Indian Officials' Snub to Envoy Acharya in New Delhi Does Not Bode Well

WITHOUT F EAR OR FAVOUR

Nepal’s largest selling English daily Vol XXVIII No. 90 | 8 pages | Rs.5 O O Printed simultaneously in Kathmandu, Biratnagar, Bharatpur and Nepalgunj 40.1 C 8.0 C Monday, May 25, 2020 | 12-02-2077 Dhangadi Jumla Indian officials’ snub to envoy Acharya in New Delhi does not bode well for talks Nilamber Acharya has been trying to speak to senior bureaucrats in the Indian capital to discuss holding talks regarding the boundary dispute but has had no luck so far.

ANIL GIRI KATHMANDU, MAY 24

As pressure mounts on both Nepal and India to initiate talks at the diplo- matic level over the recent boundary disputes, Nepal’s Ambassador to India has been having a difficult time get- ting in touch with any official at the Indian Ministry of External Affairs. This could be a sign that India has hardened its position, following Nepal’s release of a new political and administrative map that includes all disputed territories, including Limpiyadhura, Lipulekh and Kalapani. While officials in Kathmandu have said that Nepal is pursuing all chan- nels, both formal and informal, to POST PHOTO: HEMANTA SHRESTHA create an environment conducive for Lights illuminate Patan Durbar Square in Lalitpur. talks between Kathmandu and New Delhi, Nilamber Acharya, the Nepali ambassador in New Delhi, has failed to make any headway, according to two diplomatic sources at the Nepali embassy. PHOTO: NEPALI EMBASSY DELHI/TWITTER Corruption in private sector needs probe but so “Ambassador Acharya’s failure is Ambassador Acharya with Indian National not for a lack of trying,” a diplomat at Security Advisor Ajit Doval in February. the Nepali embassy told the Post. “Indian officials refusing to meet with instigation and the India media does corruption in political parties, experts say him has created a very difficult envi- squarely blaming China for the dis- ronment in which to hold talks.” pute. Acharya said that he is initiating According to the officials, Acharya A legal amendment seeks to widen CIAA’s jurisdiction to include private sector but political parties also need scrutiny. talks through both official and unoffi- has repeatedly been attempting to cial channels. either meet in person or hold a phone TIKA R PRADHAN Management Committee has started “I cannot tell you at what level but conversation with Indian Foreign KATHMANDU, MAY 24 clause-wise discussions on the bill to we are talking through different chan- Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla amend the Prevention of Corruption nels,” Acharya told the Post over the and Joint Secretary (North) Piyush An amendment bill that seeks to Act (2002). The amendment bill was phone from New Delhi. “But we have Srivastava, who is in charge of the expand the Commission for registered at the Upper House on yet to ascertain when we will sit for Nepal-Bhutan desk, to no avail. Investigation of Abuse of Authority’s January 20 and was sent for discus- talks. Though the situation is difficult Shringla, the Indian Foreign jurisdiction to also include the private sion to the committee on February 18. due to Covid-19, we have to find a way Secretary, is supposed to lead talks sector is currently under discussion Once the National Assembly passes out, and the only way out is through over the boundary at the Foreign at the federal parliament. While most the bill, it will be sent to the House of diplomatic talks.” Secretary level from the Indian side anti-corruption experts believe that Representatives for discussion. Though Nepali ambassadors in while Srivastava is a key person at the corruption in the private sector needs Currently, the commission only has New Delhi tend to enjoy outsize social External Affairs Ministry in charge scrutiny, political parties too need to the authority to investigate “public clout among the political, academic, of the Nepal-Bhutan desk. come under the commission’s ambit, institutions”, which have been defined media, and business communities, A lack of formal communication they say. as “government funded or semi-gov- Acharya’s failure to gain face time from South Block officials either por- The National Assembly’s Legislative ernment bodies” by clause 2 (C) of the with government officials does not tends a hardening of position or anti-corruption law. The amend- bode well for talks, say diplomats. reflects the Indian bureaucracy’s ment seeks to include all “insti- The boundary row between Nepal ongoing fight against the Covid-19 tutions registered as per the law” POST FILE PHOTO and India has escalated since the for- pandemic. which will bring all registered Analysts say the anti-corruption commission is already overburdened with responsibility. mer’s release of a new political and In a statement on May 9, the Indian companies, private institutions, administrative map that incorporated Ministry of External Affairs had inti- and even non-governmental Corruption to which Nepal is a party. proportionate and dissuasive civil, all territories disputed between the mated that it is ready to hold formal institutions under its jurisdic- The convention states: “Each State administrative or criminal penalties for two countries. The map was issued in talks once the Covid-19 crisis is over. tion. Party shall take measures, in accord- failure to comply with such measures.” response to the Indian inauguration However, a former Nepali ambassa- The commission itself has ance with the fundamental principles The legally binding convention was of a road that passes via Lipulekh to dor to India told the Post that the long demanded that it be allowed of its domestic law, to prevent corrup- endorsed in 2011 by the Jhala Nath connect Kailash-Mansarovar in the Nepali envoy always has leverage in to look into corruption in the tion involving the private sector, Khanal government and all necessary Tibet Autonomous Region of China. Delhi and that all efforts need to be private sector and in non-govern- enhance accounting and auditing laws should have been drafted within Since then, both sides have been made to translate that clout into mean- mental organisations, citing the standards in the private sector and, five years. trading barbs, with Indian army chief ingful action. UN Convention against where appropriate, provide effective, >> Continued on page 5 MM Naravane pointing to third-party >> Continued on page 5

C M Y K MONDAY, MAY 25, 2020 | 02 MEDLEY

Inside the Post Quote of the day

With patients testing positive for Covid-19, more hospitals National could close down completely, Page 3 As the law minister and the Speaker of the House have both sought unanimous passage of the proposed amendment to the constitution, the Madhes-based par- ties have asked that the amendment incorporate their demands too. “If we keep shutting down hospitals after the detection of Covid-19 cases, Opinion Promisingly, Nepal already has relatively low carbon emissions, and our energy other patients could die without needs (excluding for cooking) are largely met through hydropower, which is a major component for a green approach and has vast untapped potential. getting minor treatments.”

Money Dr Sher Bahadur Pun of Sukraraj Tropical and Infectious Disease Hospital on the danger of closing hospital over Covid-19 fears. China’s efforts to resolve risks among high-risk financial institutions have been hampered by slower economic conditions caused by the outbreak of the new coro- navirus, the head of a provincial branch of the central bank told Reuters.

World Most read online China said Sunday that relations with the United States were “on the brink of a new Cold War”, fuelled in part by tensions over the coronavirus pandemic, as Madhes-based parties press own demands alongside Muslims around the world celebrated a muted end to the holy month of Ramadan. constitution amendment for new map The government on Friday registered a constitution amendment proposal in Culture & Arts Parliament seeking to amend Article 119 (2), which is related to Schedule 3 that For the past 12 years, Pitbull Gym, in Chuchepati, has opened at 5:30 in the morn- talks about the national emblem. The proposal is aimed at updating the map of ing. One of the first to reach the gym is Kishor, the gym’s owner/chief instructor. Nepal in the national emblem, in line with the government’s decision to depict By 10am, which is when the gym’s morning shift ends, an average of 60 gym Kalapani, Lipulekh and Limpiyadhura as Nepali territories. members will have finished their daily workout. The myth and methods of teaching English in Nepal How much of English teaching in Nepal is a myth and how much is reality? These are the major questions that teachers of the language, at all levels of edu- cation, are facing today. We will face this more strongly in the days to come. But News Quiz one reality about English teaching is that it will grow, especially in terms of the need for this language in a world lashed by the storm of Covid-19.

1. Who is the highest-paid female POST PHOTO: ELITE JOSHI athlete in the world according A girl plays on a swing in Kirtipur, Kathmandu, on Sunday. Schools across the country have Kathmandu ward makes it compulsory for relief recipients to Forbes magazine? been closed for the last two months because of the coronavirus lockdown. to work for four hours to check fraud a. Serena Williams A ward in Kathmandu Metropolitan City has made it compulsory for at least b. Ronda Rousey one member to perform labor work assigned by local authorities, if the family is c. Naomi Osaka to receive essentials from the government d. Alex Morgan On this day in history

2. A municipality in which of the Yeltsin vetoes election law Deceased migrants are being cremated overseas following districts has decided to give Rs 178 to each person MOSCOW – President Boris Yeltsin on Tuesday vetoed a new election law that as lockdowns delay repatriation kept in quarantine facilities PHOTO: MOSCOW ZOO would have made it easier for parties rather than independent candidates to win Families of deceased Nepali migrant workers have started giving their approval instead of food? b. January 5, 2020 seats in the Russian parliament. for performing the final rites in the countries where they had been working a. Chitwan c. May 15, 2019 The President wants the election to be held on time, but he wants it to be owing to the lockdown, which has made it difficult to bring their bodies back b. Rukum (West) d. May 23, 2020 based on a good law, presidential aide Georgy Satarov said at a briefing. home. As the country is under a protracted lockdown with international flights c. Kailali The next election to the state Duma, parliament’s lower house, is scheduled suspended, several families have no option but to allow the cremation of their d. Jhapa 5. How many new Covid-19 cases for December and some newspapers have expressed concern that the veto could loved ones in the labour destinations. were reported in China on delay it. 3. How many passengers survived Friday? But Yeltsin proposed forming a conciliatory commission to work out a com- the plane crash in Pakistan on a. 97 promise. Friday that killed 97 people? b. 0 And the Duma can either change the bill to accommodate some or all of a. Two c. 5 Yeltsin’s proposals, or it can try to override the veto. When the lawmakers Corrections b. One d. 73 passed the law, they had more than the required 301 votes needed to override a c. Seven presidential veto. Our reporters and editors do their best to make sure our reporting is free from d. Five 6. Who is the author of the novel errors. But when we make mistakes that warrant correction, we will be transparent For Whom the Bell Tolls? The Kathmandu Post and clarify at the bottom of the specific article. 4. When did an alligator named a. Ernest Hemingway May 25, 1995 If you believe we have got something wrong and it requires correction, please Saturn, who had survived b. James Baldiwn email us at [email protected] with “correction” in the subject line. World War II in Berlin, die? c. Mark Twain Answers to News Quiz: 1(c), 2(b), 3(a), 4(d), 5(b), 6(a) For the most recent corrections, visit kathmandupost.com/corrections. a. May 25, 2019 d. William Faulkner HOROSCOPE ARIES (March 21-April 19) CANCER (June 22-July 22) LIBRA (September 23-October 22) CAPRICORN (December 22-January 19) **** **** *** *** If managing your finances has become tricky, a You should bolster your networking skills. Start You’re eager for your future to begin, but when Try to avoid misunderstandings today. Aim for friend has some good advice that you should using them in many more areas of your life will that come? There’s no telling, but a glimpse clarity. Make sure all your actions and com- listen to. You might not like the sound of it at than you currently do. Whether you want a rec- may come today if you step back and give your- ments are honest, and that people understand first, but once they tell you the impact that it has ommendation for a car mechanic, a great hotel self space to see it. Move away from the people what you mean. Double-check and confirm just made on their money situation, you’ll be a true in Paris, or even just the right shoes, ask around! who are demanding so much of your time right to make sure. If you only assume that they got it believer! If you want things to change, you have It’s up to you to make the connections you need, now. They’re distracting you from putting your- right the first time, you could live to regret that to be willing to put in more effort. so reach out and don’t be shy. self first and seeing what you need to do next. assumption.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20) LEO (July 23-August 22) SCORPIO (October 23-November 21) AQUARIUS (January 20-February 18) *** *** *** **** Don’t fret about any small complication today. It Avoid doing anything big or ostentatious today. You could be dealing with a lot of different Someone you usually find fascinating could won’t mess up your day as much as you fear it This isn’t the right time to make expensive trav- requests today, which could be overwhelming. leave you feeling bored today, but don’t worry. will. Unexpected stuff happens, so just roll with el plans or major purchases or commit to any- Just take your time and think about your prior- That doesn’t mean you’re no longer into it. There will be too many fun things going on to thing in formal legal terms. Even though ities. Once you do, it will be obvious what you this person. It probably just means you need worry much anyway. You’re feeling the need for everything looks pretty good right now, there should do first. If you get frustrated, turn to a to take a break. It’s a wise idea to embark on a bit of self-indulgence right now, and buying could be some darker shadows lurking that you good friend. They know what’s best for you, a new solo project right now. Just focus on you one or two small treats wouldn’t be a bad idea. aren’t able to see yet. and you should trust them completely. for a while.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21) VIRGO (August 23-September 22) SAGITTARIUS (November 22-December 21) PISCES (February 19-March 20) *** **** *** *** You need to be honest and understand what your Other people have a stake in what you’re work- If you’re trying not to overeat, you can make Try to communicate your emotions to someone true limitations are, especially in terms of your ing on, and you need to let them be a part of the task a lot easier by distracting yourself, or you’re worried about now. Being honest is tough job. If you aren’t confident about your abilities your thought process. Share what you’ve been even better, distracting yourself by getting sometimes, but it’s much more valuable than in a certain area, then it would not be a good thinking, ask them for input, and listen when active! When your blood is pumping endor- softening the truth with little white lies. You idea to say that you’re a master of it. That kind they give you feedback. Your life is a solo jour- phins, the last thing on your mind will be cook- might think that you’re protecting their feel- of bravado might seem impressive, but it will ney to some extent, but it’s so much richer if ies, french fries, or ice cream. Staying healthy ings, but you’re only keeping them from know- only get you into some deep and very hot water. you let other people play a significant part. is all about balance and staying positive. ing what they need to know to move forward.

