House Braces for Nepal Communist Party Factional Infighting

WITHOUT F EAR OR FAVOUR

Nepal’s largest selling English daily Vol XXIX No. 12 | 8 pages | Rs.5 O O Printed simultaneously in Kathmandu, Biratnagar, Bharatpur and Nepalgunj 33.7 C -1.2 C Tuesday, March 02, 2021 | 18-11-2077 Bhairahawa Jumla House braces for Nepal Communist Party factional infighting Half of the party still is ruling the country and the other half is acting as the ‘opposition’ trying to unseat Oli, raising risks of confrontation when the House convenes.

TIKA R PRADHAN Parliament officials say it’s up to KATHMANDU, MARCH 1 the Nepal Communist Party lawmak- ers how they sit when the House meet- Three years ago, the Nepal Communist ing commences. Party ruled the roost, enjoying nearly “For us, all of them belong to the a two-thirds majority in Parliament. ruling Nepal Communist Party,” said When the Parliament meeting con- Gopalnath Yogi, secretary of the venes after a tumultuous period of House of Representatives. eight months on March 7, half of it Ever since the Supreme Court over- will be the “ruling” party and the turned the House dissolution deci- other half the “opposition”. sion, the Dahal-Nepal faction has been The infighting in the Nepal demanding Oli’s resignation on moral Communist Party initially prompted grounds. But Oli has refused to budge Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli to sud- and challenged Dahal and Nepal to denly prorogue the budget session on oust him through a no-confidence July 2 last year. And five months later motion. he dissolved Parliament, saying his A day after making a similar chal- opponents in the party did not allow lenge, Oli on Monday said in Pokhara POST PHOTO: ANISH REGMI him to work. that if they had guts they should come A worker prepares a frame used to make Nepali paper at a factory in Bhaktapur on Monday. Nepali paper is a artisan paper made from Daphne But the Supreme Court on up with a no-confidence motion. bholua, a flowering shrub, locally known as Lokta. February 23 overturned Oli’s “They can remove me by tabling a move and ordered authorities to no-confidence motion but are trying to summon the House meeting. throw me out forcibly,” he said. “They President Bidya Devi Bhandari said they have a majority in the on Monday called the House meet- Central Committee but where have ing for March 7, Sunday. they proven that? That is not a major- Nepali Congress mulls over at least four The Nepal Communist Party, ity.” however, has split now, at least The Dahal-Nepal faction had on politically. Around 90 lawmakers December 20, the day the House was of the total 173 are said to be unconstitutionally dissolved, filed a options amid rising political uncertainty with Dahal and Nepal and the no-confidence motion against Oli. rest–83–with Oli. >> Continued on page 2 Leaders say a deal with Oli cannot be ruled out provided that he agrees to play along, either to let the party lead the government or create a situation for an early election.

ANIL GIRI The second possibility the Congress KATHMANDU, MARCH 1 party is looking at is a decision by the Election Commission on the Nepal As the House of Representative is set Communist Party (NCP) legitimacy to convene its meeting on Sunday, the dispute. The Dahal-Nepal faction has Nepali Congress has been a busy staked claim to the party, the sun elec- party. Insiders say the Congress is tion symbol and the party flag, saying keeping a close eye on how things a majority of 441 Central Committee unfold in the Nepal Communist Party, members are with it. which has been split into two political- “If the Election Commission settles ly, just as it is also working on four that dispute, it will be easy for us to possible options. the Supreme Court delivers a verdict make a move,” said a senior Congress According to multiple Congress in favour of Kattel, the Nepal leader. “But the Election Commission leaders the Post spoke to, the Congress Communist Party (NCP) under Oli does not seem to be in a hurry to settle will first see the Supreme Court’s deci- and Dahal will see an automatic split,” that dispute.” sion on Thursday on a case on Nepal said Bishow Prakash Sharma, The Congress party’s third and Communist Party name, which was Congress spokesperson. “Politics will fourth options will begin if the filed by Rishiram Kattel in May 2018. be straightforward after that.” Supreme Court quashes Kattel’s case Kattel has claimed that since the Sharma’s belief emanates from the or Election Commission remains deci- Nepal Communist Party name was general assumption that if the Nepal sive, according to leaders. In that case, registered in his name in 2013, the Communist Party is given to Kattel, there will be real exercise, they say. Nepal Communist Party (NCP), with the Nepal Communist Party (NCP) The Nepali Congress has already NCP within brackets, given to KP that was given to Oli and Dahal would made it public that a united Nepal Sharma Oli and Pushpa Kamal Dahal go back to its pre-merger state when Communist Party (NCP) does not in May 2018 was illegal. Oli had the CPN-UML and Dahal had benefit it. “This is an interesting case, and if CPN (Maoist Centre). >> Continued on page 2 Outbound postal service has stopped for a year now. No one knows when it will resume With Thai Airways bankrupt, there are legal complications to terminate existing contract with it. Services to India resumed only in February after having halted since March last year.

flights into the country in March last year meant that no letters or packages came in or went out from the country. While they started coming when international flights resumed in September, outbound posts could not. “Our agreement was with Thai Airways so when everything came to a halt we were unable to continue our outbound service,” said Pradyumna Prasad Upadhyay, chief postmaster at the General Post Office. Despite the resumption of flight services, people like Tamang have con- tinued to be denied postal services since Thai Airways announced bank- ruptcy. “Shouldn’t the government have sought a better solution by now,” asked the tour guide from Budhanilkantha. According to Aabha Shrestha POST PHOTO: HEMANTA SHRESTHA Karna, the director-general at the Officials say establishing another agreement for outbound postal service is not easy. Postal Services Department, estab- lishing another agreement for the out- SRIZU BAJRACHARYA was not taking outbound letters and bound postal service is not as easy as KATHMANDU, MARCH 1 parcels except to India. one assumes even though they realise “I was surprised that such an they are losing out on opportunities About three weeks ago Harka Tamang important service was not functioning and people’s trust. went to the General Post Office at well,” said the 50-year-old German- “We also need to look into connect- Dillibazar to send a package to a friend speaking tour guide. “Their reason ing flights, ground entries and tran- in Germany. was their carrier, Thai Airways, was sits of airways to make such agree- However, to his disappointment, not doing international flights.” ments,” said Karna. Tamang was told that the post office The suspension of international >> Continued on page 3

C M Y K TUESDAY, MARCH 02, 2021 | 02 NATIONAL Nepali Congress mulls over at least four ... Government committee puts >> Continued from page 1 NCP. This provides Nepali Congress reached with Oli, the Congress will “We want to see a split, politically two easy options–either lead the gov- not support Oli, thereby creating a and legally, in the Nepal Communist ernment immediately with the sup- situation where he has to dissolve the Party,” a leader close to port of Oli or take turns to lead the House and declare elections to be held Phewa Lake’s area at 5.76 sqkm Congress president Sher Bahadur government for two years until elec- within six months. Deuba told the Post on condition of tions take place in 2022. “There is no hurry for us to lead the anonymity. As per the Political Party Act-2017, government,” said a Congress leader. A 1957 Nepal-India survey had reported the lake’s area at 10.36 sqkm. Once the Nepal Communist Party 40 percent of Central Committee But whether Deuba alone can reach (NCP) splits legally into two led by Oli members and 40 percent of deals on such crucial matters is a and Dahal and Nepal, the Congress Parliamentary Party members are question. A significant section of lead- party will have an upper hand and the required to break away from a party ers in the Nepali Congress is trying to luxury to support whichever faction it and register a new one. stop Deuba from siding with Oli wants to by assessing its possible Oli currently lacks the numbers. because of the latter’s unconstitution- political gains. Back in April he had introduced an al moves as well as some regressive As of now, both Oli as well as Dahal- ordinance by changing the law, steps against the system. Nepal factions have reached out to making it easier for splitting the party However, the Congress party is not Deuba, seeking the Congress party’s and registering a new one. He, howev- keen to join hands with the Dahal- support. er, had to withdraw it after severe Nepal faction either. “The actual fight will begin in the backlash. Congress leaders say it would be a House, but we are in a state of confu- “If Oli dares to bring the bill seek- very tough decision when it comes to sion as we are following all possible ing to amend the Political Party Act, choosing between Oli and Dahal. developments in both the factions of we will support it,” said Minendra The Congress party has not forgot- the NCP,” Gagan Thapa, a central Rijal, also a Congress central member. ten yet, according to leaders, how leader of the Nepali Congress, told the “Our role comes when the NCP splits Dahal had betrayed them just ahead Post. into two,” said Rijal. “If Oli brings the of the 2017 general elections. When the House meeting starts, the law to ease the party split, we will In 2016, Dahal had pulled the rug Dahal-Nepal faction is most likely to support it, but we will not support the from under Oli and sided with file a no-confidence motion against ordinance.” Deuba to become prime minister. The Oli. Insiders say of late some Congress Nepali Congress and the Maoist “Since we are in the opposition, we leaders held a meeting with President Centre forged an alliance for local have to support any no-confidence Bhandari as well and discussed the elections, but as the parliamentary motion against the prime minister,” way forward, keeping Oli’s stay in elections neared, Dahal swiftly said Thapa. “But we have not received power, possible power equations and switched sides and in October 2017 any credible offer. We have yet to dis- other contemporary political issues at announced an electoral alliance with cuss inside the party. We are just the centre. Oli’s UML. watching the internal dynamics Even though the Congress party The Nepali Congress still believes POST PHOTO: DEEPAK PARIYAR inside the NCP.” had objected to Oli’s House dissolu- Dahal’s betrayal led to its election Various reports state that the area of Phewa Lake has been shrinking mainly due to human encroachment. A general understanding among tion move, it had taken a comparative- loss. Nepali Congress leaders is there is no ly softer approach. The Congress However, as many say, politics is a DEEPAK PARIYAR The same year, the Nepal-India coop- government, the federal government point in supporting a no-confidence appeared to be pretty happy at Oli’s game of immense possibilities, the POKHARA, MARCH 1 eration mission survey had ascer- designated Punya Prasad Paudel, the motion filed by the Dahal-Nepal fac- decision to declare elections, hence Congress has not yet ruled out a dis- tained the area as 10.36 square kilo- former chairman of the District tion unless it proposes its leader, Deuba constantly said that the party tant possibility of a coalition govern- The area of Phewa Lake, a major tour- metres after the construction of a Development Committee of Kaski, as Deuba, as the prime minister. should wait for the Supreme Court ment with the Dahal-Nepal faction ist attraction in Pokhara, has been dam. coordinator on October 18, 2020. The Dahal-Nepal faction’s no-confi- verdict. and the Janata Samajbadi Party, officially established. If the Nepal-India cooperation mis- In May, 2012, a panel led by Bishwa dence motion will fail without the The fourth option the Congress which has 34 seats (two suspended) in A committee formed by the govern- sion survey’s finding is anything to go Prakash Lamichhane, former chair of support of the Nepali Congress, as it party now keeping in mind is if early Parliament. ment has fixed the lake’s area at 5.726 by, the area of Phewa Lake has shrunk- City Development Committee of holds 63 seats (two suspended) in the elections can be made somehow But Congress leaders see more square kilometres (around 11,255 en by nearly a half. But Khimlal Pokhara, submitted a report to then Parliament. The Dahal-Nepal faction possible. political gains in case of early elec- ropanis). Chief Minister of Gandaki Gautam, the member secretary of the prime minister Baburam Bhattarai claims to have around 90 lawmakers And that’s not too far-fetched. tions rather than leading a govern- Province Prithvi Subba Gurung made recently formed government commit- stating that the lake had a total area of on its side. Oli, according to Congress insiders, ment for one year. public the committee’s report on tee and chief of the Survey Office of 12,874 ropanis (around 655 hectares), With no substantial offer from the has also indicated that he could “The Oli government was formed Sunday. A Nepal-India cooperation Kaski, claimed that the Nepal-India including 9,955 ropanis covered by Dahal-Nepal faction, some Congress prorogue the House session after a under Article 76 (1) and until the NCP mission survey conducted in 1957 had cooperation mission survey’s report water, 652 ropanis of wetland, 2,101 leaders are also in talks with Oli as few days. He could then introduce an splits, there is nothing we can do,” reported the lake’s area at 10.36 square was a faulty one. ropanis of cultivable land and 165 well as President Bidya Devi Bhandari. ordinance on the Political Party said Rijal. “So let’s wait and see how kilometres. “By analysing all the documents, ropanis of public land. The Nepali Congress, according to Act-2017 and split his party. In that things unfold in the NCP and the The recent report has fixed four reports and facts as well as making The report also stated that the area some leaders, won’t mind siding with case, with just around 83 House. The process to form a govern- boundaries of the lake—Damsite in use of modern technologies, the com- of Phewa Lake has been shrinking Oli if he agrees to amend the law on lawmakers on his side, he will have ment under Article 76 (2) can begin the east, Morebagar in the west, mittee could not find any bases of mainly due to human encroachment. splitting the party. to seek a vote of confidence. If a only after the NCP splits. Let the Damkilo that lies between Khapaudi such a big area of the lake,” said The Lamichhane report found that In that case, Oli could break the concrete understanding can be House meeting begin.” and Chakharpur in the north and Gautam. According to him, a study of 1,692 ropanis (86 hectares) of the lake’s Chisapani Raniban in the south. As four American professors and two area had been illegally converted into per the committee’s report, the perim- Nepali experts conducted in 2017 also private property after the Phewa Lake eter of Phewa Lake is around 18 kilo- stated that they could not find any dam burst in 1974 and recommended metres. bases that support Phewa Lake had that the government terminate the Several teams had surveyed the lake such a massive area. ownership of 950 people. The 2018 at different times and made public The Council of Ministers had decid- Supreme Court directed the Ministry different reports. The British Survey ed to hand over the responsibility of of Land Management, Cooperatives of India in 1925/26 had prepared a determining the area of Phewa Lake and Poverty Alleviation and the topographical map of the lake stating to the Ministry of Land Management, Department of Survey to scrap the its area as 3.46 square kilometres. It is Cooperatives and Poverty Alleviation ownership of those illegally regis- speculated that the area was reported in July, 2020. Accordingly, the ministry tered land plots and include the area less at that time since the dam was yet decided to form the committee the as part of Phewa Lake. When the to be constructed and also due to a next month, urging the Gandaki pro- breached dam had been repaired in lack of modern technology. Survey of vincial government to appoint the 1984, nearly 500 ropanis of the 1,692 India in 1957/8 had mentioned the coordinator of the committee. On the ropani encroached land went under lake’s area as 4.39 square kilometres. recommendation of the provincial water. House braces for Nepal Communist ...

