WI THOUT F EAR O R F A V O U R

Nepal’s largest selling English daily Vol XXIX No. 153 | 8 pages | Rs.5 O O Printed simultaneously in Kathmandu, Biratnagar, Bharatpur and Nepalgunj 35.0 C 16.6 C Wednesday, July 21, 2021 | 06-04-2078 Bhairahawa Jumla Deuba struggles to expand Cabinet, more so by issues in his own party The prime minister has to satisfy the rival faction of his party. The Maoist Centre and the Janata Samjabadi are his key partners and he can’t ignore the Nepal group either.

ANIL GIRI General Secretary Shashanka Koirala, KATHMANDU, JULY 20 former vice-president Prakash Man Singh and senior leader Sujata Koirala As Prime Minister Sher Bahadur vying for the post. Deuba begins consultations to expand It has also demanded three addi- his five-member Cabinet, he faces an tional ministerial portfolios. uphill task with demands and com- “But Deuba has made it clear that it plexities of the constituencies that is not possible and the Poudel faction supported him during the confidence will get just two portfolios in the vote in Parliament on Sunday. Cabinet,” said a Nepali Congress lead- The 165 lawmakers that voted for er close to Deuba on condition of ano- him belong to a disparate group. nymity. “One of the major reasons Besides the Nepali Congress, law- behind the delay in Cabinet formation makers from the Communist Party of is dynamics inside the Nepali Nepal (Maoist Centre), the two factions Congress.” of the Janata Samajbadi Party that has Deuba has also assured one Cabinet more or less split, a section of the main portfolio to another camp of the party opposition CPN-UML, and Rastriya led by former general secretary Janamorcha supported Deuba. Krishna Prasad Sitaula, according to According to leaders close to Deuba, the leader. The constitution allows Post photo: Madhav Aryal he wants representation of all only 25 Cabinet ministers. Farmers prepare the field for rice transplantation at Chidipani Agahakhola in Mathagadhi Rural Municipality of Palpa on Tuesday following the parties that stood by him. Initially, there were talks among the summer paddy harvest. The late plantation season in the hill district will last another week. “Discussions are going on alliance partners to appoint ministers with all the parties who support- at the one Cabinet position for every 10 ed us,” Purna Bahadur Khadka, parliamentarians ratio but as the num- a Congress general secretary, ber of aspirants grew, it was changed told the Post. to one for eight, according to the But all the parties have their Congress leaders the Post talked to. Janata Samajbadi’s birth was accidental and own complexities including “Now the Janata Samajbadi is Deuba’s own Nepali Congress. saying one minister for six parliamen- The rival faction of the party, tarians and this is another reason for it may meet with an accident of split led by Ram Chandra Poudel, has the delay in Cabinet expansion,” the demanded at least one deputy Congress leader close to Deuba said. prime minister with the other >> Continued on page 2 Factions led by Upendra Yadav and Mahantha Thakur have drifted apart and reconciliation between them is unlikely in the current circumstances, observers say.

Samajbadi Party, Oli became the cause of a rift in the party. In May, the con- flict became more apparent. The Mahantha Thakur-Rajendra Mahato faction, which came from the Rastriya Janata Party, decided to stand by Oli. The Upendra Yadav- Baburam Bhattarai faction, which came from the Samajbadi Party Nepal, announced its support to the Nepali Congress-led alliance. Leaders of the Thakur-Mahato fac- tion even joined the Oli government, only to have their appointments scrapped by the Supreme Court in less than two weeks. When Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba decided to go for a floor test on Post Photo: Angad Dhakal Sunday, many thought the Thakur- Mahantha Thakur’s group surprised observers by deciding to vote for Deuba on Sunday. Mahato faction might not vote for the Congress leader. But while addressing TIKA R PRADHAN and even party insiders said everyone the House ahead of the vote, Thakur KATHMANDU, JULY 20 had egos, management of which was a announced that his faction would vote tough task. Its unity process could for Deuba. And it did, making many When the Janata Samajbadi Party was never pick up pace, as it was believed wonder if Deuba could be the cause of born out of a sudden midnight merger to be an outcome of a reactive move unity in the party. between the Samajbadi Party Nepal rather than the one guided by a shared But it does not look like both fac- and the Rastriya Janata Party in April agenda. The merger was actually tions will bury their hatchets anytime last year, many within the unified prompted by a sudden ordinance, soon, as differences have grown. force themselves were not optimistic aimed at easing party splits, intro- “They [the Thakur-Mahato] faction about its future. duced by then prime minister KP must accept their mistakes and There were too many leaders with Sharma Oli. self-criticise,” Yadav told the Post. too many aspirations, and analysts A year after the birth of the Janata >> Continued on page 2 Centres run out of jabs once again as recipients are those other than from target groups Health workers say they are threatened and pressured to administer single-shot J&J jabs to those close to political leaders and other influential people.

ARJUN POUDEL KATHMANDU, JULY 20

When 52-year-old Jaya Bahadur Tamang went to an urban health clinic in Kageshwari-Manohara Municipality on Tuesday to be inocu- lated with the Covid-19 vaccine, he was told the clinic had run out of vac- cines and the immunisation pro- gramme had been suspended. “I came here to get the vaccine dur- ing my lunch break but health work- ers told me that all vaccines were administered on Monday,” Tamang, a labourer who hails from Barhabise, Sindhupalchok, told the Post. Gopal Kuikel and his wife Manju, both 50 and residents of Kageshwari- Post Photo: Elite Joshi Manohara Municipality, too went to a Many from the prioritised group said they had to return without being vaccinated. nearby health facility to be vaccinated on Tuesday. wait for a few days for the Vero Cell migrant workers, and disabled among But they too were told that the vaccine to arrive and they would get others in Kathmandu Valley on Johnson & Johnson vaccine supplied their jabs. The Ministry of Health and Monday and the vaccination cam- by the Health Office, Kathmandu had Population began administering the paign was scheduled to continue till already been administered. single-shot Johnson & Johnson vac- Wednesday. Health workers advised them to cine to those between 50 and 54 years, >> Continued on page 2

