WITHOUT F EAR OR FAVOUR

Nepal’s largest selling English daily Vol XXIX No. 137 | 8 pages | Rs.5 O O Printed simultaneously in Kathmandu, Biratnagar, Bharatpur and Nepalgunj 36.0 C 13.2 C Monday, July 05, 2021 | 21-03-2078 Nepalgunj Jomsom Oli’s aversion to federalism and secularism becoming more apparent A proposal at UML top panel to review major achievements of the constitution does not portend well for the charter which has come under increasing threats, observers say.

TIKA R PRADHAN ushered in a new era for the KATHMANDU, JULY 4 country making it a federal democrat- ic and secular nation, in 2017. Nepal’s constitution is in crisis. Six Oli’s UML swept the elections and he years since its adoption, it is running was elected prime minister in the risk of becoming irrelevant. February 2018. Concerns are now growing if it is Oli’s major task was to implement going to get scrapped altogether. And the constitution, strengthen federal- this campaign is led by a party that is ism and uphold the spirit of secular- governing the country. ism. Over the last three years, Oli has On Saturday, Mahesh Basnet, one of not only failed on governance fronts Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli’s but also on the constitutional imple- close confidants, presented a proposal mentation part. to review federalism and secularism Observers say Oli’s aversion to at CPN-UML’s Central Committee republicanism, federalism and secu- meeting. larism is not new and that a proposal “Our party chair has agreed to hold to review those coming from one deliberations on the proposal,” Basnet of his trusted aides should sound told the Post. an alarm bell, as the UML chair Both federalism and secularism are appears to have a scheme to unravel POST PHOTO: ANISH REGMI the main features of Nepal’s con- the constitution. Youths protest at Bhrikutimandap on Sunday against the Kathmandu Metropolitan City’s whitewashing last Wednesday of a mural painted to stitution which was adopted “Federalism, secularism and honour Covid-19 frontline workers. In appreciation of their efforts at checking the spread of the pandemic, four artists had painted the mural after years of struggle. The con- inclusiveness were never liked by over a week last month on the wall of an overhead pedestrian crossing at Ratnapark. stitution, promulgated in three traditional forces of Nepal—the September 2015, is considered to Army that consists mostly of be a progressive one for transi- Chhetris, merchant houses like tioning the country from a uni- Newars and Marwaris, and the tary to federal system and shed- Brahmins,” said CK Lal, a political ding the “Hindu state” tag. The analyst and columnist for the Post. INSIDE Arguments centre on parties that pushed for the con- “Oli has brought up this issue via stitution even dubbed it the Mahesh Basnet to appease them. This Badaharwa residents living in “world’s best constitution”. is a political tool to appease all three Nepal held its first election established forces.” tents after homes inundated if court can appoint under the constitution, which >> Continued on page 2 RAUTAHAT: Sakuntala Devi has been living in a flimsy tent pitched on the road after the flooded Jhaj river inun- dated her house at Badaharwa settle- Deuba prime minister ment in Durgabhagawati Rural Municipality-5, Rautahat on Saturday. The 67-year-old does not know how Chief justice asks whether it will be the right thing for long her six-member family should languish in such a pitiable condition. the bench to pick prime minister as demanded by omegawatches.com “Living under tents during the rainy season is not easy. We are waiting for petitioners, as hearing on House dissolution continues. the floodwaters to recede so that we can return home,” said Sakuntala. “This is just the beginning of the monsoon season. I don’t know when we can return home. Our ordeal is the same every year.” It has been raining continuously for the past few days, leaving various settlements at risk of floods and inundation. There are around 300 households at Badaharwa and 100 of them have been waterlogged. (Details on Pg 2)

Many people are reluctant to undergo Covid-19 tests KATHMANDU: Covid-19 tests have been halted in Melamchi Municipality and in Helambu Rural Municipality of POST FILE PHOTO Sindhupalchok district following Members of the dissolved House have petitioned the court to appoint Deuba prime minister. June 16 flood and landslides. Sample collection for polymerase chain reac- BINOD GHIMIRE Rana, who is presiding over the tion tests, which used to be carried KATHMANDU, JULY 4 Constitutional Bench hearing the out twice a week, has not taken place case, however, asked if the court can after roads were destroyed by the dis- Three days after the dissolution of the appoint someone holding a majority aster caused by monsoon rains. House of Representatives, the opposi- as prime minister, if Article 76 (5) Health workers deployed in the disas- tion alliance on May 24 filed a petition allows the court to do so and if such ter-hit areas said that they tried to at the Supreme Court demanding that an order would be constitutional. carry out antigen tests in the dis- the House be restored and Sher “There’s an argument that since 146 placed camps but the survivors Bahadur Deuba, president of the lawmakers [from the dissolved House] refused. “The displaced families have Nepali Congress, be appointed the are present before the court, the bench since left the camp and returned to prime minister. should authenticate [direct to appoint their areas,” Dr Amir Awal of the As many as 146 members of the dis- prime minister] the claim. Will it be a Dhulikhel Hospital told the Post over solved lower house, including 23 from right practice for the court [to pass an the phone from Melamchi. “They Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli’s CPN- order to appoint a prime minister]?” have other pressing priorities like UML, had filed the petition. asked Rana. basic needs.” People of Melamchi and Congress party’s 61, Communist While experts on constitutional Helambu are not the only ones reluc- Party of Nepal (Maoist Centre)’s 49 matters maintain that the House dis- tant to undergo tests. (Details on Pg 3) and Janata Samajbadi Party’s 12 law- solution was unconstitutional, they makers from the dissolved House also also seem to be perplexed by the oppo- Annual demand for medicines signed the petition. sition alliance’s demand that the court They argue that since Deuba had appoint Deuba as prime minister. to hit 71.65 tonnes by 2024-25 provided the signatures of 149 law- The President had invoked Article RECORDING OLYMPIC DREAMS SINCE 1932 KATHMANDU: The demand for pharma- makers to President Bidya Devi 76 (5) at the behest of Oli, who skipped ceutical products in Nepal will Bhandari to lay claim to the post of the constitutionally-mandated process increase to 71.65 tonnes in the next prime minister on May 21, the of seeking a vote of confidence after Every athlete has a dream. It lives in their heart and it pushes them towards five years, rising at an annual rate of Congress president should be appoint- being appointed prime minister under 7 percent, according to the latest ed prime minister. Oli too had present- Article 76 (3) following his May 10 fail- victory. At the Olympic Games in Tokyo, these dreams will be given a stage. report. According to the Detail Study ed his own claim, saying that he had ure to win a confidence vote in the This is the moment when inspiration meets performance, when ambition of Pharmaceutical and Medicine the backing of 153 lawmakers. House. Manufacturing Industries in Nepal, President Bhandari, however, Legal experts say Article 76 (5) meets precision, and when the Official Timekeeper OMEGA records it all. prepared by the Department of rejected both claims. Subsequently Oli should have come into play automati- Industry, the annual demand for dissolved the House and the President cally on two conditions—after Oli pharmaceutical products currently endorsed. resigned or after he failed to win the stands at 53.66 tonnes. The study has During Sunday’s hearing, argu- vote of confidence necessitated by been conducted to analyse the cur- ments revolved around whether the Article 76 (4). rent status of human allopathic medi- court can appoint an individual as President Bhandari, however, cine (pharmaceuticals) manufactur- prime minister as demanded by the endorsed all the recommendations ing factories with respect to demand, petitioners. made by Oli and then rejected Deuba’s supply, energy consumption and chal- While arguing on behalf of Speaker claims, which according to experts, is lenges for sustainability. The report Agni Sapkota, one of the defendants, tantamount to robbing the Parliament estimates the total pharmaceutical advocate Megh Raj Pokharel said that of its authority. AVAILABLE AT: market of Nepal to be worth Rs53 bil- the court should correct the unconsti- Rana on Sunday also asked if the REGENCY WATCH: Annapurna Arcade, Durbar Marg lion. Nepal imports pharmaceutical tutional move by the President of court runs the risk of making an 1 Durbar Mall, Thamsherku Center, Durbar Marg products worth Rs28.65 billion mainly rejecting Deuba’s claim, thereby unconstitutional move if it carries MGA International Pvt Ltd from India and medicines worth Rs24 appointing the Congress leader as forward the process of appointing billion are produced by domestic fac- prime minister. someone as prime minister. tories. (Details on Pg 5) Chief Justice Cholendra Shumsher >> Continued on page 2

C M Y K MONDAY, JULY 05, 2021 | 02 NATIONAL Arguments centre on if court can appoint Deuba prime minister

>> CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 that there was no way he could garner a majority.” After lawyers representing Sapkota Experts on constitutional matters completed their arguments, lawyers as well as plaintiffs’ lawyers are arguing on behalf of the plaintiffs of the view that the President should were given an opportunity to respond have allowed the House to test if to the defendants. Deuba had a majority after appointing Before their turn, Justice Ishwar him prime minister. According to Prasad Khatiwada, referring to state- them, by not letting the House play its ments from the defendants, also asked role, the President undermined similar questions to the plaintiffs’ Parliament. lawyers. He also asked how constitu- Advocate Mohan Acharya, who spe- POST PHOTO: RAJKUMAR KARKI tional it would be for the court to cialises on constitutional law, says it An under-construction bridge across the Sunkoshi river which was damaged in recent floods. Once completed, the bridge will link Fikkal of Sindhuli with Champadevi decide the prime minister, as the con- would be better if the Constitutional of Okhaldhunga. stitution has prescribed clear provi- Bench said the President should ask sions. the lower house to test if someone The Constitution of Nepal authoris- commands a majority, if she had any es the President to appoint the prime confusion, and make an appointment minister and the legislature tests if s/ accordingly. he has the majority to continue as “I think the bench wouldn’t directly prime minister. Badaharwa residents living in tents after Constitutional experts who have closely followed the hearing process say a wrong precedent would be set if Experts say a wrong the court passed an order to appoint Deuba as prime minister. precedent would be their homes were inundated According to them, appointing the prime minister isn’t the jurisdiction set if the court It has been raining continuously for the past few days, leaving several settlements at risk of floods and inundation. of the judiciary. “Appointment of the prime minis- appoints Deuba as ter is purely a political issue. The SHIVA PURI But the process has not begun yet,” court should stay away from this,” prime minister. RAUTAHAT, JULY 4 said Ganesh Sah, a local resident. Bipin Adhikari, former dean at The Bagmati, Lalbakaiya and Jhaj, Kathmandu University School of Law, Sakuntala Devi has been living in a among other rivers and streams, in told the Post. “It can test the constitu- pass an order to appoint Deuba as flimsy tent pitched on the road after Rautahat are flooded as it has been tionality of the President’s decision to prime minister,” Acharya told the the flooded Jhaj river inundated her raining unabated in the Chure region reject the claims for the prime minis- Post. “There is the need for a prudent house at Badaharwa settlement in for the past few days. terial post. It should refrain from verdict which gives due respect to Durgabhagawati Rural Municipality-5, According to the District Natural directly declaring someone as prime Parliament and does not disrespect Rautahat on Saturday. The 67-year-old Disaster Management Centre, more minister.” the Office of the President.” does not know how long her six-mem- than 200 families have been displaced Oli’s second House dissolution—he Presenting his arguments on behalf ber family should languish in such a across the district due to monsoon-re- had dissolved the House earlier on of Sapkota on Sunday, senior advocate pitiable condition. lated disasters. December 20 also but it was over- Shyam Kharel said the President must “Living under tents during the According to Yadav, several settle- turned by the Supreme Court on have stopped Oli from laying claim to rainy season is not easy. We are wait- ments in wards 1, 2, 3 and 9 of Ishanath February 23—has raised myriad ques- the prime ministerial post as per ing for the floodwaters to recede so Municipality, Ward No 9 of Rajdevi tions before the court. Article 76 (5), as he had admitted that that we can return home,” said Municipality and wards 5, 7 and 8 of Adhikari said he has not heard of there was no situation for him to win Sakuntala. “This is just the beginning Durga Bhagawati Rural Municipality any such practice in any democratic the confidence vote in the House of the monsoon season. I don’t know have been affected by floods. country where a court has passed an under Article 76 (4). when we can return home. Our ordeal POST PHOTO A few days ago, the flooded Bagmati order to appoint someone prime min- “Oli was not eligible to make a is the same every year.” Around 100 displaced families from Durgabhagawati Rural Municipality in Rautahat are damaged a bridge and eroded its ister. claim for the post of prime minister It has been raining continuously for taking shelter in filmsy tents that are pitched on the road. embankment at Singarman in According to Adhikari, the court, without going through the vote the past few days, leaving various settle- Gadhimai Municipality-9. The river however, can show the direction of confidence process which is com- ments at risk of floods and inundation. for safety,” said Chief District Officer the same spot two years ago when has also started eroding embank- through its verdict. pulsory as per the constitution,” said There are around 300 households at Indra Dev Yadav. “Efforts are under- their settlement was flooded. ments at wards 1 and 2 of Rajdevi “If it finds that the House Kharel. Badaharwa and 100 of them have been way to provide relief materials and Chief Minister of Province 2 Municipality. dissolution lacked any constitutional Senior advocate Upendra Kesari waterlogged. Most of the families liv- manage a safe settlement for the dis- Lalbabu Raut, along with some federal According to the District basis, it can pass an order asking the Neupane, who was defending Sapkota, ing in the settlement are victims dis- placed people.” and provincial ministers, had reached Administration Office, security per- authorities to restore it,” Adhikari said on Sunday that Oli’s claim for the placed by floods in the Bagmati river Some 300 people from the 100 dis- Badaharwa in 2019 and met with the sonnel from the Nepal Army, Nepal told the Post. “It can explain how prime ministerial position was just an in 1993. placed families have been living on a flood-affected people. The local people Police and Armed Police Force have there still was a possibility of the attempt to obstruct the appointment “Around a 100 families have already raised platform constructed while had requested the authorities to relo- been mobilised to repair the damaged House giving an alternative govern- of Deuba. been displaced by the recent floods in making an embankment along the cate them to a safer location. embankments. ment. It can also say there was only “Deuba’s claim was valid,” said the Jhaj river this year. The displaced Bagmati river. “The chief minister and ministers Police posts and government offices one contender for the post of prime Neupane. “The President should families have moved to higher grounds The families had sought shelter on had promised to move us elsewhere. in Rautahat have also been inundated. minister as Oli had already declared appoint him prime minister.” Rupa Sunar moves court demanding Oli’s aversion to federalism and secularism ... >> CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 sacking of Education Minister Shrestha Oli, who has in the past made public statements that go against the spirit Shrestha had escorted an alleged perpetrator of caste discrimination from the police of federalism, of late has been show- ing his inclination towards everything office to her home on June 23 after the district attorney’s office ordered her release. Hindu. His visit to Pashupatinath on January 25 and plan to build a Ram temple in Thori of Parsa district have POST REPORT and escorted the accused in his vehi- ment resources and visiting the police raised quite an eyebrow. In his inter- KATHMANDU, JULY 4 cle to her home. station so necessary legal action be views with Indian television channels In the petition, Sunar has asked taken against him,” states the writ in January also, Oli mostly resorted to Rupa Sunar, an alleged victim of the court to issue an order to petition registered by Sunar on Hindu and Hinduism. caste-based discrimination, has filed a sack Minister Shrestha from the Sunday. Basnet was the one who led the cam- writ petition at the Supreme Court Communications expert at the paign to gather masses from all over against Education Minister Krishna Supreme Court Kishor Poudel said the the country to establish the Ram tem- Gopal Shrestha. apex court will hear Sunar’s petition ple in Thori, which Oli wants to devel- POST PHOTO: DEEPAK KC Sunar, a resident of Tanahun cur- The apex court on Monday. op as Ayodhyapuri, as he believes real Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli speaks at the CPN-UML Central Committee meeting at rently working in the media sector in Besides Minister Shrestha, Ayodhya lies in Nepal and not in India. Baluwatar on Friday. Kathmandu, had accused a woman of will hear Sunar’s Sunar has made the Kathmandu Observers say since federalism and Babarmahal, Kathmandu of caste- District Attorney’s Office secularism are the major features of was widespread criticism that Oli was “Oli is trying to send across a mes- based discrimination by refusing to petition on Monday. Babarmahal, Metropolitan Police the constitution, scrapping them trying to trample upon the constitu- sage that he would stand against fed- rent out her house because of her Circle Singhadurbar and Saraswati would be tantamount to scrapping the tion. Though the Supreme Court eralism and secularism during the caste. Pradhan--the house owner --as constitution. restored the House on February 23, Oli upcoming polls,” said Shrestha, the Sunar had subsequently filed a dis- post saying that the minister defendants. Shyam Shrestha, a political analyst, again on May 21 dissolved the House political analyst. “It seems that he has crimination case against the house misused his post and resources Sunar has also asked the court says Oli appears to be ready to go to disregarding the constitutional provi- deployed his core leader to send a mes- owner on June 17 and the latter was to influence an ongoing to order the Kathmandu district any extent to derail the constitution. sions that do not allow him to do so. sage to India that he is ready to do arrested on June 20. investigation by securing the release attorney’s office and Metropolitan A master politician, Oli is known “Oli has been demonstrating away with the constitution.” The police released the house owner of the accused. Police Office, Singha Durbar for raising issues to draw the atten- anti-federalism activities for long. After the second House dissolution, from custody on June 23 after the “The Minister for Education, to register her complaint tion of the masses. In 2017, Oli went Now he seems to be trying to imple- Oli’s position is gradually becoming Kathmandu district attorney’s office Science and Technology should be against Shrestha and begin investiga- out on the hustings by upping anti-In- ment what he believes in–scrapping of untenable. A faction of his party led said that investigation into the case removed from his post for influencing tions as per the law and update dia rhetoric. After the promulgation federalism, which will mean making by Madhav Nepal has thrown its was incomplete. a serious criminal case like the court on the progress of of the constitution, to which India had the constitution null and void,” said weight behind the opposition alliance Following her release, Minister caste-based discrimination by the investigation on a weekly expressed reservations, Delhi imposed Rajendra Maharjan, a political ana- led by Nepali Congress President Sher Shrestha had reached the police office misusing his authority and govern- basis. a blockade, angering Nepalis. Oli lyst. “It looks like he is trying to make Bahadur Deuba. cashed in on that public anger, and it his party’s official agenda so as to The opposition alliance of the aroused nationalistic fervour. He won use it as a tool to make the constitu- Nepali Congress and the Communist g]kfn ;/sf/ the elections to return to power. tion dysfunctional.” Party of Nepal (Maoist Centre) lately vfg]kfgL dGqfno When he found himself cornered by Many believe Basnet’s proposal at has been piling pressure on Oli. Even his own party members, Oli last year the party Central Committee must if the House dissolution is overturned vfg]kfgL tyf 9n Joj:yfkg ljefu once again ratcheted up the nationalist have come with the full consent of Oli. by the court, scheduled elections are ;+3Lo vfg]kfgL tyf 9n Joj:yfkg cfof]hgf, g]kfnu~h rhetoric. His government published a In the past also, Oli’s close aides like not far away–they will be held by new map of Nepal in response to India’s Gokul Baskota and Niru Pal have made November next year. move of opening a road via Lipulekh to public statements against federalism. Oli hence is in a search for an agen- cfly{s k|:tfj vf]Ng] ;DaGwL ;"rgf Kailash Manasarovar in the Tibet Sher Bahadur Tamang, secretary at da that he could peddle during the k|sflzt ldlt @)&*÷)#÷@! Autonomous Region of China. the UML party’s headquarters, said election campaign. Observers say Oli o; cfof]hgfaf6 tklznsf] lgdf{0f sfo{sf] nflu e-GP df btf{ x'g cfPsf af]nkqx?sf] k|fljlws k|:tfj vf]nL ;fj{hlgs vl/b P]g, @)^# The new map, adopted by Parliament that Basnet’s proposal was part of the knows he cannot win the election through a constitutional amendment suggestions asked for during the again on the ultranationalist plank. sf] bkmf @# / ;fj{hlgs vl/b lgodfjnL @)^$ sf] lgdo %(, ^), ^@ / ^# adf]lhd d"NofËsg ubf{ of]Uotfsf] ;j} cfwf/df ;kmn x'g] with all parties showing unanimous Central Committee meeting that con- Maharjan, the political analyst, tklzn adf]lhdsf] ;f/e't?kdf k|efju|fxL af]nkqbftfsf] cfly{s k|:tfj tklznsf] :yfg, ldlt / ;dodf vf]lng] ePsf]n] ;fj{hlgs support, depicted Kalapani, Lipulekh cluded on Saturday. says proposals and statements similar vl/b lgodfjnL, @)^$ sf] bkmf #!-ª_ sf] pkbkmf % cg';f/ ;DalGwt ;a}sf] hfgsf/Lsf] nflu of] ;"rgf k|sflzt ul/Psf] 5 . and Limipiyadhura as parts of the “All suggestions, including Basnet’s, to Basnet’s would soon come from Nepali territory. India claims the will be discussed during the party other leaders in the party. tklzn areas as its own. conference on amending the party “The UML’s politics will soon be 7]Ssf g+=÷ljj/0f lgdf{0f sfo{sf] ljj/0f ;kmn af]nkqbftf Oli claimed that he won’t let anyone statute scheduled for August 9-11,” based on Hindutva. There is no doubt encroach upon even one inch of the Tamang told the Post. the constitution is under threat Contract ID: 01/077-78/CF/ FWSSMP- Construction work of Mrit Sanjiwoni-Swaminarayan-Sagun JV Butwal-13, Nepali territory and that he would Observers say Oli is currently tak- as the leading party is talking NEPALGUNJ Beljhundi Co-financing Rupendehi, Nepal “bring back” the territory. But Oli has ing a multi-pronged approach. against federalism and democratic Date of Publication: 2021-04-28 (2078-01-15) Water Supply Project for now put that issue aside. According to them, by putting aside republican setup,” said Maharjan. “If The Kathmandu Post National Daily Observers say Oli’s disregard for the the ultra-nationalist, or anti-India for we want to save these achievements, cfly{s k|:tfj vf]lng] ldlt, ;do / :yfgM @)&*.)#.@* ut] lbgsf] !M)) ah] ;+3Lo vfg]kfgL system had become apparent within that matter, rhetoric and putting for- there must be a strong alliance and months of him assuming office. When ward the anti-federal anti-secular continuous debates and discussions. tyf 9n Joj:yfkg cfof]hgf g]kfnu~h, afFs] . he dissolved the House for the first agenda, he is trying to make peace The trend is dangerous and we must time on December 20 last year, there with India. defeat it.” C M Y K

03 | MONDAY, JULY 05, 2021 NATIONAL Many people are reluctant to undergo Covid-19 tests Doctors warn a third wave of pandemic could hit the country only in a matter of days, as the authorities are lifting restrictions while the positivity rate is still high.

