WITHOUT F EAR OR FAVOUR

Nepal’s largest selling English daily Vol XXIX No. 126 | 8 pages | Rs.5 O O Printed simultaneously in Kathmandu, Biratnagar, Bharatpur and Nepalgunj 34.8 C 13.0 C Thursday, June 24, 2021 | 10-03-2078 Bhairahawa Jomsom Lawyers question President’s intent as hearing on House dissolution starts The way Bhandari acted on May 21 makes it clear that she wanted Oli—and no other person—as prime minister, advocates argue. Hence she rejected Deuba’s claim.

BINOD GHIMIRE As many as 30 petitions, including one KATHMANDU, JUNE 23 by the opposition alliance led by Deuba, against the House dissolution When Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli have been filed at the Supreme Court. dissolved the House of Representatives The Constitutional Bench has said last December, lawyers arguing on it would first settle the petition filed behalf of the 13 petitioners demand- by Deuba, which is backed by 146 law- ing its restoration had questioned his makers, including 23 of Oli’s CPN- intention. They said that Oli dissolved UML, of the dissolved House. the House without exhausting all the The opposition alliance has constitutional provisions for forming demanded that the House be restored a government. and Deuba appointed prime minister Months later, after Oli dissolved the because he had presented the signa- House for a second time on May 21, tures of 149 lawmakers before the lawyers on Wednesday questioned President on the afternoon of May 21, President Bidya Devi Bhandari’s laying claim to the government. intention for endorsing the dissolu- After Prime Minister Oli lost a con- tion recommendation. fidence vote on May 10, the President The House dissolution recommenda- appointed him prime minister again tion on May 21 followed President on May 13 as per Article 76 (3) of the Bhandari’s move of disqualifying constitution. Oli needed to win the POST PHOTO: ELITE JOSHI claims by Nepali Congress President confidence of the House within 30 Chandeshwar Pandey embroiders a figure of Ganesh, a Hindu god, on a piece of cloth at Swayambhu, Kathmandu. The 56-year-old, who has Sher Bahadur Deuba and Oli him- days—by June 12—as per Article 76 been honing his embroidery skill for more than three decades, sells the artwork for a living. self to form a government under (4). But instead of seeking a vote, Oli Article 76 (5) of the constitution. on May 20 recommended that the “Bhandari’s rejection of Deuba’s President call for the formation of a claim makes it clear that she didn’t new government as per Article 76 (5). want anybody except KP Sharma On May 21, Deuba staked his claim Oli as prime minister,” said advo- to government with signatures of 149 INSIDE Testing times for the Janata cate Govinda Bandi on Wednesday lawmakers—61 of Nepali Congress, 49 while arguing on behalf of the of Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist Siltation in Kaligandaki affects petitioners against the House dis- Centre), 26 of a UML faction, 12 of a Samajbadi Party, as a faction solution. faction of Janata Samajbadi Party settlements and arable land The final hearing on the House and one from Rastriya Janamorcha. dissolution began on Wednesday. >> Continued on page 2 MYAGDI: Decades of siltation on the Kaligandaki riverbed and the simul- supporting Oli faces setback taneous erosion of its riverbanks have put the settlements along the river in Mustang at risk of floods and Thakur-Mahato group’s ministers lost their jobs after inundation. “Kaligandaki in Mustang is an aggrading river, as it collects Tuesday’s court order, but division in the party is so deep sediment and deposits it in the river, leading to increase in its bed height. that a formal split looks like just a matter of time. The swift tributary streams that merge into the river bring debris while flowing through the higher reaches. When the debris reaches downstream, it settles down and piles up over the years,” said Jhalak Mohan Ojha, the chief at the Drinking Water, Water Resources and Irrigation Sub-Division Office in Mustang. The Kaligandaki turns shallow and slow as it meanders south through the hills and moun- tains and loses its ability to wash the debris away. (Details on Pg 2)

Anti-graft body files Rs1 billion graft case against three for granting illegal tax waivers KATHMANDU: The Commission for Investigation of Abuse of Authority on Wednesday filed an additional cor- FILE PHOTO: RSS The Supreme Court relieved 20 ministers, who were appointed less than three weeks ago, of ruption case at the Special Court their duties. against former officer bearers of the Tax Settlement Commission for alleg- ANIL GIRI edly causing financial losses to the others were appointed ministers and KATHMANDU, JUNE 23 state while settling tax liabilities of state ministers. On June 10, Raj dozens of businesses. Former direc- Kishwor Yadhav was appointed a min- tor general of the Inland Revenue Tuesday’s Supreme Court order ister in the Oli Cabinet. Department Chudamani Sharma, quashing KP Sharma Oli’s two expan- Tula Narayan Shah, a political who was a member of the Tax sions of his Council of Ministers after observer who has followed Madhes Settlement Commission, its chairper- the May 21 House dissolution has left politics for long, says Tuesday’s court son Lumba Dhwaj Mahat and mem- the Mahantha Thakur-Rajendra order won’t narrow down the gap ber Umesh Prasad Dhakal again face Mahato faction of the Janata between the two factions of the Janata corruption charges for a second time Samajbadi Party stunned. Samajbadi. in nearly four years in the same As many as 10 ministers and two “A split is inevitable,” Shah told scam. The anti-graft body on ministers of state of the faction lost the Post. Wednesday filed the case accusing their jobs in less than three weeks. For now, both factions are likely to them of embezzling over Rs1 billion. But the setback is not just that the try to consolidate strength, as they Commission spokesperson Narayan faction is not in the government any- wait for the Supreme Court to pass a Prasad Risal said a new case was filed more. The faction’s decision to sup- decision on the May 21 House dissolu- against the trio as the earlier investi- port Oli has sowed the seeds of divi- tion. The Constitutional Bench start- gation had not incorporated all the sion in the party, and it looks like the ed the final hearing on petitions decisions taken by the Tax Settlement Janata Samajbadi has reached the against the House dissolution on point of no return. Wednesday. Commission. (Details on Pg 3) Analysts say the party was already “Even if the House is reinstated, headed for a split and the court order more manoeuvrings are likely, which State-owned companies end is not going to change anything. would rather increase the possibility According to them, the Janata of a split in the Janata Samajbadi,” discounts on groceries Samajbadi Party is going through a said Shah. “As national politics is KATHMANDU: State-owned Salt Trading testing time just a little over a year completely polarised, it will definitely Corporation and Food Management after it came up as a united force. have an impact on small parties like and Trading Company have with- Oli started to cultivate the Janata Janata Samajbadi.” drawn discounts on groceries citing Samajbadi Party after his earlier There are many who believe the the end of the lockdown, while the House dissolution of December 20 formation of the Janata Samajbadi Finance Ministry says it has given no was overturned by the Supreme itself was not organic. A merger such instruction as the pandemic per- Court. The Thakur-Mahato faction between the Rastriya Janata Party sists. The two companies have been rose to Oli’s bait that he would address Nepal, led by Thakur and Mahato, and selling selected food products with a the party’s long-standing concerns, Samajbadi Party Nepal, led by Yadav 20 percent discount, which they including constitutional amendments and Bhattarai, was prompted by Oli’s stopped from Tuesday after the gov- and the release of some of party mem- decision to issue an ordinance in April ernment eased virus restrictions. bers and cadres, including Resham last year. Mahesh Acharya, spokesperson for Chaudhary. The ordinance on Political Parties the Finance Ministry, said they had The Upendra Yadav-Baburam Act aimed at easing party splits and written to the Ministry of Industry, Bhattarai faction, however, was suspi- registration of new parties. The two Commerce and Supplies on June 15 to cious. When Oli went for a floor test on parties decided to merge to pre-empt continue the discount offers on food May 10, the division in Janata any split. items until further notice. “Last Samajbadi was clear. The Yadav- Observers say Oli, who became the Monday, we reminded the Industry Bhattarai faction (15) voted against, cause of the merger last year, has now Ministry to maintain reduced prices,” the Thakur-Mahato group (17) stayed become the cause of the split. he added. (Details on Pg 5) neutral. On June 4, Mahato and eight >> Continued on page 2

C M Y K THURSDAY, JUNE 24, 2021 | 02 NATIONAL Survivors of Melamchi Siltation in Kaligandaki river affects floods wait to see settlements and arable lands in Mustang missing family members Erosion of the banks and siltation gain momentum during the monsoon, which can lead to floods and inundation. ANISH TIWARI floods. But many have gone missing in GHANSHYAM KHADKA HELAMBU (SINDHUPALCHOK), JUNE 23 last week’s floods. I was one of the MYAGDI, JUNE 23 lucky few who survived when the Chitra Kumari and her daughter were floods hit the farm in Kiul,” said Decades of siltation on the rescued by Kumari’s husband from Uttam Mani Bhandari, a fish farm Kaligandaki riverbed and the simulta- the flooded Melamchi river on July 15 operator in Helambu Ward No. 2. neous erosion of its riverbanks but he could not save himself. Last week, continuous rainfall had have put the settlements along the “We were at the farm at Kiul bazaar raised the water level in the Melamchi river in Mustang at risk of floods when the flood hit. My husband was river, which inundated the Melamchi and inundation. trying to steer us towards safety. He Bazaar area and caused massive dam- “Kaligandaki in Mustang is an asked me and our daughter to start age to the surrounding settlements. aggrading river, as it collects sediment running. He was running towards us “Until Wednesday, 20 people have and deposits it in the river, leading to when he disappeared in the floods,” gone missing and five individuals increase in its bed height. The swift said Kumari, a resident of Churetar in have died in Melamchi floods,” SP tributary streams that merge into the Helambu Rural Municipality-2. Rajan Adhikari told the Post. “More river bring debris while flowing Her husband is still missing. than 500 security personnel have been through the higher reaches. When the Nila Bahadur Khadka, another resi- mobilised to search for the missing debris reaches downstream, it settles dent of the same ward, is waiting for people.” down and piles up over the years,” news of his mother who has also gone Around 600 people in Melamchi and said Jhalak Mohan Ojha, the chief at missing in the floods from Kiul area. 300 in Helambu, which lies upstream, the Drinking Water, Water Resources “I go to the river every day in search have been affected by the flooding, and Irrigation Sub-Division Office of my mother. I hope to find her soon,” according to the district office in in Mustang. said Khadka. Sindhupalchok. The Kaligandaki turns shallow and According to Sorbang Tamang, a According to the District Police slow as it meanders south through the local resident of Helambu Ward No. 1, Office, the raging river swept away hills and mountains and loses its abil- at least six individuals from the Halde eight resorts, two motorable bridges ity to wash the debris away. area who work in various fish farms and six suspension bridges from According to Ojha, the erosion and are missing in the flooded river. Helambu to Melamchi Bazaar. More siltation of the river gain momentum “Workers at the fish farms save than 150 houses were inundated, dis- during the monsoon season which can POST PHOTO: GHANSHYAM KHADKA many lives by warning villagers of placing hundreds of people. lead to floods and inundation. Several villages in Mustang will be affected by the Kaligandaki river if measures are not taken to mitigate the risk of floods. “Climate change can also have an impact on the rivers. An integrated a bridge. We have to walk for a day to “Setting up temporary embank- “Tukche, Kowang, Chiwang, Sauru, conservation programme is the need reach Kobang across the river.” ments is not the solution. The govern- Marpha, Syang, Jomsom, Puthang, of the hour to lessen the impacts of Both human settlements and arable ment should build permanent Kagbeni and Chhukchhan are at risk climate change on mountains, streams lands are at high risk of floods and embankments so as to avoid disasters of floods, as the riverbed is gaining and rivers,” he said. inundation during the monsoon sea- in the future,” said Baral. “It is time to height due to siltation,” said Niraj Every year, the increased flow of son but no concrete steps have been conduct an environmental impact Thakali of Jomsom, the district head- water in the river during the monsoon taken to mitigate the risks. assessment of the Kaligandaki area quarters of Mustang. season inundates the surrounding According to Rishi Baral, chief at to protect the settlements along the Several fast flowing streams like settlements. the Jomsom Annapurna Conservation riverbanks.” Lete, Sete, Laikyu, Thapa, Chimang, “The river overflows and floodwa- Area Project, the Kaligandaki river in Villages in Jomsom, Tukche, Boksi, Tama, Tukche, Marpha, Syang, ters enter our villages every year,” Mustang does not have permanent Kobang, Sauru and Dhampu among Thini, Panda, Jhong, Narsing and said Raju Gauchan, a local resident of embankments and the riverbed others in Mustang stand to be affected Sangta, among others, empty into the Sauru in Ward No. 3 of Thasang. “The settlements receive little protection by the Kaligandaki river if measures Kaligandaki river. These streams orig- POST PHOTO: ANISH TIWARI monsoon season is harsh on us. We from the floodwaters from the tempo- are not taken to mitigate the risk of inate from Nilgiri South and North, Around 600 people in Melamchi and 300 in Helambu have been affected by last week’s floods. can’t cross the river in the absence of rary ones. floods in the area. Dhawalagiri and Tukche peaks. Testing times for the Janata Samajbadi Lawyers question President’s intent ...

>> CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 knowing that Deuba’s claim was valid. asked, referring to the President. Party, as a faction supporting Oli faces ... However, Oli too laid claim to gov- “The dissolution was a result of an “There is a floor test in Parliament to ernment, saying he had the support of ill-intention,” said senior advocate decide if someone holds a majority.” >> CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 are also waiting for the Supreme all 121 lawmakers of his party and all Khamba Bahadur Khati. “The court Senior advocate Mahadev Yadav “Both factions now will fight at the Court’s verdict on House dissolution.” 32 members of the Janata Samajbadi should issue a writ [of mandamus] to said Oli’s claim that he had support of Election Commission to claim theirs Insiders say Yadav is Keshav Jha, another central mem- Party. appoint Deuba, who had the support 153 lawmakers as per their respective is the authentic party,” said Shah. ber of the party, ruled out the possibil- Near midnight of May 21 Bhandari, of 149 lawmakers [of the dissolved party’s decisions is flawed, as Article As both Rastriya Janata Party and taking an aggressive ity of any reconciliation between the however, invalidated both the claims House], prime minister.” 76 (5) allows individual lawmakers to Samajbadi Party had 17 seats each in two factions. saying they were “insufficient”. An Lawyers argued that the signatures make their choices. Parliament, after their merger, the approach to “All eyes are on the Supreme Court emergency Cabinet meeting recom- of 149 lawmakers were enough for “Article 76 (5) doesn’t entertain Janata Samajbadi Party was the third consolidate strength. right now,” Jha, who is close to mended the dissolution of the lower Bhandari to appoint Deuba prime the Political Parties Act-2017 which largest force in Parliament with 34 Thakur, told the Post. “I do not see the house and holding mid-term polls on minister and if she had doubts about means the party whip is not applica- seats. However, one member from chances of any rapprochement, as we November 12 and November 19. the misuse of the signatures, she ble,” said Yadav. each constituent party remained have 20 members on our side, we can are not going to join the Yadav faction The President swiftly endorsed it. could have left the matter to the House He argued that the provision of suspended. have a majority in the Parliamentary and Yadav is not going to come to us.” After the President invalidated his to decide. Article 76 (5) was introduced in the When the Supreme Court on March Party [when the House is revived].” The Thakur faction, according to claim under Article 76 (5), Deuba and Had Deuba been appointed prime Constitution of Nepal to allow indi- 7 invalidated the Nepal Communist Before the Thakur-Mahato faction insiders, is planning to call a meeting 145 other lawmakers went to the minister, he would have to have vidual lawmakers to make efforts to Party (NCP) and revived the CPN- joined the government, the Janata to chart out its future course. Supreme Court on May 24. secured a vote of confidence within 30 form a government so that the House UML and the Communist Party of Samajbadi had a 50-member Central Tuesday’s court order may have When arguments began on days of appointment. Experts on con- doesn’t face untimely dissolution. Nepal (Maoist Centre), the Janata Committee, and Yadav commanded come as a blow to Oli, but analysts say Wednesday, lawyers questioned the stitutional matters argue that the However, when Chief Justice Samajbadi became the fourth largest the majority. it has put the Thakur-Mahato faction impartiality of the Office of the President robbed the House of its Cholendra Shumsher Rana asked if party in the House. But it emerged as But after June 4, the Thakur faction in a fix. Observers had told the Post President. prerogative. there was any documentation of dis- the kingmaker. had removed Yadav and other leaders that Thakur could face a tough time “The President gave extra-constitu- Before the final hearing began on cussions in the Constituent Assembly While it could save Oli, it could also from the Central Committee and convincing his constituency why he tional justification to invalidate the Wednesday, the Office of the President, on the article, so as to know the legis- unseat Oli. Observers say Oli tricked a added 51 new faces to prove his decided to support Oli. claim of Nepali Congress President the Office of the Prime Minister and lative intent, Yadav said he was una- faction into supporting him, while faction’s majority. Yadav contested “Thakur’s position has definitely Deuba who had the support of 149 Council of Ministers and the secretar- ware of it. also sowing the seeds of division in the move. weakened in his constituency… the lawmakers,” said Bandi. “It shows she iat of the Speaker had submitted their “The President should have rejected the Janata Samajbadi. The dispute is currently at the Tarai-Madhes,” said Vijay Kant wanted to see Oli as a prime minister written clarifications on June 17, as Oli’s claim,” said senior advocate According to insiders, Yadav is cur- Election Commission, which has Karna, a professor of political science based on Articles 76 (1), 76 (2), 76 (3) per the court’s June 9 order. Badri Bahadur Karki. “The prime rently taking an aggressive approach asked both factions to submit their at the Tribhuvan University who and 76 (5).” While President Bhandari’s clarifi- minister and the President who to consolidate his strength. A leader claims within 15 days from Monday. keenly follows national and Madhes Article 76 (1) allows the formation cation argued that any action carried should be finding solutions to prob- close to Yadav said he is now trying to Raj Kishwor Yadhav, one of the min- politics. of the government by the leader of the out by the President cannot come lems in the country are actually creat- turn the tables on Thakur. isters to lose the job after the court “There is little likelihood of the party that has a majority in the House, under a judicial review, Oli argued ing problems.” “We are in talks with some of those order, said they [Thakur faction] have Janata Samajbadi remaining a united Article 76 (2) allows for a coalition that government formation is a politi- Six of the lawyers arguing on behalf members who supported Thakur but not thought of any future strategy yet. party. For Thakur, it’s a major setback. government, and Article 76 (3) allows cal process and that the court cannot of the plaintiffs presented their argu- were not happy,” the central member “We will start holding consultations As far as Upendra Yadav is concerned, the formation of a minority govern- decide on the matter. Speaker ments for four hours on Wednesday. of the party told the Post. “If we can with all sides,” he told the Post. “We he has more room to manoeuvre.” ment by the leader of the largest party Agni Prasad Sapkota, on the other The two sides have been allotted 15 in the House. Article 76 (5) allows any hand, called the House dissolution hours each to present their cases. The lawmaker who can potentially prove a unconstitutional. four members of the amicus curiae majority to lead a government. Lawyers of the plaintiffs, however, have 30 minutes each to give their While questions have been asked said on Wednesday that the President expert opinions. about Oli’s decision to lay claim to had encroached upon the jurisdiction The hearing will continue on government a day after he had said of the legislature by rejecting Deuba’s Thursday and will go on until all argu- there were no circumstances for him claim to form a government. ments are complete. to secure a vote of confidence, lawyers Senior advocate Shambhu Thapa “The plaintiffs’ lawyers will con- now are questioning President said that nobody has the authority to clude their arguments in the next two Bhandari’s integrity. bar the people’s representatives from days,” Kishwor Poudel, a communica- The plaintiffs’ lawyers claim that staking claim to form a government. tion expert at the Supreme Court, told the President endorsed the House dis- “Who are you [to reject] when 149 the Post. “Then comes the turn of the solution well past midnight despite lawmakers signed for Deuba?” he defendants.”