C M Y K WEDNESDAY, JULY 21, 2021 | 02 National Centres run ... Covid-19 risk >> Continued from page 1 The ministry had earlier decided to roll out the Johnson & Johnson vac- cine from last Thursday but authori- ties later delayed the rollout so that increases in Gorkha newly-appointed Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba could inaugurate the latest drive, an official at the Health Ministry said on condition of ano- nymity. as prohibitory However, those in the target groups have not been able to get jabs because health workers have been under pres- sure from political leaders and other influential people to provide jabs to orders are relaxed those close to them. “What can we do, when health work- ers are pressured and threatened to Collective paddy transplantation and local festivals have inoculate people other than those in priority groups?” Laxmi Koirala, contributed to the spread of the virus in the community. health coordinator of the Kageshwari- Manohara Municipality told the Post. HARIRAM UPRETI offices and financial institutions. “I am also abused and threatened by GORKHA, JULY 20 Health workers say that the crowd- various groups to provide vaccines, ing of public offices by service seekers but how can I arrange when we The risk of Covid-19 infection has at the end of the fiscal year in the received only enough doses for the been on the rise in several places of second week of July also contributed priority population in our Gorkha for the past two weeks since to the spread of the virus. Many municipality?” the district administration eased pro- employees of government offices and The Health Office, Kathmandu hibitory orders. financial institutions have been found had supplied 4,000 doses of the Social gatherings and collective infected with the disease. Johnson & Johnson vaccine to the paddy transplantation works have fur- Seven employees of Dharche Rural municipality. ther worsened the situation, health Municipality and eight employees at POST PHOTO: KESHAV THAPA If the jabs were given to only those workers say. the Bhachchek branch of Rastriya A worker cleans the premises of Patan Durbar Square in Lalitpur on Tuesday. in the target groups they would have Eighteen people of Chhapthok Banijya Bank in Ajirkot Rural been sufficient, according to the office. Hatiya settlement in Shahid Lakhan Municipality tested positive for the “I am getting information from Rural Municipality-8 had undergone coronavirus in the past two weeks. many places that vaccines were given antigen testing on Saturday. Of them, “There was a huge flow of service to those outside the target groups and 15 tested positive. seekers at the bank in the last week of there have been vaccine shortages,” Similarly, 25 out of 31 villagers who the fiscal year, increasing the risk of Deuba struggles to expand Cabinet, more Badri Bahadur Khadka, chief of the underwent antigen testing tested posi- Covid-19 spread,” said Suresh Dawadi, Health Office, Kathmandu told the tive for the virus on July 15. the health unit chief of Ajirkot Rural Post. “Health workers are under “More than 40 villagers at Municipality. intense pressure from various groups Chhapthok Hatiya are now suffering According to Nabaraj Khadka, so by issues in his own party to provide the vaccine.” from common cold and showing symp- information officer at the District The United States gave Nepal toms similar to that of Covid-19. Some Health Office, the infection rate stands >> Continued from page 1 Deuba on Sunday and they have been the Act with such a provision but was 1,534,850 doses of the single-shot people were down with coronavirus at around 27 percent in the rural areas The faction of the party led by asked to furnish clarifications for forced to withdraw it following wide- Covid-19 vaccine on July 12 through symptoms for the past two weeks but of the district. Upendra Yadav, however, is in no their action. spread opposition. the COVAX facility. we were not informed about it,” said “The movement of people has hurry to join the Cabinet. “There has been no discussion on Senior advocate Chandra Kanta The Johnson & Johnson vaccine Birendra Shrestha, the health unit increased with the relaxation of the “Our party will join the government joining Deuba’s government,” said Gyawali, however, doesn’t see its was also given to residents of chief at the local unit. “The virus is prohibitory orders. Health safety pro- only after the issue of party’s authen- Raghuji Pant, a leader close to Nepal. necessity for the party to split. He says Kavrepalanchok and most of the dis- spreading in the settlements now.” tocols are not being followed in public tication is resolved,” Yadav, the party “We are in internal discussions on if a lawmaker becomes a prime minis- tricts of the Gandaki Province from According to him, swab samples of transportation and no social distanc- chair, told the Post. how to resolve the dispute in the ter or can vote for a lawmaker of his/ Monday. Other districts are expected 55 local people were collected on ing measures have been adopted while It has demanded six Cabinet berths. party.” her choice for the prime minister’s to start immunisation as per the avail- Saturday for Polymerase Chain working collectively in paddy fields. The party with 34 members in the According to Birodh Khatiwada, job, there should not be any problem ability of the jabs, according to Dr Reaction tests. The reports are yet to The number of Covid-19 cases is grad- House of Representatives (of whom another leader close to Nepal and a in joining the government. Jhalak Gautam, chief of National come. ually increasing,” said Khadka. two are suspended) has split and the member of the lower house, joining “Any lawmaker can join the govern- Immunisation Programme. “It is a busy season for farmers. Seventeen of 29 people who under- Election Commission is scheduled to the government is not simple. ment in individual capacity without Dr Mingmar Gyelgen Sherpa, for- Most of them are doing collective went PCR testing at Kalleri settlement begin the hearing on the dispute on “Either our party has to make a the party’s decision,” he told the Post. mer director general at the farming during the plantation season in Aarughat Rural Municipality-6 test- Wednesday to decide on which of the decision to join the government or the “The lawmakers from the Nepal fac- Department of Health Services, told and this has contributed to the spread ed positive for Covid-19 on July 15. two warring factions—the other led by party has to split,” Khatiwada told the tion can do the same.” the Post that four of his relatives aged of the virus in the villages. The risk Bijaya Shrestha, the health unit the other chair Mahantha Thakur— Post. “We don’t have another option The dilemma the Nepal faction is between 50 and 54 years in Bauddha, of Covid-19 spread is high since the chief at the local unit, says that the gets the party name and election right now.” facing is one of the reasons for the of Kathmandu Metropolitan City did villagers are also participating in var- virus is spreading rapidly among the symbol. Without going into details, he said delay in Cabinet expansion, according not get the vaccine when they reached ious local festivals,” said Shrestha. villagers working in paddy fields. While the Yadav faction had been in that the Political Parties Act-2017, cre- to Min Bahadur Bishawkarma, a lead- the immunisation centre. The district authorities have eased “We ask people suffering from com- an alliance with Deuba since outgoing ates the hurdles. er close to Deuba. In other municipalities of the prohibitory orders since the past mon cold and fever not to go to the prime minister KP Sharma Oli dis- Legal experts are of a similar view. “Since either the UML should rec- Kathmandu Valley too the story is two weeks, allowing the operation of field but they ignore our requests,” he solved the House on May 21, the Senior advocate Purna Man Shakya, ommend that its lawmakers join the similar. public transportation, government said. Thakur faction had sided with Oli and who also is professor at Nepal Law government or Nepal has to form a Shyam Kaji Bhandel, 74, and his even joined his Cabinet last month Campus, said the July 12 Supreme new party, I do not see an immediate wife Dolmaya, 73, from Changunarayan until the Supreme Court stripped the Court verdict that reinstated the chance of the Nepal-faction joining Municipality of Bhaktapur were told ministers of their posts, saying a care- House of Representatives allows indi- the government,” said a Nepali that vaccines were finished when they taker government could not expand vidual lawmakers to make their Congress leader on condition of ano- reached an immunisation centre near the Cabinet. choice, irrespective of the party deci- nymity. their home on Tuesday. Absence of bridges makes life On Sunday, the Thakur faction dra- sion, only in the formation of the gov- According to leaders of the Nepali They were told to go to another cen- matically supported Deuba during the ernment as per Article 76 (5) and dur- Congress and Maoist Centre, the tre in the same municipality by others confidence vote. ing the vote of confidence. Nepal faction has been promised six who had got their shots there but difficult for Karnali folk But it is not clear whether it will “The defection provision of the Cabinet ministers if it joins the gov- when the couple got there, the centre join the government. Political Party Act-2017 will be appli- ernment. also had run out of the Johnson & Several remote villages are cut off from other parts of the “There have been no discussions in cable if the Nepal faction joins the Nepal has assured Deuba, Maoist Johnson shots. our faction regarding joining the gov- government,” he told the Post. Centre chair Pushpa Kamal Dahal and Gautam of the National province during the monsoon, local residents say. ernment,” Sharat Singh Bhandari, a “Though they can join the govern- Yadav of the Janata Samajbadi Party Immunisation Programme, however, leader of the Thakur faction, told the ment, the party can recall the minis- that once the dispute within the UML said that he is unaware that people HARI GAUTAM carry loads on our backs and risk our Post. “Until the dispute in the party is ters. And if they refuse, the party can is resolved, his faction will join the from other groups are getting the RUKUM (WEST), JULY 20 lives to cross streams and rivers to get resolved, there is no question of join- take action against them.” government, the leaders said. Johnson & Johnson vaccine. to home,” said Dilli Bahadur Rokaya, ing the government.” Clause 32 of the Act authorises a With no issues within the party, the “I am unaware of any such report,” The 118 km Jajarkot-Dolpa road is a a resident of Tripura Sundari A meeting of the party’s Thakur-led political party’s Central Committee Maoist Centre is ready to join the gov- Gautam told the Post. “We have lifeline for the people of Dolpa, Municipality in Dolpa. Executive Committee that does not to sack its members if it is not ernment. asked the health agencies concerned Jajarkot and Rukum (West) districts According to him, people travelling include Yadav has urged the Deuba satisfied with the clarification they On Tuesday morning, Dahal met to follow the priority groups at every but the lack of bridges over the numer- to Dolpa from Nepalgunj and Surkhet government to address its demands in submit. The 22 lawmakers could lose Nepal and later Deuba. meeting.” ous rivers and streams that cut have to face a lot of difficulties in the exchange for supporting him during their positions as parliamentarians if But in the party with 49 members in The mismanagement in the admin- through the road section has made absence of bridges. the confidence vote. they do not remain members of the the House of Representatives, there istration of vaccines has been a fre- travel difficult and risky. There’s no bridge over the Ridi According to a statement issued on party. are over a dozen and a half lawmakers quent occurrence. There are only two motorable bridg- stream in Aathbiskot, over Bagara Tuesday, the Thakur faction has “I don’t see options for the Nepal who have expressed their desire to Immunisation centres across the es along the road section, local people and Chhotebagar streams in Jajarkot, demanded an amendment to the con- faction other than splitting the party join the Cabinet, according to a mem- country ran out of jabs last week too say. In the absence of bridges, local and over several streams in Khadang, stitution, removing cases against its to clear the legal hurdles before join- ber of Dahal’s secretariat. when the government began vaccinat- residents are unable to cross the Dolpa. leaders and cadres since the Madhes ing the government,” advocate Mohan Two ministers from the Maoist ing those between the ages of 55 to 60 Thulibheri river and other streams The construction work of bridges in uprising of 2015, freeing its lawmaker Acharya, who specialises in constitu- Centre have already been appointed with the China-made Vero Cell vac- during the monsoon. Khadang of Dolpa and Chhalgad and Resham Chaudary from jail, releasing tional law, told the Post. “Or the exist- and it is not clear how many more cine. The government began the drive “Our movement becomes restricted Rupagad areas has been delayed by the Lal Commission report on the ing Political Party Act has to be ministries the party will be allotted. with the 800,000 doses of the vaccine during the monsoon season. The the coronavirus pandemic, according atrocities committed by the state dur- revised.” “Dahal has made a strategy to that Nepal bought under a non-disclo- Thulibheri river is dangerous and to the Division Road Office in ing the Madhes uprising in the run-up The Act currently requires 40 per- decide on ministers only after the sure agreement with the Chinese can’t be crossed on foot,” Lanka Malla, Chaurjahari. to the promulgation of the constitu- cent support from both party’s Central ministries allotted to the party are state-owned pharmaceutical giant a resident of Aathbiskot in Rukum “The construction work of bridges tion, and resolving the citizenship Committee and Parliamentary Party finalised,” he told the Post on condi- Sinopharm last Tuesday and said it (West), told the Post. in Khadang, Chhalgad and Rupagad issue, among other things. in order to split. However, the Nepal tion of anonymity. would go on for five days. But most The water level in several streams will be completed in the current fiscal After the Thakur faction forwarded faction lacks 40 percent in the At present, only the Home Ministry, places had to suspend the programme in Chaukhebazaar and Tatarigad rises year,” said Netra Paudel, acting chief some conditions to the Deuba govern- Parliamentary Party, though it has Law Ministry, Finance Ministry and after three days as the immunisation during the monsoon, cutting off con- at the Division Road Office. ment, it is not sure whether it will join that strength in the Central Energy Ministry have ministers. centres ran out of jabs. About 2.4 mil- nectivity for the local people of Until the construction of the bridg- the government or not. Deuba did not Committee. “Due to conflicts inside the differ- lion doses of the vaccine are expected Rukum (West). es is complete, the local people of all reach out to the Thakur faction either. Acharya sees the possibility of a ent parties, Deuba has yet to appoint to arrive later this week. In Dolpa, residents have to walk for three districts have to risk their lives But the most complex issue argua- bill being introduced in Parliament or foreign and health ministers whose “Providing jabs to all eligible people days to reach Khadang, the entry during the monsoon while crossing bly is giving ministerial berths to an ordinance issued after the ongoing roles are crucial during the pandem- is not wrong but if the elderly people point connecting Dolpa with other dis- rain-swollen rivers and streams on those in the Madhav Kumar Nepal session is prorogued that would ic,” a Congress leader said, asking not in the priority group are deprived of tricts, in the absence of motorable foot. faction of the UML. require 40 percent support from either to be named. vaccines, it is a matter of concern,” bridges. “The lack of bridges over Thulibheri With the dispute within the UML, the Central Committee or the “We need vaccines and we need to said Sherpa. “We cannot prevent “Even though there are road net- and other streams along the Jajarkot- the faction is in no hurry to join the Parliamentary Party for a party to fight the pandemic but these minis- deaths, severity of illness and hospital works reaching our villages from Dolpa road has made our lives very government. split. tries have no ministers.” admissions, if we ignore the priority Khadang, the road lacks bridges so we difficult,” said Dhan Bahadur BK of Defying the party’s decision, 22 law- The Oli government in April last groups. Authorities should enforce the have to make our journey on foot. We Gotamekot in Rukum (West). makers of the UML voted in favour of year had issued an ordinance to revise (Binod Ghimire contributed reporting.) rules, as it is scientific and necessary.” Janata Samajbadi’s birth was accidental and it may meet with an accident of split

>> Continued from page 1 Janata Samajbadi Party in Parliament tator and columnist for the Post. the other group siding with Oli, who is The Yadav-Bhattarai faction hence is Commission has sought documents “They supported the same regres- had become 34. Two lawmakers, how- “Even if they unite, it would be an seen as an anti-Madhesi leader. likely to keep the Thakur faction at from both factions. sive forces against which we had ever, remain suspended. artificial union.” Shukla, the leader close to Thakur, bay. “Three legal professionals will get fought together. I don’t think unity When the Thakur-Mahato faction The Thakur-Mahato faction had however, defended the decision to sup- Shukla, however, said they have not two hours each to plead in favour of with them is a possibility, at least for was supporting Oli, it commanded 20 argued that it decided to support port Oli. thought about joining the Deuba gov- each faction,” said Raj Kumar now.” lawmakers, leaving the other group Oli because he addressed some of “There are a few demands which ernment yet. Shrestha, spokesperson for the Leaders from the Thakur-Mahato with 12 lawmakers. But after five law- their longstanding demands. Oli had are yet to be addressed—resolving A division in the only strong Election Commission. “After faction also said a reconciliation is not makers joined the Yadav-Bhattarai agreed to withdraw cases against the problems of citizenship, withdrawing Madhes-based party, however, may not Wednesday’s hearing, the commission possible, as the Yadav-Bhattarai fac- faction, the Thakur-Mahato faction party’s leaders and cadres. Oli had cases against some of our leaders bode well for these leaders when they will pass a verdict within a few days.” tion has filed a case at the Election slipped into a minority. also introduced an ordinance to including Resham Chaudhary and go to elections, as they themselves will Chandrakishore, a journalist who Commission seeking to claim the Insiders say Thakur decided to vote amend the Nepal Citizenship Act-2006, amending the constitution,” said be stealing each others’ votes. keenly follows national and Madhes party. for Deuba because five lawmakers one of the demands of the Thakur- Shukla. “We had joined Oli’s govern- But Lal, the political commentator, politics from the region, believes that “I don’t think there could be a patch- switched to the Yadav-Bhattarai camp Mahato faction. ment after he agreed to meet our says these leaders are not concerned the two factions of the Janata up in the current situation, since our and more were preparing to desert But it was scrapped by the demands. We will continue to ask the much about their constituencies. Samajbadi Party have walked too far dispute has also reached the Election him. Supreme Court. The faction was new government also to address our “Caste, money and power matter from each other. Commission,” said Sarvendra Nath Political analysts say the tussle also in talks with Oli for the release demands.” more in electoral calculations in the “The merger itself was not scientif- Shukla, a leader close to Thakur. between Thakur and Yadav has inten- of its lawmaker Resham Chaudhary, According to Shukla, since there region,” said Lal. ic and natural. Both the factions come Thakur’s decision to vote for Deuba sified and the likelihood of reconcilia- who has been handed a life sentence was no formal alliance with Oli, the A formal split in the Janata from two different schools of thought,” came after at least five of his faction’s tion is low. for masterminding the Tikapur vio- Samajbadi Party has no obligation to Samajbadi Party also does not look Chandrakishore told the Post. “They lawmakers defected to the Yadav- “Just because both factions sup- lence in August 2015. At least nine continue supporting him. very far as the Election Commission is have already started functioning sepa- Bhattarai group. ported the government does not people were killed in clashes during Now that Deuba is set to govern for set to hear the dispute on Wednesday. rately. It would be in everyone’s inter- With 17 seats each, when the inspire hope of unity between them. protests. a year and a half until the periodic After Yadav faction leaders’ demand est if they pressure Deuba separately Rastriya Janata Party and Samajbadi The tussle among leaders has escalat- But the Yadav-Bhattarai faction had elections, this will make the two fac- that the Janata Samajbadi Party be to address the demands of the Madhesi Party united, the total strength of the ed,” said CK Lal, a political commen- expressed serious reservations about tions jostle for ministerial positions. awarded to them, the Election people.”

C M Y K 03 | WEDNESDAY, JULY 21, 2021 National Vigilance centre gets more responsibility but not enough funds and personnel The centre has been asked to conduct technical audits of all infrastructure projects worth over Rs100 million.

