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

Nepal’s largest selling English daily Vol XXVIII No. 148 | 8 pages | Rs.5 O O Printed simultaneously in , , Bharatpur and 33.7 C 13.0 C Wednesday, July 22, 2020 | 07-04-2077 Biratnagar Jomsom Tempest in ruling party almost over after Dahal makes conciliatory gesture Until a few weeks ago, Oli was cornered, but he has now managed to overpower mounting pressure to resign both as party chair and prime minister.

TIKA R PRADHAN Agreeing to Oli’s early general con- KATHMANDU, JULY 21 vention to become the party chair means betraying his allies— Over the last three weeks, the ruling and Khanal. Accepting People’s Multi- ’ Standing party Democracy as the party’s guid- Committee has been postponed for at ing principle not only means capitu- least seven times. The reason: two lating to Oli but also putting the chairmen KP Sharma Oli and Pushpa Maoist party’s legacy to an end. Kamal Dahal were “in a bid to strike a “That’s why after reaching a tenta- reconciliatory note”. tive understanding with Oli, Dahal Until a few weeks ago, Dahal, was scrambling to placate the Nepal backed by senior leaders Madhav group and former Maoist members,” Kumar Nepal and Jhala Nath Khanal, said Mani Thapa, a Standing had driven Oli into a corner. But now Committee member. Insiders say the the tables have been turned. Oli has Standing Committee meeting that the managed to have the upper hand, put- Dahal-Nepal faction demanded until a Post photo: Beeju Maharjan ting Dahal on the back foot. few weeks ago to force Oli to resign People look at the raging at Jalbinayak in Chobhar, Kathmandu on Tuesday. Weathermen say the current spell of rainfall will continue at least until Friday. Insiders say Oli has not used all the now has lost its relevance. weapons in his armoury yet and that Tuesday’s meeting lasted only half he has so far played his cards pretty an hour with the decision to direct the well and that he still has an ace or two party’s rank and file to be involved in up his sleeve. “The recent bait that Oli rescue and relief in the wake of floods dangled before Dahal was an early and landslides across the country. Ongoing spell of rain could stay at least until general convention to make the latter “There was only one agenda for the sole party chair,” said a Standing today to direct the party members to Committee member who spoke on respond to natural disasters,” said condition of anonymity. Narayan Kaji Shrestha, the party’s Friday, weather forecast office says “Oli, however, put forth a condition spokesperson. “The meeting also that Dahal should agree to embrace expressed condolences to the families People’s Multi-party Democracy as of those who lost their lives to floods Rains that started in western Nepal are moving towards the east and the low-lying areas of provinces 1, 2, and 5 the party’s ideology.” and landslides and wished speedy Dahal is now caught between a rock recovery of the injured.” and Bagmati are most vulnerable to possible loss of life and property. and a hard place. >> Continued on page 5

CHANDAN KUMAR MANDAL Places with the highest rainfall in the last three days KATHMANDU, JULY 21 Total The current spell of widespread rain- Station Districts June 19 June 20 June 21 accumulated fall will continue for a few more days rainfall until Friday, concentrating on the eastern and central parts of the coun- Danda Nawalpur 87.6mm 157.8mm 105.8mm 351.2mm try, according to the latest prediction Kolbhi Bara 0.2mm 156mm 168.8mm 325mm of the Meteorological Forecasting Gharedhunga Kaski 24mm 169mm 119.4mm 312.4mm Division. “The impact of the current weather Aarughat Gorkha 9.2mm 111.6mm 160.2mm 281mm phenomenon that had started from the Makwnapurgadhi Makwanpur 8mm 59mm 199.2mm 266.2mm western part of the country will now Source: Department of Hydrology and Meteorology slowly move towards the central and eastern regions from Wednesday Consequently, there is a prediction Management Authority. onwards,” said Samir Shrestha, a of floods in the rivers of these prov- Although the country has received meteorologist with the Division. “Its inces as well as in Province 5, accord- widespread rainfall, there has been no impact will be less in the western ing to the Department of Hydrology record-breaking rainfall for a particu- parts of the country.” and Meteorology. lar area, say meteorologists. As per the latest forecast available The incessant rainfall starting “There has been much rain across up to Thursday, places of Province 1, Sunday has affected most places in the the country if we look at the rainfall Province 2, Bagmati Province and country so far, claiming lives, damag- data of the last three days,” said will receive heavy ing roads and bridges and flooding Indira Kadel, a senior divisional mete- rains in the coming days. several settlements in the Tarai and in orologist at the Department of “The rainfall is likely to be more the as well. There Hydrology and Meteorology. concentrated in areas below the have been 71 water-induced disaster “However, there has not been record Mahabharat hills, in the Chure and incidents between Sunday and rainfall for a particular day anywhere Siwalik ranges and the Tarai dis- Monday morning, according to the so far this monsoon season.” tricts,” said Shrestha. National Disaster Risk Reduction and >> Continued on page 5 Government decides to lift four-month-long coronavirus lockdown, but with conditions Provisions related to Covid-19 prevention, control and treatment will continue.

TIKA R PRADHAN KATHMANDU, JULY 21

The government has announced an end of the nationwide lockdown that it had imposed starting March 24 to contain the spread of Covid-19. Minister for Finance and Communication Yubaraj Khatiwada, who is also the government spokesper- son, told a press briefing that Monday’s Cabinet meeting had decided to lift the lockdown effective from Tuesday mid- night with a few restrictions such as a ban on large gatherings still in place. The government had imposed the nationwide lockdown in March, after two cases of Covid-19 were reported in the country. Nepal so far has reported 17,994 Covid-19 cases with 40 deaths. POST file PHOTO: KESHAV THAPA According to the Health Ministry, so The public and businesses have been severely affected by the lockdown measures. far 12,477, or 69.34 percent of the total infected individuals, have recovered from the disease. continue. The lifting of the lockdown People are required to maintain will mean unrestricted move- social distancing and wear masks, ment of people and transport said Khatiwada. services. Business will also be The decision, however, seems to allowed to operate 24/7. have been taken under pressure, as “All the provisions including dissatisfaction was growing--not the two shifts for government because the government had imposed offices and odd-even rules [for the lockdown but because it had failed private vehicles] will be lifted to properly communicate the meas- with the lifting of the lockdown,” ures it was taking to help businesses, Khatiwada said. expand testing and provide relief for All other provisions related to the general public, especially those Covid-19 prevention, control from the lower economic strata. and treatment would, however, >> Continued on page 5

C M Y K WEDNESDAY, JULY 22, 2020 | 02 Medley

Inside the Post Quote of the day

Risk of community transmission up in Valley Nation despite revision of testing criteria, Page 3 Three youths representing the “Enough is Enough” campaign have once again started an indefinite hunger strike after the government failed to act as per the agreement made with them earlier this month to handle the Covid-19 pandemic “Restrictions on testing and increased in a better manner. mobility of people from Opinion disease-hit areas have increased the With Indian influence on the wane and Anglo-Americans almost out of chances of community transmission.” the picture, Xi Jinping Thought is likely to reign supreme for now. A doctor at Sukraraj Tropical and Infectious Disease Hospital on Money the risk of community transmission of the coronavirus. After four days and nights of wrangling, exhausted European Union leaders finally clinched a deal on an unprecedented 1.8 trillion-euro ($2.1 trillion) budget and coronavirus recovery fund early on Tuesday, after one of their longest sum- mits ever. Most read online World threatened a “forceful counter-attack” on Tuesday in response to Britain’s International and domestic flights to resume starting August 17 announcement that it would suspend its extradition treaty with Hong Kong following Beijing’s introduction of a national security law for the former British The government on Monday announced the resumption of international and colony. domestic flights beginning August 17. The flights have remained suspended for over four months now in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic. Shiva Maya Tumbahangphe, the minister for law, justice and parliamentary affairs, told the Culture & Arts Post that a Cabinet meeting on Monday decided to allow both international and With major festivals postponed or halted, the cultural landscape of the Kathmandu domestic scheduled flights from August 17, as there “has been a decrease in the valley has suffered greatly, directly affecting its people whose identities are inter- number of Covid-19 cases in the country”. twined with their traditions. Rain-swollen Bagmati threatens squatter settlement in Thapathali Till late Monday afternoon, the rain was incessant in Kathmandu Valley. Chitra Bahadur Pulami Magar’s four-member family, living in a squatter settlement in News Quiz Thapathali on the banks of the Bagmati river for over 15 years, was stuck in their hut in fear of flood waters entering their settlement.