ARJUN POUDEL wheelers (Safa tempo) to operate. cases will surge after the removal of KATHMANDU, JULY 4 Experts say that the authorities restrictions.” have been taking decisions on an ad Some experts, however, say that Covid-19 tests have been halted in hoc basis since the beginning of the forcing people to stay at their Melamchi Municipality and in pandemic. homes for an indefinite period is Helambu Rural Municipality of Even after over 9,200 deaths and impossible, because more than the Sindhupalchok district following June over 640,000 infections, the authorities pandemic, it is the lockdown that has 16 flood and landslides. concerned have not learnt any lesson. affected the people. Sample collection for polymerase “What is concerning is we do not “Now we can neither enforce strict chain reaction tests, which used know the infection rate in the commu- restrictions, nor force people to follow to be carried out twice a week, has nity, new cases have been reported safety measures or undergo tests,” Dr not taken place after roads were from across the country and the num- Sher Bahadur Pun, chief of Clinical destroyed by the disaster caused by ber of infections is in thousands of Research unit at Sukraraj Tropical monsoon rains. numbers every day,” Dr Achyut Raj and Infectious Disease Hospital, told Health workers deployed in the dis- Karki, Covid-19 focal person at Bir the Post. “Authorities could have aster-hit areas said that they tried to Hospital, told the Post. launched an awareness drive to carry out antigen tests in the dis- According to Karki, the infection convince people to change their placed camps but the survivors severity is still high and still around behaviour but they did not pay much refused. 70 percent of beds in the critical care attention.” “The displaced families have since unit, intensive care unit, and high Several doctors the Post talked with left the camp and returned to their dependency unit of Bir Hospital are on Sunday said that a third wave of areas,” Dr Amir Awal of the Dhulikhel occupied by Covid-19 patients. infection is inevitable and warned Hospital told the Post over the phone that the third wave could be more POST PHOTO: DEEPAK KC from Melamchi. “They have other severe than the first and second waves. A woman selling sunglasses on the roadside receives money from a customer inside a taxi at Samakhusi, Kathmandu on Sunday. pressing priorities like basic needs.” A Health Ministry “Vaccine is the only solution for a The people of Melamchi and country like ours, where authorities Helambu are not the only ones reluc- official says the have failed to make other safety tant to undergo Covid-19 tests. measures effective,” said Deuba, the Officials at the Ministry of Health and Covid-19 situation public health epidemiologist. Population say many people from “Lessening of the loss of the infection Prohibitory orders extended by across the country are refusing to in Nepal is still depends on how quickly we can immu- get tested. nise our people.” As the positivity rate is still very out of control. An official at the Health Ministry high, death rate is significant, new said that the Covid-19 situation in cases have been reported from across Nepal is still out of control. 10 days, odd-even rule for public the country. Meanwhile, preventive Despite the high risk of infection “Neither could we increase testing, measures are being lifted. outbreak, authorities have lifted nor could we make contact tracing Health experts have warned that a almost all restrictions that were effective. We also failed to isolate the third wave of the pandemic could hit enforced to contain the spread of coro- infected people,” the official told the vehicles removed in the Valley the country within a matter of days. navirus. According to the World Post on condition of anonymity. “We They said that priority of basic Health Organisation, Covid-19 per- even could not set up a quarantine needs is the main reason for Covid-19 cent-positive rate should be less than facility after the start of the second Examinations can be conducted with no more than 25 examinees per exam hall. testing reluctance among a large num- five percent for at least two weeks wave of infection.” ber of people. before the government could consider Health experts say the general pub- ANUP OJHA one including the driver, help and can operate on Mondays, Wednesdays “We only enforced restrictions and reopening. lic cannot be blamed for the surge in KATHMANDU, JULY 4 passengers must wear masks. Besides and Fridays. forced people to stay indoors but never On Sunday, 1,042 people tested posi- the infection, as they are the ones get- the mask, the driver and help must Many shops and businesses, howev- inquired about their problems,” Dr tive for Covid-19 from among 4,876 ting infected, dying and suffering mul- The prohibitory orders in place in the wear visors and gloves. Public vehi- er, have been operating flouting the Keshab Deuba, a public health epide- polymerase chain reaction tests per- tiple other problems created by the three districts of Kathmandu Valley cles should provide hand sanitisers restrictions. miologist, told the Post . “Why would formed, which means the positivity pandemic. since April 29 have been extended by and disinfect the vehicles daily. “Either they have to close our shops people cooperate with authorities, rate stood at 21.4 percent. Similarly “The risk of the country getting another 10 days from Tuesday to July Similarly, Safa tempo and blue micro- forever or let us operate,” said Sabina when they have more severe problems 561 others tested positive in 3,256 anti- trapped in a vicious cycle of lock- 15 with the odd-even number rule for bus can carry no more than nine pas- Shrestha, 37, who runs a gift shop at than the virus?” gen tests. In the last 24 hours, 27 peo- downs and infection surges has public transport removed. sengers and should install plastic Kumaripati, Lagankhel. “How can we A meeting of three chief district ple died of Covid-19. increased,” said one health official. A meeting of the Valley’s three screen dividers along the aisle. pay our rents if we are barred from officers of Kathmandu Valley on “Risk of spread of infection has not “Health facilities will be overwhelmed chief district officers on Sunday “The odd-even number rule for pub- doing our business? We had to shut Sunday decided to remove odd-even lessened, and I have been urging again and we have to enforce another decided to extend the prohibitory lic transport vehicles was not a sensi- our shops for two months but the rules for vehicles in the Valley from the authorities not to let their guard lockdown. What is concerning is that orders with further relaxation of ble decision because this caused government is not going to pay our Tuesday. The meeting also decided to down,” Dr Biraj Karmacharya, the lockdown has affected the overall restrictions. The odd-even number crowding in public vehicles and rents or waive the taxes,” complained let microbuses and electric three an epidemiologist, told the Post. “New development of the country.” plate rule for public vehicles was increased the risk of infection,” said Shrestha. widely criticised by transport entre- Yogendra Karmacharya, chairman of Many restaurants and eateries have preneurs and health workers who said the Federation of Nepalese National also been ignoring the restrictions. the rule would allow fewer such vehi- Transport Entrepreneurs. Although they are permitted to run cles on the road leading to crowding According to the federation, over only takeaway and home delivery ser- in public transport and heightened 400,000 public vehicles have been vices, over the past few days they have infection risks. garaged for the past two months due to started allowing dine-in customers. But public transport vehicles will the prohibitory orders. “With the reopening of businesses have to operate by following health Last week, two months after the and offices, public movement has safety protocols. introduction of the prohibitory orders increased and people prefer to eat sit- “We have lifted the ban on public in the Kathmandu Valley, the authori- ting inside. How can we not allow vehicles in the Kathmandu Valley,” ties had allowed public transport vehi- them,” said the owner of an eatery at said Kali Prasad Parajuli, chief dis- cles with more than 25 seats to operate Koteshwar. trict officer of Kathmandu. on alternate days as per odd-even “We had no business for two months, “Public vehicles can operate in the number plate rule and groceries, vege- but we still have to pay the monthly Valley by following the set protocols. table shops and department stores to rent, which is over 40,000. We cannot We have also decided to allow schools operate until 6pm. sustain by selling takeaways only,” to conduct examinations in person,” Just a week ago, in mid-June the he said. said Parajuli. He said other restric- three district administrators had Meanwhile, daily Covid-19 cases tions remain the same as announced eased prohibitory orders to allow have been coming down after peaking last week. pirate vehicles to run on odd-even on May 11 when the country con- As per the new decision, examina- number basis and business houses to firmed a record 9,317 new infections. tions can be conducted with no more operate on alternate days. On April 29, when the prohibitory than 25 examinees per exam hall. Jewellery shops, electronics stores orders were imposed in the Valley, The notice published by the District and automobile shops are allowed to nationwide daily cases numbered Administration Office, Kathmandu on open only on Sundays, Tuesdays and 4,831. Sunday states that public vehicles can Thursdays while shopping malls, On Sunday the country reported carry passengers not more than their clothing stores, gift shops, sports 1,042 new cases of Covid-19 with 27 POST FILE PHOTO standard seating capacity and every- apparel stores and cosmetic shops fatalities. The country’s Covid-19 positivity rate stood at 21.4 percent on Sunday. Malaysian firm to reimburse Nepali ex-workers their recruitment expenses Many Malaysian gloves manufacturers have started compensating their foreign workers following international pressure to make their products free of ‘forced labour.’

CHANDAN KUMAR MANDAL migrants and bar it from hiring Nepali The action by the US, which is the ers posting record profits. The ongo- part of forced labour. activist. “The new notice is for Nepali KATHMANDU, JULY 4 workers.” biggest market for gloves manufac- ing pandemic has seen skyrocketing Last year in July, WRP Asia Pacific, workers who have already returned Malaysia-based companies are the tured in Malaysia, prompted demand for gloves from Malaysian a leading gloves maker, rolled out a home. As it is not easy to contact those In what may be seen as foreign employ- world’s biggest manufacturers of rub- Malaysian firms to come forward and manufactures, creating new billion- remediation plan for nearly 1,600 of its workers, who could be anywhere these ers’ efforts at promoting fair and ethi- ber gloves. However, in recent years, compensate their employees. aires in the Southeast Asian country. workers, which would also compen- days, the notice was issued in a nation- cal recruitment practices, a leading reports have surfaced that workers Last year, when the pandemic Malaysian companies came up with sate about 600 Nepali workers. al daily so that they could easily get in Malaysian company has come forward employed in these companies were caused an unprecedented surge in remediation packages to abide by the WRP’s decision to compensate its touch with the company. Through this to refund its former Nepali workers working as forced labour amid allega- demand for medical gloves and manu- zero recruitment cost policy and send foreign workers had come on the heels notice, the company will start collect- the money they had invested during tions of passport confiscations, debt facturers had to go into overdrive to out a message against international of the CBP’s ban on the company’s ing documents.” their recruitment process. bondage, deceptive recruitment, illegal meet the demand, many Malaysian allegations that the companies have exports to the US, in September 2019, However, the number of former Hartalega Holdings Bhd, the world’s withholding of pay, and restricted free- companies, one after another, had exploitative working conditions and over forced labour charges. Later, Top Nepali workers of the company is not largest producer of synthetic rubber dom of movement among other things. rolled out remediation schemes for their products were made with forced Glove Corp Bhd, the world’s largest immediately known. Post’s email to gloves used mainly in the healthcare Following reports of ill-treatment compensating their workers. The labour. Such reimbursement schemes medical glove maker, had decided to the company was not responded by the industry, has asked its Nepali workers, of the labour force, the United States’ move was also motivated by these would also benefit Nepali workers refund up to Malaysian Ringgit (RM)50 time of the filing of this story. who once worked for the company, to Customs and Border Protection (CBP) companies eyeing massive profit dur- employed in those companies. million to its workers to cover their Also, migrant rights activists find contact the company so that it could imposed a ban on the products of var- ing the pandemic period which saw “Foreign employers like these recruitment investments. confusion in the notice as it neither pay back their recruitment costs. ious foreign firms. medical protective gear manufactur- Malaysian companies deciding to Hartalega Holdings Bhd, which mentions the eligibility criteria for Issuing a notice in a Nepali national reimburse Nepali workers, who were recently put a notice in a Nepali news- claiming reimbursement, nor con- daily, the company has asked its for- once cheated during the recruitment paper, also announced its plan to tains any information on the focal mer Nepali workers to contact the phase, can set an example for employ- reimburse a total of up to RM40 mil- person to be contacted. Besides, it has company and apply for reimburse- ers in other labour destination coun- lion in recruitment fees previously a Quick Response (QR) code for reach- ment of their recruitment costs. tries too,” Jha, who is also a coordina- paid by migrant workers to employ- ing out to the company, which they say Migrant rights activists have laud- tor of the National Network for Safe ment agents during the recruitment can be tricky for migrant workers who ed the company’s initiative, which is Migration, a grouping of organisa- process. often lack technological knowledge. likely to help Nepali migrant workers tions promoting safer migration, told Last month, Hartalega said that it “It is important that companies who often take loans to finance their the Post. “This decision will put a completed the remediation of recruit- complicit in forced labour take all rea- recruitment fees and also send out a moral pressure on other employers. ment fees amounting to 41 million sonable steps to reach out transpar- message for the promotion of ethical They should come forward to protect ringgit (USD 9.96 million) to its work- ently to workers who are eligible for recruitment practices. migrants, who come from poor ers, ahead of its initial target. reimbursement to ensure they receive “At a time when there are reports of countries like Nepal and pay hefty According to a migrant rights activ- these payments promptly and relia- migrant workers facing wage theft sums for recruitment, and ensure they ist, who did not want to be named, bly,” Andy Hall, a Kathmandu-based and returning home empty-handed, a are not exploited during any phases of Nepali workers currently employed at migrant workers rights specialist Malaysian company coming forward migration.” Hartalega have already started receiv- working in South and South-East to compensate its ex-workers is a The Guardian investigation, in 2018, ing their reimbursement in instal- Asia, said. “As there are many com- praiseworthy initiative,” said Swarna had revealed that at least two ments. plexities involved, it’s important that Kumar Jha, a labour migration Malaysian companies—Top Glove and “As per our conversation with the the companies bear in mind workers’ researcher and activist. “The move is WRP–were subjecting thousands of Nepali workers employed at Hartalega, literacy levels may be low, so addition- also beneficial for the company migrant workers from Nepal and the company has between 1,500 to 2,000 al support is therefore required to because even the Nepal government REUTERS Bangladesh to exploitative working Nepali workers. They have started ensure workers access the remedia- could blacklist it for exploiting Nepali Malaysia is the world’s biggest manufacturer of rubber gloves. conditions and their products were getting back their refund,” said the tion they are entitled to.”