C M Y K 03 | THURSDAY, JUNE 24, 2021 NATIONAL Anti-graft body files Rs1 billion graft case Senior citizens made against three for granting illegal tax waivers to stand for hours for Chudamani Sharma, Lumba Dhwaj Mahat and Umesh Dhakal face corruption charges for a second time in nearly four years. vaccine in Lalitpur PRITHVI MAN SHRESTHA included tax settlements involving 46 enterprises. The CIAA investigation the state coffers. Even those who were KATHMANDU, JUNE 23 taxpayers. “Now this new case was shows the commission had given tax involved in a fake VAT receipt scandal brought after investigating tax waiv- waivers even to the enterprises that in the past were granted tax waivers The Commission for Investigation of ers granted to 71 additional taxpay- were willing to pay their tax dues. by the commission. Abuse of Authority on Wednesday ers,” said Risal. “This is the final case Even those firms which had missed The auditor general’s report had filed an additional corruption case at regarding the scandal.” the deadline to apply for tax settle- also questioned the intent of the com- the Special Court against former According to a statement issued by ment were given tax waivers by mission’s office bearers after they officer bearers of the Tax Settlement the Commission for Investigation of assigning prior dates to their applica- were found to have waived almost all Commission for allegedly causing Abuse of Authority (CIAA), the officer tions, according to CIAA officials. tax liabilities of some businesses. financial losses to the state while set- bearers of the Tax Settlement Some firms had been granted tax tling tax liabilities of dozens of busi- Commission settled tax liabilities of waivers of over 99 percent. nesses. the business enterprises with malafide In 2017, the CIAA The auditor general’s report also Former director general of the intention as they prioritised personal said that most of the enterprises were Inland Revenue Department benefits to cause harm to the state. had charged the granted tax exemptions not because Chudamani Sharma, who was a mem- Investigation found that tax liabili- their disputes had reached the court ber of the Tax Settlement Commission, ties of many enterprises were waived trio with embezzling but they were instead unwilling to its chairperson Lumba Dhwaj Mahat based on negotiations with the taxpay- abide by the instructions of the tax and member Umesh Prasad Dhakal ers without following the criteria for Rs10.02 billion. authorities. The CIAA had initiated again face corruption charges for a tax waiver set by the Tax Settlement investigation into the matter after the POST FILE PHOTO second time in nearly four years in the Commission Act. “The bad intention then parliamentary Public Accounts Lalitpur Metropolitan City had received 2,500 doses of the Covishield vaccine from the same scam. of the commission’s office bearers has As per the Tax Settlement Committee instructed it to do so fol- District Public Health Office to inoculate the population above 75 years of age. The anti-graft body on Wednesday been exposed as they overstepped their Commission Act, which has now been lowing a discussion on the auditor filed the case accusing them of embez- jurisdictions and settled the taxes with scrapped, the commission could han- general’s report. ANUP OJHA deserves a fair share of criticism for zling over Rs1 billion. a malafide intention,” said Risal. dle tax disputes only after such cases This is the third corruption case KATHMANDU, JUNE 23 the poor management. The spokesperson for the anti-graft Earlier, on July 16, 2017, the CIAA were withdrawn from the Revenue against Sharma, a former director “There was so much quarrel among body, Narayan Prasad Risal, said a had filed cases against the trio on the Tribunal. However, the commission general of the Inland Revenue Lalitpur Metropolitan City on people as the queue was dismantled new case was filed against the trio as charge of embezzling Rs10.02 billion was found to have settled taxes of sev- Department. Wednesday gave the second dose of several times,” complained Shailaja the earlier investigation had not in the same episode. That was the larg- eral enterprises that had not with- Besides two corruption cases the Covishield vaccine to its residents Sharma, 62, who was standing in the incorporated all the decisions taken est corruption case ever filed at the drawn their appeals from the Revenue involving tax settlement, the anti- aged 75 and above, but the vaccine queue on behalf of her 75-year-old by the Tax Settlement Commission. court by the anti-graft body. Tribunal, according to the CIAA. graft body in January, 2018 had filed recipients and their relatives who husband, who suffers from “The fresh corruption case was The Tax Settlement Commission, In an earlier investigation it was yet another corruption case against accompanied them to the vaccination Parkinson’s. brought after investigating the tax formed in February 2015, had run into found that the commission had also Sharma on the charge of amassing centres criticised the poor manage- “Most of those who are here for the settlement conducted by the commis- controversy after a report of the waived the Value Added Tax (VAT) property amounting to Rs42.95 mil- ment of the centres as ‘insensitive.’ second dose are in poor health. The sion regarding additional taxpayers,” Office of the Auditor General in April liabilities even though VAT is paid by lion, which the commission said was At 9 am on Wednesday, the Patan authorities should have made proper he said. 2016 called into question the Rs21 bil- customers and business enterprises disproportionate to his known sources Secondary School, Patan Dhoka, arrangements before starting vaccina- The first case filed four years ago lion tax exemption granted to various have the responsibility to deposit it to of income. which is one of the vaccination cen- tion,” said Sharma, who is also a tres, saw masked elderly people, many human rights activist, from with grey heads and sticks on their Bakhundole. “I am really surprised hands, making a long line that extend- why they didn’t give jabs from the ed to the road. Police and volunteers ward offices. It’s very stressful here.” were deployed to manage around 500 Nepal had begun its vaccination people gathered at the centre. campaign on January 27 with Vaccines were administered from 10 Covishield (Oxford/AstraZeneca) vac- am to 4pm. cine manufactured in India, but until Unable to stand in the sun, many now it is still undecided when the elderly in their 70s, 80s and more sat in country is going to get the second dose the shade while the persons accompa- of the vaccine, after India banned nying them stood in the queue on exports of the vaccine amid rising their behalf. But those who came Covid-19 cases there. Another suppli- unaccompanied, like 82-year-old er, the COVAX facility, has informed Rabindra Shrestha and his 80-year-old that it will not be able to provide the wife Asha Maya, had no option but to vaccine anytime soon citing keep standing in the queue for a long shortages. time. When the Post contacted Raju “It’s too hot here and they didn’t Maharjan, spokesperson of the even manage chairs. How can an old Lalitpur Metropolitan City to inquire man like me stand for hours,” ques- on the lax arrangements at the vacci- tioned Rabindra, who said he suffers nation centres, he said the City made from knee pain. the decision in a ‘haste.’ It is insensitive of them not to He said the City only received 2,500 arrange chairs, said Asha Maya, who doses from the District Public Health was holding their vaccination cards Office two days ago, and decided to issued after they were administered vaccinate its 75-plus population. their first jabs in the second week of “The expiry date of the jabs is near- March. ing so we wasted no time,” said Asha Maya said there was no crowd Maharjan. when they received their first jabs at When the post suggested the elderly their ward office at Patan Durbar would not have to suffer standing in Square. “How can one maintain social long queues if the vaccines had been distancing in such a crowd?” administered from ward offices, Situ Shrestha, who was accompany- Maharjan said it was almost impossi- ing her 94-year-old grandmother ble to distribute the vaccines to all 29 Durga Shrestha, was equally irritated wards as the number of vaccines was by the mismanagement. “They have very low. left us standing for two and a half “The crowding was caused because hours. This is sheer injustice to the we decided to vaccinate them within a elderly,” said the 17-year-old, who day from eight different places,” said came from Jawalakhel. Maharjan. People aged 65 years and above Vaccines were administered at the across the country had been adminis- Department of Livestock Services tered the first dose of AstraZeneca Lagankhel, Lalitpur Metropolitan type vaccine between March 7 and 15 City office, Balkumari School at but their second doses still remain Sunakothi, and Karyabinayak School uncertain. In such a situation the at Bungamati, among other places. Lalitpur Metropolitan City taking a The City’s data show that it had POST PHOTO: ANISH REGMI lead to vaccinate its residents aged given the first dose of the Covishield A man helps a woman lift a sack of freshly cut grass on her back at Jadibuti, Kathmandu on Wednesday. over 75 is quite appreciable but it also vaccine to 11,300 people over 65 years. BRIEFING Wildlife workers not vaccinated despite being in risk group Congress members disrupt Park officials engage with wildlife and local communities, so it is important to protect them as well as animals from infection, conservationists say. Provincial Assembly meet DHANGADHI: Lawmakers of the Nepali CHANDAN KUMAR MANDAL quent rhino deaths inside the park Due to their day-to-day activities Recently, a lion died of Covid-19 Transmission of the virus from Congress, the main opposition party, KATHMANDU, JUNE 23 and poachers were active. So they involving locals and valuable wildlife, infection in a zoo in Chennai, India. humans to wildlife and again from disrupted the provincial assembly were busy dealing with such incidents they should be prioritised for Covid-19 “Wildlife workers are working wildlife to human is a major concern meeting of Sudurpaschim on Chitwan National Park has carried on and other conservation activities.” vaccination, say wildlife conserva- 24-hours to protect the wildlife. Every raised by wildlife conservationists. Wednesday stating that the provincial with its conservation activities as if Many park officials, including Baral tionists. now and then, they also need to rescue Vaccine is the only solution to protect executive presented an ‘unconstitu- there was no pandemic. himself, are waiting for their turn to “The kind of work they do on a wild animals. During such times, the humans as well as wildlife, but many tional’ budget. The lawmakers stood In recent months, they have nabbed get inoculated. daily basis requires them to be safe virus can easily transfer from humans people working in the field of wildlife up and protested soon after Speaker many poachers involved in the killing “While the vaccine was being from Covid-19. They have to arrest to animals,” said Acharya, who is also conservation remain unvaccinated. Arjun Bahadur Thapa commenced endangered one-horned rhinos and administered, we thought that the gov- people involved in prohibited activi- an ecologist. Despite being one of the first coun- the assembly meeting. The assembly kept a check on illegal activities in ernment would announce other vacci- ties inside the park, patrol the park “When government officials were tries in the world to launch its vacci- meeting has been postponed to Friday and around the park area. nation dates, but that was not to be, area and engage with local communi- being vaccinated, many wildlife con- nation drive in January, Nepal’s vac- following the obstruction. The park authorities even managed ”said Baral. ties, making them highly susceptible servation workers were busy doing cine crisis has deepened now, as it has to count nearly 700 rhinos dwelling in The government has failed to secure to the coronavirus infection,” said their jobs deep inside jungles of pro- not been able to acquire the required various parts of the protected area as vaccines to inoculate the population Haribhadra Acharya, spokesperson tected areas. They were deprived of the vaccine doses. Government hospitals get part of the nationwide rhino census in against Covid-19. for the Department of National Parks vaccine then. The government should Government data show 2,500,196 oxygen concentrators the middle of the Covid-19 pandemic. With the uncertainty over the arriv- and Wildlife Conservation. put them on its vaccine priority list.” people had taken the first dose of the BIRTAMOD: Various communities and But working during such a difficult al of vaccines, park officials working According to a recent study that vaccine and 731,653 had taken the private organisations have distribut- time, which has multiplied challenges on the ground level in various protect- assessed the risk of Covid-19 in wild- required two doses as of Monday. ed oxygen concentrators to govern- for the wildlife conservation sector, ed areas across the country are wor- Transmission of the life, wild animal populations emerg- The Ministry of Forests and ment and community hospitals in the has also invited the risk of Covid-19 ried that they might contract the coro- ing as a reservoir of infection would Environment does not know how eastern region. Twenty five oxygen infection for the officials of the navirus. virus from humans pose a significant risk to public health. many people working in protected concentrators have been distributed Chitwan National Park and other According to them, working with The study report warns of a poten- parks have been vaccinated so far, but in various districts of Mechi, includ- parks. people in communities living around to animals has been tial infection spillback into communi- agrees that they should be vaccinated ing Ilam, Panchthar and Taplejung. A significant number of park offi- the park on a day-to-day basis and han- ties where “the burden of infection at the earliest. Nepali Congress leader Bishwo cials are not vaccinated. dling wildlife species make them prone a cause for concern. had been reduced through control “The concerned agencies must Prakash Sharma had taken initia- The Chitwan National Park has a to contracting the infection, as well as measures and/or herd immunity.” coordinate with the Health Ministry tives to make government and com- total of 376 staff members. However, transmitting the virus to animals. Besides, the report states, sustained to ensure the vaccine to those park munity hospitals technology friendly. even after nearly five months of the “Sometimes we have to go out to nab Wildlife conservationists argue transmission in a wild host popula- officials who missed out earlier,” nationwide vaccination drive, nearly suspected poachers. We also run into ensuring the vaccine to park officials tion would provide an opportunity for Buddi Sagar Poudel, spokesperson for half of them have not received any people from nearby villages while is also imperative to prevent infection evolutionary adaptation of the virus the ministry, told the Post. Landslides obstruct road dose of Covid-19 vaccine. patrolling the park area,” said Baral. among wild animals. that could potentially—positively or He said that the Environment MUGU: Vehicular movement along the When government officials were “Frequent interaction with people can As the coronavirus started making negatively—influence transmission Ministry would start collecting data Gamgadhi-Nagma road has been being vaccinated, many of the park’s increase the risk of infections for both people sick across the globe, the virus dynamics and the effectiveness of on vaccinated and not-vaccinated offi- obstructed due to multiple landslides staff members could not receive the officials and the people of local com- spillover, the process of transmitting diagnostics and vaccines. cials from all the parks before taking in Ghuchchilek and Talcha areas. vaccine for various reasons. munities.” from one species to another, has been The report calls for broader surveil- the matter to the Health Ministry According to Lila Bahadur Bhandari, “Some staff members were deep Nepal’s 20 protected areas—six con- reported in various species like pet lance and risk assessment of other “If wild animals are our valuable chief at the Division Road Office, inside the jungle, where the phone servation areas, one hunting reserve, cats and dogs and multiple zoo ani- coronaviruses in wildlife, domestic assets, then we must protect those security personnel from the Armed network is unreachable, when the vac- 12 national parks and one wildlife mals, including big cats and gorillas. animals and human populations at protecting these national treasures. Police Force have been deployed cine was being administered,” reserve—have over 10,000 human Reports have shown that such infec- high risk of exposure to remain better Keeping them safe means protecting to clear landslide debris. The road Ananath Baral, chief conservation resources, which includes nearly 2,000 tions had occurred even when the prepared to prevent and control their wildlife, which they frequently han- links Mugu with Surkhet and officer of the park, told the Post. “It park officials and nearly 8,800 security personnel involved in their caretaking potential impacts on human and ani- dle, and also stopping such outbreaks Nepalgunj. was the time when there were fre- personnel. were wearing personal protective gear. mal health in the future. from wildlife,” Poudel told the Post.

C M Y K THURSDAY, JUNE 24, 2021 | 04 OPINION EDITORIAL Nepal’s foreign policy failure Restore political course The oft-repeated policy of equidistance between The administration has a lot on its plate amid India and China is vaccine deal fiascos and natural disaster alerts. unrealistic.