1. Since the arrival of the mon- huts of landless squatters? With more rains predicted, there are fears of loss of more lives soon this year, landslides and a. POST PHOTO: KESHAV THAPA floods have killed how many b. Khaptad National Park A vegetable seller pushes a cart laden with produce in Kathmandu on Tuesday. and properties across the country people until Monday? c. Bardiya National Park Every monsoon, Sher Bahadur Mahato is reminded of the incident that took a. 100 d. Sagarmatha National Park place some two decades ago when the Narayani river changed its course and b. 114 entered the riverside settlements displacing around 160 households. Whenever it c. 200 4. The Nepal Telecommunications starts to rain, the 55-year-old farmer from Ratanpur in Madhyabindu d. 210 Authority has rolled out a new On this day in history Municipality in Nawalparasi (East) fears history repeating itself. by-law requiring internet ser- vice providers to have how much in their minimum paid- Chitwan park authority accused of burning huts up capital? World Bank says its biggest mistake is on the environment of landless squatters in Madi a. Rs 10 million Dan Bahadur Praja Chepang, a resident at a squatter settlement in Kusumkhola b. Rs 20 million WASHINGTON - The World Bank, marking its 50th anniversary here Tuesday, said in Madi, was on his way back home from Kirtanpur around 5 in the evening on c. Rs 40 million its biggest mistake was the neglect of environmental protection. Saturday. As he approached the settlement, he saw around 20 people riding on d. Rs 60 million “We pay the highest price for not recognizing the importance of seven elephants enter the settlement, which was an unusual sight for him. “As I environment,” Bank president Lewis Preston told reporters at a special press got closer I saw houses on fire. 5. Who wrote the novel “The conference. Describing development as a risky business, Preston stressed: “Any Post file Photo Hitchhiker’s Guide to the development institution that is doing its job will inevitably make mistakes. “I Galaxy”? certainly regret the misinformation surrounding the Bank’s mistakes,” Preston 2. The government has decided a. Mel Brooks said. “From a 50-year perspective,” the president said, “’there is no question that to resume international and b. Kurt Vonnegut the Bank has been a valuable global asset for development.” Corrections domestic flights from which c. Douglas Adams date? d. Joseph Heller The Kathmandu Post Our reporters and editors do their best to make sure our reporting is free from a. August 1 July 22, 1994 errors. But when we make mistakes that warrant correction, we will be transparent b. August 12 6. Who directed the movie and clarify at the bottom of the specific article. c. August 17 “Jurassic Park” ? If you believe we have got something wrong and it requires correction, please d. September 1 a. Martin Scorsese email us at [email protected] with “correction” in the subject line. b. Woody Allen Answers to News Quiz: 1(b), 2(c), 3(a), 4(b), 5(c), 6(d) For the most recent corrections, visit kathmandupost.com/corrections. 3. Which national park authority c. John Carpenter is being accused of burning d. Steven Spielberg HOROSCOPE ARIES (March 21-April 19) CANCER (June 22-July 22) LIBRA (September 23-October 22) CAPRICORN (December 22-January 19) **** *** *** *** Everyday messages won’t help you connect The trend today will be all about unpredictabil- Even if you’re not feeling especially social and Recent developments in your romantic life are with that certain someone today. You need to ity. Unexpected cancellations, delays, and outgoing, today is a good day to initiate a con- on your mind. In fact, they could be keeping you use creative communication that has your repeated rescheduling might not be welcome, versation with someone you’ve always felt a lit- from giving your full attention to other impor- special brand of flair imprinted on it. but there is a bright side to all of this: it will free tle shy around. They’ve been waiting for you to tant matters. In order to clear your head, you Express yourself by creating a poem, a song, up invaluable amounts of time. Sure, you may open up to them, and you could have an oppor- need to talk it out. Verbal communication has or even a video! Do whatever it takes to make have worked really hard to get prepared for tunity today. Come up with one of your classic long been your strength, and today it will help your message stand out from everyone else’s. something, but try not to be disappointed. icebreakers. Don’t worry if it’s cheesy. you get distractions out of your system.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20) LEO (July 23-August 22) SCORPIO (October 23-November 21) AQUARIUS (January 20-February 18) *** ***** *** *** One of your friends or family members has The universe is offering you some good Right now, the energy around you supports you Trying to always make everything equal between been acting out of character lately, and it’s time news: your alone time is about to increase. making a change in direction. And since it’s you and your friends is a total waste of time. You to find out just what is going on. Start a conver- Friends and family members have other never too late for a new beginning, why not have to acknowledge that sometimes you’ll give sation, but be careful not to get to your point too obligations for the next few days, so it will be start something new you’ve always been curi- a little bit more and sometimes they’ll give a lit- quickly. They will only get defensive. If you ask just you and your shadow hanging out. Take ous about? Whether it’s a new hobby, a new tle bit more. It will all equal out in the end. You them to give you their latest life update, the key some time now to come up with a plan on how to relationship, or even just a new type of food, could be creating stress and turning a good day information will be divulged soon enough. fill your days. today’s the day to give it a whirl. into a day full of nickel-and-dime arguments.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21) VIRGO (August 23-September 22) SAGITTARIUS (November 22-December 21) PISCES (February 19-March 20) *** *** *** ***** There has been some heat generated between Not everyone is on the same page right now, You’re about to be hit by an enormous wave of You’re so busy trying to make everything you and someone else, but while there’s been a so you could experience some confusion or creative energy, so there is no way that you’re perfect in your life that you’re forgetting how lot of flirting, there hasn’t been a lot of tension when working with groups. Just be going to be bored! You can make your own satisfying and beautiful imperfection can be! follow-through! This could be a sign that while careful when communicating, and focus on entertainment easily. The amusing nature of Challenge yourself to step back and take a break this person is indeed interested in you, they are what you share with them, not on what you ordinary people is also heightened now, so it’s a from your attention to detail. Let your eyes probably shy. If you want things to move for- disagree about. Be clear with your words, and great time to go somewhere you can enjoy some focus on ideas instead of minutiae. Get a fresh ward, you are going to have to be the one to do it. don’t use sarcasm to make your point. people watching. perspective.

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C M Y K 03 | WEDNESDAY, JULY 22, 2020 National Risk of community transmission up in River entering settlement is Valley despite revision of testing criteria ‘human-made catastrophe’ About 5,000 persons enter the Valley every day despite restrictions on movement from one district to another.

ARJUN POUDEL for the hospital. Officials at the Ministry of Health dict his claim. The number does not KATHMANDU, JULY 21 But as 99 percent of Covid-19 cases and Population say 4,800 samples were represent 340,000 persons, but the have been reported to be asymptomat- collected from different communities number of times the test was carried On Monday, 35-year-old Jibach Kumar ic in Nepal, according to the ministry, in the past few weeks in Kathmandu out, they say. Das from Jaleshwor Municipality, people like Jibach Kumar Das still Valley, but only three tested positive. “Some infected people are tested Mahottari, visited Sukraraj Tropical risk transmitting the virus. As authorities identified the source of more than once—up to six times,” a and Infectious Disease Hospital for a With the lockdown eased, thousands infection for two of those cases, com- senior official at the Covid-19 Crisis Post Photo: Anish Regmi coronavirus test. of people are entering Kathmandu placency seems to have set in. Management Centre (CCMC), who did A man rides his scooter on the water-logged premises of Kist Hospital in Lalitpur on Tuesday. Das, who works at a butcher shop everyday through various entry “Compared to other countries in not want to be named, told the Post. in Kathmandu, had recently returned points. “Over 5,000 people enter the South Asia, including , our test Earlier WHO guidelines, which ANUP OJHA Pandey. from his village, a Covid-19 hotspot, Kathmandu Valley everyday on emer- numbers are better,” Dr Roshan have now been revised, said an infect- , JULY 21 Bhaktapur Mayor Sunil Prjapati and sought the test following gency vehicles, food and cargo trucks Pokhrel, chief specialist at the ed person should test negative twice said the flooding has occurred mostly pressure from his landlord. But he and also by getting special permits,” Ministry of Health told the Post. “We in 24 hours before the person can be Two days of heavy rainfall has caused in those areas where the works of was not tested. Bhim Prasad Dhakal, senior superin- have also tested swab samples collect- declared free of the virus. the Hanumante river to burst its Hanumante Corridor has been “We didn’t test him as he didn’t tendent at Metropolitan Traffic Police ed from the community, but not found Further, all those tested don’t come banks flooding various parts of stopped. show symptoms of Covid-19 despite Division, told the Post. significant levels of risk.” from groups at risk of falling ill due to Bhaktapur. The flood waters from the “Poor drainage system has caused returning from a hotspot,” a doctor All this goes on despite restrictions Nepal has performed 10,827 poly- the infection. river have affected hundreds of people the flooding problem in the Balkot collecting swab samples told the Post on movement from one district to merase chain reaction (PCR) tests per “Tests are being performed on the in the district. area,” said Raju Shrestha, 42, a local requesting anonymity as he was not another. million population, one of the highest basis of recommendations from Several school buildings, hospitals man. “It is not the Hanumante river authorised to speak to the media. “We A government doctor at Sukraraj in South Asia. India has conducted influential people,” said the official and temples in Sallaghari, that is causing the flood in this part of couldn’t perform the test despite Tropical and Infectious Disease 9,989, Pakistan 7,788, Sri Lanka 6,327, from CCMC. Barahaisthan and Ram Mandir areas the district.” knowing that he came from a Covid-19 Hospital, requesting anonymity, Bangladesh, 6,176 and Afghanistan For example, around 600 federal and were submerged on Tuesday. Urban planners also agree that poor hotspot and there was risk in turning accepts that the risk of an outbreak in 2,134, says the Ministry of Health, provincial lawmakers as well as justic- According to the District drainage system and haphazard prop- him away untested.” Kathmandu is increasing. quoting data from WHO. es, judges, prisoners, staff serving at Administration Office, more than erty development have led to the prob- According to a directive from the “Restrictions on testing and Public health experts, however, said provincial and federal legislatures, three dozen homes and swathes of lem of recurrent floods in Bhaktapur. Ministry of Health and Population, increased mobility of the people people at risk of contracting the dis- secretariats, government employees farmland were affected by the flood. “It all started in the 1980s when peo- only those who show symptoms of from disease-hit areas have increased ease need to be tested regularly. have all been tested. “We had just completed planting ple started to encroach on public land Covid-19, have been in close contact the chances of community transmis- “PCR tests can only indicate if the Those seeking tests for foreign vis- paddy in one ropani of land, but the to build homes. Even the banks of with the infected, or come from a com- sion,” he said. person was infected or not at the time its, and prisoners waiting to be pre- flood water from Hanumante Hanumante river were encroached munity where the virus recently The profile of the people entering the samples were collected,” Dr Sher sented before the court have also been destroyed the crops,” said Gopal Saiju, upon,” said Suman Maher Shrestha, spread can be tested. Kathmandu Valley is changing too. Bahadur Pun, chief of the Clinical tested, along with policemen who deal 53, of Barahai Tole. an urban planner. Around 1,200 people, most of them “In the early days, people from out- Research Unit at Sukraraj Hospital, with inmates. The Hanumante river has been He said places where the Hanumante returnees from the , seek tests at side the Valley who sought tests were said. “We should not forget that a per- Even people who have to sit for the inundating settlements and farmlands river has been causing havoc every the hospital every day, but only one- office goers, who had limited contact son can contract the infection after Public Service Commission exams are almost every year during the monsoon monsoon were once part of the river. fourth get tested. This ratio has in fact with others and were aware about the his/her swab samples are collected.” seeking tests as the commission has season. “Same is the case in other riverside increased in the past two days and risk,” the doctor said. “I see an There is also an issue with the gov- made a negative report mandatory for A year ago, the river had damaged settlements in Kathmandu and could increase further as the testing increased risk of transmission in the ernment figure on the number of peo- examinees. properties worth Rs 119 million in Lalitpur. The authorities concerned criteria was revised earlier this week. near future in Kathmandu, as most ple tested. According to the ministry, Meanwhile, samples are not being Bhaktapur. In 2015, the Hanumante have failed to implement risk-sensi- “From Sunday, we have expanded people seeking tests these days are Nepal has conducted over 340,000 PCR collected from areas at risk. Thousands river had displaced over 3,000 and tive land use planning.” the criteria to accommodate even those who have direct contact with the tests as of Monday. Dr Sameer Kumar of people placed in makeshift caused huge damage to properties. The District Administration Office those who are asymptomatic and have members of the public such as bar- Adhikari, joint spokesperson for the quarantines were released either after Compared to previous years, the said heavy rains of the past few days returned from areas where the virus bers, vegetable vendors, panipuri sell- ministry, said that this means that being tested using misleading rapid damage caused by the Hanumante have also raised landslide threats in has been detected in the recent past,” ers, scrap collectors and those who 340,000 people have been tested so far. diagnostic kits or without being tested river so far this monsoon is low, said the Trisul Danda and Tathali, where said Dr Anup Bastola, spokesperson live in groups ” the doctor said. However, multiple officials contra- at all. Chief District Officer Humkala at least ten homes are at risk. Youths on hunger strike again over handling of Covid They demand the government fulfil its earlier commitments while the government says all demands have been met The Ministry of Health and Population had agreed to fulfil all these demands with- in seven days following which the two had ended their hunger strike. According to Dr Jageshwor Gautam, the ministry spokesperson, all the demands that had been put forth and agreed upon have been met fully. “Presently, only about 2,500 people enter the country every day, which is a drop in the figures from earlier. This is why the num- ber of tests has been reduced,” he said and claimed to have expanded testing in com- munities as well. “A PCR test costs about Rs 5,500, which when done 10,000 times a day would be extremely expensive. We need to prioritise our spending and ensure there’s enough budget to procure medicines and other sup- plies too,” Gautam told the Post when asked about the decrease in PCR tests across the country. “We cannot burn all our money only on tests.” However, a huge incentive for the protest- Post Photo: Sanjog Mamandhar ers for ending their hunger strike was the The campaigners say they are not willing to sit guarantee that PCR tests would be down for discussions this time as officials haven’t increased, which was their main demand. implemented the promises made earlier. The government has not stopped using RDTs, either, which was the third point of ADITI ARYAL the agreement. KATHMANDU, JULY 21 Gautam said continuing the controver- sial RDT was as per the demand of the Three youths representing the “Enough is situation. Enough” campaign have once again started “When people have been in quarantines an indefinite hunger strike after the gov- for two to three weeks, we sometimes need ernment failed to act as per the agreement to test them using RDTs for a more accurate made with them earlier this month to diagnosis,” he said. “Given there are fewer handle the Covid-19 pandemic in a better instances of people falling sick all over the manner. country, we’re taking informed decisions as Two of them, including the organiser of guided by public health experts.” the movement, have been on strike for the However, according to Dr Anup Subedee, past four days while the third one joined a public health expert, RDTs do not correct- them on Monday. ly determine whether there is an active The government had signed a 12-point infection, which renders the entire task agreement with the spontaneously formed futile. “RDTs were incorrectly done in youth group on July 7 to make the govern- the past because there were kits that ment more accountable in its dealing with were available but their use should be dis- the pandemic after 12 days of hunger strike. continued since it cannot detect whether “If the government fails to act on our the person is currently infected with the demands within a week, I will stage anoth- virus,” he said. er hunger strike,” Iih, who had gone on When Gautam was asked about the sec- hunger strike of this “leaderless” cam- ond phase of the hunger strike and that the paign, had told the Post from the hospital protesters do not agree with the ministry’s the day the agreement was signed. argument that how all their demands had The second person in that hunger strike, been met, he told the Post. Pukar Bam, too had expressed doubts about Despite Gautam’s claims, some demands the government fulfilling its part of the remain to be met. agreement. The government has yet to disclose “Despite the government signing many details of its spending on the pandemic, agreement documents with Dr. Govinda KC which it had assured to do so within a week to end his hunger strike, they were not of signing the agreement. Similarly, the implemented,” Bam had said. Ministry of Health and Population has not The agreement had been signed after issued guidelines on issues such as protec- Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli visited the tion for healthcare workers and essential two at a private hospital, where were taken workers and on managing the operations of after their health deteriorated, on 3 July. quarantines, especially for women and eth- Their apprehensions have come true. nic minorities. The 12-point agreement included increas- The campaigners are not willing to sit ing polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests down with the government for discussions to at least ten thousand per day, doing this time. away with the controversial Rapid “We signed a deal with the health minis- Diagnostic Tests (RDT), compulsorily quar- try but our actual deal was with the prime antining people returning from abroad for minister,” Iih told the Post. a minimum of five days and releasing them “We have put forth our demands, the only after testing, tracing contacts of peo- government knows what we want, and I’m ple who have been diagnosed with Covid-19 not going anywhere until they’ve been and testing them, ensuring dignity and addressed. The government has proved its safety for health workers and essential incompetence but it should also take workers, and making public the pandemic responsibility for the catastrophe that will related expenditures. ensue due to its negligence.”

