WITHOUT F EAR OR FAVOUR

Nepal’s largest selling English daily Vol XXIX No. 133 | 8 pages | Rs.5 O O Printed simultaneously in Kathmandu, Biratnagar, Bharatpur and Nepalgunj 36.0 C 17.4 C Thursday, July 01, 2021 | 17-03-2078 Dipayal Jumla Senior citizens increasingly Oli’s one last effort worried as they wait for at party unity fails to Covid-19 vaccines As 1.4 million people aged 65 and above are waiting for convince dissidents their second shots, there are other risk groups who need immediate vaccination, but the jabs are nowhere in sight. Spectre of split looms large over the CPN-UML as both sides continue to see each other with suspicion and distrust. ANUP OJHA arranged for the vaccines.” KATHMANDU, JUNE 30 Khagaraj was referring to the recent government announcement ANIL GIRI rally behind the opposition alliance of Narayani Nainabasti and her husband through the budget that the monthly KATHMANDU, JUNE 30 the Nepali Congress and the Maoist Khagaraj had taken their first shots of allowance for the elderly had been Centre. Covishield, the AstraZeneca type vac- increased to Rs4,000. CPN-UML chair KP Sharma Oli’s one As many as 23 lawmakers from cine against Covid-19, on March 12 The Nainabastis are among the 1.4 last effort to placate the dissident fac- the dissolved House have signed a when the government was inoculating million elderly people aged 65 and tion led by Madhav Kumar Nepal petition submitted by the opposition people aged 65 and above. above who were administered their appears to have fallen flat in what alliance to the Supreme Court, It’s more than three months since, first dose of Covishield in the second looks like a precursor to a formal split demanding restoration of Parliament and they are wondering when they week of March. The government’s in the party. and appointment of Sher Bahadur would be able to get their second dose. plan to give second doses to them, A day after deciding to revive the Deuba as prime minister. “When we were given the first shots, however, has gone awry. It has neither party’s Central Committee as it exist- Party members close to Oli said that we were told we would have to take the been able to get Covishield from India ed on May 16, 2018, prior to the UML’s Wednesday’s was almost a last call by second dose some time after four nor has made a progress on procuring merger with the Communist Party of Oli for keeping the UML unity intact. weeks. But it has been more than AstraZeneca doses from elsewhere. Nepal (Maoist Centre), the party on Informal talks with the Nepal-Khanal three months,” said Khagaraj of Maha Prasad Parajuli, president of Wednesday took a slew of decisions. faction, however, will continue, Ramgha in Madhya Nepal the Senior Citizens Struggle They include bringing the dissident according to them. Municipality of Lamjung district. Committee, blamed the government leaders back to the party, withdrawing The Nepal-Khanal faction, however, Khagaraj is 87 and Narayani 88. for not being sincere to the plight of the May 24 decision to remove senior has termed Oli’s call “inadequate” as “Now we hear from the radio and the elderly. party leaders Madhav Kumar Nepal, well as too little too late. It says Oli is news that the government has not “Nearly half a dozen elderly people Jhala Nath Khanal and nine other still reluctant to meet the demands been able to get the vaccines to give associated with the committee have lawmakers and dissolving the 10th they have been making since the the second dose to the elderly like us,” lost their lives to Covid-19,” said national convention organising com- Supreme Court invalidated the Nepal Khagaraj told the Post over the phone Parajuli. “The elderly are vulnerable mittee. The Madhav Nepal-Jhala Nath Communist Party (NCP) and revived from Lamjung. “Instead of increasing to the virus.” Khanal faction had been asking for the UML and the Maoist Centre. the allowance for senior citizens, the The government has been giving these for quite a while. The Nepal-Khanal faction has been government should have rather Vero Cell, the Chinese vaccine manu- “The national convention organis- demanding that all party organisa- factured and developed by ing committee has been dissolved tions be restored to the pre-merger Sinopharm, to people aged from today, and it has been converted stage (prior to May 18, 2018) and between 60 and 64, but the imme- into the Central Committee that we course correction by Oli as party chair diate concern is about those who had before our party’s merger with and prime minister. took the AstraZeneca type vac- the Maoist Centre,” Pradeep Gyawali, The Nepal-Khanal faction has not cine’s first dose. spokesperson for the UML, told report- made public its official position Dr Janak Sharma Gautam, ers after Wednesday’s meeting. “With regarding the call made by Oli, but its chief of National Immunisation this, action taken against Nepal and leaders said Wednesday’s decisions Programme under the Health other leaders have automatically are not acceptable to them. Ministry, said so far 458,000 become null and void.” “We do not recognise the one-sided people aged between 60 and 64 POST PHOTO: ANGAD DHAKAL Oli’s efforts to make peace with the decision taken by the Oli faction,” said have received the first dose of Police intervene as students aligned with the Maoist Centre burn President Bidya Devi Nepal-Khanal faction come at a time Raghuji Pant, a Standing Committee Vero Cell. Bhandari and Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli in effigies in protest against their move to when his position is becoming untena- member close to Nepal. >> Continued on page 2 dissolve the House of Representatives, at New Baneshwor in Kathmandu on Wednesday. ble, as the dissidents have vowed to >> Continued on page 2

On the auspicious occasion of the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of China, Silk Group Family extends sincere wishes to the Chinese people, the Communist Party of China and the government of the People’s Republic of China.

