,” he said. against Spain, with goalkeeper away league mooted as a threat, I of “I think some of them believe in a Georgiy Bushchan doing well to tip AP/RSS course, discontinued my involve- franchise system like you see in the over Rodrigo Moreno header early on. Germany’s Serge Gnabry (right) scored a goal against Switzerland in their Nations League match as they drew four of their last five matches. ment,” Clarke said in an open letter to (United) States. However, at the Germany have drawn four of their FA Council members. moment what we have is an offer to last five games surrendering the lead three Swiss goals came from German The Swiss grabbed their second of reach of Swiss goalkeeper Yann EFL chairman Rick Parry was assist the pyramid which wasn’t on on three occasions. They squeezed mistakes. Germany fought back when Toni Kroos, making his 100th Sommer to make it 2-1 on 29 minutes. asked by a reporter on Sunday wheth- the table. Today the Football League past Ukraine 2-1 with a full strength behind closed doors with goals by appearance for Germany, surrendered Havertz equalised on 55 minutes. er he had offered the ‘Big Six’— has a unique opportunity if this side in Kiev on Saturday and after a Timo Werner, his Chelsea team-mate possession. Haris Seferovic flicked the However, the Swiss claimed their Liverpool, Manchester United, remains on the table to perhaps pro- 3-3 friendly home draw against Turkey Kai Havertz and Serge Gnabry. ball across the box to Freuler, who had third goal when Gavranovic slammed Manchester City, Chelsea, Tottenham tect the Football League for the long last Wednesday, Joachim Loew’s The German defence was caught the time and space to chip Neuer on 26 home a shot on 57 minutes after the Hotspur and Arsenal—the opportuni- term while in the short-term it is in side were once again guilty of poor napping with just five minutes gone. minutes. Germany fought back with German defence had again been ty to leave the Premier League and real danger”. defending. Right back Robin Gosens lost the ball two ‘Made in Chelsea’ goals. Kai pulled apart. The Germans came back join with EFL clubs. Parry declined to The Premier League clubs will meet Dinamo Zagreb striker Mario and Freuler headed to Gavranovic Havertz won the ball and unleashed to again when Werner threaded a pass to comment. on Wednesday with the FA holding a Gavranovic scored goals either side of who also used his head to guide the Timo Werner, who beat a posse of Gnabry, who flicked the ball past Clarke added a reminder in his let- scheduled Council meeting on a deft chip by Remo Freuler as all ball over goalkeeper Manuel Neuer. defenders before placing his shot out Sommer with half an hour to go. ter that the FA, as the English game’s Thursday. Dhoni criticised for bullying Neymar, Messi, Suarez shine in World Cup qualifiers AGENCIES arms outstretched at shoulder ASSOCIATED PRESS Suarez, despite Uruguay’s 4-2 loss at always costs more,” Messi said on posting a picture of Ronaldo and a DUBAI, OCT 14 height—when Dhoni began protest- SAO PAULO, OCT 14 Ecuador, became the leading goal scor- Instagram, referring to playing at message that read: “All my respect for ing. Reiffel then seemed to change his er in the history of South American 3,600 meters (11,800 feet) above sea you, Phenomenon.” Cricket fans have slammed Mahendra mind midway through the signal and Neymar and Luis Suarez rewrote qualifying. level. Suarez scored three times from the Singh Dhoni for apparently bullying the ball went down as legitimate in the some record books and Argentina is The 33-year-old Messi, who could be Hours later, Neymar showed that spot in his last two matches for umpire Paul Reiffel into changing a crucial penultimate over of breathing easier thanks to Lionel heading to his last World Cup, had Brazil should be a team to watch in Uruguay—to tie and then surpass wide call during an Indian Premier Hyderabad’s chase of 168. Messi. never won in La Paz. Tuesday’s match Qatar in 2022. He scored twice from Messi as the leading goal scorer in the League game. The incident occurred Commentator Ian Bishop, a former In South American qualifying for looked doomed to follow suit after the spot and once in added time—to history of South American qualify- Tuesday when Dhoni-led Chennai West Indian international, said on the World Cup on Tuesday night, Bolivia opened the scoring. But put his team as co-leaders of the South ing. His 24 goals are two more than Super Kings paceman Shardul Thakur ESPNcricinfo that Reiffel had erred. Neymar became Brazil’s second