C M Y K WEDNESDAY, JULY 22, 2020 | 04 Opinion EDITORIAL It’s time to start learning Mandarin Safe takeoff When people care more about MCC than the pandemic The government must introduce stricter safety response, it’s clear that the protocols even as it plans to resume flight operations. status quo is changing.

The Nepal government on Monday announced resuming interna- tional and domestic flights from August 17. Although almost 93 per- CK Lal cent of the global population now lives under coronavirus-related SOUTH SIDE travel restrictions, and around three billion people live in countries enforcing complete border closures to foreigners, the easing up of travel and border restrictions is getting more and more imminent. Japan resumed international flights partially in the last week of Perhaps unhappy with the perfor- June. India is gearing up to restart international scheduled flights on mance of ‘full-bright, half-bright and selected routes, including Germany, France and the United States, on quarter-bright’ intelligentsia in solicit- ing support for the Millennium a case-to-case basis. Nepal’s decision, therefore, does not come as a Challenge Corporation (MCC) in surprise. With the recent announcement, the country joins the ranks Nepal, its Resident Country Director of several others that have come to a tacit understanding that there took it upon himself to sell the contro- versial Compact as ‘a data-driven is no alternative to tackling the virus while keeping the economy model to increase Nepal’s economic afloat. growth’. The problem, however, isn’t with the But the gradual relaxation of restrictions on economic and social pivot per se. The prospect of a huge activities should in no way mean the flouting of safety protocols. grant outlay is so alluring that every sensible professional wants to get onto Rather, the situation demands adherence to stricter protocols. the bandwagon. Foreign aid continues Minister for Law Shiva Maya Tumbahangphe on Monday said spe- to fascinate the ruling clique in Shutterstock cial health and safety protocols will be followed during flight opera- Kathmandu. Its levers in the media and Unfulfilled promises The poor in the Tarai bore the brunt Nepal, big powers vie with each other intelligentsia are also large and strong. A Belayati—colloquialism for an of Anglo-American connivance in the in keeping malleable regimes in good tions but failed to elaborate on the details. Buddhi Sagar Lamichhane, It’s just that the load at the other end of Englishman—was the iconic foreigner excesses of the regime. Tharus were humour. Backroom manoeuvring and joint secretary at the Civil Aviation Ministry, however, signalled that the handspike is already bulky and till the early-1960s so much so that the almost decimated from Bhitri-Madhes the manipulation of levers to bring or getting heavier by the day. hall where the government entertained in the name of malaria eradication. keep a small country under the thumb the protocols and other required measures for incoming flights were Despite the possible extension of the guests of the state in Singha The pauperisation of the peasantry in of an imperial or colonial power is as yet to be developed. This means that the government has much deadline for its parliamentary ratifica- Durbar was named Belayati Baithak. It the southern plains continued unabat- old as the history of organised socie- homework to do before it the flight operations resume. tion, the MCC Compact is going to be a was in use until the Gorkha ed under the compulsory saving ties. hard sell even for Supremo KP Earthquakes damaged the building and scheme and the forced contribution of It’s difficult to put a date to the It is not clear whether the government plans to set up quarantine Sharma Oli. Nominally, the Nepali some priceless trophies were reported labour to the so-called Back to decline of the Anglo-American hegem- and isolation centres for incoming passengers, as it will add to the Congress is the main opposition in stolen. the Village National Campaign. ony. Perhaps it began when the secret Parliament. Ethnonational solidarity When engagement with the US Massive deforestation and state-spon- pupils of the Central Intelligence demand for human and financial resources. At most, the govern- has reduced the party to the level of a increased in the wake of the intensifi- sored population transfer transformed Agency hit out at their mentors in ment will keep incoming passengers in holding centres for up to a subordinate entity of the ruling cation of the Cold War and Peace Corps the demographic character of the angst and brought the Twin Towers regime. All that the opposition leader volunteers began to serve in far-flung entire Tarai-Madhes. crashing down. Since then, the $2 tril- week before conducting polymerase reaction tests. We’re yet to see Sher Bahadur Deuba can do is opine in villages, the average Joe or an ordinary Rampant poverty until the mid-1980s lion Afghanistan War has failed to whether the government exhibits any prudence in handling large- favour of the controversial compact in Jane became an Amrikane in the moun- was made bearable by the absence of restore the invincibility of the US in scale operations with proper safety protocols in place this time public. tains and Ammerki in Madhesh. extreme inequality of income in the the eyes of the world. For the person on the street, it seems Between the of countryside. Colour television raised The financial crisis of 2008 made around. As of now, it is just busy gloating over a reduced number of that the two top politicos of the country 1816 and the US invasion of Afghanistan aspirations. Democratic representation everyone look towards China for daily transmissions. might as well be talking to the Great in 2001, the ruling elite in Nepal provided the opportunity for the growth and stability. President Donald Wall of China. At least that’s the considered Anglo-Americans as the expression of grievances. But the Trump’s ‘America First’ has signalled The reason why the daily average of infections is coming down impression one gets from casual con- guarantor of Nepal’s integrity nd sov- insistence of the Washington the US’s withdrawal from the centre could be due to the decrease in the number of people entering Nepal versations in the Kathmandu Valley. A ereignty. The impact of its sponsorship Consensus on wholesale adoption of stage of global affairs. By contrast, Xi few anecdotal examples should suffice of the powerful clique in Kathmandu free-market fundamentalism turned Jinping has shown the confidence and from India. But the fact that the government has gone back on its to illustrate the point. upon the life and livelihood of com- economic growth into a milch cow for chutzpah of an assertive power—even promise to conduct massive tests to identify cases means that the By mid-May, the lockdown had begun moners was mostly exploitative. the rich and powerful. after the pandemic. It’s but natural that coronavirus transmission could be much bigger than what the gov- to have a diminishing effect. The deci- The Ranas contributed sol- Immorality in public life is often an the vanguard of the Khas-Arya hope sion of the government to loosen up diers to the Sepoy Mutiny, World War I outcome of huge inequality in a socie- for the Chinese hand to ensure the sta- ernment’s numbers say. Health Minister Bhanubhakta Dhakal’s was a recognition of reality rather and World War II and benefitted ty. By the mid-1990s, all hopes for bene- bility of the regime. claimed in mid-June that the number of tests would be raised to than a laxity. The owner of a welding immensely from their association with fitting from the aid industry of the The appellation of wolf-warrior workshop appeared more worried the victors. Families of soldiers wept Cold War era had disappeared. The diplomacy sounds fancy, but the 10,000 daily starting June 29. Having revised the guidelines for con- about the consequences of the MCC in silence as the mid-mountains were Anglo-American project of keeping Chinese have always been aggressive in ducting tests, what minister Dhakal is providing is just around 4,000 Compact upon the sovereignty of the denuded of its able-bodied men. The Nepal safe from communism through protecting, promoting and pushing tests a day. It is this reduced number of tests which might have country than the economic impact of British remained dormant between aid and development had spectacularly their national interest in the name of the pandemic. Supremo Oli’s assuranc- 1951 and 1960 when they concentrated failed. peace, stability and development. No shown a reduction in the number of infections, whereas the reality es had no meaning for him. upon maintaining Gurkha recruits. Even though it proved to be some- matter what US officials hope, it seems might be otherwise. Public transport was still off the Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip what transitory, the Maoist insurgency increasingly unlikely that the MCC road in early June. A taxi driver was graced Kathmandu with an imperial changed power relations in the country, Compact will see the light of the day The pandemic continues to upend business as well as daily activi- using the letter that he had received visit soon after the royal-military coup, as diplomatic assets of the West—the without modifications. It may even ties the world over. We’re still months, if not years, away from mass from a hospital for transporting a and the British became the patrons of upper class and highly educated have to wait until projects identified patient as legitimate permission to the Shah regime. males—became their liabilities. Rise in under the Belt and Road Initiative are availability of vaccines even if there is a major breakthrough in the ferry passengers. An unusually talka- According to some estimates, the net average income due to remittances, operationalised. invention of such shots. The light at the end of the tunnel is not in tive person, he spent an entire ride per capita income between 1965-89, the particularly from West Asia, made With Indian influence on the wane sight yet. But the government has at best been dishonest when it explaining how the MCC Compact was mature years of the era, promises of foreign aid redundant. and Anglo-Americans almost out of the an integral part of the Indo-Pacific grew at only 0.6 percent per annum, picture, Xi Jinping Thought is likely to comes to informing citizens about the exact modus operandi of its Strategy aimed at encircling the with most of its benefit accruing to the Desperate hope reign supreme for now. Principles of fight against the pandemic. Meanwhile, citizens would do well to Peoples’ Republic of China. He had Shah-Rana cousins, their loyal courti- Geostrategic competition for spheres participatory democracy and the poli- more faith in the conclusions of the ers, craven cronies and what BP Koirala of influence is normal. Even when tics of inclusion have little or no place continue following safety protocols doggedly and not depend on the ruling party than the denial of the for- called the bhuifutta barg (comprador stakes are comparatively low in in the new world order of the Beijing government as it keeps shifting the goalposts. eign minister. bourgeoisie) feasting on foreign aid. resource-poor countries such as Consensus.