C M Y K MONDAY, JULY 05, 2021 | 04 OPINION EDITORIAL Whither Nepal’s foreign policy The world is watching Nepal’s abstention from voting for the It would be shameful if the National Human Rights UN resolution on Myanmar Commission’s status were to be downgraded. was a mistake.

On December 15, 2020, President Bidya Devi Bhandari issued an ordinance to amend the Constitutional Council (Functions, KUL CHANDRA GAUTAM Duties, Power and Procedure) Act 2010, changing the provision that required the necessary quorum for holding a meeting of the council. As per the amendment, the quorum would be a simple majority of the existing members instead of the earlier provision that required five of the six members to be present, including the prime minister, the chair of the council In a strategic move, the council convened the same day with The fundamental principles of Nepal’s foreign policy have been clearly and three members of the council—the prime minister, chief justice consistently communicated to the Cholendra Shumsher Rana, and National Assembly chair international community ever since Ganesh Timilsina. The meeting also recommended 38 names for Nepal joined the United Nations in 45 vacancies in several constitutional bodies and sent the names 1955, and especially since the country’s to the Parliamentary Secretariat for a hearing on December 18, first democratically elected Prime Minister, BP Koirala, addressed the two days before the Lower House was dissolved. The nomina- 15th regular session of the UN General tions also included all five seats on the National Human Rights Assembly in 1960. In his memorable Commission. The ordinance has drawn global attention, with a speech entitled Small Nations Have a complex situation where the involvement of the chief justice in Role to Play, BP Koirala eloquently out- the council decision is in question. lined how Nepal’s foreign policy would be fully inspired by the principles and But despite international scrutiny and writ petitions against purpose of the United Nations Charter. the ordinance, 32 individuals were appointed to various consti- Article 51 of the 2015 Constitution tutional bodies on February 3, including the National Human also clearly reaffirms that Nepal would Rights Commission, which saw the appointment of the chair conduct an independent foreign policy and four commissioners. And it was the chief justice who based on the Charter of the United Nations, non-alignment, principles of WIKIMEDIA COMMONS administered the oath of office to the new commissioners. Panchasheel, international law and the ity of the Non-Aligned Movement, the eign policy, which are perfectly appro- South Africa even when many International human rights agencies have warned that the gov- norms of world peace, taking into con- Group of 77 and Myanmar’s fellow priate, but its practical application by Western powers were dithering. It ernment should immediately withdraw the ordinance. sideration the overall interests of the Association of Southeast Asian the current crop of our diplomats and voted to impose sanctions against In a joint statement, Human Rights Watch, the International nation. This harks back to BP Koirala’s Nations (ASEAN) neighbours. Nor was their political masters. Perhaps a little apartheid-era South Africa, but it has original affirmation that Nepal would Nepal’s position guided by any agree- historical retrospective might be help- consistently voted to lift unilateral Commission of Jurists and Amnesty International said, regard the United Nations not only as a ment among the South Asian ful in this context. As BP Koirala had US sanctions on Cuba. Nepal com- ‘Nepal’s Human Rights Commission is currently graded ‘A’ by bulwark of our independence and secu- Association for Regional Cooperation articulated so eloquently six decades manded sufficient respect at the UN in the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions for rity, and a protector of our rights and (SAARC) countries, as two of its mem- ago, small nations like Nepal can and the 1960s to be entrusted with the its compliance with the Paris Principles, which were adopted by freedom, but also as an instrument for bers, Afghanistan and the Maldives have played a large and important role responsibility of chairing a high-pro- the UN General Assembly as the basic standards governing the promoting peace and justice among voted for the resolution. at the United Nations. Backed by file investigation on the death of nations. Accordingly, Nepal would As there was no compulsion for visionary leaders like BP Koirala, Secretary-General Dag Hammarskjöld mandate and operation of effective national human rights judge every international issue on its Nepal to vote the way it did, my specu- Mahendra, Birendra, GP Koirala and in the 1960s. In the 1970s, Nepal provid- organisations.’ merit without consideration of any- lation is that it took the cue for abstain- Man Mohan Adhikari, capable diplo- ed strong global leadership in UN nego- The controversial ordinance and the subsequent appoint- body’s fear or favour. Nepal has pur- ing from its two large neighbours, mats like Padam Bahadur Khatri, tiations on the Law of the Sea. In more ments at the National Human Rights Commission have the sued this line in its foreign policy fairly China and India. Along with Russia, Rishikesh Shah, Shailendra Kumar recent times, Nepal has been a strong world concerned that Nepal no longer complies with the princi- consistently during the past six dec- China and India are major arms suppli- Upadhyaya, Yadunath Khanal, Bhekh and eloquent advocate on behalf of the ades, despite numerous changes in not ers to Myanmar, and they also have Bahadur Thapa and others have made least developed and land-locked coun- ples and the legitimacy and credibility of the commission, as only the government but even our polit- other competing strategic and econom- their mark in Nepal’s diplomacy, tries. warned by international agencies in March. In April, the UN ical system. ic interests. But Nepal has no such including at the United Nations. In all such cases, the hallmark of Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights also sought vested interest. Hence it is all the more A hallmark of Nepal’s neutral and Nepal’s foreign policy has been exercis- clarification from the commission if the Paris Principles were The Myanmar deviation puzzling and deplorable why it chose to non-aligned foreign policy has been ing its independent judgment, not ensured in the appointment process. However, on June 18, Nepal seriously vote the way it did. I would hazard a that it has dared to take independent swayed or pressured by the Big Powers, deviated from this age-old policy when guess that if we had more principled positions based on the merits of the including our large neighbours or any As the pressure to rectify the controversial appointments it abstained from voting for the UN and courageous leaders like BP Koirala, case, often contrary to the views and other ideological pressure groups or made in the constitutional bodies, especially in the National General Assembly resolution on GP Koirala or Man Mohan Adhikari wishes of the Big Powers, including voting blocs. In light of this historic Human Rights Commission, grows, the government has shown Myanmar that was approved by an guiding Nepal’s foreign policy, in a case our neighbours China and India. Thus, heritage and track record, Nepal’s no intent to address the concerns and reverse the damage. overwhelming majority of 119 mem- like this one, Nepal would have joined notwithstanding pressure from the abstention from voting for the UN Instead, on June 24, President Bhandari appointed 20 chairs and bers voting ‘yes’, one voting ‘no’ and 36 the majority of UN members and sup- United States, Nepal advocated for the General Assembly resolution on abstaining. It is worth recalling that ported the resolution. membership of the People’s Republic Myanmar last week was a regrettable members in 11 constitutional bodies. Lest we forget, the ordi- the key provisions of the resolution on Nepal and Burma have long-stand- of China (in lieu of the Republic of mistake. I sincerely hope that Nepal nance remains sub-judice in court. Myanmar condemned its military jun- ing, friendly relations. When the people China) in the UN in the 1950s and 1960s. will make a course correction and The next special review of Nepal’s status is now slated for ta’s crackdown on peaceful protesters of Nepal were struggling to overthrow Resisting pressure from the then Union revert to pursuing a better thought October this year, and the commission has until July 28 to justi- and civil society. It called for the imme- the autocratic Rana regime, the newly of Soviet Socialist Republics, Nepal through, independent and principled fy if the appointments comply with international norms. A diate and unconditional release of arbi- independent Burmese government sup- condemned the Soviet invasion of position in its international relations. trary detainees and an end to restric- ported the Nepali freedom fighters and Hungary in the 1950s and Most of our professional diplomats are failure to comply with the Paris Principles means that the com- tions on freedom of expression. And it even provided military assistance. Czechoslovakia in the 1960s. smart and capable, but they deserve mission will lose its ‘A’ status accreditation, which was one of called on all countries to stop selling Myanmar’s democratically elected, but better political masters who listen, con- the betting points for Nepal to secure a second term at the arms to Myanmar. now detained National League for Historic track record sult, motivate and empower them to United Nations Human Rights Council from 2021 to 2023. It It seems to me that there was nothing Democracy leader, Aung San Suu Kyi While supporting the rights of the better serve the nation. would be shameful for Nepal if the commission’s status were to objectionable for Nepal in that resolu- herself knows Nepal well. Palestinian people, Nepal became the tion which was supported by a The Myanmar case indicates that first country in South Asia to recognise Gautam is a former Assistant be downgraded and worse yet if the commission repeats its cross-section of countries from all Nepal needs to revisit not so much the Israel. Taking a principled stance, Secretary-General of the UN and controversial statement of sovereignty and internal affairs. regions of the world, including a major- values and principles guiding its for- Nepal firmly opposed apartheid in Deputy Executive Director of UNICEF. On liberty, conspiracy, and vaccination