Twenty ministers have been relieved of their responsibilities following the Supreme Court’s interim order on Tuesday. LOK RAJ BARAL Responding to a petition against the two Cabinet expansions by Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, a division bench of Chief Justice Cholendra Shumsher Rana and Justice Prakash Kumar Dhungana said the Cabinet expansions were unconstitutional after the House was dissolved. Following a series of Supreme Court rulings over the past two weeks that assert the Oli admin- istration to be a caretaker government, Tuesday’s order has Foreign and domestic policies are two separate domains having to comple- come as the biggest blow for Oli, reducing his Cabinet to just ment each other. For Nepal in particu- five ministers as Nepal tries to emerge out of a deadly second lar, domestic politics overshadows for- wave while cascading disasters have ravaged the country in the eign policy objectives when foreign first week of the monsoon. policy becomes subservient to the rul- Interpretations as to how the political landscape will evolve ers’ interest. During the Rana and Shah regimes, there was only a thin differ- hereon will vary; but similar to disasters, a string of political ence between domestic and foreign pol- developments and legal battles have pushed the country further icies. Though such foreign and domes- into uncertainty and threatened the constitution. Oli’s gambit tic policies continue cheek by jowl was destined to fail when he roped in the Mahanta Thakur- today to some extent, there has been a Rajendra Mahato faction of the Janata Samajwadi Party after growing tendency to domesticate for- eign policy. dissolving the House on May 21 for a second time. The denial Nevertheless, it must be admitted that he is a caretaker prime minister has only come to haunt that Nepal has neither a well-articulat- him now. And the latest interim order that has quashed the ed foreign policy nor an effective mech- appointments of 17 ministers and three ministers of state anism to execute it, if any. First, comes as the Constitutional Bench starts the final hearing on issue-areas need to be identified to be fitted into the policy framework. Some SHUTTERSTOCK petitions against Oli’s May 21 dissolution itself. issues existing between Nepal and its to be closer to the present Indian estab- persons and institutions enables the Hindu card for electoral purposes. The deepening political crisis results from the politicians’ neighbours remain perennially unad- lishment might be beneficial for the ambassador to communicate, persuade Some politicians and religious gurus lust for power and a clash of egos that have back-burnered gov- dressed as no concrete plan of action short run, but they would not address and convince. The first thing needed to were inducted by the Bharatiya Janata ernance more than anything else. Both the leadership and the has ever been worked out by any govern- the issues affecting bilateral relations. earn trust and confidence in Nepal’s Party (BJP) government to persuade opposition have lost all political and moral grounds and failed ment. For domestic political consump- Taking a cue from such developments, ambassador is his image as a friend of Nepali leaders to not include secular- tion and image projection, issues are some senior former diplomats of India India who promotes his country’s inter- ism in the new constitution. This mis- to rise on every occasion to show mature statesmanship. For often brought to the fore, but are soon have cautioned the Modi government ests without being prejudiced against sion failed with Nepal adopting secu- Oli, everything has been about consolidating power from the forgotten or kept in abeyance. Some against putting all their eggs into the Indian concerns. larism, though a dubious version of it. very start. He has openly challenged the provisions in the con- issues concerning Nepal-India are Oli basket as other forces opposed to Thus, diplomatic performance is Now Oli sends signals of his religious stitution and hard-won freedoms, no matter what is at stake or structural in nature, and other instant him would be equally important for part of the successful communication views that do not conflict with the BJP the repercussions, to establish his point. As for the opposition, issues such as border problems, damage bilateral interests. of foreign policy objectives and strate- agenda taking him closer to the Indian caused by floods, inundation, trade and Third, Nepal’s foreign policy today is gies needed to achieve them. Nepal for- objective. This has prompted the five the political course of vengeance and unseating opponents has transit problems and others that crop up an abandoned area as policy has been eign policy suffers from ambivalence, former prime ministers of Nepal to never before witnessed the level of complexities and vulgarity from time to time lack sustained efforts hijacked by the priority accorded to the ad hoc actions and lack of short- and raise the bogey of foreign interference, we see now, where rival factions are at each other’s throats. for resolution. For both structural and selection of party workers to fill up long-term policies relating to the bilat- though they themselves play the same These are ominous developments for a fledgling republic, one immediate issues, Nepali politicians diplomatic posts. Since communication eral, regional and multinational tune as played by Oli when they are in that threatens Nepal’s federal ambitions and development take opportunistic approaches that suit is the desirable qualification for such aspects of relations. Internationally, power. their immediate interests. posts, most new ambassadors appoint- Nepal is virtually isolated and ignored Finally, the conventional approach to goals. Time will tell if the current political course to nowhere Second, Nepal’s foreign policy as of ed by Prime Minister Oli are not only due to both domestic political bicker- foreign affairs continues to influence will seek a timely correction and how politicians will reinvent today is based on ad hoc arrangements, novices but also lack minimum stand- ing and lack of direction and vision. It Nepali politicians and rulers. So no themselves to address the pressing issues; but make no mistake, often punctuated by hyper populism, ards and knowledge of diplomacy. is well demonstrated by the way Prime reasonable pragmatic thinking based the recent chain of events has disillusioned the public. It is, not dictated by principles. Prime Language, respectability, acceptance of Minister Oli used the president to com- on the contours of geo-political reali- therefore, the duty of politicians who have the burden of rep- Minister KP Oli, who came to power on persons and confidence are the quali- municate with foreign heads of state ties guide the rulers. Nepal’s relations the crest of ‘populist nationalism’ after ties of a diplomat. If an ambassador for addressing the Covid-19 pandemic. with India demand a deeper and objec- resentation to serve their electorate and keep up with their the Modi government imposed an does not possess these qualities, how Even Nepal’s northern neighbour tive understanding to turn them into a election promises, especially when citizens are at the risk of unannounced blockade in 2015, has can we expect good performances in China seems to be irked by the Oli gov- cooperative relationship as the ties dying due to Covid-19. taken a U-turn following the alleged diplomatic assignments? ernment’s mishandling of the Covid with India cannot be equated with Poor governance, by far, is Nepal’s biggest epidemic for which Chinese advice to compromise with his Diplomatic assignment in India is vaccine deal. those with any other country. The poli- the public has been put to the test for decades of instability and party detractors for retaining the unity particularly challenging both diplo- Nepal has no stable policy based on cy of equidistance between India and of the Communist Party of Nepal. As matically and personally. The stature well-defined objectives and strategies China, which is often repeated by no bloody war by incompetent and power-hungry politicians who Oli didn’t like to secede from his com- of a diplomat is judged by his ability to for achieving them. First, issues are other persons than some foreign minis- disregard democratic values and the constitution, which they bined role of prime minister and party communicate to as many constituen- taken to the street for mobilising public ters of the country themselves, is not took an oath to protect and abide by. This state of chaos results president, he is believed to have cies as possible. And the recognition of opinion which is fed by nationalist-pop- only unrealistic but also absurd. It is from the politicians’ failure to deliver on their primary duty to changed the partner (China) for India his ability and the trust put in him ulism and emotion. Thus, the sustained unfortunate that political leaders have serve the people. The need of the hour is to secure life-saving for no plausible reason but to get the matters a lot. My short tenure as efforts needed to resolve problems fall failed to understand such a deep, southern neighbour’s support for res- ambassador in New Delhi has contrib- prey to the immediate interest of lead- wide-ranging relationship because vaccines and implement the budget to attain practical goals cuing him from the developing crises uted to my knowledge of Nepal-India ers. KP Oli cashed in on India’s sugges- they are always guided by immediate after being haemorrhaged by the pandemic. Regardless of the in the country. relations. The ambassador in India is tion to make an inclusive constitution interests of their own rather than those final verdict on the May 21 dissolution, both the Oli administra- His failure to manage his own party not only a diplomatic representative in that could accommodate the demands of the country. tion and the opposition need to keep aside their arrogance and and the crisis of governance that has the classical sense of diplomacy, but he of Madhesis. Oli immediately turned vested interests to restore the political course and do what a prevented him from delivering has has many other roles to play. His per- into a thoroughbred nationalist and Baral is a professor of political added to his troubles. Oli’s new reli- sonal contacts and the respect he com- cajoled the Nepali people in the 2017 science and former ambassador of government does—provide governance. gious proclivities and his other efforts mands in South Block and from other elections. Oli seems to be playing the Nepal to India. The G7 vaccine charade

briefly disrupted Indian production. The US and Europe Meanwhile, there’s China, and at a smaller scale, Russia. China currently are offering low- and is vaccinating more than ten million people per day—an accelerating pace middle-income that will cover their entire population this year. In 2022, China could produce countries crumbs. up to five billion doses for the world— enough for India and Africa combined. Meanwhile, Chinese producers are JAMES K GALBRAITH determined to build production sites worldwide, beginning recently in Egypt. And Russia has plans to pro- duce over 850 million doses of Sputnik V in India alone this year. That’s just about the same as the entire G7 com- mitment—and it will happen sooner. Not everything we read on these In a recent essay on Samantha Power, matters is necessarily reliable. Not President Joe Biden’s new administra- every projection will work out. It may tor of the United States Agency for be true, as reported, that the Chinese International Development, Michelle vaccines are less effective than those Goldberg of The New York Times produced by Pfizer-BioNTech, writes—correctly—that Power’s ‘first Moderna, AstraZeneca, Johnson & big test … lies in what America does to Johnson, and Sputnik V. help vaccinate the rest of the world But for now, where this is heading is against Covid-19.’ And Power herself is obvious. The US and Europe are offer- quoted as saying that, ‘It’s about a very, ing crumbs, protecting their billion- very tangible, results-oriented agenda.’ aires, their pharmaceutical lobbies, Results seemed to follow. At the G7 and their politicians’ campaign con- summit, Goldberg duly reports, Biden tributions. Meanwhile, China and announced that the US would contrib- Russia have other ideas—and the ute 500 million vaccine doses for use capacity to realise them. So, before too in ‘low- and middle-income countries.’ long, when the back of this pandemic According to Goldberg, this ‘spurred is finally broken, the world will have other countries to step up their contri- fresh evidence about who is reliable butions,’ ensuring ‘a billion doses by and who is not. 2022.’ SHUTTERSTOCK I would say that all of this is unprec- Except that it didn’t. According to behaved worse than anyone’s worst billion doses surplus to requirement the world’s poor. posal, advanced by India and South edented, but it’s not. In the cold and the World Health Organization, the nightmares.’ by the end [of 2021].’ One obvious solution is to get the Africa, to waive Trade-Related Aspects hungry European winter of 1947-48, actual new commitment was for 870 And there is a further problem: the Where are those doses going? hoarded stockpile into arms all of Intellectual Property Rights Jan Masaryk, the Czechoslovak foreign million additional doses, not a billion, G7 commitments are only promises, Apparently to wealthy customers. around the world. A second would be (TRIPS) enforcement on Covid-19 sup- minister, pleaded with the US for food ‘with the aim to deliver at least half by and the G7’s track record on meeting This includes 1.8 billion doses com- to waive patent protection and supply plies, including vaccines. But what shipments. The US dithered, imposing the end of 2021.’ In other words, the its promises is not especially good. mitted to the EU for ‘booster shots,’ as restrictions on the Western vaccines, does this amount to? So far, just sup- conditions. Klement Gottwald, head of ‘aim’ would be to get ‘at least’ 435 mil- Here the language of the G7 commu- reported by Varsha Gandikota- so that they can be produced more port for negotiations. With whom? the Czechoslovak Communist Party, lion additional vaccine doses to the niqué is telling: ‘aim to deliver.’ Even Nellutla of Progressive International. rapidly in other countries. If India Over what? appealed to Joseph Stalin, who put COVAX facility (the international if one believes that those words were Meanwhile, outside the rich-country alone—the world’s largest vaccine It was government, not the big drug 300,000 tons of wheat onto trains. mechanism established to ensure vac- chosen in good faith, they are not bubble, the virus can spread, mutate, producer—could overcome current companies, that underwrote the basic Czechoslovakia fell under full commu- cine access in poorer countries) ‘by exactly precise or categorical. sicken, and kill. production difficulties, it could research used to invent these vac- nist control in February 1948. 2022.’ Even if all billion come in over Today, Africa and India have vacci- This is not merely a humanitarian resume exports and start supplying cines. The companies have patents Samantha Power is right. It is all the course of 2022, Agnès Callamard, nated barely 3 percent of their com- issue. If viruses are not eradicated, doses to the rest of Asia and to Africa, only because they were granted as an about tangible results. the Secretary-General of Amnesty bined populations of about 2.5 billion they evolve. Already, multiple variants while meeting its own requirements ‘incentive’ to produce them. The claim International, has called it a ‘drop in people. Why is that? The US alone is of the coronavirus have appeared. As by the end of this year. And enough that otherwise they would not do so is Galbraith holds the Lloyd M. Bentsen, the ocean,’ made of ‘paltry half-meas- reputed to have the capacity to pro- far as we know, none can overcome the doses could be produced to end the absurd: the US government has the Jr. Chair in Government/Business ures and insufficient gestures.’ As duce 4.7 billion doses by the end of available vaccines. But no one can say pandemic, for practical purposes, by power of compulsion under the Relations at the LBJ School of Public Gavin Yamey of Duke University 2021—four billion more than America for sure that such a variant will not the end of 2022. Defense Production Act, which it has Affairs at the University of Texas at summed up the outcome for a Lancet needs. Again, according to Amnesty emerge, and the more time lost, the In early May, the Biden administra- already used to get vaccine production Austin. working group, the ‘rich countries International, the G7 will have ‘three greater the risk—and not merely for tion announced its support for a pro- ramped up—including in a way that — Project Syndicate