Harnessing Malawi’s youth bulge

food. The result could easily be wide- demands improved education and What Malawi’s young people spread unemployment, malnutrition, training, not only in school, but also and conceivably large-scale migra- once workers are already in the labour lack is not talent or ambition, tion. Climate change will only exacer- force. Furthermore, targeted employ- bate these resource pressures, making ment and health policies should be but the training, resources, mitigation policies all but impossible introduced, to ensure that young peo- to implement. ple share in the dividends of pri- and opportunities. The first step toward ensuring that vate-sector success. And the govern- the Malawi demographic boom does ment should aim to nurture talent in not stunt its development potential is the arts, including fashion, and Jireh Mwamukonda to curb the fertility rate through bet- sports, thereby providing young peo- ter family planning. This means ple with another potential path out of both delivering contraceptives and poverty. educating the population on how to There are reasons for optimism. use them. More broadly, education— Since 2017, Malawi’s government has especially of girls and women—is been working with UNICEF to closely correlated with declining expand the use of drones and data for fertility rates. development and humanitarian pur- Malawi is facing a massive youth But Malawi can do more than limit poses, from delivering medical bulge, with more than half the popula- its youth bulge; it can harness its resources to collecting aerial imagery tion under the age of 18—a share that demographic dividend to spur eco- for predictive analytics. In order to is growing fast. This can be a boon for nomic development. What the coun- ensure that there are enough skilled development, as a dynamic young try’s young people lack is not talent or workers to seize the opportunities working-age population propels the ambition, but the training, resources, offered by drone and data technology, economy into the future. But, if the and opportunities needed to apply UNICEF established the first country fails to provide adequate edu- them. For many young Malawians, the African Drone and Data Academy this cational and employment opportuni- best hope of escaping poverty is past January in Malawi’s capital, ties to its youth population, such a migrating to much more economically Lilongwe. demographic structure can become dynamic South Africa. Moreover, Malawi has built a robust highly destabilising. To build a thriving economy that democracy since independence. When For Malawi, the risk of the latter makes the most of local talent, Malawi last year’s presidential election, which outcome is high. A landlocked country can draw inspiration from Rwanda. delivered a narrow victory to the bordered by Mozambique, Tanzania, Until the summer of 1994, Rwanda incumbent, Peter Mutharika, was and Zambia, Malawi has ranked was locked in a vicious civil war, in shown to have been marred by ‘wide- among the world’s poorest countries which more than a million people spread’ irregularities, the constitu- since it gained independence from the were brutally murdered. tional court overturned the result and British in 1964. In 2016, a staggering And yet, from 2011 to 2014, Rwanda’s ordered a new vote. 70.3 percent of the population was liv- annual GDP growth averaged about 8 Many other African countries could ing below the World Bank’s poverty percent, propelled by investment in learn much from Malawi’s democratic line of less than $1.90 per day (in pur- construction, agricultural modernisa- process, in which young people play a chasing-power-parity terms). Last tion, mining, and manufacturing. crucial role by campaigning, voting, year, the country ranked 172nd out of More recently, Rwanda has focused and, when necessary, protesting. Their 189 countries and territories in the on building up its information government must now respond with United Nations Development and communications technology the necessary steps to ensure that Programme’s Human Development (ICT) sector, which can provide solu- their economic prospects are as prom- Report. tions in a range of areas, including ising as their abilities. Against this background, Malawi’s health, transport, environment, and booming population—which is set to energy. Mwamukonda co-founded the Together double, from 17.5 million in 2018, by Malawi should take a similar Shutterstock We Can Initiative, which focuses on 2038—poses considerable challenges, approach, employing prudent econom- spur growth and development. It can to diversify an economy that now main cash crop. community development through as it strains the country’s limited ic planning and management and sus- even channel resources toward the depends largely on traditional rain- Young people can spearhead this youth empowerment in Malawi. resources, from investment capital to tained investment in human capital to same sectors as Rwanda does, in order fed agriculture, with tobacco as the transformation. But ICT, in particular, —Project Syndicate