C M Y K THURSDAY, JULY 01, 2021 | 02 NATIONAL Senior citizens ... Koshi Tappu residents protest decision to >> CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 around 22 million, including the elder- “They will be administered the ly, of its 30 million population. With second doses from July 6,” Gautam the government’s failure to act on told the Post. time to procure vaccines, it has turn their homesteads into leasehold forest There, however, is no word from become uncertain when people could government officials on when those be inoculated. Chances of getting The proposed area is home to 500 families, mostly flood and landslide victims, squatters and impoverished households. 1.4 million elderly will get the second vaccines from India faded in March shots of Covishield. when the second wave slid into a Parajuli, chair of the Senior devastating crisis. DILLIRAM KHATIWADA security personnel had to fire eight placed,” said Prakash Budhathoki, a riverbank areas,” said Sah. Citizens Struggle Committee, says the The Oli government, however, did UDAYAPUR, JUNE 30 rounds of bullets into the air and lob resident of Ward No. 3 in Belaka Durga Kumar Thapa, mayor of the government’s misplaced priority has not make any efforts to reach out to six rounds of tear gas canisters to get Municipality. The land was provided municipality, informed that the land exposed the elderly to more risks. China, which so far has provided 1.8 The residents of Koshi Tappu in Ward the situation under control,” he said. on lease to two private companies for at the southern border of the district “First we need to survive to receive million doses of Vero Cell under grant No. 3 of Belaka Municipality vandal- As per the Cabinet decision of May the operation of tourism activities for in wards 1, 2, 3, 8 and 9 have not been government allowances,” said assistance, to buy the vaccines under ised the municipal office on 20, the government has decided to the next 30 years. recommended for lease. Parajuli. “As we are hearing about the commercial deals. Though the govern- Wednesday to protest the government turn a chunk of land in the Koshi Baraha Herbal and Agro Pvt Ltd in “Those living in the southern bor- third wave of the coronavirus, we are ment says it is planning to buy 4 mil- decision to turn 176.23 hectares of Tappu area into a leasehold forest. Sunsari and Safeway Technology in der will not have to move. They will worried.” lion doses from Sinopharm, the com- land in the area into a leasehold forest. The proposed leasehold forest area Lalitpur won the lease to operate receive land ownership certificates Nepal managed to escape the first pany’s proposal for a non-disclosure According to the District Police is home to around 500 families, mostly eco-tourism industries in the pro- soon,” said Thapa. However, the wave of the coronavirus somewhat agreement to sell its vaccine has creat- Office in Udayapur, around 300 local flood and landslide victims, landless posed area. municipality does not have relocation unscathed compared to other coun- ed confusion. residents gathered outside the squatters and impoverished house- According to Jageshwor Sah, assis- plans for those who will be affected tries, including those from the West. Hopes to get vaccines, especially the office to discuss the issue with the holds who have been living in the area tant forest officer of the Division by the government’s decision yet, The most affected ones, however, were AstraZeneca type, from COVAX, an authorities. for decades. Forest Office in Udayapur, the deci- he said. the elderly people. international vaccine sharing scheme “There were disagreements and Local residents blame the govern- sion came about since both Belaka Leasehold forestry was introduced Exactly a year after the country backed by the United Nations, were heated arguments. The local people ment authorities for trying to displace Municipal Office and the office of under the Forest Act 1993 and subse- reported its first coronavirus case, also dashed when it said it was facing entered the office premises and began them from their settlements to form a Ward No. 3 recommended the govern- quent regulation 1993. “The main aim Nepal launched its vaccination drive delays in supplies. rioting and vandalism,” said Bed leasehold forest. ment to form a leasehold forest in of the programme is to stop forest on January 27, 2020, to the surprise of A scrambling government in April Prasad Gautam, deputy superinten- “The authorities plan to leave us Koshi Tappu. degradation and address poorer sec- many. Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli reached out to Johnson & Johnson and dent of police in Udayapur. with no home. Hundreds of families “The municipality chose the land tions of the society by enhancing live- even announced that the government Moderna to explore possible commer- “The crowd was getting unruly so who live here are at risk of being dis- as it covers public land along with lihood options,” said Sah. would vaccinate all eligible citizens cial deals with the two American vac- “within three months”. cine manufacturing companies. But the vaccination campaign hit a But according to the Nepali embas- roadblock, as the Serum Institute of sy in Washington, DC, both have India, the world’s largest vaccine man- expressed their inability to sell vac- ufacturer by volume and the manufac- cines to Nepal before 2022 given their turer of the Covishield vaccine, supply chain constraints and prior expressed its inability to supply 1 mil- commitments to other countries. lion doses for which Nepal already There were talks about Nepal had paid. importing Sputnik V from Russia, but And in April, the second wave hit officials say there has been no pro- Nepal, immediately after India. gress in that regard. Experts and observers have said the According to the World Health Oli administration’s inaction, foreign Organisation, although all age groups policy failure and the political turmoil are at risk of contracting Covid-19, added to Nepal’s vaccine woes. older people face significant risk of Unlike in the first wave, the second developing severe illness if they wave did not even spare the young contract the disease due to physiologi- ones. Now as the country stares cal changes that come with ageing at the third wave, with a more lethal and potential underlying health Delta variant circulating, everyone is conditions. at risk. Since older people don’t have as Experts say the elderly are obvious- strong an immune system as the ly more vulnerable to the virus, that’s younger groups, they are more vulner- why they were a priority group. able to infectious diseases. The elderly According to data from the Ministry people are also more likely to have of Health, as of Tuesday, the number conditions such as heart, lung and of those over 60 years who lost their kidney diseases or diabetes, which lives to Covid-19 stood at 4,854. The weaken their body’s ability to fight an country’s Covid-19 death toll as of infectious disease. Wednesday stands at 9,112. Close to Some social reasons also put the 6,000 deaths due to Covid-19 were elderly at more risk. They might face reported during the second wave. isolation or mobility challenges or According to the 2011 census, there they could be living with family or a are around 2.1 million Nepalis aged 60 crowded situation which increases the and above. risk of infection. For senior citizens, policies in “During the second wave, we saw Nepal have never been friendly, said that people from all age groups have Parajuli, the chair of the Senior been affected. But there is no denying Citizens Struggle Committee, which that the older population is more at has over 6,000 active members. risk,” said Dr Sher Bahadur Pun, “And Covid-19 has put them at addi- chief of the Clinical Research Unit at tional risks,” Parajuli told the Post. Sukraraj Tropical and Infectious “The government must arrange for Disease Hospital. the second dose for the 1.4 million “If they have preexisting condi- elderly and work on a war footing to tions, the coronavirus infection can be inoculate others. Yes, it should also fatal. Apart from the 1.4 million elder- make sure that more and more people ly people who are yet to get the second from all age groups are vaccinated at dose, there are many who have not got the earliest.” their first dose. The elderly must be POST PHOTO: SANJU PAUDEL In total, Nepal needs to vaccinate the government’s priority.” A woman walks with her bicycle alongside a freshly planted rice field in Rupandehi district on Wednesday. Lumbini turns to bamboo to tame rivers Oli’s one last effort at party unity Bamboo plantation campaign underway in all 12 districts of the province to form biological embankments in order to prevent erosion and flood. fails to convince dissidents >> CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 national convention organising com- “Former Maoist leaders like Ram MADHAB ARYAL people and rendered around 45 house- logical embankments are formed, it “To reach consensus, there must be an mittee, in a major setback to Oli. Bahadur Thapa, Manu Thapa, Lekh PALPA, JUNE 30 holds homeless. will help reduce flood damage along understanding between the two sides. As the Supreme Court has been Raj Bhatta and Top Bahadur Floods in the Dobhan stream con- the riverbanks and nearby settle- But today’s decisions are very much hearing the cases against the May 21 Rayamajhi had put their political The Lumbini provincial government tinued to cause huge destruction in ments,” said Sah. one-sided and they do not address our House dissolution regularly, on a daily career at risk when they supported has started a bamboo plantation cam- Akkaleghat, Chisapani, Dol and Incidents of erosion and inundation demands.” basis, a verdict is likely soon, and Oli,” said a Standing Committee mem- paign in all 12 districts of the province Dobhan Bazaar for many years. near rivers and streams have The UML has called a meeting of insiders say Oli is getting increasingly ber from the Oli camp. “Abandoning to create biological embankments The construction of the biological increased in various districts of the “revived” Central Committee for concerned. According to insiders, Oli them will be a betrayal. Oli won’t leave along the banks of various rivers. embankments is underway with the Lumbini Province of late. Friday. It was not immediately clear is realising the importance of the those leaders high and dry who sup- The Ministry of Industry, Forest coordination of the local Padam Shakya, chairman of Tinau whether the Nepal-Khanal faction, Nepal-Khanal faction for him to ported him during difficult times.” and Environment has initiated the Bandelpokhari Community Forest Forest Coordination Committee, said which skipped Wednesday’s meeting, remain in power. There is also a realisation in the Oli campaign through 14 Division Forest Users’ Committee, Tinau Sub-Division that the risk of floods and landslides will attend the Friday’s Central Leaders close to Nepal said they camp that the Nepal-Khanal faction Offices of the 12 districts. Forest Office and the Division Forest can be controlled with biological Committee gathering. have called a meeting of the Standing has gone too far and it would be diffi- “The objective of planting bamboo Office in Palpa. embankments. “Bamboo plantations The bitterness between Oli and Committee of their own on Thursday cult for its leaders to withdraw the on the riverbanks is to form biological “Bamboo saplings are being planted can save both human lives and proper- Nepal had grown long before the to discuss various issues, including support given to Deuba. embankments to prevent erosion and along the Dobhan stream,” said GC. ties,” said Shakya. Supreme Court invalidated the Nepal the Oli faction’s Wednesday’s meeting Political observers who have floods,” said Mohan Paudel, division According to Ramdhyan Sah, the Paudel, the division forest officer in Communist Party (NCP) on March 7. and the Central Committee meeting closely followed UML’s politics for a forest officer in Palpa. assistant forest officer at the Tinau Palpa, said bamboo plantation works Nepal had sided with Pushpa called for Friday. long time say the crisis in the UML Rudra Bahadur GC, a resident of Sub-Division Forest Office, works are in Purbakhola and Arunkhola bank Kamal Dahal in the Nepal Communist was created by Oli. Jhyangla in Tinau Rural underway to plant around 600 bamboo areas have been completed. Party against what he called Oli’s “What the party leadership has Municipality-2, recalls the devastating saplings along a 1.5-kilometre section The Ministry of Industry, Forest highhandedness and unilateral Political observers been doing so far is taking one step floods of 1981 in the Dobhan stream of the Dobhan and Tinau streams. and Environment has allocated Rs 14 way of running the party and the forward and two steps back,” said that wreaked havoc in riverbank set- “This is a sustainable approach to million for the campaign in the cur- government. say the crisis in Narayan Dhakal, who is well-versed in tlements. The calamity had killed 15 building embankments. Once the bio- rent fiscal year. When Oli dissolved the House for Nepal’s communist movement and the first time on December 20, Nepal the UML was himself a former UML member. “Oli and Dahal had jointly led mass pro- is trying to prove Nepal and Khanal as tests. But the March 8 decision to created by Oli. irrelevant leaders. Some youth revive the UML and the Maoist Centre leaders are worried about their career Tila Rural Municipality came as a shock for both Nepal and and making attempts to keep the Dahal, as they saw their alliance “Now it has become evident that party unity intact. But I see minimal Dundeli, jumla breaking. the formation of the national conven- prospects.” Despite reiterating many times that tion organising committee was wrong. According to Dhakal, Oli has no he would not stay with Oli, Nepal So obviously its decisions are intention to keep the party unity refused to desert the UML. Rather not valid,” said Pant. “If Oli really intact, but he wants to show that he his faction started to form its own wants party unity, he has to form a made utmost efforts on his part. Issurance of Letter Of intent to Award Contract parallel committees. At one point, talks team.” Even if the Nepal-Khanal faction is as many as 28 members from the The Nepal faction has also been convinced that Oli indeed is trying to Date of publication :-1th july 2021(Ashad /17/ 2078) Nepal-Khanal faction even warned of demanding that Oli revoke the March mend fences, things don’t look easy, as resigning as lawmakers. When 12 decision. On March 12, Oli had Oli would ask them to withdraw their As per public procurement Act 2063,section 27,This is to notify to all Bidders who submitted their Oli decided to take a vote of confi- decided to induct some Maoist Centre support to the opposition alliance. dence on May 10, the 28 lawmakers leaders, including Ram Bahadur Withdrawing the signatures from Bids for the Contract Identification no mentioned belo as per the invitation for Bids published in abstained. Thapa, Mani Thapa, Top Bahadur the petition, which is currently being notational daily newspaper Himalaya times in April,8,2021. That the following listed Lowest When Oli prodded President Bidya Rayamajhi and Lekharaj Bhatta, into heard by the Supreme Court, would Devi Bhandari to invoke Article the party’s Standing Committee. As badly hamper the image of Nepal who Evaluated substantionally Responsive Bidders has been selected to Award the contract. 76 (5) to appoint a new prime minister, many as 20 Maoist Centre leaders is already known as a leader who can- 26 lawmakers from the Nepal-Khanal were inducted into the Central not take risks and make decisions. Lowest Evaluated Contract Identification Evaluated Bid price Name of the work faction backed Deuba, much to Oli’s Committee. During an interaction with Bidder No: (with vat and ps) NRs. chagrin. “The Oli faction’s unilateral deci- civil society members on Wednesday, Oli had formed the 10th national sion today has now formally ended the Nepal said that he “would never convention organising committee prospect of us remaining with him,” abandon value-, moral- and rule-based Construction of 10 back in December by having 1,199 said Beduram Bhusal, a Standing politics.” Khani/Kamaljit/Khad- TILA/NCB/ members, including some former Committee member close to Nepal. “Our fight is against the ‘Oli ten- Bed primary Hospital 102814988.56 ka JV BLDG/04/077/78 Maoists and excluding the Nepal- “Today’s decision does not take the dency’ in Nepali politics and we want Kudari, jumla Khanal faction leaders. party back to the pre-May 16, 2018 to eradicate it once and for all,” said After Oli’s second House dissolu- stage, it rather echoes the March 12 Nepal. “Our fight is for democracy, tion on May 21, the Supreme Court on decision.” restoration of the constitution and the Chief Administrative Officer June 10 passed an order to invalidate For Oli, revoking the March 12 deci- system. I am not going to deviate from all the actions taken by the 10th sion is not easy. my politics of principles.”

C M Y K 03 | THURSDAY, JULY 01, 2021 NATIONAL Central Bureau of Statistics told to make plan for conducing census before Dashain With a third wave of Covid-19 projected to hit the country around the same time, the bureau faces challenge.