PRITHVI MAN SHRESTHA technical audits of just 24 projects. KATHMANDU, JULY 20 But, there are hundreds of development projects with an As per a new rule, all development estimated cost of over Rs100 million projects whose estimated cost is over and it may not be possible for the Rs100 million should be subjected to centre to conduct technical audits of quality tests of their structures by the all these projects with the current National Vigilance Centre. But it will funds and manpower. not be easy for the centre to conduct The Department of Roads alone is the tests on all such projects this fiscal constructing around 1,500 bridges and year with the government allocating over 1,500 road projects are in differ- inadequate resources to the centre. ent phases of construction. According Issuing the Budget Implementation to the department, around 1,100 bridg- Guidelines for the current fiscal year es are in the construction phase. 2021-22, the Finance Ministry said that “About a quarter of the under-con- such tests should be conducted struction projects include bridges through the centre, an anti-graft body with an estimated cost of Rs100 mil- under the Prime Minister’s Office. lion each,” said Shiva Prasad Nepal, The centre conducts technical spokesperson at the department. audits of infrastructure projects to According to Nepal, the Finance see whether the construction works Ministry’s plan is not clear whether Post Photo: Angad Dhakal are in line with the original designs the Rs 100 million is the entire project Oil lamps are lit at Swayambhu stupa in Kathmandu on Tuesday in memory of Pulitzer prize-winning photojournalist Danish Siddiqui. The 38-year-old Reuters photographer and suggests needful corrections. cost or the value of the contract. The was killed on Friday while on assignment in Kandahar province of Afghanistan. The centre has set up its own lab to cost of most road projects is over test the quality of the construction Rs100 million and technical tests of all materials used such as cement, sand, of them should be done if the entire steel, stone, bitumen, concrete, and project is taken as one unit. Other blacktop in the case of roads, to deter- development-focused ministries mine whether they meet the technical including energy, urban development Briefing standards. and water supply also have several Israel set to start taking in “The work is challenging but we can projects whose estimated costs are conduct quality tests of construction above Rs100 million. Four men die of suspected projects if we are provided adequate The centre conducts a technical alcohol poisoning resources,” said Gyanraj Subedi, audit of whether the contractor has BAGLUNG: Four construction workers Nepali caregivers soon died of suspected alcohol poisoning in Baglung on Tuesday. The deceased men, who were working for a drink- As per an existing agreement between the two countries, 500 Nepali workers ing water project in Galkot Munici- pality, were taken ill after they report- are expected to get employment in the Middle Eastern nation. edly consumed locally brewed alcohol CHANDAN KUMAR MANDAL aspirant candidates to submit their guide the overall process of sending at an eatery on Monday evening. KATHMANDU, JULY 20 applications. the workers. They were taken to Dhaulagiri “During our discussions with the The working procedures, prepared Hospital in Baglung Bazaar where Nepali job-seekers aspiring to work in Israeli officials last Monday they told by the Ministry of Labour, they died in the course of treatment Israel will soon be able to file their us that they would start sending Employment and Social Security, on Tuesday morning. Two other men applications as the two countries are demand letters soon after completing guide the worker demand verification were also taken ill. They were taken in the final leg of preparations for a few remaining tasks on their part,” process, criteria for candidates, appli- to Pokhara for treatment. hiring Nepali migrants. said Dawadi. cation procedures, and the process of Nepal and Israel had signed an The Israeli side has also shown selecting candidates, among other Flood sweeps away suspension understanding in September last year interest in hiring more workers aspects. to export Nepali workers to Israel. than the previous commitment, As per the working procedures, the bridge in Sindhuli After inking the deal, both countries officials said. Nepali Embassy in Israel upon SINDHULI: An under-construction sus- also signed the Implementation As per the existing agreement, 500 receiving the worker demand pension bridge at Tinpatan Rural Protocol in January to put the agree- Nepali workers, both men and women, documents would verify the docu- Municipality in Sindhuli was swept ment into action. are expected to get employment oppor- ments and forward them to the depart- away by a flooded stream on Tuesday. Now, nearly ten months after sign- ment in Nepal. The bridge was being installed to ing the agreement, Israel is likely to Nepali citizens between 25-45 years, connect Sikre and Hilepani villages. start taking in workers soon as the Israel says it could who meet other criteria set by Israel, Post file Photo Govinda Raut, a local government Nepali authorities have been waiting can apply for caregiver jobs. An The centre says there are hundreds of projects that need auditing and it may not be possible. officer said the bridge was washed to receive demands for Nepali work- hire around 1,000 eligible candidate should weigh away after the stream changed its ers, possibly this week. at least 45kg, be no less than 1.5 spokesperson at the centre. “We need maintained the required standard or course towards its pillars and According to Krishna Prasad Nepali workers. metres tall, and be physically to train more engineers to increase quality in the construction projects. foundation. Dawadi, director-general of the and mentally fit with specified our capacity to conduct quality tests.” Over two dozen bridges and roads at Department of Foreign Employment, educational qualifications. The government has not increased 119 locations were damaged by the the government agency mandated to tunities in Israel’s nursing care sector. They should also have received car- the budget for the centre substantially recent floods and landslides, Saptari local unit failed to make manage labour migration including Thirty percent of the 500 jobs will be egiver training and exhibit knowledge for the current fiscal year although it according to the roads department. capital spending last year Nepali workers’ departure to Israel allocated for men and 70 percent for of the English language and decent has added responsibilities. According “Most of them were damaged due to under the new pact, Israel is likely to women. character. to the Finance Ministry, the centre has floods and landslides but we are not SAPTARI: Chhinnamasta Rural send demand letters very soon. However, as per the recent discus- The department has also finalised been allocated Rs115.3 million for the sure whether technical deficiencies Municipality in Saptari could not “We have completed the prepara- sion, Israeli authorities have said that the syllabus and modules for examina- current fiscal year, up from the revised were also responsible,” said Nepal. spend even a single rupee under the tions on our part for implementing the they could hire around 1,000 Nepali tions and interviews. An online portal estimated expenditure of Rs99.2 mil- A technical audit conducted by the capital expenditure in the last fiscal deal and requested the Israeli authori- workers, according to Dawadi. where candidates can submit their lion in the last fiscal year 2020-21. centre can be helpful to determine if year of 2020/21. According to Manoj ties to start sending demand letters,” “Their plan to hire around 1,000 applications has also been readied, The centre was established under the contractors had compromised the Sah, chief at the Treasury and Dawadi told the Post. “As per our com- workers is appreciable, but we cannot according to Dawadi. the Corruption Prevention Act-2002 quality of construction. Accounts Control Office in Rajbiraj, munications with the Israeli side, be sure about it until we receive the Within 14 days of receiving a and one of its tasks is to conduct tech- Since the centre was able to conduct the local unit had zero capital expend- demand letters will start coming with- demand documents,” said Dawadi. demand document, the department nical audits of public construction technical audits of just two dozen iture as it could not hold village coun- in a few days.” “The jobs allotment ratio for men and will publish job offers on its website through independent technicians and projects in the last fiscal year, it will cil meetings due to conflicts among The process of sending workers to women will remain 30:70.” and national newspapers along with experts. require more resources and the people’s representatives and the Israel was affected for some months The Department of Foreign an application deadline of a minimum The centre has shortlisted around manpower if it is to audit more absence of the chief administrative due to the second wave of the Covid-19 Employment has said that it has com- of 21 days. 400 engineers for conducting technical projects. officer. The local body could spend pandemic. pleted all the preparations for sending “Almost everything is ready, includ- audits. “We have 400 registered engineers only Rs 93.3 million of the total Rs According to Dawadi, as soon as a Nepalis to work in Israel’s nursing ing the online portals. The questions According to Subedi, the Covid-19 and can deploy one engineer per pro- 513.7 million budget under recurrent demand letter is received, the depart- care sector. The department has pre- for the examinations are also being pandemic affected the centre’s work ject, but we will need more funds for expenditure, he added. ment will issue a public notice asking pared working procedures that will readied,” said Dawadi. last fiscal year so it could conduct their deployment,” said Subedi. Police warn foreign job aspirants against falling prey to sham recruitment agents According to the Nepal Police, in the first 11 months of the last fiscal year, 577 cases of fraud were filed across the country.

SHUVAM DHUNGANA dozens more victims. The survey results indicated that 28 percent KATHMANDU, JULY 20 An investigating officer at the bureau told of men lost their jobs during the lockdown, the Post that Raut asked for advance payments compared to 41 percent of women. At a time when Covid-19-related uncertainties up to Rs50,000 from each job aspirant. After In Nepal, fraud cases involving overseas jobs have already had a major impact on people’s showing fake job letters, he would again are common. Nepal Police receives hundreds lives, some sham hiring agencies and unscru- demand another Rs500,000. Raut then showed of complaints concerning employment fraud pulous individuals are making things worse his victims fake e-visas and demanded every year. for unemployed youths by defrauding them of Rs700,000 more, according to the officer. According to the Nepal Police data, in the millions of rupees with false promises of for- “Raut swindled at least over Rs1 million first 11 months of the last fiscal eign jobs. from one individual,” said the officer on the year, 577 cases of fraud were filed across In a recent incident, the Central Investigation condition of anonymity as he was not allowed the country. Bureau of Nepal Police arrested four people to talk to the media. Raut took large amounts Authorities have urged the general public to for their alleged involvement in duping nearly of money from job aspirants by showing them apply only through certified recruitment agen- Rs4 million from foreign job aspirants. fake e-visas for Panama. cies after seeing job advertisements in The arrestees have been identified as Raut was sent to the Buddhanagar-based newspapers and not fall for scammers. Suvadra Pariyar, 37, of Makawanpur; Puja Rai, Department of Foreign Employment for fur- Mahendranath Bhattarai, spokesperson for 33, of Ilam, Rajendra Dhakal, 33 of ther investigations, said Superintendent of the Department of Foreign Employment, said Sindhupalchok and Dipika KC, 21, of Police Mahato. job aspirants should pay the agencies Bhaktapur. As the second wave of pandemic has result- and provide passports only after being selected According to the Central Investigation ed in thousands of job losses, authorities are for an interview. Bureau, they got in touch with the victims concerned that vulnerable people might be “While it is important to check the through Facebook as they had opened a fake targeted by fraudsters. credentials of the recruitment agent, job account with a Japanese name ‘TANAKAYOKA’. A study commissioned by the United Nations aspirants should also verify the demand “After getting connected through Facebook, Development Program (UNDP) in Nepal last letter of the company by inquiring with the they lured their victims by posing as Japanese year had found that three in every five embassy concerned,” said Bhattarai. immigration officials who could arrange employees of both formal and informal “The government has also fixed the Japanese work visas for them,” said Senior Post File Photo sectors including micro, small and medium recruitment fees that job aspirants should Superintendent of Police Chandra Kuber The coronavirus pandemic has resulted in thousands of job losses. enterprises (MSMEs) lost their jobs as a result pay to the agencies after getting a visa. If Khapung, chief of the Metropolitan Crime of the pandemic. the agencies demand more money then the job Division. In a similar instance last week, the Raut was also accused of swindling over The study also showed that the crisis has aspirants can file complaints at the Department According to Khapung, they are found to Metropolitan Crime Division arrested a person Rs1.8 million by promising victims lucrative affected women, especially from lower income of Foreign Employment.” have duped nearly 4 million rupees from differ- from Tokha, Kathmandu for allegedly swin- job opportunities in Panama, said groups, differently from men, as women Bhattarai said people should be more ent people. dling foreign job aspirants. Superintendent Shyam Kumar Mahato, spokes- typically work in industries which are careful while paying money if they are “We have sent the arrestees to the Police identified the arrestee as Lok Bahadur person for the Central Investigation Bureau. comparatively less tele-commutable such as not sure about the credentials of the agency Kathmandu Metropolitan Police Range for Raut, 34, of Udayapur who has been residing at According to Mahato, their preliminary hospitality, wholesale and retail, keeping them or the agent and demand receipt for the investigation,” said Khapung. Tokha in Kathmandu. investigation has found that Raut has duped out of work. payment.

C M Y K WEDNESDAY, JULY 21, 2021 | 04 Opinion EDITORIAL The curse of tinpot heroes Towards safer births Our self-important politicos falsely believe they have Superstitions and discriminatory customs made huge sacrifices for continue to deny women their basic rights. the country.

