WITHOUT F EAR OR FAVOUR

Nepal’s largest selling English daily Vol XXIX No. 119 | 8 pages | Rs.5 O O Printed simultaneously in Kathmandu, Biratnagar, Bharatpur and Nepalgunj 32.3 C 11.0 C Thursday, June 17, 2021 | 03-03-2078 Biratnagar Jomsom Flood devastation in Melamchi not only because of rains Experts say the mayhem in the first week of monsoon is quite concerning and with ‘above normal’ rainfall predicted this time, the situation could go worse.

POST PHOTOS: HEMANTA SHRESTHA & ELITE JOSHI The devastation caused by the flooded Melamchi river at Melamchi Bazaar in Sindhupalchok on Wednesday. Floodwaters gushed into settlements and the main market, displacing more than 100 families.

CHANDAN KUMAR MANDAL shocked by the disaster unfolding in the entered settlements in Helambu, Melamchi farmlands at Timbu, Chanaute Bazaar, Meteorology, told the Post. “Even last year, KATHMANDU, JUNE 16 Melamchi area, nearly 60 km from Bazaar and the surrounding areas. Amahyalmo Buspark and City Park have when the precipitation was recorded only Kathmandu, in Sindhupalchok district. According to the District Police Office, been swept away by floods. around 20mm-30mm, there were land- The first spell of monsoon has wreaked Floodwaters from the Melamchi river the raging river swept away eight Experts, however, say rainfall is not the slides in the district.” havoc like never before. In less than a have gushed into the settlements and main resorts, two motorable bridges and six only cause for the floods and the subse- Kadel said landslides could have blocked week after the monsoon arrived in Nepal, market, displacing over 100 families and suspension bridges from Helambu to quent devastations in the Melamchi and the river before suddenly releasing the massive devastations have been seen leaving behind destruction that could run Melamchi Bazaar. More than 150 houses nearby areas. floodwaters downstream or there could be across the country. Major rivers and into millions of rupees. Videos and photos were inundated, displacing hundreds of According to meteorologists, the rain- heavy downpour in a small isolated area. streams have swollen up dangerously, rais- posted on social media show muddy water people, officials said. fall data in Sindhupalchok district shows “The land is already weakened by earth- ing fears among communities living near- reaching as high as the first floor of hous- “A body was recovered from the banks that the area has not received the amount quakes and water seepage from the sur- by. While districts like Palpa, Manang, es in the area. People were left stranded on of Indrawati river on Wednesday. Seven of rainfall that could unleash such a level face can cause landslides even with a Pyuthan, Syangja, Lamjung and Bajura roofs of buildings. Communication net- other people have been missing,” said of disaster. moderate amount of rainfall,” said Kadel. have been hit hard, Sindhupalchok is one works have been breached following a Deputy Superintendent Prakash Sapkota. “The rainfall data for Tuesday in “Landslide-triggered flooding can bring district affected the most, with hundreds power outage. “Most of the missing victims worked in Sindhupalchok doesn’t show that it down muddy water and can be more of houses already inundated. At least one person died and seven oth- various trout farms on the banks of the received a significant amount of rain,” destructive as it brings down a massive As reports of damage and losses filter ers have gone missing in the last two days Melamchi river.” Indira Kadel, a senior meteorologist with flow of water.” in from across the country, many are after the rain-swollen Melamchi river Eight trout farms, a bridge in Nakote, the Department of Hydrology and >> Continued on page 2

INSIDE Monsoon displacements

Transitional justice bodies to get another term extension could complicate pandemic KATHMANDU: While extending the terms of the two transitional justice Temporary shelters for the displaced can turn into commissions by around six months in February, the government had said coronavirus hotspots while there is the risk of water-borne the existing legal hurdles in the tran- sitional justice process will be cleared and vector-borne infections, doctors say. by the time of another extension as a new elected government would be in place. The KP Sharma Oli govern- ment, which had dissolved the House of Representatives and announced snap polls a couple of months earlier, had issued an ordinance to extend the terms of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and the Commission of Investigation on Enforced Disappeared Persons till July 15. (Details on Pg 3)