PRITHVI MAN SHRESTHA crucial for devising policies to ensure KATHMANDU, JUNE 30 political representation of various groups in the state organs, as well as After postponement of the planned for making development plans. population census in June, the govern- Nepal last held its census in 2010-11 ment is now weighing if it can be done when the country’s population stood before the Dashain festival. at 26.5 million. But some officials say that the loom- Projections suggest the country’s ing threat of a third wave of Covid-19 population by now has reached around pandemic has created doubt if 30 million mark. the census could be held ahead of the Nepal has been conducting its cen- festival, which falls in October this sus every 10 years. The only time the year. census was postponed was in 1951 Furthermore, they say conducting a after the abolition of the autocratic census when the government is also Rana rule a year earlier. planning to stage elections in This time the census bureau is fac- November may hamper data collec- ing an unprecedented challenge tion process as people may not be because of the pandemic. POST PHOTO: HEMANTA SHRESTHA found at their homes for survey. If anything the challenge has Daily wage labourers are seen travelling to their job site on the back of a truck at New Baneshwor, Kathmandu on Wednesday. President Bidya Devi Bhandari on increased with a third—and potential- May 21 dissolved the House of ly more lethal—wave of infections Representatives and announced fresh imminent. parliamentary elections for November A survey conducted by Reuters 12 and 19 as per the recommendation in early June among health of Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli. specialists, scientists, virologists, “The National Planning epidemiologists and professors Defendants’ lawyers argue President can use Commission vice-chairperson, who is showed that most of them (85 percent) also the chairperson of the Census believed that India would be hit by a Steering Committee, has instructed us third wave by October. Some others to submit a plan with a timetable of projected that the third may hit India completing the task before the even earlier. discretion while appointing prime minister Dashain festival,” said Hem Raj Regmi, deputy director general at the bureau. Health experts say If Article 76 (5) meant there’d be no party intervention, it would have been mentioned in the constitution, advocate Panta says. “We are still discussing the matter as the Health Ministry officials are the only way to BINOD GHIMIRE The lawyers of the defendants ing the House of Representatives in Countering the arguments by the projecting that there is a high proba- KATHMANDU, JUNE 30 argue that bids for prime minister 1998, King Birendra had refused to do lawyers of the plaintiffs, the defend- bility that a third wave of the pandem- conduct the census must be credible and indisputable. so after consulting the Supreme Court. ants’ lawyers argued that the govern- ic may hit the country in September- As the hearing on the writ petitions Senior advocate Surendra Bhandari But, on every occasion Bhandari has ance system in Nepal doesn’t accept a October.” safely is to first against the dissolution of the House said both the bids were not credible so swiftly endorsed the recommendations party-less system, hence Article 75 (6) Regmi said the bureau would pre- vaccinate the people. of Representatives inches towards the President preferred not to appoint from the Oli government. very much requires the decision of pare the plan only after holding anoth- conclusion, the lawyers of the defend- any of the candidates. Her aides have been arguing that as the party. er round of discussion with the Health ants have argued that the President “One candidate applied for the post a ceremonial head she cannot make Those advocating for the plaintiffs Ministry. can exercise her discretion while claiming the support of 153 lawmak- decisions beyond the recommenda- had argued that Article 76 (5) gives the Two weeks ago, the bureau had pro- “If India is at risk of being hit by a appointing a prime minister. ers while the other submitted his bid tions of the government. individual lawmakers the right to posed conducting the census from third wave, Nepal cannot remain Defending the move of President with support of 149 lawmakers. The Advocate Om Prakash Aryal, who make their decisions without inter- July 30 to October 1. untouched,” Dr Sher Bahadur Bidya Devi Bhandari to reject the President used her conscience and also specialises on constitutional law, vention from their respective parties. In early May, the Cabinet had decid- Pun, chief of the Clinical Research prime ministerial bids of both KP avoided taking any decision that however, said it was the President’s They said Oli presented the support ed to halt the preparatory work for the Unit at Sukraraj Tropical and Sharma Oli and Sher Bahadur Deuba, would have suggested mala fide inten- obligation to form a government as of 153 lawmakers under the system census scheduled for June 8-22 amid Infectious Disease Hospital in Teku, the lawyers argued that Article 76 (5) tions.” per Article 76 (5). where political parties prevail but surging cases of Covid-19. told the Post. “Conducting a census of the constitution gives the President He argued that as both the bids were “If you argue that the President can Article 76 (5) allows individual law- The bureau had completed the in such a situation can be difficult if discretionary power. disputable, the President’s decision to use her conscience, you must accept makers to make their choice. training for trainers before the not impossible.” “The President has the authority to appoint either of the two as prime min- that her decisions are subject to judi- They had claimed that the new pro- Cabinet decision and was providing Pun also fears the elections use her conscience while appointing a ister would have caused controversy. cial review,” he told the Post. “You vision was incorporated in the training to supervisors–the officers announced for November could prime minister,” said senior advocate But experts on constitutional affairs cannot argue that the President has Constitution of Nepal to allow indi- who oversee the work of enumerators. speed up the infection rate, because Sushil Panta. “That is not even the say if the President can use her con- inherent authority but her actions vidual lawmakers to make the efforts The enumerators were supposed to the people’s mobility will increase for subject of judicial review.” science, she should have used it on don’t come under the purview of judi- to form a government so that the be trained starting June 3 before the poll related activities. Eight lawyers including deputy other occasions also. cial review.” House doesn’t face an untimely disso- count started from June 8. He said the only way to conduct attorney generals and private lawyers “You cannot argue that the The lawyers of the defendants lution. The bureau has already appointed the census safely is to vaccinate a presented their arguments on President used her conscience only including Panta had argued that the Deuba had presented the signatures 39,000 enumerators and 8,000 supervi- large number of the population, which Wednesday. when it favours you,” advocate Mohan Supreme Court cannot look into the of 149 lawmakers from Nepali sors. Most parts of the country have is unlikely at the moment. President Bhandari on May 21 Lal Acharya, who specialises on con- President’s decision. Congress, CPN (Maoist Centre), the been under a Covid-19 lockdown since India, the world’s largest vaccine rejected the prime ministerial bid of stitutional law, told the Post. “Why Putting his argument, Deputy Madhav Nepal faction of CPN-UML, late April amid the second wave of maker, continues to ban the export of Nepali Congress President Deuba, didn’t she use her discretion and seek Attorney General Gopal Prasad Rijal the Upendra Yadav faction of Janata infections. vaccines to inoculate its own who had presented the signatures of the opinion of experts or the Supreme argued that there is no option with the Samajbadi Party and Rastriya Census experts say conducting the population, and Nepal’s prospects 149 lawmakers of five various parties Court before dissolving the House of court but to approve the President’s Janamorcha on May 21 to claim the population headcount in a timely of immediately securing vaccines represented in the dissolved House of Representatives.” decision to reject Deuba’s bid for prime ministerial position as per manner is vital as the gap between the from other sources are dim. Representatives. Prime Minister KP He said there is precedence of the prime minister. Article 76 (5). previous and the new count could cre- Health experts like Pun advise Sharma Oli, meanwhile, had present- head of the state (then King Birendra “The President has every authority “If Article 76 (5) meant there would ate difficulty in producing compara- against organising crowd-causing ed the decisions of the CPN-UML and Shah) consulting the Supreme Court to check the authenticity of the bids be no party intervention, it would have tive data and complicate the data anal- activities amid the pandemic. the Janata Samajbadi Party seeking when the prime minister recommend- for prime minister,” said Rijal. “She been mentioned in the constitution,” ysis. “Besides election rallies and his reappointment to the post. Unlike ed a dissolution of the lower house. rightly used her conscience and argued Panta, the senior advocate. Census is important because it pro- vote canvassing, mobility of enumera- Deuba, Oli had not presented the sig- When prime minister Surya refrained from appointing either of “How can you presume things that are vides comprehensive data on the pop- tors for the census could prove costly,” natures of lawmakers. Bahadur Thapa recommended dissolv- the candidates with dubious claims.” not written in the constitution?” ulation, economy and society, which is said Pun.

BRIEFING Saudi employers will foot quarantine bills of Nepali workers Three women rescued from Experts say other destination countries should also follow suit. A stay at a Saudi quarantine facility would cost around Rs110,932. flooded Kamala river CHANDAN KUMAR MANDAL affected because they would struggle headed for Saudi Arabia were left with JANAKPUR: Three women who were KATHMANDU, JUNE 30 to foot the quarantine bills. no option other than to pay for quar- trapped in the flooded Kamala river “For now, at least the Saudi-bound antines. at Karjanha of Dhanusha district At a time when the labour destination Nepali workers would not have to Besides, as countries like Saudi were rescued safely on Wednesday. countries have imposed strict rules worry about their quarantine expens- Arabia have already removed manda- According to Superintendent of for unvaccinated foreigners to the det- es,” said Nepal. tory quarantine for vaccinated foreign Police Hira Pandeya, a joint team of riment of Nepali migrant workers, a The Nepali Embassy in Saudi visitors, Nepali workers were even Nepal Army, Nepal Police and Armed recent decision by Saudi Arabia is Arabia has asked Nepali workers— deprived of utilising such relaxation Police Force rescued the women who likely to provide some respite for newcomers and those returning after because of the country’s poor vaccina- were trapped in the middle of the Nepali workers destined for the Gulf job breaks—to talk to their employers tion status. flooded river while returning home kingdom. regarding the quarantine expenses Experts have been saying that the after collecting firewood. As Nepal’s major labour destination and ask them to take care of the government should take diplomatic countries in the Persian Gulf are expenses. initiative to ease the burden of work- slowly easing travel restrictions, they Saudi Arabia, which is slowly allow- ers paying for expensive quarantine Electricity reaches 12 are also either making Covid-19 vac- ing travel options for its vaccinated bills or to get them vaccinated at desti- Sindhupalchok villages cines compulsory for foreigners enter- citizens and also giving entry to out- nation countries. They also say the SINDHUPALCHOK: Twelve villages in ing the country or making the entry siders, has otherwise set strict rules government should prioritise inocu- Jugal and Bhotekoshi rural munici- relatively strict for unvaccinated ones. for unvaccinated people. Foreign citi- lating them before flying, although it palities in Sindhupalchok district In most of these countries, unvacci- zens arriving in Saudi Arabia must looks difficult given the existing have been electrified. According to nated visitors must spend a certain quarantine for a week in govern- shortage of vaccine. Sanubabu Thapa, chief at the branch number of days in institutional quar- POST FILE PHOTO ment-approved accommodations. Nepal, the migration researcher, office of Nepal Electricity Authority antine facilities and bear the expenses Saudi Arabia has also removed the quarantine rule for vaccinated travellers. In May, as it eased travel restric- who has been saying that the Nepal in Sindhupalchok, electricity has themselves. tions, Saudi Arabia announced that government or its missions should talk reached most of the rural parts in the In what could be seen as a quarantine expenses of Nepali work- of its population. only vaccinated employees would only to the governments of the labour desti- district with more than 4,000 houses much-needed relief for Nepali ers, said the statement. “Nepali migrants who have be allowed to return to their workplac- nation countries for relaxing the new electrified in the current fiscal year. migrants, the Nepali embassy in “The Saudi Arabian government returned home on job breaks could es in person. The Ministry of Human rules for Nepali workers by explaining Saudi Arabia has said Nepali workers agreeing to make employers pay the lose their entitlements, perks and ben- Resources and Social Development Nepal’s struggle for vaccine, says other entering the kingdom will not be quarantine expenses is a welcome efits which they accumulated after had said that Covid-19 vaccination destination countries should also fol- Timber smuggling on rise required to pay their quarantine bills. news for Nepal, a labour-sending coun- working for several years. If they are would become a ‘mandatory condi- low suit of Saudi Arabia. Issuing a statement, the Nepali mis- try, and its migrants,” said Rameshwar unable to report back to work on time tion’ for the face-to-face return of pub- “The way the Nepali embassy in in Parsa forests sion in Riyadh said the local employ- Nepal, a labour migration researcher. due to the new vaccination or quaran- lic and private sector workers. Saudi Arabia talked and resolved the PARSA: Timber smuggling from ers would be paying the quarantine “Although we need to see how the deci- tine rules, employers might ask them Likewise, only vaccinated people matter is a good sign of labour diplo- community and national forests has bills of Nepali workers. sion will be implemented in the com- to end the contract,” said Nepal, who will be allowed entry to any enclosed macy which ultimately provided increased during the pandemic, According to the embassy, after it ing weeks, the move is likely to benefit is also the executive director at public places. Starting from August 1, relief to our workers. This also showed officials at the Division Forest learnt that a stay at an institutional Nepali workers who have been waiting Equidem Research Nepal, a human the kingdom will ban unvaccinated that such issues are doable and can be Office in Parsa say. Farman quarantine facility would cost a work- to visit Saudi Arabia and were affected rights research organisation. people from entering shopping malls. resolved if we take diplomatic initia- Miya, the division forest officer, er around Saudi riyal 3,500 [approxi- by the quarantine rules.” “Besides, there are not enough jobs at Later in May, Saudi Arabia tives,” said Nepal. “Other labour desti- said smuggling of timber has mately Rs110,932], it had requested the With the labour destination coun- home. So, many job-seekers could be announced that foreign visitors arriv- nation countries should also come for- increased during the Covid-19 lock- Saudi authorities to exempt Nepali tries only allowing in vaccinated trav- left unemployed since they are either ing by air from most countries would ward to either relax such rules or pay down in forests of Parsagadhi, workers from the quarantine charges ellers or asking the unvaccinated ones unvaccinated or unable to pay the no longer need to quarantine if they the quarantine bills of Nepali work- Birgunj and Sakhuwa Prasauni. In and that the employers bear those to stay in expensive quarantines, hefty quarantine bills, as is the case have been vaccinated against Covid-19. ers. As labour destination countries the current fiscal year, the Division charges. these new requirements were believed with Saudi Arabia.” While unvaccinated workers are need Nepali workers, it is also their Forest Office has seized 285.04 cubic The Saudi government has formally to diminish Nepali workers’ overseas According to Nepal, even the travel already not allowed to enter other responsibility and duty to take care of feet of smuggled timber and arrested informed the embassy that Saudi jobs prospects as Nepal has not suc- plans of those who have already labour destinations like Kuwait and the workers during these testing many loggers. employers would be taking care of the ceeded in vaccinating a huge majority received labour-permits could be the United Arab Emirates, workers times.”