>> Continued from page 1 chief whip of the Nepal Communist Communist Party. But it had already Though it was said to have been Party, removing Dev Gurung, a leader been registered, since 2013, in the registered at the Parliament of the Dahal-Nepal faction. name of Kattel. Oli and Dahal had Secretariat at 10:30 in the morning, it Insiders say Gurung is already a then registered their party as Nepal was later revealed that the registra- member of the Business Advisory Communist Party (NCP)–with NCP tion time was 3:30 in the afternoon. Committee, thereby making Speaker within brackets. The time is of the essence because Agni Sapkota to deal with two chief If the Supreme Court decides in the House was dissolved at around 1 in whips from the same party, as the Kattel’s favour, the situation could the afternoon. House continues to recognise just one take a drastic turn, but exactly what is Since the no-confidence motion was Nepal Communist Party. It is also like- difficult to tell. The most probable registered at 3:30pm, after the House ly that Sapkota may not invite conjecture is that the Oli-Dahal Nepal was dissolved, the Dahal-Nepal fac- Bhattarai, as the House is yet to recog- Communist Party could go back to the tion believes it could have become null nise him as the Nepal Communist pre-merger state–the CPN (UML) and and void as per the court order. Party chief whip. the CPN (Maoist Centre). The Dahal-Nepal faction on Monday “Ours is a situation where a divorce The Dahal-Nepal faction, however, decided not to move the no-confidence case has been filed and the court is yet has been claiming that the Nepal motion when the House resumes on to pass its judgment,” said Rekha Communist Party belongs to them, Sunday. Sharma, a Nepal Communist Party along with the sun election symbol “It will be difficult to establish the lawmaker who is currently with the and the flag. motion as the Supreme Court has stat- Dahal-Nepal faction. “We will also dis- Addressing a unity gathering of the ed that the House has reached the cuss the party’s seating arrangements Federation of Professionals on state before it was dissolved on for the first meeting of Parliament Monday in Kathmandu, Dahal claimed December 20,” said Krishna Bhakta from our Central Committee meeting his faction has already got the legiti- Pokhrel, a lawmaker and Central and the Parliamentary Party.” macy as Nepal Communist Party from Committee member of the Dahal- The Dahal-Nepal faction on Monday the Election Commission as well as Nepal faction. “The party, however, held its secretariat meeting to “devise” the election symbol of the sun and will take a decision about another its future strategy. The meeting decid- they were only waiting for the official no-confidence motion after consulting ed to call a meeting of its Central decision. with [other] parties.” Committee on Wednesday. Observers and experts have said the The Dahal-Nepal faction, which was According to Sharma, things would division in the ruling Nepal buoyed by the Supreme Court decision have become clearer had the Election Communist Party may cause chaos to reinstate the House, is in a fix. Commission decided on the party and disorder in the House when its Unless Oli resigns of his own voli- legitimacy dispute. meeting commences and much will tion, there is no way the Dahal-Nepal Though the Dahal-Nepal faction depend on how the Speaker demon- faction can unseat him, unless it files had filed an application at the Election strates his acumen. Speaker Sapkota, a new no-confidence motion and Commission asking it to recognise it a former Maoist leader, was elected to secures the support of the Nepali as the legitimate Nepal Communist the post after a weeks-long tussle Congress, which controls 63 seats (two Party, the poll body said on January 24 between Oli and Dahal. Despite hold- suspended). that it continues to recognise the ing a no-partisan post, Sapkota’s close- But the Congress so far has not Nepal Communist Party as the legiti- ness with Dahal was in full public made its position clear, and mate one which was registered with it view when he publicly opposed Oli’s indications are that it could rather in May 2018. The poll body also said House dissolution move. side with Oli. that it recognised only Oli and Dahal “With confusion in the Over the last two months, the bitter- as party chairs. Parliamentary Party of the Nepal ness between the leaders of the two Yogi, the secretary of the House of Communist Party which is yet to split factions of the Nepal Communist Representatives, said Parliament rec- legally, all the accusations and coun- Party has grown so exponentially that ognises only those parties which are ter-accusations expressed on the some say a confrontation between law- authenticated by the Election streets so far could enter into the makers from both sides cannot be Commission. House,” said Daman Nath Dhungana, ruled out. “Unless we receive a letter from the a former Speaker. “So the Speaker Before the House meeting convenes Election Commission authenticating should tackle those issues wisely.” on Sunday, the Business Advisory the party split, we can’t even manage According to Dhungana, to avoid Committee will hold a meeting to set separate seats for the two factions,” any possible disorderly situation in the agenda for the day’s proceedings. Yogi told the Post. the House, the Speaker could ask the The committee, chaired by the Yogi did not rule out a possible con- prime minister to make his position House Speaker, is attended by chief frontation. clear—whether he commands majori- whips and whips of major parties and But days before the House meeting ty or not if the no-confidence motion lawmakers selected by the Speaker, commences, the Supreme Court on is not tabled besides deputy speaker as vice-chair Thursday is scheduled to pass a ver- “It would be better if the Speaker and law minister as a member. The dict on a case filed by Rishiram Kattel, could settle the issues through infor- Speaker can select lawmakers as who had in 2018 challenged the mal meetings among the top leaders members of the committee from dif- Election Commission decision to of the Nepal Communist Party before ferent parties. There is currently no award Nepal Communist Party name the House session begins,” said deputy speaker. to Oli and Dahal. Dhungana. “He could also ask both Three days after the court decision After merging their CPN-UML and the leaders of the conflicting parties to reinstate the House, Oli on February Maoist Centre, Oli and Dahal sought to make their position clear in writing 26 appointed Bishal Bhattarai as the to register their party as Nepal before the House proceedings.”

C M Y K 03 | TUESDAY, MARCH 02, 2021 NATIONAL Drive against elephantiasis postponed Covid-19 vaccination campaign gets priority. ARJUN POUDEL KATHMANDU, MARCH 1