C M Y K 05 | THURSDAY, JUNE 24, 2021 MONEY

FOREX India e-commerce US Dollar 119.14 State-owned companies withdraw discount Euro 142.26 rules cast cloud over Pound Sterling 166.33 on groceries citing end of lockdown Amazon, Walmart Japanese Yen 10.74 Chinese Yuan 18.39 Finance Ministry says it has given no such instruction as general public continues to suffer from pandemic curbs. and local rivals Qatari Riyal 32.18

Australian Dollar 90.08 KRISHANA PRASAIN REUTERS KATHMANDU, JUNE 23 NEW DELHI, JUNE 23 Malaysian Ringit 28.63 State-owned Salt Trading Corporation New Indian e-commerce rules will Saudi Arab Riyal 31.77 and Food Management and Trading raise costs for all online retailers but Exchange rates fixed by Nepal Rastra Bank Company have withdrawn discounts particularly Amazon and Walmart’s on groceries citing the end of the lock- Flipkart as they may have to review down, while the Finance Ministry their business structures, senior Shares says it has given no such instruction industry sources told Reuters. as the pandemic persists. India’s Ministry of Consumer Nepse 2,859.96pts -1.85% The two companies have been sell- Affairs outlined plans on Monday ing selected food products with a 20 which include limiting “flash sales” HIGHEST LOSERS percent discount, which they stopped by online retailers, reining in a pri- KPCL NFS MFIL NHDL AKPL MPFL -5.6% -5.48% -5.14% -5.08% -5% -4.82% from Tuesday after the government vate label push, compelling them to eased virus restrictions. appoint compliance officers and MODERATE LOSERS MDB PPCL HPPL GRDBL MLBL CHDC Mahesh Acharya, spokesperson for impose a “fall-back liability” if a sell- -4.75% -4.72% -4.63% -4.63% -4.5% -4.39% the Finance Ministry, said they had er is negligent.

MODERATE GAINERS written to the Ministry of Industry, The new rules are expected to have SMATA EBLCP ICFCD83 NHPC HIDCL GIMES1 Commerce and Supplies on June 15 to an impact across the board in an e-re- 1.8% 1.91% 1.92% 2.22% 3.1% 3.63% continue the discount offers on food tail market India forecasts will be HIGHEST GAINERS items until further notice. worth $200 billion by 2026, with play- AKJCL GHL NICL CHL NGPL RADHI “Last Monday, we also reminded the ers including from Tata’s BigBasket, 4.23% 6.02% 6.16% 6.56% 9.09% 9.71% Industry Ministry to maintain the Reliance Industries’ JioMart and reduced prices,” he added. Softbank-backed Snapdeal to market But Industry Ministry spokesper- leaders Amazon and Flipkart. son Narayan Regmi said they hadn’t The rules are the latest in a growing PRICE PER TOLA received any instructions. “The dis- confrontation between US tech giants BULLION count offer was meant for the lock- and New Delhi over a host of poli- down period. Since the lockdown has cy-related issues which are seen by Fine Gold Rs 90,700 been lifted, we stopped it from some as protectionist. “The rules will Tuesday,” he said. “I do not know what have a wider impact on all forms of Silver Rs 1,295 the Finance Ministry is talking e-commerce and will increase busi- about,” he told the Post. ness costs. Entities, even beyond big SOURCE: FENEGOSIDA Consumer rights activists said the players, are analysing the policy and lockdown in Kathmandu Valley was will share concerns with the govern- not over, and that it had been extended POST FILE PHOTO ment,” Arjun Sinha, a partner at GASOLINE WATCH till June 28. Two government-owned companies sold groceries at discounted prices from their outlets in the Valley and across the country since June 4. Indian law firm AP & Partners, told “It has been eased, but it has Reuters. The companies have until not been lifted,” said Madhav and Salt Trading Corporation under a Salt Trading had set a quota of 2 kg Tuesday and most economic activities July 6 to respond to the proposals, Timalsina, president of the Consumer relief subsidy and economic revival of flour, 1 litre of soybean oil, one cyl- had resumed, so there was no point in after which time they may be reviewed Rights Investigation Forum. “There is programme for the duration of the inder of cooking gas, sugar and salt continuing the offer,” Neupane said. further or implemented. a lack of coordination between the pandemic. for a family of five. Shoppers had to “The discounts add up to a large Snapdeal said it was reviewing the ministries.” The two government-owned compa- bring a photocopy of their citizenship amount, and it will be difficult for rules. BigBasket declined to comment. Timalsina said the Industry nies have been issuing the groceries at certificate to get the discount. us to adjust the financial losses,” Reliance did not respond to a request Ministry probably thought there discounted prices from their outlets in The corporation was selling flour at she said. for comment. One aspect of the pro- would be a stampede to buy the dis- the valley and across the country Rs44 per kg, sugar at Rs63 per kg, Food Management and Trading posed new rules which is likely to counted groceries due to the loosened since June 4. salt at Rs16 per kg, soybean oil at Company has not issued any notice have a particular impact is one which lockdown, and that this would Kumar Rajbhandari, deputy chief Rs188 per litre and cooking gas at about discontinuing the offer. The gives the customer “suggestions of increase losses to the government. executive of Salt Trading Corporation, Rs1,120 per cylinder. company was providing a 20 percent alternatives to ensure a fair opportu- “This is a completely irresponsible said they had received a letter from Mohan Prakash Chand, chief exec- discount on seven types of rice and nity for domestic goods” if a retailer behaviour on the part of the Industry the Ministry of Industry directing utive officer of Food Management and Karnali beans, and had set a quota of is showing imported goods for sale. Ministry. This shows how sincere the them to discontinue the discount offer. Trading Company, said they didn’t 30 kg of rice and 2 kg of Karnali beans “The concept is about promotion of government is about providing relief “We stopped it accordingly.” have enough food stocks to provide per family. local goods. It’s good for Made-in-India to consumers during the pandemic.” The corporation issued a notice on relief to people hit by the pandemic, Consumers were asked to show products, but not for the platforms,” The budget for the next fiscal year Monday informing consumers that besides victims of natural disasters. their identity card while shopping at said Salman Waris, a partner at 2021-22 announced on May 29 had said the discount offer would end from “It became difficult for us to contin- the company’s outlets. The discount TechLegis Advocates. a 20 percent discount would be provid- Tuesday. ue the discount offers,” Chand told the schemes were available at its outlets at Non-compliance with the rules, if ed on rice, flour, lentils, iodised salt, “We are not aware of the Finance Post. Sharmila Neupane, spokesper- Thapathali and Ramshah Path in implemented, could be punishable edible oil, sugar and cooking fuel at Ministry’s instruction. We do what the son for the company, said they decided Kathmandu, Nakhu in Lalitpur and with prison terms, and fines of at least stores maintained by Food Industry Ministry tells us,” to terminate the scheme on their own. Suryabinayak in Bhaktapur, and in 25,000 Indian rupees under the India’s Management and Trading Company Rajbhandari said. “The markets had reopened from different districts outside the valley. consumer law, Waris added.

Himalayan Bank customers to receive discount on Daraz Cash loses its shine in pandemic Save Our Summer: UK KATHMANDU: Himalayan Bank Limited (HBL) and online e-commerce site Daraz have entered into an agree- ment to provide discounts to the cus- but still king in Switzerland pilots and cabin crew issue tomers of HBL during Daraz’s “Bank Day’’ offer on Thursday. Customers of REUTERS Vice Chairman Fritz Zurbruegg said. Increased online shopping has HBL will receive a 15 percent dis- BERN, JUNE 23 “Compared with 2017... its usage boosted the popularity of cards and count or a maximum Rs500 on travel sector rescue plea share has dropped significantly. The apps during the pandemic, as has the Thursday when they purchase any Cash is still king in Switzerland, a coronavirus pandemic has given addi- tendency to buy more at supermarkets goods and prepay through their credit Swiss National Bank study published tional impetus to this shift from cash during lockdowns. or prepaid card. The bank has been on Wednesday found, although the to non-cash payment methods.” While Swiss may be gradually fall- promoting its digital banking plat- wealthy country’s citizens are increas- Now a third of payments are made ing out of love with using cash, the form and initiated the discount offer ingly turning to cards and apps for via debit cards, up from 22 percent number of banknotes in circulation is to secure its customers from the payments during the pandemic. four years ago, while credit cards are on the rise. This suggests cash is Covid-19 pandemic, reads the press Around 43 percent of one-off pay- also becoming increasingly popular. increasingly being used as a store of release issued by the bank. ments in supermarkets and restau- Both are benefiting from the rising value, the SNB said. Customers can enjoy dual benefit of rants are made with cash, the most use of contactless payments. The report estimated individuals discount while purchasing through popular payment instrument, the sur- Mobile payment apps like Twint have stashed away cash reserves of Daraz and safe home delivery facility. vey said. But cash has lost some of its and Paypal now make up 5 percent of around 10 billion francs or 12 percent Customers can apply for credit or appeal, with the figure dropping from transactions in Switzerland, up from of the notes in circulation. prepaid card through the nearest the 70 percent level in the last SNB almost none in 2017. Some 70 percent of the population branch of the bank. Presently, HBL survey in 2017. “Non-cash payment methods have... keeps cash at home or in a safety has 71 branches, more than 5000 POS “In terms of the number of pay- come to be considered, at least in part, deposit box, with most (77 percent) terminals, more than 600 ecommerce ments made, cash continues to be the as easier to use than cash,” said the holding up to 1,000 francs to deal with merchants and 142 ATMs spread over payment instrument most frequently study, which was carried out between unforeseen expenses or as a long-term the country. used by the Swiss population,” SNB August and November 2020. store of value.