Four months ago, the District Health Office in Baglung estab- lished a community health unit and a birthing centre at CK LAL Dhiri in Ward No 4 of Dhorpatan Municipality. There are some 100 households in this remote settlement, and most of South Side them are Dalits. A dirt road was also opened last year, but villagers need to hike for hours to reach the nearest ward office or motorable road. So it was good news that Dhiri, which has a high maternal mortality rate, finally has access to basic health services, including a birthing centre. But The tragicomedy of the Sunday evening superstitions, lack of awareness, structural barriers and dis- at the Pratinidhi Sabha Bhavan in New criminatory customs continue to deny women their basic Baneshwor had a reassuring ending. rights, and even kill them and their newborns. Since the outcome was expected, the The stories of women in Dhiri who’ve survived physical play was enacted and watched with reciprocal boredom. When Speaker and mental horrors are shocking. When women need special Agni Prasad Sapkota declared that the care while expecting or after giving birth, they are kicked out motion of the vote of confidence tabled of their homes, considered “impure” and banished to animal by Prime Minister Sher Bahadur sheds in the forest. Women who have survived to share their Deuba had been endorsed with a major- stories say they were deprived of nutritious food and mater- ity, the announcement was received nity care, and had to endure freezing temperatures. Many with a huge sigh of collective relief. women and their children have reportedly been killed in Parliamentarians of the Nepali Congress (NC) know their chairperson these animal sheds away from human settlements. too well to expect anything new from Last week, the United Nations Human Rights Council, their septuagenarian leader. At 75, which Nepal is a member of, adopted a resolution on mater- Prime Minister Deuba is one of the last nal mortality and morbidity and human rights, urging all politicos of the Veterans’ Generation states to eliminate preventable maternal mortality and mor- of Nepal that were born before the bidity, and respect, protect and fulfil sexual and reproductive overthrow of the Ranas in 1951 but grew up when the Shahs had begun to health and reproductive rights. The resolution urges states to consolidate their stranglehold over the Shutterstock ensure the availability, accessibility, acceptability and quali- polity and society. They struggled False glory succeeded in re-establishing the prima- every sense of the term. Sharma Oli ty of healthcare services, including mental health and psy- against the authoritarian The Veterans’ claim to fame is based cy of the army in politics through the was malevolent in the first term, and chosocial services and sexual and reproductive healthcare regime for almost three decades and upon their suffering during the Rana office of the president in the Katawal an unmitigated disaster in the middle services, free of coercion, discrimination and violence. The were done with their life’s work in 1990 or Shah Regime. Intermittently jailed Kanda. Dahal himself hardly remem- of the Covid-19 pandemic in the second council also calls states to ensure sexual and reproductive with the restoration of multiparty for nine years by the Shahs, it’s often bers having done anything remarkable term. healthcare services amid the Covid-19 pandemic. It stresses democracy. forgotten that Deuba parachuted from in his second term other than prioritis- Compared to the grand old party that the London School of Economics onto ing local elections over the rehabilita- Ancient institutions response against gender discrimination and socioeconomic is the NC, stalwarts of the Communist the top floor of national politics after tion of Gorkha Earthquake survivors. What most outsiders celebrate as the factors making women more vulnerable to maternal morbid- Party of Nepal (United Marxist- the success of the People’s Movement A common thread that binds these resilience of Nepalis is in fact a symp- ities. Leninist) as well as the Maoist Centre of 1990 in which he had played little or self-important politicos is their false tom of widespread hopelessness in As a member nation of the council, Nepal has more respon- belong to what can best be termed as no role. His four terms as prime minis- belief that they have done enormous society. The will to survive all adversi- sibilities to shoulder, both at home and globally. The country the Lost Generation. Even though born ter (1995-97, 2001-02, 2004-05, and 2017- sacrifice for the betterment of the ties perhaps comes from a firm belief has been on track to prevent maternal deaths by setting up after the fall of Ranarchy in 1951 and 18), each more inglorious than the pre- country. All such assertions, however, in the strength of the family—the old- birthing centres and mobilising an army of Female before the beginning of the absolutist vious ones, are enough to show that he fly in the face of ground realities. est and strongest institution of human- Shah regime in 1960, ambitious politi- lacks the imagination to chart a new While it’s true that Deuba has spent ity. The social strength, however, turns Community Health Volunteers across the country. The gov- cos of this generation were bewildered course for the country. Deuba’s first considerable time behind bars, his con- into a major weakness of the political ernment also offers encouragement and transportation by the geopolitical compulsions of the stint in Baluwatar is best remembered tribution to public life after coming out economy when it degenerates into nep- allowances as part of its strategy to save lives and ensure Cold War, confused by the continuing for the failure of his success (Mahakali of prison has been negligible if not otism and cronyism. safer births. Last year, the government also issued the Safe backwardness of their country and Treaty), the success of his failure entirely negative. Religion is perhaps the second most Motherhood and Reproductive Health Rights Regulation enticed by the escapist promises of (Maoist insurgency) and the disgrace A 14-year jail term for manslaughter important social institution after the 2020, which requires each basic health service centre to pro- communism. of his political expediencies (Pajero was Sharma Oli’s sole claim to fame family for most Nepalis irrespective of vide maternity and emergency maternity services and neo- It took almost 30 years after 1990 for Kanda). His second term culminated before he managed to wrangle the their ethnicity. Marx correctly intuited the Naxalite Jhapalis of the 1970s and with a creeping coup and the third one all-important home affairs portfolio in that religion was “the sigh of the natal services free of cost from the stage of pregnancy to the Maoists of the 1990s—most notable ended with a royal-military takeover. the short-lived Man Mohan Adhikari oppressed creature, the heart of a motherhood. The provisions also require that provincial of them being the phalanx of former The fourth one was no less damaging— cabinet and succeeded in wrapping up heartless world and the soul of the governments also allocate budgets to offer these life-saving prime ministers such as Messrs it almost decimated the oldest demo- all investigations into the death of soulless conditions”, and hence, services. Despite these regulatory and administrative frame- Khadga Prasad Sharma Oli, Madhav cratic party of the country from its Madan Bhandari and Jiwaraj Ashrit in “opium of the people”. Caste is yet works, women still deliver their babies at home or in sheds, Kumar Nepal, Pushpa Kamal Dahal, base in Madhes. a road accident. another curse that offers solace during like in the remote Dhiri village of Baglung. Baburam Bhattarai and their fellow The recently ousted prime minister Dahal probably thinks that once hav- adversity, but chains an individual to To save lives and ensure safer births, the government daydreamers—to realise that the prom- consistently opposed republicanism, ing had a price on his head is a higher archaic practices at the same time. ised dictatorship of the proletariat federalism and inclusion, but managed sacrifice than that of the Tharus that Sadly, hero-worship buttresses crum- should launch targeted efforts to fight traditions and beliefs can’t accommodate all aspirants for the to hoodwink the electorate that he was were forcibly disappeared by the secu- bling social practices even as it hinders that continue to threaten mothers and their newborns while supremo’s position. There was little in the best suited person to protect these rity forces in Bardia, the Dalits that innovations in political economy. expanding access to basic health services, especially in far- this high-octane drama for the people values! His first term in office will be were eliminated in fake encounters, Over the last few days, the media has flung regions. From 529 deaths per 100,000 live births in 1996 in whose name all this playacting took best remembered for toxic ethno-na- and the Janajatis that fought ferocious- been awash with gratuitous advice for to 239 in 2016, we’ve done a remarkable job to reduce the place. Ousted prime minister Sharma tionalism and insistent anti-Madhesi ly to establish his party’s revolutionary the fifth-term prime minister. The only maternal mortality rate. But we have to do more to reach our Oli trusted fellow Bahuns, rewarded tirade and the goat-tailed map of the credentials. advice he needs at this stage is to ignore goal of reducing the maternal mortality rate to less than 70 craven loyalists and was beholden to a second term will continue to mar Villainy and heroism are somewhat all advice and concentrate on creating preferred group of plutocrats. Prime Nepal-India relations for decades to like the two sides of the same coin, and a legacy for posterity. Providence has for every 100,000 births by 2030 to meet the Sustainable Minister Deuba has begun on a similar come. one never knows which flip will bring given one last opportunity to Deuba to Development Goals. note by picking prominent Chhetri col- Dahal, by confronting the military the evil side up. Deuba turned out to be redeem himself in the all-seeing eyes leagues. without adequate political preparation, an incompetent prime minister in of history. Nepal needs a flagship research university

non-research universities. Their cost cal lobbying and interference from The unity of teaching per student is higher than the same influential administrators. To the figure at non-research universities. extent that the research profile of the and research is what Research universities are distin- candidate figures in the promotional guished by a unique system of govern- process at all, quantity, and not quali- distinguishes these kinds ance, of which autonomy and academ- ty, becomes the yardstick of judge- ic freedom are principal hallmarks. At ment. This lax system of hiring and of institutions from others. the top of the governance structure promotion should change if the TU’s remains a board of trustees responsi- central campus seeks to transform ble for policy oversight. The board itself into a flagship research BED PRASAD GIRI appoints the university’s topmost offi- university. cials based on a transparent selection Student selectivity in admissions is process. Distinguished scholars are equally unimpressive. Currently, some often appointed to the position of aca- central departments have fewer stu- demic leadership. The state does not dents than the faculty members. intervene in the university’s opera- Leaving aside the professional degree tion beyond providing policy guidance programs, anyone who applies for in the shape of either statutory admission with minimum eligibility What is a research university? requirements or the determination of criteria can expect to be taken in. A research university is, by definition, national priorities. Pedagogy is slanted toward tradition- one that prioritises research over In addition to assisting with the al methods of instruction. Instruction teaching. Its faculty members are production of new knowledge, on research writing is conventional engaged in the production of new research universities train students in and inadequate. This situation does knowledge. They engage in basic as their chosen professions. The unity of not bode well for the higher research well as applied research activities and teaching and research is what distin- prospects of the university. report their findings in peer-reviewed guishes these types of institutions The current governance structure books and journals. They compete for from others. Research universities are is bloated with bureaucracy and needs research grants offered by non-profit multi-disciplined and admit students an overhaul. As a first order of busi- foundations, businesses, industry and at both undergraduate and postgradu- ness, let us keep the prime minister, the government. ate levels. While the teaching load of education minister, and education Most research universities are mer- faculty members is relatively small, ministry officials out of decision-mak- itocratic in orientation. They hire and good teaching is expected to be com- ing. Well-meaning as these admirable retain highly qualified professors mensurate with the superior quality individuals may be, they should have based on well-articulated criteria. of the professors. no role in running the university. The These criteria include acquiring University Senate ought to be given advanced academic credentials from Reforming Tribhuvan Tribhuvan University full authority in selecting the chancel- top-tier universities, publishing arti- University (TU) of humanities, social sciences, man- its belt. Their principal function is to tutional support for research in the lor and the vice-chancellor via open cles in peer-reviewed journals, award- It is not practical to turn all Nepalese agement, education, law and science conduct independent academic form of faculty grants and research competition or a targeted recruitment ing competitive grants, and a prior universities into research universi- and technology. Together, these research in their respective areas. leave is negligible. What is arguably process. The university’s autonomy academic appointment at other insti- ties, nor is such action advisable on departments constitute the brain cen- However, to what extent they have lacking is a research culture on the and academic freedom should remain tutions of higher learning. Another the grounds of optimal resource utili- tre of the entire university system. been successful in their mission is not part of both the institution and its sacrosanct. aspect of their emphasis on merit sation or selectivity. It is, therefore, Tribhuvan University’s Kirtipur clear in the absence of any objective teachers. Beyond this basic proposal for uni- relates to the intake of high achieving much more prudent to create one or campus already has the rudimentary review of their institutional function. At TU’s Kirtipur campus, faculty versity reform, the newly carved out students. Together, these efforts con- two flagship universities with contours of a research university. Despite having such elements of a hiring is less than fully competitive, research university should be based stitute the qualitative basis of top research as their core mission while This campus was envisioned as a cen- research university, TU’s Kirtipur and it is rarely based on the appli- on a residential college system. It research universities worldwide. designating the rest of the colleges tre of excellence three decades ago. campus currently lacks other cant’s research profile. One who should provide ample living spaces to Research universities are more and universities as teaching institu- Although that policy orientation did aspects of research culture. As a secures the highest marks in a selec- support a large number of graduate expensive to run than non-research tions rather than research-oriented not have any discernible effects, the rule, faculty members are not tion process based principally on the and undergraduate students. The universities. The high cost is due to institutions. policy showed the desire on the part of required to research their core division of marks obtained in the development of an undergraduate higher faculty salaries, faculty The most suitable candidate for a the university leaders for educational subject areas regularly, so whatever mark sheets is considered the winner. curriculum is a must to support the research grants, well-furnished flagship research university in Nepal excellence. The university currently research some of them carry out The hiring of candidates from other full range of graduate faculty and pro- research labs, comprehensive research is the Tribhuvan University’s Central has four independent research centres should be considered voluntary, i.e., superior institutions of learning is grams. Only an integrated university libraries and the procurement of spe- Campus at Kirtipur. Nested in the out- (Center for Economic Development motivated by a personal ethos. This not encouraged. can meet the expectations of a top-tier cialised databases and journals. In skirts of Kirtipur city, the campus is and Administration, Center for Nepal ought to be so in the absence of Tenure system is weak, and promo- research institution. countries where higher education is home to the university’s 41 “central” and Asian Studies, Research Center a clear policy of reward and punish- tion is based not on the quantity and government-funded, research univer- departments, which impart education for Applied Science and Technology ment that either rewards or penalises quality of the candidate’s research Giri is a former dean of the Faculty of sities are allocated a more significant to postgraduate level students in a and Research Center for Educational faculty members for their research profile but workplace seniority and Humanities and Social Sciences, proportion of public funding than variety of disciplines in the faculties Innovation and Development) under output or the lack of it. Secondly, insti- extra-academic criteria such as politi- Lumbini Buddhist University.