Wage gap between men and women persists, report says KATHMANDU: Last December, the All Nepal Football Association made a landmark decision to end wage dis- crimination between men and women national players, and pay them the same salary starting January 2021. Nepal thus became one of the few countries in the world to end pay dis- parity in sports. But in most other sectors, there is still a wide wage gap POST PHOTO: HEMANTA SHRESTHA between female and male workers, Having been displaced, people face the risk of getting infected with the virus and diseases. according to a recent study report unveiled by the Central Bureau of ARJUN POUDEL Sherpa. “The Covid-19 scare is there, Statistics. (Details on Pg 5) KATHMANDU, JUNE 16 but do we have any other option?” There is no electricity in Sherpa’s It was a tough day for Nima Gyalgen rural municipality since Tuesday. Bringing back the culture of Sherpa, chairman of Helambu Rural Suspension and other motorable paying for music Municipality in Sindhupalchok, one bridges have been washed away. of the districts worst hit by monsoon “My phone is about to die as I have KATHMANDU: The internet has com- floods. not been able to charge it,” said pletely changed how people listen to “Over 400 people, including elderly, Sherpa. “The condition of our village music. The arrival and popularity of children and pregnant women, have is much worse than you can imagine.” music streaming apps have hugely already been displaced and the number Monsoon officially arrived in Nepal impacted traditional album sales. could rise,” Sherpa told the Post over on June 13. The level of havoc floods Gone are the days when people the phone from Helambu on Wednesday have caused within days has once bought cassettes and CDs to listen to afternoon. “We have been arranging against exposed the country’s disas- songs of their favourite artists. For temporary shelters for the displaced at trous preparedness. And this time it is artists, amassing a huge number of schools and community buildings.” happening in the midst of a pandemic. views on streaming platforms doesn’t The situation is similar elsewhere The second wave of Covid-19 has hit always translate to financial gains, in the country where floods and land- Nepal hard, with over 5,000 people and for many musicians, that has slides have wreaked havoc. A para- losing their lives to the coronavirus in become a cause of concern. medic from Melamchi Municipality the last one and a half months. Daily (Details on Pg 8) said people in their hundreds have infection count had peaked to 9,317 on been displaced and arranging May 11, largely due to rising cases in shelters and food for them has Kathmandu Valley. The daily new become a challenge. cases have now come down after The monsoon mayhem in the restrictions were imposed in the midst of the coronavirus pan- Valley. Experts, however, say the risk demic has now doubled the risk is not over yet and that the virus has of infections. There is no other reached rural areas and the hill com- option than to keep the displaced munities, the regions that are most at temporary shelters, which, in vulnerable to flooding and landslides. turn, can turn into coronavirus The monsoon in Nepal strengthens hotspots. quickly in June and peaks through “For us, priority now is saving July before becoming weaker in the lives of people and moving August-September. them to safe locations,” said >> Continued on page 2

C M Y K THURSDAY, JUNE 17, 2021 | 02 NATIONAL Kanchanpur sees decline Covid-19 spreading in several high in Covid-19 cases altitude villages of Mugu BHAWANI BHATTA 16 HDU and 50 isolation beds. Out KANCHANPUR, JUNE 16 of the total 72 beds, 59 beds are vacant now. The onset of monsoon has disrupted roads in the district, hampering the treatment of coronavirus patients. Health institutions in Kanchanpur “Until four weeks ago, the hospital have been seeing a steady decline in was packed with Covid-19 patients. coronavirus caseloads in the last two But the rate of Covid-19 infection RAJ BAHADUR SHAHI Mugamkarmarong Rural weeks with health officials reporting a has been gradually decreasing. The MUGU, JUNE 16 Municipality does not have an isola- drop in infection rate. hospital has been receiving one or tion facility. Covid-19 patients in the According to Siddharaj Bhatta, pub- two new Covid-19 cases these days,” Health officials in Mugu have raised local unit are deprived of proper treat- lic health inspector of the District said Dr Arjun Bhatta of Mahakali concerns about the high rate of coro- ment due to a shortage of health work- Health Office in Kanchanpur, Covid-19 Hospital. navirus infection in Mugamkarmarong ers and medicines. infection rate is at five percent in the Health workers say the prohibitory Rural Municipality. The health institutions at Rius, district at present. orders put in place on