C M Y K THURSDAY, JULY 01, 2021 | 04 OPINION EDITORIAL Talking about the wind Covid-19 isn’t over Applicable solutions should be explored to A third wave will be deadlier given the low boost wind energy in vaccination coverage. Nepal’s energy mix.

With the daily positive percentage hovering around 20 percent, Nepal’s epidemic curve has only dipped to the levels that we saw ROSHAN KUMAR CHHETRI in the second fortnight of April as the second wave took hold. And although hospital admissions, including those in need of critical care, have receded, the decline in new cases, however, is primarily due to inadequate testing and tracing, according to epidemiologists who warn that a third wave is inevitable. We must act swiftly to avert another humanitarian crisis. And we Nepal’s energy mix, currently dominat- need to be guided by epidemiological data as we gradually relax ed by hydropower, is expected to be restrictions after a two-month shutdown. more diverse in the coming years with Given our epidemiological reality, we have to accept that the developers showing interest in renewa- ble energy projects. Nationally pandemic is far from over. There have been 638,805 confirmed Determined Contribution has set a goal infections and 9,112 Covid-19 related deaths as of Wednesday, to expand clean energy generation with the highest surge in new infections and deaths last month from approximately 1,400 to 15,000 meg- awatts, of which 5-10 percent will be alone. Positive rates across the seven provinces continue to be generated from mini and micro-hydro- way higher than the permissible limit of 5 percent. As such, a power, solar, wind and bio-energy by third wave will be deadlier given the low vaccination coverage 2030. Out of this, 5,000 megawatts is an of just about 9 percent of the 30 million population, and only 2.6 unconditional target, and wind energy may be a viable option to meet this percent of the people have been administered both doses. goal. The wind mapping data from the With the nearest window to secure life-saving vaccines doses World Bank Group shows that Nepal nowhere closer than 2022, our risks have only grown with the has a very good potential for wind ener- threat of new Covid-19 variants in transmission. The predomi- gy generation, but not much has been done on this front so far. A few small- nant variant of the coronavirus currently in circulation in scale wind turbines set up in various Nepal is the deadly and more transmissible Delta variant. Its parts of the country have become a sub-lineage and more infectious K417N mutation, also known as viable option for those areas not con- SHUTTERSTOCK nected to the national grid. systems under the public-private part- Nepal’s energy supply. Land acquisi- be implemented gradually. The “Delta Plus” (AY.1), have also been confirmed in swab samples New energy science and technology nership model for the electrification of tion for electricity projects, transmis- Alternative Energy Promotion Centre of nine infected people in the country besides the Alpha and breakthroughs could cut the cost of off-grid communities. As per policy, the sion lines and substations is very diffi- should prepare a proper subsidy deliv- Kappa variants. According to the Health Ministry, these vari- wind energy by half by 2030, making it wind and solar/wind hybrid mini-grid cult and costly. Approval for environ- ery mechanism for wind energy. The ants affect people of all age groups, and were also responsible fully competitive, and thus wind tur- projects will be eligible for subsidies if mental impact assessment or initial government should simplify provisions bines are getting cheaper, bigger and the sites are not accessible to the environmental examination takes up to relating to environmental impact for the exponential surge in new infections and deaths earlier in better. Till now, a total of 24,105 mega- national grid and no other means of two years. assessment and initial environmental M a y. watt-hours (MWh) of electrical energy electrification exist. The power purchase agreement examination for power sale or pur- Talking to this paper on Tuesday, Balananda Sharma, the is available through the Integrated Also, policy for the integration of requires developers to build their own chase agreements. The social attitude newly appointed coordinator of the Covid-19 Crisis Management National Power System, out of which wind and solar photovoltaic energy power evacuation/transmission lines, towards wind technology has to be 22 percent is generated by Nepal into the national grid power system which have to be handed over to the changed by implementing successful Centre, rightly said that the relaxation of the lockdown is a Electricity Authority (NEA) plants, 40 through net metering has already been government after the licence period. and affordable wind projects involving balancing act between health and livelihood. People have been percent is generated by independent formulated by the government. This Such policies discourage independent public engagement. Similarly, jobless or deprived of their wages due to the closure, and for power producers, and 38 percent is will have a positive impact on reducing power producers from investing in the government should invite competi- imported from India. the NEA’s distribution losses in the wind energy. Policy uncertainty about tive bids for wind electricity lack of government support, the most marginalised are depend- selected distribution centres. For wind grid expansion, poor access to credit projects. Training and upgrading of ent on volunteers for their next meal. But Sharma, a retired Huge opportunity power, the levelised cost of energy was and absence of formal financial insti- the related software is also required. lieutenant general, and his team, which comprises mainly secu- In order to make Nepal self-reliant in calculated for three sites and it was tutions at the local level also discour- Better performance will be achieved rity forces, also need to gauge the reality through the lens of energy production, there is a huge found to be Rs7.95 per kilowatt-hour age private entrepreneurs from ventur- with clear policy frameworks, enforce- opportunity for the government and which will decrease in the future. The ing into the sector. There is no integrat- ment of appropriate technical stand- epidemiologists and the Epidemiology and Disease Control independent power producers to devel- government has also provisioned for ed energy policy covering all kinds of ards, standardised operational metrics Division of the ministry. A slight carelessness by any individual op and invest in this sector. According viability gap funding which will be energy resources. and support for finance, stakeholder would have us right where we were in May. to a Solar and Wind Energy Resource utilised to fill the gap between the post- Applicable solutions should be training and research and develop- Epidemiologists have long warned of the third wave. There Assessment report, about 3,000 mega- ed power purchase rate and the compet- explored to boost wind energy in ment. watts can be generated from wind ener- itive rate quoted by power developers. Nepal’s energy mix. Since the country Nepal’s hydroelectricity system is are concerns that it could hit children as the number of cases in gy only which is far greater than Nepal’s wind energy has ways to go to has a limited number of data measure- dominated by run-of-the-river power the age groups 0-9 and 10-19 have risen sharply during the sec- Nepal’s electricity demand. For a coun- achieve its vision of higher grid pene- ment stations, preference should be plants where only one-third of their ond wave. While there is no evidence that children will be exclu- try like Nepal where national grid tration and transition to a low-carbon given to expanding the stations in order installed capacity can be produced dur- extension to all rural communities is a economy. to fine-tune the modelling. Micro-level ing the winter or dry season. An energy sively affected, we need to be mindful that the Health Ministry challenge, clean and modern electricity Despite the huge potential, there are modelling is required for wind energy mix for Nepal’s power system is essen- reports 1,792 new infections on average each day. But a second service through wind and solar/wind a few challenges for the development of assessment because of topographical tial to generate sufficient energy, and week into the “smart lockdown”, things are starting to look like hybrid systems is expected to be the wind energy in Nepal. The main chal- variations. Further research and anal- through ongoing technological Covid-19 is over. Mobility has increased with relaxed restric- most viable option. Since there is no lenge is the transportation of large ysis is required for evaluating the advancements, wind energy will con- need for high wind speed for small turbines over challenging topography whole and micro-level potential of the tinue its drive for lower costs, improved tions despite reservations from health officials. Markets and wind turbines, small systems with a to reach areas with high potential. wind. Special provisions should be capacity factors, and higher grid pene- offices are crowded. Public vehicles, hotels and restaurants capacity of less than 400 watts can be The country has a limited number of made for the acquisition of land for tration. flout safety protocols, and sporadic protests have resumed with installed to electrify rural areas with- data measurement stations, and electricity projects, transmission lines the deteriorating political climate. The way things are, it could out long-term data. adequate research has not been and substations. Chhetri is a mechanical engineer The Alternative Energy Promotion carried out to determine the feasibility and works as a renewable very well be a countdown for our situation to get worse and, no Centre has been successfully imple- of wind power generation Simplify provisions energy officer at WindPower sooner, another lockdown. menting wind and solar/wind hybrid and its potential contribution in Smart meter and grid concepts should Nepal. Brexit’s collateral damage