C M Y K 05 | WEDNESDAY, JULY 21, 2021 Money

FOREX Moody’s sounds US 119.69 Investment pledges plunge as virus, Euro 141.1 alarm on Sri Pound 163.23 Lankan debt Australian 87.7 messy politics scare away investors Japanese 10.94 AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE COLOMBO, JULY 20 Chinese 18.47 Foreign direct investment pledges fell 14.81 percent to Rs32.20 billion in the fiscal year 2020-21, officials say. Saudi 31.91 International ratings agency Moody’s KRISHANA PRASAIN locked country like Nepal are compar- placed cash-strapped Sri Lanka under Qatari 32.87 KATHMANDU, JULY 20 atively low compared to other coun- watch for a downgrade Tuesday on tries having access to the sea as the rising fears that the island could Malaysian 28.33 Potential investors backed away from investment cost is less there,” said default on its foreign debt. Exchange rates fixed by Nepal Rastra Bank Nepal in the last fiscal year as Covid- Bhusal. “Potential investors compare Foreign reserves of $3.6 billion at 19 ruined travel plans and a tumultu- the investment facilities provided by the end of June was insufficient to ous political season set in. China and India with the incentives cover Sri Lanka’s annual foreign debt Shares According to the Department of available in Nepal, and our country servicing—of $4 billion to $5 billion— Industry, foreign direct investment obviously lacks attractive offers to over the next four to five years, Nepse 2,985.57pts -0.30% pledges fell 14.81 percent to Rs32.20 give to them.” Moody’s said. billion in the fiscal year 2020-21 ended The one-window policy needs to be It said Colombo’s financing options highest losers mid-July. made effective, and Investment Board were limited although it managed to ICFCD83 RBCLPO NICL SMFDB HIDCL PFL -6.17% -5.56% -4.78% -2.91% -2.86% -2.81% The investment pledges are in 183 Nepal also needs to be more proactive, obtain some bilateral loans. different projects and services. In the he added. Colombo has announced a $250 mil- moderate losers NMFBS NIFRA MFIL MPFL PICL NRIC previous fiscal year 2019-20, Nepal According to a new regulation lion loan from Bangladesh, a fellow -1.20% -1.20% -1.13% -1.12% -1.06% -1.04% received investment pledges worth issued under the Foreign Investment South Asian country with a much

moderate gainers Rs37.80 billion for 223 schemes. and Technology Transfer Act, foreign lower per capita income than Sri RRHP SHL LEC UMRH SANIMA UNL Jiblal Bhusal, director general at investors in Nepal need to bring 70 Lanka. “The decision to place the rat- 1.90% 1.87% 1.81% 1.62% 1.56% 1.53% the Department of Industry, said percent of their proposed investment ings under review for downgrade is highest gainers investment pledges dropped because before beginning operations, and the driven by Moody’s assessment that Sri LUK LEMF BARUN MHNL GIMES1 NICBF the coronavirus prevented travel, and rest in the next two years. Lanka’s increasingly fragile external 10.04% 10.01% 9.39% 9.28% 8.92% 8.70% prospective financiers could not visit One of the major sources of bridg- liquidity position raises the risk of Nepal to follow up on their investment ing the financing gap is foreign direct default,” Moody’s said. plans. investment, but Nepal is among the In September, Moody’s downgraded A combination of the spill over countries attracting the lowest Sri Lanka’s sovereign credit rating by Price Per tola effect of the first lockdown that began Post file Photo amount of investment in recent years, two notches to “Caa1” (high credit bullion in March 2020 and the second lock- A resort, financed by a foreign investor, is being constructed in Pokhara. according to the Systematic Country risk), saying Colombo would struggle down that started in April 2021 has put Diagnostic Report published by the to secure funding to service its large Fine Gold Rs 93,200 investors in a “wait and watch” situa- for him. The $1.3 billion project, the single World Bank in February last year. debt. In a desperate bid to save foreign tion, Bhusal said. “Despite the severe China leads the list of foreign inves- biggest foreign investment project The multilateral funding agency exchange, Sri Lanka has banned luxu- Silver Rs 1,280 situation, foreign investment pledges tors in Nepal with investment pledges as per 2017 cost estimates, is said that foreign direct investment ry imports, including some food and in the last fiscal year were good,” he worth Rs22.50 billion in the last fiscal located in Sankhuwasabha and averaged just 0.2 percent of the gross spices, since March last year. Source: FENEGOSIDA said. year. But it was lower than in previous Bhojpur districts. domestic product over the last decade, “Moody’s expects Sri Lanka’s for- But he added that uncertainty still years. In fiscal 2019-20, investment This is the second mega project which is one of the lowest in the eign exchange reserves to continue prevailed. “The new emerging vari- pledges from the northern neighbour undertaken by the southern neigh- world. declining from already low levels, fur- gasoline watch ants of Covid-19 may impact foreign stood at Rs25.65 billion for 174 differ- bour after the $1.04 billion 900-mega- Foreign direct investment is vital ther eroding its ability to meet sizea- investment in Nepal.” ent projects. watt Arun-3 hydroelectric project on for accessing new technologies, busi- ble and recurring external debt ser- Officials said that the dissolution of Investment pledges in the last fiscal the Arun River. ness practices, and markets. In the vicing needs,” the agency said. the lower house on two occasions had year from the southern neighbour Breaking down the commitments past few years, capital inflow in the Sri Lanka’s finance ministry react- put national politics into turmoil, and India plunged by 72 percent to Rs906 into sectors, Nepal received the high- country has seen an upward trend, but ed angrily to Moody’s latest announce- the five-year-old constitution into million. The financing commitments est amount of investment pledges of it still lags behind most South Asian ment saying it was “unwarranted”, uncertainty. are for nine projects. In the previous Rs18.31 billion in the tourism sector, countries. and warned it could reconsider On July 13, after months of political fiscal year, investment commitments according to the department. To facilitate foreign direct invest- employing the ratings agency. wrangling, Nepali Congress Chairman from India totalled Rs3.23 billion for 16 The investment commitments are ment in Nepal, the central bank intro- “The unwarranted announcement Sher Bahadur Deuba was appointed different projects. for 101 tourism projects and almost all duced the Nepal Rastra Bank Foreign by Moody’s... re-emphasises the need prime minister following the Supreme According to officials, the figure of them came from China. Similarly, Investment and Loan Management for the Sri Lanka government to revis- Court’s order as per Article 76 (5) of will jump in the current fiscal year as 19 foreign investment pledges valued Bylaw 2021 which freed foreign inves- it its relationship with rating agen- the constitution that brought the polit- Nepal recently signed a pact with at Rs2.86 billion came in the manufac- tors from having to take its prior cies,” the finance ministry said in a ical tussle to an end. India’s state-owned Satluj Jal Vidyut turing sector and 41 pledges amount- approval to send or remit foreign cur- statement. Sri Lanka’s central bank On Sunday, Deuba won a vote Nigam to develop the 679-megawatt ing to Rs5.98 billion came in the ser- rency to Nepal after getting approval governor WD Lakshman said last of confidence with 165 members of Lower Arun Hydropower project in vice sector. from the foreign investment sanction- month that the country would meet its the House of Representatives voting eastern Nepal. “Foreign investments in a land- ing body, said Bhusal. debt obligations. EU to tighten rules on cryptoasset transfers EasyJet charts path out Reuters Brussels, July 20 of pandemic fallout Companies that transfer bitcoin or other cryptoassets must IFC appoints collect details of senders and recipients to help authorities AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE tal Europe and the easing of restric- crack down on dirty money, EU policymakers proposed on LONDON, JULY 20 tions for the fully vaccinated in the Tuesday in the latest efforts to tighten regulation of the UK”. The airline added it “will emerge Gomez Ang its sector. British airline EasyJet on Tuesday from the pandemic transformed”. The law proposed by the European Commission, the EU ramped up summer capacity and The coronavirus outbreak had executive, would apply what is known as the travel rule to revealed narrowing losses, thanks to grounded planes worldwide, resulting regional director crypto transactions to make them traceable. easing Covid travel curbs in Europe, in massive losses across the aviation The rule, which is one of the recommendations of the speedy vaccinations and improving sector. However, the industry has for South Asia inter-governmental watchdog, the Financial Action Task demand. since been boosted by the lifting of Force (FATF), already applies to wire transfers. The carrier, which had slashed many international travel restrictions POST REPORT “Today’s amendments will ensure full traceability of costs and flights as the deadly pan- despite the emergence of the KATHMANDU, JULY 20 crypto-asset transfers, such as bitcoin, and will allow for demic ravaged global aviation indus- fast-spreading Delta variant. prevention and detection of their possible use for money try, cautioned however that the road to EasyJet on Tuesday added that its IFC has appointed Hector Gomez Ang laundering or terrorism financing,” the Commission said in recovery would be bumpy across its pre-tax losses fell 8.2 percent to £318.3 its regional director for South Asia. a statement. REUTERS mostly European routes. million ($436 million, 370 million Based in New Delhi, he will play a A company handling cryptoassets for a customer must A representation of the virtual cryptocurrency Ethereum. EasyJet said in a statement that it euros) in its third quarter from a critical role in boosting IFC’s invest- include the customer’s name, address, date of birth and will operate 60 percent of its pre-pan- year earlier, thanks partly to tight cost ments in the region, as it looks to account number, and the name of the person who will with international standards while not creating excessive demic flights in its fourth quarter, or controls. recover from the impacts of Covid-19. receive the cryptoassets. regulatory burden on the industry,” the European July through September, as the UK Revenues surged to £212.9 million, In taking on the new role, Gomez The recipient’s service provider must also check if any of Commission said. government permits more travel flexi- up from just £7.2 million last time Ang said the private sector had an the required information is missing. “On the contrary, these proposals will help the EU cryp- bility for vaccinated passengers. around. Passenger numbers increased essential role in South Asia’s recovery Providing anonymous crypto-asset wallets will also be to-asset industry develop, as it will benefit from an updated, The airline had operated just 17 to almost three million. from Covid-19, easing the burden on prohibited, just as anonymous bank accounts are already harmonised legal framework across the EU.” percent of its 2019 capacity in the “During this quarter we have suc- constrained public finances and banned under EU anti-money laundering rules. EU states and the European Parliament have the final say third quarter, or three months to June. cessfully managed through the contin- reducing rising levels of poverty, due “These proposals have been designed to find the right on the proposals, meaning it could take two years for them EasyJet said it was capitalising “on ued challenges of the pandemic,” said to the pandemic, according to a state- balance between addressing these threats and complying to become law. the opening-up of travel in continen- chief executive Johan Lundgren. ment issued by IFC. Notice on Company Name Change Asia extends global retreat as Please be informed that the company business name “DAI Europe Ltd”, officially registered Delta virus variant fears deepen with its registration in Office of Company Registrar, Nepal, has recently changed its name AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE ble”, and “fabricated” by “One of the reasons bonds have HONG KONG, JULY 20 Washington. rallied so much is that institution- to DAI Global UK Limited. Photo courtesy: IFC “What is likely concerning mar- al investors have rebalanced out of The changes took place with effect from Hector Gomez Ang Asian equities extended losses on kets now is that there is also a equities, which have had a huge Tuesday following another rough surge in infections occurring in run, into fixed income,” Jim Sunday 11 July 2021. Other information will “The pandemic has left a scar on day for global markets as the developed markets with high levels McDonald, of Northern Trust countries throughout the region, fast-spreading Covid Delta variant of vaccination,” said National Bank, told Bloomberg Television. remain same. exacting a huge human toll of which fuels concerns over the expected Australia Bank’s Tapas Strickland. However, he added: “The recent we must remain mindful. We must economic recovery. This showed “that fully vacci- weakness is justified on a short- also accept that we may have to live Investors have been rattled in nated people while being protected term basis. If you look at the issue with the lingering impacts of Covid-19 recent weeks by data showing the from severe cases and hospitalisa- with the delta variant and Covid, it for some time to come, and so it’s all highly transmissible virus surging tion, can still transmit the virus”. is a short-term concern, but if you the more imperative to continue to across the world, forcing some gov- “Virus restrictions may need to look out to the end of the year most work together to support jobs and eco- ernments to reimpose contain- be in place for longer (or even of the Western economies will nomic growth,” Gomez Ang said. ment measures. re-introduced) until vaccination have immunity in the 75-80 percent “That also means we must do what’s Even countries with elevated rates lift further and full vaccina- range.” needed to ensure private sector invest- vaccination rates have seen a big tion is available to everyone who Others also remained broadly ments can flow to where it’s needed, increase in new cases, though wants it,” Strickland added. upbeat about the outlook. and in industries we know can sup- observers point out that hospitali- Wall Street’s three main indexes “Those who have been inoculat- port economic activity.” sations and deaths are being kept all ended deep in the red, with the ed should still have good protec- “Given the significant shortfall of down thanks to the jabs. Dow shedding more than two per- tion against the Delta variant, finances due to Covid and increasing The selling has also been blamed cent while the Nasdaq and S&P 500 according to the latest hospitalisa- climate emergency, we are using Covid on other factors including linger- were more than one percent off. tion and mortality statistics,” said and climate as cross-cutting entry ing worries about possible central And the selling filtered through JP Morgan Asset Management’s points to find innovative solutions to bank policy tightening as the econ- to Asia, where Tokyo suffered a Tai Hui. the clear development challenges in omy recovers, profit-taking with fifth straight loss, while Shanghai, “Hence, the potential risk to eco- the region,” said Gomez Ang. “We markets sitting around record or Hong Kong, Sydney, Seoul, nomic reopening is manageable, stand with the people and govern- multi-year highs, and investors Mumbai, Bangkok, Wellington and especially in regions or states ments of South Asia as we continue to jockeying as the corporate earn- Taipei were also well in retreat. where vaccination rates are high.” invest in the region’s private sector ings season begins. London, Paris and Frankfurt all And Marija Veitmane, at State despite market uncertainties. We hope Bubbling geopolitical tensions rose more than one percent in Street Global Markets, added: “I this will send a strong signal to other were also an influence after the opening trade, a day after each am firmly in the buy the dip investors and give them confidence to United States accused Beijing of losing more than two percent. camp”. continue to invest in the region.” carrying out a massive hack of The worry on trading floors was “Stocks had a very strong first A Mexican national, Gomez Ang Microsoft and charged four reflected in demand for safe-haven half supported by the earnings joined IFC in Mexico City in 2006 as an Chinese nationals, while rallying assets including US Treasuries, recovery and we expect corporate investment officer. He succeeds allies in a rare joint condemnation the yen, and gold. Bitcoin fell to as earnings to remain strong.” Mengistu Alemayehu, who has of “malicious” cyber activity. low as $29,516 and below $30,000 for Meanwhile, US President Joe assumed a new role as IFC’s Director China has denied the claims as the first time in a month, having Biden has tried to calm worries of Global Equity Mobilization. “totally groundless and irresponsi- hit a record near $65,000 in April. about inflation.