The second phase of Covid-19 immunisa- tion drive, which is set to start from March 7, will push back the mass drug adminis- tration campaign against lymphatic filari- asis or elephantiasis by three weeks. According to the Epidemiology and Disease Control Division, the mass drug administration drive against lymphatic fil- ariasis, which was due to start from March 13, has been rescheduled for April 2. “We had to postpone the scheduled mass drug administration drive for lymphatic filariasis to accommodate the Covid-19 immunisation campaign,” Lila Bikram Thapa, a senior public health administra- tor at the division, told the Post. “We need to mobilise the same health POST PHOTO: DEEPAK KC workers for both campaigns. So we have Students of Shahid Pramod Smriti Basic School at Mirjapur, Siraha partake in a free lunch programme launched by a social organisation. The lunch programme is expected to improve student attendance rate. prioritised the Covid-19 vaccination campaign.” Lymphatic filariasis is a mosquito-borne parasitic disease caused by filarial worms transmitted by different species of mosqui- toes, including Culex, Anopheles, and Plan for Oli statue reeks of feudalism, analysts say Aedes. Doctors say the disease may be acquired during childhood and its visible manifestation may occur only later in life. Terming the prime minister as ‘Father of Industrial Revolution’ his statue is to be put up at the China-Nepal Friendship Industrial Park in Jhapa. The disease can lead to temporary or per- manent disability, pain, and social stigma. PRITHVI MAN SHRESTHA mer US President Donald Trump made an imposing bans on protests at Maitighar. He then Dahal leading two different factions of the The World Health Organization has KATHMANDU, MARCH 1 address when he visited India last year while took some crucial agencies like the National Nepal Communist Party, Oli once again is the identified the disease as a major public the United States was facing the initial ravages Investigation Department, the Department of top honcho of the faction ruling the country. health problem, with an increasing preva- It is indeed rare in the world, unless they are of the Covid-19 pandemic. Revenue Investigation and the Department of But it is not only Oli, Dahal also has been lence worldwide. Nepal is one of the 73 dictators, for a living politician to have one’s It is not that statues of leaders are put up and Money Laundering Investigation under the accused of promoting the cult of the individual countries in the world, where lymphatic statue to be put up. various institutions are not named after them. Prime Minister’s Office. in the past. filariasis is endemic. But democratically elected Prime Minister But this happens after their deaths. His government then tried to introduce a When the Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist) The government started a mass drug KP Sharma Oli will get this rare honour with a In Nepal, various colleges, academies, hospi- series of bills aimed at curtailing media free- led by Dahal launched a ‘people’s war’ in 1996, administration programme to eliminate statue of his at China-Nepal Friendship tals, foundations and government schemes have dom and freedom of expression shrinking civic not many knew who he was. Dahal then was lymphatic filariasis in 2003. Under the pro- Industrial Park being built in his home district been named after the deceased political leaders. space. Oli has never concealed his contempt for known only by his nom-de-guerre, Prachanda, gramme, healthy people above five years of of Jhapa. For example, BP Koirala Institute of Health the media, chiding journalists and reports that aptly translated by the media as ‘The Fierce age are given diethylcarbamazine and The industrial park is expected to host enter- Sciences, GP. Koirala Foundation, Manamohan have been critical of his administration to One’, even though there are many translations albendazole. prises producing transportation equipment Memorial College, Madan Bhandari College, account on multiple occasions. for the word. Five rounds of the mass drug adminis- including electric vehicles, textile and garments Bishweshwor for the Poor scheme among Along with dissolving the House of In 2000, four years after the conflict officially tration programme has already been con- and food processing, among others. To be built others. Representatives on December 20 last year, which began, Prachanda’s grainy picture as a stern- ducted in most of the districts and the dis- in 2,100 bighas (337.17 hectares) of land, the has now been restored by the Supreme Court, faced moustachioed man surfaced clad in revo- ease has been controlled in 53. estimated cost of the project is Rs63 billion, the Oli could succeed in making appointments of lutionary fatigues and was circulated in various However, the disease has not come under funds largely coming from China. Among his loyal his chosen persons in key constitutional bodies propaganda pamphlets. Many doubted his very control in some districts, even after 12 Lhasa Economic and Technological such as Commission for Investigation of Abuse existence. rounds of mass drug administration. Development Zone Investment Development Co supporters, Oli is of Authority after bringing a controversial ordi- In 2001, the Nepal Army produced a grainy The division plans to launch the drug Ltd and Jing Ping Joint Creation Construction nance to amend an existing Act. photo of a bearded man holding a walking stick, administration programme in Jhapa, Project Development Co Ltd from China will known as KP ‘Baa’, the Many legal experts call these appointments his eyes seemingly closed in concentration. In Morang, Bara, Dhankuta, Lamjung, work on this project. unconstitutional as they were made in a way fact, then the Communist Party of Nepal Baglung, Parbat, Kapilvastu, Dang, Banke, During the foundation laying ceremony of Nepali term for father. that the appointees would not have to face (Maoist) itself had made public a picture of Bardiya, and Kailali districts this year. the park by the prime minister Oli on Sunday, parliamentary hearings, a prerequisite for Dahal in the name of establishing leadership “We have completed all necessary prepa- Govinda Thapa, chairperson of Damak Clean any constitutional appointment as per the among the masses. rations like training health workers, deliv- Energy Park, the Nepali joint venture partner, “I cannot recall any statue of the politician constitution. A political ideology introduced under his ery of the drugs and budget allocation to announced that a statue of Oli would be being installed, at least after restoration of With Oli consolidating state power in his name ‘Prachandapath’ had also drawn criti- the local governments to run the pro- installed at the project site soon ‘on the behalf democracy 1990, while they were alive,” said hands, now a statue of his is being installed in cism, particularly from his immediate comrade gramme and launch awareness drive,” of the people’ with the sobriquet ‘Baa of Lok Raj Baral, former professor of political sci- his home district. in arms, Baburam Bhattarai, in his 13-point Thapa said. The government had commit- Industrial Revolution’ or ‘Father of Industrial ence at Tribhuvan University. “ But, the planned “With Oli now consolidating power at the note of dissent when the insurgency was at its ted to eliminating lymphatic filariasis as Revolution’. installation of Oli’s statue indicates that he is moment, he also may have preferred to have his peak in 2005. public health problems by 2020. But the Among his loyal supporters, the 70-year-old is treading on the path of the feudal kings and statue being installed,” Bishow Bhakta Dulal Dulal said even though there were some novel target could not be achieved due low cover- known as KP “Baa”. “Baa” is a Nepali term for Ranas under totalitarian regimes of the past.” ‘Ahuti’, a former Maoist leader who writes ideological elements in Prachandapath, it was age of the programme in some districts. father. There are statutes of Tribhuvan, Mahendra extensively on contemporary political and not a good idea for political ideology to be The Ministry of Health and Population At the ceremony on Sunday, Thapa went on to and Birendra, kings of the Shah dynasty in social matters, told the Post. “Rulers prepare named as Prachandapath. has renewed the deadline to eliminate lym- say in his speech that bowing in front of the Kathmandu and Ranas had their statutes on groups of worshippers by using power and But the plan for Oli’s statue is not a bad thing, phatic filariasis to 2028. statue would make a person successful in his or roads too which were later shifted inside money. The followers then promote the culture his supporters say. Meanwhile, public health experts have her venture. Tundikhel in Kathmandu after 1951. of worshipping their master. This is a part of “Although I don’t think the prime minister asked the authorities concerned to learn “Any politician calling himself or herself a Analysts say even though monarchy, an insti- feudal culture.” himself ordered his statue to be installed at the from the failure of the mass drug adminis- nationalist or one who talks about nation-build- tution considered a symbol of feudalism, was According to him, the tradition of installing industrial park, if people want his statue to be tration campaign against lymphatic filari- ing, but has to take oath by bowing to the statue abolished by the first meeting of the Constituent statues of the kings or powerful figures began installed there for his role in bringing the pro- asis and not to let the Covid-19 vaccination in the future, to be able to translate his or her Assembly in 2008, feudal culture in the political as they wanted to demonstrate their power for ject there, it should not be taken negatively,” programme meet a similar fate. promises into reality,” Thapa, an active cadre of parties and the wider society continues to exist. the foreseeable future through the statue as said Satya Narayan Mandal, a close ally of Oli, “For the success of any public health Oli-led faction of Nepal Communist Party. “The decision to install Oli’s statue at the there was no modern technology such as pho- who was recently appointed as coordinator for programme, the public should be taken Such adulation of Oli follows a similar inci- industrial park is a reflection of wider culture tography. Province-2 of the Oli faction of Nepal into confidence,” Dr Baburam Marasini, dent in India. On February 24, Motera Stadium of worshipping power,” said Baral, who is also a Prime Minister Oli has also time and again Communist Party. former director at the Epidemiology and in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, the world’s largest former Nepali ambassador to India. displayed his tendency of a strongman. “Normally, statues of someone contributing Disease Control Division, told the Post. cricket stadium with capacity of 110,000 What is concerning is ever since Oli assumed Arrangements are made so that a separate, ele- to the nation greatly are installed after his or “Success of the ongoing phase-wise Covid- was renamed after Indian Prime Minister office in February 2018, he has been displaying vated and more decorated seat compared to her death,” said Mandal. “But the installation 19 vaccination drive will also determine Narendra Modi. authoritative streaks and he seems to have mis- other leaders of the party is arranged for him at of a statue of someone contributing greatly to public participation in future pro- The stadium was earlier named after India’s construed the electoral mandate as the party meetings. the nation when he or she is alive should not be grammes.” illustrious independence struggle leader Sardar authority to rule with an iron fist, according to Only after Pushpa Kamal Dahal was elevated considered as a bad thing.” According to Marasini, authorities con- Vallabhbhai Patel. Modi himself faces the accu- analysts. to the role of executive chairperson in December The ideology of Prachandapath may have cerned should also focus on the awareness sation of running an electoral dictatorship. Immediately after being elected, the Oli 2019, he was also allowed to sit in the same sym- been long forgotten, but Oli is going strong at drive to clear rumours and take people into It was at the same stadium from where for- administration tried to curb civil liberty by bolic position as Oli. But now with Oli and the moment and the statue is an indication. confidence about health campaigns. Outbound postal service has stopped for a year now. No one knows when ...

>> Continued from page 1 paper works, the post office is one of the most The General Post Office has been urging in the post office, according to its users. Kathmandu and even to actors like Amitabh Nepal Airlines is not an option as its servic- trusted institutions,” said Upadhyay, the chief the department to a swift decision, according Gautam, who has a pen pal in the United Bachhan, Jeetendra and Shashi Kapoor,” said es are not spread out to see it as one way of postmaster. to him. Kingdom, has a story to tell. Shrestha. “And I still have the letters with me. solving the problem at hand, she added. Despite its importance, a reflection of the The government has been losing revenue She had used the post office to send letters to I think the postal service gave me a lot of mem- According to Ramesh Katuwal, section authorities’ attitude to providing postal servic- too. different ministries to get clarification, infor- ories to value.” officer at the department, Nepal’s postal ser- es is the fact that services to India restarted In the first seven months of the fiscal year mation and sometimes to make recommenda- The postal service has over 18,000 govern- vice does not use cargo flights but depends on only earlier this month even though air servic- 2019-20, the revenue collection by the postal tions on government’s programmes. She once ment employees spread out across the country passenger flights as a result of which the ser- es with the southern neighbour resumed in services was over Rs90 million of the total of tested the performance of the postal service by and the various postal offices have their reach vice has been affordable to the general public. December. Rs114 million for the whole year. But with the sending herself a letter when she realised the even in far-off regions. “Yes, we could have partnered with more As for the rest of the world, the contractual international service cut off in March 2020, the offices had not received her letters. “The connection we have to different places airlines but our rules don’t allow us to work situation with Thai Airways is an obstacle. revenue stands at less than Rs40 million in the “But I never received my own letter. This is really established well and the government with different airlines,” Katuwal said. “I think “We have a two-year contract with Thai first seven months of the current fiscal year was in 2018, I think. For the most part, the post- could have used this channel to operate their years back we used to collaborate with differ- Airways, and we didn’t want to scrap the agree- 2020-21. al office’s service has been unreliable and various services, even in the pandemic they ent airlines but later we streamlined it for bet- ment right away,” said Karna, the director questionable. I never even received the official could have used this connection to distribute ter management.” general. “We were waiting to hear from them letter from my college although my college had relief,” said Upadhyay. Almost every day, the General Post given the terms of the relationship.” sent it twice a few years back,” she said. “At the Karna, the director general, too admits that Office gets 50 to 60 calls inquiring when it will According to the department, it has been General Post Office gets time, their response when I confronted them at the postal services have not been exploited to resume its international services, according to working with Thai Airways for about ten 50 to 60 calls inquiring their Sundhara office was to direct me to a their full capacity. officials. years. room full of thousands of letters.” It’s been over two years since the depart- “We ourselves have been very unhappy with “Our department establishes this relation- when it will resume The postal service, however, is now prepar- ment has been pushing for a Postal Act, which our present situation, as we have not been able ship through a contractual global tender and ing to address the problems of timely delivery will give it more autonomy. to provide the people with our services,” said breaching that contract means facing conse- international services. and transparency of deliveries by introducing According to Karna, this will allow the Samjhana Devkota, section officer at the quential lawsuits,” said Katuwal. “Therefore, a new procedure to deliver mails and packages department to restructure its institution and General Post Office. we thought it would be best for us to hear from using Google Plus Code, an alphanumeric code make it more IT-based to compete in current For most people, the postal service is one of them first.” The number of letters and packages the post- that can be combined with a locality through times. the most affordable public facilities providing The department is yet to hear from the bank- al service has been handling has also come latitude and longitude coordinates. “I wouldn’t say we have not been prioritised mail services, print distributions, money rupt airlines. down over the past few years. But people like Gautam are still sceptical of but because the process requires a change in transfer, express mail and parcel services. The lack of urgency on the part of the gov- In the fiscal year 2018-2019, the General Post the government’s priority towards the service. the structure and the way we work, this Shraddha Gautam, 24, has not been able to ernment despite no international posts leaving Office recorded about 914,298 deliveries includ- In the past, however, the postal service was requires time and we believe going forward send letters to her pen friend in the United the country is because of the lack of interest ing registry, express mail service and parcels regarded as one of the most important services things will be better and our services will be Kingdom because private courier services are shown in the service by the government, for Kathmandu. And in 2019-2020, it recorded by the government which was used by almost more effective and competitive,” said Karna. too expensive. according to postal officials. 100,355 deliveries while this ongoing fiscal year everyone for legal, official and licensed com- “We want to make the postal service more “I definitely would have paid the amount if “In India, the postal services are looked at just about 49,768 deliveries exclusive of out- munication and information to writing letters accessible and increase commercial activities it was for an important official document,” she with more respect and are treated with more bound deliveries were recorded. to friends and families--it was a meaningful to make a significant impact on the country’s said. seriousness. And authorities there are proac- The loss for the government has meant gain channel for conversations. Many people wrote revenue.” For many institutions and companies, the tive in providing their facilities,” said for the private sector. letters and sent parcels regularly and also had But for the moment, authorities have no General Post Office’s service has been the Chudamani KC, information officer of the “Definitely, this has benefited other courier their own post box. answer for when outbound services will restart authentic source of communication, informa- General Post Office. “But here, no one really and parcel businesses but at the same time One of them was Prakash Deep Shrestha, 62, even as inbound postal services began with the tion and relation building as well. It has also sought to give us that responsibility of provid- made things more difficult for the people as a lyricist. resumption of international flights in the been the authentic channel to distribute ing service to people. Because our office DHL and other services are quite expensive,” “I loved writing letters to people and it was country on September 1. YouTube’s certification to YouTubers and to relies on direction from the Department of said Upadhyay. something very popular in those days. When I All Karna could say was, “But we are trying send out legal papers from courts. Postal Services and above, we were unable to But it is not just the pandemic that is to went to Nepalgunj after I completed college, I our best to come up with a solution for we “From legal documents to authentic official do anything.” blame for the deteriorating quality of services used to write letters to my friends here in understand this is an important service.”