the EU. In those negotiations, Britain Five years after the wanted to minimise the inconven- ience of accessing the EU’s single Brexit vote, the costs market while maximising its ability to establish its own rules and standards. of that decision are The UK’s only land border with the EU is the one between the Republic of becoming clearer. Ireland and Northern Ireland. Avoiding a hard border on the island is a fundamental part of the 1998 Good CHRIS PATTEN Friday Agreement that brought peace to Northern Ireland. But Northern Ireland cannot remain outside the EU’s customs union and regulatory regime and at the same time maintain an open border with the Republic. For this reason, Johnson negotiated and signed a protocol that meant I confess straight away: I am not a Northern Ireland received, in a sense, football fan. Too often, matches fall the best of both worlds. It stayed in the well below the sport’s claim to be ‘the EU’s customs union and partly in its beautiful game.’ Nonetheless, I am single market while also remaining a dutifully watching some of the cur- part of the UK market. This was rent European Championship. despite the government’s promises to Naturally, I always want England to Northern Ireland’s Unionists that win, though I hate how English fans there would not need to be any kind of boo other countries’ national anthems. border between Great Britain and And, being British, I would support Northern Ireland with customs and Scotland, Wales, or–though they did other checks. not qualify this year–Northern Ireland Johnson now denies the promises if they were playing a country from he made and is threatening to tear up outside the United Kingdom. the protocol, blaming the EU for the My point is that I never want my problem he has caused. The EU cer- country to do badly. And even though I tainly has scope for flexibility in man- passionately opposed Brexit, I want aging the border, and I hope it will Britain to fare as well as it possibly can show some. But the UK government outside the European Union. But stay- can show even more latitude, for ing silent in the face of evidence that it example by accepting that Northern is not amounts to the crudest and most Ireland might follow EU standards for mendacious sort of nationalism. food and agricultural products. After The UK has already incurred stead- SHUTTERSTOCK all, the government says it does not ily rising costs as a result not only of ic in worse shape than most of its estimates, that they amount to a became inadvisable as Covid-19 rav- the novel coronavirus. Covid-19 infec- want to see lower standards in Britain Brexit but of a hard Brexit that people competitors. rounding adjustment. Just as signifi- aged South Asia. Yet, in the hope that it tions in the UK have increased signifi- than in Europe. did not necessarily vote for in the But I do want to highlight three cant is that–despite the government’s might still go ahead, the British gov- cantly in the last few weeks, obliging But the most important thing for June 2016 referendum. Yet, that is damaging consequences of Brexit. promises during the passage of the ernment delayed imposing a travel ban the government to delay the further Johnson to do is to demonstrate trust- what we got in order to appease First, its advocates claimed that leav- Brexit legislation–Parliament cannot on people coming to the UK from India, planned easing of lockdown restric- worthiness in international negotia- Britain’s right-wing media and politi- ing the EU would enable Britain to scrutinise, much less mitigate, the despite barring visitors from tions in England and deterring other tions. Sadly, a growing number of cians and to pave the way for Boris ‘take back control.’ If that phrase deal’s impact, which will be particu- Bangladesh and Pakistan. There was countries from opening their borders world leaders, as well as people in Johnson to become prime minister. meant anything, it suggested that larly harmful for small farmers in no plausible public-health rationale for to people arriving from the UK. So, this Britain and Northern Ireland, have I will not itemise here Britain’s Parliament would have more say in Wales and Scotland. this distinction. In fact, given its Covid- new surge in the pandemic looks like come to doubt that he will keep his Brexit-induced loss of trade with the running our national affairs. In prac- Second, the government was keen to 19 figures, arrivals from India arguably part of the collateral damage caused by word when he has given it. EU in food, manufactured goods, and tice, it means nothing of the sort. reach an agreement with Australia to should have been prohibited first. the government’s attempt to make the services, which cannot be blamed on For example, the government show that Britain can negotiate trade As many pointed out, the thousands political case for Brexit and trade. Patten, the last British governor of the Covid-19 pandemic, nor the UK’s recently agreed to a free-trade deal deals on its own, without the EU. of travellers who arrived in the UK Third, trust in Britain and Johnson Hong Kong and a former EU worsening labour shortage–not least with Australia. Leave aside the fact Although Johnson had hoped to begin from India during the period when is declining fast as the government commissioner for external affairs, is in the agriculture and hospitality sec- that the pact’s likely economic bene- with India, and planned to visit the other South Asian visitors were denies the consequences of the agree- Chancellor of the University of tors. As the OECD has pointed out, fits to the UK over a 15-year period are country to discuss a deal with Prime banned must have seeded and spread ment it reached regarding Northern Oxford. Britain is emerging from the pandem- so small, even by the government’s Minister Narendra Modi, the visit what is now called the Delta variant of Ireland after the UK’s departure from – Project Syndicate

C M Y K 05 | THURSDAY, JULY 01, 2021 MONEY

FOREX US Dollar 119.23 Domestic airlines resume services from today Euro 141.74 Pound Sterling 165.18 Operations will be under flight rationing, but demand for air seats has grown despite Covid-19 worries because of the monsoon, carriers say. Japanese Yen 10.79 SANGAM PRASAIN and international sectors will resume Chinese Yuan 18.46 KATHMANDU, JUNE 30 full operations.” Qatari Riyal 32.20 Nepal on Wednesday reported 1,889 Domestic flights are set to resume new coronavirus cases in the last 24 Australian Dollar 89.46 from Thursday after a two-month hours, taking the nationwide infection Malaysian Ringit 28.72 virus suspension, with airlines report- tally to 638,805. ing that more than 80 percent of their According to the Health Ministry, Saudi Arab Riyal 31.79 allocated seats had been taken up. 1,003 people tested positive in a total Exchange rates fixed by Nepal Rastra Bank Carriers said demand for air seats of 4,381 antigen tests. The country had grown despite Covid-19 worries reported 41 Covid-19-related fatalities Shares because of the monsoon, which on Wednesday. has damaged several highways link- According to Chettri, all airlines Nepse 2,823.87pts -0.15% ing the capital city. are required to follow the safety meas- The government grounded all ures that the government has issued. HIGHEST LOSERS domestic flights from midnight May 3 All domestic passengers must fill up HIDCL KKHC GMFBS SABSL SHL HURJA -4.28% -3.35% -3.26% -2.95% -2.64% -2.31% when infection rates went haywire. a declaration form on their health On June 21, the Cabinet decided history before the airline will issue a MODERATE LOSERS to lift the virus restrictions that had boarding pass, and airlines must NICLBSL GLBSL CIT NEF GILB GIMES1 -2.07% -2.06% -2.05% -2.01% -2% -1.99% kept the country paralysed for nearly inform every passenger as early as two months, following a drop in the possible through a text message if MODERATE GAINERS RLFL GUFL GMFIL SIFC KRBL ICFC caseload. there is a flight delay. Masks are com- 6.02% 6.3% 6.48% 7.2% 7.33% 7.78% The government has allowed domes- pulsory for all passengers.

HIGHEST GAINERS tic airlines to resume operations after Airlines will provide masks and BFC PROFL MPFL NFS CFCL PFL imposing flight rationing. They are face shields to all passengers on each 7.81% 9.68% 9.75% 9.86% 9.97% 10% permitted to operate half the number flight, ensure enhanced cleaning of of flights they were conducting aircraft with a focus on high contact before Covid. areas like seats and seatbelts, and PRICE PER TOLA “We have sold more than 80 percent screen the temperatures of passen- BULLION of the seats for Thursday,” said gers twice before boarding. Sudarshan Bartaula, spokesperson for Passengers must get to the Fine Gold Rs 90,000 Yeti Airlines. The carrier has been airport one and a half hours before allotted 15 flights daily which trans- their flights. Silver Rs 1,290 lates into 1,050 seats. Tribhuvan International Airport “Sales are encouraging, and we statistics show that domestic carriers SOURCE: FENEGOSIDA expect the momentum to continue for lost 1.73 million passengers last year, a week,” he said, adding that most of which translates into a loss of more the passengers who had bought tickets than Rs5 billion in passenger revenue, GASOLINE WATCH were business travellers. excluding losses in cargo revenue. Buddha Air has been allocated 31 In 2020, domestic passenger traffic flights and it produces around 3,700 at Kathmandu’s airport fell to its low- seats a day. According to the carrier, SHUTTERSTOCK est level since 2009. But airline offi- its flights on the Simara, Bharatpur, All domestic passengers must fill up a declaration form on their health history before the airline will issue a boarding pass, and airlines must cials said that domestic carriers had Surkhet and Tumlingtar routes are inform every passenger as early as possible through a text message if there is a flight delay. Masks are compulsory for all passengers. recovered close to 90 percent of sold out. Sales have crossed 70 percent pre-Covid passenger numbers. in other sectors, it said. said an airline official. The monsoon, and Saurya Airlines three flights. will be handling a maximum of five According to the statistics, domes- Like last year, airlines are unwilling which begins from June and last until Sita Air, Tara Air and Summit Air flights per hour,” said Raj Kumar tic airlines carried 1.45 million pas- to offer hefty discounts to attract pas- September, is normally an off season have received permission for a Chettri, spokesperson for the Civil sengers in 2020, a 54.28 percent plunge sengers. The average airfare for a for travel. combined eight flights daily to Aviation Authority of Nepal. from the 2019 figure. flight lasting more than 45 minutes is While Buddha Air and Yeti Airlines serve the Lukla, Phaplu, Dolpa and He said that opening up flights Aircraft movements also dropped to Rs5,000. It was Rs3,000 last year. have received rations of 31 and 15 Simkot sectors. fully would depend on the virus a multi-year low of 38,610 takeoffs and “Airlines will start slashing ticket flights respectively, Shree Airlines has “Allowing airlines to conduct 50 per- caseloads. “As there is still uncertain- landings, representing a steep 57.94 prices once travel demand reduces,” been allowed to operate 10 flights a day cent of the flights means the airport ty, we are not sure when the domestic percent fall from the year before. EU airlines, airports warn digital Covid-19 certificate BIZLINE roll-out risks chaos Himalaya Land Treks, KHALSA AID donate food and health equipment across rural Nepal KATHMANDU: As part of its corporate social responsibility, Himalaya Land Treks in collaboration with KHALSA AID, has provided food materials and health equipment including oxygen concentrator to health centres and general people in various rural areas of Nepal. “In further days, Himalaya Land Treks will extend its social ser- vice in different trekking areas,” said REUTERS Ram Prasad Banjara, the proprietor People wait in queues at Faro airport in Faro, Portugal. of Himalaya Land Treks. “We have decided to allocate 10 percent of the REUTERS nation certificate and passenger loca- company’s profit to corporate social DUBLIN, JUNE 30 tor forms are processed remotely responsibility works for the needy before the passenger arrives at the population,” the company said in a Groups representing Europe’s largest airport. press statement. “Considering the airlines and airports have warned of Checks must only take place in the impact of Covid-19 in rural life, chaos and hours-long queues unless country of departure and not on arriv- Himalaya Land Treks added a new countries better coordinate the roll- al and national governments should journey of serving the affected out of the EU’s digital Covid-19 certif- manage the health data and provide rural areas of Nepal with icate and ensure passengers are pro- equipment to check the QR codes, the Contribution For Nepal.” cessed before arriving at airports. letter said. The European Union’s system of “A high level of fragmentation and eSewa partners with Ria to digital Covid-19 travel certificates is differences in the implementation of due to come into force on Thursday, the DCC ... as well as continued dupli- offer mobile wallet enabled but airports group ACI and airlines cation of document checks in several cross border remittance representative bodies A4E, IATA and states is alarming,” it said. ERA warned in a letter to EU national ACI Europe Director General service to Nepal leaders of a “worrying patchwork of Olivier Jankovec, one of the signato- KATHMANDU: Ria Money Transfer, a approaches” across the continent. ries, said his airport members were global leader in the money transfer “As passenger traffic increases in “getting very concerned”. industry has signed an agreement the coming weeks, the risk of chaos at “Coping with this increase is going with eSewa Money Transfer. The European Airports is real,” the groups to be an unprecedented challenge”,” agreement allows Nepalese migrant said in the joint letter sent on Monday he said. The amount of verification population to send money from and seen by Reuters. still being done manually at airports 475,000 Ria locations in 160 countries The digital certificates are designed was making him “very, very nervous,” around the globe directly into benefi- to show, via QR codes, whether passen- he added. ciary’s eSewa mobile wallet in Nepal. gers are fully vaccinated, have immu- The amount of time navigating air- The partnership accentuates Ria’s nity due to recent recovery from ports during a journey has doubled to concerted effort and intent in expand- Covid-19 or have had a negative test. 3 hours from 1-1/2 hours before the ing its digital payout capabilities They are designed to be used for pandemic, said IATA’s European Vice around the world and also validates travel throughout the EU from July 1, President Rafael Schvartzman, anoth- the growing importance of digital but would require extra checks and er signatory. remittance service in “receive” coun- the right equipment to read the codes. If no changes were made and capac- tries like Nepal where digital pay- The letter said the only way to avoid ity returned to pre-Covid levels, that ment ecosystem is building at a rapid huge queues and delays during the could theoretically increase to an pace, reads the press release issued peak summer season was to imple- unacceptable five or even eight hours, by the company. ment a system whereby both the vacci- he said.