C M Y K WEDNESDAY, JULY 21, 2021 | 06 world Briefing Millions may have died in India Iraq reels as 36 killed Jailed Myanmar politician dies from Covid-19 as cases spike during pandemic, research says in IS suicide blast on YANGON: Myanmar politician Nyan Win, a senior adviser to ousted leader Aung San Suu Kyi, died in hospital Report estimates excess deaths—the gap between those recorded and those that would on Tuesday after becoming infected eve of Eid festival with Covid-19 in jail, his party said, have been expected—to be 3 million to 4.7 million between January 2020 and June 2021. as the Southeast Asian country strug- AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE Joe Biden in Washington, and ahead gles with an exponential rise in infec- ASSOCIATED PRESS BAGHDAD, JULY 20 of a scheduled parliamentary election tions. Nyan Win, 78, who had been NEW DELHI, JULY 20 in October. held in Yangon’s Insein prison after Iraq was in mourning on Tuesday for “This is a clear message that IS is being arrested when the army seized India’s excess deaths during the pan- at least 36 people killed when a bomb still present and is able to strike power on February 1, was transferred demic could be a staggering 10 times ripped through a crowded Baghdad targets in Baghdad,” said Osama to hospital last week, the National the official Covid-19 toll, likely mak- market in what the Islamic State al-Saidi, head of the Iraqi Political League for Democracy (NLD) said in ing it modern India’s worst human group’s jihadists claimed as a suicide Science Association. “Whenever elec- a statement. Reuters was unable to tragedy, according to the most compre- attack. tions approach, terror attacks happen reach the health ministry or a junta hensive research yet on the ravages of The bloody carnage on Monday with the aim of sending a political spokesman for comment. the virus in the South Asian country. evening, one of the deadliest attacks message that those governing are Most experts believe India’s official in years in the war-scarred country, weak.” toll of more than 414,000 dead is a vast killed mostly women and children on Deadly attacks were common in Dozen Chinese cities under undercount, but the government has the eve of Eid al-Adha, the Muslim Baghdad during the sectarian blood- water as riverbanks burst dismissed those concerns as exagger- festival of sacrifice. letting that followed the US-led inva- BEIJING: Heavy rain pounded the cen- ated and misleading. It sparked revulsion and renewed sion of 2003, and later on as IS swept tral Chinese province of Henan on The report released on Tuesday esti- fears about the reach of the IS, which across much of Iraq. Tuesday, bursting the banks of major mated excess deaths—the gap between lost its last territory in Iraq after a Iraq declared IS defeated in late 2017 rivers, flooding the streets of a dozen those recorded and those that would gruelling campaign that ended in late after a fierce three-year campaign and cities and shutting the world-famous have been expected—to be 3 million to ap/rss 2017, but retains sleeper cells in attacks became relatively rare in the Shaolin Temple. Henan, a populous 4.7 million between January 2020 and In this May 5 photo, funeral pyres of Covid-19 victims burn at an open crematorium set up at a remote desert and mountain areas. capital—until January this year when province double the size of Austria, June 2021. It said an accurate figure granite quarry on the outskirts of Bengaluru, India. The Sunni Muslim extremists a twin suicide bombing claimed by IS has been hit by storms since the may “prove elusive” but the true death claimed on the Telegram messenger killed 32 people in a Baghdad market. weekend in an unusually active rainy toll “is likely to be an order of magni- economic survey omitting the causes journalists that have highlighted the service that an IS suicide bomber had The US-led coalition that supported season. No deaths or casualties have tude greater than the official count.” of death. massive undercounting of deaths,” detonated an explosives belt in the Iraq’s campaign against IS has signifi- been reported, but the daily lives of The report, published by Arvind Instead, researchers looked at Jacob said. bustling Woheilat market of Baghdad’s cantly drawn down its troop levels the province’s 94 million people have Subramanian, the Indian govern- deaths from all causes and compared The report also estimated that near- Shiite district of Sadr City. over the past year. been upended by transport closures. ment’s former chief economic adviser, that data to mortality in previous ly 2 million Indians died during the In the panic and chaos of the attack, The United States, which provides At least 31 large and medium-sized and two other researchers at the years—a method widely considered an first surge in infections last year and screams of terror and anguish filled the bulk of the force, has 2,500 reservoirs in the province have Center for Global Development, a non- accurate metric. said not “grasping the scale of the the air. When the smoke cleared, troops left in Iraq—down from 5,200 a exceeded their warning levels. profit think tank based in Washington, Researchers also cautioned that tragedy in real time” may have “bred human remains lay strewn amid scat- year ago. and Harvard University, said the virus prevalence and Covid-19 deaths collective complacency that led to the tered sandals, market produce and the The latest attack sparked condo- count could have missed deaths occur- in the seven states they studied may horrors” of the surge earlier this year. charred debris of stalls. lences from abroad, and recrimina- Zuma’s corruption trial ring in overwhelmed hospitals or not translate to all of India, since the Over the last few months, some Iraqi President Barham Salih con- tions among Iraqi political leaders. while health care was delayed or dis- virus could have spread more in urban Indian states have increased their demned the “heinous crime of unprec- Russian President Vladimir Putin is postponed rupted, especially during the devastat- versus rural states and since health Covid-19 death toll after finding thou- edented cruelty on the eve of Eid,” said “the murder of dozens of civil- JOHANNESBURG: The corruption trial ing peak surge earlier this year. care quality varies greatly around sands of previously unreported cases, writing on Twitter that the perpetra- ians ... is shocking in its cruelty and of former South African president “True deaths are likely to be in the India. raising concerns that many more tors “do not allow people to rejoice, cynicism” and urged that the perpe- Jacob Zuma, who is currently in pris- several millions not hundreds of thou- Other nations are also believed to fatalities were not officially recorded. even for a moment”. trators “receive the punishment they on, has been postponed to August 10 sands, making this arguably India’s have undercounted deaths in the Several Indian journalists have also The United Nations Mission in Iraq deserve”. as it is decided whether he must be worst human tragedy since Partition pandemic. But India is thought to published higher numbers from some said the attack showed that “the Iran’s foreign ministry also con- physically present in the courtroom and independence,” the report said. have a greater gap due to having the states using government data. scourge of terrorism knows no demned the “barbaric act”. or can appear via video from where The Partition of the British-ruled world’s second highest population of Scientists say this new information is bounds”, while the German embassy At home, parliament speaker he is in detention. Zuma asked that Indian subcontinent into independent 1.4 billion and because not all deaths helping them better understand how expressed its “sadness after this sense- Mohamed Halbousi called for “leader- his trial be postponed until he could India and Pakistan in 1947 led to the were recorded even before the pan- Covid-19 spread in India. less and brutal attack”. ship changes among senior security attend the case at the court in killing of up to 1 million people as demic. Murad Banaji, who studies mathe- No official death toll has yet been officials who have proven their dere- Pietermaritzburg, the capital of gangs of Hindus and Muslims slaugh- The health ministry did not imme- matics at Middlesex University and released by Iraqi authorities, but med- liction of duty”. KwaZulu-Natal province. Zuma is tered each other. diately respond to an Associated Press has been looking at India’s Covid-19 ical sources told AFP that at least 36 Iraqi analyst Jassem al-Moussaoui currently in Estcourt Correctional The report on India’s virus toll used request for comment on the report. mortality figures, said the recent data people were killed and about 60 said the attack highlights “the weak- Center, about 100 kilometres away. He three calculation methods: data from Dr. Jacob John, who studies viruses has confirmed some of the suspicions wounded. ness of the security forces which have is accused of receiving bribes from the civil registration system that at the Christian Medical College at about undercounting. Banaji said the Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kad- not been formed on a professional French arms manufacturer Thales records births and deaths across seven Vellore in southern India and was not new data also shows the virus wasn’t hemi said the “cowardly attack illus- basis but according to their political during South Africa’s purchase of states, blood tests showing the preva- part of the research, reviewed the restricted to urban centres, as contem- trates the failure of terrorists to loyalties”. arms in 1999. His imprisonment lence of the virus in India alongside report for the AP and said it under- porary reports had indicated, and that regain a foothold after being defeated Many ordinary Iraqis meanwhile earlier this month triggered protests global Covid-19 fatality rates, and an scores the devastating impact Covid- India’s villages were also badly by our heroic security forces” and shared their grief, exhaustion and that escalated into widespread rioting economic survey of nearly 900,000 peo- 19 had on the country’s underpre- impacted. vowed that “terrorism will not go sense of helplessness in a country that that led to at least 215 deaths and ple done thrice a year. pared health system. “A question we should ask is if unpunished”. has endured decades of war and insur- more than 2,500 arrests for theft Researchers cautioned that each “This analysis reiterates the obser- some of those deaths were avoidable,” The attack came days before gency, as well as an ongoing deep eco- and vandalism. (AGENCIES) method had weaknesses, such as the vations of other fearless investigative he said. Kadhemi was to meet US President nomic and political crisis. Indian opposition disrupts parliament, seeks probe into Pegasus