CROSSWORD SUDOKU

YESTERDAY’S SOLUTION

C M Y K 03 | MONDAY, MAY 25, 2020 NATIONAL With patients testing positive for Covid-19, Janata Samajbadi Party reiterates more hospitals could close down completely demand for statute Doctors warn more patients will be deprived of medical care and the health infrastructure will come under stress if hospitals are shut. revision to incorporate ARJUN POUDEL KATHMANDU, MAY 24 concerns of Madhesis The detection of Covid-19 in patients admitted to hospital for other forms of The demand comes when the government treatment has led to a swift closure of those health facilities, putting the burden is preparing to amend the constitution to on other hospitals and placing the coun- try’s health infrastructure under more legitimise the new political map. stress. Patients admitted to at least five hospi- BINOD GHIMIRE tals—four public and one private—have KATHMANDU, MAY 24 tested positive for Covid-19, leading to the closure of the entire hospital or some of As the law minister and the Speaker of the House have both their departments. sought unanimous passage of the proposed amendment to the “If we keep shutting down hospitals constitution, the Madhes-based parties have asked that the after the detection of Covid-19 cases, other amendment incorporate their demands too. patients could die without getting minor The government has tabled a proposal aimed at amending treatments,” Dr Sher Bahadur Pun, a virol- Schedule 3 of the constitution, which includes reference ogist at the Sukraraj Tropical and to the national coat-of-arms. With the introduction of a Infectious Disease Hospital in Teku, told new political map of Nepal that includes all disputed the Post. territories, including Limpiyadhura, Lipulekh and Kalapani, Dhulikhel Hospital in Kavrepalanchok the image of the map on the coat-of-arms too needs to be and Crimson Hospital in Rupandehi have amended. both been sealed completely following the The Samajbadi Party Nepal and the Rastriya Janata Party deaths of patients—a 29 year-old new Nepal, which recently announced a merger to form the Janata mother and a 41-year-old man admitted to Samajbadi Party, have asked that their demands for amend- those hospitals, respectively. ments to the constitution, which have long been a bone of The out-patient department of Hetauda contention between the two parties and the KP Sharma Oli Hospital and the neurosurgical ward of the government, be included in the amendment bill. Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital In response to the request of the Minister for Law, have both been shut since patients tested Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Shiva Maya Tumbahangphe positive for Covid-19. and Speaker Agni Sapkota to have unanimous position Health workers and other staffers from on the amendment, they said their concerns also need the Manmohan Cardiothoracic Vascular to be addressed while revising the statute to adjust the and Transplant Centre and Grande national map. International Hospital have also been “We agree that all parties must have a common view on the quarantined after coming in close contact POST FILE PHOTO: ANISH REGMI amendment,” Laxman Lal Karna, chief whip of the Janata with infected patients. People queue for the coronavirus test at Kalimati Fruit and Vegetable Market in Kathmandu. As the coronavirus cases rise in the country, several hospitals have Party, said at a Sunday meeting of the Parliamentary Business According to Pun, the Health Ministry started to close down their facilities upon detecting infected patients, causing inconvenience for non-Covid-19 patients. Advisory Committee. “However, we also want our concerns to should make the conditions clear under be addressed through the amendment.” which hospitals should be sealed and pre- Pokhrel said. But many hospitals across the country “We are working on new guidelines that Since the amendment concerns a matter of national impor- cautionary measures to follow if patients But according to Dr Santa Kumar Das, lack full sets of personal protective equip- will help health facilities take precaution- tance, Law Minister Shiva Maya Tumbahangphe and House test positive for the coronavirus. coordinator of the Covid-19 management ment (PPE), leading them to remain shut- ary measures before admitting patients, Speaker Agni Sapkota had both requested all parties to pass “Otherwise, all hospitals will get sealed team at the Tribhuvan University Teaching tered and only offer emergency services. and what to do if admitted patients test the amendment unanimously. According to Roj Nath Pandey, one after another, and quarantine facilities Hospital, performing tests on patients “PPEs are costly and not easily available positive,” said Devkota. spokesperson of the federal parliament, Sapkota said that he will be filled with health workers,” he said. before admitting them is not practical, as in the market,” said Kumar Thapa, chair- Doctors believe that no one should be was ready to take the initiative to bring all the parties together Most health facilities across the country both rapid diagnostic and polymerase person of Alka Hospital in Jawalakhel. deprived of medical treatment because of in this matter. have stopped providing a full range of ser- chain reaction tests cost a lot of money and “Some private hospitals have bought them the Covid-19 pandemic and that hospitals “It would be best to have a common position among all the vices ever since the lockdown was enforced take up time. from China, but the government did not must work to ensure that patients receive parties on the amendment,” Pandey quoted Sapkota as saying two months ago. Thousands of patients “Rapid diagnostic tests show the pres- even provide them with a tax waiver.” the care they are entitled to. at the Business Advisory Committee meeting. have been deprived of health care since ence of antibodies only after 10 days or The Health Ministry has directed hospi- “Health facilities should continue with Tumbahangphe too said that she was in favour of consensus then. more of infection and have lower efficacy tals to resume all services, including their services by applying safety meas- on the issue and assured of reporting the same to Prime Dr Roshan Pokhrel, chief specialist at rates,” Das told the Post. “Polymerase out-patient services, but only a few hospi- ures,” said Dr Chakra Raj Pandey, director Minister Oli. the Health Ministry, said that non-Covid-19 chain reaction tests too aren’t 100 percent tals currently provide the full range of at Grande International Hospital. “If Karna and Uma Shankar Argariya, chief whip of the hospitals should perform at least rapid accurate, and they take a lot of time.” services, as most lack PPE. patients test positive for Covid-19, respec- Samajbadi Party, had then asked that this was an opportune diagnostic tests before admitting patients Doctors serving in non-Covid-19 hospi- Dr Bikash Devkota, spokesperson for the tive wards or units should be brought into moment to address their long outstanding demands. The two and conduct polymerase chain reaction tals could look after patients by putting on Health Ministry, conceded that a lot of operation after disinfecting them.” Madhes-based parties have long demanded that the constitu- tests for those having symptoms of Covid- personal protective equipment, as most patients are being deprived of treatment, As of Sunday, 603 people from 42 districts tion be amended to redraw provincial boundaries, recognise 19. “It will be costly, but the risk will coronavirus patients are asymptomatic and more could suffer if hospitals continue had tested positive for Covid-19. Three regional languages, address issues related to citizenship, and increase if those tests aren’t performed,” and any one could be infected, said Das. to close at the same rate. deaths have been linked to the coronavirus. expand representation in the National Assembly. Karna and Argariya have asked for an all-party meeting before the amendment bill is tabled. Leaders of the two parties, on Saturday, had met primary opposition leader Sher Bahadur Deuba of Nepali Congress, asking for support in addressing their concerns. They also Valley’s traffic officers Nepali Congress-formed panel suggests plan to meet ruling party leaders Pushpa Kamal Dahal, Madhav Kumar Nepal and Jhala Nath Khanal. The government had registered the amendment proposal get much-needed in the federal parliament on Friday. It takes five-days for smaller budget amid coronavirus crisis a bill registered by the government to mature before it is presented in Parliament, according to House regulations. downtime during PRITHVI MAN SHRESTHA (2019/20). However, the target was low- could be defended as a tool to reach The next meeting of the House has been called for KATHMANDU, MAY 24 ered due to poor spending on the part out to the local people,” said Mahat. Tuesday, which is when the amendment bill is expected to be of government agencies. “But now, this programme is no presented. lockdown A special committee on economy Earlier, the Finance Committee longer needed at a time when limited Pandey said the bill would be presented in the House on formed by the Nepali Congress has under the House of Representative resources are to be re-prioritised.” Tuesday either by suspending the provision that requires five ANUP OJHA suggested that the size of the budget had recommended that the govern- The government has allocated Rs 60 days for maturity or at the next meeting once the maturity KATHMANDU, MAY 24 for the next fiscal be substantially ment plan to spend Rs1.7 trillion in million per lawmaker in the current period completes. The bill will then be published publicly to reduced in view of the Covid-19 crisis. 2020/21. fiscal year for 165 electoral constituen- inform the general public, as per Article 274 (3) of the Traffic constable couple Bindu Khadka and Bhupendra The committee, headed by Former Task force leader Mahat told the cies. Constitution of Nepal. Karki have been enjoying the rare, stress-free time at Finance Minister Ram Sharan Mahat Post that the committee came up with As most of the projects under this “The endorsement process will begin only seven days after work these days. and composed of other former finance numbers for the size of the budget scheme are not being implemented the bill is published publicly,” Gopal Nath Yogi, secretary at Because of the coronavirus lockdown, which was ministers, former ministers, former considering the government’s capaci- due to Covid-19 pandemic, there is the parliament secretariat, told the Post. enforced two months ago, the young couple have been vice-chairman of the National ty to raise money and spend it. growing call for the withdrawal or The bill will be forwarded to the National Assembly after assigned to traffic duty in the Putalisadak area in Planning Commission and other econ- Given the limited resources author- diversion of the resources to fight endorsement by the House of Representatives. Kathmandu, not far away from their rented apartment. omists, also suggested a number of ities have, the report has suggested Covid 19. According to Article 274 (8) of the constitution, the amend- And with few vehicles plying the roads these days, the measures to rescue the economy the government to take cost cutting Given the impact of the pandemic ment bill must be passed by at least a two-thirds majority of husband-wife constable duo is getting enough time to be marred by the Covid-19 pandemic. measures, re-prioritise sectors and on every sector of the economy, the members of both Houses of the federal parliament. with their two-year-old son. In its report ‘NC-Covid Policy maintain financial discipline. Congress-commissioned report has While the ruling Nepal Communist Party falls 10 votes short They have been working in shifts so that one of them Imperative’, submitted to party In order to cut costs, the report has suggested ways to get the economy of a two-thirds majority in the House of Representatives, the can be at home with their son while the other is on duty. President Sher Bahadur Deuba on suggested the implementation of the going and providing relief measures bill is likely to pass as all opposition parties, including the “It is so much convenient this way,” the couple say of Sunday, the committee has suggested report prepared by the Public for affected sectors to generate Nepali Congress and the two Madhes-based parties, are with their new work routine presented by the coronavirus that a budget of around Rs1.35-Rs1.4 Expenditure Review Commission employment. the government on the map, citing it as a matter of “national lockdown. trillion be prepared given the likely 2075, which has suggested that the According to the report, the coun- importance”. In the National Assembly, the ruling party com- In normal times, the husband and wife used to be shortfall in revenue collection amid number of ministries be reduced by try’s economy is likely to grow by just mands the required numbers. assigned to different locations. Every morning, they left the Covid-19 pandemic and the gov- six, departments by 35, employees by one percent, although the Central Constitutional experts say that the bill needs to be endorsed their son in a daycare centre before reporting to their ernment’s poor spending capacity. 45,000, and development committees, Bureau of Statistics last month pro- first by the Lower House, where the bill originated, and then duty. They rarely got time to spend quality time with jected a growth of 2.27 percent provid- has to be endorsed by the other Upper House separately. This their child. ed that all sectors, except for hospital- is the second constitutional amendment bill registered in the “We both have our duty in Putalisadak these days. So ity and international travel, resume House of Representatives. even when one of us is out in the street doing our job, we from mid-May. “It is international practice in a bicameral parliament that are always close to our home,” Khadka said. But, that hasn’t happened as the the constitution amendment bill has to be endorsed by both the Their job, meanwhile, has become much easier. There number of Covid-19 cases continues to Houses,” senior advocate Chandra Kanta Gyawali, who spe- are no traffic jams, no noise and no pollution. surge every day. cialises in constitutional law, told the Post. Their main duty these days is to ensure that the lock- For the poor and those who have Baburam Bhattarai, a Samajbadi Party leader and former down orders are being followed by motorists. lost their jobs due to the pandemic, prime minister, had told the Post on Saturday that although Traffic head constable Dipendra Lama, of Sangha, the task force has suggested that the they had no disputes on an issue of national interest, the Kavre, is also enjoying the much-needed downtime government guarantee employment amendment was a good opportunity “to build trust among all offered by the lockdown. for 100 days and ensure income of at the parties.” Before the lockdown, he had to make more than an least Rs 51,700 per household for a “We can form a common understanding on all issues, includ- hour-long commute to work daily at the Metropolitan year. ing those raised by the Madhesis, Janajatis and Tharus,” said Traffic Police Division in Baggikhana, Kathmandu. He POST PHOTO: KABIN ADHIKARI For this, about 700,000 people can be Bhattarai. arrived home late in the evening. “I rarely got time to be Nepali Congress leaders meet at the party’s headquarters in Sanepa, Lalitpur. The main employed in infrastructure while with my family. The disease and the lockdown have their opposition has proposed a budget not more than Rs 1.4 trillion for the upcoming fiscal year. 300,000 people can be provided appren- downsides, but there is a positive aspect for people who ticeship under partnerships between are in our line of work,” Lama said. The main opposition party’s recom- commissions and boards by 23. the government and the private sector. He is currently stationed at a highway checkpoint, just mendations come as the government “After the Nepali Congress-led gov- Given the possibility of a large five minutes walk from his home. prepares to present its budget for ernment was formed in 1992, the num- number of migrant workers return- He dons a mask and strictly observes social distancing 2020/21, on May 28. ber of government employees was ing to the country, the report has while dealing with motorists who stop at the checkpoint. According to the report, the federal reduced by 25 percent. This had suggested that more work be created The traffic division office has distributed masks, government is expected to collect an improved the performance of the in the agriculture sector. sunglasses, gloves and sanitisers to all the officers on estimated revenue of Rs 850-Rs 900 bureaucracy,” said Mahat, adding that For this, local and provincial gov- traffic duty. billion after sharing it with provincial the government can take the initiative ernments need to provide skill train- Sub-inspector Govinda Basnet, who lives in Chapali, and local governments. Internal debt by implementing the latest report by ing and orientation classes to return- Budhanilkantha, feels much safer working close to his amounting to Rs 200 billion and for- the Public Expenditure Review ee workers and help them engage in residence. eign loans of around Rs 225 billion Commission. commercial farming. “The office is usually crowded with colleagues and can also be raised. The report has also suggested that It has also suggested revamping the service seekers. Here, I can work peacefully, away from The amount of foreign grants com- the controversial Local Infrastructure Prime Minister Employment the crowd, safe,” he said. ing to the country will depend on pro- Development Partnership Programme with the provision that Basnet says he makes a point of taking a shower once gress made in implementation of pro- Programme, led by lawmakers, also be unemployed youths get skill training he has reached his home after finishing his duty. jects, according to the report. suspended. in agriculture, manufacturing and According to the Metropolitan Traffic Police Division, “By incorporating unspent budget Both the communist and Nepali construction. 527 traffic officers have been working near their homes this fiscal year and utilising overdraft Congress-led governments have long In the tourism and industrial sector during the lockdown. that can be taken from the Nepal been continuing the programme hit hard by the pandemic, the task SSP Bhim Prasad Dhakal, chief of the division, claims Rastra Bank, a budget of Rs 1.35 tril- which has become controversial for force has suggested restructuring of the new working arrangement has increased productivity lion to Rs 1.4 trillion will be realistic,” allowing lawmakers to use resources loans. The report has also suggested in traffic work in Kathmandu Valley. the report said. for their small-scale pet projects. providing subsidies in the form of low “We monitor their work daily and we have noticed The government had planned to “In the past when we didn’t have interest rates to industries of all sizes improvement in their performance,” Dhakal said. spend Rs1.53 trillion this fiscal local government, the programme for a year.