REUTERS As costs rise, companies pass them on to customers An aircraft takes off at Heathrow Airport in London. REUTERS To survive more than 15 months REUTERS passed analysts’ profit expectations in elevated for the next two years. The For manufacturers serving the Big LONDON, JUNE 23 of travel restrictions, companies CHICAGO, JUNE 23 the first quarter by the biggest margin Fed, however, still attributes the run- Six appliance categories—washers, including British Airways, easyJet, in history even as “inflation” found up in prices to “transitory” factors. dryers, dishwashers, refrigerators, British pilots, cabin crew, travel TUI and Jet2, have taken on billions of In 2018, Whirlpool Corp swung to a more mentions on earnings confer- A sharp correction in lumber prices freezers and ranges and ovens— agents and other workers are urging pounds of debt. loss after a tariff-fuelled rally in ence calls than at any time since 2011. has raised hopes that other commodi- demand is the strongest in at least 12 politicians to save the summer holiday “Airlines are at the absolute limit of US steel prices drove up its raw-mate- “We’re in this weird market where ties would follow a similar trajectory years, according to data from the season by reopening routes abroad or what they can borrow and without a rials costs. there’s a shortage of everything,” said once demand and supply start to Association of Home Appliance risk destroying tens of thousands of genuine reopening this summer This year, it is paying $1 billion for Stephen Volkmann, an analyst at rebalance. Raw-materials producers, Manufacturers. jobs as companies fail. they will require government support steel and other materials, but the West Jefferies. “When you’re in that sort of however, say a roaring economy will But it is taking appliance makers at Workers from the travel industry to survive,” the chief executive of Michigan appliance maker is on track shortage situation ... you’re willing to keep prices relatively high. least two to three months to fill new will demonstrate across Britain on industry group Airlines UK Tim to post its highest profit in decades. pay more.” The current economy fulfils, almost orders because steel, semiconductors Wednesday, protesting outside parlia- Alderslade said. The difference? Booming demand, Soaring prices are testing the US too well, the ubiquitous dream of and resins are in short supply, said ment, meeting politicians, and hold- Under the government’s traffic light spurred by nearly $6 trillion in pan- Federal Reserve’s jobs-first monetary manufacturers—a world in which sup- Kevin Messner, head of AHAM’s gov- ing events at airports to highlight the system, only travellers to a small num- demic stimulus from Washington— policy as inflation is now projected to ply and demand are finely balanced so ernment relations and policy. threat to their jobs from the govern- ber of green-list countries can avoid more than the country’s World War exceed its 2 percent target by a wide that prices always stay firm and sales Whirlpool’s average order backlog ment’s strict rules. quarantine. Two budget—and consumers flush margin this year and remain slightly do not collapse. is about six to seven weeks, compared England is expected to re-open from Popular European holiday destina- with savings. with one to two weeks normally. The a third Covid-19 lockdown in July but tions for Britons, including France, With so much money coursing company did not respond to requests the travel sector remains effectively Greece, Italy, Portugal, Spain and the through the economy at a time when for an interview. But Chief Executive shut, with the government advising United States, are rated amber and the pandemic-induced disruptions Marc Bitzer told investors in late against travel except to a handful of require returning passengers to take have constrained supplies and pre- April that the order backlog would destinations. three expensive Covid-19 tests and iso- vented a buildup in inventories, com- remain elevated because of “uncon- British government ministers are late for 10 days on return. panies are able to charge higher prices strained” consumer demand and examining ways to re-open travel The industry urged the government without hurting sales. restricted access to components. more broadly, and are considering to expand the green list when the sys- Whirlpool has raised prices by as Data from Goldman Sachs shows plans to ditch quarantine require- tem is reviewed on June 28. much as 12 percent this year in vari- the average discount on appliances ments for vaccinated adults and their EasyJet’s head of cabin crew Tina ous markets to compensate for around Memorial Day weekend this children to some destinations. Milton said her staff were joining increased raw-material costs. Many year was just 7 percent, lower than 19 But Prime Minister Boris Johnson events on Wednesday “to speak up for other manufacturers that make goods percent a year ago. Whirlpool was the has said that whatever happens, it will travel and show support for the indus- ranging from heavy equipment to least promotional, with discounts of be a difficult year for travel. try we all work for and love”. SUVs are using a similar playbook. only 2 percent, down from 9 percent a The industry says the rules need to Airline bosses have said that they It helps explain why corporate prof- year ago, the data showed. be eased as soon as possible or tens of could be ready for a wider re-opening its have soared to the highest level in a The price cuts are expected to be thousands more jobs will be lost as of travel within weeks should govern- decade, even though factories across equally modest for the Fourth of July companies fail. ment rules change. the United States are starved of com- holiday, according to sales executives “The government has to decide if But even if Britain eases its rules, ponents and prices for everything at Home Depot and Best Buy stores in this summer it will make or break the airlines and tour operators could still from steel to oil to labour and comput- Chicago. UK travel industry,” said Brian face a challenge as the spread of the er chips are surging. “Prices have gone up and some Strutton, acting General Secretary of Delta variant of Covid-19 has prompt- An analysis by Bank of America REUTERS items are out of stock,” said one of the the British Airline Pilots Association ed other countries to place restric- Corp shows S&P 500 companies sur- A file photo shows washing machines for sale inside a department store in California, US. sales executives. (BALPA). tions on British arrivals.

C M Y K THURSDAY, JUNE 24, 2021 | 06 SPORTS | MEDLEY

BRIEFING New Zealand claim inaugural World Test Championship Bangladesh set for Zimbabwe The Blackcaps secure their first major global title with an eight wicket victory over India in the match extended to reserved sixth day. tour despite restrictions AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE smaller target had Rishabh Pant not DHAKA: The Bangladesh Cricket Board SOUTHAMPTON, JUNE 23 been dropped on five during his said on Wednesday the national team innings of 41. will leave for Zimbabwe on June 29 New Zealand enjoyed the greatest tri- Few cricket lovers would begrudge for a full series despite heavy corona- umph in their cricket history as they New Zealand, a country with a popula- virus restrictions in the African beat India by eight wickets in the tion of around five million compared country. The tour will feature a Test, inaugural World Test Championship with cricket powerhouse’s India’s 1.3 three one-day internationals and final at Southampton on Wednesday. billion, their success. But they entered three Twenty20 internationals. Two years on from their agonising a final worth $1.6 million to the win- Players will be in a bio-secure bubble. Super Over loss to England in the ners, hardened by a recent 1-0 series “We have been assured of highest 50-over World Cup final at Lord’s, the win in England, whereas India were Covid-19 protocol by the Zimbabwean Blackcaps claimed their first major playing their first Test since March. authorities,” said Ahmed Sazzadul global title. Set a modest target of 139 The reserve day, the first time a Test Alam, a BCB director who will head in 53 overs, New Zealand finished on has gone into a sixth day since the the delegation. Zimbabwe on Tuesday 140-2 with plenty of time to spare in a 2005 Super Series in Australia, was released the itinerary of the series match extended into a reserve sixth deployed in the hope a two-year effort after it received clearance from the day following two days lost to rain. to crown red-ball cricket’s first official country’s Sports and Recreation Off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin world champions would end with an Commission. All the matches reduced New Zealand to 44-2 by remov- outright winner. between July 7 to 27 will be behind ing openers Tom Latham and Devon India resumed on 64-2, with key closed doors, Cricket Zimbabwe said. Conway to the delight of India fans. batsman Kohli adding just five runs to The tour will begin with the Test But New Zealand captain Kane his overnight eight when he again fell match scheduled for July 7-11. Williamson and Ross Taylor, the to Royal Challengers Bangalore team- team’s most-experienced batsmen, set- mate Jamieson, edging to BJ Watling tled any lingering nerves in an unbro- in the wicketkeeper’s final match Yastremska cleared to play ken stand of 96. before retirement. India’s 71-3 became after doping ban squashed Williamson, who won plaudits for 72-4 when Pujara edged Jamieson low PARIS: Ukrainian tennis player the sporting way he dealt with defeat to a diving Taylor at first slip. Dayana Yastremska was on Tuesday in the 2019 World Cup final, was 52 not In came Pant, whose batting heroics cleared of doping after a failed test out following his first-innings 49, with helped India achieve a remarkable last November that ruled her out of Taylor -- who hit the winning bounda- come-from-behind series win in the Australian Open. The 21-year-old, ry -- unbeaten on 47. Australia earlier this year. But the ranked 29 in the world at the end of India’s last hope of turning the tide wicketkeeper should have been out 2020, received an initial ban after test- evaporated when, with New Zealand soon afterwards when he edged ing positive for a banned anabolic 55 runs shy of victory at 84-2, Jamieson, only for Southee to drop a agent, mesterolone metabolite, used Cheteshwar Pujara dropped a regula- routine slip chance. Pant, however, in male infertility treatment. She tion slip catch off the luckless Jasprit AP/RSS eventually fell when a skied edge off first appealed to the International Bumrah to reprieve Taylor on 26. New Zealand’s captain Kane Williamson (right) and Ross Taylor played vital unbeaten knocks in their second innings to beat India on Wednesday. left-armer Boult was brilliantly Tennis Federation (ITF)’s independ- Bumrah dropped Williamson shortly caught by Henry Nicholls, running ent tribunal which upheld her ban on before one of the most outstanding sway it was New Zealand’s all-pace innings in a return of 4-48 in 19 overs, second time in the match during a back from point. January 23. Following a secondary batsmen of his era completed an attack that did most damage with longtime new-ball partner Trent miserly 2-30 in 24 overs. New Zealand, The match was running New hearing, the tribunal said on Tuesday 86-ball fifty, including eight fours. Wednesday by dismissing India for Boult striking twice in an over during whose only previous men’s title in an Zealand’s way, a point emphasised that it “accepted Ms Yastremska’s Taylor ended the match in the 46th just 170 in their second innings despite his 3-39. International Cricket Council tourna- when tailender Shami was caught by account of how the mesterolone over when he whipped Mohammed blue skies providing the best batting And the towering Kyle Jamieson ment was their 2000 Champions Latham at fly-slip off Southee a ball entered her system and determined Shami off his pads for four. conditions of the game. Tim Southee followed his first-innings 5-31, by snar- Trophy one-day final win over after Williamson had moved the field- that she bore no fault or negligence In a match in which bowlers held took wickets at both ends of the ing India captain Virat Kohli for the India, would have confronted an even er to the rarely used position. for the violation”. Yastremska’s pro- visional suspension was lifted with immediate effect, and “she will not serve any period of ineligibility for her violation”, the ITF said. Tokyo 2020 bans alcohol, high-fives to curb coronavirus