C M Y K 05 | WEDNESDAY, JULY 22, 2020 National Floods and landslides continue to claim Ongoing spell of rain could lives and displace people across country stay at least until Friday ... >> Continued from page 1 fall, 50mm could not be considered A monitoring of rainfall data by the heavy rainfall. But heavy rainfall in a department shows the record for max- short span of time could have damag- Seven people dead, two go missing in monsoon-induced disasters in the last 24 hours. Landslides obstruct imum rainfall in 24 hours for July is ing consequences.” 308.3mm at Lumle in Kaski in 2017. According to Kadel, Suryapura sta- DSP Lokdarshan Thapa said, highways, rural roads The highest single day rainfall ever tion of Rupandehi, which had clocked “Settlements in Sunbarshi, Ratuwa- recorded in Nepal is 423.1 mm in 192.2mm rainfall in the 24 hours till mai, Patharishanishchare and in Gandaki Province Surkhet on August 15, 2014. Tuesday afternoon, had received Urlabari are at risk of floods.” However, the amount of rainfall in a 140mm of rain in one hour between 10 The local administration shifted LAL PRASAD SHARMA short period of time in most of the and 11 am. four landless families from Chaita to a , JULY 21 places has been significant in the past “The high-intensity rain causes soil safer location on Tuesday after the few days. erosion and brings sedimentation flooded Chaita stream started eroding Landslides along the major highways From Sunday morning till Monday with the floodwater. It can trigger embankment in the area. in Gandaki Province in the last two 8:45 am, of the total 222 weather sta- flash floods and inundation quickly,” “Around 150 metres long embank- days have brought vehicular move- tions across the country, which keep she said. ment in Chaita has been eroded. The ment to a standstill. rainfall data, 198 had recorded rain- As the impact of climate change settlement is at risk of being swept Multiple landslides were reported fall, with the highest being 169mm in rainfall patterns has been changing in away if the flooded stream breaches along Prithvi Highway, Mid Hill Gharedhunga of , indi- the country lately, a government study its embankments,” said Bhilananda Highway, Kaligandaki Corridor and cating the spread of rainfall across the has shown an increasing gap Yadav, chief of the Koshi and Bakraha Saljhandi-Dhorpatan Highway in the country. Three stations in Nawalpur, between dry and rainy days even River Management Project. province. A majority of the rural Bara and Kaski districts had marked when the total annual rainfall has In Jhapa, at least 105 houses were roads throughout the province have over 150mm precipitation and other 23 been constant. inundated in Jhapa Rural Municipality also been blocked by landslides. stations more than 100mm. This means there have been instanc- after floods in Kankai River breached The Tanahun section of Prithvi The trend continued until Tuesday es when a few days of continuous its embankment at Sadakbari on Highway has been struck by at least a morning, when 177 stations had rainfall have almost reached the total Monday afternoon. dozen landslides. Landslides also received rainfall, with the highest average monthly rainfall of particular “At least 83 houses in Ward No. 1 damaged four roads along the 44-km rainfall recorded at Makwanpurgadhi places causing more damage to life and 22 houses in Ward No. 2 have been Beni-Lete section of Beni-Jomsom- station of with and property. inundated,” said Jay Narayan Sah, the Korola road, also known as 199.2mm of rainfall. Four other sta- In an attempt for better prepared- Post Photo rural municipality chief. “The affect- Kaligandaki Corridor. tions had crossed the 150 mm mark ness for response to water-induced Landslides along the major highways in Gandaki Province have disrupted vehicular movement. ed families were taken to safer loca- In Baglung, vehicular movement and 17 went past 100mm level. disasters, the National Disaster Risk tions on Monday itself. Some families along a 12-km section of the Mid Hill Likewise, 51 stations received 50mm Reduction and Management Authority AJIT TIWARI to a landslide that occurred at Bamti returned home on Tuesday morning Highway and the 40-km Saljhadi- of rainfall between Monday and was established within the Ministry , JULY 21 on Tuesday. Two houses were swept after the flood water receded.” Dhorpatan road section has been dis- Tuesday morning. of Home Affairs last year. It now away by the landslide and three others The flooded river has breached a rupted due to landslides. Three meters According to Kadel, who is also the works with the Department of Water Monsoon-induced calamities continue are at high risk. 300m long section of the embankment. of road in the Gorkha-Aabukhaireni chief of the climate analysis section Resources and Agriculture, to take lives and displace entire settle- In Darchula, two individuals were “The floodwaters had been eroding road section also caved in on Tuesday, at the Met department, rainfall of Department of Mines and Geology ments in many districts of provinces buried to death in a landslide in the embankment for the last four disrupting vehicular movement. anything over 50mm is generally and Department of Hydrology and 1, 2, Bagmati and Gandaki. At least Ward 8 of Malikarjun Rural days,” said Jhatru Rajbanshi, one of Authorities managed to remove considered heavy, but it could be Meteorology to inform the public of seven people died and two others went Municipality on Tuesday morning, the displaced people from Sadakbari. landslide debris from 11 places along location-specific. looming weather extreme events, missing in landslides and floods across according to the District Police Office “About 1,000 bighas of paddy fields the Prithvi Highway in Dhading by “For instance, 50mm of rainfall raise awareness, better their response the country in the past 24 hours. in Darchula. Three others were were inundated by the floodwaters.” Tuesday to resume partial traffic. could be record-breaking for Mustang, and minimise the damage. This According to the District Police injured in the incident, police said. “We tried to prevent the floodwaters which receives the lowest annual rain- year it has already sent a total of Office in Dhading, three members of a In Province 2, two people have gone from entering the settlement by build- (Harihar Singh Rathour in Dhading fall in the country,” Kadel told the 5,017,233 SMS alerts to vulnerable family died in a landslide at Guljung missing after being swept away by ing temporary embankments with and Raj Kumar Karki in Sindhuli Post. “For districts like Kaski, which communities, to warn them of in Tripurasundari Rural Municipality flooded streams in Mahottari and sandbags but they couldn’t hold contributed reporting.) receives around 4,000mm annual rain- impending dangers. on Monday night. Rautahat districts. According to the through the flood,” said Ward No. 2 “A couple and their two-year-old provincial police office in Janakpur, chair Netra Bahadur Khadka. “At daughter died when a landslide buried floods and inundation have displaced least 55 houses in Sadakbari are at Government of Nepal their house. Security personnel have 219 families and damaged 38 houses in high risks of inundation.” been deployed in the area for rescue Saptari, Sarlahi and Rautahat dis- Meanwhile, 47 out of 56 doors of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs work,” said DSP Rupak Khadka. tricts in the past few days. Koshi barrage were opened after the The same night, an elderly couple In Morang of Province 1, as many as water level in the river crossed the Department of Passports was killed in a landslide in Bulingtar six settlements are at high risk of floods danger level on Tuesday morning. of Nawalparasi (East). In Ramechhap, as the rain-swollen Bakraha stream has Amendments made in the Bid Document No. 03/2076/77/dop-ifb five families have been displaced due been eroding its embankment. (With inputs from local correspondents.) Published on 02 March 2020 for the Procurement of Security Printing, Supply and Delivery, Installation, Testing and Commissioning of Equipment and Personalization of eMRTDs Contract Identification No.: 03/2076/77/dop Government Tempest in ruling party almost over ... Date of Publication of Amendment: 22 July 2020 Addendum No. 6 decides to >> Continued from page 1 Baluwatar. The Department of Passports, Ministry of Foreign Affairs has made the following amendment in the Bid Document According to Shrestha, the next The Oli faction was quick to sense that No. 03/2076/77/dop-ifb published on 02 March 2020 for the Procurement of Security Printing, Supply and lift four Standing Committee meeting has been the Central Committee could prove to be a Delivery, Installation, Testing and Commissioning of Equipment and Personalization of eMRTDs as follows: scheduled for July 28. threat, as the Dahal-Nepal faction holds a According to leaders, with Dahal drop- comfortable majority with almost 308 out S. Page Article No. months long ping the agenda of Oli’s resignation for of 442 members on their side. Existing Provision Amendment Made now means there is a status quo and Oli Oli then at Saturday’s Secretariat meet- No. No. /Heading coronavirus ... will continue to lead the government. ing proposed an early general convention The Bidder must have the experience The Bidder/its OEM (Original Equipment Oli over the past few weeks played too with the promise that he would back Dahal of implementing Automated >> Continued from page 1 many tricks to corner Dahal. for the sole party chair. Dahal did not raise Section III, Manufacturer) must have the experience of Evaluation and Biometric Identification System “The lockdown gave us psy- Oli on July 2 suddenly prorogued the the issue of Oli’s resignation. implementing Automated Biometric 1. 44 Qualification (ABIS) that has managed a minimum chological terror and became federal parliament, signalling that he After the meeting at Baluwatar, both Oli Identification System (ABIS) that has managed a guise for many things,” said could even split the party if the rival fac- and Dahal met with President Bidya Devi Criteria Technical of 10 million applicants’ biometrics a minimum of 10 million applicants’ biometrics Khatiwada. “It’s not that tion continued to pile pressure on him to Bhandari, raising suspicion among lead- Experience (Documentation required) (Documentation required). there is no risk of Covid-19. step down. Two days later, Oli called all his ers of the Nepal and Khanal factions. Addendum No. 5, Article 3 We need to continue with the ministers to Baluwatar and told them that The Nepal faction a day later demanded safety protocol.” the Dahal faction was trying to oust him an answer from Dahal whether he had Please refer to Addendum on Bid Documents uploaded in www.bolpatra.gov.np/egp for further details. The decision to lift the and impeach the President. reached a deal on the general convention coronavirus restrictions “After Oli prorogued the House, the by November/December. comes a day after the govern- Dahal-Nepal faction became suspicious if Dahal on Monday admitted before some Government of Nepal ment said all international he would split the party,” said Haribol Standing Committee members that Oli had and domestic airline Gajurel, a Standing Committee member. proposed the general convention with the Kathmandu Upatyaka Khanepani Limited (KUKL) services will resume starting Dahal did not want to take the blame of a promise to back him for the party chair August 17. party split, even if Oli did that, as he would but with a precondition that he has to Project Implementation Directorate (PID) The government has also have been perceived as the cause for that. embrace People’s Multi-party Democracy allowed hotels and restau- “So talks started between the two chair- as the party’s ideology. Anamnagar, Kathmandu rants to open from July 30 but men,” said Gajurel. “That was a surprising proposal from partying and gatherings will Oli and Dahal held a series of meetings, Oli,” a Standing Committee member quot- not be allowed. some between them only without the pres- ed Dahal as saying on Monday. Request for Expression of Interest The government has also ence of second-rung leaders, but both Insiders say Dahal now is telling leaders opened the trekking and failed to find a common ground. close to him that there is no alternative to Design, Supervision and Contract Management Consultant (DSCMC-07) mountaineering activities In one of the meetings between Oli and mending fences with Oli and move for- Name of the Client: Kathmandu Upatyaka Khanepani Limited (KUKL), from that day. Dahal, senior leader Nepal too was invited ward. “The objective of the deci- on July 16 where they reached a tentative Oli’s resignation is not an agenda now Project Implementation Directorate (PID) sion is not to hamper the understanding on calling the Central so there is not much to expect from the Date: 22 July 2020 upcoming tourist season in Committee. Standing Committee meeting next week, autumn,” said Khatiwada. The same day, the Dahal faction held a according to them. Name of Project: Kathmandu Valley Water Supply Improvement Project “The decision will allow trav- meeting at Khumalatar and decided that “Now the meeting will dwell on the reg- 1. Government of Nepal (GoN) has allocated fund towards the cost of Kathmandu Valley Water Supply el trade entrepreneurs to they should press for calling the Central ular agenda of the Standing Committee start bookings for the upcom- Committee meeting by the third week of and the two chairs will find a common Improvement Project and intends to apply a portion of this fund to eligible payments under the Contract ing tourist season.” August. Oli too held discussions with lead- ground of understanding within this for which this Expression of Interest is invited for International Consulting Services. The autumn—September ers loyal to him the same evening at week,” said Gajurel. to November—season, which 2. The Project Director on behalf of Project Implementation Directorate, KUKL now invites Expression of attracts a third of the total 1.2 Interest (EOI) from eligible International Consulting firms (“consultant”) based on QCBS criteria as set million tourists visiting Nepal, does not generally out in PPMO Standard Document for the selection of Consultants (2017, as amended from time to time) draw tourists for Mt Everest, to provide the following consulting services: review and update the existing designs and documents for but hordes of adventure seek- ers come to Nepal for trek- SRTs at and Mahankal Chaur; and at old KUKL Balaju reservoir site, assisting in procurement king. Many small peaks see and comprehensive contract supervision and contract management of all the contracts (BDS-05, DNI 7B, heavy traffic during the Vacancy Announcement autumn season. DNI-7C, DNI-9a-Mandikatar, SRTs and other contract packages) during construction and post- Restrictions on long dis- At the Johns Hopkins Center for Communication Programs (CCP), we believe in construction periods as outlined in the TOR including preparation of safeguard documents and the power of communication to save lives, by empowering people to adopt healthy tance public transport will compliance with the input of 63 person-months for International and 442 person-month for National also be lifted from August 17. behaviors for themselves, their families and their communities. Good health is The government has also critical not only to an individual’s well-being, but also to community and national Experts. PID and is expected to commence the services by January 2021. scrapped the odd-even rule on private vehicles from development, impacting educational and economic success. 3. The Design Supervision and Contract Management Consultants must furnish list of similar projects Wednesday. CCP is currently seeking expressions of interest from qualified candidates for the executed in past seven years with summary of such projects and important financial details. The Khatiwada said the exist- following positions for an anticipated five-year USAID adolescent reproductive EOI is required to be submitted in the standard formats stipulated for this purpose. The EOI document, ing provisions could be changed and more restric- health/family planning project in Nepal. draft Terms of Reference (TORs), format for submission and other details can be downloaded from tions imposed if the Covid-19 • Deputy Chief of Party www.bolpatra.gov.np/egp. Interested eligible consultants may obtain further information and EOI cases increase in the future. • Service Delivery Technical Advisor document free of cost at the address Project Implementation Directorate, KUKL Anamnagar • Senior Monitoring, Evaluation Learning Advisor Kathmandu, Nepal during office hours on or before 20 August 2020, 17:00 PM or visit e-GP system NOTE: All positions are subject to actual award and funding. www.bolpatra.gov.np/egp or visit the client’s website (www.kuklpid.org.np). Interested candidates can download Job Descriptions from the link below: 4. Consultants may associate with other consultants to enhance their qualifications. https://www.dropbox.com/sh/j9zrg5ivb9ni65b/AACbi8qNuGS3o5TubHg6B5ZCa?dl=0 5. Expressions of interest shall be delivered online through e-GP system www.bolpatra.gov.np/egp (No Interested candidates should submit their application along with cover letter and manual delivery) on or before 20 August 2020, 17:00 PM (NST) CV, with two references no later than August 14, 2020/ Shrawan 30, 2077 (Friday) 5:00 pm by e-mail to [email protected] 6. In case the last date of obtaining and submission of the EOI documents happens to be a holiday, the next Only short-listed candidates will be contacted. working day will be deemed as the due date but the time will be the same as stipulated. Female and candidates from socially excluded communities are encouraged 7. EOI will be assessed based on Qualification (30%), Experience (60%), and Capacity (10%) of to apply. consulting firm and key personnel. Based on evaluation of EOI, only shortlisted firms will be invited to Please note that appealing or trying to influence the outcome of the selection submit technical and financial proposal through a request for proposal. at any stage of the process shall lead to automatic disqualification. 8. Minimum score to pass the EOI is 70%.