April 29 by the The local body has dispatched Magri and Pulu of the rural munici- “The rate of recovery has increased District Administration Office in health teams to several villages to run pality are facing an acute shortage of this month,” he said. “Antigen tests Kanchanpur have been effective in antigen tests on the local population essential medicines. conducted in various local units of the curbing the spread of the virus but after many villagers came down with Meanwhile, the onset of monsoon district also showed very few positive advise caution while easing restric- fever and cold. has disrupted various rural roads in cases.” tions. Kanchanpur is under prohibito- “Almost 90 percent of patients with the district. Vehicular movement On Monday, out of 38 swabs ry order until June 21. fever and cold tested positive for along the Gamgadhi-Chhail road, collected in the PCR laboratory of “Although the rate of infection has Covid-19 in some villages of which connects Mugamkarmarong to Mahakali Hospital in Mahendranagar, decreased, the risk is still high. It is Mugamkarmarong. The infection rate the district headquarters, has been eight individuals tested positive for not advisable to lift the prohibitory is declining in other local units but is disrupted as landslides blocked the Covid-19. orders immediately,” said Dr Bhatta. soaring in Mugamkarmarong,” said road in 12 different places. In Kanchanpur, only four Covid-19 “The district administration must Baliraj Budha, the health unit chief of “Landslides have blocked the road cases were identified through 205 anti- consider the risk before deciding to the local body. at Bhattadandi, Salimkhola, Nakebhir, gen tests on Monday. On the same day, ease restrictions gradually.” According to the District Health Sunath, Kamphakhola and Chhail, one individual of Kanchanpur tested Since around 100 to 150 migrant Office, the other local bodies in the among other places. We cannot take positive for Covid-19 in Seti Provincial workers are still crossing into the district, including Soru, Khatyad and any patients to the district hospital in Hospital, Dhangadhi. country from the Sudurpaschim- Chhayanathrara, have reported a case of a health emergency,” said According to the data of the District based Gadda Chauki border point on a decline in the number of coronavirus Chhiring Kyapne Lama, the chairman Health Office in Kanchanpur, only 13 daily basis, the health office suggests cases in the past week. of Mugamkarmarong Rural individuals tested positive for Covid- continuing antigen tests of new “But in the villages of Municipality. According to Lama, it 19 in the district on Monday. entries at the border point. Mugamkarmarong, as many as four to POST PHOTO will take at least a month to clear the On Sunday, 13 individuals had test- “It is necessary to continue screen- five members of a family are infected While other local units are reporting a decline in Covid-19 cases, Mugamkarmarong Rural landslide debris and resume vehicular ed positive for Covid-19 in Kanchanpur ing at the border point,” said public with the virus,” said Budha. Municipality in Mugu is seeing a high rate of coronavirus infections. movement along the road. while the number of recovered health inspector Bhatta. “All health As many as 156 people have been “We have run out of medicines. The patients stood at 57. safety measures must be given conti- infected with the coronavirus in treatment. “But we can not intensify patients without following health disruption of the road network has Currently, there are 390 active nuity. A decrease in caseload does not Mugamkarmarong during the second testing of the suspects due to a lack of security protocols. worried us even more,” Lama added. Covid-19 cases in Kanchanpur, accord- mean we should get complacent.” wave of Covid-19. The infection is antigen testing kits,” said Budha. “The infection is spreading rapidly The local unit does not have a single ing to the data of the District The data of the District Police spreading to Magri, Maha, Pulu, According to Tirtharaj Shahi, the in the villages, as people gather pub- doctor. According to Budha, auxiliary Health Office. Until mid-May, there Office in Kanchanpur showed around Chimat, Papu, Rius, Serok, Kimri, information officer of licly without following health proto- health workers and auxiliary nursing were over 1,000 active cases of Covid- 1,000 people crossed Gadda Chauki Daura, Takha and Chitai, among high Mugamkarmarong Rural cols. We have deployed health officials midwives have been mobilised to pro- 19 in the district with hardly any border point in April and May on a altitude settlements in the rural Municipality, four coronavirus and other employees to keep the vil- vide treatment to