lead- Messi’s calm allowed Argentina to American qualifiers. Neymar’s histor- Messi. bowled outside the off stump of Hyderabad captain David Warner ing goal scorer after a hat trick in a 4-2 play without the angst of previous ic moment came when he converted The 33-year-old striker will have a Sunrisers Hyderabad batsman Rashid also seemed visibly unhappy from the win at Peru. Neymar passed Ronaldo disappointments. The final reward his second penalty. It was his 63rd goal chance to add to his tally next month Khan. dugout of the Dubai stadium. The and now trails only Pele. came after Joaquin Correa scored in for Brazil, passing Ronaldo. Pele has as Uruguay faces Colombia away and Umpire Reiffel, who played 35 Tests match saw Chennai bounce back from Messi paced Argentina to a 2-1 win the 79th minute after a play started by 77 goals. Brazil in Montevideo. Neymar will for Australia before retiring, appeared two losses to win by 20 runs and draw at Bolivia, its first in the altitude of La Messi. The 28-year-old Brazilian used his also have a chance to reduce the gap to start the signal for a wide—both level with Hyderabad on six points. Paz since 2005. “A great win in the altitude, where it social media channels to celebrate, between himself and Pele. HOROSCOPE ARIES (March 21-April 19) *** CANCER (June 22-July 22) **** LIBRA (September 23-October 22) ***** CAPRICORN (December 22-January 19) *** Feeling a bit stressed out? Try to give away as many You’re getting better at handling emotions, which is Don’t be surprised if your routine is disrupted just Don’t get too comfortable with the mood you’re in of your responsibilities as you can today. You have helping you connect much more effectively with the when you’re getting the hang of something. The when you wake up because chances are it’s going to plenty of family members, co-workers, and friends people you’re working with right now. Trust this good news is that this unexpected interruption will change several times as the day progresses! The who would be happy to take something off your plate control you have when someone says something that be a happy one! Someone from your past could come extremes in energy you could experience today will and help you take a breather. ticks you off today. back bringing good news. help make the day go by quickly.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20) *** LEO (July 23-August 22) **** SCORPIO (October 23-November 21) *** AQUARIUS (January 20-February 18) ** It’s getting easier and easier for you to let people Your recent accomplishment was really something to Try not to control too much. Giving some power over All signs point to today being something of an emo- know what’s on your mind. You’re no longer hung up be proud of, so why are you being so modest? If to someone else might not be an easy thing for you to tional day for you. You’d be doing yourself a huge about what conclusions they may draw. Your self you’re afraid of making other people jealous, forget do, but it will be an awful lot healthier for you. Let go favour if you were prepared for some bruised feel- confidence is strong, and you understand that you it. You can’t live your life according to how you may of some responsibilities and give yourself some ings. If a friendly flirter is suddenly all business, have every right to feel whatever you feel. or may not make someone else feel. breathing room. don’t take it personally.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21) **** VIRGO (August 23-September 22) *** SAGITTARIUS (November 22-December 21) *** PISCES (February 19-March 20) **** If you’re looking to buy a gift for someone who is You can never get a positive outcome if all you do is There is some exciting news coming your way. That’s It’s a good time to pay more attention to those areas very special to you, don’t be stingy with your money! focus on negative energy. Do your best to put a posi- why it’s more important than ever for you to be flex- of your life you’ve been neglecting, such as a long That’s not to say that you should spend more than tive spin on everything and everyone. See the bright ible with your schedule. You also might need to forgotten project, a needy neighbour, or a faraway what is sensible, but it does mean that you should side of things and stop dwelling on the bad things convince other people to be more flexible in their friend. They may be out of sight and out of mind, but show them how much they mean to you. that are holding you back. expectations of you. they still need your attention. CROSSWORD SUDOKU