C M Y K MONDAY, MAY 25, 2020 | 04 OPINION EDITORIAL Putting the environment above profits The politics of distraction The time has come for While the new political map's release was important, us to reimagine and the discourse must move back to crisis management. restructure our economic priorities. The KP Oli led federal government has received some posi- tive press recently, for its response to India’s opening of a AVASH PANDEY road through Lipulekh. While governments in the past have tacitly accepted that it is difficult to remove India from the disputed territories, this government has at least updated Nepal’s own map, so as to assert that its claims have not been forgotten by the people of Nepal. This was a strong move: Nepal’s own cartography had, for centuries, ignored its own assertions on the mouth of the Mahakali river. Now, hopeful- The Covid-19 pandemic has hit Nepal’s ly, India will have no choice but to address the dispute, some- economy hard. By all indications, the thing it has tried to brush off with insincerity until now. lockdown will have profound long-term impacts that are difficult to fully deter- Recently, however, the government seems to be milking the mine now. As we take stock of our losses, new map for all the positive press it is worth. It is attempting reassess our economic vulnerabilities, to push through a constitutional amendment to recognise and contemplate the future, perhaps this Nepal’s new assertions to the old claims in all official graph- crisis also gives us an opportunity to ics, including the state emblems and seals. Yet, the reaffirma- pivot to a more resilient, sustainable growth path. Perhaps we need to re-eval- tion of the territorial claims—with the help of a new politi- uate the importance we place on the cal map—is not an end in itself. It was always a means to an growth agenda. And perhaps it is time to end—to get India to acknowledge the dispute and come to the address the real frailties that disasters, negotiation table in good faith. While amending the constitu- pandemics, and economic shocks merely tion is an essential step to match Nepal’s geographic rep- expose: Our systemic failings, our fail- ure to tackle inequalities, and our resentations in all documents, it is not the most important unchecked plundering of earth’s matter right now. resources. Nepal has already shown its resolve on the matter to India. At the heart of our frailties lies cli- The rushing of a constitutional amendment for seals and mate change. Nepali communities have emblems, when other groups have had legitimate concerns become more vulnerable to disasters, biodiversity and habitat loss, resource needing amendment, and that too in the midst of a pandemic, degradation, and rising temperatures seems nothing more than an attempt to distract the public. and pollution, all induced or compound- While the amendment should come soon, the government ed by climate change. This vulnerability must first deal with the graver issues at hand—it seems to not will only be exacerbated by the pandem- SHUTTERSTOCK have any concrete plans in place to deal with the ever-grow- ic, with livelihoods already disrupted across the region, remittances slashed, should be on adopting a green approach enterprises (MSMEs). Nepal’s version of lessons from and build on existing ing threat of Covid-19. vital sectors closed down, food security to reduce vulnerabilities and promote the Green New Deal would need to regu- national and local programmes such as The government’s response to the pandemic has been very compromised, and the healthcare sector inclusive growth. late MSMEs’ heavy dependence on natu- Local Adaptation Plans for Action poor. To begin with, it enforced a strict barrier to entry—one possibly overburdened if cases continue Subsidising low-emission transporta- ral resources, especially non-timber for- and National Adaptation Plans, which that has left countless Nepalis stranded abroad. Countless to rise. So what path can Nepal carve to tion systems insulates from unpredicta- est products, while also improving their focus on an integrated approach to have lost their jobs, and many thousands have shown a desire address its climatic and economic vul- ble price shocks and supply of fossil fuel. health and creating green jobs, thereby leave no one behind in climate change nerabilities? The time has come for us to Promisingly, Nepal already has relative- reducing dependency on remittances. adaptation. to come home. Some, like Bishnu Prasad Neyopane, have suc- reimagine and restructure our economic ly low carbon emissions, and our energy Further, a significant number of MSMEs We need a groundswell of public sup- cumbed to health complications in Kuwait while desperately priorities—putting people and the envi- needs (excluding for cooking) are largely are led by women entrepreneurs, so port and mobilisation (particularly an waiting—jobless and low on money—for a government res- ronment above profits. Maybe it is time met through hydropower, which is a there is immense scope for improving energised youth base) for a Green New cue. Now, of the 207 Nepalis who have died abroad recently for Nepal’s own Green New Deal. major component for a green approach gender and social equity through target- Deal to gather steam in Nepal in the (10 directly due to Covid-19), 58 have already been cleared for and has vast untapped potential. Our ed investments in businesses. This would post-pandemic setting. The development What is the Green New Deal? Green New Deal should continue pro- need facilitated investments (national and implementation of a comprehensive cremation abroad, as family members find it impossible to Recognising that climate change and eco- moting renewable energy by implement- and foreign), capacity building for sus- programme must be a consultative pro- bring back the bodies to perform funeral rites. And, for all of nomic inequality have to be addressed in ing suitable subsidy mechanisms while tainable business practices, and incen- cess, with the inclusion of various levels the Oli government’s claims that they have sealed the border tandem, countries across the world have also pushing clean cooking alternatives. tives and subsidies to support existing of government, local to regional organi- due to the chance of more infected people coming in, the proposed a form of the Green New Deal Enhancing and replicating existing and new enterprises. sations, business and scientific commu- virus has somehow found a way into Nepal anyway. to guide their domestic administration. mechanisms such as ropeway transport Focus should be shifted towards pro- nities, and the public. With a great economic recession—some for rural mountain communities can sig- moting green infrastructure and technol- Macroeconomic transformations are As Nepal’s infected tally reaches 584, it must now become predicting it to be the largest since the nificantly decrease costs and could revo- ogy, which in the long run will help bet- always challenging. A green deal would clear to the government that simply enforcing a lockdown Great Depression—on the cards follow- lutionise new-age transport. ter absorb abrupt shocks such as the entail extensive government spending will not control the spread of the virus. This is especially ing the outbreak of the pandemic, it fits Widely promoted and well-crafted pro- Covid-19 pandemic and ultimately cli- and public works to decarbonise the true when instead of arranging for isolation and treatment the bill for building a resilient, sustaina- visions can help bring in more invest- mate change. Evolving social security economy while addressing key social centres for coronavirus infected patients, many of the infect- ble future. Nepal can do well to look at ments in sustainable and upgraded nets must be designed to protect the most and economic concerns. And legislation interpretations of such programmes green industries to provide green jobs in vulnerable population on the basis of will be plagued by political impediments ed have been put up in quarantine centres with healthy peo- across the world, but it will ultimately sectors like transportation, waste man- viable mechanisms such as vulnerabili- and industrial lobbies. But the fact of ple—allowing for the spread within these centres that has need to draft its own green deal to agement, and manufacturing to ease ty-targeted insurance and low regret the matter is that we need to fundamen- already spread to the larger populace. At the same time, those address its unique needs. future out-migration trends. Branding of investments. Similarly, the current situa- tally redefine development, sustainabili- not affected by the virus are beginning to be affected by the Nepal’s 15th Five-Year Plan aims to green produce through certifications can tion demands a better healthcare system; ty and wellbeing. And with proper advo- measures put in place to contain it. As retail merchants find achieve significant economic growth, potentially reorient consumer behaviour new health infrastructure must be cacy and political manoeuvring, the graduate from a least developed country and create additional demand for locally designed to promote green health care Covid-19 pandemic could be used as a it difficult to restock supplies, consumers—many of them to a developing country by 2022 and grown and manufactured green prod- development and create additional green platform to implement transformative without steady income due to the lockdown—are facing a achieve the Sustainable Development ucts. At the same time, resource exploita- jobs. Ensuring sustainable, diverse food strategies towards a sustainable, green market with fewer supplies and inflated prices. Goals by 2030. Worryingly, the country is tion and emissions can be reduced production and supply systems through economy resilient to future shocks. In this situation, the priority must be to look for solutions expected to experience very negligible through measures such as cap and trade, mechanisation and subsidies based on The path towards a Green New Deal to manage Covid-19 while not letting the economy tank fur- growth in the post-pandemic setting. the polluter pays principle, carbon tax, the principles of agroecology and will undoubtedly be fraught with road- A green deal for Nepal needs to look and payment for ecosystem services. The climate-smart agriculture will contrib- blocks, but returning to business as ther. The government has already shown India that it means past short-term economic growth and last of these measures is a government ute towards addressing prevailing food usual will certainly lead us towards business with territorial claims, which is important. The instead make vital sectors and systems of Nepal strategy and there are already security issues. more unmitigated economic hardships officials and experts are also unanimous in their belief that resilient. It would need to channel invest- case studies showcasing success on a and climate disasters. The cost of inac- the only way forward to resolve the border disputes is ments in expanding renewable energy micro scale in watershed management. The road to a Green New Deal tion is too high. through talks; diplomatic channels should be activated for sources, promoting green transport and Careful formulation of this scheme There is no single standard pathway or infrastructure, investing in creating can also help reduce deforestation and framework to implement a green deal. Pandey is a livelihoods and climate ana- the purpose. The government now must cut down on the dis- green jobs, widening its social security emissions. Each country’s planned measures will lyst at the International Centre for tractions and put the focus back on public health manage- net, and strengthening its agricultural Around 99 percent of the businesses in depend on its own environmental and Integrated Mountain Development ment and response measures. and healthcare systems. The focus Nepal are micro, small and medium socioeconomic realities. We can draw (ICIMOD).