coronavirus patients Covid-19 beds available at Mahakali daily basis. municipality. patients have died in lagers under surveillance,” said in Mugamkarmarong. Hospital. But now, there are only 11 As per the data of the District According to the office of Mugamkarmarong in the past few Shahi. “We have asked Covid-19 “We have requested the Karnali Covid-19 patients receiving treatment Health Office, 183 people have died of Mugamkarmarong Rural weeks. The health officials suspect patients to stay in home isolation and Academy of Health Sciences in Jumla at the hospital. Covid-19 in the district. Among them, Municipality, several health teams that the virus might have spread in follow health protocols. The health to dispatch a health team to the local According to the hospital adminis- 16 individuals died during the first have been deployed to the affected the community from villagers who workers have also been providing nec- body to contain the surge in Covid-19 tration, the hospital has six ICU beds, wave of Covid-19. areas for testing and providing attended the funeral rites of Covid-19 essary help to the patients.” cases,” said Budha. Monsoon displacements could Flood devastation in Melamchi ... >> CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 too high. On Wednesday, none of the had prepared a comprehensive action Madhukar Upadhya, a watershed five weather stations in the district plan, “learning from last year’s expe- complicate pandemic practitioner and climate change had recorded potentially dangerous riences” and relied on data and con- expert, said the amount of debris in levels of rainfall in the last 24 hours. sultation from concerned stakehold- >> CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 during the monsoon season. Experts if they contract other seasonal the Melamchi flood was shocking. Between 8:45 am on Tuesday and ers. But Upadhya, the expert on cli- Doctors say more people are likely say in a country where people often diseases.” “This cannot happen only because 8:45 am on Wednesday, among the five mate issues, contests the claims. to be put in mass accommodations in die of diseases like diarrhoea, this Health workers across the country, of rainfall or encroachment of the stations for which rainfall data was “In the name of preparedness coming days, exposing them to the monsoon could expose the population especially in the rural areas, are river locally,” Upadhya told the Post. available, Shermathang recorded 29.4 against impending disasters, govern- risk of contracting the virus. to multiple risks, as the healthcare already stretched too thin ever since “The question this time is what caused mm of rain, Gumthang 7.6mm, Dhap ment agencies run in all directions “There is a higher chance of cluster system is already under strain and the pandemic began and an outbreak these landslides, although the whole 10.6mm, Chautara 5.3mm and once the disaster strikes. We have infections in the camps/shelters of health workers are working extra of any seasonal disease could spell a area has been abused for its resources Bahrabise 6mm. In the same 24-hour improved information sharing and the displaced people,” Dr Biraj hours to fight the pandemic. catastrophe. for 20 years.” period, of the total 228 rainfall meas- accelerated relief distribution and Karmacharya, an epidemiologist “Even if infections are not found in Officials at the Ministry of Health Upadhya said the changing rainfall uring stations monitored by the come up with guidelines for rebuild- who heads the Department of the shelters for the displaced people, and Population say some additional patterns due to climate change or Department of Hydrology and ing houses,” said Upadhya. “These Community Programme at Dhulikhel the elderly, children, pregnant women, health workers, who were recently some localised rainfall in a small area Meteorology, 213 recorded rainfall, activities are still focused on post-dis- Hospital, told the Post. “Authorities new mothers and those having comor- hired to deal with the pandemic, could also be the reason. showing the monsoon has widely aster recovery and do not avert should ramp up tests and isolate the bidities should be separated from oth- have not been trained to deal with “It seems temporary dams were cre- spread across the country. disasters. Disasters continue to strike infected.” ers,” said Karmacharya. “These peo- seasonal diseases. ated that blocked the flow of the river, Khanchikot of Arghakhanchi dis- in different parts of the country. We After cases started to decline, ple are vulnerable to other mon- According to experts, some people and then rains could have triggered trict recorded the highest 201.4mm have failed to integrate science in authorities have once again