C M Y K WEDNESDAY, JULY 22, 2020 | 06 Money

FOREX Mexico eager to lure US Dollar 119.91 Small and medium-sized enterprises are Euro 137.34 firms from Asia Pound Sterling 152.38 under new trade deal Japanese Yen 11.18 missing out on e-commerce boom Chinese Yuan 17.16 REUTERS MEXICO CITY, JULY 21 Qatari Riyal 32.93 Lack of linkage between e-retailers and producers prevents goods from being featured on online platforms, say entrepreneurs.

Australian Dollar 84.92 Mexico has spoken to a host of foreign KRISHANA PRASAIN companies, particularly steelmakers, Malaysian Ringit 28.14 KATHMANDU, JULY 21 in an effort to lure business from Asia to capitalize on a new North American Saudi Arab Riyal 31.97 Tek Bahadur Magrati has 1,000 kgs of trade deal, Economy Minister Graciela Exchange rates fixed by Nepal Rastra Bank homemade laundry soap in stock Marquez said on Monday. which he has not been able to send The US-Mexico-Canada trade agree- to the market. ment (USMCA) took effect at the Price Per tola The differently-abled entrepreneur beginning of this month, replacing its bullion from , had heard quarter-century-old predecessor, as that online stores could help him sell the coronavirus pandemic wallops the Fine Gold Rs 92,700 his soap as demand for homemade global economy and international products was rising, particularly trade. Silver Rs 1,040 among online shoppers. The new deal includes tougher con- But Magrati has no way of reaching tent rules both for autos and steel and SoG urce: FENE OSIDA these potential outlets for his soap. aluminum than when the North And because of the lockdown, he can- American Free Trade Agreement was Shares not go door-to-door to sell his product. launched in 1994. E-commerce has been growing “In steel we see the biggest opportu- Nepse 1449.94pts -1.02% steadily in Nepal, but because of lack nity,” Marquez, a Harvard-trained of proper linkage between e-retailers economist, told Reuters in an inter- highest losers and producers, like Magrati, many view. “We want to show these compa- HDHPC GLBSL SPARS GGBSL KKHC VLBS -9.80% -9.00% -7.53% -7.31% -6.80% -6.33% homemade goods produced by small nies the opportunities that open up and medium-sized enterprises do not with this increase in regional content moderate losers find a market even though they pro- requirements.” RBCLPO EBLCP CBL LGIL HIDCL MDB -6.19% -5.73% -4.57% -4.43% -4.34% -4.28% vide a livelihood for many families. Marquez said the government of The online marketplace, which saw President Andres Manuel Lopez moderate GAINERS UFL STC AKJCL TRH HDL OHL a sharp rise in sales during the lock- Obrador has held talks with 3.19% 3.43% 4.08% 4.94% 5.08% 5.09% down because people were confined to foreign steelmakers, including South

highest GAINERS their homes, has not been able to pro- Korea’s POSCO, Japan’s Nippon NHDL UNL SHL SFCL SRS NICLBSL mote locally produced goods, accord- Steel Corp and Mitsubishi Corp and 5.46% 6.25% 6.75% 9.27% 9.78% 9.94% ing to entrepreneurs. Ternium, about investing in Mexico to Products like apparels made of produce steel for the auto sector. Dhaka, allo items, readymade gar- She said there is a possibility for- ments, food items and others produced eign steelmakers could partner with gasoline watch in different parts of the country have shutterstock or take a stake in Mexico’s Altos not been able to attract online sellers. Products like apparels made of Dhaka, allo items, readymade garments, food items and others produced in different parts of the country have Hornos de Mexico. A spokesman said “If there is proper linkage between not been able to attract online sellers. the Mexican company is not currently producers and e-retailers, it will in talks. be a big help for small and medium them buy such goods as they know the Small and medium-sized enterprises Associations of Nepal, said that as the Considering Mexico’s diverse man- entrepreneurs to market their prod- value of the products,” he added. would get a big boost from this devel- global market has been impacted by ufacturing base, Marquez said the ucts,” said Kedar Rajbahak, owner of Amun Thapa, founder of online opment if they were properly connect- Covid-19, this can be an opportunity to government was interested in attract- Bishnu Devi Confectionery that platform Sasto Deal, said that due to ed with online platforms, said Singh. promote domestic products, and ing a range of companies from across makes swirl candy. the digital divide, it was a challenge to Most of their products are tradi- online platforms can help increase the globe. Rajbahak has been selling his candy get to know such products and feature tional and skill-based which cannot sales of Nepali handicraft. She said the government also would through online marketplace Daraz. them on their websites. compete with slick imports, he added. As the government has not formu- seek to speak with Apple and other US “There is good demand for candy,” “E-commerce firms based in the Though the products are good, peo- lated policy to place Nepali products firms about relocating their supply said Rajbahak, who has been selling Kathmandu Valley should expand ple don’t notice them due to lack of on online platforms, they have not chain to Mexico. most of his goods through the online their business to the regional level packaging and marketing, Singh said. been prioritising domestic products Retelling a recent conversation with platform for a year. so that locally produced goods can “But online platforms can be helpful,” as they should. Nepali goods are Lopez Obrador, Marquez said she Umesh Prasad Singh, acting presi- be sold through online platforms,” he added. popular on international online plat- pointed to the cellphone she was dent of the Federation of Nepalese said Thapa. “We are not able to request online forms, but that is not so in the domes- holding in her hand and said, Cottage and Small Scale Industries, He said that despite the huge mar- platforms to list our products also tic market. “These phones don’t have to be pro- said there are many online platforms, ket potential, products made by small because output is small.” Consumers seem to be aware of duced in China, ... there is an enor- but they are not very keen on selling and medium-sized enterprises were Singh said that the reliability of Nepali products, but they still prefer mous opportunity to produce them” goods produced by small and medi- not reaching the market due to lack of these platforms was still questionable, imported goods; and as a result, local- in Mexico. um-sized enterprises. knowledge about market trends. and there were no laws regulating ly made items are yet to become popu- The government is looking to “Hardly 10-15 percent of homemade Online shopping is spreading due to online business. lar. “Online platforms focus on cheap attract North American and European goods are showcased on online mar- Covid-19 with people preferring to Dharma Raj , past president products and do not feature expensive firms producing in China, Singapore ketplaces,” he said. “And only a few of stay home and buy on the internet. of the Federation of Handicraft items,” he said. and Vietnam. EU leaders agree on Japan’s core consumer prices flat, deflation risks remain REUTERS year earlier, government data showed TOKYO, JULY 21 on Tuesday. $2.1 trillion deal after That compared with the median Japan’s core consumer prices snapped market forecast of a 0.1 percent two straight months of declines in decline and falls of 0.2 percent report- June but risks remain for a prolonged ed in both April and May. economic slump from the coronavirus The so-called core-core price index, marathon summit crisis, which has depressed consump- which excludes food and energy prices tion and raised concerns about a and is closely tracked by the central return to deflation. bank as a narrower gauge of inflation, The core consumer price index grew 0.4 percent in June after the (CPI) was flat, with slower falls in same rate of gain in May. energy prices in June helping the The Bank of Japan’s (BOJ) latest gauge out of negative territory. quarterly forecasts showed consumer The reading dashed expectations prices projected to fall 0.5 percent this for a third straight month of decline fiscal year to next March and stay well and followed central bank below its 2 percent target through comments last week that the economy early 2023. would likely shake off the hit from the The economy likely contracted pandemic. more than 20 percent in April-June as Japan lifted nationwide state of the coronavirus hit global growth and emergency measures in late May but reuters the government shut down the econo- has seen a renewed spike in infections A woman looks at shoes on sale at an outlet store in Tokyo’s shopping district, Japan. my from April to late May. in its capital Tokyo, stoking fears of a They said recovery in the world’s second wave of infections that could ments due to significant deterioration including that of overseas could third-largest economy is expected to curtail spending in an already weak- in corporate earnings,” said Takeshi become chronic, so downward pres- be modest as the pandemic exacts a ened economy. Minami, chief economist at sure on prices could strengthen.” heavy toll on exports, business activi- “It is inevitable that the outlook for Norinchukin Research Institute. The core CPI, which includes oil ty and jobs. wage environment will become severe “We can’t expect a V-shaped eco- products but excludes volatile fresh Japan has reported over 25,000 ap/rss as firms could cut bonuses and pay- nomic recovery and a lack of demand food prices, was flat in June from a infections and around 1,000 deaths. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen (left), and European Council President Charles Michel bump elbows at an EU summit in Brussels, on Tuesday.

ASSOCIATED PRESS ble not so long ago. Merkel said, “We BRUSSELS, JULY 21 have laid the financial foundations for the EU for the next seven years After four days and nights of wran- and came up with a response to this gling, exhausted European Union arguably biggest crisis of the leaders finally clinched a deal on an European Union.” unprecedented 1.8 trillion-euro ($2.1 Despite Macron and Merkel negoti- trillion) budget and coronavirus ating as the closest of partners, the recovery fund early on Tuesday, after traditionally powerful Franco- one of their longest summits ever. German alliance struggled for days to The 27 leaders grudgingly commit- get the quarrelling nations in line. ted to a costly, massive aid package for But, even walking out of a negotiating those hit hardest by Covid-19, which session in protest together over the has already killed 135,000 people with- weekend, the two leaders bided their in the bloc alone. time and played their cards right in With masks and hygienic gel every- the end. where at the summit, the leaders were “When Germany and France stand constantly reminded of the potent together, they can’t do everything. But medical and economic threat the virus if they don’t stand together, nothing is poses. “Extraordinary events, and this possible,” said Macron, challenging is the pandemic that has reached us anyone in the world who criticised the all, also require extraordinary new days of infighting to think of a compa- methods,” German Chancellor Angela rable joint endeavour. Merkel said. “There are 27 of us around the table To confront the biggest recession in and we managed to come up with a its history, the EU will establish a 750 joint budget. What other political area billion-euro coronavirus fund, partly in the world is capable of that? None based on common borrowing, to be other,” Macron said. sent as loans and grants to the hard- At first, Merkel and Macron wanted est-hit countries. That is in addition to the grants to total 500 billion euros, the agreement on the seven-year, 1 but the so-called “frugals”—five trillion-euro EU budget that leaders wealthy northern nations led by the had been haggling over for months Netherlands—wanted a cut in such even before the pandemic. spending and strict economic reform “The consequences will be histor- conditions imposed. The figure was ic,” French President Emmanuel brought down to 390 billion euros, Macron said. “We have created a possi- while the five nations also got guaran- bility of taking up loans together, of tees on reforms. setting up a recovery fund in the “There is no such thing as perfec- spirit of solidarity,” a sense of sharing tion, but we have managed to make post photo: Anish Regmi debt that would have been unthinka- progress,” Macron said. Fruit vendors shelter their goods from the rain at Lagankhel in Lalitpur.