hesitancy is not the belief that Gates The harm with vaccine is trying to implant a microchip into your brain; it is the act of not getting hesitancy is the vaccinated. What, if anything, can the state do about that? act of not getting Evidence from the UK suggests that as more people get vaccinated, vaccine vaccinated itself. hesitancy declines. The UK and US both started with similar levels of ‘anti-vax’ sentiment last summer, but HUGO DROCHON such views have plummeted in the UK, and the country is now outpacing the US in vaccinations. This suggests that as more people get vaccinated and see that everything is okay, others may be more likely to follow suit. The best way to create this virtu- ous cycle is not to censor conspiracy Although countries like Israel, the theories but rather to vaccinate more United Kingdom, and the United people and spread the message that States have done particularly well get- vaccines are indeed safe and effec- ting Covid-19 vaccines into arms as tive. Seeking to prevent false beliefs fast as possible, vaccine hesitancy from being aired simply gives ammu- remains a serious hurdle. In the US, it nition to those claiming that the state has already derailed President Joe is out to get them. Biden’s goal of administering at least For the final holdouts, vaccine man- one vaccine dose to 70 percent of the dates might be the only solution, par- US population by July 4. ticularly if countries remain far short In a CNN poll in April, about 26 per- of herd immunity. With the highly cent of US respondents said they do contagious Delta variant ravaging not intend to get vaccinated at all. communities with lower rates of vac- That is a big problem, given that cination, this would be a true applica- near-universal vaccination is the only tion of Mill’s ‘harm principle’: to pre- reliable way to end the pandemic. vent harm to others. Assuming, for example, that Covid-19 As Mill observed, all beliefs are variants as contagious as measles either wholly false, partly true, or become dominant, achieving herd wholly true. In the case of conspiracy immunity could require that 94 per- theories, we should remember that cent of the population is immune. SHUTTERSTOCK many are often based on some grain In these circumstances, policymak- exchange of ideas. Conspiracy theories Should we, therefore, stifle conspir- ries can of course encourage harmful Soros remain the subject of conspira- of truth, or at least on a legitimate ers might be tempted to try to suppress have a ‘self-sealing’ property, whereby acy theorists in the interest of facili- acts. For example, the belief that 5G cy theories—and the target of threats impulse to challenge the elite consen- vaccine hesitancy—much of it fueled new information that challenges the tating a rational exchange of ideas? technologies help to propagate Covid- and defamation—to this day. sus. No, Gates doesn’t want to control by conspiracy theories. To believers, belief comes to be seen as further Mill, who opposed all forms of censor- 19 has led people in the UK to burn Similarly, many of those who vio- our minds with microchips; but it is the real danger is not Covid-19, but that proof of it. If you try to convince a ship, argued that such a public inter- down cell towers. lently attacked the US Capitol on perfectly reasonable to worry that Bill Gates is using vaccines to implant ‘9/11 truther’ that the September 11, vention is justified only on the basis Moreover, conspiracy theories January 6, 2021, subscribe to the today’s tech giants have too much microchips in our brains. 2001, terrorist attacks were not, in fact, of the ‘harm principle.’ As he famous- sometimes do inflict direct harm, as is QAnon conspiracy theory, which holds influence over the way we think. But aren’t conspiracy theories just an inside job, they will probably lament ly put it in On Liberty: ‘the only pur- often the case when they are linked to that Barack Obama, Hillary Clinton, Exploring these nuances is what another form of free speech? In his that you have been brainwashed, too, pose for which power can be rightfully anti-Semitism. It might not matter and Soros are part of a Satanist, pedo- Mill meant when he advocated for the classic defense of that principle, On and urge you to read a report or watch exercised over any member of a civi- that the British conspiracy theorist philic child sex-trafficking ring. In vigorous public contestation of true Liberty, John Stuart Mill offers two a documentary showing that the offi- lised community, against his will, is to David Icke believes lizards are ruling this case, the US has a number of legal beliefs. Though we might beat the pan- arguments: those who hold erroneous cial version of history is a lie. prevent harm to others.’ the world; but it does when he lashes measures designed to encompass the demic eventually, the battle for critical beliefs are more likely to abandon The point to remember is that con- Considered in isolation, many con- out against ‘Rothschild Zionists.’ negative effects of conspiracy theo- thinking will go on. them in a free exchange of ideas, spiracy theorists genuinely believe that spiracy theories do not fall afoul of Going back at least as far as the noto- ries, such as ‘breach of peace’ ordi- while vigorously contesting a true a small secret group of people—a Mill’s principle. Simply believing that rious Czarist secret police fabrication, nances and laws against disorderly Drochon, Assistant Professor of belief prevents it from becoming an cabal—controls the world. With this as aliens have landed at Roswell, New The Protocols of the Elders of Zion, conduct or ‘hate speech.’ Political Theory at the University of unexamined prejudice or dogma. one’s premise, it makes sense to inter- Mexico, or that no one landed on the Jews have been the conspiracy theo- But, again, these statutes address Nottingham, is the author of In fact, conspiracy theorists rarely pret all new information as validation moon doesn’t hurt anyone; though rist’s cabal par excellence, which helps individual actions, not the beliefs Nietzsche’s Great Politics. abandon their beliefs through a free of it. otherwise harmless conspiracy theo- to explain why figures such as George themselves. The problem with vaccine — Project Syndicate

C M Y K 05 | MONDAY, JULY 05, 2021 MONEY

FOREX US Dollar 119.89 Demand for medicines to reach 71.65 tonnes Euro 142.25

Pound Sterling 165.70 Japanese Yen 10.80 annually by 2024-25, report says Chinese Yuan 18.52

Qatari Riyal 32.73 The country imports pharmaceutical products worth Rs28.65 billion annually, mainly from India, Industry Department reports.

Australian Dollar 90.23 KRISHANA PRASAIN to export medicines to Nepal. Malaysian Ringit 28.80 KATHMANDU, JULY 4 While Indian companies are taking advantage of the low drug registra- Saudi Arab Riyal 31.97 The demand for pharmaceutical prod- tion fees in Nepal, domestic compa- Exchange rates fixed by Nepal Rastra Bank ucts in Nepal will increase to 71.65 nies have to pay exorbitant fees in tonnes in the next five years, rising at India, reducing their competitiveness an annual rate of 7 percent, according in Indian market. The Indian process Shares to the latest report. for importing medicines from Nepal is According to the Detail Study of long and cumbersome, causing diffi- Nepse 2,834.51pts -0.30% Pharmaceutical and Medicine culties in export. Manufacturing Industries in Nepal, There are some substandard drugs HIGHEST LOSERS prepared by the Department of available in the Nepali market which MBLD2085 SBLD2082 PFL GUFL PMHPL RLFL -5.38% -5.36% -4.47% -4.26% -4.18% -3.9% Industry, the annual demand for phar- are either diluted or don’t meet the maceutical products currently stands standards prescribed in the country’s MODERATE LOSERS JOSHI CFCL KKHC NICL API BBC at 53.66 tonnes. pharmacopoeia, the report said. -3.78% -3.66% -3.33% -3.27% -2.83% -2.73% The study has been conducted to The US Food and Drug

MODERATE GAINERS analyse the current status of human Administration estimates that about NMB50 LEMF CGH HDL UPPER NTC allopathic medicine (pharmaceuti- 10 percent of all drugs around the 1.96% 2.02% 2.09% 2.19% 2.22% 2.29% cals) manufacturing factories with world are counterfeit and 60 percent HIGHEST GAINERS respect to demand, supply, energy of them are found in developing coun- LEC NFS CORBL CHDC OHL GWFD83 consumption and challenges for tries. The World Health Organization 2.98% 4.03% 6.16% 7.25% 8.47% 10% sustainability. estimates that 35 percent of the The report estimates the total phar- fake drugs produced in the world maceutical market of Nepal to be come from India, where about 20 per- worth Rs53 billion. Nepal imports cent of all drugs sold are either fake PRICE PER TOLA pharmaceutical products worth or substandard. BULLION Rs28.65 billion mainly from India and As per the report, sale of unregis- medicines worth Rs 24 billion are pro- tered drugs is prevalent in the Tarai Fine Gold Rs 91,500 duced by domestic factories. regions due to the open border with At present, there are 62 pharmaceu- POST FILE PHOTO India. The monitoring and regulation Silver Rs 1,325 tical factories manufacturing human The total investment of existing pharmaceutical factories in Nepal is more than Rs35 billion, according to the report. systems aren’t vigilant enough to related medicines, 8 pharmaceutical meet this danger and are compounded SOURCE: FENEGOSIDA factories manufacturing medicines cannot even compete in the local mar- India is the second largest country duction can take care of 75 percent of by lax enforcement of prescription for animals and 73 ayurvedic medi- ket as imported medicines are com- in terms of pharmaceutical products the total market,” the report said. rules, according to the report. cine manufacturing factories. More paratively cheaper.” and exports at comparatively cheaper The total investment of existing Of the total pharmaceutical facto- GASOLINE WATCH than 30 factories are under process of Biplab Adhikari, general secretary rates due to which domestic products pharmaceutical factories in Nepal ries based in Nepal, 36 follow the Good getting licenses for marketing purpos- of the association, said that the Covid- cannot compete with Indian ones, is more than Rs35 billion, the Manufacturing Practice (GMP) es. There are 390 foreign pharmaceuti- 19 pandemic has dealt a severe blow to industry insiders said. report said. certified by the World Health cal manufacturers supplying medi- the pharmaceutical industry and if Though the government introduced The country imported raw materi- Organization (WHO) or National cines through importers in Nepal. the government does not protect this the Safeguard, Anti-Dumping and als worth Rs9 billion in the fiscal year Guidelines (DDA) and 10 are in the Nepal imports 70 percent of raw sector, many factories will shut in the Countervailing Act, 2019, it has 2019-20 with the packaging material process of getting GMP. materials from India and the remain- near future. not come into implementation yet, bill standing at Rs2.5 billion. The usage of pharmaceuticals is ing 30 percent from China. India “The government should stop Dahal added. The report has recommended the governed by the underlying medical imports around 80 percent of the importing pharmaceutical products Imported medicine from India com- government to facilitate procurement science. According to the report, the intermediate products from China to that are produced domestically,” said mands the lion’s share of the Nepali of raw materials and the latest tech- four primary medical sciences are— manufacture raw materials. Adhikari, who is also managing direc- market at 52 percent while domestical- nologies, so that the cost of produc- Allopathy or modern medicine; Deepak Prasad Dahal, immediate tor of Innovative Pharma Lab. ly produced medicine holds 46 per- tion can be reduced and finished goods Ayurveda, an ancient Indian science past president of Association of Nepal is dependent heavily on India cent. Imported medicine from other can be available at competitive prices. which mainly uses herbal remedies; Pharmaceutical Producers of Nepal and India is dependent on China countries make up the remaining 2 The report said that about 90 per- Unani, of Chinese origin and is preva- (APPON), said as the government pol- for the raw materials and intermedi- percent of the market. cent (59) factories are large scale and lent in South East Asia followed by icy is more import-oriented, the ate products have reduced sharply The report said that mostly vac- 10 percent are medium scale. Most of Homeopathy, founded by a German growth of the domestic drug industry in China, as a result, the cost has cines, biotechnological products and the factories have a semi automated physician and was fairly popular in has remained stagnant despite huge gone up two to three fold, according to modern technology related medicines production process. the early 19th century. demand for medicines. the report. used for Anti-cancer and critical care According to a report, Nepali drug In many parts of the world, the “In terms of quality, we can com- Currently, most of the domestic fac- among others are imported. companies have to pay $1,500 as a reg- pharmaceutical industry is focused pete with any other products in the tories are either shut down or running “If the government takes effective istration fee to the Central Drug Lab on Allopathy, the most modern medi- world,” said Dahal, who is also the at 20 percent capacity. The industry is actions based on its budget announce- of India prior to exporting drugs to cal science. CEO of MDH Pharmaceuticals. facing problems importing raw mate- ment to make the country self-suffi- the Indian market, while Indian com- The report said that direct employ- “But due to the government policy, rials from India due to the pandemic, cient on essential medicines by pro- panies have to pay just Rs50,000 to the ment generated from the pharmaceu- domestic pharmaceutical products the report said. moting domestic factories, local pro- Department of Drug Administration tical industry in Nepal is about 20,000. Amazon, Tata say e-commerce rules will hit businesses Thailand auto exports help