become soon-related diseases.” catching some monsoon-related dis- sudden floods,” said Upadhya. rainfall in the last 24 hours, followed early preparation and development complacent and reduced the number eases also show symptoms similar to Upadhya also finds a different pat- by 165 stations measuring more than practices.” of testing. This may mean fewer those of Covid-19 and trained health tern of a disaster in the area. 10mm of rainfall, 111 stations receiv- The monsoon action plan was also daily new infections, but the workers are needed for a proper “What happened in the Melamchi ing above 25mm, 73 stations measur- criticised for failing to prioritise percent positivity rate is still a cause People are likely to response. With roads and bridges area shows a new kind of disaster ing more than 50mm, 37 stations anticipatory actions, which can help for concern. be put in mass swept away, there are also concerns unfolding in the country, unlike in the marking above 100mm and 11 others minimise the effects of potential dis- Around a quarter of the total tests about people not getting access to past, especially because floodwaters measuring above 150mm of rainfall. asters or avoid disasters altogether. conducted across the country are still accommodations, health facilities on time, they say. have come down in intervals,” said Precipitation of 50mm or more but And, what has happened in returning positive results. On “Authorities must ensure that Upadhya. “Normally, when landslides less than 100mm is called “heavy rain” Melamchi and elsewhere has shown Wednesday, 2,014 people tested posi- exposing them to the essential medicines are supplied to block the river flow, water comes down and can cause damage. The five sta- that early preparedness remains out tive for Covid-19 among the 8,687 poly- flood-hit areas on time,” said Dr with a heavy force. But in the case of tions of Sindhupalchok did not see of the priority for the government merase chain reaction tests performed virus, doctors say. Krishna Man Shakya, vice-president Melamchi, it seems there must have heavy rain when 73 stations across the agencies. in total. of Nepal Public Health Association, a been some temporary dams that country had crossed the heavy rainfall “It seems we have not been able to While the Covid-19 risk persists, group of public health experts. “As blocked rainwater for some time mark, showing the devastation suf- impart risk communication to vulner- the monsoon could lead to outbreaks But in parts of the country where health workers are already exhausted before it got released. The pattern fered by Melamchi was not entirely able communities and it’s not been of other diseases as well in the days relocating the displaced people to dealing with the Covid-19 pandemic, seems to be repeating as the water because of rainfall. effective,” said Bed Nidhi Khanal, dep- to come. safer areas itself is a challenge, keep- this monsoon season, people may not level has been fluctuating in the Another set of data for accumulated uty spokesperson with the National “Covid-19 risk has not lessened yet, ing those vulnerable groups separate- get treatment on time.” Melamchi river.” rain for six days—from 8:45am on Disaster Risk Reduction and as we still have a high positivity rate,” ly is practically impossible, local rep- Rajesh Lamichhane, chief of the Floods and landslides leave a devas- June 10 to 8:45am on June 15—showed Management Authority. “We could not said Dr Keshab Deuba, a public health resentatives say. Health Office in Sindhupalchok, tating trail every year in the country. that Dhap received 112.8mm, followed communicate such risks to local com- epidemiologist. “Ongoing natural “At present, arranging a proper agrees that the challenges this time Despite that, the country’s disaster by Gumthang 112mm, Bahrabise munities which are prone to disasters. disasters could fuel infections in the shelter for the displaced and provid- are manifold. preparedness has not been up to the 72.9mm, and Chautara station 56.2mm. Local governments and other actors coming days.” ing two meals for them itself will be “The coming days are going to be mark. On top of that, the continuous According to Kadel, who is also the should have been engaged in such a In Nepal, thousands of people get an achievement,” said Sherpa difficult for us,” Lamichhane told the exploitation of natural resources—the chief of the Climate Analysis Section process. However, there are still no infected by waterborne and vec- from Helambu. “If we fail to open Post over the phone. “We are already hills and mountains and trees—in the of the department, even in Bagmati such mechanisms at the local level.” tor-borne diseases such as diarrhoea, alternative routes within a