C M Y K THURSDAY, JULY 01, 2021 | 06 SPORTS | MEDLEY Sri Lanka’s trio Holder Djokovic, Kyrgios progress at Wimbledon dropped from World No 1 Serb eases to a 6-3, 6-3, 6-3 win over South Africa’s Anderson while Australian toiled hard to beat Frenchman Humbert 6-4, 4-6, 3-6, 6-1, 9-7.

AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE time when the grass plant is at its India series LONDON, JUNE 30 most lush and green, which does AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE result in additional moisture on what COLOMBO, JUNE 30 Five-time champion Novak Djokovic is a natural surface.” overcame a series of falls on Centre In all, 80 singles matches were Three Sri Lankan cricket players Court to reach the Wimbledon third scheduled for Wednesday. French 13th ordered to leave the tour of England round for the 15th time on Wednesday seed Gael Monfils defeated Australia’s on disciplinary grounds will be as Australian firebrand Nick Kyrgios Christopher O’Connell 4-6, 6-2, 7-6 dropped from a home series against won his first match in four months. (7/5), 4-6, 6-4 in a first round tie which India in July, officials said Wednesday. World number one Djokovic, chas- had started on Monday. Fifth seeded Dubbed the “terrible trio” by media, ing a sixth Wimbledon and Bianca Andreescu of Canada was vice captain Kusal Mendis, opener record-equalling 20th Grand Slam knocked out 6-2, 6-1 by France’s Alize Danushka Gunathilaka and wicket title, eased to a 6-3, 6-3, 6-3 win over Cornet. keeper Niroshan Dickwella returned 102nd-ranked Kevin Anderson of Andreescu, the 2019 US Open cham- home Tuesday. Sri Lanka Cricket offi- South Africa. pion, is still to win a main draw match cials said an inquiry into how they left However, he slipped and fell on at at Wimbledon having lost in the first the team’s pandemic isolated hotel in least five occasions on Centre Court, round as a qualifier in 2017. Italian England would start after their man- the day after Serena Williams suffered seventh seed Matteo Berrettini, the datory two-week quarantine. None a tearful, tournament-ending injury champion at Queen’s and tipped to go will be included in the three one day due to similar slips. Djokovic, 34, deep at Wimbledon, edged Argentina’s internationals and three Twenty20 cruised to victory over the man he Guido Pella 6-4, 3-6, 6-4, 6-0. games to start July 13. defeated in the 2018 final without fac- Japan’s Kei Nishikori, a two-time “They are likely to get a minimum ing a single break point and commit- quarter-finalist, claimed his 100th one-year suspension if found guilty of ting just six unforced errors. Grand Slam match win by seeing off several breaches of their contract,” “I have a nice connection with the Australia’s Alexei Popyrin 6-4, 6-4, 6-4. one official told AFP, speaking on con- crowd,” said Djokovic. “I also seem to Britain’s Andy Murray won his first dition of anonymity. be having a really nice connection singles match at the tournament in The trio was also pulled out of the with the grass. I don’t recall falling so four years when he saw off 24th seed- three-match one-day international much in the first two matches at ed Nikoloz Basilashvili two days ago. series against England after they were Wimbledon.” The three-time champion and former seen breaching their bio-secure bub- Kyrgios, ranked 60, but a quarter-fi- world number one, now down at 118 in ble ahead of the first ODI in Durham. nalist on debut in 2014, won his first the rankings, tackles qualifier Oscar Mendis and Dickwella were seen match since the Australian Open in Otte of Germany for a last-32 place smoking in the streets of Durham, February, defeating French 21st seed AP/RSS later Wednesday. where they were based ahead of the Ugo Humbert before declaring: Novak Djokovic is looking to match record total of 20 Grand Slam titles shared by Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal. Belarus second seed Aryna ODI series. In a second video on social “Not bad for a part-time player”. Sabalenka, yet to make the last-eight media, Gunathilaka is seen joining Kyrgios triumphed 6-4, 4-6, 3-6, 6-1, 9-7 led beneath him. On Tuesday, he was Grand Slam singles titles was again of the grass courts has been to exactly of a Slam, faces British wild card the pair, violating the coronavirus in a match held over from Tuesday overheard muttering that Court One thwarted. Her fall came not long after the same meticulous standard as in Katie Boulter, the world 219. rules of their stay. evening when the final set was level at was “a joke”. As the tournament French player Adrian Mannarino had previous years,” the club said in a Venus Williams, the 41-year-old five- England won the first ODI on 3-3. “Ugo is an incredible kid and I played catch-up after two days hit by slipped and hurt himself on the same statement. time champion who made her tourna- Tuesday by five wickets. The second knew I was a massive underdog,” said rain, recriminations continued over part of Centre Court. “The weather conditions on the ment debut in 1997, takes on Ons ODI is due to be played Thursday with Kyrgios after firing 23 aces and 51 the state of the All England Club He too had to retire with his match opening two days have been the wet- Jabeur who is hoping to become the the final on Sunday. After Sri Lanka’s winners. courts. against Roger Federer level at two sets test we have experienced in almost a first Tunisian to make the third round. whitewash in the T20 series against Kyrgios also shrugged off an Williams said she was “heartbro- apiece. Despite the criticism, the All decade, which has required the roof to Frances Tiafoe, who knocked out third England, their fifth consecutive series ugly-looking fall in the 13th game of ken” to have had to withdraw as her England Club insisted that the courts be closed on Centre Court and No1 seed Stefanos Tsitsipas, plays Vasek defeat, disgruntled fans launched cam- the final set when his right knee buck- pursuit of Margaret Court’s record 24 are up to standard. “The preparation Court for long periods. “This is at a Pospisil of Canada. paign to shun team on social media. Shamsi inspires South Africa to Benitez appointed Everton boss despite fan protests AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE Liverpool. Everton supporters’ animosity Former Wolves boss Nuno Espirito Santo LONDON, JUNE 30 towards Benitez was raised above the usual was the early favourite to join Everton but he a thrilling win over West Indies level reserved for a Reds boss ever since his is now reported to be Tottenham’s latest choice Everton confirmed the appointment of Rafael “small club” jibe after a 2007 Merseyside derby. in their prolonged managerial search. Instead, REUTERS Kagiso Rabada, but Fabian Allen (14 not out) Benitez as their new manager on Wednesday Benitez has since sought to clarify he was it is Benitez who will run the gauntlet at GRENADA, JUNE 30 battled with the pace and swing from the tall despite fan protests against the Premier League referring to what he believed was a “small- Everton, with his first Premier League match in seamer and they fell agonisingly short. club’s move for the former Liverpool boss. team” mentality from Everton in the game rath- charge coming at home to Southampton on South Africa’s left-arm wrist spinner Tabraiz Evin Lewis and Nicholas Pooran were Benitez has agreed a three-year contract with er than as a club. On Monday, police confirmed August 14. Shamsi took 2-13 in four overs as the tourists the top scorers for West Indies, both with Everton and succeeds Carlo Ancelotti, who left they were investigating the placing of a “threat- Ancelotti was unable to secure qualification edged West Indies by one run in the third 27, their chase hampered by the fact that Goodison Park to join Real Madrid at the start ening” banner with the words “We know where for Europe last season despite the prolific form Twenty20 International to take a 2-1 series none of the batsmen managed to kick on to a of June. The Spaniard is the first man to man- you live. Don’t sign” hung over a garden wall of striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Benitez lead at the National Cricket Stadium in St half-century. age both Merseyside teams since William close to Benitez’s home, which is near Liverpool. takes over a squad that needs improvement. But George’s, Grenada on Tuesday. In-form Quinton de Kock was the mainstay Edward Barclay in the 1890s. Offensive banners have previously been put up he will be under pressure to make a fast start to After being sent in to bat by the home side of the South African innings, scoring 72 from “I am delighted to be joining Everton,” said at the stadium. win over Everton’s angry fans. His first eagerly for the third time in a row, South Africa man- 51 balls. He put on 60 for the fourth wicket Benitez. “Throughout this process I have been Farhad Moshiri, Everton’s major shareholder, anticipated showdown with Liverpool is sched- aged a below-par 167 for eight in their 20 with Rassie van der Dussen (32 from 24 balls). greatly impressed by the ambition shown by the ignored the dissenting voices to pursue “proven uled for November 30 at Goodison Park, while overs, but successfully defended the total as At one stage the tourists looked as though senior representatives at the club and their winner” Benitez, who won the Champions the Anfield meeting is in April next year. West Indies fell one run short for the loss of they would score close to 200, but wily seam- desire to bring success to this historic club. I League and FA Cup during his six-year Liverpool Benitez will start work at Everton’s Finch seven wickets. ers Obed McCoy (4-22) and Dwayne Bravo believe this is a club that is going places. I’m reign, which ended in 2010. “Rafa impressed us Farm training headquarters on July 5. The Shamsi, the number one ranked bowler in (3-25) slowed the scoring rate with their vari- determined to play a big part in helping this greatly with his knowledge and experience but, 61-year-old won the Europa League with Chelsea T20 international cricket, slowed the home ations and change of pace as they picked up great club achieve its ambitions.” above all, the passion and hunger he showed to during his spell as interim boss in 2012/13 side’s scoring to a crawl in the middle of the wickets at regular intervals. Benitez’s appointment will antagonise a sig- join our club,” Moshiri said. “We are appointing before joining Napoli. Benitez has also managed innings and left them chasing the game. The fourth match in the five-game series nificant section of Everton’s fan base after he Rafa because we believe he will bring success to Valencia, Inter Milan and Real Madrid in a They needed 15 runs off the final over from will be played at the same venue on Thursday. criticised the Toffees during his time at our club and to Evertonians.” well-travelled career. HOROSCOPE ARIES (March 21-April 19) *** CANCER (June 22-July 22) ** LIBRA (September 23-October 22) ** CAPRICORN (December 22-January 19) *** As an Aries, you’re born with the natural Tensions are brewing under Thursday’s skies, July’s arrival brings some potent energy to con- Things are shaping up to be intense beneath instinct to be on-the-go. That impulse may feel Cancer. Self-assertive Mars locks into a heated tend with, Libra. Self-concerned Mars locks Thursday’s cosmic landscape, Capricorn. Self- thwarted today, so prepare to pump the brakes opposition with stifling Saturn, prompting frus- into a frustrated opposition with wall-building motivated Mars locks into a heated opposition if necessary. Your ruling planet, self-motivated trations around finances and intimate relation- Saturn today, prompting a suddenly slowed with your ruling planet, structure-seeking Mars, locks into an uncomfortable opposition ships. This can help you realistically reassess downward pace with the need to reassess both Saturn. with limit-setting Saturn. what needs changing around your savings. creative projects and romantic relationships.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20) *** LEO (July 23-August 22) * SCORPIO (October 23-November 21) ** AQUARIUS (January 20-February 18) * July kicks off with some intense energy, Taurus. Things are cosmically heating up with the arriv- You may feel like you’ve run headfirst into a July’s arrival brings some stressful stories to the Protect your peace by ensuring restorative alone al of July, Leo. Self-motivated Mars, who cur- wall today, Scorpio. Your ruling planet, go-getter forefront of your awareness, Aquarius. time today. Hot-headed Mars locks into a stifling rently resides in your sign, finds itself in a tense Mars, locks into an unsettling contact with Aggressive Mars locks into an intense stare opposition with structure-seeking Saturn, bring- stare down with limitation-setting Saturn. Saturn. This contact can illuminate blockages down with your ruling planet, limit-setting ing plans concerning your home environment This unsettling aspect can spark relationship around home and family matters, while also Saturn. This unsettling contact flares tensions and family connections to a momentary halt. frictions. highlighting career concerns. on the relationship front.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21) ** VIRGO (August 23-September 22) ** SAGITTARIUS (November 22-December 21) *** PISCES (February 19-March 20) ** It’s easy to feel mentally and verbally walled-off It’s all too easy to get riled up today, Virgo. Thursday’s skies can bring a variety of frustra- Your work environment is likely to act as a point today, Gemini. Try to refrain from engaging in Frustration may feel like it’s seeping in from an tions to a head, Sagittarius. Go-getter Mars of tension today, Pisces. Self-motivated Mars any activities that spotlight your ability to indiscernible location, as hot-headed Mars locks eyes with wall-building Saturn today, locks into an unsettling opposition with lim- express yourself, as this activity may feel espe- locks into an opposition with realistic Saturn. bringing mental storm clouds to the forefront of it-setting Saturn, potentially thwarting forward cially challenged today. This unsettling contact can bring anger issues your thinking. movement on the job front. to the surface. CROSSWORD SUDOKU