C M Y K TUESDAY, MARCH 02, 2021 | 04 OPINION EDITORIAL Political flux and geopolitical manoeuvres Wasting waste Despite the Supreme Court A near non-existent waste management system has decision, the murky political turned our rivers into dark veins of dirt. waters of Nepal will not quieten anytime soon. Close to eight years now, thousands of volunteers have donated their time and effort to clean the Bagmati River in the Kathmandu Valley. Tonnes and tonnes of waste have been col- ACHYUT WAGLE lected from the river and riverbanks as part of the weekly cleaning campaign, which recently marked its 400th week; but there is little information as to whether the trash is recycled or just ends up at the dumping site as does the rest of solid waste produced by Kathmandu. Taking a cue from the weekly cleaning campaign, volunteers The constitution that was feared to and river activists have initiated similar campaigns across the have been ominously derailed due to country; but these laudable efforts, which bring people together Prime Minister KP Oli’s move to dis- and instil values of volunteerism, camaraderie and environ- solve the House of Representatives has mental awareness, need to be complemented by strict imple- been put back on track by the Supreme mentation of segregating waste at the source, and exploring Court verdict. The verdict from the Constitutional Bench of the apex court opportunities to turn waste into wealth. This is not a fancy idea not only reinstated the House, but it as solid waste management start-ups in the capital have also reasserted the independence of already proved and even garnered international attention for the judiciary and rightly exercised the their zero-waste goal. The only drawback here is a parallel state principle of separation of power among the organs of the State; integral policy and facilitation to stop wasting waste. to the existence and functioning of any At Beni Municipality in Myagdi, where the local body has democracy. been dumping waste on the banks of the Kaligandaki River for More importantly, the interpretation the last 17 years for lack of a designated dumping site, river of the spirits of key constitutional pro- pollution has become a serious environmental issue that also visions related to the prime minister’s constitutional right to the dissolution threatens several aquatic animals. A private company that was of Parliament, which for all practical hired two years ago to recycle, reuse and reduce solid waste has purposes now forms a part of the cur- also failed to fulfil its responsibility, leaving residents with an rent constitution, will go a long way to unbearable stench produced by piles of garbage which has ensure political stability in the country. turned Beni, an important tourism intersection, into an eye- One of the key constitutional princi- ples laid out by the verdict (page 8) is: sore. ‘Except in the conditions set by the The Beni case reverberates across the country, where, for constitution itself and on purported decades, a near non-existent solid waste management system basis dubbed as necessary by anybody MAARTEN VAN DEN HEUVEL/UNSPLASH has turned our rivers into dark veins of dirt. Things have also through personal wishes or self-cen- tred interests, and just citing the basic If the prognosis of his key confi- turned worse as the government considers dumping sites as Article 298. Given his nature, Oli is retaining their respective influence on values, norms and practices of the dantes and strategists is anything to go unlikely to seek the confidence vote. Nepal are reported to have been sub- the only solution to solid waste management. In the case of parliamentary system as long as other by, Oli’s position has been significantly When the no confidence motion is stantially increased. It is an open secret Kathmandu Valley, officials have started work to build another alternatives (of forming the next gov- consolidated after the verdict. Former tabled, the onus of proving the simple by now that China’s preference is keep- dumping site because the current landfill site at Sisdol has ernment) are available; the act of dis- House speaker and now probably the majority in favour of the motion in ing the NCP intact, even at the cost of exceeded its capacity. Yet again, the officials have failed to tack- solving of the House of Representatives most high-profile Oli aide, Subash 275-member House lies with his oppo- dispensing of KP Oli as the prime min- causing an economic burden on the Nembang, declared that no one can nents. For this, a completely new polit- ister. If possible, it wants to see Dahal le the problem at the source as our waste footprint grows every people, except in the event of periodic ‘touch’ Oli for the next one year. The ical equation needs to emerge; the as the next prime minister—as the year. elections, was not in line with the newly appointed chief whip of the Oli shape and nature of which is yet to prize primarily for his role in obstruct- The country desperately needs a policy that requires full essence and objectives of the constitu- faction of the parliamentary transpire. Since the ruling NCP is yet a ing the parliamentary ratification pro- compliance from all households and businesses to segregate tion; therefore, the same act (dissolu- party in the House, Bishal Bhattarai, legally undivided party, other two cess of the Millennium Challenge waste at the source and subscribe to solid waste management tion) is unconstitutional.’ The verdict has claimed that out of 174 potential allies to enable either Corporation (MCC) compact Nepal has also set the date for the commence- members representing the Nepal faction of the NCP to form govern- signed with the United States. China companies that will work under strictly regulated guidelines. ment of the next session of the House Communist Party (NCP) in the House, ment, Nepali Congress and Janata sees MCC as part of the US’s Indo- For many a time, individuals, businesses, and even waste man- as the thirteenth day of the verdict, more than one hundred still remain Samajwadi Party (JSP), are still unde- Pacific strategy designed to counter the agement companies resort to burning garbage or dumping it in which falls on March 8. loyal to Oli. cided about their future course of foray of the Belt and Road Initiative in the river. Environmental and economic interventions can easi- But, despite this relative easing of Despite several tall claims, the fac- action or allegiance. the region. ly solve this trash problem and, in the process, create jobs and the constitutional gridlock, the murky tion of the Party led by Pushpa Kamal Either section of the NCP that pulls India for the last few years has adopt- political waters of Nepal do not appear Dahal and Madhav Kumar Nepal has at least seventy-five parliamentarians ed a wait-and-watch strategy while the turn rubbish into rupees. Studies suggest that a huge chunk of to be quietening anytime soon. The remained short of proving otherwise, can form the government with the sup- entire Nepal Communist Party were waste produced in the country is largely biodegradable and cocktail of political flux and increased indirectly putting weight on Oli’s state- port of Nepali Congress (which has cashing-in on Chinese pampering for could easily be composted if segregated at the source. The Solid geopolitical meandering makes a digni- ment. Their dilly-dallying on taking the sixty-three seats in the federal lower their vested interests. It appears large- Waste Management Act 2011 also requires local bodies to pre- fied democratic way-out from the cur- most obvious political course of remov- house). But to form a government only ly contented for now on being able to rent political mess still highly flimsy. ing Oli from the position of the parlia- with the support of JSP, the NCP break- bring Oli back to its fold and to break scribe separation of solid waste into at least organic and inor- mentary party leader has certainly away faction must have at least 100 the NCP mould that was increasingly ganic matters at the source and encourage the public to reduce, Recalcitrant Oli raised questions on the ‘proven’ major- members on its side for the simple seen as an extended wing of the reuse and recycle solid waste. Still, Prime Minister Oli, who is deter- ity on the side of the Oli-detractors in majority. All this is only possible with a Communist Party of China. The South For something beneficial both on environment and economic mined to cling to power by all means the NCP parliamentary party. Since Oli highly unbecoming sight in parliamen- Block is keen to see the next govern- grounds, the government must work to ensure that waste seg- available, still stands as an impeding is prepared not to budge by tenets of tary democracy—that of members of ment more democratic in ideological boulder to the alternative political moral obligation and democratic right- Parliament of an officially undivided tilt and, more importantly, friendly to regation becomes a daily life practice. Simultaneously, it can equation. He has not only refused to eousness, the power struggle both with- party sitting both in the opposition and India. Needless to mention, the priority link waste management companies to compost manufacturers resign on moral grounds—even after in and outside of the NCP is poised ruling sides. of the Western powers including the and alternative energy companies. This is a sustainable the Court unambiguously termed his only to be exacerbated with added com- US naturally coincide with the one of approach that will stop the dumping of waste in our rivers or House dissolution unconstitutional— plexities. Geopolitical interests India. But, for Nepal, this endless med- finding another landfill site that brings another set of ecologi- but has opted to flex his political mus- Oli can either propose a vote of con- With Nepal’s increased political fluidi- dling by big powers will only further cle to exploit constitutional loopholes fidence in the House of Representatives ty, the strategic interests, particularly, complicate the political process, rather cal problems like groundwater contamination and emission of and form a new political alliance to under Article 100 of the constitution, of her two immediate neighbours, than facilitate it to amicably settle greenhouse gases. retain his prime ministerial berth. or face the no-confidence motion under India and China, of extending or down. Building back together