YESTERDAY’S SOLUTION

C M Y K THURSDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2020 | 08 CULTURE & LIFESTYLE (C.R.P.D.) - 3/052/053 Young Covid-19 patients urge people to be more cautious The cavalier attitude many young people have towards Covid-19 may be because they see it less threatening for their age group. But such an outlook is dangerous for people around them, recovered Covid-19 patients say.

TSERING NGODUP LAMA KATHMANDU

hen Sonam Jangbu Sherpa went to attend a meeting at his office on September 14, he had no clue that the meet- Wing would go on to completely disrupt his normal life for the coming weeks. Three days after the meeting, one of the persons who had attended the meet- ing called to inform Sherpa that he had tested positive for Covid-19 and suggested that Sherpa get tested too. “It was a shocking piece of news, and a nurse I know suggested that I immediate- ly isolate myself, and monitor myself for any symptoms,” said Sherpa, 24. On the third night of isolation, Sherpa started running a fever. “On the fourth day, on September 18, I went for a PCR test, and the report, which came two days later, showed I was Covid- 19 positive,” said Sherpa. Sherpa is one of the many young peo- ple in the country who have contracted Covid-19. But unlike many, people like Sherpa are coming forward and sharing their Covid-19 experiences hoping to urge youth to take the infection more seriously, to adopt caution and be responsible. “I always knew that I have high chanc- es of contracting Covid-19 because my job requires me to go out for meetings often,” said Sherpa. “But every time I did go out, I made sure that I maintain physical dis- tance, wore a mask and sanitised my hands frequently.” As the number of cases continued to rise in the country, in September, Sherpa readied an isolation room at the top floor of his house in case anyone in the family did contract Covid-19. SHUTTERSTOCK “Turns out I was destined to be the first Covid-19 in her family. Five other mem- an important role to play. icines to suggesting diet and lifestyle one to use it,” said Sherpa. “I ended up bers of her family tested positive along “We have to be more responsible. We changes, and helping patients who need spending 27 days in isolation.” Sherpa’s with her. Young people also have to wear masks diligently, wash hospitalisation find hospital beds,” said symptoms included high fever, muscle “On the day I tested positive, I lost my need to be aware hands frequently, maintain social dis- Sherpa. “With Nepal Plasma Group, the and joint pain, chest pain, dry cough, sense of taste and both my nasal passages tance, and most importantly, only go out aim is to connect Covid-19 patients requir- fatigue, and shortness of breath. got completely blocked,” said Dangol. “A that Covid-19 reacts until or unless it’s very important,” said ing plasma donation with donors.” “First came the fever, which at times day later, I completely lost olfactory sen- Sherpa. Young people, says Dangol, also need to reached upto 103°F, and when the fever sation, which was followed by body pain. differently with After recovering from Covid-19, both be aware that Covid-19 reacts differently disappeared, it was followed by muscle The worst part was the severe back pain, Sherpa and Dangol say they have been with different people. “Medical profes- and joint pain,” said Sherpa. “When the which lasted for five days.” different people. sharing their experiences to people. sionals say that fever is one of the telltale pain subsided, I started having severe While in isolation, both Sherpa and “I get several calls and messages on a signs of Covid-19, but I never had any chest pain, which lasted for several days. Dangol say that seeing people of their age daily basis from people who have con- fever. So until or unless you contact the This was followed by a persistent dry post photos and videos of dining out in to have severe symptoms or even die,” tracted Covid-19. They are scared and infection, you never know what kind of cough. After more than a week of testing restaurants and socialising on social media said Dangol, who tested negative after worried. I share with them my experience symptoms you are likely to experience. positive for Covid-19, I started feeling bet- platforms made the two realise how irre- remaining in isolation for 18 days. “There and tell them my diet and exercise rou- Given that there’s so much we don’t know ter. But I was still far from my usual physi- sponsible it is to do so in a pandemic. have been cases of young people infecting tine,” said Dangol. “I have also stayed up about the infection, it’s best to not take it cal condition. I couldn’t even climb a few “I understand that people of my age elderlies, who haven’t gone out in months late at night talking to those infected who lightly, not just for your own sake but for stairs without having breathing difficulty.” like to go out and socialise with friends out of fear of contracting Covid-19.” are feeling anxious and have difficulty the sake of everyone around you.” Throughout his isolation, Sherpa says and have fun, and it’s important to do so,” According to Dangol, many people who sleeping. We all have to realise that we are It’s important to remember, adds he kept in touch with medical profession- said Sherpa. “But right now, we are living have been exposed to people who have in this together and we need to help one Dangol, that young people might get away als who kept track of his symptoms and in the midst of a pandemic, and it is best contracted Covid-19 are not self isolating another out in the best way we can.” with mild symptoms but the person you prescribed certain medications. to only go out if you absolutely have to.” and are instead going out in public and After testing negative of Covid-19, infect might not. Keeping in touch with health profes- The cavalier attitude many young peo- meeting friends. “As soon as someone Sherpa says he started working into set- “Of course we all want to go back to our sionals and heeding to their advice, says ple have towards Covid-19, says Dangol, tests positive, it’s important that the per- ting up two social media initiatives--Sher- lives before Covid-19, hang out with Sunita Dangol, is key to recovery. stems from the fact that they are less son informs all those s/he has come in pa Covid-19 Response Group and Plasma friends, go to restaurants, and socialise Twenty-seven-year-old Dangol tested likely to have less severe disease or die. contact with, and it’s the responsibility of Donors Nepal. Both initiatives, says with people. We all dearly miss doing positive on August 30. “While most young people are most those exposed people to stay in isolation Sherpa, will launch in a few days. “We those things,” said Dangol. “The news was a shock to my system. likely to have mild symptoms or be and get a PCR test done,” said Dangol. have collaborated with 11 medical profes- “And once this pandemic gets over, we My mind completely went blank when I asymptomatic, what many fail to take “But I see a lot of people not doing those sionals for the Sherpa Covid-19 Response can get back to doing those things again. first got the news. Perhaps it was because into consideration is that the infection is basic things, which increases the risk of Group. These professionals will provide But for now, the responsible and wise I never thought that I would contract highly contagious and that they could infection to transmit.” all the guidance that a Covid-19 positive thing to do is to stay at home as much as Covid-19,” said Dangol. infect elderlies and people with underly- Sherpa too believes that if the country person would need, from keeping track of you can and if you have to go out, adopt Dangol was not the only one who got ing health conditions, who are very likely is to contain the virus, young people have symptoms and prescribing required med- all necessary precautions.” With concert halls shut, NY Philharmonic takes to sidewalk The pop-up concert filled a need artists had since indoor performances stopped in March, depriving musicians of not just a paycheck, but a sense of purpose.