YESTERDAY’S SOLUTION

C M Y K THURSDAY, JULY 01, 2021 | 07

Joachim Loew’s 15-year tenure ends in regret Hansi Flick will now take over a German side that has never recovered from its early exit at the last World Cup for Qatar 2022 qualifiers.

will for all the games,” Loew said. “You could feel it, they wanted to achieve some- thing. But something was missing in cer- tain situations. It wasn’t just the case yes- terday, you could feel it after we played 60 or 70 good minutes against Portugal, then again in the game against Hungary.” Germany still haven’t found a replace- ment Miroslav Klose and his goals. The World Cup’s all-time leading scorer with 16 goals retired after winning the title in Brazil seven years ago. Ukraine won’t Against England, Muller and Timo Werner failed to convert the best of Germany’s chances. Kai Havertz also went close, but England forwards Raheem fear England, coach Sterling and Harry Kane scored a goal each to show the Germans how it’s done. Loew’s 198th match in charge was his last. It was only the second time Germany Shevchenko says had failed to reach the quarter-finals of a major tournament since Loew took over as REUTERS coach after the 2006 World Cup. The GLASGOW, JUNE 30 problem for Loew is that it was right after the first. Ukraine manager Andriy Shevchenko said his team would “I think they were 15 very long years for not be intimidated by England’s 2-0 win over Germany at me with many lovely moments and of Wembley in their Euro 2020 last-16 clash but motivated to course disappointments. I think that this produce an upset when they lock horns in Rome on Saturday. team, and several players who will certain- The Ukrainians booked their quarter-final berth with an ly be part of it in the next years, has a very extra-time 2-1 win over Sweden on Tuesday thanks to a last- good future,” Loew said. “Of course I wish gasp goal by Artem Dovbyk after England sent Germany my successor, Hansi Flick, all the best and home on the back of second-half efforts from Raheem Sterling lots of success. And yes, my heart still and Harry Kane. beats in black, red and gold.” “England are a great team, they have a deep bench, an out- Flick, Loew’s former assistant, will take standing coaching staff and we are fully aware how tough AP/RSS over for World Cup qualifying. Flick had a this game is going to be,” Shevchenko told a news conference. Joachim Loew, who led Germany to the World Cup title in 2014 and a semi-final appearance at Euro 2016 , is walking away after his 198th match in charge. very successful spell in charge of Bayern “I saw all their three group matches, not today’s win over Munich but will inherit the problems Loew Germany because we had to prepare for our own game with ASSOCIATED PRESS Loew led Germany to the World Cup title ranks who have not yet had much tourna- faced—most notably the lack of an out-and- Sweden. They are incredibly difficult to score against but BERLIN, JUNE 30 in 2014, and a semi-final appearance at ment experience. And from my experience out scorer—but he has some excellent their strength shouldn’t scare us. It should motivate us Euro 2016, but his team never recovered I know that it sometimes takes two or three young players to work with. because everything is possible in football as in life and we Joachim Loew’s 15-year tenure as coach of from their early exit at the last World Cup. tournaments until the players can perhaps Midfielders Leon Goretzka and Joshua will play our hearts out to give our fans even more to cheer Germany’s national football team is over, An attempted reboot after the tourna- reach their peak, that they can deal with Kimmich, whom Flick already knows from about.” and many think it should have ended a long ment in Russia failed to yield the desired things, with stressful situations their time together at Bayern, will assume England are yet to concede in the tournament, having beat- time ago. results. First there was the embarrassing during a tournament,” Loew said. “I believe leadership roles. Germany also has some en Croatia and the Czech Republic 1-0 in the group stage The Germans at least advanced from the 6-0 loss to Spain last November, and then a that some players have not yet reached outstanding prospects coming through, while they also drew 0-0 with Scotland. group stage this time, unlike three years 2-1 loss to North Macedonia in World Cup their limit.” like 18-year-old Bayer Leverkusen midfield- Man of the match Oleksandr Zinchenko, who scored ago at the World Cup when they were qualifying in March. Both Muller and Hummels played key er Florian Wirtz and Borussia Dortmund Ukraine’s first goal and set up the second against Sweden, defending champions, but then lost to Shortly before the second of those two roles in helping Germany advance from a forward Youssoufa Moukoko, the heaped praise on his Manchester City team mate Sterling England 2-0 at the Wembley Stadium on surprising results, Loew announced that difficult group that included World Cup Bundesliga’s youngest scorer at 16. who has scored three of England’s four goals in Euro 2020. Tuesday in the round of 16 of the European Euro 2020 would be his last tournament. champions France, European champions Jamal Musiala showed against Hungary “Sterling is one of the best wingers in the world and right Championship. And with no need to personally to perse- Portugal and a well-organized Hungary that he can also make a difference for now he is making all the difference for England,” he said. “We “I take responsibility for this exit, no ifs vere with the team’s rebuilding process, he team. But Germany’s chances at the tour- Germany. But Loew only brought the tricky will need to be at our very best in defence to stop him but it or buts,” Loew said Wednesday in his last recalled veterans Thomas Muller and nament were ultimately undone by a fail- Bayern Munich forward into the match in will be difficult because he is on a roll.” news conference as Germany coach. “It’s Mats Hummels for the pandemic-delayed ure to make more of their opportunities. the 92nd minute against England. It was Zinchenko added he and the rest of the team had been going to take a bit of time to get over this tournament. “The team threw everything into it. They much too late—for him, for Loew and for under pressure to deliver against Sweden after coming under disappointment.” “We had or have many players in our showed a very good mentality and a great Germany. fire for poor group-stage performances, having lost to the Netherlands and Austria while beating North Macedonia. “It was difficult for me to adjust because a lot of criticism Belgium 1 - 0 Portugal Sweden 1 - 2 Ukraine was poured on the whole team and on me in particular. Today, we have proved to the whole of Europe that we can achieve 00:45 NST, July 3, Saturday 00:45 NST, July 4, Sunday our goals,” he said. Belgium vs Italy Ukraine vs England Italy 2 - 1 Austria England 2 - 0 Germany

21:45 NST, July 2, Friday 00:45 NST, July 7, Wednesday 00:45 NST, July 12, Monday 00:45 NST, July 8, Thursday 21:45 NST, July 3, Saturday France (4) 3-3 (5) Switzerland Netherlands 0-2 Czech Republic Switzerland vs Spain Belgium/Italy Ukraine/England Czech Republic vs Denmark vs FINAL vs Switzerland/Spain Czech Republic/Denmark Croatia 3 - 5 Spain Wales 0 - 4 Denmark QUARTER-FINAL SEMI-FINAL 1 SEMI-FINAL 2 QUARTER-FINAL ROUND OF 16 ROUND OF 16 Sweden author their own demise at Euro REUTERS Danielson’s moment of madness, GLASGOW, JUNE 30 clearly signalling Sweden’s desire to finish off the contest before the possi- Danielson red card Tournament fortunes often turn on bility of penalties. individual moments of magic or folly Yet suddenly down to 10 men, and nine minutes into and Sweden’s exit from the European having to replace the banished centre Championship on Tuesday was down back, they abandoned their attacking extra time turned to the latter. Just as the Netherlands plans and took the decision to hold out the game in favour authored their own demise against the for a shootout. They almost got there Czech Republic when Matthijs de Ligt in a nervy rear-guard effort. of Ukraine. handled the ball in Budapest on Ukraine were surprisingly timid in Sunday, so Sweden bought their own taking on a weakened opponent until early ticket home some 48 hours later. Artem Dovbyk, who had just come on, The dismissal of Marcus Danielson headed home from close range right at They lost to the Netherlands and nine minutes into extra time, for a the end. One of the absurdities of Austria, and it was only a 2-1 win over studs-up, high challenge that might tournament football is how far you North Macedonia that provided them not have been malicious but still can get without actually producing with a pass into the knockout stage. injured his opponent and was clearly a any convincing performances and But they are still in the competition red-card offence, turned the game in Ukraine must rank among the weaker and most certainly hoping there might favour of unconvincing opponents. side ever to reach the last eight. be more moments that go their way. Yet, Ukraine will travel to Rome to meet England on Saturday while the more exciting and enterprising Swedes head home. Ukraine’s Besedin out of Euros The game-changing tackle, which appeared to cause serious damage to KYIV: Ukrainian forward Artem tests, said assistant coach Oleksandr the knee of Artem Besedin, who had Besedin is out for the rest of Euro 2020 Shovkovskiy. been on the pitch for 10 minutes, could with a knee injury from a tackle by “We are no longer able to count on not have come at a worse time for the Sweden’s Marcus Danielson, a team Artem Besedin in our next matches,” Swedes. Having come from a goal coach said on Wednesday. Shovkovskiy wrote on Facebook. “He down to equalise before halftime and Danielson was sent off after his is forced to leave the team and return then seen two efforts from goalscorer attempt to track down a pass resulted to Kyiv for a full examination.” Emil Forsberg rattle the woodwork in in a studs-up challenge against Ukraine face England in Rome in the second half, they set about finish- Besedin during Ukraine’s 2-1 defeat of the quarter-finals on Saturday. To ing off the opposition in extra time. Sweden in their last-16 knockout show support, all Ukrainian ministers AFP/RSS Coach Janne Andersson made three game. wore the team’s yellow-and-blue jer- Players of Czech Republic take part in a training session in Prague on Wednesday. The Czechs will play attacking changes two minutes before Besedin is returning to Ukraine for seys in cabinet on Wednesday. (Reuters) European Championship 2020 quarter-final football match against Denmark on July 3.