Africa’s hour of need

Tighter financial conditions and their families are now being required to stay ing debt-service payments to the Fund. home and practice social distancing. And few Other development partners such as the sharp commodity-price declines of them will be able to work from home. World Bank Group and the African The significant deterioration of the external Development Bank are also ramping up financ- are exacerbating the challenges environment compounds the impact of these ing. And G20 countries have stepped up with factors. In particular, tighter financial condi- an important initiative to suspend debt-service facing many economies. tions and sharp commodity-price declines payments until the end of 2020 for poor coun- (especially for oil) are exacerbating the chal- tries that request relief. lenges facing many economies. Despite these efforts, however, African gov- ABEBE AEMRO SELASSIE Finally, and regrettably, most Sub-Saharan ernments still face a significant residual African countries’ ability to mount anything financing gap of at least $44 billion for 2020. approaching the necessary fiscal and mone- The case for the international community to tary policy response is severely constrained. bridge this shortfall is overwhelming. Many have high levels of public debt and limit- Providing these funds would greatly increase ed domestic savings, and private external African countries’ ability to deploy fiscal financing options have dried up just when they measures to mitigate the pandemic’s adverse would have helped the most. effects. And international lenders would be It is too soon to tell how heavy the human and What are the region’s governments to do? making one of the most strategic long-term health toll from Covid-19 will be in Sub- The critical priority, of course, is to protect investments possible if they supplemented this Saharan Africa. But the pandemic’s terrible their citizens’ health and wellbeing. This financing with further support to buttress the economic impact on the region is already clear. requires boosting spending to improve the pre- region’s economic recovery. I have worked across Sub-Saharan Africa on paredness of health-care systems and provid- One way or another, what happens in Africa and off since the early 1990s, and the scale of ing targeted cash or in-kind transfers to the will shape this century. Just ten years from the economic challenge now unfolding is most vulnerable groups. Wherever possible, now, Sub-Saharan Africa will account for more unlike any other during that time. The region’s governments should also consider extending than half of the annual increase in the global expected economic contraction this year—with liquidity support to small and medium-sized labour force. Moreover, the marginal increase GDP set to shrink by at least 1.6 percent, and by enterprises to ensure their survival through in global consumption and investment demand 4 percent in per capita terms—will be its this difficult period. This assistance must be will increasingly come from this region. The sharpest since at least 1970. provided in a transparent manner and healthier Africa’s population is, the more There are several reasons why this pandem- in accordance with the highest governance robust the future global workforce will be. And ic is such a potent threat to the region. For standards. the more climate-friendly the continent’s starters, previous African crises, such as those But, more than ever, Sub-Saharan African urbanisation, the greener our future. stemming from natural disasters and commod- countries also need large-scale external financ- The amounts involved are certainly manage- ity price slumps, have always had a differential ing. The International Monetary Fund and the able. For example, $100 billion in new financ- impact on its economies. But no country will World Bank estimate that the region faces a ing to support the region’s economic recovery be spared from the economic fallout of the government financing gap (assuming a modest- amounts to only about 2 percent of the finan- virus. ly supportive fiscal stance) of at least $114 bil- cial support that G7 governments have injected Although the Covid-19 disease burden in lion in 2020. African governments cannot into their economies in recent weeks. And with some African countries has so far remained mobilise this amount domestically. global interest rates as low as they are now, it limited, this is the result of aggressive contain- For its part, the IMF can provide close to $19 is hard to think of a more opportune time to ment and mitigation measures, ranging from billion of rapidly disbursable financing to make such a commitment to Africa—or a more complete lockdowns to border closures. Formal African countries this year; 26 have already important investment for our planet’s future. economic activity has thus been brutally cur- received funding from its emergency facilities. tailed across the board. In addition, 19 of the region’s poorest coun- Selassie is Director of the African Moreover, the poor will likely endure the tries will receive direct debt relief, with the Department at the International brunt of the crisis. People who must go out and IMF Catastrophe Containment and Relief Monetary Fund. earn a daily living to put food on the table for Trust providing grants to cover their upcom- —Project Syndicate SHUTTERSTOCK

C M Y K 05 | MONDAY, MAY 25, 2020 NATIONAL Indian officials’ Narainapur declared ‘prohibited area’ as chaos continues snub to envoy At least 13 infected went into hiding after they tested positive for the coronavirus. The reasons are manifold, including rumours, fake news and illiteracy.