sometimes performing for friends dying in the places that were built virtually over the phone. for people not from New York--the “I think it’s a fundamental people in New York are thriving,” human need,” she said. said Curtis Stewart, a Grammy- The Philharmonic came up nominated violinist who joined with the idea for a series of out- for a guest performance with the door, pop-up performances over Bandwagon. the summer, even as it was forced As the group began its final to lay off or furlough nearly half performance of the day, counter- its staff as it faced a multimil- tenor Anthony Roth Costanzo lion-dollar budget deficit. kicked off the show from the bed On that Friday, Simon and a few of the truck. colleagues played three corners “We’re going to play you a little of the city as part of the series concert,” he said as people began they’re calling the NY Phil to linger in the warm glow of an Bandwagon. The first show of the early autumn sunset. day was outside a Bronx school, The set lasted 20 minutes. A trio the second outside a public of violins performed well-known

New York’s outdoor spaces are more important than ever as many residents are stuck in small apartments working from home.

library in Queens and the final tunes from George Gershwin and one in a Brooklyn park. Charlie Parker, as well as Henry The bandwagon itself—a red Purcell’s Dido’s Lament—a sor- Ford pickup truck—rolls up to the rowful piece that Costanzo said curb carrying a sound system, “responds to the moment in a music stands, lights and orange more emotional way.” traffic cones to keep the audience As the audience swelled to doz- AP/RSS socially distant. The musicians ens--couples, families, dogs and The NY Phil Bandwagon is to travel to three unannounced locations around New York City, Friday through Sunday, for an impromptu pull-up chamber music concert as part of follow in a van. their owners—it became clear the New York Philharmonic’s Fall 2020 activities. The Philharmonic plans to hold that the concert is as much an its final Bandwagon concert of emotional outlet for the crowd as ROBERT BUMSTED could hope for one recent October Manhattan’s Lincoln Center. formances stopped in March, the year this weekend, and then it is for the musicians. NEW YORK Friday was a sidewalk in the Traffic hummed and sirens depriving musicians of not just a resume the program in the spring. “I think as we’re closeted up in Bronx. wailed as a crew laid cables and paycheck, but a sense of purpose. New York’s street life has our homes dealing with the storm ith perfor- Fiona Simon tuned her instru- unloaded speakers from the back “You’re not a complete musi- always been vibrant, but these that is current events we need an mance halls ment as she prepared for one of of a double-parked pickup truck. cian if you’re just playing for days, the city’s outdoor spaces are outlet. We need a place to put our shut because her only public performances But Simon said the pop-up con- yourself,” Simon said. more important than ever as feelings, we need a place to feel of the corona- with the New York Philharmonic cert—one of several the Simon, a native of England who many residents are stuck in small safe,” Stewart said. “You don’t virus pan- in months. Philharmonic has been playing joined the New York Philharmonic apartments working from home. know what you’ve got until it’s demic, the The setting was a far cry from around the city this fall—filled a in 1985, says she has struggled to “There’s this whole myth that gone.” Wbest concert venue a violinist the orchestra’s usual home at need she’s had since indoor per- cope with not having an audience, New York is dying, but it’s only --Associated Press Published and Printed by Kantipur Publications Pvt. Ltd., Central Business Park, Thapathali, Kathmandu, Nepal, P. B. No. 8559, Phone: 5135000, Fax: 977-1-5135057, e-mail: [email protected], Regd. No. 32/049/050, Chairman & Managing Director: Kailash Sirohiya, Director: Swastika Sirohiya, Editor: Sanjeev Satgainya