REUTERS NEW DELHI, JULY 20 US and allies accuse Indian opposition parties disrupted China of global parliament on Tuesday, demanding an investigation into reports that the gov- hacking spree ernment used Israeli-made Pegasus spyware to snoop on scores of journal- WASHINGTON: The United States ists, activists and politicians, includ- and its allies accused China on ing the main opposition leader Rahul Monday of a global cyberespio- Gandhi. nage campaign, mustering an Shouting out slogans against Prime unusually broad coalition of Minister Narendra Modi’s govern- countries for an initiative angrily ment, the opposition members said rejected by Beijing. The United they wanted an independent probe States was joined by NATO, the into the complaints of spying and the European Union, Australia, resignation of Interior Minister Britain, Canada, Japan and New Amit Shah. Zealand in condemning the spy- An investigation published on ing, which US Secretary of State Sunday by 17 media organizations, led Antony Blinken said posed “a by the Paris-based non-profit journal- major threat to our economic and ism group Forbidden Stories, said spy- national security”. ware made and licensed by the Israeli Simultaneously, the US company NSO had been used in Department of Justice charged attempted and successful hacks of 37 four Chinese nationals—three smartphones belonging to journalists, security officials and one con- government officials and human tract hacker—with targeting doz- rights activists. ens of companies, universities Indian news portal The Wire report- and government agencies in the ed that smartphones of politicians United States and abroad. China’s including Gandhi, a senior leader of foreign ministry spokesman Zhao the opposition Congress party, and Lijian said the accusation was two other lawmakers were among 300 “fabricated out of thin air” for verified Indian numbers listed as political goals. “China does not potential targets for surveillance dur- engage in cyberattacks, and the ing 2017-19 ahead of national technical details Washington has afp/rss elections. provided “do not constitute a Worshippers circumambulate the Kaaba, Islam’s holiest shrine, at the Grand mosque in the holy Saudi city of Mecca, on the first day of the al-Adha feast celebrated NSO has said its product was complete chain of evidence”, he by Muslims worldwide on Tuesday. intended only for use by vetted gov- said. A spokesperson for the ernment intelligence and law enforce- Chinese Embassy in Washington, ment agencies to fight terrorism and Liu Pengyu, called the accusa- crime. tions “irresponsible.” At an event Opposition leaders said the about the administration’s infra- Modi administration was spying structure plan, U.S. President Joe Verdict awaited as first Hong Kong security trial ends on journalists, activists and Biden told reporters: “My under- politicians who were opposed to its standing is that the Chinese gov- ASSOCIATED PRESS The trial was held in the High Court and foreign collusion to intervene in In this case, the interpretation of policies. ernment, not unlike the Russian HONG KONG, JULY 20 with no jury, a departure from the the city’s affairs. the protest slogan is key. Prosecutors “It is an attack on the democratic government, is not doing this common law system in Hong Kong. A Authorities have also banned the say that secession could be one of the foundations of our country,” Congress themselves, but are protecting The trial of the first person to be verdict will be handed down on July protest slogan “Liberate Hong Kong, interpretations of the “Liberate Hong said in a statement. those who are doing it. And charged under Hong Kong’s sweeping 27, with life imprisonment the maxi- Revolution of our times”, stating that Kong, Revolution of our times” slo- It said the government had illegally maybe even accommodating them national security law ended on mum penalty if he is found guilty. it has secessionist connotations. gan, and that Tong knowingly incited accessed the conversation of many being able to do it.” Tuesday after nearly a month, and National security cases may pro- The legislation and the crackdown secession by carrying the flag and people by hacking cell phones with the observers are awaiting a verdict to see ceed with no jury if state secrets on dissent that has accompanied it driving into the police officers. Pegasus spyware. how similar cases might be dealt with. need to be protected, foreign forces have drawn international condemna- Tong’s defence lawyer however Ashwini Vaishnaw, the minister for safety, he said. Tong Ying-kit, 24, was accused of are involved, or if the personal safety tion. Critics say that the national secu- argue that there are multiple interpre- Electronics and Information Indian rules ensured that “unau- driving his motorbike into a group of of jurors need to be protected. Trials rity law further infringes the freedom tations of such a slogan and it is not Technology, told lawmakers on thorised surveillance does not occur,” police officers while carrying a flag are presided over by judges hand- Hong Kong was promised it could possible to prove that Tong was incit- Monday there was no substance to the he said. bearing the protest slogan “Liberate picked by Hong Kong leader Carrie maintain when it was handed to ing secession. The defence also says reports of spying. News reports said the phone of Hong Kong, Revolution of our times” Lam. Chinese control from Britain in 1997. that there is no evidence that Tong India had a well-established proce- Vaishnaw himself was also hacked, on July 1 last year, a day after the The national security law was More than 100 people have been committed the act deliberately, and dure in which lawful interception of but it was not clear why. national security law was imposed by imposed on semiautonomous Hong arrested under the security legisla- that he had avoided crashing into electronic communication was car- The government has declined to Beijing. Kong by Beijing following months of tion. officers. ried out by federal and state agencies reply to questions whether India or He pleaded not guilty to charges of anti-government protests by those Tong’s case is being closely watched The defence also said that Tong’s for the purpose of national security, any of its state agencies had pur- inciting secession, terrorism and an upset by China’s growing influence for clues on how Hong Kong authori- actions should not be considered ter- particularly in the case of a public chased Pegasus spyware for surveil- alternative charge of dangerous driv- over the former British colony. It out- ties will handle other national securi- rorism as there was no serious vio- emergency or in the interest of public lance. ing. laws secession, subversion, terrorism ty cases. lence or harm to society.

C M Y K 07 | WEDNESDAY, JULY 21, 2021 Sports | Medley Briefing Tokyo 2020 chief doesn’t rule out ditching Games Real Madrid’s Diaz rejoins AC Milan on two-year loan Toshiro Muto says the Olympics could be called off at the eleventh hour if the number of coronavirus cases continues to surge among the athletes. MILAN: Real Madrid’s Spain Reuters on Tuesday. ing the global event to Tokyo, praising midfielder Brahim Diaz has signed TOKYO, July 20 Japan, whose vaccination pro- the “heroic efforts” of medical person- a two-year loan deal with AC Milan, gramme has lagged that of most other nel and volunteers around the world both clubs announced on Monday. The chief of the Tokyo 2020 organis- developed nations, has recorded more amid the pandemic. “AC Milan are delighted to announce ing committee on Tuesday did not rule than 840,000 cases and 15,055 deaths Two members of Mexico’s Olympic the signing of Brahim Abdelkader out a last-minute cancellation of the and Games host city Tokyo is experi- baseball team tested positive for Diaz from Real Madrid on a Olympics, as more athletes tested pos- encing a fresh surge, with 1,387 cases Covid-19 at the team hotel before their temporary basis for two years,” itive for Covid-19 and major sponsors recorded on Tuesday. departure for Tokyo, the country’s the Serie A runners-up confirmed. ditched plans to attend Friday’s open- Muto, a former top financial bureau- baseball federation said on Tuesday. “The contract ties the football player ing ceremony. crat with close ties to Japan’s ruling The athletes, Hector Velazquez and to the Rossoneri Club until 30 June Asked at a news conference if the party, is known for his careful choice Sammy Solis, who tested positive on 2023.” Diaz spent three seasons with global sporting showpiece might still of words, while officials are facing a July 18, have been isolated, as have all Manchester City before joining be cancelled, Toshiro Muto said he domestic public angry about coronavi- team members pending results of Madrid in June 2019 for 17 million would keep an eye on infection num- rus restrictions and concerned over a more tests, it said. euros ($20 million). He scored two bers and liase with other organisers if possible spike in cases triggered by Kenji Shibuya, former director of goals in 21 games in Madrid before necessary. “We can’t predict what will Games attendees arriving from the Institute for Population Health at joining Milan last season on loan, happen with the number of coronavi- abroad. King’s College London, said that the scoring seven goals in 39 appearances rus cases. So we will continue discus- Organisers, for whom International organisers’ bubble systen was already for the northern Italian outfit. sions if there is a spike in cases,” said Olympic Committee (IOC) President “kind of broken.” “My biggest con- Muto. “We have agreed that based on Thomas Bach said cancelling the cern is, of course, there will be a the coronavirus situation, we will con- event had never been an option, have cluster of infections in the (athletes’) Carey to take over Australia vene five-party talks again. At this promised to keep the Games “safe and village or some of the accommodation captaincy for West Indies ODIs point, the coronavirus cases may rise secure”. But experts see gaps in an Ap/Rss and interaction with local people,” SYDNEY: Alex Carey will captain or fall, so we will think about what we Olympic “bubble” that mandates fre- The Olympic Village will house 6,700 athletes and officials at its peak when the Games he added. Australia in the first one-day should do when the situation arises.” quent testing and has been designed to formally begins on July 23. Five people have tested positive for Covid-19 in the Village so far Organising committee President international against the West Covid-19 cases are rising in Tokyo limit participants’ movements. fueling fears that the arrival of athletes, officials and media will help spike cases in Japan. Hashimoto said members of the pub- Indies, Cricket Australia announced and the Games, postponed last year Seiko Hashimoto, who sits along- lic were concerned “because they feel Tuesday, after Aaron Finch was because of the pandemic, will be held side Muto as organising committee Olympics,” Hashimoto told the same ceremony that top sponsor Panasonic that the current situation appears to ruled out through injury. Finch without spectators. Japan this month President, said that safety measures news conference. Corp as well as Fujitsu Ltd and NEC show that the playbooks that were re-aggravated a right knee injury decided that participants would com- introduced to reassure the Japanese The first major test of how an Corp will skip. Toyota Motor Corp meant to guarantee security is not during last week’s fifth Twenty20 pete in empty venues to minimise public had not necessarily done so, Olympics can be held in the midst of a dropped all TV ads linked to the providing a sense of safety.” against the West Indies and Cricket health risks. and that she was aware that popular pandemic may well come in the men’s Games on Monday. In a poll in the Asahi newspaper, Australia said his availability for the There have been 67 cases of Covid- support for the Games had dropped. “I football tournament, when Japan face Bach, who Kyodo news agency said 68% of respondents expressed doubt second and third ODIs will be 19 infections in Japan among those really want to apologise from my a South Africa side that could struggle would meet Japan’s Emperor Naruhito about the ability of Olympic organis- assessed on a daily basis. All three accredited for the Games since heart for the accumulation of to field 11 players due to the coronavi- on Thursday, said on Tuesday organis- ers to control coronavirus infections, matches are being played in July 1, when many athletes and offi- frustrations and concerns that the rus. That match is due to take place on ers could never have imagined the with 55% saying they were opposed to Barbados, starting on Wednesday. cials started arriving, organisers said public has been feeling towards the Thursday, a day before an opening “unprecedented challenges” of bring- the Games going ahead. Carey, 29, will become Australia’s 26th ODI captain and takes the mantle in the absence of regular vice-captain Pat Cummins, who is sitting out the West Indies tour along with a host of senior players Four ‘A’ Division clubs ask including Steve Smith and David Warner. “I am deeply honoured to be able to lead the team while Aaron ANFA to postpone league recovers,” said Carey, who has previously captained Australia A, the Adelaide Strikers and South SPORTS BUREAU keting purposes at the request of ANFA Australia. KATHMANDU, July 20 President Karma Tsering Sherpa. The clubs and ANFA had agreed to fix a new Four ‘A’ Division football clubs have date for the league only after their next Shamsi haul lifts South Africa appealed to the All Nepal Football meeting. But an ANFA employee had on Association (ANFA) to rethink the date of July 15 sent an email to the clubs asking past Ireland in first Twenty20 Martyrs Memorial ‘A’ Division League them to register players by July 25. It was DUBLIN: Spinner Tabraiz Shamsi scheduled to start from September 19 con- against the agreement reached between took four wickets as South Africa sidering the Covid-19 pandemic. ANFA and the clubs so we opposed it,” comfortably beat Ireland by 33 runs Three Star Club, Jawalakhel Youth reads the petition urging ANFA to call a in the first game of a three-match Club, Brigade Boys Club and Friends Club meeting with the ‘A’ division clubs prompt- Twenty20 series in Dublin on on Tuesday submitted a joint petition to ly. “Therefore we urge ANFA to rethink Monday. Aiden Markram top-scored ANFA General Secretary Indraman the date of the league.” for the visitors with 39 and David Tuladhar asking the football governing ANFA General Secretary Tuladhar said Miller chipped in with 28 as South body to conduct the games only after the ANFA would hold a meeting with the clubs Africa reached 165-7 in their 20 overs. Covid-19 situation eases. in the near future and it is flexible about Seven of the top eight batsmen The ‘A’ division league could not be con- revising the date if necessary. “As the foot- reached double figures after the ducted last year owing to the pandemic. ball governing body, ANFA must prepare tourists were asked to bat although “Conducting any kind of footballing for the league and also work on various nobody went on to make a big score. activities in such a situation means put- options considering the fluid situation Ireland slumped to 46-5 in reply, with ting the life of players, officials, stakehold- created by the pandemic,” he said. Harry Tector (36) offering resistance ers and their families at risk,” the four Tuladhar also admitted that the league’s but wickets tumbled regularly and clubs have said in the joint petition. “We commencement date of September 19 was the hosts could only muster 132-9. also recently came to know that 20 mem- fixed for marketing purposes only. “The Shamsi, the top-ranked bowler in bers of the national football team tested date for the games can be revised depend- T20 cricket, ended up with figures of positive for the coronavirus.” ing upon the situation,” said Tuladhar, 4-27 off his four overs. The teams Photo Courtesy: NSJF “A joint meeting of ANFA and ‘A’ adding that the league would definitely be meet in Belfast on Thursday and (From left) Members of Nepali Olympic team swimmer Alexander Shah, shooter Kalpana Pariyar, swimmer Gaurika Singh and judoka Division clubs had on June 28 fixed postponed if the existing infection rate again on Saturday. (AGENCIES) Soniya Bhatta at the athletes’ village in Tokyo on Tuesday. Sprinter Saraswati Chaudhary will leave for Tokyo on July 25. September 19 as the league date for mar- continued. HOROSCOPE ARIES (March 21-April 19) **** CANCER (June 22-July 22) *** LIBRA (September 23-October 22) *** CAPRICORN (December 22-January 19) **** Wednesday’s skies find you enjoying some welcome The universe has a sweet gift in store for you today, You’re beginning to enter into a critical phase of Breathe easy, Capricorn. The universe is lightening sweetness on the work front, Aries. Gift-giving Venus Cancer. Bond-building Venus departs from luxurious rebirth, Libra. Your ruling planet, lover Venus, your load today, as lover Venus departs from self-fo- marches into data-driven Virgo today, and its pres- Leo and leaps forward into capable Virgo today. departs from socially enthusiastic Libra into analyt- cused Leo and moves forward into grounded Virgo. ence works to boost co-worker relationships and Venus’ stay here works to attract positive circum- ical Virgo today. This shift sees you quieting down This transition works to attract positive circum- attracts positive new opportunities. stances to educational ventures and short trips. and withdrawing from tiresome interactions. stances to educational ventures and travel plans.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20) *** LEO (July 23-August 22) *** SCORPIO (October 23-November 21) *** AQUARIUS (January 20-February 18) *** As a Taurus, you seek guidance from the jewel of the Positive twists are coming to your current financial The universe is bringing you a welcome shift in Relationship matters have been absorbing all of your night sky, dazzling Venus. Wednesday’s skies see landscape, Leo. Magnetic Venus departs from your focus under Wednesday’s skies, Scorpio. Lover Venus attention, Aquarius. In truth, that story is only just Venus on the move, as she leaves behind lazy Leo and sign and moves forward into realistic Virgo today. departs from flashy Leo and moves forward into getting underway—so, buckle up! Magnetic Venus roams into work-oriented Virgo. This shift is a high- Venus’ time here works to attract beneficial opportu- realistic Virgo today. It’s an ideal time to meet new moves forward into realistic Virgo today. Be prepared ly positive one. nities to your bank account. people and begin to actively network! to transform your approach.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21) **** VIRGO (August 23-September 22) **** SAGITTARIUS (November 22-December 21) *** PISCES (February 19-March 20) *** Turn your focus towards your foundations today, A much-needed change of pace arrives at your door- You’re unstoppable this time of year, Sagittarius. The universe is working to sweeten things up on the Gemini. Gift-bearing Venus departs from shiny Leo step today, Virgo. Radiant Venus abandons the sleepy Magnetic Venus departs from self-interested Leo and relationship front for you, Pisces. Magnetic Venus and moves forward into earthy Virgo today, where prairies of Leo and moves forward into your sign moves forward into capable Virgo today, pushing departs from passive Leo and moves forward into she’ll stay until August 16. Venus’s presence here this afternoon. Venus’s presence here works to boost your attention towards bettering your current career driven Virgo today, bringing a dose of romance to works to boost familial bonds. your appearance and aesthetic. path. your current partnership story. Crossword Sudoku