Acharya in THAKUR SINGH THARU time, lest the previous episodes repeat. with the infected every day. We comes into effect from 8pm Sunday, of rapid community transfer [of the BANKE, MAY 24 To understand these episodes, one wouldn’t have to see chaotic situations according to the district administra- disease],” Hari Pyakurel, the assistant should look beneath the surface of the like this,” he said. tion. Following the repeated incidents CDO of Banke, said. The meeting of New Delhi On Friday, 13 more people from incidents, says Binay Dixit, a local DSP Shiva Bahadur Singh, spokes- of protests and the chaos, the rural the security committee has also decid- Narainapur in Banke were diagnosed youth leader. “Emotions run high person for the District Police, said, municipality had corresponded with ed to deploy physicians at the local with Covid-19. All of them fled their every day at the quarantine centres. “We have had to deter the agitating the District Administration and the unit. “Works to set up the isolation does not ... quarantine facility soon after they Sights of family members of the infect- protesters twice while we try to move Prime Minister’s Office for better ward will begin soon,” he said. knew that they were infected. ed sobbing while at the centres are the infected to an isolation ward. This security arrangements. >> Continued from page 1 The situation turned chaotic with common. They want the infected to be is not the proper atmosphere for us to “If the protests and obstructions (Sanju Paudel and Rupa Gahatraj “The ambassador must be active all of them going into hiding, assisted treated in their own locality.” work in. We expect support from continue, then there’s a high chance contributed reporting.) and needs to build access,” former by their family members and locals, But for a remote region as everyone but that’s been Nepali Ambassador to India Durgesh police said. Nearly 1,000 people gath- Narainapur, treatment of Covid-19 at hard to come by.” Man Singh told the Post. “We might ered at the quarantine facility soon as the local unit is not possible. The local Mismanaged quarantines not always gain access via the news of infection spread and encir- unit only has one primary health post, and poor regulations have INVITATION TO BID bureaucratic channels so we have to cled the ambulances that were carry- which lacks resources, even electrici- contributed to a surge in BID NO: KOICA-NEPAL 2020 -01 step up and build clout at the ing the infected to isolation centres. ty. Dixit points to the failure of the the number of infected in political level. The Nepali ambassador The infected fled the centre while local units and health workers to suffi- the local unit, Rajan Pandey, in Delhi can always mobilise their the locals began arguing with the ciently aware the people: “There are chief of medical bureau at social standing.” police, who couldn’t locate the former rumours in the villages. The family Bheri Hospital, said. Acharya, however, is in a delicate that night. They were detained the members worry that their dear ones Province 5 has been position as he has not been able to next day, after dozens of security per- would be placed liked prisoners in roundly criticised for its meet people in person due to restric- sonnel were deployed. isolation wards and would be deprived mismanaged and crowded tions on public movement and social Narainapur has become the corona- of food. The rumours are so wild that quarantine facilities, with a distancing norms. virus hotspot in Province 5 with 114 some families worry kidneys would be fresh protest against it The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has people infected so far. The rural taken out of the infected.” erupting in Kotahimai also instructed Acharya to reach out municipality in Banke is ill-equipped Rural Municipality chief Istiyak Rural Municipality in to senior Indian officials and open to deal with the situation, with no iso- Ahmed Shah also said rumours and Rupandehi on Saturday. other possible lines of communica- lation wards to house the infected. fake news have led many infected to The residents of ward 6 tion to quell the rising anti-Nepal Prior to this, a similar situation flee the quarantine centres. “Even the decried the poor manage- rhetoric in the media and in public, played out on Monday when as many noted leaders are spreading rumours, ment in the quarantine according to the embassy officials. as 57 individuals were infected and but I don’t understand why the district facility at Bogadi Secondary This hasn’t happened either. they were left at the quarantine facili- administration is silent about it,” School and sloganeered Developments in Kathmandu are ty for over a day because of a lack of Shah said. Krishna Chandra Maurya, against the rural munici- not very encouraging either, as isolation wards in the district. The chief of Narainapur-5, said that the pality chief Chandra Foreign Secretary Shanker Das infected were moved to an isolation chaotic situation would continue in Bhusan Yadav. Bairagi met with Indian Ambassador ward in Nepalgunj on Wednesday. the future if isolation wards are not Nishant Pandey, a local Vinay Mohan Kwatra at the end of last On Saturday, 27 more individuals set up in the local unit itself. of Kotahimai, said that the week to discuss the possibility of hold- from the same local unit were diag- “If there was an isolation ward in centre—which has 70 indi- ing an early meeting at the foreign nosed with the virus. Police said they the local unit, family members would viduals, all of them India secretary level. India did not respond are maintaining stern vigilance this be consoled as they could see and talk returnees—has not man- positively, said officials at the Foreign aged its garbage properly Ministry. and the quarantined indi- “It seems India’s position has not viduals are found to have changed yet and it is sticking to its last visited the local grocery statement issued on May 20 where the stores. “We have notified ball was thrown in our court,” said the local unit chief about one Foreign Ministry official. the slack regulations but In its May 20 statement, India’s haven’t heard anything in Ministry of External Affairs had said response,” he said. “We that it hopes that the Nepali leader- were compelled to stage a ship will “create a positive atmos- protest.” phere for diplomatic dialogue to Citing the obstructions in resolve the outstanding boundary transportation of Covid issues.” patients, the Banke District “Our position is also to seek a diplo- Security Committee on matic solution to the current stand- Sunday deployed the Army off,” said Rajan Bhattarai, foreign and declared Narainapur relations advisor to Prime Minister POST PHOTO Rural Municipality as KP Sharma Oli. “There is no alterna- Narainapur has become the coronavirus hotspot in Province 5 with 114 people infected so far. Prohibited Area. The order tive to talks. A positive environment towards this end is in the making and attempts to reach out via informal channels are taking place.” According to the Foreign Ministry Bodies of two Dalit men found in Bheri official, Nepal is in the process of writing a note to the Indian side to pile HARI GAUTAM IN RUKUM (WEST) caste’. “It was around 8pm when the incident occurred. pressure to sit for talks. New Delhi has & BHIM BAHADUR SINGH IN JAJARKOT The villagers came after us saying that a boy from a yet to respond to the diplomatic note MAY 24 low caste had come to take away a high-caste girl,” said handed to ambassador Kwatra by Ashish, “We are in this situation because of caste- Foreign Minister Pradeep Gyawali on Two Dalit men were found dead on the banks of Bheri based discrimination.” May 11 protesting India’s inaugura- River in Bheri Municipality, Jajarkot, on Sunday. The Thag Bahadur KC, the deputy superintendent of tion of the link road in Lipulekh. bodies of Nabaraj BK of Ward No. 4 in Bheri police of Rukum (West), added that Nabaraj had come Delhi has not even acknowledged the Municipality and Tikaram Sunar of Chaurajahari to the police station a few months ago with the girl, receipt of the note. Municipality were recovered by the police. seeking to marry her. “We sent him back, as they were As tensions continue to rise on both According to police, 21-year-old Nabaraj, along with underage at that time,” said KC. sides, former diplomats say that the 18 of his friends, had gone to Soti in Chaurjahari However, Dammar Bahadur Malla, chair of ward no. role of an ambassador is crucial in Municipality of Rukum (West) to bring a 19-year-old 8 in Soti, refutes those claims. times like this. All Nepali officials in girl as his bride when the locals allegedly attacked “The incident was not motivated due to caste differ- New Delhi and the political establish- them and chased them towards the Bheri River. ences,” said Malla. “A group of men showed out of ment in Kathmandu must keep the Nabaraj and his friends had jumped into the river to nowhere during the lockdown and when the locals issue alive, they say. save themselves. Two people lost their lives in the inci- confronted them, they began to run.” “To keep the agenda alive, we have dent while four are still missing. Other men who sustained minor injuries in the inci- to provoke India. Without provoca- The two bodies have been taken to the Jajarkot dent have been handed over to their parents while two tion, the issue will break down and District Hospital for postmortem. critically injured are receiving treatment at never see a conclusion,” said PB Shah, “Even before we could reach the girl, her mother Chaurjahari Community Hospital. a former ambassador and career started shouting and gathered the villagers who then Karnali Province Police Chief DIG Basanta Pant bureaucrat who spent a long time at pelted us with stones and chased us towards the river,” said that police chiefs of both the districts—Rukum the Foreign Ministry’s India desk. said Ashish BK, one of Nabaraj’s friends who had (West) and Jajarkot—have been instructed to conduct “Our position is strong and we have accompanied him to the girl’s house. “We jumped into a fair investigation into the matter. enough evidence to claim our land. I the river, but the villagers would not stop pelting “Details regarding the matter will be known after do not know how much proof India stones.” further investigation,” said Pant. holds but for sure, ours is not any According to the police, the girl’s family was against Bheri River flows between Jajarkot and Rukum weaker than theirs.” the union for they belonged to the so-called ‘upper- (West) and acts as the border between the two districts. Corruption in private sector needs ... The British School

>> Continued from page 1 rently pending, he said. every year during the elections and The current amendment to the cor- “The anti-graft body, which is una- politicians are often involved in quid ruption law is in line with the UN ble to investigate the public sector, pro quo deals, said Devkota. convention and the new constitution, cannot also look after the private “Political parties float huge according to officials at the sector,” Upadhyay told the Post. amounts of money and corruption is Prime Minister’s Office who “The CIAA will be unable to focus on rampant during elections,” he said. registered the bill. its existing works if its scope is “As they’re the ones who run the state According to Khimlal Devkota, a widened.” mechanism, political parties too need senior advocate and former lawmaker, While many experts seem to agree to come under the jurisdiction of the the private sector should be included that corruption in the private sector CIAA.” in the jurisdiction of the anti-graft requires scrutiny, they also believe There are, however, concerns that body not just to comply with the UN that the CIAA’s jurisdiction should be the CIAA could be used as a political convention but also to enhance the widened further to also include the tool to persecute rivals, especially capacity of the state’s constitutional political parties. given the notorious tenure of bodies. The UN Convention explicitly states Lokman Singh Karki who used his “The private sector is very vast and that the law related to corruption con- position as CIAA chief to pursue this sector has been key in promoting trol should include political parties political vendettas. corruption,” said Devkota. “They and the public and private sectors, but If the bill is endorsed in its current, must be ready to face the anti-graft the amendment bill does not explicitly a one-man company, consumer com- mechanism if they are clean.” mention political parties. mittees, various social organisations, As many existing regulatory bodies “Though the phrase ‘institutions and local clubs could come under the do not have the authority to investi- registered as per the law’ includes scanner of the CIAA, allowing the gate corruption in the private sector, political parties, it would’ve been bet- commission to play favourites. the CIAA’s jurisdiction must be ter to explicitly mention political par- “There are high chances that the expanded in line with the UN conven- ties,” said Lekhak, a Nepali Congress law could be abused,” said Lekhak, the tion, he said. lawmaker and former minister. lawmaker. The parliamentary committee has Article 7 (3) of the UN convention been holding discussions with experts states that each “State Party shall also over the theoretical aspects of the consider taking appropriate legisla- proposed amendment. These experts tive and administrative measures, include former CIAA chief Surya consistent with the objectives of this Nath Upadhyay, current chief Nabin Convention and in accordance with Ghimire, lawmaker Ramesh Lekhak, the fundamental principles of its advocate Devkota, chief of the Nepal domestic law, to enhance transparen- Law Commission Madhav Poudel, and cy in the funding of candidatures chief of Transparency International for elected public office and, where Nepal Khem Raj Regmi. applicable, the funding of political Upadhyay, the former commission parties.” chief, has a contrary opinion, saying it According to Regmi, on might not be wise to burden the com- Transparency International’s Global mission with more responsibility. Corruption Barometer, the political Even when the commission is just sector in Nepal is the most corrupt, looking into the public sector, there followed by the bureaucracy. are thousands of cases that are cur- Large sums of money are spent