UK Police officer convicted of REUTERS around Toyko over concerns it would move natural. Ticket holders, to be pandemic. back under a state of emergency, from TOKYO, JUNE 23 increase contact and mingling in bars selected in a new lottery after domes- Japanese medical experts have said which it only emerged on June 21. The killing ex-Villa player Atkinson provoked an outcry this week. The tic spectators were capped at up to banning spectators is the least risky positive test for the Ugandan athlete LONDON: A British police officer who Alcohol, high-fives and talking loudly hashtag “cancel the Olympic Games” 10,000 per venue, will also be asked to option but also given recommenda- followed a positive test for a coach tasered ex-Aston Villa footballer will be banned for the reduced num- garnered tens of thousands of tweets, go straight to venues and straight tions on how best to host the Games if upon arrival in Japan on Saturday, Dalian Atkinson and then kicked him bers of Olympic ticket holders allowed adding to wave of protests online and home, to refrain from talking en spectators are admitted. Spectators and after the rest of the delegation twice in the head was Wednesday con- into venues as organisers concede a on the streets over the past months. route and should not ask athletes for from overseas have already been were quarantined. victed of manslaughter but cleared of “sense of celebration” will be limited A crowd of people gathered in front autographs. barred. Their cases underscore the chal- murder. Jurors at Birmingham at a Games already postponed by a of the metropolitan government head- “The major challenge at the Tokyo Hashimoto has defended the deci- lenges ahead for organisers to make Crown Court took nearly 19 hours to year due the coronavirus. quarters on Wednesday evening to Games is to curb a flow of people and sion to allow spectators. “I understand the Games safe, with daily testing of reach unanimous verdicts on Organisers have pushed ahead with protest against the Games, with par- limit a sense of celebration,” that holding the event without specta- athletes, who will be confined to a Benjamin Monk, who said he was put preparations for the Olympics, still ticipants chanting “cancel Olympics”, Hashimoto said. “We are striving to tors would lower the risk, but there is “bubble” and kept away from the pub- in fear of his life by the actions of the called Tokyo 2020, despite strong con- “stop the torch”, “save lives”, and make the Tokyo Games safe evidence that there have been no lic. The second positive test was former player on August 15, 2016. cerns among the Japanese public that “protect livelihoods”. A month before and secure, so it won’t be full of clusters at other events and tourna- announced by the team’s host city Jurors are still deliberating on an hosting competitors from around the the opening ceremony on July 23, celebration.” ments,” Hashimoto told reporters on Izumisano in western Japan, confirm- assault charge relating to Monk’s col- world could result in further Covid-19 Tokyo Olympics President Seiko When Toyko won the Games back in Tuesday. ing the rest of Team Uganda and a league and former girlfriend, police outbreaks. Compounding those wor- Hashimoto reiterated that organisers 2013, it was greeted with a roar of Organisers said on Wednesday they local city official who accompanied constable Mary Ellen Bettley-Smith. ries, a second member of Team wanted a safe and secure Games. “If approval and an outpouring of emo- would decide on whether to allow them from the country were close Monk told the court he ran in fear Uganda, an athlete, has tested positive our citizens have concerns (over serv- tion from a country hailing the deci- spectators at night sessions, taking contacts. after Atkinson, who appeared to be after being given a clean bill of health ing alcohol at the Olympics), I think sion as the final step of the country’s infections into account, by July 12 Many Japanese remain sceptical having a mental health crisis, made just days ago upon arrival in Japan. we have to give up on that. That’s why recovery from a devastating 2011 when virus curbs are due to be lifted about the possibility of holding even a death threats and smashed a glass Media reports that organisers were we have decided to ban the sale of earthquake and tsunami that set off in Tokyo and some other areas. scaled-down Games safely during a door pane at his childhood home in considering allowing alcohol con- alcohol,” she told reporters. multiple reactor meltdowns at the Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga has pandemic, with 619 infections report- the town of Telford, about 30 miles sumption in Olympic venues when Sponsor Asahi Breweries said it Fukushima nuclear plant. Eight years still not ruled out holding the Games ed for Wednesday in Tokyo, up 118 from Birmingham. (AGENCIES) sales have been restricted in and agreed with the decision, calling the on, that joy has been dimmed by the without spectators if Tokyo is put cases versus a week ago. HOROSCOPE ARIES (March 21-April 19) *** CANCER (June 22-July 22) **** LIBRA (September 23-October 22) *** CAPRICORN (December 22-January 19) *** As an Aries, your home base isn’t typically your Thursday’s skies bring revelations to behold, You’re ploughing straight ahead towards your You’re in the spotlight today, Capricorn. This first priority. Yet, this time of year finds you Cancer. You’ve only just begun to hone in your- ambitions Libra, even if it means needing to time of year sends all your energy outward focused on the state of your roots and founda- self, as you’ve entered into the process of reim- revise or course-correct them in the process. In towards your partnerships, as you work to tions. Today to reach for the stars, you need to agining your identity and embracing a new side order for you to continue to climb, it’s impor- explore new horizons around the art of relating. have a secure and supportive base beneath you. of your self-expression. tant that you have a supportive base beneath Today’s skies put a momentary pause on that you. outward focus.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20) **** LEO (July 23-August 22) *** SCORPIO (October 23-November 21) **** AQUARIUS (January 20-February 18) **** You’re learning to speak from the heart, Taurus. This is one of the trickiest times of year for you This time of year has you refreshing your belief This time of year finds you working harder than It’s not always easy for you to be so vulnerable to navigate, Leo. You’re asked to seek solitude, systems, Scorpio. What misconceptions seem to ever, Aquarius. You’ve needed to sink your teeth with your self-expression, but you’ve needed to shed outgrown elements of your life, and active- block your path forward? You’ve also been busy into cultivating organisation and initiative go back and focus on the little details of your ly dismantle self-created blockages during this embarking on comfort-zone breaking opportuni- action on the work front. Today’s skies momen- world that contribute to the whole. season. ties that offer greater growth and self-expansion. tarily pull you out of this realistic headspace.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21) *** VIRGO (August 23-September 22) **** SAGITTARIUS (November 22-December 21) *** PISCES (February 19-March 20) ***** As a Gemini, you’re something of a jack of all You have a drive like no other, Virgo. That As a Sagittarius, you typically hold an optimis- As a Pisces, you come equipped with a well of trades. This time of year asks you to hone in on comes in handy this time of year, as you’re tic view of life. That natural positivity has been creative potency. This time of year tends to find your variety of skills and focus on one worth actively pushing yourself toward new goals. challenged, as you move through a season that you tapping back into that playful, artistic head- honing. You’re also likely wrestling with issues You’ve also been enmeshing yourself in your asks you to wrestle with your own demons and space. You’ve also been focusing on romance around your self-confidence and feelings of social life, as you re-evaluate friendships and explore therapy-worthy relationship hang-ups. and sexuality, and anything else that helps you validity. community involvement. prioritise joy. CROSSWORD SUDOKU

YESTERDAY’S SOLUTION

C M Y K THURSDAY, JUNE 24, 2021 | 07

Spain thrash Slovakia 5-0 to set up Croatia date Saka stands tall for Luis Enrique’s side finish second in Group E behind Sweden, who beat Poland 3-2 with Claesson’s last-gasp winner in the other group match. England at Euro ASSOCIATED PRESS fied, there’s no pressure on REUTERS LONDON, JUNE 23 us, just have fun out there SEVILLE, JUNE 23 and that’s what I tried to Bukayo Saka was put on the do.” Spain crushed a hapless Slovakia 5-0 in field to turn possession into Saka did for England their first Euro 2020 win on Wednesday, penetration, to create chanc- what he had been doing all setting up a last-16 clash against Croatia, es for an England team that season for Arsenal, and it after being set on their way by a calamitous had scored only one goal in worked. Now Southgate will own-goal from keeper Martin Dubravka. two matches at the European have to decide if the teen Aymeric Laporte headed in a second goal Championship. stays in the starting lineup, on the stroke of halftime before second-half He did all that and more, something that could goals from Sarabia, Ferran Torres and a but he still came up short in depend on the team’s next Juraj Kucka own goal rounded off an one particular area. opponents. emphatic win that saw them finish second Raheem Sterling scored in Group E on five points behind Sweden. the only goal in England’s Luis Enrique’s side will next meet 1-0 victory over the Czech Saka was Croatia in Copenhagen on Monday while Republic on Tuesday by Slovakia, who came third with three points heading in a cross from Jack declared man and a goal difference of minus five, are Grealish that flew just over heading home. the jumping Saka’s own of the match in head. “It was a great cross EURO 2020 STANDINGS from Jack and Raheem was his first start. there for the goal,” the GROUP D 19-year-old midfielder said. Teams P W D L GF GA PTS “I almost got there but I’m “He [Southgate] said England* 3 2 1 0 2 0 7 just not quite tall enough.” that’s one of my qualities, He was good enough, how- it’s what I’ve done all season Croatia* 3 1 1 1 4 3 4 ever. Good enough to get at my club,” Saka said. Czech Republic* 3 1 1 1 3 2 4 UEFA’s player of the match “He just told me to play how Scotland** 3 0 1 2 1 5 1 award. And maybe even I do at my club. Play confi- GROUP E good enough to stay in the dent, play free and express starting lineup when yourself and that’s what I Teams P W D L GF GA PTS England play their next did.” Sweden* 3 2 1 0 4 2 7 Euro 2020 match in the It was Saka’s first start in Spain* 3 1 2 0 6 1 5 round of 16. “He earned that a major international tour- Slovakia** 3 1 0 2 2 7 3 opportunity [to play] tonight nament and only his sixth Poland** 3 0 1 2 4 6 1 and he has grabbed it,” appearance for England. *qualified **elimilated AP/RSS England coach Gareth But, remarkably, it was his After a Slovakia goalkeeper own goal, Aymeric Laporte (white) added to Spain’s lead before Sarabia, Ferran Torres and another own-goal made it five for La Roja. Southgate said. second man of the match Dubravka had made a stunning save to England already knew award. keep out an Alvaro Morata penalty but which was the fifth consecutive spot-kick knockout stages for the second time in ty area, Forsberg collected a pass and they had advanced to the The young man who grew gave Spain the lead on the half-hour mark they have failed to convert and followed their second appearance in Euros but were took advantage of some poor defending to round of 16 before the game up in nearby Ealing earned when he palmed the ball into his own net Gerard Moreno’s miss against Poland. overwhelmed by a Spain side that finally fire past goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny at Wembley Stadium had the other in his third after a Sarabia shot had cannoned off the It took Dubravka’s moment of madness found their feet. with 82 seconds on the clock. He doubled started, allowing Southgate appearance for the national crossbar and looped back towards goal. for the Spaniards to take the lead, but there their lead with a powerful drive for his to try something new with team—a 3-0 victory over The goal, which came about after a mis- was no letting up after that. Heartbreaking end third goal of the tournament after substi- an attack that has created Ireland in November. placed pass from Slovakia’s shaky defence, Laporte nodded home a Gerard Moreno In Saint Petersburg, Sweden winger Emil tute Dejan Kulusevski weaved his way into very little since the tourna- “I am a local boy. I’ve gone eased any nerves Spain had of a shock exit cross following a corner right before half- Forsberg scored a double including the the box to lay it on a platter in the 59th ment began. The two new past the stadium millions of after disappointing draws with Sweden and time and the party continued after the second fastest strike in European minute. somethings were Saka and times,” Saka said. “It’s real- Poland, and they went on to record the big- interval when Sarabia calmly tucked in a Championship history before Viktor Lewandowski pulled a goal back two Grealish. ly special. It’s amazing. I’ve gest win of the tournament. Jordi Alba cross in the 56th minute. Claesson’s stoppage-time goal helped them minutes later with a curling shot. The “The instructions were played here before and got a Cesar Azpilicueta had said ahead of the Ferran added to the festive mood by scor- seal a 3-2 win over Poland and top Group E. Poland captain, who missed chances to just to play, you know, have man of the match perfor- crunch game that it was “do or die” for ing with a classy backheel immediately It was a heartbreaking end to Poland’s make it 1-1 in the first half after rising fun, play with freedom, mance before but that was Spain but coach Luis Enrique was more after coming off the bench, converting a campaign after they twice drew level above Sweden’s defence only to thunder express yourself,” Saka without the fans and with- optimistic, likening his side to a bottle of cross from the electric Sarabia, while fel- through talismanic skipper Robert two headers onto the crossbar, fired in the said. “We’ve already quali- out my family.” champagne that was about to be uncorked. low substitute Pau Torres played a big part Lewandowski, whose 84th minute equalis- equaliser from close range after a pass Influential captain Sergio Busquets in the scrappy fifth goal, which went in off er for 2-2 gave them a glimmer of hope. from Frankowski. returned as one of four changes, yet there Slovakia midfielder Kucka. Sweden made a blistering start through But Kulusevski slipped the ball to Results was a familiar feeling as Spain squandered It sealed a miserable afternoon for the lively Forsberg. After Robin Quaison Claesson who slotted past Szczesny to several early chances including the penalty, Slovakia, who had hopes of getting into the controlled the ball on the edge of the penal- secure the win. Own goal? Belgium’s Vermaelen feels he scored REUTERS bar with 16 minutes left of the Group tle, looking up at the big screen, I saw BRUSSELS, JUNE 23 B match in St Petersburg. The ball it was given as an own goal. But I see bounced back, hit the hand of it as my goal, although officially it Defender Thomas Vermaelen has not Finland goalkeeper Lukas Hradecky might not be.” had much playing time for Belgium and fell back over the goal line to It is generally considered that if an in recent years, never mind scored, break the deadlock—despite effort on goal was on target before so the disappointment of not being Hradecky’s desperate attempt to any deflection, the goal is credited to credited with a goal against Finland scoop it out back out. the striker of the ball, while if an Croatia 3 - 1 Scotland was still rankling 24 hours later. “Honestly speaking, at the moment effort was clearly going off target, Czech Republic 0 - 1 England Vermaelen, making his first start it went in, I thought it was my goal but is then deflected into the goal, Sweden 3 - 2 Poland of the tournament, powered a header but I didn’t spend the rest of the that is an own goal. from Kevin De Bruyne’s corner game worrying about it,” the 35-year- Sadly for the defender, it really was Slovakia 0 - 5 Spain against the join of the post and the old Vermaelen. “After the final whis- an own goal. Modric shows his class in Croatia’s hour of need