To be sure, calls to ‘build back bet- The nation-state is ter’ from the pandemic imply some awareness of the need for systemic no longer fit for the change. But the transformation we need extends beyond constructing purpose of confronting modern infrastructure or unlocking private investment in any one country. global ruptures. We need to re-orient—indeed, re-in- vent—global politics, so that countries can cooperate far more effectively in JOSCHKA FISCHER creating a better world. The 2015 Paris climate agreement was an important step in that direc- tion. Nation-states are integral to the process: they negotiated the deal and are responsible for determining their own contributions to achieving its objectives. But they must also operate Human beings are creatures of habit. within a single shared framework, in We tend to envisage a future much the order to achieve goals that have noth- same as the past, so we cling to famil- ing to do with boosting their relative iar tools, approaches, and perspec- geopolitical or economic power. tives, even as the world changes. But, Under former President Donald at this moment of profound social, Trump, the United States abandoned political, and economic transforma- the Paris agreement, in a back- tion, we must take care not to permit wards-looking attempt to assert its our habits to lead us astray. dominance. Fortunately, the US has Historically, major transforma- now rejoined the accord under tions—such as that following the col- President Joe Biden. Given that the lapse of the Soviet Union and the US remains the world’s most influen- Warsaw Pact at the beginning of the tial and technologically advanced 1990s—have not made societies collec- economy, Biden’s move is vital to the tively wiser, or even more sceptical. agreement’s successful implementa- Instead, they have generally been met tion—and thus to humanity’s future. with the expectation that everyday life Despite the Paris climate agree- will remain largely the same—or at ment, however, the world has not real- least return to ‘normal.’ ly come to grips with the political This tendency has been apparent transformation today’s great ruptures during the Covid-19 crisis, which is demand. It remains far from clear, for often regarded as a temporary, if dra- PATRICK T’KINDT/UNSPLASH example, that the US is prepared to matic, disruption. In fact, the pandem- we are. Already, traditional political one, it can be difficult to grasp the Covid-19 crisis, together with ever-in- rivalries rather than pursuing for- curb its strategic competition with ic is a watershed moment—and it is institutions—first and foremost, the threat fully—and to accept the life- creasing infections and deaths, thus ward-looking solutions. Nowhere is China. In the twenty-first century, not the only one we are facing today: nation-state—are faltering. They have style changes that the response has strike at the heart of the state’s legiti- this more apparent than in the race hegemony cannot be the goal. Instead, the digital revolution and the impera- struggled to address the pitfalls of demanded. macy. This is a crisis of trust, and it is for vaccine doses. countries should be seeking to lead tive of rapid decarbonisation are sim- digitisation, such as by reining in tech Of course, from the Black Death of shaking societies to their core. Using the nation-state to address the pursuit of a world in which life is ilarly consequential. giants. And they have proved ill- 1347 to the influenza pandemic of 1918- The only way to rebuild trust and the pandemic is tantamount to aiming worth living for all people. In the face of these three great rup- equipped to cope with both the pan- 20, the world is no stranger to disease stabilise societies is with an effective an antiquated muzzleloader at an F-16. Preservation—not domination—is tures, can we really expect a return to demic’s global scope and its psycho- outbreaks. But never before has the crisis response. And, given the global And if the Covid-19 crisis is a modern the new imperative of global leader- the ‘old normal’? Or should we expect logical dimension, particularly many state derived so much of its legitimacy nature of the challenges we face, that warplane, climate change is a nuclear ship. something only slightly different? people’s experience of it as an abstrac- from the expectation that it will pro- will be impossible without extensive missile. By failing to build systems What if the future looks nothing like tion. tect people’s well-being, by technologi- cooperation, facilitated by effective capable of defending against such Fischer, Germany’s foreign minister the past? Are we equipped to manage Covid-19 is invisible to the human cal and scientific means, regardless of institutions. large-scale threats—including inevita- and vice chancellor from 1998 to 2005, the challenges it brings? eye. Unless one is sick, caring for the what nature throws at them. Yet, so far, the world has clung to its ble future pandemics—humanity is was a leader of the German Green There is good reason to doubt that sick, or grieving the loss of a loved The disruptions caused by the old ways, indulging parochial national jeopardising its very existence. Party for almost 20 years.

C M Y K 05 | TUESDAY, MARCH 02, 2021 MONEY Nepal’s debt nearly triples in the last five and half years Experts, however, say the country still has room for borrowing needed for development but insist that there should be productive use of the borrowed funds.

PRITHVI MAN SHRESTHA collect limited resources from 1.5 percentage points lower than debt trap, according to experts. A senior government official weekly basis, only a few of us KATHMANDU, MARCH 1 the revenue, we have to rely on its previous estimate. This is not the first time that at that time said there was not had access to that report. We domestic and external debt to The global lender said that the debt is getting to a point that enough money in the state cof- used to repay high-interest loans The government has been finance big infrastructure Nepal’s economy is estimated to may be worrisome. fers to pay salaries to govern- without the knowledge of many increasingly relying on domestic projects.” have decelerated to just In the early 2000s when the ment employees and there was people, so that demands for more and external debts to meet He said that the question 0.2 per cent in fiscal 2019-20, Maoist insurgency was at its high demand for a budget for resources from the security the resource gap amid shrinking should not be whether Nepal 1.6 percentage points lower than peak, the government’s treasury security agencies to fight insur- agencies could be avoided,” for- revenue amid the coronavirus should take more loans but its June 2020 projections. was under severe duress and the gency. But, the high debt ratio mer auditor general Bhanu pandemic. whether there has been Therefore, without economic country’s debt to GDP had was creating trouble. Acharya, who was the finance As a result, the country debt productive use of the loans. expansion, there remains a reached as high as 63.9 percent “Whenever Nepal Rastra Bank secretary in the early 2000s, had has nearly tripled in the last Experts say that the country risk of the country falling into a for 2001-02. sent us treasury positions on a told the Post last year. five and half years. According to still has the ‘fiscal space’ or the Finance Ministry, room for taking more loans. outstanding debt of the country “We should not be worried increased to Rs1.50 trillion as about debt sustainability of the first half of the current till our debt level remains fiscal year from Rs544.91 billion 50-60 percent of the GDP,” in fiscal year 2014-15. said Nara Bahadur Thapa, As of the last fiscal year former executive director 2019-20, the country’s of Nepal Rastra Bank, who outstanding debt was worth had also worked as a policy Rs1.41 trillion, 40.16 percent of advisor on macro-economic the country’s gross domestic management at the product (GDP), according to the International Monetary Financial Comptroller General Fund in the late 2000s. Office, a government agency “We should not fear responsible for keeping record taking out loans to boost of the income and expenditure the economy as long as of the government. there is fiscal space,” said Even though the country’s Thapa. “With the debt liability was rising in a productive use of debt, slow pace until fiscal year we can boost our economy 2015-16, it surged with the and the economic country requiring to generate expansion is a must massive resources for post-earth- to enhance the country’s quake reconstruction. ability to pay the debt.” The deadly earthquake in 2015 However, the government not only caused loss of over 8,000 has not been able to lives but also the damaged spend the available properties worth over resources, both domestic Rs700 billion, according to the and external, delaying the Post Disaster Risk Assessment completion of the report. important development The country also required projects. Most of the more resources for national pride projects institutionalising the federal have faced time and cost set up after the 2017 elections overruns. and the Covid-19 pandemic According to the affected the country’s economy mid-term review of the badly leading to reduced revenue budget for the current generation for the government fiscal year, expenditure as result of which the in the National Pride government has been Projects has remained increasingly relying on the just 15 percent of the total domestic and external loans for allocated budget as of bridging the resources gap. the first half of the current The government collected just fiscal year. 75.6 percent of targeted revenue “Many countries that in the last fiscal year 2019-20, developed rapidly, had according to the Financial borrowed huge amounts Comptroller General Office. of loans and utilised The government collected them properly, particularly revenue of Rs841 billion against in infrastructure the target of Rs1.11 trillion, the development. They have office said. over 100 percent debt to The revenue target of current GDP ratio but they are now fiscal year 2020-21 will also not richer and don’t fear more be met with the finance ministry indebtedness,” said through the mid-term review of Shrestha, who is also a the budget trimmed revenue former executive director target to Rs931.85 billion against of the central bank. the initially targeted According to Shrestha, Rs1.01 trillion. the country is in greater Even though the debt level need to borrow more this increased substantially in the time as the country’s last five years, experts said that economy is in tatters and the country should not be the government is required worried about current level debt. to support even the “In the past, we feared taking private sector to revive the loans which deprived us economy. from potential infrastructure In its recent report development,” said Min Bahadur ‘Global Economic Prospect’ Shrestha, former vice-chair- the World Bank said that person of the National Planning Nepal’s economic growth Commission, the main planning Nepal is expected to record body of the government. “For a 0.6 per cent in the country like Nepal which can current fiscal year, which is Global markets rebound AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE LONDON, MARCH 1

World stock markets rebounded Monday from last week’s heavy selloff, as falling US Treasury yields soothed inflation concerns, dealers said. London equities jumped 1.6 percent in late morning trade, while Frankfurt was up 1.2 percent and Paris added 1.5 percent just after midday in the eurozone. Asian stocks rose strongly on bargain-buying as the passage of President Joe Biden’s $1.9-trillion Covid relief stimulus through Congress provided additional cheer. Oil prices climbed before this week’s OPEC+ output meeting of oil producers, while the dollar advanced versus the euro and yen. “Equity markets are showing strong gains as bond yields cool,” said analyst David Madden at online trading firm CMC Markets UK. “Stocks came under pressure last week as a spike in govern- ment bond yields encouraged traders to trim their exposure to equity markets. “The prospect of higher inflation on the horizon has not disap- peared but the fear of a higher cost of living is not having the same impact that it once had.” Markets tumbled last week on fears that the recovering global economy, in tandem with vast US stimulus, could fuel inflation- ary pressures and spark interest rate hikes in the long run.