C M Y K MONDAY, MAY 25, 2020 | 06 MONEY

FOREX US Dollar 121.83 Grocery store sealed for China’s efforts to Euro 132.82 Pound Sterling 148.30 resolve financial risks Japanese Yen 11.32 selling fertiliser illegally Chinese Yuan 17.09 The shop owner was charging Rs2,000 for a sack of fertiliser which normally costs Rs785. Qatari Riyal 33.20 slowed by virus Australian Dollar 79.63 was transporting food items, and found that it was delivering a ship- Malaysian Ringit 27.92 ment of fertiliser which he bought and stored in his shop. Saudi Arab Riyal 32.42 Bhujel admitted that he sold the Exchange rates fixed by Nepal Rastra Bank fertiliser at Rs2,000 per sack after pur- chasing it at Rs1,800 per sack. The truck driver returned after selling the PRICE PER TOLA fertiliser, Bhujel said, and he did not BULLION know where it had come from. An informal discussion is Fine Gold Rs 77,000 reportedly being held about the impounded fertiliser with chairper- Silver Rs 720 son of the rural municipality Gajendra Bahadur Karki, vice-chair- SOURCE: FENEGOSIDA person Binita Dhakal, Charambi ward chairperson Gyanendra Dahal and chief administrative officer Yadav REUTERS GASOLINE WATCH Prasad Sapkota. The Chinese national flag flies at half-mast at the headquarters of the People’s Bank of China, Dhakal said that it was decided to as China holds a national mourning for those who died of the coronavirus disease, in Beijing. sell the fertiliser at Rs1,000 per sack to farmers who needed it. But the goods REUTERS ly with the shock government takeo- have been left untouched pending fur- BEIJING, MAY 24 ver of the then little-known Baoshang ther investigation. Bank last year. Then the epidemic hit, Fertiliser is in short supply as it is China’s efforts to resolve risks among causing China’s economy to contract the growing season, and since the high-risk financial institutions have for the first time in decades. stock at the store has been confiscat- been hampered by slower economic The PBOC said on Saturday regula- POST FILE PHOTO ed, other sources will be explored, conditions caused by the outbreak of tors were extending their temporary A file photo shows a worker storing sacks of fertiliser at a warehouse. Dahal said. the new coronavirus, the head of a custodianship of Baoshang, based in Arun rural municipality has given provincial branch of the central bank the northern Chinese region of Inner POST REPORT who were involved in the procure- a contract to HP Suppliers to purchase told Reuters. Mongolia, by six months due to the BHOJPUR, MAY 24 ment. The panel will submit a report agro-chemical fertiliser for the munic- The government dropped its annual epidemic. within seven days. ipality. As per the deal, 1,395 sacks of growth target in its 2020 work report “It’s impossible to require some of The local administration has sealed a The members of the investigation DAP and 2,605 bags of urea fertiliser delivered at the open of the National the financial institutions, already grocery store at Arun Rural committee are Pandab Rajbansi, will be distributed. DAP will be sold at People’s Congress on Friday, with weak in health, to operate normally Municipality-6, Bhorlabot on the inspector at the District Police Office, the rate of Rs50 per kg. Premier Li Keqiang warning that during the shock of epidemic,” charge of selling chemical fertiliser Bhojpur, and Anish Subedi, Nirmala Sherpa, proprietor of the financial risks are mounting in the Xu said. illegally. officer at the Agriculture Extension firm, said that DAP fertiliser would be world’s second-biggest economy. “We have to roll out more tolerant Authorities were responding to Office under the Agriculture brought according to the quota for the “The epidemic has affected the measures and extend the grace period complaints that shop owner Knowledge Centre, Bhojpur, said municipality. work done in the past on financial risk appropriately when tackling risks.” Bhadraman Bhujel was selling soil Krishna Prasad Basnet, assistant According to him, the 520 sacks of prevention,” said Xu Nuojin, head of In 2019, regulators also led state nourishers to farmers at double the chief of the District Administration urea fertiliser provided by Salt the People’s Bank of China’s rescues of two medium-sized banks— market price. The store was charging Office, Bhojpur. Trading have already been delivered Zhengzhou branch in central Henan Bank of Jinzhou and Hengfeng Rs2,000 for a sack of fertiliser which Shop owner Bhujel, who is an to farmers. The rest of the shipment province. Bank—hit by liquidity strains due to normally costs Rs785. employee at the District Post Office, has not arrived, he said. “The outstanding risks could be depositor worries about asset quality The 47 sacks of urea fertiliser found said he bought the fertiliser at Rs1,800 Representatives of Salt Trading intensified, and the new risks are tak- and the state of local economies. at Bhujel’s store were sealed, but it per sack out of a truck that had bro- said that they were having a hard time ing shape,” Xu told Reuters in a tele- Xu said local regulators and govern- Jaguar seeks state was not known where he had obtained ken down. transporting the fertiliser as a quar- phone interview on Saturday on the ments had participated in recent them. The truck carrying the fertiliser antine ward had been set up near their sidelines of the annual parliament efforts to resolve risks at Evergrande Chief District Officer Basanta Raj was immobilised after suffering warehouse. meeting. Group-backed Shengjing Bank, based loan as coronavirus Puri said that an investigation com- engine problem, Bhujel said, and the Sherpa said that black marketing in Regulators have cracked down on in northeastern Liaoning province, mittee had been formed to find out driver wanted to offload his cargo. the midst of the lockdown had made it high-risk financial institutions to fend and Pingdingshan Bank, a small lend- pandemic takes toll where the fertiliser came from, and Bhujel said he asked the driver if he difficult for genuine traders. off systematic risks, most prominent- er in Henan. REUTERS COVENTRY (UNITED KINGDOM), MAY 24 Alibaba’s sales Jaguar Land Rover is in talks with the British government about a request for temporary state funding of surge as people more than 1 billion pounds ($1.22 billion), Sky News said on Saturday, a report the company said shop online was inaccurate. The loan request had been lodged with the Department for during lockdown Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, the Sky News report said, REUTERS citing a source close to Jaguar Land HANGZHOU (CHINA), MAY 24 Rover, whose parent company is Tata Motors. Alibaba Group Holding Ltd on “The claim is inaccurate and specu- Friday reported forecast-beating lative,” Jaguar Land Rover said in an fourth-quarter revenues and profits, emailed statement to Reuters. as more people shopped online for The statement said the company essentials because of the coronavirus was in “regular discussion lockdowns. with government on a whole As people stayed indoors and brick- range of matters and the content and-mortar stores remained shut dur- of our private discussions remains ing the health crisis, online orders confidential.” surged, with the company’s core com- The company recently restarted merce business rising nearly 19 per- operations at Solihull plant in UK. cent to 93.87 billion yuan ($13.16 bil- “Manufacturing will resume at lion) in the quarter. Halewood factory on 8 June, starting Revenue at its cloud computing with one shift,” it said in a statement business rose about 58 percent. on Wednesday. With China’s economy starting up Sky News, citing a spokesman, again much ahead of major econo- said about 20,000 of its employees mies in Europe and the United States, had been furloughed under the the e-commerce group said it expected government’s emergency wage subsi- to generate more than 650 billion yuan dy programme. in revenue in fiscal 2021. On May 1, rating agency Alibaba has been expanding into Fitch downgraded its credit new businesses and technologies to rating to the company, saying that cope with increased competition “risks of the Covid-19 pandemic to in online shopping from smaller both demand in JLR’s end-markets rivals such as JD.com Inc and and disruption to operations has Pinduoduo Inc. increased further”. Alibaba’s overall revenue rose to Sky News said the government’s 114.31 billion yuan ($16.02 billion) in position on JLR’s latest loan request the quarter ended March 31 from was unclear this weekend. about 93.50 billion yuan a year earlier. Tata Motors did not immediately Analysts had expected revenue of respond to a Reuters request for POST PHOTO: PRAKASH CHANDRA TIMILSENA 107.04 billion yuan, according to IBES comment. Farmers wearing masks tend to a field in Lalitpur. data from Refinitiv. Investors look beyond drug makers as hunt for Covid-19 treatment heats up

REUTERS the fight against coronavirus. Cordisco is looking further afield. bodies from blood of recovered NEW YORK, MAY 24 Large pharmaceutical companies One of the companies he owns is med- patients. such as Johnson & Johnson and ical device maker Danaher Corp, “This is a company that will be part Investors are diversifying bets in the GlaxoSmithKline Plc have said they which manufactures a rapid Covid-19 of the solution and can buy a world healthcare sector, as the rush to devel- plan to make any successful vaccine test the FDA approved in March. Its class business for a significant dis- op treatments for Covid-19 has driven available at cost, though they could shares are up 3.1 percent since the count to what we think the fair value up prices for some pharmaceutical reap profits later if a seasonal shot is start of the year. is,” Valentini said. Its shares are down stocks. needed. Multiple treatments could “If you’re looking for where the nearly 6.5 percent for the year to date. A record 48 percent of fund manag- also divide the market between many profits might be in the chain, it’s Mike Caldwell, a portfolio manager ers are overweight healthcare stocks, players, investors said. somebody like that who is going to of the Driehaus Event Driven Fund, a BofA survey showed, and the S&P “There’s the question of ‘Does any- benefit. They can cash in the whole said his fund is focusing on supply 500 healthcare sector is up nearly 34 one really make a lot of money on way,” Cordisco said. chains of vaccine production rather percent since its March low. Hopes for this?,” said Larry Cordisco, co-portfo- Alessandro Valentini, portfolio than the drug companies themselves. a treatment have also sparked outsize lio manager of the Osterweis Fund. manager at Causeway Capital He is betting on companies such as rallies in the shares of companies Signs of progress on potential treat- Management, said his firm is looking Roche Holding and Abbott such as Moderna and Inovio ments could bolster the case for a for value opportunities as the Laboratories, which have large diag- Pharmaceutcials, up 253 percent and quicker economic recovery and fur- healthcare sector becomes more nostics businesses that will likely be a 327 percent since the start of the year, ther fuel the rally that has boosted the expensive, trading now at 22.9 times part of any future Covid-19 treatment. respectively, as of Friday’s close. S&P 500 around 30 percent from its trailing earnings, slightly more than He is also bullish on smaller compa- In recent weeks, news of potential late March lows. In the next two the 21.9 multiple of the S&P 500 index nies such as Luminex Corp, which treatments or vaccines to fight the weeks, Gilead Sciences is expected to as a whole. received an FDA emergency use pandemic have occasionally fueled announce results of clinical studies of He is staying away from potential authorization for its Covid-19 diagnos- swings in broader markets. its potential coronavirus treatment vaccine producers in favor of compa- tic test. Shares are up 36 percent year Yet some fund managers believe remdesivir for patients with moderate nies such as Takeda Pharmaceutical to date. lasting profits may be elusive for vac- symptoms of Covid-19. Pfizer has said Co Ltd. Japan’s largest pharmaceuti- “With so many players who have cine-makers, leading them to seek cor- it expects to release safety data for cal company said this month it could meaningful resources, it’s hard to pre- ners of the healthcare sector that initial human testing of experimental start clinical trials as early as July for dict what the ultimate market share of REUTERS could see longer-term benefits from vaccine by the end of May. a Covid-19 treatment based on anti- any one approach will be,” he said. Morning commuters are seen on Wall Street outside the New York Stock Exchange.