REUTERS on its sellers, arguing that some claus- Tata declined to comment. NEW DELHI, JULY 4 es were already covered by existing The sources said that a consumer plug gaping tourism hole Indian government law, two of the sources said. ministry official argued that the rules Amazon.com Inc and India’s Tata The sources asked not to be named were meant to protect consumers and REUTERS cent, up from the 10.0 percent rise Group warned government officials says the proposed as the discussions were private.The were not as strict as those of other BANGKOK, JULY 4 forecast in March. Much of that is on Saturday that plans for tougher new e-commerce proposed policy states e-commerce countries. The ministry did not thanks to exports of cars, parts and rules for online retailers would have a firms must ensure none of their relat- respond to a request for comment. As tourism-reliant Thailand struggles accessories, Thailand’s biggest ship- major impact on their business mod- rules will further ed enterprises are listed as sellers on A Reliance executive agreed that with a collapse in foreign visitors, the ment, which surged 170 percent els, four sources familiar with the dis- their websites. That could impact the proposed rules would boost con- country’s auto sector is picking up year-on-year in May, the fastest cussions told Reuters. protect consumers. Amazon in particular as it holds an sumer confidence, but added that some of the slack with the value of car pace in more than eight years, cus- At a meeting organised by the con- indirect stake in at least two of its some clauses needed clarification. exports tipped to surge to a record this toms data showed. sumer affairs ministry and the gov- sellers, Cloudtail and Appario. Reliance did not respond to request year as the global economy reopens. “Exports are now a main engine ernment’s investment promotion arm, Inc’s Flipkart. New rules limiting On that proposed clause, a repre- for comment. The Southeast Asian nation is driving the economy,” Thai Commerce Invest India, many executives flash sales, barring misleading adver- sentative of Tata Sons, the holding The rules were announced last Asia’s second-most popular tourist Minister Jurin Laksanawisit told expressed concerns and confusion tisements and mandating a com- company of India’s $100 billion Tata month amid growing complaints from destination but its famous beaches, reporters this month. “We have to over the proposed rules and plaints system, among other propos- Group, argued that it was problematic, India’s brick-and-mortar retailers that street markets and pagodas have been admit that our tourism still can’t get asked that the July 6 deadline for sub- als, could force the likes of Amazon citing an example to say it would stop Amazon and Flipkart bypass foreign starved of business over the past year going.” Thailand is Asia’s fourth-larg- mitting comments be extended, said and Flipkart to review their business Starbucks—which has a joint-venture investment law using complex busi- due to pandemic restrictions that have est autos assembly and export hub for the sources. structures, and may increase costs with Tata in India—from offering its ness strcutures. The companies deny crippled global travel. some of the world’s largest carmak- The government’s tough new e-com- for domestic rivals including Reliance products on Tata’s marketplace web- any wrongdoing. While Thailand’s central bank has ers. The industry accounts for about merce rules announced on June 21 Industries’ JioMart, BigBasket and site. The Tata executive said the rules The government will soon issue cer- downgraded its projections for this 10 percent of Thailand’s GDP and aimed at strengthening protection for Snapdeal. will have wide ramifications for the tain clarifications on the foreign year’s economic growth due to the hit manufacturing jobs. The sector has consumers, caused concern among Amazon argued that Covid-19 had conglomerate, and could restrict sales investment rules, Indian commerce to consumption and tourism, it last been able to shake off the disruptive the country’s online retailers, notably already hit small businesses and the of its private brands, according to two minister Piyush Goyal told reporters week raised its 2021 export growth impact of Covid-19 much faster than market leaders Amazon and Walmart proposed rules will have a huge impact of the sources. on Friday. forecast to an 11-year high of 17.1 per- the tourism industry.

What inflation? Pandemic leaves emerging Asia’s consumer recovery behind

REUTERS the tourism-dependent country TOKYO/SINGAPORE, JULY 4 struggles with a third wave of coro- navirus infections. Asia’s once fast-growing economies Headline inflation in the are struggling with weak domestic Philippines hit 4.5 percent in May demand that is keeping a lid on from a year earlier, though its cen- inflation in contrast to some devel- tral bank kept record low rates this oped markets, heightening the month and projected inflation to chance many central banks will return to within its 2 percent-4 per- forgo interest rate hikes this year. cent target band by the second half For investors and policymakers of the year. Indonesia’s annual in Asian emerging markets, high inflation accelerated to 1.68 percent and sometimes destabilising infla- in May from 1.42 percent in April to tion has always gone hand in hand mark its highest level since with strong growth underpinning December, but remained below the their development. central bank’s 2 percent-4 percent That has changed markedly, as target range. Even in India, where slow vaccinations and a new wave retail inflation spiked to 6.3 percent of coronavirus infections delay in May, the central bank is unlikely economic recoveries in countries REUTERS to react with tighter policy to cush- like Thailand, Indonesia, the People wearing protective masks walk inside a shopping mall at the Sudirman Central ion the blow to growth from a dead- Philippines and India. Business District in Jakarta, Indonesia. ly second wave of the pandemic, While some Asian nations have sources have told Reuters. seen inflation perk up, reflating and the housing market run hot. Saito, an economist at Japan’s NLI While the pandemic’s scars may growth remains a higher priority But soft demand will keep infla- Research Institute. begin to heal next year, prospects for them even as rising inflation tion distant from red zones and “Given weak domestic demand, of benign inflation may mean Fed draws increasing attention in west- take immediate pressure off most many Asian economies won’t see policy is likely to have a bigger ern nations like the United States, Asian central banks to respond inflation accelerate sustainably. impact on Asian monetary policy Britain and Canada. with tighter monetary policy, ana- That means their central banks than inflation. To be sure, higher commodity lysts say. likely won’t hike interest rates The real test for Asian central prices are affecting Asia, as with “Resurgence in infections is forc- until next year,” he said. banks could come next year, when the rest of the world, by raising the ing some Asian nations to reimpose Thailand’s central bank main- the Fed may deliver clearer signals cost of raw materials. South Korea curbs on activity that are weighing tained record low interest rates this on rate hike prospects and put more is also preparing for rate hikes as on inflation, a trend that will con- month and projected headline infla- upward pressure on the region’s soon as this year as its economy tinue for some time,” said Makoto tion of just 1.2 percent this year, as bond yields.

C M Y K MONDAY, JULY 05, 2021 | 06 SPORTS | MEDLEY Messi-inspired Argentina set up Colombia semi-final South Africa beat West The 14-time champions beat Ecuador 3-0 while Colombia see off Uruguay 4-2 on penalties after goalless stalemate in their Copa America quarter-finals.

AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE Plata an equaliser with a near-post Indies to claim GOIANIA, JULY 4 block. Inter Milan forward Martinez final- Lionel Messi scored one goal and cre- ly ended Ecuador’s resistence six min- T20 series ated two others as Argentina beat utes from time from Messi’s pass after Ecuador 3-0 in Goiania on Saturday to Hincapie was caught in possession by AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE reach the Copa America semi-finals. Angel Di Maria. ST GEORGE’S, JULY 4 In Tuesday’s last four match, the And Hincapie completed a misera- 14-time winners will play Colombia, ble few minutes as he was dismissed South Africa capitalised on the misfir- who beat Uruguay on penalties earlier in injury time after dragging back ing power-hitters of the West Indies to in the day. substitute Di Maria when clean claim a series-clinching 25-run victory Messi teed up goals for Rodrigo De through, with Messi despatching the in the final T20 International of their Paul and Lautaro Martinez before fir- free-kick. five-match contest at the National ing home an injury time free-kick to Goalkeeper David Ospina was the Cricket Stadium in Grenada on cap a stunning individual perfor- hero as Colombia beat Uruguay on Saturday. mance. The scoreline was harsh on penalties in Brasilia. Ospina saved Defending a total of 168-4, thanks to Ecuador, who ended the game with 10 two spot-kicks in the shoot-out on the half-centuries from Aiden Markram men after Pedro Hicapie’s dismissal day he earned his 112th Colombian and Quinton de Kock, all the Proteas’ but had been competitive throughout. cap, moving clear of the previous main bowlers made significant strikes “The truth is it was a very tough national record he shared with the to limit the defending World T20 cham- match. We knew the difficulty of play- iconic Carlos Valderrama. pions to 143-9 despite a typically flam- ing Ecuador, who work hard with play- He dedicated the victory to his civil boyant 52 from opening batsman Evin ers who are fast, physically strong, strife-torn country that would have Lewis. young,” said Messi. “It was a battle been one of the twin hosts alongside Fast bowler Lungi Ngidi, who until we managed the (second) goal.” Argentina before South American endured a hammering through the Argentina made a bright start and football’s governing body CONMEBOL first four matches, bounced back with Martinez almost opened the scoring moved the tournament to Brazil over three wickets. Fellow pacer Kagiso with a moment of brilliance. He coronavirus pandemic concerns and Rabada, and seam bowling all-rounder chipped the ball over goalkeeper AP/RSS social unrest in Colombia. Wiaan Mulder, playing in place of Hernan Galindez and then volleyed Argentina captain Lionel Messi set up goals for Rodrigo De Paul and Lautaro Martinez before scoring an injury time free-kick against Ecuador. There was little to report in a drab injured speedster Anrich Nortje, took goalwards, only for Robert Arboldea 0-0 draw over the regulation 90 min- two wickets each. to block the ball on the line. Moments Up the other end, goalkeeper in front, with Messi the architect. Ecuador’s most likely route back utes before the quarter-final tie went However, the outstanding bowling later Martinez had a shot deflected Emiliano Martinez had to be alert to First he played in Nicolas Gonzalez on into the match and the livewire straight to penalties. effort was again produced by Tabraiz wide and from the resulting corner, parry a stunning 20-yard volley by goal but when he was tackled by forward’s near post shot hit Martinez’s Ospina saved from Jose Gimenez Shamsi, the left-arm wrist-spinner German Pezzella volleyed into the Sebastian Mendez. Galindez, Messi reacted quickest and leg before going behind. A and Matias Vina while Colombia improving on his previous record eco- side netting. Argentina had their own let off teed up De Paul to score. wicked Estupinan cross was then scored all four of their penalties. nomical figures in the last two match- Carlos Gruezo almost gifted seven minutes from half-time when There was still time before the almost turned into his own net by It was a huge disappointment for es by conceding just 11 runs through Argentina a goal when his attempted Pervis Estupinan crossed from the left break for Galindez to make an incred- Gonzalez. Uruguay’s star forward pair Edinson his four overs in claiming the wicket back pass sent Messi clean through and Enner Valencia’s flicked header ible double save from Gonzalez, before Messi came close to killing off the Cavani and Luis Suarez, who of Chris Gayle. with only Galindez to beat, but the six- narrowly evaded the sliding Alan Valencia somehow headed wide from tie but his curled effort sailed just past both converted their spot-kicks but West Indian hopes of coping with time Ballon d’Or winner saw his shot Franco at the back post. six yards out. the post, while Aston Villa goalkeeper almost certainly have played in their an increasingly challenging run-rate cannon back off the post. Two minutes later Argentina were After the break, Valencia remained Martinez denied substitute Gonzalo last Copa. eventually rested on the shoulders of their captain Kieron Pollard. However he was hampered by a leg injury sus- tained when scampering a quick sin- gle and when Mulder removed Pollard and Andre Russell off successive Jose Mourinho laments Djokovic, Federer and Barty hope top bill on Monday deliveries in the 15th over, the match tilted heavily in favour of the visitors. AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE 18th time. In all, it will be his 69th appear- who had only previously won one match at a For South Africa, it was a first T20 terrible loss of Spinazzola LONDON, JULY 4 ance in the fourth round of a Slam but he major before this Wimbledon. International series triumph for was quick to salute Djokovic’s achievements. Women’s world number one Ashleigh almost two years. It was also the first AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer headline “It’s just very, very impressive to see what Barty, trying to win the title 50 years on from under the captaincy of Temba Bavuma MILAN, JULY 4 ‘Manic Monday’ at Wimbledon with the two he’s doing this year,” said Federer whose fellow indigenous Australian Evonne and coaching stewardship of Mark Grand Slam heavyweights looking to edge third round win over Cameron Norrie gave Goolagong Cawley’s maiden crown, tackles Boucher. New Roma coach Jose Mourinho on Sunday lamented the closer to a dream title showdown. him the 1,250th victory of his career. French Open winner Barbora Krejcikova. “This is really a tremendous effort “terrible loss” of Italy left-back Leonardo Spinazzola with a World number one Djokovic, chasing a Second seed Daniil Medvedev staged a The only British player left in the singles for our side, and especially for me in ruptured left Achilles tendon. sixth Wimbledon title and record-equalling stunning comeback from two sets down for draw is 18-year-old Emma Raducanu who just my first T20 International, it is The 28-year-old picked up the injury during Friday’s 2-1 20th major, is already halfway to becoming the first time in his career to beat 2017 run- has defied her ranking of 338 to make the something to build on going forward,” Euro 2020 quarter-final win over Belgium in Munich, the day just the third man to complete a calendar ner-up Marin Cilic and make the fourth second week where she meets Australia’s said Mulder. Next up for the home side Mourinho arrived in Rome. “It’s a terrible loss for Italy, but Grand Slam. The Serb faces Cristian Garin round for the first time. Medvedev faces Ajla Tomljanovic. is five-match series against Australia, imagine how terrible it is for me who won’t have him for about of Chile while eight-time champion Federer Polish 14th seed Hubert Hurkacz. Germany’s Angelique Kerber, the only starting next Friday in St Lucia. six months,” Mourinho told TalkSport. “(Chelsea’s) Emerson takes on Italy’s Lorenzo Sonego. Sebastian Korda, whose father Petr made former champion left in the women’s event, “We have to show that we are seri- Palmieri is a good player, with experience. But Spinazzola was Chilean 17th seed Cristian Garin had the quarter-finals in 1998, celebrates his 21st takes on Coco Gauff. Big-hitting will be a ous about our cricket and ready to playing in an incredible way.” never previously won a main draw match at birthday on Monday. He can reach the quar- feature of the lower half of the women’s last keep on improving in the countdown Former Tottenham boss Mourinho returns to Italy 11 years the tournament before this year. However, ter-finals of a Slam for the first time by beat- 16 on Monday. Belarus second seed Aryna to the World T20.” after leading Inter Milan ot the treble—Champions League, the 25-year-old from Santiago is in the last 16 ing Russian 25th seed Karen Khachanov. Sabalenka faces 18th seeded Elena Rybakina. Earlier, Markram’s highest T20 Serie A and Coppa Italia. On Sunday, the 58-year-old Portuguese of a major for second consecutive Slam. Denis Shapovalov, the Canadian 10th seed Sabalenka, yet to make a quarter-final of a International score and another posted a video on Instagram at the team’s Trigoria training “It feels amazing. I didn’t play a grass who put out two-time winner Andy Murray Slam had 21 aces over three rounds, one half-century from the consistent De centre, where he remains in quarantine. tournament before Wimbledon, so I was a bit in the last round, faces Spain’s Roberto fewer than Russian-born Rybakina. Kock set the pace for South Africa. “Two more days to stay away from the players,” said the out of rhythm and without any matches on Bautista Agut, a semi-finalist in 2019. Former French Open champion Iga Markram’s 70 off 48 balls with four former Real Madrid, Manchester United and Porto coach. grass,” said Garin who lost his only clash Meanwhile, Italy will have two men in the Swiatek, the seventh seed who had won just sixes and three fours came as he and “But it’s OK. The weather is amazing, I can be out, I can see with Djokovic at the ATP Cup in 2002. “My last 16 for just the third time and first time one match in grass on the main tour before De Kock (60 off 42 balls with two sixes the training sessions, I can organise and speak with the assis- last match on this surface was here at since 1955. Wimbledon, takes on Tunisia’s Ons Jabeur, and four fours) put on 128 for the sec- tants that are taking care of them. So all good. We all feel sorry Wimbledon in 2019.” While Sonego faces Federer, seventh seed the 21st seed. Jabeur can become the first ond wicket after Bavuma fell without about the loss of our Spinazzola for a few months, but that’s Federer, just five weeks shy of his 40th Matteo Berrettini faces Ilya Ivashka of Arab woman to reach the Wimbledon quar- scoring in the first over bowled by football and we have to be ready to start next week.” birthday, is in the Wimbledon last 16 for the Belarus, the 27-year-old world number 79 ter-finals with victory. Fidel Edwards. HOROSCOPE ARIES (March 21-April 19) **** CANCER (June 22-July 22) *** LIBRA (September 23-October 22) *** CAPRICORN (December 22-January 19) **** Monday’s skies offer you the chance to liven things You’re making important breakthroughs with your Your intimate relationships are offered a chance for Change is critical at this juncture in order to move up, Aries. The life-giving sun locks into a supportive goals today, Cancer. The illuminating sun locks into renewal today, Libra. The illuminating sun locks forward with your current relationship story. And alignment with change-bringer Uranus today, help- a supportive connection with pioneering Uranus, into a supportive alignment with change-bringer the sun’s supportive link with energising Uranus ing you break out of any ruts you’ve been experienc- creating innovative energy that enhances your Uranus, offering the opportunity for breakthroughs offers you a gentle opportunity to do just that. Things ing around sharing your skill sets. self-expression. out of romantic ruts. however still may be confusing today.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20) *** LEO (July 23-August 22) *** SCORPIO (October 23-November 21) *** AQUARIUS (January 20-February 18) *** Today’s the day to take a risk, Taurus. You’re ready As a Leo, you look to the light-giving sun for cosmic Take a closer look at your relationship story today, Allow for subtle changes to be embraced around the to embrace a new form of self-expression. The illu- guidance. Monday’s skies find the sun embracing a Scorpio. The life-giving sun locks into a sweet con- home front today, Aquarius. The illuminating sun minating sun’s sweet connection with innovative supportive connection with electric Uranus, bringing nection with energising Uranus today, bringing the pairs off with energising Uranus today, offering you Uranus makes an ideal day for mental breakthroughs a fresh dose of invigorating energy to your current opportunity to revive and refresh intimate partner- the chance to breathe fresh life into your current liv- and communicative efforts. career trajectory. ships that are needing a jolt from stagnancy. ing environment.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21) **** VIRGO (August 23-September 22) **** SAGITTARIUS (November 22-December 21) *** PISCES (February 19-March 20) *** Reality is hard to locate under Monday’s skies, Start the week off slow, Virgo. Your ruling planet, Your routine is becoming re-invigorated today, Find a new way to utilise your mind and communica- Gemini. Your ruling planet, expressive Mercury, messenger Mercury, locks into a disorienting square Sagittarius. The path-lighting sun clicks into a sup- tion skills today, Pisces. The universe is challenging locks into a dizzying square with illusory Neptune with dream-maker Neptune. This dizzying aspect portive alignment with pioneering Uranus, offering you to break the mould of your current creative today. This aspect lowers energy levels and increases can lower energy levels, create mental confusion, you the chance to breathe fresh life into your health approach, as the path-guiding sun aligns with pio- communication mishaps. and make for vague conversations. regimen and work/life balance. neering Uranus. CROSSWORD SUDOKU

YESTERDAY’S SOLUTION

C M Y K MONDAY, JULY 05, 2021 | 07

England show swagger, depth of title contenders Last eight exit flatters The Three Lions have all the positive football and sharpness in attack and have kept their record of not conceding a goal in the Euro 2020. modest Ukraine REUTERS ROME, JULY 4

Ukraine enjoyed a fair slice of luck to reach the Euro 2020 quarter-finals and their 4-0 drubbing by England in the last eight summed up the weaknesses of a side which had benefit- ed from a kind draw and some individual quality. The Ukrainians had squeezed into the knockout stages as the fourth-best team among third-placed finishers, having edged out Slovakia and Finland on goal difference. A laboured 2-1 win over big stage debutants North Macedonia, which came between the opening 3-2 defeat by the Netherlands and a 1-0 reverse to Austria, saw the Ukrainians book a last-16 clash with much more solid-looking Sweden. A masterclass performance from Oleksandr Zinchenko helped them beat the Swedes 2-1 as the Manchester City wing-back scored a fine opener and then set up Artem Dovbyk’s last- gasp extra time winner after Sweden had Marcus Danielson sent off. Up to that reckless tackle on an opponent which saw Danielson receive a straight red card, Sweden dominated the contest and only the woodwork coupled with some rugged defending saw a subdued Ukraine stay afloat. But they had no chance against a rampant England who could have won by a bigger margin in Rome as the gulf in class between the two teams was everywhere to be seen in Saturday’s lopsided contest. Ukraine’s manager Andriy Shevchenko pointed out that having only a handful of players plying their trade at the highest level limited the national team’s ability. “Until we have a domestic championship at a good level, we will get to this level less often,” Shevchenko said after the AFP/RSS loss. “In order to be able to compete with such players, you England captain Harry Kane (centre) scored twice in a one-sided 4-0 win over Ukraine to book a semi-final date against Denmark, who saw off Czech Republic 2-1 in the other quarter-final match on Saturday. need to have players who play in the top five (European) leagues.” REUTERS was outstanding, making his bursts down Calvert-Lewin came on up front and this time they look to be peaking at just the Dropping a defensive strategy reliant on counterattacks ROME, JULY 4 the flank and providing the pinpoint cross- 18-year-old Jude Bellingham also got some right moment. for a possession-based philosophy paid dividends for es for headed goals from Maguire and Kane. minutes in midfield. Added to all the positive football and Shevchenko on the road to Euro 2020, with Ukraine topping England put aside caution and fear to deliv- Raheem Sterling on the left set up Kane All that and the talent of Jack Grealish sharpness in attack, England kept their their qualifying group ahead of 2016 European champions er a performance full of confidence border- for England’s fourth minute opener and and Phil Foden was left on the bench, a real record of not conceding a goal in the Portugal. ing on swagger as they swept aside Ukraine was constantly asking questions of the indication of the strength in depth of tournament. But their best moment of the finals was a five-minute blitz 4-0 on Saturday to reach the Euro 2020 Ukraine defence with his dribbling and Southgate’s squad. It was a tough exit for a Ukraine side that against the Dutch, when they fought back from 2-0 down semi-finals, looking genuine title contend- cuts in from the flank. On the opposite England’s football in the group stage and have fought so admirably to reach the last before they were sunk by a soft late goal, epitomising the ers in the process. wing, making his first start of the tourna- in the 2-0 win against Germany in the eight, but it sets up what should be a thrill- team’s defensive vulnerability. Wednesday’s opponents Denmark may ment, Jadon Sancho, with his deft touch, round of 16, had been organised and func- ing week of football in London. Clinical finishing from Roman Yaremchuk and Andriy offer a sterner test at Wembley than speed and smart movement, showed why tional but once Maguire made it 2-0 right Italy and Spain clash on Tuesday at Yarmolenko saw Ukraine through to the last 16, and Ukraine provided at the Stadio Olimpico, Manchester United spent over 70 million after the break the real quality of this team Wembley before the home favourites, look- Zinchenko stood out against Sweden, but that was as good as and an eventual final against Spain or Italy pounds [$96.75 million] to sign him from began to show. ing for their first final since 1966, play the it got for Shevchenko’s outfit. is a different matter altogether, but if there Borussia Dortmund. There were moments when it was almost following day against Denmark at the same were any doubts about England’s creden- With a three-goal lead established by the Spanish style tiki-taka football with stadium. tials they were answered in Rome. 50th minute, manager Gareth Southgate England keeping possession and creating After the World Cup last-four loss to Harry Kane scored twice - putting to was able to take off players facing a possi- passing triangles around midfield. Croatia in 2018, this was the second straight bed the doubts raised by his sluggish ble suspension from another yellow card Sterling’s cheeky pass with his heel to set major tournament semi-final for Czech captain Darida retires form in the group stage - but from back to and also to show the unmatched range of up Shaw for his cross for Kane’s second and Southgate’s side and now the pressure is on front England played with poise and options available to him. England’s third was the sign of a player to go all the way. PRAGUE: Czech skipper Vladimir Darida has ended his inter- confidence. Jordan Henderson, whose involvement brimming with belief. “This group are not settling for a national career after the Czech Republic bowed out of Euro The centre-halves, John Stones and has been restricted as he returned from Ukraine were no match for England but semi-final,” said Maguire. 2020 at the hands of Denmark, the national team said Sunday. Harry Maguire, took care of their defen- injury, came on and promptly scored his the Three Lions have laboured against that In Rome, they looked like title contend- The 30-year-old Hertha Berlin midfielder, who has scored sive duties but also looked composed and first international goal in his 62nd appear- level of team in the past and have frozen at ers. Now they have to prove their worth eight goals in 76 international games, missed the last-16 game elegant on the ball. Left-back Luke Shaw ance. Marcus Rashford and Dominic the business end of the big tournaments -- back on home soil. against the Netherlands with an injury and came on as a late substitute in Saturday’s 2-1 quarter-final loss to Denmark. “The national team bid farewell to the Euro. I then bid fare- well to my teammates,” Darida said on the Czech Football Quarter-final Quarter-final Association’s website. (AFP) SWITZERLAND SEMI-FINAL TIES CZECH REPUBLIC SPAIN DENMARK SPAIN DENMARK 00:45 NST, July 7, 00:45 NST, July 8, Wednesday Thursday BELGIUM UKRAINE ITALY ENGLAND ITALY FINAL ENGLAND 00:45 NST, July 12, Monday