GASOLINE WATCH BULLION PRICE PER TOLA

Fine Gold Rs 88,700 Silver Rs 1,330

SOURCE: FENEGOSIDA

FOREX

US 117.97

Euro 142.12

Pound 164.66

Japanese 11.05

Chinese 18.25

Qatari 32.4

Australian 91.34

Malaysian 29.08

Saudi 31.45 Exchange rates fixed by Nepal Rastra Bank

C M Y K TUESDAY, MARCH 02, 2021 | 06 WORLD BRIEFING As cases rise, India steps up vaccination New Bangladesh Sarkozy convicted of corruption protests as UN PARIS: Judges found former president Although India has world’s largest vaccine makers, Covid-19 immunisation hasn’t gone according to plan, experts say. Nicolas Sarkozy guilty of trying to calls for overhaul of bribe a judge and of influence-ped- dling on Monday and sentenced him ASSOCIATED PRESS variants. to three years in jail, with two years NEW DELHI, MARCH 1 “There is a sense of urgency security law suspended. Sarkozy, who led France because of the mutants and because from 2007 to 2012, had denied any India is expanding its coronavirus cases are going up,” said Dr K Srinath AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE wrongdoing, saying he was the victim vaccination drive beyond health care Reddy, president of the Public Health DHAKA, MARCH 1 of a witch-hunt by financial prosecu- and front-line workers, offering the Foundation of India. tors who used excessive means to shots to older people and those with He said that the consistent dip in Hundreds of Bangladeshi activists snoop on his affairs. Retired from pol- medical conditions that put them at cases over months resulted in a staged a fourth day of protests Monday itics but still influential among con- risk. Among the first to receive a vac- “reduced threat perception,” leading over the death of a writer in detention servatives, Sarkozy has 10 days to cine on Monday as Prime Minister to vaccine hesitancy. “The (vaccina- as the UN rights chief called for a appeal the ruling. He is the second Narendra Modi. tion) drive began when perception review of a digital security law used former president in modern France, Those now eligible include anyone was that the worst was over, so people against opposition figures. after the late Jacques Chirac, to be older than 60, as well as those over 45 were more hesitant,” Reddy said. Students tried to march to the home convicted of corruption. who have ailments such as heart dis- Others have also pointed out that ministry in Dhaka demanding action ease or diabetes that make them vul- the reticence to get vaccinated was over what they called the “murder” of nerable to serious Covid-19 illness. amplified, at least in part, by the gov- Mushtaq Ahmed in a high-security Crowds gather outside court as The shots will be given for free at gov- ernment’s opaque decision making jail, as well as the repeal of the Digital ernment hospitals and will also be while green-lighting vaccines. Security Act (DSA). Hong Kong dissidents charged sold at over 10,000 private hospitals at But experts say that allowing pri- Riot police stopped them 100 metres HONG KONG: Hundreds of democracy a fixed price of 250 rupees. vate hospitals to administer the from the government complex that supporters gathered outside a Hong But the rollout of one of the world’s shots—which began with this new houses all major ministries. Kong courthouse on Monday chant- largest vaccination drives has been AP/RSS phase of the campaign—should Ahmed, one of hundreds detained ing slogans and flashing protest sym- sluggish. Amid signs of hesitancy A man gestures as he is administered the Covishield vaccine in Guwahati, on Monday. improve access. India’s health care under the DSA since it was enacted in bols as some of the city’s best-known among the first groups offered the system is patchy, and in many small 2018, died last Thursday at a jail where dissidents appeared in the dock vaccine, Modi, who is 70, got a shot at lems that other countries have also to walk up for the vaccine?” she said. cities people depend on private hospi- he had been held since May. charged with subversion. Beijing is New Delhi’s All India Institute of experienced. Vaccinating more people quickly is tals for their medical needs. The protesters also demanded the battling to stamp out dissent in Medical Science. He received the vac- Dr Giridhar R Babu, who studies a major priority for India, especially Still, problems remain. India had release of more than a dozen activists semi-autonomous Hong Kong after cine produced by Indian vaccine epidemics at the Public Health now that infections are rising again. rolled out online software to keep detained during clashes with police swathes of the population hit the maker Bharat Biotech—which has Foundation of India, said that long The country has recorded more than track of the shots and recipients, but since the death. streets in 2019 in huge and sometimes been met with particular scepticism. waits for the elderly were a concern 11 million cases, second in the world the system was prone to glitches and Student leader Masud Rana said violent democracy demonstrations. It He appealed for all to get vaccinated, since they could pick up infections, behind the US, and over 157,000 deaths. delays. there could be a “revolt” against the has blanketed the once free-wheeling tweeting afterward, “together, let us including Covid-19, at hospitals. “The The government had set a target of The federal government will decide government. finance hub in a national security make India Covid-19 free!” unintended effect might be that they immunising 300 million people, nearly which hospitals get which vaccine and More groups also planned protests law, while anti-coronavirus measures The drive, which began in January get Covid-19 when they go to get the the total US population, by August. people will not have a choice between during the day over the death of ban public gatherings of more than in the country of 1.4 billion people, vaccine,” he said. The spike in infections in India is the AstraZeneca vaccine or the Bharat Ahmed, and to demand the release of four people. has recently taken on even more Even though India is home to the most pronounced in the western state Biotech one, confirmed Dr Amar cartoonist Ahmed Kabir Kishore, who urgency, since new infections have world’s largest vaccine makers and of Maharashtra, where the number of Fettle, the nodal Covid-19 officer for was detained with the writer. begun to increase again after months has one of the biggest immunisation active cases has nearly doubled to over southern Indian state Kerala. The lat- UN High Commissioner for Khashoggi’s fiancée says prince of consistent decline, and scientists programmes, things haven’t gone 68,000 in the past two weeks. ter got the go-ahead by Indian regula- Human Rights Michelle Bachelet on should be punished have detected worrisome variants of according to plan. Of the 10 million Lockdowns and other restrictions tors in January before trials testing Monday urged Bangladesh to ensure a the virus that they fear could hasten health care workers that the govern- have been reimposed in some areas, the shot’s effectiveness at preventing transparent probe into Ahmed’s ANKARA: The fiancée of slain Saudi infections or render vaccines or treat- ment had initially wanted to immu- and the state’s chief minister, Uddhav illness were completed. death. journalist Jamal Khashoggi called on ments less useful. nize, only 6.6 million have gotten the Thackeray, has warned that another But opening up the campaign to “There needs to be an overhaul of Monday for Crown Prince Scores of elderly people started lin- first shot of the two-dose vaccines and wave of cases is “knocking on our private hospitals may allow the rich to the Digital Security Act under which Mohammed bin Salman to be pun- ing up outside private hospitals on 2.4 million have gotten both. Of its door.” “shop” around for places that are pro- Ahmed was charged—and all those ished after a US intelligence report Monday morning. Sunita Kapoor was estimated 20 million front-line work- Similar surges have been reported viding the AstraZeneca vaccine—an detained under this act for exercising found he had approved the killing. among them, waiting for a vaccine ers, such as police or sanitation work- from states in all corners of the mas- option that poorer people wouldn’t their rights to freedom of expression Khashoggi, a US resident who wrote with her husband. She said that they ers, only 5.1 million have been vacci- sive country: Punjab, Jammu and have, said Dr Anant Bhan, who stud- and opinion must be released,” she opinion columns for the Washington had been staying at home and not nated so far. Kashmir in the north, Gujarat in the ies medical ethics. said in a statement. Post criticising Saudi policies, was meeting people for months to stay safe Dr Gagangdeep Kang, an infectious west, West Bengal in the east, Madhya India now hopes to quickly ramp up Ahmed was detained for publishing killed and dismembered by a team from the virus—and were looking for- diseases expert at Christian Medical Pradesh and Chhattisgarh in central vaccinations. But the country will an article and sharing Facebook posts linked to the crown prince in the ward to being able to socialise more. College Vellore in southern India, said India, and Telangana in the south. likely continue to see troughs and critical of Prime Minister Sheikh Saudi consulate in Istanbul. A US “We are excited,” said Kapoor, 63. the hesitancy by health workers high- Top federal officials have asked peaks of infections, and the key lesson Hasina’s handling of the coronavirus intelligence report on Friday found Many said that they had struggled lights the paucity of information authorities in those states to increase is that the pandemic won’t end until pandemic. Bachelet also expressed the prince had approved the killing, with the online system for registering available about the vaccines. If health the speed of vaccinations in districts enough people have been vaccinated “serious concern” at allegations that and US imposed sanctions on some of and then waited in line for hours workers are reticent, “you seriously where cases are surging, and to track for the spread of the virus to slow, said Kishore has been subjected “to torture those involved. (AGENCIES) before receiving the vaccine—prob- think that the common public is going clusters of infections and monitor Jishnu Das, a health economist. or other ill treatment”. Myanmar’s Suu Kyi hit with two new criminal charges in court appearance She is now accused of breaching communications laws, intent to incite public unrest.

REUTERS Protesters wearing masks depicting ousted leader Aung San Suu Kyi take part in a protest against the military coup in Yangon.

AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE Naypyidaw, an isolated city that the in multiple cities across the country, YANGON, MARCH 1 military built during a previous dicta- with demonstrators in Yangon using torship. bamboo poles, sofas and tree branches Ousted Myanmar civilian leader Aung The military has justified its takeo- to erect barricades across streets. San Suu Kyi was hit with two new ver, which ended a decade-long demo- Security forces used stun grenades criminal charges in a court appear- cratic experiment, with unfounded and tear gas, in parts of Yangon. ance via video link on Monday, a allegations of widespread fraud in In one clash broadcast live on month after a military coup triggered last November’s national elections, Facebook and verified by AFP, relentless mass protests. which Suu Kyi’s National League for unarmed protesters fled after a volley Suu Kyi has not been seen in public Democracy won in a landslide. of shots were fired. since being detained on February 1, Hundreds of thousands of people It was not immediately clear if the and her appearance came as demon- have taken to streets regularly over security forces had fired live rounds strators took to the streets again the past month to oppose the coup. or rubber bullets. across the country in defiance of an The military has steadily escalated Hundreds of people were also escalation of deadly force by the junta. the type of force used in trying to con- arrested over the weekend, with many At least 18 people died on Sunday as tain the uprising, beginning with tear in Yangon taken to Insein Prison, troops and police fired live rounds at gas and water cannons, and this week- where Myanmar’s leading democracy demonstrators in cities across end’s violence saw a major escalation campaigners served long jail terms Myanmar, according to the United as rubber bullets and live rounds were under previous dictatorships. Nations, which cited its own credible deployed. More than 1,100 people have been information. Despite Sunday’s bloodshed protest- arrested, charged, or sentenced since Suu Kyi, 75, was already facing ers were defiant—some citing a sense the coup, according to The Assistance obscure criminal charges for possess- of duty to their children’s future. “I’m Association for Political Prisoners. ing unlicensed walkie-talkies, as well here as a frontliner because I don’t Several journalists documenting as violating coronavirus restrictions want my son to grow up in this evil assaults by security forces have also by staging a campaign event during era,” a student called Eric told AFP, been detained in recent days, includ- last year’s election. adding he had a 10-month-old baby. ing an Associated Press photographer She is now also accused of breach- AFP independently confirmed 11 in Yangon. ing communications laws as well as deaths in Sunday’s violence, although Two reporters from China’s state- intent to incite public unrest, her law- there were fears the toll could be much run Xinhua news agency were “hit yer Khin Maung Zaw said. higher. with rubber bullets while they were “We can not say for sure how many There are no reports of deaths so covering protest near Myaynigone more cases Daw Aung San Suu Kyi far on Monday. junction this morning,” a journalist will face in this period,” he told report- The Assistance Association for friend with them told AFP. ers in Naypyidaw. Political Prisoners, a reliable monitor- The United States has been one of “Anything can happen in this coun- ing group, estimated that about 30 the most outspoken critics of the try at this time.” people have been killed by security junta, and Secretary of State Antony Suu Kyi has reportedly been kept forces since the coup on February 1. Blinken also reacted with horror after under house arrest in the capital of On Monday, protests erupted again Sunday’s violence.