C M Y K 07 | MONDAY, MAY 25, 2020 WORLD

BRIEFING North Korea’s Kim, in first appearance Iranian fuel starts arriving in Venezuelan waters in weeks, vows to REUTERS: The first of five Iranian tankers carrying fuel for gaso- line-starved Venezuela entered the bolster nuclear South American country’s exclusive economic zone on Saturday, despite a US official’s warning that ‘deterrence’ Washington was considering a response to the shipment. The tanker, REUTERS named Fortune, reached the country’s SEOUL, MAY 24 waters at around 7:40 p.m. local time (1140 GMT) after passing north of the North Korean leader Kim Jong Un neighbouring dual-island Caribbean hosted a meeting to discuss the coun- nation of Trinidad and Tobago, try’s nuclear capabilities, state media according to vessel tracking data said on Sunday, marking his first from Refinitiv Eikon. “The ships from appearance in three weeks after a pre- the fraternal Islamic Republic of Iran vious absence sparked global specula- are now in our exclusive economic tion about his health. zone,” tweeted Tareck El Aissami, Ruling Workers’ Party officials Venezuela’s economy vice president wore face masks to greet Kim as he and recently named oil minister. entered the meeting of the party’s powerful Central Military Commission, state television showed, NYTimes marks grim but no one including Kim was seen US virus milestone wearing a mask during the meeting. NEW YORK: As the United States Amid stalled denuclearization talks approached 100,000 coronavirus with the United States, the meeting deaths, The New York Times on discussed measures to bolster North Sunday marked the grim milestone Korea’s armed forces and “reliably with a stark memorial on its front contain the persistent big or small page—one-line obituaries for 1,000 military threats from the hostile forc- victims. “The 1,000 people here reflect es,” state news agency KCNA said. just one percent of the toll. None The meeting discussed “increasing were mere numbers,” the newspaper the nuclear war deterrence of the said in a short introduction on the country and putting the strategic front page, which was entirely cov- armed forces on a high alert opera- ered in text. The United States has AFP/ RSS tion,” adopting “crucial measures for been the hardest-hit country in the An aerial and fire performer practises her act in the garden of her home in Daventry, central England on Sunday. considerably increasing the firepower coronavirus pandemic by far, in strike ability of the artillery pieces,” deaths and number of infections. it said.

Netanyahu to face court in ‘unprecedented’ corruption trial Beijing says coronavirus pushing US JERUSALEM: Israel’s veteran Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was set Sunday to become the country’s first sitting premier to face criminal charges over a string of corruption relations to the brink of ‘Cold War’ allegations which he denies. Fresh from forming a new government after more than 500 days of electoral dead- Minister says Washington had been infected by a ‘political virus’, compelling figures there to continually attack China. lock, Netanyahu was expected to begin a new battle in the Jerusalem AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE most scientists believe jumped from this should be professional, fair and In Pakistan, thousands gathered in District Court—to stay out of BEIJING, MAY 24 animals to humans—possibly at a constructive.” mosques, but celebrations were muted REUTERS prison. The 70-year-old was scheduled market in the central Chinese city With infection numbers stabilising by the crash Friday of a passenger Kim Jong Un to appear at a 1200 GMT court hear- China said on Sunday that relations of Wuhan. in the West, many governments are plane into a residential neighbour- ing to formally confirm his identity with the United States were “on the The issue has become highly politi- trying to move towards lighter social hood in Karachi, killing 97 on board. Kim has made an unusually small to judges, after being indicted in brink of a new Cold War”, fuelled in cised, with US President Donald distancing measures that they hope The country’s leading English daily, number of outings in the past two January for bribery, fraud and part by tensions over the coronavirus Trump accusing Beijing of a lack of will revive moribund business and Dawn, said the crash and coronavirus months, with his absence from a key breach of trust. Protests against pandemic, as Muslims around the transparency, and pushing the theory tourism sectors. epidemic—that has killed over 1,000 anniversary prompting speculation his rule were scheduled shortly world celebrated a muted end to the that the virus leaked from a Chinese French churches were preparing to people in Pakistan—had robbed the about his condition, as Pyongyang has before the opening of the trial, holy month of Ramadan. maximum-security laboratory. hold their first Sunday masses in “country of whatever little joy had stepped up measures against the which is expected to last months if Foreign Minister Wang Yi said China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi more than two months after the gov- been left at the prospect of Eid”. Covid-19 pandemic. not years. (AGENCIES) Washington had been infected by a on Sunday blasted what he called ernment bowed to a ruling that they In Saudi Arabia, Eid prayers will be North Korea says it has no con- “political virus” compelling figures efforts by US politicians to “fabricate should be reopened—provided proper held at the two holy mosques in the firmed cases of the new coronavirus, there to continually attack China, but rumours” about the virus origin and precautions were taken. cities of Mecca and Medina “without but South Korea’s intelligence agency offered an olive branch by saying “stigmatise China”. France’s mosques, however, called worshippers”, authorities said as the has said it cannot rule out that the the country would be open to an “China is open to working with on Muslims to stay at home for the Eid kingdom began a five-day curfew after North has had an outbreak. Taliban, Ghani international effort to find the corona- the international scientific communi- al-Fitr holiday marking the end of the infections quadrupled since the start US-led negotiations aimed at dis- virus source. ty to look into the source of the virus,” Islamic fasting month of Ramadan. of Ramadan. mantling North Korea’s nuclear and “It has come to our attention that he said. They said they would gradually For Christians in Jerusalem, the missile programmes have made declare three-day some political forces in the US are “At the same time, we believe that resume services from June 3. Church of the Holy Sepulchre will little progress since late last year, taking China-US relations hostage reopen on Sunday—but with tight especially after a global battle on the and pushing our two countries to the restrictions. virus began. ceasefire for brink of a new Cold War,” he told In Spain, which has enforced one of The Chinese government’s top dip- reporters during a press conference at the world’s strictest lockdowns since lomat, Wang Yi, expressed hope on China’s week-long annual parliament mid-March, Prime Minister Pedro Sunday that the United States and Eid holiday session. Sanchez sought to reassure potential North Korea could resume meaning- He spoke as more nations eased visitors, saying that from July 1, ful dialogue as soon as possible, “and ASSOCIATED PRESS lockdown restrictions in a bid to sal- “entry for foreign tourists into Spain not squander away the hard-earned ISLAMABAD, MAY 24 vage economies and lifestyles that will resume in secure conditions”. results of (previous) engagement.” have been savaged by the pandemic. Italy is also due to reopen its bor- North Korea’s pledge to boost its The Taliban and Afghanistan’s presi- Hundreds of millions of Muslims ders to foreign tourists from June 3. nuclear capabilities coincides with dent have announced a three-day around the world were celebrating a But the disease continued its surge news reports that the United States ceasefire ahead of a major Islamic muted Eid al-Fitr, with Islam’s two in large parts of South America, with might conduct its first full-fledged holiday that begins Sunday to mark most important mosques closed to the death toll in Brazil passing 22,000 nuclear test since 1992, noted Leif-Eric the end of the Islamic fasting month worshippers in Mecca and Medina. and infections topping 347,000, the Easley, who teaches international of Ramadan. Still, churches were reopening in world’s second-highest caseload. studies at Ewha Womans University The Taliban order, which was soon France, Spain’s football league Neighbouring Peru is also strug- in Seoul. followed by an announcement via announced it would kick off again gling. The country of 32 million has “The intention in Washington for Twitter from Afghan President on June 8, and thousands flocked registered more than 3,100 deaths. pondering such a move may be to pres- Ashraf Ghani announcing the govern- to beaches in the US, where In the US, where the death toll is sure Russia and China to improve ment “extends the offer of peace,” lockdowns and social distancing have nearing 100,000, Trump has aggres- arms-control commitments and comes just days after US peace become rights issues that have split sively pushed to reopen the economy, enforcement,” Easley said. “But not envoy Zalmay Khalilzad was in Kabul communities. defying the advice of health experts. only might this tack encourage more and Doha. Globally about 342,000 people have REUTERS He sent a signal of his intentions by nuclear risk-taking by those coun- Khalilzad on his trip urged both the been killed, and more than 5.3 million Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi speaks to reporters via video link on the sidelines of playing golf Saturday—his first round tries, it could provide Pyongyang an Taliban and the Afghan government people infected by the virus, which the National People’s Congress, from the Great Hall of the People, in Beijing, on Sunday. since March 8. excuse for its next provocation.” to reduce violence and move ahead with intra-Afghan negotiations, a key pillar of a US peace deal with the Taliban signed in February to allow American troops to leave Afghanistan. The deal was also touted Virus lockdowns stifle Eid celebrations as infections rise at the time as Afghanistan’s best chance for peace after nearly four decades of war. AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE overshadowed by the fast-spreading holy mosques in the cities of Mecca the Pakistani city of Rawalpindi. documents to get around bans on the The Taliban’s cease-fire announce- RIYADH, MAY 24 respiratory disease, with many coun- and Medina “without worshippers”, “This feast is for the kids, and if annual end-of-Ramadan travel that ment follows an Eid al-Fitr message tries tightening lockdown restrictions authorities said on Saturday, citing a they can’t celebrate it with new gar- could send infections soaring. from the Taliban leader which Muslims around the world began after a partial easing during Ramadan royal decree. ments, there is no point in us working More than 3,500 Tunisians who trav- said the insurgent group was marking a sombre Eid al-Fitr on led to a sharp spike in infections. Mecca’s Grand Mosque has been so hard throughout the year.” elled home just ahead of the holiday committed to the peace deal, was not Sunday, many under coronavirus Further dampening the festive spir- almost devoid of worshippers since Pakistan, which gave into religious will have to spend it away from their seeking to monopolise power and lockdown, but lax restrictions offer it, multiple countries—from Saudi March, with a stunning emptiness pressure by allowing mosque prayers families, forced to quarantine for two promised to guarantee the rights respite to worshippers in some coun- Arabia to Egypt, Turkey and Syria— enveloping the sacred Kaaba—a large throughout the fasting of Ramadan, is weeks in hotels after arriving from of women and men under an tries despite fears of skyrocketing have banned mass prayer gatherings, cube-shaped structure towards which yet to make a decision over mass gath- abroad. Atef Maherzi, a doctor repat- Islamic system. infections. a festival highlight, to limit the spread Muslims around the world pray. erings during Eid. riated Tuesday from Saudi Arabia, The directive ordered Taliban fight- The festival, one of the most impor- of the disease. Jerusalem’s Al-Aqsa mosque, In Indonesia—the world’s most pop- said she would be catching up with ers not to fight but also not to frater- tant in the Muslim calendar marking Saudi Arabia, home to Islam’s holi- Islam’s third holiest site, will reopen ulous Muslim nation—people are family over Skype, foregoing her nize with Afghan national security the end of the holy month of Ramadan, est sites, began a five-day, round-the- to worshippers only after Eid, its gov- turning to smugglers and fake travel usual role of host. forces. The instructions seemed is traditionally celebrated with clock curfew from Saturday after erning body said. intended to avoid images that mosque prayers, family feasts and infections more than quadrupled In Lebanon, the highest circulated during the last ceasefire in shopping for new clothes, gifts and since the start of Ramadan to around Sunni religious authority 2018, also during Eid celebrations, sweet treats. 68,000—the highest in the Gulf. has announced the reo- including Taliban fighters sharing But this year, the celebration is Eid prayers will be held at the two pening of mosques only ice cream and laughing with for Friday prayers. Afghan national security force Worshippers, however, soldiers. will be subject to temper- UN Secretary-General Antonio ature checks and sanitary Guterres welcomed the announce- controls before they enter. ment and urged all parties “to seize Meanwhile, Muslims the opportunity and embrace an across Asia—from Afghan-led and Afghan-owned peace Indonesia to Pakistan, process,” UN spokesman Stephane Malaysia and Dujarric said. Afghanistan—thronged Guterres, who called for a cease-fire markets for pre-festival in all global conflicts on March 23 to shopping, flouting coro- tackle the coronavirus pandemic navirus guidelines and stressed that “only a peace settlement sometimes even police can bring an end to the suffering in attempts to disperse large Afghanistan” and said that “the crowds. “For over two United Nations is committed to sup- months my children were porting the people and government of AFP/RSS homebound,” said Ishrat Afghanistan in this important endeav- A Frontier Constabulary member stands guard as Muslims offer Eid al-Fitr prayers marking Jahan, a mother of four, our,” the spokesman said. the end of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan at a ground in Quetta, Pakistan on Sunday. at a bustling market in

C M Y K MONDAY, MAY 25, 2020 | 08 CULTURE & ARTS (C.R.P.D.) - 3/052/053 How fitness centres are responding to the Covid-19 crisis Nepal’s fitness industry is dealing with an unprecedented crisis as thousands of gyms across the country have remained closed for more than two months.