C M Y K 07 | WEDNESDAY, JULY 22, 2020 world Trump backs face masks as China vows ‘forceful counter-attack’ global infections cross 14.6m in row with Britain over Hong Kong Reuters Agence France-Presse where the death toll crossed 5,000 over London/Beijing, July 21 Washington, July 21 the weekend. London dismayed The South Africa situation could be China threatened a “forceful coun- by a crackdown in President Donald Trump changed his “a warning” for the rest of the conti- ter-attack” on Tuesday in response to tune in favour of face masks as a tool nent, the World Health Organisation’s Britain’s announcement that it would Hong Kong, which to combat the coronavirus in the emergency chief Michael Ryan said. suspend its extradition treaty with United States, as fresh alarm is being “I am very concerned right now that Hong Kong following Beijing’s intro- returned to Chinese sounded over its accelerating spread we are beginning to see an accelera- duction of a national security law for in Africa tion of disease in Africa,” he added. the former British colony. rule in 1997. The virus has infected more than Latin America has already been On Monday, British Foreign 14.6 million people and killed over hammered, with Brazil—the second Secretary Dominic Raab told parlia- 600,000 of them since it first emerged worst-hit nation—crossing 80,000 ment the extradition treaty would Donald Trump has ended preferential in China, with . deaths on Monday. be suspended immediately and an economic treatment for Hong Kong. And despite rising hopes for two AP/rss Two studies offered new hope on arms embargo would be extended to Last week, Prime Minister Boris vaccine candidates, there are few Donald Trump Monday of a potential vaccine, howev- Hong Kong. Johnson ordered equipment from options available to combat the spread er. One trial among more than “We will not consider re-activating China’s Huawei Technologies to be of Covid-19, though they do include respond to public anger just over 100 1,000 adults in Britain found that a those arrangements, unless and purged completely from Britain’s 5G face masks—which Trump and his days from the November election, vaccine induced “strong antibody and until there are clear and robust safe- network by the end of 2027. political allies refused to encourage with the human toll rising and the US T cell immune responses” against the guards, which are able to prevent China—once courted as the prime for months. economy devastated. coronavirus. extradition from the UK being mis- source of investment in British infra- But he changed direction on Tens of millions of Americans have A separate trial in China involving used under the new national security Reuters structure projects from nuclear to Monday, tweeting a photo of himself been left jobless, and the extra unem- more than 500 people showed most had legislation,” Raab said. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang rail—has accused Britain of pander- wearing a mask with the message: ployment benefits keeping some from developed widespread antibody The decision appeared to infuriate Wenbin speaks at a news conference in ing to the United States. “We are United in our effort to defeat poverty are set to expire at the end immune response. Beijing. Beijing, China. Britain says the new security the Invisible China Virus, and many of July. An effective vaccine is considered “China will make a forceful coun- law breaches the guarantees of people say that it is Patriotic to wear “I’m still struggling to pay the bills key for a return to normality, particu- ter-attack to the UK’s wrong actions,” the whole truth over the coronavirus freedoms, including an independent a face mask when you can’t socially and I’m still looking for a job,” said larly for travel and large religious said Chinese foreign ministry spokes- outbreak. judiciary, that have helped keep Hong distance.” Diana Yitbarek, 44, who has been gatherings like the Hajj. man Wang Wenbin at a daily news Raab said he would extend a long- Kong one of the world’s most “There is nobody more Patriotic unemployed since April. The massive annual Islamic pil- conference on Tuesday. standing arms embargo on China to important trade and financial centres than me, your favourite President!” “And nowadays it’s hard to find a grimage has been dramatically scaled “China urges the UK to give up its include Hong Kong, meaning no since 1997. US authorities are struggling to job because everything is closed.” down by Saudi authorities this year to fantasies of continuing colonial influ- exports of weapons or ammunition Officials in Hong Kong and Beijing handle the crisis as infections With even richer nations strug- around 1,000 compared with the usual ence in Hong Kong and immediately and a ban on any equipment which have said the law is vital to plug gaps surge towards four million, with more gling, experts have warned that the 2.5 million people. correct its mistakes,” he said. might be used for internal repression, in national security exposed by recent than 140,000 deaths, and Trump has impact would be harshest in poorer Until a vaccine is developed, many London has been dismayed by a like shackles and smoke grenades. pro-democracy and anti-China pro- been slammed for his management of regions of the world like Africa. fear they will have to balance the crackdown in Hong Kong, which Australia and Canada suspended tests. China has repeatedly told the crisis. There are fresh concerns about the Covid-19 risk with the need to make returned to Chinese rule in 1997, and extradition treaties with Hong Kong Western powers to stop meddling in The president is scrambling to continent, particularly South Africa, ends meet. the perception that China did not tell earlier this month. US President Hong Kong’s affairs.

Delhi coronavirus cases dip but more Indian states lock down

Agence France-Prese soared—including in Bangalore, and N ew Delhi,July 21 parts of Kerala and Tamil Nadu. On Monday, the authorities in the eastern state of West New Delhi recorded fewer than 1,000 corona- Bengal, home to about 90 million people, virus cases for the first time in seven imposed a strict lockdown two days a week weeks on Tuesday, even as more Indian states beginning on Thursday. imposed restrictions to halt the spread of the “The state government feels that the pandemic. efforts to break the chain of Covid-19 spread India last week became the third country have to be initiated in a strong manner,” the after the United States and Brazil to hit one state’s home secretary Alapan Bandopadhyay million cases but many experts say that with said. All government and private offices will testing rates low, the true number could be be closed and there will be no public trans- much higher. port. Private vehicles will be allowed for More than 28,000 people have died, with essential needs only. the western state of Maharashtra, home to The small north-eastern state of Sikkim, Mumbai and its teeming slums, suffering the bordering Tibet, on Monday also ordered a highest death toll, followed by the national lockdown until July 27. capital Delhi and Tamil Nadu in the south. Delhi has offered a rare piece of good Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s govern- news, however, with the crisis easing since ment imposed one of the world’s strictest June, when hospitals and morgues in the lockdowns in late March, but it has been sprawling megacity of 20 million people steadily eased in recent months to lessen the appeared close to collapse. devastating economic impact. Monday’s count of 954 new infections in But, independently from the federal gov- the city marked the first time the daily tally ernment, individual states have been tight- was under 1,000 in 49 days, and was down ening restrictions as case numbers have from a peak of almost 4,000 in late June. Report: UK officials ‘avoided’ looking into Russian meddling

In a 20-page response, officials denied the government had “badly underestimated” the Russian threat and rejected the call for an assessment of alleged Russian meddling during the Brexit referendum. “We have seen no evidence of successful interference in the EU Referendum,” the statement said. The report says Russia sees Britain as one of its top intelligence targets in the West. It said Russian influence in the UK is the “new normal,” and successive governments have welcomed Russian oligarchs with open arms. Russians with “very close links” to President Vladimir Putin were “well integrated into the UK business, political and social scene— Ap/rss in ‘Londongrad’ in particular,” it said. In this March 14, 2018 photo, Russian President Speaking before the report was released, Vladimir Putin speaks in front of a Russian Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said National flag in Sevastopol, Crimea. Tuesday that Russia “never interfered in electoral processes,’’not in the United States, Associated Press not in Britain, not in any other country.’’ London, July 21 “We don’t do that ourselves and we don’t tolerate when other countries try to interfere A long-awaited report on Russian influence with our political affairs,” Peskov said. in British politics criticised the British gov- The report’s authors said they were sub- ernment for neglecting to investigate wheth- jected to an unprecedented delay in making er Russia interfered in the 2016 Brexit ref- the document public, with officials holding erendum, describing its utter lack of curios- off its release for more than six months. ity about the threats to democracy as being a Critics have claimed that was meant to shield major failure at the heart of power. Prime Minister Boris Johnson and his The parliamentary report’s authors Conservative Party from embarrassment. accused the British government of “actively The committee did not offer a theory as to avoiding” looking into evidence of the why the government delayed the report, but Russian threat to the EU referendum. The did say the government’s explanations for authors found this particularly unforgivable delaying the report were not true. given the evidence that emerged of Russian The report was originally submitted to interference in the US elections and in the Johnson on October 17. The government ini- Scottish independence referendum in 2014. tially said it couldn’t be published until it “There has been no assessment of Russian was reviewed for national security issues, interference in the EU referendum and this which postponed its release until after the goes back to nobody wanting to touch the Dec 12 general election. Further holdups issue with a 10-foot pole,’’ committee member were caused by delays in appointing new Stewart Hosie said, demanding that such a members to the Intelligence and Security study be done and the public informed. Committee. While the report from the parliament’s Finally, Johnson named five Conservative Intelligence and Security Committee said it lawmakers to the nine-person panel in hopes would be “difficult—if not impossible—to his handpicked candidate would be chosen as prove” allegations that Russia sought to chairman and block the report. The gambit influence the referendum, it was clear that failed when a renegade Conservative was the government “was slow to recognise the chosen to head the committee with backing existence of the threat.” from opposition parties. The report’s release Committee members concluded that the comes only days after Britain, the United goal of a resurgent Russia in influencing the States and Canada accused hackers linked to vote would be to amplify existing divisions, Russian intelligence agencies of trying to and thus possibly destabilize Western politi- steal information from researchers working cal systems. on a potential coronavirus vaccine.

C M Y K WEDNESDAY, JULY 22, 2020 | 08 culture & arts (C.R.P.D.) - 3/052/053 Life is returning to normalcy in the Valley, but the future of its festivals remains in limbo With major festivals postponed or halted, the cultural landscape of the Kathmandu valley has suffered greatly, directly affecting its people whose identities are intertwined with their traditions.