Yesterday’s Solution

C M Y K WEDNESDAY, JULY 21, 2021 | 08 Culture & Lifestyle (C.R.P.D.) - 3/052/053 How and why Blind Date became so popular Hugely problematic and superficial for many, Blind date, a Nepali dating reality show, has earned an equal number of admirers and haters. Ankit Khadgi Kathmandu

t 7 pm every Friday, Pratikshya Adhikari drops everything she is doing to watch the latest episode of Blind Date on YouTube. “I find Blind Date really funnyA and I love watching the show. The show allows me to see people that I don’t know but live in the very society I am part of,” says Adhikari, 23, a student of psy- chology. She says she has been religiously following the show since its pilot episode was released on February 24 this year. The phenomenon of watching reality shows is not new in Nepal. The success of Nepali reality shows such as ‘Ko Bancha Crorepati’, ‘Himalayan Roadies’, ‘Dancing with the Stars’, ‘Nepal Idol’, ‘The Voice’, ‘Comedy Champion’, etc, have paved the way for the genre of television in the Nepali landscape to grow. However, the majority of the reality shows in the coun- try have been made with big investments, featured well-known celebrities and had major production houses backing them. And then in February this year, in the midst of the pandemic, came Blind Date, a YouTube-based dating reality show. Created by a relatively unknown produc- tion house with no major celebrities, the show has become one of the most popular reality shows of recent times. So far, twen- l pa e N ty-six episodes of the show have been a released on its YouTube channel, and each episode easily gets more than 200,000 hit cinem hit r

views within a day of release, making the e show a huge success. And there are thou- p y: Su y: s

sands like Adhikari who eagerly wait te every week for the show’s makers to r release new episodes. hoto cou hoto

Blind Date’s concept is very simple: five p boys and five girls, all with different per- sonalities, go on blind dates set up by the testants of the show, rather than take show’s contestants are of the individuals lar male contestant, was shown making show’s producers. They meet, talk about things slowly, talk about marriage, each involved, says Roshan Dahal, the creator, offensive remarks that made his date each other’s interests, likes and dislikes. other’s personal issues, and some even Many viewers believe director and also producer of the show. uncomfortable. Likewise, in many other Sometimes they even fight and say prob- make personal and offensive remarks to that the show is “As makers of the show, we just take our episodes, aggressive and toxic traits have lematic and inappropriate things to each each other. cameras and shoot the contestants’ dates. been normalised, and often, contestants other. Content aside, the makers of Blind scripted but the makers But we also make sure they are comforta- are seen throwing water at each other and On February 14, when the makers of Date, says Sudhamshu, have given no ble and only show things they are okay sometimes even abusing and objectifying the show released the show’s teaser on importance to the show’s aesthetics and strongly deny it. with,” says Roshan, who’s one of the own- women, who are often presented as gold YouTube, the video quickly went viral, technical details. ers of Super Hit Cinema Nepal, the pro- diggers in the show. and when the first episode was released a “From costumes to aesthetics, the mak- duction house behind Blind Date. “I think the makers are trying to impose few days later, everyone was surprised ers haven’t given much attention to many would normally hesitate to do in real life. Before making Blind Date, Roshan was their patriarchal mindset on the show. The with the content. It became the first Nepali elements of the show,” he says. So, when we watch the show, we are vicar- already making music videos, shooting show’s female contestants are shown as reality show that was unabashedly ‘trashy’ Despite the show’s many shortcomings, iously living through the experience of wedding videos and many other video gold diggers or money-minded people. I and ‘corny’ and featured ordinary people. it is still watched and enjoyed by many. the contestants. It’s a fun show to watch, contents. find these representations difficult to The show quickly managed to get the So what makes the show so popular that and when people watch such shows, their “My years of making video contents, accept,” says Kharel. attention of people, many of whom were it has been able to attract viewers consist- brain releases happy hormones like dopa- many of which have gone viral, have given Sudhamshu agrees with Kharel on the just excited to see such reality shows in ently? mine, endorphins, oxytocin, and seroto- me insights on what it takes to make viral subject. According to him, the show rein- Nepal as well. According to Maharjan, one of the rea- nin, which we enjoy.” videos,” says Roshan. forces many misogynistic and problemat- “When I watched the show for the first sons behind the show’s popularity is the For 23-year-old Pasang Dorjee, a stu- Majority of the show’s viewers the Post ic views, and with the kind of fame the time, I laughed out loud. Like everyone, I fear of missing out (FOMO) phenomenon. dent, the reason that led him to watch the spoke with say that the contestants are the show has received, he says that it’s impor- got hooked to the show very quickly,” says Every week as new episodes get uploaded, show was because he found it too bad. show’s backbone and that they are the tant to critically analyse it. Roji Maharjan, a counselling psycholo- social media is flooded with reaction vide- “The best way to put it would be that the reason they watch the show. “The show, in many ways, endorses gist, who watches the show on a regular os and memes on the episodes, and view- show is so bad that it’s good. I think people “One of my favourite contestants is chauvinistic behaviours. And with the basis. “For someone used to watching ers start discussing about the show as are drawn to the show because of how Shilu Pokhrel because she is unapologeti- kind of controversial content the show Indian and American reality shows, Blind well. And for those who haven’t seen the absurd and ridiculous the characters are,” cally herself. At first, Shilu did come off as explores, one has to think if it plays any Date was like a breath of fresh air and it latest episodes, it becomes mandatory for he says. extremely blunt, narcissistic and infuriat- role in normalising discriminatory prac- felt familiar and got me immediately them to watch even if it’s just to interact Sudhamshu believes that the makers of ingly loud. But as the show progressed, it tices off-screen,” says Dahal. interested.” with friends who watch the show. Blind Date purposely made the show ‘bad’ was kind of interesting to watch her not But not all viewers believe that the According to Sudhamshu Dahal, coordi- “Psychologically speaking, human with the lowest common denominators to take any crap from other people,” says show should be taken seriously. nator of Media Studies at Kathmandu beings love to gossip,” says Maharjan. attract a certain type of viewer. Dorjee. “Yes, there are few characters that are University of School of Arts, one of the “And for many, Blind Date has somehow “They are very well aware of what the But there are also many viewers like problematic. But I don’t think we should main reasons behind the show’s burgeon- managed to become a topic of gossip and audience likes and have carefully designed 25-year-old Rachana Kharel, who find take it so seriously because many people ing popularity is its subject matter. those who don’t watch the show feel left the show in such a way that it connects some of the show’s contestants and their just watch it for fun. I think everyone “Across the world, taboo subjects always out and thus become compelled to watch with the audience,” says Sudhamshu.“The actions downright problematic. knows that the show is scripted and does sell in the media. And that’s exactly what it,” she adds. makers also seem to know too well how to “I like the show’s concept but I also have not take the show seriously,” says Adhikari. the makers of the show did with the show. Another reason for the show’s populari- promote the show for their target audi- a lot of issues with the content. The way Whether people like the show or not, They centred the show around taboo sub- ty, believes Maharjan, is because the show ence. Since the show is on YouTube and participants constantly shame their dates one thing that’s clear is that it’s hard to jects,” says Sudhamshu, an expert on new is fun to watch. not on any national TV channel, this has based on height, skin colour, financial ignore the show, given how popular it has media and information technology and “Many of the things that have so far helped the makers to show what they status, age, etc, are some of the things I become. communication. happened in the show don’t usually hap- intend to and evade censorship.” find problematic,” says Kharel, a teacher “People have liked our work,” says In the show, the contestants, a girl and a pen in real-life situations. Most of the Many viewers also believe that the show and a regular viewer of the show. Roshan. “We have more plans to make boy, usually meet in a restaurant. However, time, the show’s contestants are doing is scripted but the makers strongly deny it. In one of the show’s earlier episodes, similar kinds of shows, and we are even unlike most real-life blind dates, the con- ridiculous and funny things, which we The views expressed and the actions of the Deven Raj Pandey, the show’s most popu- planning to make season 2 of Blind Date.” Chinese pop star dumped by brands over sex complaint The backlash after the accusation reflects the growing willingness of Chinese women to speak up about abuses in a male-dominated society.

JOE McDONALD and FU TING 2017′s “XXX: Return of Xander BEIJING Cage” and two Chinese box office successes, “Mr Six” and “Journey popular Chinese- to the West: The Demons Strike Canadian singer, Back.” Kris Wu, has lost Both Wu, 30, and the woman endorsement and said they asked police to investi- other deals with at gate. least 10 brands Wu said he waited to respond includingA Porsche and Bulgari publicly to avoid interfering with after a teenager accused him of legal action. having sex with her while she was Wu wrote he met the woman at a drunk. friend’s gathering on December 5, The former member of the 2020, but “I didn’t force her to Korean boy band EXO denied the drink,” and “there was not this accusation, which prompted an sort of ‘details’ she describes.” outpouring of supportive com- “I didn’t expect my silence to ments for the woman online and encourage these rumours, and I criticism of Wu. couldn’t stand it!” Wu wrote. “There was no ‘groupie sex’! “There were a lot of people there There was no ‘underage’!” Wu said that day who can bear witness.” on his social media account, which In March, the ruling party tar- has 52 million followers. “If there geted H&M, Nike and other global were this kind of thing, please brands over past expressions of everyone relaxes, I would put concern about reports of forced myself in jail!” labour in Xinjiang, where foreign The backlash after the accusa- governments say more than 1 mil- tion appeared on the internet por- lion people have been confined in tal NetEase reflects the growing detention camps. willingness of Chinese women to State TV called for a boycott of speak up about abuses in a H&M, causing sales in China to male-dominated society. plunge. Other official media criti- Brands cut ties with Wu the AP/RSS cised Adidas, Nike, Zara, Burberry next day. They are acutely sensi- Singer Kris Wu (centre) performs in the 2017 Tmall 11.11 Global Shopping Festival gala, in Shanghai, China. and New Balance. More than 30 tive to public opinion after the Chinese singers and actors pulled ruling Communist Party stirred and Master Kong Ice Tea scrapped outright. The woman told NetEase women told her Wu seduced them, ment left under Wu’s social media out of endorsement contracts with up anger at shoe and clothing endorsement, appearance and that when she was 17, Wu encour- sometimes when they were under post. H&M, Nike and Adidas. brands in retaliation for Western other deals with Wu. Lancome aged her to drink too much at a 18, with promises of jobs and Wu, known in Chinese as Wu The ruling party claims credit reports of human rights abuses in said its contract with Wu ended party and she woke up in his bed. other opportunities. There was no Yifan, grew up in Guangzhou in for improving women’s status in the mostly Muslim region of last month. “I hate it so much that my teeth indication any were under China’s southern China and in Vancouver, China but has tried to suppress Xinjiang in the northwest. Louis Vuitton said it suspended itch,” she was quoted as saying. “I age of consent of 14 or that Wu British Columbia. He performed the “#MeToo” movement as a In addition to Porsche and a contract with Wu. Some com- hate myself, even more, hate it so faces accusations of criminal mis- with EXO in 2012-14 and then potential source of political Bulgari, brands including Tuborg ments left on websites criticised much that I want to commit sui- conduct. launched a solo career. unrest. Beer and China’s Tencent Video the company for not dropping him cide.” The woman said other “Get out of China,” said a com- As an actor, he appeared in — Associated Press

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