TSERING NGODUP LAMA in demand for home exercise equipment. KATHMANDU “Sales of home exercise equipment like treadmills, cross trainers, dumbbells or the past 12 years, Pitbull have doubled since the lockdown, but it is Gym, in Chuchepati, has still very negligible compared to the bulk opened at 5:30 in the morning. sale we do,” says Silwal. One of the first to reach the An uncertain future awaits for gyms gym is Kishor, the gym’s even if the lockdown is lifted or eased. owner/chief instructor. By Globally, gyms have been the last of the F10am, which is when the gym’s morning businesses to reopen after lockdown. In shift ends, an average of 60 gym members many places in India where the lockdown will have finished their daily workout. has been eased and some businesses have The gym’s evening session, from 3 pm to 7 been allowed to resume, fitness centres still pm, sees around 30 to 40 members. remain shut. In the US too where gyms Located on the third floor of a commer- have been the last of businesses to resume. cial complex, which houses a restaurant, In Nepal, even if the gyms are allowed a beauty parlour, and a bank, the other- to resume, many gym operators are aware wise busy Pitbull Gym has remained that it won’t be business as usual. Since shuttered since March 24, the day the gym members, even at the most high-end government announced nationwide lock- gyms in the country, have to share equip- down, and Kishor has been out of work. ment, which increases the chances of Thousands of gyms, from the small indirect physical contact, it is likely to ones located in neighbourhood alleys to discourage people from going to gym at a large commercial complexes, across the time when social distancing has become country have remained shut ever since the norm. “Not everyone is going to be the lockdown. The network of fitness comfortable going back to gyms as soon gyms form the heart of Nepal’s fitness as they open. New memberships are like- industry, and ever since they have closed, ly to drop,” says Kishor. the entire industry has come to a grind- How fitness centres fare when they ing halt, with chances of business resum- resume will also depend on the kind of ing soon seemingly bleak. PHOTO COURTESY: GYMKHANA safety and hygiene measures they adopt. “Before this year, the longest I have had Gyms across Kathmandu, such as Gymkhana (pictured above), are currently closed because of the lockdown. Despite being closed, it—besides a few other “Most gyms that charge low fees and to close the gym was after the 2015 earth- gyms—has been conducting virtual classes for clients. rely on a high footfall will find it very quake. My business was badly impacted difficult when they resume. Those gyms and it took many months for the business in new memberships, making the period a The Pump and Gymkhana have followed has had a domino effect on every aspect will find it impossible to maintain social to recover from it,” says Kishor. “But peak business season for gyms,” says Raul suit—providing classes through social of the fitness industry. Fitness equipment distancing in the gym, adopt strict safety looking at the impact that Covid-19 and Moktan, co-founder/executive director of media and video conferencing apps like stores in the country, which mainly rely and cleanliness measures and still cover the lockdown have already had on my Gymkhana Muay Thai. “By September, Zoom. According to Moktan, Gymkhana on bulk orders from gyms, have seen a costs,” says Silwal. “Compared to them, business and the uncertain future ahead which marks the start of the festive season started providing online classes for its huge drop in business since the lock- high-end gyms, most of which have less makes 2015 look like child’s play. This and winter, memberships begin to drop.” members from March 30, just a week after down. “Bulk orders from gyms make up members and take safety and cleanliness one’s going to be tough.” For many gym owners like Kishor and the lockdown. “We conduct four online 75 percent of our revenue, but with gyms seriously, will find it relatively easier to It was mid-March when Kishor first Moktan, the bigger challenge they face classes a day, two in the morning and two closed for more than two months, busi- gain their members’ confidence.” began noticing the impact of Covid-19 at now is the operational costs that they con- in the evening. These classes are free of ness has hit rock bottom,” says Uttam At Gymkhana, to ensure that the mem- his gym. “Even though the virus wasn’t tinue to incur despite being closed for cost and our aim is to provide the best Silwal, managing director of Fitness bers feel safe and comfortable coming back widely spread in Nepal then, we realised more than two months. “Even though rev- workout experience under the current Choice, a Kathmandu-based fitness equip- once it reopens, Moktan says that they that our members were concerned by it enue has been zero for the past two months, circumstances,” says Moktan. ment store. “We also haven’t been able to have created a new standard operating and we introduced more safety and clean- we continue to pay rent and staff salaries,” At Pitbull Gym, Kishor hasn’t started dispatch existing orders to our clients. We procedure. “When we reopen, we will now liness at the gym. But we never really saw says Moktan. But many gym owners say online workout classes but he provides have gym equipment orders worth Rs 75 be doubling down on our already stringent a drop in footfall until the day leading to that a protracted lockdown will make cov- over-the-phone consultation to the mem- million put on hold due to the lockdown. cleanliness and hygiene measures,” says lockdown,” he says. ering operational costs a huge challenge. bers of his gym. “I receive more than five So far no one has cancelled their orders Moktan. “Maintaining strict cleanliness For Nepal’s fitness industry, the timing To adapt to the changing times and to calls on a daily basis from my gym mem- yet, but if the lockdown prolongs you and hygiene standards at the gym are the of the virus and the subsequent lockdown still stay relevant, many gyms have start- bers asking questions ranging from home- never know what might happen.” only way to convince people to start visit- couldn’t have been worse. “From March to ed giving online fitness classes to their work out tips to dietary tips,” says Kishor. However, while orders from gyms have ing again, otherwise the road ahead it’s September, gyms in the country see a surge members. In Kathmandu too, gyms like The closure of gyms after the lockdown dropped, fitness stores have seen a surge going to be extremely challenging.” Five South Indian movies we recommend you watch There is more to South Indian movies than just the action they’re famous for.

SRIZU BAJRACHARYA the two brothers’ different personalities. rary modern love story. ‘Premam’, unlike relationship very naturally. If you’re in plot, mind blowing VFX and amusing KATHMANDU This action-packed movie is mind-bog- many romantic movies, isn’t about a suc- need of some love, then this movie is logic. gling with a logic that is so swift that you’re cessful love story. It is about George highly recommended. Baahubali is the story of an ancient n recent years, South Indian mov- always on the edge. For a fun afternoon, (Nivin Pauly), a guy who believes in love Kingdom, Mahishmati. It is a story about ies—Telugu, Tamil, Malayalam, Race Gurram will not disappoint you. and keeps falling in love again and again, Baahubali family clashes, sibling rivalry, love and Kannada and Tulu—have grasped despite his many failing relationships. The two series—Baahubali: The righteous revenge. The movie is crafted the interest of many cinephiles, not Premam ‘Premam’ is a simple, coming-of-age Beginning and Baahubali 2: The cleverly—for the plot’s flashback is quite just because they are funny, but The 2015 Malayalam movie is for the movie—there’s nothing that drastic and Conclusion—is what brought the whole long, a movie onto itself—and it has because they have endearing and romantics. Premam was an instant hit in dramatic, and that is its charm. The world to notice South Indian movies and moments of laughter, romance, and inno- Icompelling stories that are complex and theatres; it was also one of the high- movie is nuanced and is lovable for the thus you can’t miss SS Rajamouli’s cence. Theatrically too, it is very engag- raw and deviate from mainstream cinema est-grossing Malayalam movies and little moments. It also has the nostalgia of Baahubali if you are going to immerse in ing. If entertainment is what you’re look- tropes. became a cult classic of the contempo- the early 90s and builds on the father-son South Indian movies. It has an engaging ing for, you’ve got it. From pure entertainers to compelling character-driven narratives, South Indian films have much to offer. Here are a few picks from the Post to assist you in start- ing your South Indian film journey:

Ustad Hotel The 2012 Malayalam movie starring Dulquer Salmaan is still as refreshing as ever. Faizi (Dulquer Salmaan) is an aspir- ing chef. However, his father doesn’t want him to be one because he believes the job of a cook is not dignified. Faizi is his only son and thus his father Abdul Razaq has high hopes for him. But when the son goes against his father’s wishes, he feels humil- iated and disowns him in a fit of anger. Faizi then stays with his grandfather, who owns Ustad Hotel, a local restaurant named by the locals of the place them- selves. And gradually he begins to learn the know-how of setting up a restaurant and most importantly the art of making food to fill people’s hearts. There are many sweet moments between the grand- father and the grandson, making the film heartwarming. But it’s Faizi’s ambition and journey to becoming a chef that makes this movie a rewarding watch.

Velaiyilla Pattathari The 2014 Tamil film, ‘Velaiyilla Pattathari’, is a story of an unemployed graduate, Raghuvaran (Dhanush), who desperately wants a job in civil engineering. His rela- tion with his father is complex, and it’s his mother who has been balancing their rela- tionship. And it is this family dynamic that makes the movie endearing. ‘Velaiyilla Pattathari’ is a heartwarm- ing family movie. And the transformation of the film from something lighthearted to emotionally gripping is why you should watch it. Raghuvaran’s character stands out with his innocence and grit, more so because of Dhanush’s acting that holds the movie together. Once you are done watching the movie, you can also follow Dhanush’s filmography to dive deeper into the realm of South Indian cinema.

Race Gurram The 2014 Telugu movie makes it to the list for it is pure entertainment. The film was also one of the highest-grossing Telugu movies starring Allu Arjun. It’s a com- plete masala movie, with an unbeatable hero performing unbelievable action— which is what we love about Telugu mov- ies. ‘Race Gurram’ is about Ram Prasad and Lakshman Prasad aka Lucky (Allu Arjun), brothers who are the opposites of each other. Lucky is frivolous, witty and reckless while his brother is a righteous, disciplined police officer. What follows is a series of twists and turns as a result of

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