ASSOCIATED PRESS smile on his face to hug Croatia coach Croatia’s first real attack of the match GLASGOW, JUNE 23 Zlatko Dalic. after Scotland dominated the opening “No one is sure how Luka manages stages. Luka Modric lurked on the edge of the it,” Dalic said. “We all expect that It was poor defending by wingback area, waiting for the ball to come to Luka’s levels would go down and he Stephen O’Donnell, who let Perisic him before perfectly stroking it into would lose his strength. But he doesn’t jump above him unchallenged. the top corner with the outside of his give up. I’m very proud to have such a Scotland sat back on occasions after boot. player and to have him as a part of the goal, inviting Croatia to push for- At 35, this may well be the Croatia this team.” ward in dangerous positions. captain’s last European Championship, “I’m devastated we’re not through,” and he doesn’t want to go home Scotland midfielder John McGinn just yet. Modric’s majestic goal in Modric turned the said. “Extremely proud of the effort, the 62nd minute helped Croatia but we came up against an excellent beat Scotland 3-1 on Tuesday and give tide in Croatia’s team and their experience showed.” the team a spot in the round of 16 at Callum McGregor equalised for Euro 2020 by finishing second in favour with a goal Scotland just before halftime, drilling Group D. the ball from just outside the penalty “This goal means a lot to me but our and picked up an area into the left corner. Scotland’s play means more, from the beginning first goal of the tournament—and until the end,” Modric said. “I am assist on third. their first in a major men’s competi- happy that my goal helped, but it’s tion since the 1998 World Cup—electri- most important that the team won.” fied the atmosphere at Hampden Park, Modric, who also picked up an Modric is now the youngest and with the Tartan Army jumping and assist on Croatia’s third goal, had a oldest player to score for Croatia at the hugging in the stands. quiet first two group matches, with European Championship. He scored “The fans were amazing,” McGregor the midfielder forced into deeper posi- when he was 22 years and 273 days said. “They (Croatia) just had too tions and Croatia facing criticism for against Austria in 2008. On Tuesday, much quality in the end. It’s a tough lacking spark in attack. But the play- he was 35 years and 286 days. lesson.” maker showed his class and why he Croatia’s two other goals came from Scotland exited the tournament in won the Ballon d’Or in 2018—the same winger Nikola Vlasic’s low shot from last place in the group with only one year he helped his team reach the close range in the 17th minute and point. World Cup final. Ivan Perisic’s flicked header in the “They knew had to play a third He fell to his knees at the final whis- 77th from a corner taken by Modric. game of the tournament,” Scotland tle for about a minute before rising to Vlasic’s took two touches for his goal coach Steve Clarke said. “They knew AP/RSS his feet and pumping his fists in cele- and fired a low shot past Scotland better than we did. A lot to learn from, Robert Lewandowski reacts after Poland were eliminated from the group stage on Wednesday. bration. He then went over with a big goalkeeper David Marshall. It was coach included.” Lewandowski hit the bar twice and scored two times but Poland lost to Sweden 3-2 to exit the tournament.

C M Y K THURSDAY, JUNE 24, 2021 | 08 CULTURE & LIFESTYLE (C.R.P.D.) - 3/052/053 In ‘F9,’ finding a new gear for ridiculousness The movie promptly sets about rekindling old beefs, introducing new ones and, within the first half-an-hour, detouring to Central America. AP/RSS

JAKE COYLE sat on the shelf for the past year while brother. (Family dramas aren’t small pota- chise that never brakes for scientific reali- waiting until the pandemic was more toes in the world of ‘Fast and Furious.’) ty: “As long as we obey the laws of physics, n 20 years and 10 movies the ‘Fast blockbuster-ready. ‘F9,’ in which Lin Both the rock-jawed Part of those plans is Cipher (Charlize we’ll be fine.” and Furious’ series has relentlessly returns as director after a seven-year Cena and a steely Theron), a villain from the last one They’re at that moment preparing to insisted that its saga is really, truly break from the franchise, follows the most returned here as a glass-box captive who’s launch into orbit in a car/rocket ship that about family. dramatic chapter in the ‘Fast and Furious’ Theron don’t open the nevertheless sure of her powers. It’s a makes Doc’s time-travelling DeLorean look With all due respect to Vin Diesel’s run, when real-life tragedy added an echo limiting position for the potent Theron, like a comparatively sensible vehicle. I Toretto clan, I must disagree. The of pathos in the death of Paul Walker and movie up to much fun. whose presence in these movies mostly don’t know why exactly they shoot into I‘Fast and Furious’ movies are really about off-screen squabbles led to a spinoff for serves as a reminder that if you want space—something about destroying a satel- reaching new nitro-injected realms of Dwayne Johnson, with Jason Statham, in gas-guzzling action, the magnificent ‘Mad lite—but I loved every minute of it. Much of absurdity. If you can stomach the macho ‘Hobbs and Shaw.’ Vinnie Bennett when younger) and his Max: Fury Road’ is still idling nearby. ‘F9’ is kind of a slog. There are some not melodrama, these movies are ridiculous But if it feels like the dust has settled, younger brother (John Cena later, Finn Both the rock-jawed Cena and a steely very dynamic car chases, a lot of flash- big-screen ballets, with cars shooting out ‘F9’ promptly sets about rekindling old Cole here) are teenagers working with Theron don’t open the movie up to much backs, ho-hum villains and an oddly promi- of skyscrapers and airplanes, that at their beefs, introducing new ones and, within their racing father at a speedway when he fun, nor does the often-returned-to back- nent role for magnets. But when Taj and best are the right kind of stupid. More the first half-an-hour, detouring to Central dies in a fiery crash. A possibility of foul story that saps some of the movie’s veloci- Roman reach zero gravity, the movie finally than family or cars, they’re about the mov- America to let the autos of ‘Fast and play is there, and the fallout sends one ty. What gives ‘F9’ a boost? Well, Helen takes flight with goofy grandeur. Some, ies’ whiz-bang capacity for ludicrous gran- Furious’ swing through the jungle like brother to jail and their acrimony over Mirren does, in a stop over in London. surely, will be less enthused about ‘Fast & diosity—for stepping on the gas and leav- Tarzan. But first we have a flashback that their father’s fate drives them apart. Best are Ludacris and Gibson, who, more Furious’ turning into a full-on cartoon, but ing logic in the rearview. Lin and co-writer Daniel Casey return to Years later, Jakob (Cena) turns out to than anyone else, lend ‘F9’ a much-needed I’d take that over the solemn speeches about It wasn’t always like this. The ‘Fast and throughout the film. It’s 1989 and Dominic have designs on taking over the world in wink of self-awareness. It’s Taj who says family any day. The ‘Fast and Furious’ mov- Furious’ movies, which have moved so Toretto (Diesel as an adult, an absorbing order to show up his older, estranged one of the most defining lines for a fran- ies are best when they’re neither fast nor speedily that their original articles flew furious but kind of foolish. out the window somewhere along the way (the first entry was 2001’s ‘The Fast and the Furious’), began more humbly on the F9 road-racing streets of Southern California. Starring: Vin Diesel, John Cena, Michelle Rodriguez, Tyrese Gibson But, particularly by the time of Justin Director: Justine Lin Lin’s ‘Fast Five,’ the series grew ever more expansive, reaching around the globe and, finally, by ‘F9,’ into space. As if always searching for another gear of outrageous- At some point, when some combination ness, the franchise has hunted new, of four-wheelers was soaring through the implausible roads for gravity-defying air, I started to wonder how these movies mayhem and unexplainable traction. Cars will look to future generations—possibly here, cars there. Cars everywhere. generations that will have moved beyond So when I sat down for ‘F9,’ which opens the car, at least the gasoline variety, or that Friday in theaters, I was looking forward are living with more dire effects of climate to some of that good, old stupid fun. ‘F9,’ change. Will ‘Fast and Furious’ seem like a gets there eventually, courtesy of a comic, reflection of our dubious belief in the lim- cosmic foray by Roman (Tyrese Gibson) itless capabilities of automobiles, of our and Tej (Chris ‘Ludacris’ Bridges) in a propensity to live through our cars? Or an rocket-fueled Pontiac Fiero. But for a acknowledgement of just how preposter- healthy amount of the movie’s 145-minute ous that addiction is? Either way, the joy running time, it feels more like a fran- ride probably can’t last forever. Vin Diesel’s chise running low on gas. There’s a bit of contract will one day run out. a hangover to ‘F9,’ and not just because it — Associated Press Florida beach town writes Amazon TV series to lure tourists ‘Life’s Rewards’ is an eight-episode show about a charming wealth manager who loses his money and uses travel rewards points to stay at a posh hotel.

KELLI KENNEDY to market outside the box. FORT LAUDERDALE “Every single destination in the world is now looking for that tour- emember that longing ism boom. I think it’s more impor- you felt after an epi- tant than it ever has been,” said sode of ‘Sex and the Alexandra Delf, executive vice City’ to shop at the president for London-based Grifco, characters’ favorite a travel marketing firm. New York haunts and Movie- and TV-inspired travel is Rdrink cosmopolitans at the same so popular that the firm is using bars? Or that sense of wanderlust pandemic binge shows to promote for the seaside cliffs of Ireland its biggest clients. Promotional after watching ‘Game of Thrones?’ ads note that scenes from Netflix’s Hollywood’s flattering spotlight ‘Bridgerton’ were filmed near The has put small towns on the map, Gainsborough Bath Spa. ‘Game of like Wilmington, North Carolina, Thrones’ packages at Slieve from ‘Dawson’s Creek’ and the Donard Resort and Spa tout tours woods of Senoia, Georgia, from where notable scenes were filmed ‘The Walking Dead.’ And that’s nearby, including Robb Stark’s bat- exactly what travel marketers in tle camp and ‘Red Wedding.’ St Petersburg and Clearwater, With travel halted during the Florida, were hoping to capitalise pandemic, scenic destinations felt on when they commissioned an even more aspirational. original, scripted TV series, seek- “A lot of what we do in travel ing to draw quarantine-weary marketing is selling that dream of tourists to the area’s sugar sand relaxation,” said Delf. “It beaches. gives them something to look for- ‘Life’s Rewards’ aired on ward to.” Amazon Prime last month. The The production company eight-episode show is based on a behind the Florida show said charming yet cavalier wealth scripted shows are a new genre for manager who loses his money and travel marketing, and that they’re uses travel rewards points to stay already in talks to shoot some for at the posh, pink Don CeSar hotel other cities in the state. while rebuilding his life. “We don’t want people to feel Each episode is only eight to 14 marketed to. We want them to feel minutes long, and was filmed lost in the story line and get invest- using a local production company, ed in the characters like any other director and actors. The series show on streaming or TV, but cost roughly a million dollars to we’re providing a positive context

create, with contributions from AP/RSS for our destination,” said Brianne the city and the state’s tourism Maciejowski, director of film and arm. Blur or a tour of the colourful to visit,’ and it’s in the back- video for Odyssey Studios. Some of the ‘ad’ spots woven WhimzeyLand ‘bowling ball ground,” said Hayes. “It’s not in Consumers retain far more throughout the dialogue are house’ in an episode featuring a The production company behind the front where you want to go from branded content compared to obvious, like the random episode scavenger hunt. Even the count- the Florida show says scripted shows through and hit the fast-forward traditional advertising, she said. about the Tampa Bay Watch less gratuitous beach shots mostly button.” The Florida TV series ended with Discovery Center. But the charac- feel believable. are a new genre for travel marketing. It’s too soon to gauge whether a cliffhanger, so a sequel is still ters quickly pivot back to plot-for- “I’m watching something and the series has impacted tourism, possible. warding dialogue. It’s a quick-hit I’m drawn into the show because or even how widely it was viewed. “Part of our business model is ad versus the sustained 15- to of the story line, but also the plac- about visiting Wyoming while refer to every destination in the The hospitality industry was hit to help destinations find a voice in 30-second hard sell of convention- es I’m seeing in front of me,” said watching their favorite show, scene by name. There were no fake hard by the pandemic, and tourist this entertainment-first world,” al commercials. Steve Hayes, president of Visit St ‘Yellowstone.’ dive bars or coffee shops. towns are eager to seize on the said Maciejowski. “There’s a lot At other times, the settings feel Pete Clearwater, who noted that he While sometimes awkward, the “You start to build, ‘Hey, this new willingness to travel. That’s more in our future.” natural, like the gay nightclub and his wife frequently talked characters in ‘Life’s Rewards’ looks like a really cool place I want put more pressure on destinations — Associated Press.

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