C M Y K 07 | TUESDAY, MARCH 02, 2021 SPORTS | MEDLEY BRIEFING Klopp eyes top four after Inter Milan beat Genoa 3-0 AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE from last weekend’s 3-0 derby win over Under-construction cricket MILAN, MARCH 1 Milan, notching up a fifth win in a row stadium under Rs 111.7m debt as they push for a first league title Romelu Lukaku scored after 33 seconds since 2010. They are also bidding to KATHMANDU: Dhurmus-Suntali ending four-game losing streak and set up another in Inter Milan’s 3-0 deny Juventus a 10th consecutive Foundation on Sunday revealed that win over Genoa on Sunday to keep league title after finishing runners-up the under-construction Gautam their title push on track ahead of city last season. Buddha International Cricket After the much-needed victory, Liverpool are only two points behind fourth-placed West rivals AC Milan, who beat Roma 2-1. Milan won an intense battle with Stadium was under loan of Rs 111.7 Inter remain four points ahead of rivals Roma at the Stadio Olimpico in million. Unveiling the transaction and Ham and can dislodge Chelsea at fifth when the Blues visit Anfield on Thursday. second-placed Milan, who got back to the Italian capital, as Stefano Pioli’s progress of the construction works, winning ways in Rome after consecu- side push for a first league title since the foundation said that they have tive league losses including last week- 2011. spent Rs 434.8 million for the construc- end’s derby defeat. A Franck Kessie penalty gave Milan tion work while they have collected a Lukaku scored with the first chance the lead five minutes before the inter- total amount of Rs 323 million. The at the San Siro, then laid on Matteo val after Federico Fazio fouled Davide total estimated cost for the construc- Darmian for Inter’s second in the 69th Calabria. Jordan Veretout pulled tion of the stadium is Rs 3.55 billion. minute. Alexis Sanchez came off the Roma level five minutes after the The foundation also launched ‘Our bench to add a third with 13 minutes break with an arrowed shot, but Ante Stadium, My Chair’ campaign. Under to go. Rebic drilled home the winner eight the campaign, an individual, family or Antonio Conte’s side followed on minutes later. institution could name the chair or section of parapet in their name paying Rs 100,000 for each chair. (SB) Former Barcelona president Tamang fires Satdobato Josep Bartomeu arrested BARCELONA: Former Barcelona presi- dent Josep Maria Bartomeu was arrested on Monday after Catalan three points clear at top police officers searched the La Liga club’s offices, Spanish radio station SPORTS BUREAU title and promotion to first division if Cadena Ser reported on Monday. A KATHMANDU, MARCH 1 they win their remaining three match- regional police spokeswoman con- es. firmed several arrests had been made A penalty goal from Dorge Tamang Shree Bhagawati are ninth in the following an investigation by the gave leaders Satdobato Youth Club 1-0 standings with six points. They have force’s financial crimes unit, without win over Shree Bhagawati Club as won one, drawn three and lost four confirming the number of arrests they moved three points clear in the matches. made or their identities. A Barca Martyrs Memorial ‘B’ Division League In the day’s early kick off, spokeswoman confirmed the offices at the ANFA Complex, Satdobato, on Ranipokhari Corner Team (RCT) had been searched but did not make Sunday. edged Tushal Youth Club 1-0. Ajit any additional comment. The investi- Tamang scored the decisive goal Gurung scored the solitary goal in the gation stems from the ‘Barcagate’ AP/RSS from the spot in the 25th minute. 73rd minute to secure all three points affair which was unearthed last year Curtis Jones’s (in green) opener and a Kean Bryan own goal got Liverpool back to winning ways with a 2-0 win over Sheffield United on Sunday. Satdobato were awarded the penalty for the Jamal based side. by Cadena Ser and revealed the club after Dinsesh Rai’s goal-bound strike Gurung’s cross from the right flank had contracted marketing consultan- REUTERS these games stay exciting until the the technology. struck Laxman GC’s hand inside the entered the goal post leaving goalie cy I3 Ventures to monitor social SHEFFIELD, MARCH 1 very end. We could have scored three Needless to say both managers disa- area. Roshan Gurung motionless. media activity. The revelations led to in the first half,” the German coach greed, with United boss Ole Gunnar Satdobato, the only unbeaten team With the outcome, RCT climbed to protests from supporters and to sever- Liverpool boss Juergen Klopp is set- explained. “What we created was very Solskjaer saying it was a 100% penalty in the league campaign, with seven fifth place with 12 points. They have al board members resigning while ting his sights on Champions League good. The finishing was good enough and Tuchel offering the opposing view. wins and a draw have accumulated 22 won three, drawn three and lost two increasing the pressure on Bartomeu, qualification after his side finally got for today, but we can improve.” Either way it was a better result for points. matches. Tushal are seventh with who eventually stepped down in back to winning ways with a 2-0 win Klopp said he is expecting striker United who preserved their six-point They opened three points lead over eight points. October after facing a vote of no-con- over Sheffield United that brought a Diogo Jota to return for the Chelsea lead over Chelsea, even if it left them second placed Khumaltar Youth Club They have won and drawn two fidence. The club’s members will vote run of four straight Premier League game. The 24-year-old has recovered 12 points behind runaway leaders City. and could be guaranteed of the league matches while lost four matches. to elect a new president in next defeats to an end. from a knee injury and was in the “It would have been a big result,” Sunday’s election. (REUTERS) After Manchester City extended squad to face Sheffield United, but Tuchel said. “We tried everything to their lead of the Premier League, the withdrew due to illness. win, to be prepared for no other inten- battle for a top-four finish intensified Sheffield United goalkeeper Aaron tion but to win. We are in the middle Marcus Trescothick named on Sunday as Chelsea and Manchester Ramsdale had a superb first half and of a battle to the top four. We have United ground out a goalless draw, there was little he could do to stop the closed the gap quickly and now is the England batting coach Leicester City lost and Liverpool final- two goals. moment to hang in and to show perfor- LONDON: Former England opening ly came back to life. Chelsea’s 0-0 home draw with sec- mances every three or four days.” batsman Marcus Trescothick has Klopp’s side struggled in front of ond-placed United ensured Thomas Leicester, who are third with 49 been named batting coach of the sen- goal but a Curtis Jones strike and a Tuchel is still undefeated in nine points, ended a dismal week in which ior men’s team, the England and Kean Bryan own goal gave the sixth- games since replacing Frank they went out of the Europa League Wales Cricket Board (ECB) said on placed Reds a much-needed win ahead Lampard, but it meant they failed to with a 3-1 home defeat by Arsenal, Monday. Trescothick, who played 76 of their midweek showdown with dislodge fourth-placed West Ham despite taking the lead. Tests for England and helped them Chelsea, who are one place above United who became Manchester City’s Youri Tielemans put Leicester win the Ashes in 2005, will step down them in the table. 20th successive victims in all competi- ahead but goals by David Luiz, as assistant coach of Somerset to Liverpool’s second goal was their tions on Saturday. Alexandre Lacazette and Nicolas Pepe take up his new role. Former New 7,000 in the top flight. The match at the Stamford Bridge earned Arsenal an impressive victory, Zealand off-spinner Jeetan Patel has “This was about us showing we’re was largely a forgettable affair with lifting them to 10th with 37 points. been named England’s spin bowling still there. We play Chelsea on the main talking point a controversial Gareth Bale scored twice as coach and youth team head coach Jon Thursday, we have to show it again. penalty incident in the first half when Tottenham emerged from a run of five Lewis has been promoted to the role We have to win football games, we referee Stuart Attwell opted not to defeats in six league games to hammer of the senior team’s pace bowling know that. There’s no way into the award United a spot kick for a hand- Burnley 4-0, lifting Jose Mourinho’s coach. Former Yorkshire off-spinner Champions League without results. ball by Callum Hudson-Odoi. side to eighth with 39 points. Bale, and Gloucestershire head coach Tonight we got it, we keep going,” It would have been a harsh decision starting only his third league game of Richard Dawson will replace Lewis Klopp told Sky Sports. but the fact that Attwell was instruct- the season, also set up a goal for Harry in the reconfigured elite pathway “Sheffield United have lost a lot but ed to watch the incident on a VAR Kane with Lucas Moura the other PHOTO COURTESY: ANFA coach role. (REUTERS) all by the smallest margin. It’s clear monitor amplified the debate about scorer for the hosts. Dorge Tamang (left) scored a penalty in Satdobato’s 1-0 win over Shree Bhagawati on Monday. HOROSCOPE ARIES (March 21-April 19) **** CANCER (June 22-July 22) *** LIBRA (September 23-October 22) *** CAPRICORN (December 22-January 19) **** As an Aries, you’re here to develop self-reliance. Cancerians need a place to call home more than any- As a Libra, you tend to consider the needs of those You’re keenly aware of the divide between your per- Tuesday’s skies briefly divert your attention from thing in this world. Tuesday’s skies focus your atten- around you before you consider yourself. Tuesday’s sonal life and career today, Capricorn. The moon this course, as the cosmic landscape lights up your tion on the very foundations beneath your feet, as the skies suggest that it’s time to give yourself some floats through socially suave Libra all afternoon, relationship involvements. The moon careens other-oriented Libra moon re-establishes family ties much needed TLC, as the moon cruises through your helping you make the right connections and put your through Libra, who tries to keep things peaceful. and helps you beautify your environment. sign best foot forward.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20) *** LEO (July 23-August 22) *** SCORPIO (October 23-November 21) *** AQUARIUS (January 20-February 18) *** Taurus people have the drive, focus, and motivation Your mind is something of a high-speed train Moods are running rampant under Tuesday’s skies, Your mind is likely to feel a bit stormy under to stay committed to their work. Let yourself live up today, Leo. Make sure you’re letting it take you to Scorpio. Let yourself stay sane by pulling away from Tuesday’s skies, Aquarius. The equilibrium-seeking to this reputation today, as you’re feeling inspired to where you need to go, rather than letting it run you the noise and sticking to nurturing your own needs Libra moon gets ensnared by a difficult aspect with tackle everything on your agenda. ragged! Minor stresses are likely to emerge on the behind closed doors. wound-healing Pluto this afternoon, prompting you work front. to explore some important areas of your psyche.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21) **** VIRGO (August 23-September 22) **** SAGITTARIUS (November 22-December 21) *** PISCES (February 19-March 20) *** As a Gemini, you possess a wealth of interests. Let Business beckons beneath Tuesday’s skies, Virgo! It’s easy to feel “off” with your goals today, You’re running low on social fuel today, Pisces. You yourself reconnect with passions that have been on Let yourself embrace your natural productive drive Sagittarius. Don’t let this passing feeling get the best can only handle intimate, one-on-one encounters the back burner or simply reconnect with a hobby today, as the mentally balanced Libra moon helps of you! The balanced Libra moon gets thrown off-kil- today and nothing less. So, don’t let people into your that helps you release and relax today. you pour your focus into your resources and talents. ter this afternoon, as she faces a tough interaction circle if they can’t respect your need for authenticity. with raw Pluto. CROSSWORD SUDOKU

YESTERDAY’S SOLUTION

C M Y K TUESDAY, MARCH 02, 2021 | 08 CULTURE & LIFESTYLE (C.R.P.D.) - 3/052/053 The M1 Macs: Should you buy one? The new M1 Macs are definitely deserving of all the hype, they are some seriously impressive chips. But as these are first-generation chips, perhaps waiting would be wise.