Denmark looking beyond semi-finals AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE makes me, and the others, happy.” Denmark serious challengers was BAKU, JULY 4 When goalkeeper Kasper done by former coach Ade Hareide, Schmeichel said before the tourna- who was due to step down after Euro Denmark may have achieved one goal ment that the team wanted to emulate 2020. But when the tournament was by reaching the semi-finals of Euro the title-winning side of 29 years ago, delayed by a year due to Covid, he 2020 at Wembley but, inspired by a which was inspired by his father passed the baton to Kasper Hjulmand. “proud” Christian Eriksen, they have Peter, his comments seemed over-am- Denmark have become the neutrals’ no intention of stopping there. bitious. favourites, partly because of the play- A 2-1 victory over the Czech ers’ reaction to Eriksen’s collapse, Republic on Saturday propelled the when they protected him from the Danes into the last four of a major The Danes have lost glare of the cameras and consoled his tournament for the first time since distraught partner, and also because their shock triumph at Euro 1992. only three of their of their exciting football. It has been a remarkable effort, “The strength of the squad is being under a coach who would not have 29 matches since friends,” Hareide told the BBC. “There been in charge if not for the Covid-19 are very, very tight connections pandemic, and after two opening 2018 World Cup exit. between the players. Most of these defeats, the first of which, to Finland, players have been playing together was overshadowed by the terrifying from the Under-16s up to the national collapse of star player Eriksen after But Denmark’s success should not team. When I came in, I settled the he suffered a cardiac arrest on the come as a surprise. The team have lost team more like a club side than a pitch. But 10 goals in three successive only three of 29 matches since a last-16 national team side.” wins have put the Scandinavians two exit at the 2018 World Cup, beaten on The Danes are reaping the rewards matches away from following in the penalties by eventual runners-up of Hareide’s work, with Hjulmand footsteps of the class of 92, while Inter Croatia, and sit 10th in the FIFA world having added extra flair to an already Milan midfielder Eriksen has been rankings. On Wednesday in the strong side. cheering them on from home. semi-finals, they face England at Youngster Mikkel Damsgaard, “Christian wrote about the squad Wembley where they beat Gareth dubbed ‘Damsinho’ by the Danish that he’s proud of us,” said midfielder Southgate’s men in the Nations press, has filled in for Eriksen bril- Thomas Delaney, who scored the League last November, following a liantly, while rampaging Atalanta opening goal against the Czechs, of a goalless draw in Copenhagen. “We had wing-back Joakim Maehle has been a message Eriksen sent to the team on a goal when we entered this competi- revelation at the Euro. Saturday. “He’s always been such an tion: to go to Wembley,” captain Simon England, set to be roared on by the important part of this team, and our Kjaer told television channel DR. “We majority of more than 60,000 fans, will best player for years. We play with are there. But I would be lying to say be favourites to reach the final on AFP/RSS him on the chest, and he deserves that we are satisfied with it.” Wednesday, but Denmark are ready to A Ukraine supporter reacts as he watches on a giant screen the broadcast of the Euro 2020 to be there. Making him proud A lot of the work in making rise to the challenge. quarter-final football match between England and Ukraine at the fanzone in Kiev on Saturday.

C M Y K MONDAY, JULY 05, 2021 | 08 CULTURE & LIFESTYLE (C.R.P.D.) - 3/052/053 Some Chinese shun gruelling careers for ‘low-desire life’ Averse to material life, a small but visible handful of urban Chinese are rattling the ruling Communist Party by choosing to lie flat, and reject high-status careers, long work hours and expensive cities.

JOE MCDONALD & FU TING cramped housing, job discrimina- BEIJING tion against mothers and a need to look after elderly parents. ed up with work stress, Xia writes that she moved to a Guo Jianlong quit a valley in Zhejiang province, south newspaper job in Beijing of Shanghai, for a “low-desire life” and moved to China’s after working in Hong Kong. She mountain southwest to said despite a high-status job as an “lie flat.” English-language reporter, her FGuo joined a small but visible rent devoured 60 percent of her handful of Chinese urban profes- income and she had no money at sionals who are rattling the ruling the end of each month. Communist Party by rejecting She rejects the argument that gruelling careers for a “low-desire young people who “lie flat” are life.” That is clashing with the giving up economic success when party’s message of success and that’s already out of reach for consumerism as it celebrates the many in an economy with a grow- 100th anniversary of its founding. ing gulf between a wealthy elite Guo, 44, became a freelance and the majority. writer in Dali, a town in Yunnan “When resources are focused province known for its traditional more and more on the few people architecture and picturesque at the head and their relatives, the scenery. He married a woman he workforce is cheap and replacea- met there. ble,” she wrote on Douban. “Is it “Work was OK, but I didn’t like sensible to entrust your destiny to it much,” Guo said. “What is small handouts from others?” wrong with doing your own thing, Xia declined an interview not just looking at the money?” request. “Lying flat” is a “resistance Guo, the writer in Dali, said he movement” to a “cycle of horror” puts in more hours as a freelancer from high-pressure Chinese than he did at a newspaper. But he schools to jobs with seemingly is happier, and life is more com- endless work hours, novelist Liao fortable: He and his wife eat break- Zenghu wrote in Caixin, the coun- fast on their breezy sixth-floor try’s most prominent business apartment balcony with a view of magazine. trees. “In today’s society, our every “As long as I can keep writing, move is monitored and every I’m very satisfied,” Guo said. “I action criticised,” Liao wrote. “Is don’t feel stifled.” there any more rebellious act than A handful who can afford it to simply ‘lie flat?’” AP/RSS withdraw from work almost It isn’t clear how many people Guo Jianlong, a freelance writer, reads a book on the balcony of his home in Dali in southwestern China’s Yunnan province. entirely. have gone so far as to quit their A 27-year-old architect in jobs or move out of major cities. The trend echoes similar ones in talking about “lying flat” declined prospects say they are worn out want to fight anymore,” Xu said. Beijing said she started saving as Judging by packed rush hour sub- Japan and other countries where to discuss it with a foreign reporter. from the “exam hell” of high “I’m going to other places.” a teenager to achieve financial ways in Beijing and Shanghai, young people have embraced Another possible sign of official school and university. They see no Thousands vented frustration freedom. most young Chinese slog away at anti-materialist lifestyles in displeasure: T-shirts, mobile point in making more sacrifices. online after the Communist “From last September, when I the best jobs they can get. response to bleak job prospects phone cases and other “Lie Flat”- “Chasing fame and fortune does Party’s announcement in May that saw all my savings had reached 2 Still, the ruling party is trying and bruising competition for themed products are disappearing not attract me. I am so tired,” said official birth limits would be eased million (yuan) ($300,000), I lay to discourage the trend. Beijing shrinking economic rewards. from online sales platforms. Zhai Xiangyu, a 25-year-old gradu- to allow all couples to have three down,” said the woman, who needs skilled professionals to Official data show China’s eco- Urban employees complain that ate student. children instead of two. The party would give only the name Nana, in develop technology and other nomic output per person doubled work hours have swelled to “9 9 6,” Some professionals are cutting has enforced birth restrictions an interview over her social media industries. China’s population is over the past decade, but many or 9 am to 9 pm, six days a week. short their careers, which removes since 1980 to restrain population account. getting older and the pool of work- complain the gains went mostly to “We generally believe slavery their experience from the job pool. growth but worries China, with Nana said she turned down a ing-age people has shrunk by a handful of tycoons and state- has died away. In fact, it has only Xu Zhunjiong, a human resourc- economic output per person still job that paid 20,000 yuan ($3,000) about percent from its 2011 peak. owned companies. Professionals adapted to the new economic era,” es manager in Shanghai, said she below the global average, needs per month due to the long hours “Struggle itself is a kind of hap- say their incomes are failing to a woman who writes under the is quitting at 45, a decade before more young workers. and what she saw as limited oppor- piness,” the newspaper Southern keep up with soaring housing, name Xia Bingbao, or Summer the legal minimum retirement age Minutes after the announce- tunities for creativity. Daily, published by the party, said child care and other costs. Hailstones, said on the Douban for women, to move with her ment, websites were flooded with “I want to be free from inflexible in a commentary. “Choosing to ‘lie In a sign of the issue’s political social media service. Croatian-born husband to his complaints that the move did noth- rules,” said Nana. “I want to travel flat’ in the face of pressure is not sensitivity, four professors who Some elite graduates in their homeland. ing to help parents cope with child and make myself happy.” only unjust but also shameful.” were quoted by the Chinese press 20s who should have the best job “I want to retire early. I don’t care costs, long work hours, — Associated Press SAVE BIG Meats & Egg LIMITED TIME OFFER Vegetables per 500 gram

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