C M Y K THURSDAY, JULY 01, 2021 | 08 CULTURE & LIFESTYLE (C.R.P.D.) - 3/052/053 Paying tribute by keeping memories alive Bibhakar Shakya, the son-in-law of the late Lain Singh Bangdel, has been working on continuing the legacy of Nepal’s foremost artist.

future generation.” work on his painting, he was totally artist and his wife Manu Kumari Thapa, In the art history of Nepal, Lain Singh focused. He would go on for hours and who was the matron of Prasuti Griha and Bangdel’s contribution can never be for- would not even take breaks to eat,” shared was his pillar of support. He also plans to gotten. His works mark an era itself in the Bibhakar. “He was also very composed start a permanent gallery dedicated to modern art scene of the country. However, and organised. When we went through his Bangdel’s work in the coming years. in these challenging times, there are many works at home, we pleasantly discovered “I am also currently planning a who still don’t know him and his works. that he was meticulously organised with Bangdel’s Restrospective Art Exhibition Last year, the art community was dis- his collections. All his letters and photo- in New York in 2022 with a hope that it will heartened when Bangdel’s 1955 watercol- graphs were neatly dated and sorted.” give him the world stage that he deserved our painting of a woman was bought for Even then, for Bibhakar, organising the so much. His Retrospective Art Exhibition only 100 pounds. Many artists came for- inventory of Bangdel’s work and making will travel to other states in the US like ward and said the price was too low for an the hard decisions of what to do with California, Florida, Ohio, and North artist of Bangdel’s calibre and for some- them, where to place them, and thinking Carolina. There’s actually a lot to do and it one who contributed immensely to the of what Bangdel and his wife would have gets more exciting everyday,” he said. country’s art scene. wanted with those works has been an Bangdel’s works are believed to be “I think the incident showed us how we overwhelming experience. The journey spread across Europe, Japan, and the US. are yet to introduce and discuss what has also meant sifting through memories As Bibhakar perseveres to build a whole- Bangdel’s works mean in the world. The and learning more things about the family. some archive of his artworks, he has been younger generation and many people from “I love working on these projects, set- networking with people and organisations outside the art background don’t really ting my deadlines, and discussing Bangdel across the world who have Bangdel’s art- know him. They have not heard of him,” jee and my wife’s work with people. But works. said Bibhakar. “Which makes my work all “One thing I learned from my father-in- the more significant. I strongly believe law is to do the things you want to do right that his artworks should be recognised It is apparent that for away. He used to say don’t wait for tomor- and respected both at home and abroad.” row,” said Bibhakar. “And that is what I Bibhakar remembers his father-in-law Bibhakar, this is more am doing now. I want to do this now and I as a down-to-earth gentleman and some- want to give back to society Bangdel’s one who loved socialising and took a genu- than an obligation and works and his memories.” ine interest in talking to people regardless It is apparent that for Bibhakar, this is of their social status or professional back- instead is his promise more than an obligation and instead is his grounds. promise to keep. He also thinks it’s a priv- “My father and mother-in-law, Manu to keep. ilege for him to be a small part of such a Kumari Thapa, used to host many dinner monumental legacy. gatherings. And in these gatherings, he These days, when people invite him to would commit to intellectual discussions yes, there are days when the process talk about Lain Singh Bangdel and his of politics, science, music, and art. His drains you emotionally. It isn’t easy when works, Bibhakar feels proud and more PHOTO COURTESY: BIBHAKAR SHAKYA hospitality is one of the things that people memories come rushing back. But that’s than blessed to witness the lives Bangdel Bibhakar Shakya is the son-in-law of the late Lain Singh Bangdel, Nepal’s foremost artist, and is now who knew him still remember,” said just life, right?” he said. has touched. working to keep alive the artist’s works. Bibhakar. “Bangdel was a versatile per- Bibhakar today has also been working At MoNA, he was elated with the discus- sonality—he created diverse genres of on the translations of Bangdel’s books as sion of Bangdel’s 1989 self-portrait that SRIZU BAJRACHARYA Bibhakar was a school-going student paintings like landscape, figurative, por- part of his endeavour to make the late portrayed his bliss and content with life. KATHMANDU when he first came to know about Bangdel. trait, and abstract arts. He also wrote both artist’s works more accessible to people “The year 1989 was when Bangdel retired “I have always been interested in litera- fiction and non-fiction and also led the around the world. The translation of from his occupational work and perhaps hen Bibhakar Shakya ture, and it was in my school days that I Nepal art scene as the Chancellor of the Langadako Sathi is slated to release this was when he decided to live for himself,” pulled down the veil came to know about him. I read his hall- Royal Nepal Academy.” year, and Bibhakar is also working to turn said Rajan Sakya, while addressing a to uncover one of his mark novels in Nepali literature like Bangdel painted whenever he was the book into a movie. He will also start small gathering of artists. father-in-law’s Muluk Bahira, Maitaghar, and Langadako inspired and was in the mood to let out his working on the manuscript of other And throughout the address, Bibhakar’s self-portraits at the Saathi, all of which he wrote in the 1950s mind on paper. And Bibhakar remembers Bangdel’s literary works Maitighar and eyes glinted with joy and appreciation. Museum of Nepali when he lived in Calcutta,” said Bibhakar. admiring his dedication and passion for Muluk Bahira in 2022. “When you see people discussing his WArt (MONA) a few days back, he had a “He was a fantastic writer. His words were art when they lived together for a while in Bibhakar has also simultaneously been works and remembering his contribu- warm smile on his face. lyrical, and his stories were socially Columbus, Ohio in the early 1990s. working on an artbook that includes Lain tions, it makes all the more sense why I As Rajan Sakya, the founder of the important. Moreover, his characters gave “He enjoyed the process of creating his Singh Bangdel’s paintings. The artbook, he need to work on keeping his legacy alive,” museum, emotionally ended his speech an outlook of life that people don’t easily artworks. And when he would start to says, will highlight Bangdel as a modern said Bibhakar. with the note, “Lain Singh Bangdel now think of—like in Langadako Sathi.” lives here,” at the inauguration event of Little did he know at the time that one the painting in the museum in Thamel, day he would be the man’s son-in-law. Bibhakar was beaming with pride. Bibhakar met Dina Bangdel while pursu- Bibhakar Shakya, now 58, has been ing his graduate study at The Ohio State archiving Nepal’s foremost artist, Lain University. Singh Bangdel’s works for the last few “My life changed in many ways after I years—a duty he took over after his late met Dina. She and Lain Singh Bangdel beloved wife Dina Bangdel, Lain Singh had a great influence on my life—in the Bangdel’s only daughter, passed away four way I look at art, culture, art history, and years ago. literature,” said Bibhakar, who is a con- For Bibhakar finding a permanent sultant based in Richmond in Virginia, home for one of Lain Singh Bangdel’s US. “I was very much interested in art and works at MoNA was a moment of solace. literature since my high school days, how- He was one step closer to his life goal of ever, the two inspired and touched my life ensuring the legacy of Bangdel. beyond what I ever imagined. I have done “Ensuring his legacy forward is some- professionally well as a PhD economist, thing I must do. I owe it to the contribu- but these art and literature projects are tion he made to Nepali art. There’s this what I find exciting and give me the true urgent sense that keeps me on my toes joy in life.” now as time is constantly slipping away. Today many in the art community are After Dina is gone, I take it as my sole fond of Bibhakar and interested in the responsibility and also a privilege to work projects that he is leading to preserve and on art and literature-related projects to promote the work of the Bangdels—his highlight Bangdel’s milestone contribu- wife and father-in-law. tions in Nepali arts, literature, and art “Dina worked with many people in the history. If I don’t do it, it may not happen art scene. She was more tied to the art at all and I want the future generation to culture in the country and devoted much remember him,” said a solemn Bibhakar of her life to promoting them at the world’s in his Zoom conversation with the Post. stage. I helped and supported her ven- Lain Singh Bangdel was the artist who tures as much as I could,” said Bibhakar. introduced modern trends of Western Art “And she was the one who wanted to pre- in Nepal. He was also an art historian, and serve and bring together the works of her in 1989 he published the book ‘Stolen father to keep his legacy alive. It was Images of Nepal’, which documented important for her. And it is important for more than 300 missing religious icons me now, more than ever, to work on her PHOTO COURTESY: BIBHAKAR SHAKYA from the Kathmandu Valley. undertaking, for my children and the Lain Singh Bangdel with his wife, Manu Kumari Thapa. Older women are the fresh faces of South Korean influencers JUWON PARK SEOUL Jang Myung-sook he freshest faces gives out fashion among South Korean influencers are no and lifestyles tips longer the usual, 20-something celebri- on her channel ties. Instead, enter- ‘Milanonna’. Ttainment and social media are focusing on a new generation: the elder generation. Older women were once invisi- thought women were supposed to ble in South Korean entertain- be only housewives cooking at ment as the industry stuck to rig- home but that’s once upon a time. idly conservative traditional People must adapt to the current female roles and cast them only as era,” she said. devoted mothers. Park, 74, is one of the leading But older women are front and lights in the South Korean frenzy. centre in recent advertising and Her YouTube channel ‘Korea entertainment series. Grandma’ has over 1.32 million A pioneer in the trend is Oscar subscribers. In her videos, Park winner Youn Yuh-jung, the throws expletives while reviewing 74-year-old ‘Minari’ actor who pro- a Korean drama and screams her motes Oriental Brewery beer and lungs out while paragliding for the the Zig Zag shopping app in two first time. recent ad campaigns. Park’s success has paved the The beer video highlights the way for others. Jang Myung-sook novelty of its spokesperson, who gives out fashion and lifestyles says: “For someone like me to be tips on her channel ‘Milanonna,’ a on a beer ad, the world has gotten nonagenarian known as Grandma so much better.” With a Cass beer ‘Gganzi’ raps and shares personal in her hand, Youn says she makes stories about living through the friends by being her authentic self Japanese colonisation, and a and alludes to the beer helping 76-year-old YouTuber flaunts her people to dissipate their social ‘single life’ on ‘G-gourmet.’ awkwardness. “I would like to tell grandmoth- South Korean producer Kim AP/RSS ers to try everything they want to Sehee said Youn’s Oscar win earli- South Korean actor Youn Yuh-jung ‘Minari’, 74 years old, sits in the beer company Oriental Brewery’s latest advertising campaign. do and not be concerned with er this year inspired his entertain- their age,” Park told The ment series, ‘Wassup K-Grandma.’ South Korean word ‘harmoni,’ or to feature grandmothers as main of the series came from the grand- Park Makrye, a popular South Associated Press. “For young peo- He said South Korean young peo- grandmother, and the English characters, according to Kim. It mothers’ attempts to communi- Korean YouTuber, said the coun- ple...You’ll be OK as long as you ple have a new interest in their word ‘millennial.’ brought international guests to cate with their foreign in-laws and try’s attitude towards gender and are healthy,” she said. “Please elders, birthing a new word ‘har- The series broadcast in May live as temporary sons-in-law with share homemade meals and dec- age has been rapidly changing. fight on and best of luck.” maenial’ — a portmanteau of the was one of the first Korean shows Korean grandmothers. The colour ades-old ginseng alcohol. “Back in the days, people — Associated Press

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