PRAJESH SJB RANA use multiple fingers through mul- KATHMANDU titouch or depend on smartphone specific hardware like accelerome- he M1 chips have been ters and gyros. While iPad apps all the hype these past work decently, iPhone apps are few months for Apple. just a pain to use since they lack Reviewers all over the any window scalability and dis- internet have hyped play inside this small window on the computer’s insane most of the Mac’s high-resolution Tperformance and benchmarking displays. iPhone and iPad apps are scores. For a first-generation prod- also opt-out for their compatibility uct, the M1 is remarkable. Even with Macs which is why develop- the MacBook Air with an M1 chip ers of high-quality apps like seems to overpower Apple’s own Google and Facebook have MacBook Pro line for computers chosen to remove their apps from with an Intel processor. While support of Macs, many have not Intel chips still use the older more and this is definitely going to lead complicated x86 instruction set, to developers never focusing on the M1 is built on the ARM archi- improving Mac support since tecture that powers most smart- their apps are already available on phones and Apple’s own iPhone the Macs. chips. Even though ARM-based Apart from application issues, CPUs are based on a simpler inter- there are major hardware issues action set, they’ve grown into pow- with the M1 Macs. Since it’s an erful chips that can easily handle early product, many M1 Mac users laptop- and desktop-like produc- have reported quick SSD wear, tion environments. Microsoft and Bluetooth connectivity issues, Qualcomm both have dabbled with Hardware encoding issues and a ARM-based CPUs before, although plethora of display issues. Some not to the same success as Apple, users have also reported a critical and we’ve also already seen large failure where M1 Macs boot into a screen implementations of blank screen. Many users online Android by companies like have been reporting various prob- Huawei and Samsung. lems with the M1, as is to be Apple’s implementation of expected from the first generation

ARM on the M1 is simply extraor- YOUTUBE VIA SCREENGRAB of chips. dinary. They leave even the most The M1 is an engineering mar- powerful Intel processors in the The new M1 Macs are definitely throw errors in critical times. vel and a monumental push for dust in performance. It also helps deserving of all the hype, they are There is no-doubt that through ARM based CPUs that could have that Apple has shrunk their tran- some seriously impressive chips The M1 is an engineering marvel Apple’s clout and the popularity been orchestrated only by Apple. sistor sizes to 5nm while Intel has but regardless of all the hype, of Mac computers that these com- Apple Silicon has managed to for years struggled with miniatur- these are first-generation chips and a monumental push for ARM panies will, eventually, release impress and with a chip so power- ising their transistors past the built on a completely new archi- based CPUs that could have been versions of their apps that native- ful, even low-performance model 14nm size. Even the newest tecture. This shift isn’t new, how- ly work on the M1s, but these need Macs like the MacBook Air can 10th-generation Intel processors ever, and Microsoft has been push- orchestrated only by Apple. work and it’s going to be some handle resource heavy apps with are based on 14nm transistor ing for an ARM-based future for a time until these applications are ease. But is it the right time to buy nodes while all of their competi- long time, all the way back to the released and the bugs worked out an M1 Mac? Maybe not right now, tors have already implemented release of the infamous RT based One of the major problems that Creative Cloud apps are X86 based, for them to be reliably used on the especially when it comes to relia- smaller sized transistors into Windows 8. Even today, Microsoft arises from the implementation of which means they will run on the M1 Macs. But with an ARM-based bility. If you’re going to buy the their CPU dies. In a controversial sells ARM- based surface tablets a new processor architecture is M1s but through emulation mean- CPU, the same architecture used M1 Macs as an early adopter with move, Apple has also moved all with Windows 10 on ARM-based incompatibility with applications ing they will see a performance hit on the iPhones, the M1 Mac sup- full expectation of its unreliabili- additional chips into the CPU die chips from Qualcomm. These written for Intel’s x86 architecture. and throw up occasional errors, port iPad and iPhone apps. While ty, they maybe yes, but if you’re itself, and these include RAM devices haven’t been all that great Since the M1 is Apple’s first chip something you don’t want if you’re these apps will work natively on doing to be reliant on the machine chips and graphics chips and since even a virtualised Windows based on ARM, almost all of the working in a professional environ- the M1, most of them seem to be in for school or work, maybe hold off while these do wonders in reduc- 10 on the M1 seems to outperform applications for the Mac are writ- ment. Earlier versions of Chrome unusable states at the moment. until the M1s gain a little more ing latency between these compo- the dedicated performance of ten to work on Intel CPUs. Apple were completely broken on the M1 Many of the apps built for the reliability and maturity. They are nents, they also terminate all Windows on Surface. In compari- has implemented a software solu- and while Google was quick to iPhone and the iPad are built some really impressive and power- potential for son to Microsoft’s attempt at tion for this called Rosetta 2, a real- release and update for support, around touchscreen interfaces ful chips that have changed the upgrades. With all the work ARM-based chips, Apple has time translator that translates x86 many other third-party applica- which all of current Macs lack. game, but so early into the game, that Apple has put into the managed to release a much better code for ARM. While Rosetta 2 is tions like VLC, Adobe Acrobat, Apple has released a band-aid Apple is bound to run into some implementation of the M1, it does chip, but the M1 is not all hard- also impressive with little to no and Docker work really poorly on solution of this by providing growing pains. the job excellently, but should ware and many of the problems, performance hit for Intel-based Rosetta 2. With more complicated “Touch Alternatives”, a set of you invest in an M1-based Mac bugs and implementations of the applications, it is still a translation applications like the ones from macro commands to emulate Rana is a Kathmandu-based tech right now? Well, that’s a difficult new architecture can be seen on which is bound to throw the occa- Adobe and Microsoft, translation touch, most of them don’t trans- writer who has been covering all question to answer. the recent Macs. sional errors. All of Adobe’s through Rosetta is also bound to late well where apps expect you to things tech for the past decade. Chloe Zhao first female director to win top prize; ‘Nomadland’ makes Globes history The mainly virtual ceremony was a night of emotional moments interspersed with technical glitches, awkward jokes and a row over the lack of diversity.

ANDREW MARSZAL Black—journalists that attend movie jun- LOS ANGELES kets each year, in search for a better life,” And the winners are: said Fe y. omadland made Golden Three senior HFPA officials took the TELEVISION Globes history Sunday as Globes stage early in the night, pledging l Best Performance by an Actor in a Television Series Chloe Zhao became the “a more inclusive future,” after several — Musical or Comedy first female director to win influential showbiz groups had piled on Jason Sudekis - Ted Lasso the awards’ top prize for criticism including Hollywood’s actors l Best Performance by an Actress in a Television best drama, putting her and directors unions. Series — Musical or Comedy film about marginalized Americans roam- But the punches kept coming, with pre- Catherine O’Hara - Schitt’s Creek N l Best Performance by an Actor in a Television Series ing the West in vans into Oscars pole senter Sterling K Brown quipping: “It is position. great to be black, um back, at the Golden — Drama Zhao also bagged the best director Globes.” Josh O’Connor - The Crown Globe, making her only the second woman Despite that controversy, the Globes l Best Performance by an Actress in a Television to do so in the history of Hollywood’s tra- remain a coveted prize and a high-profile Series — Drama ditional awards season opener, which was source of momentum in the run-up to the Emma Corrin - The Crown a mainly virtual ceremony due to the season-crowning Oscars, which were l Best Performance by an Actor in a Limited Series or coronavirus pandemic. pushed back this year to April 25.Asked by Motion Picture Made for Television The late Chadwick Boseman won best AFP about heightened Oscar hopes for Mark Ruffalo - I Know This Much is True actor for 1920s blues drama Ma Rainey’s “Nomadland,” Zhao said: “The awareness l Best Performance by an Actress in a Limited Series Black Bottom, six months after his death that I think it’s going to bring to the or Motion Picture Made for Television from cancer at age 43, in a night of emotion- nomadic community, I think is a great Anya Taylor-Joy - The Queen’s Gambit al moments interspersed with technical thing.” l Best Television Series Drama glitches, awkward jokes and a row over the Aaron Sorkin’s The Trial of the Chicago The Crown lack of diversity among event organizers. 7 had been tipped for multiple Globes but l Best Television Limited Series or Motion Picture Semi-fictional film Nomadland stars had to settle for best screenplay, while The Queen’s Gambit Oscar winner Frances McDormand along- Mank—an ode to Citizen Kane—left emp- l Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting side a rag-tag bunch of non-actors who ty-handed despite topping the nomina- Role in a Series, Limited Series or Motion Picture truly live on the open road, working most- tions. Made for Television ly menial jobs to scrape by off the grid. Gillian Anderson - The Crown The Crown reigns l Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role AFP/RSS The remote ceremony battled through in a Series, Limited Series or Motion Picture Made US-Chinese director Chloe Zhao won the best director award for Nomadland. technical glitches and a few awkward for Television The late Chadwick moments. John Boyega - Small Axe Boseman won best The night’s most poignant moment Cohen also had a couple of zingers for The night’s first winner, Judas and the came with the win for ‘Black Panther’ Trump’s lawyer Rudy Giuliani, who was Black Messiah supporting actor Daniel FILM actor for 1920s blues actor Boseman. tricked into a fake hotel room “interview” Kaluuya, initially lost sound for his l Best Motion Picture — Musical or Comedy “He would thank his ancestors for their with an attractive and flirtatious young acceptance speech, forcing in-studio pre- Borat Subsequent Moviefilm drama Ma Rainey’s guidance and their sacrifice,” said his woman, played by nominee Maria senter Laura Dern to apologise before l Best Motion Picture — Drama widow, Taylor Simone Ledward, accepting Bakalova. audio was restored. Nomadland Black Bottom. on his behalf. “I mean, who can get more laughs out Jodie Foster won best supporting l Best Motion Picture — Foreign Language “He would say something beautiful, of one unzipping? It’s just incredible,” actress for Guantanamo legal drama The Minari, USA something inspiring, something that asked Cohen. Best comedy actress went to Mauritanian, while Korean-American l Best Screenplay — Motion Picture “For everyone who has gone through would amplify that little voice that tells Rosamund Pike for Netflix’s dark thriller immigrant family drama Minari won the Aaron Sorkin - The Trial of the Chicago 7 this difficult and beautiful journey at some you you can, that tells you to keep going, I Care A Lot. Globe for best foreign language film. l Best Actor in a Supporting Role in Any Motion point in their lives—this is for you. We that calls you back to what you are meant “I had to swim up from a sinking car. I Pixar’s Soul— mispronounced by pre- Picture don’t say goodbye. We say see you down the to be doing at this moment in history.” think I still would rather do that than senter Tracy Morgan as Sawl, to wide- Daniel Kaluuya - Judas and the Black Messiah road,” said Beijing-born Zhao, 38. have to be in a room with Rudy Giuliani,” spread amusement among the various l Best Actress in a Supporting Role in Any Motion “Sometimes a first feels like a long time One unzipping said Pike. stars appearing on videolink—won best Picture coming—you feel like it’s about time. I’m Unlike the Oscars, the Globes split most The biggest upset came as Andra Day animated feature, as well as best musical Jodie Foster - The Mauritanian sure there’s many others before me that movie categories into drama and “musi- won best drama actress for her portrayal score. l Best Actor in a Motion Picture — Musical or Comedy deserve the same recognition,” she told cal or comedy.” of the legendary jazz singer Billie Holiday In the television categories, the latest Sacha Baron Cohen - Borat Subsequent journalists in a virtual press room of her Borat Subsequent Moviefilm, a sequel in The United States vs. Billie Holiday. season of The Crown continued the Moviefilm historic win. about the fictional Kazakh journalist, won show’s multi-year dominance at the l Best Motion Picture — Animated Usually a star-packed party that draws the comedy section’s best film and best Black, um back Globes, with three acting awards and best Soul Tinseltown’s biggest names to a California actor prizes for creator Sacha Baron Comedians Tina Fey and Amy Poehler— drama series honours. l Best Actor in a Motion Picture — Drama hotel ballroom, this pandemic edition of Cohen. “Hold on, Donald Trump is con- hosting from opposite coasts—opened the Netflix scored further wins for The Chadwick Boseman - Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom the Globes was broadcast from identical testing the result. He claimed a lot of dead ceremony making fun of the HFPA, which Queen’s Gambit, for best limited series l Best Actress in a Motion Picture — Drama sets at the Beverly Hilton and New York’s people voted, which is a very rude thing to has been under mounting pressure for its and best actress with Anya Taylor-Joy, Andra Day - The United States vs. Billie Holiday Rainbow Room, with essential workers say about the HFPA,” joked Cohen, refer- lack of diversity. while Schitt’s Creek followed up its l Best Director — Motion Picture and a few A-list presenters among the few ring to the Hollywood Foreign Press “The Hollywood Foreign Press Emmys sweep with best TV comedy. Chloe Zhao - Nomadland in attendance. Association, which organizes the Globes. Association is made up of around 90—no — Agence France-Presse

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