Sha shwat Pant once a week, but with cases rising in Kathmandu the valley, the risk is just not worth taking,” he says. “As for our festival, n the first Monday of we spent Ramdan at home, we can do the Nepali month of the same during Bakra Eid.” Shrawan, Rama Sigdel For the Imam, who leads the prayers put on a mask, wore at Jama Masjid Shamim Sadar Nepali, gloves and walked concerns are a little different. He says towards Pashupatinath that they are conflicted about opening OTemple from her home in . the mosque even if the government Because devotees aren’t allowed to gives permission. Nepali says that enter the temple premises citing fear even though the Jama Masjid, situated of Covid-19 contraction, there are over in Ghantaghar, can host up to 2,000 a 100 people gathered outside the people comfortably with social dis- premises. Most of them have masks tancing in place, they are considering over their faces. not opening its doors. “We don’t want Sigdel is among the thousands of to repeat what happened in India,” devotees who frequent the temple dur- says Nepali, referring to the media ing the Nepali month of Shrawan blaming Tablighi Jamat, a Muslim every year to pay respects to Lord Missionary movement for Covid-19 Shiva. But this year, as people aren’t outbreak in India. allowed inside the temple, people are Post Photos: Hemanta Shrestha “We don’t want to cause stress for seen worshipping the Shiva shrines This year, as people aren’t allowed inside the temple, devotees are seen worshipping the Shiva shrines outside Pashupatinath, offering water, milk and flowers. the Muslim community, which is why outside the main temple, offering were are discussing how we can cele- water, milk and flowers. need our gods now too.” coordinator of the festival. Tha says the people of Bode, despite says Shubarna Shakya. “Sometimes brate Bakar Eid at home.” “This is the first time that I haven’t The Covid-19 pandemic’s effects “We’re planning to broadcast it live the pandemic, conducted smaller festi- it’s blind faith. You know it's bad for Another important festival for the been able to go inside on the first have been felt gravely all across Nepal. on television so that devotees don’t vals the way they always have. They you, but you still enjoy it.” Newas of Kathmandu, India , is Monday of Shrawan,” says Sigdel. Thousands have been infected, private crowd the chariot. We’ve been con- did not celebrate the Jibro Chedne Subarna Shakya further adds that also around the corner. The chairman “A part of me understands that businesses have been devastated and ducting meetings in various wards Jatra though, as it sees thousands of for many, festivals are also a time to let of Indra Jatra Bayastapan Samiti, it is the correct thing to do, but many people have been pushed into asking people to take precautions. observers. “But we celebrated Gathe loose. “People wait for these festivals Gautam Shakya, says that even though another part of me feels they [the financial stress. The pandemic has That said, we won’t be doing it if the Muga the same way we do every year. because to many, it's a time of merry the festival is a month away, prepara- authorities] could have taken some also put a grinding halt to cultural virus gets out of hand.” But everyone, especially older people, making. There is food, there is alco- tions have started and talks are ongo- measures so that devotees could go activities, with all major festivals Many have even given up that the wore masks. We are planning to cele- hol, there is music. It's a carnival and ing with the state regarding how to inside to pray.” either cancelled or postponed, which jatra will take place at all this year. brate our annual Nil Barahi Naach people want a break.” conduct the festival. A few kilometres south of Chabahil, has severely impacted the cultural “These are delicate times. Of course I the same way,” says Tha. The Nil The pandemic’s effect is not being “We are carefully examining how in Bungamati, Sita Shakya, 57, on a landscape of the Kathmandu valley, want the festival to take place like it Barahi Naach takes place in August felt just in Kathmandu’s Newa com- Lalitpur conducts the Rato rainy, misty morning, circumbulates directly affecting its people whose normally does, but given the situation, every year. munities. Earlier in April, when the Machhindranath Jatra. If they do a the Rato Machhindranath temple— identities are deeply intertwined with and the fact that other festivals in the That said, Tha does believe that it is nationwide lockdown was enforced good job, we will follow their methods. still dilapidated by the 2015 quakes— their culture and traditions. valley have been suspended, I don’t up to the people of Bode to be respon- strictly, the Valley’s Muslims could If problems arise with their methods, praying that the festival gets to con- Major Newa festivals like the Biksa think it will take place sadly,” says sible citizens and take measures to not celebrate Ramadan, a major festi- we’ll have to look into a different, clude. She’s been visiting the temple Jatra in Bhaktapur, Sindoor Jatra in Ram Bahadur Shrestha, a resident of ensure that these festivals don't val, with the same fervour as they safer way to do it,” says Shakya, sig- every day since the chariot was built Thimi, Jibro Chedne Jatra in Bode Oku Bahal in Patan. become a hotspot for Covid-19 trans- could every year. Basil Ahmed, 24, for nalling the festival will take place in Pulchowk. and Seto Machhindranath Jatra in But not everyone is convinced with mission. “Everyone has a role to play. the first time in his life had to spend despite the pandemic. “I feel that the festival should hap- Kathmandu were suspended by the the idea of suspending festivals. People understand that we need to be Ramdan at home. Ahmed and his fam- Back in Chabahil, Sigdel’s faith pen. It doesn’t have to happen in the government due to the pandemic. Shyam Tha, from Bode who docu- careful, but they also feel that these ily didn’t invite people over nor did hasn't been deterred by Covid-19. same grand manner it normally does Only two weeks ago, the procession of ments festivals, feels that by suspend- festivals shouldn't stop. We want to they visit the mosque. Even though she cannot visit of course,” says Shakya. “But festivals the Rato Machhindranath Jatra was ing and postponing festivals, culture celebrate our festivals so that in these The lockdown was eased on July 10, Pashupatinath, she says she will carry are important and so is our faith. At a also postponed. There have also been is paying a price. difficult times we still have faith and but Ahmed still has not gone to the on fasting every Monday in Shrawan difficult time like this we have to calls to suspend it entirely, with people “It’s as if others can do whatever hope,” says Tha. mosque for prayers. Bakra Eid, or the and at least go to the outer premises of remember why we celebrate our festi- questioning whether hosting such a they want. You can protest, you can go Cultural expert and social worker Festival of Sacrifice, another equally the temple and pay her respects to the vals in the first place. We celebrate festival that attracts people in the hun- eat at restaurants and buy things in Subarna Shakya says that the reason holy festival for the Muslims, falls on Shiva shrines there. Bunga Dyo (Rato Machhindranath) dreds is wise. New Road or Bhatbhateni with little to why people are insisting on celebrat- July 30 this year. But Ahmed is unsure “I really hope they open the temple because it is believed the lord helped “It’s risky no doubt, which is why no social distancing. But when it ing these festivals is because these if he’s willing to risk his family’s to us. I feel that if my faith and belief us end a years-long drought. Over we are trying to figure out ways to comes to celebrating festivals, the festivals are part of the people's life- health and celebrate with his commu- in Lord Shiva is strong, the doors of 1,500 years ago, Bungya Dyo saved the conduct the Rato Machhindranath fes- authorities tell us we cannot do it,” he style. “It’s not easy to let go of things nity. “My father says lockdown is over this holy place will open to us by the valley from a difficult situation. We tival,” says Chandra Mahajarn, the says. that you have been doing for so long,” and that we should be able to go pray end of Shrawan,” she says.

The minjung art movement: The voices of artists who could not ignore social issues Artists from Reality and Utterance, an artist-activist collective established in the late 1970s, host an exhibition in Seoul.

regardless of the candidates’ political industry. For instance, Ahn said the curators influenced by capitalism. art: ‘Where is the art world heading ideologies. Covid-19 pandemic had given people “The Covid-19 pandemic has paused now?’ ‘What have we accomplished so Discussing the role of minjung art time to look back on the art world, international art events including far?’ and ‘What is the role of artists?’ today, Ahn said it entails a critical which until now has pivoted around major biennales. I think it is good tim- are important questions to us.” attitude toward society and toward the powerful countries, galleries and ing for us to think about contemporary —Korean Herald art

Photo: Hakgojae Gallery/Korean Herald The Art and Words 2020 installation at Hakgojae Gallery in Jongno, central Seoul.

Park Yuna “As an artist, I wanted to bluntly Seoul show what Korean society was actual- ly facing at the time. I wanted to stay n the late 1970s, a group of away from vestiges of Japanese colo- young South Korean artists nization and influences from Western rebelled against the abstract art art,” Shim told The Korea Herald. that was enjoying widespread Cartoon artist Park Jae-dong, a popularity across the country. member of Reality and Utterance, They believed the art world was drew sarcastic cartoons that offered Ioverly focused on aesthetics at the social and political criticism. expense of social issues. “We questioned ourselves: ‘If paint- At the time, Korea was undergoing ings could talk, what messages should rapid industrialization and was ruled they deliver?’ or ‘Can artists neglect by an authoritarian military regime the reality of what is happening with no regard for human rights. now?’” Park said. In 1979, around 20 like-minded art- During the Gwangju Democratic ists who believed that art should Uprising, many of the city’s residents, reflect the reality of people’s lives including homeless people, rose up began to gather in Seoul and formed a against the military government and group that was later named Reality fought for democracy. Painter Shin and Utterance. Kyoung-ho picked up a pair of rubber They hosted exhibitions and dis- shoes after the event and concluded cussed the role of art in society during that the wearer must have perished at that time of turmoil. They critiqued the hands of the troops. Shin painted each other’s work, sometimes harshly. a funeral portrait of this anonymous Reality and Utterance founded the min- fighter, with the rubber shoes in place jung art movement, which literally of a face. He titled the work “With and means “art for the people” in Korean. Without Soul—The Missing.” After 40 years, the artists—whose “At the time, Korean art fell for average age is now 73—are hosting an Korean-style monochrome paintings exhibition at Hakgojae Gallery in or ‘dansaekhwa’ paintings. I wanted Jongno, central Seoul. Along with to counter that trend. their old works from the late 1970s and As an artist, I thought we had to 1980s, they have unveiled new works. speak up to the press, society and the The gallery is displaying 106 artworks world about what was going on in soci- by 16 artists from Reality and Utterance. ety,” Shin said. In the main exhibition hall stands a The artists of Reality and Utterance 60-centimeter-tall bronze sculpture of are carrying on their artistic vision— a pro-democracy activist running that artists should stay aware of social away from the police. The man is hid- issues. Artist Ahn Kyu-chul, a mem- den behind a post, fist clenched, look- ber of Reality and Utterance and a ing over his shoulder. Titled A Steady professor at the Korea National Gaze, the work was made by sculptor University of Arts, said the spirit of Shim Jung-soo in 1984 after he wit- minjung art still lives on in his art. nessed the Gwangju Democratic His recent work, Colors of Promises, Uprising. In May 1980, martial law was inspired by presidential election troops mobilized in Gwangju to sup- posters. The work consists of press the demonstrations killed more 69 coloured blocks, representing than 200 citizens and wounded more campaign posters stripped of their than 3,000—the greatest show of mili- content. To the right is a list of elec- tary force since the Korean War. tion slogans, which all look similar

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