week, struggling to deal with the pandemic, name of development has made Nepal Province, the rainfall looked more According to Khanal, not all local dysentery, cholera, typhoid, jaundice, there will be a scarcity of food as the virus has spread in communi- more prone to monsoon disasters. concentrated in Makawanpur and units prepare their monsoon action malaria, kala-azar, scrub typhus, and essential medicines. We are con- ties. Now we are wary of an outbreak The government’s monsoon action Chitwan than in Sindhupalchok. plans, which guide them during such Japanese encephalitis and dengue cerned about these people’s treatment of seasonal diseases.” plan, which estimated that over 1.8 “Data show the area did not receive incidents; instead, they panic when million could be impacted by mon- too much rainfall to cause such a level disaster strikes. soon-related disasters this year, had of disaster. There could be a multitude “We learnt that Melamchi mentioned that Sindhupalchok could of factors, including the geology of Municipality had prepared its action be the second most affected district, the region,” said Kadel. “The area was plan which helped it minimise the Province Government after Dolakha, due to landslides. already vulnerable due to the earth- loss, which could have been even big- Sindhupalchok was among the dis- quakes of 2015. Rampant road con- ger,” said Khanal. “Some agencies Ministry of Social Development tricts most affected by the 2015 struction could be one of the reasons, complain that they do not have an earthquakes. which could have weakened the soil.” adequate budget for disasters whereas Province Hospital Studies suggest the quakes had Chhetri, who is from Chanaute there is nearly Rs6 billion for disaster weakened the hills in the district, Bazaar, a half an hour bus ride management purposes. However, we Karnali Province, Surkhet making them extremely vulnerable. from Melamchi Bazaar, said that it need proper guidelines for channelis- “I think landslides were triggered was around 4:30 pm on Tuesday ing the available budget for a quick by various factors, for instance, earth- when floodwaters started entering response.” Notice of Intention to Award quake- shaken hills, Melamchi project settlements. Khanal also agreed that most of the construction or other development “All the elderly people say they had activities are response-oriented rather Date of Notice: 2078-03-03 (17 Jun.2021) initiatives like road construction,” never seen flooding of this scale–that than focusing on preparedness to said Raju Pandit Chhetri, the execu- too mixed with the mudflow,” Chhetri avert disasters. Pursuant to clause 27(2) and 47(3) of Public Procurement Act 2063, this is to notify all tive director of Prakriti Resources told the Post based on his telephonic “There should be a threshold on the Centre, a non-profit working for sus- conversation with the people in the budget for disaster management pur- the bidders that the following substantially responsive lowest bidders have been selected tainable development and environ- district. “Unfortunately, we do not poses,” said Khanal. “Even the pro- mental justice in Nepal. “There could know the real reason yet.” curement law is not disaster manage- to award the contract as per the Invitation for Bids published on the The Kathmandu be multiple factors. Road construction The monsoon season is predicted to ment-friendly. It does not allow buying Post Daily, date 2078/01/27 (10 May 2021) and Province Hospital intends to award the too has been haphazard, which is the be harsh this time. There are predic- relief materials and equipment in case across the country.” tions that the country could witness advance but only after a disaster has contracts to the same. Experts agree that Sindhupalchok “above normal” rainfall this season. taken place. Last year, we could not has been one of the most vulnerable With devastations seen in the early buy tarpaulins.” Name of Total Amount districts when it comes to floods and week of the monsoon, experts say the The country is already reeling S.N. IFB No. Description landslides. But they say there is cer- worst is yet to come, as the country under the second wave of Covid-19, Successful bidder (without VAT) tainly a different pattern this time, remains ill-prepared even this time, and the monsoon in the next three just in the beginning of the monsoon. like in the past. months could spell another disaster. Gurans “The phenomenon shows we have The government agencies, however, “Monsoon-related disasters should PH/Karnali/ Supply & Delivery entered into a very complex dynamics have claimed that they are well-pre- have been the highest priority of the International Pvt. of floods and landslides,” said pared to tackle the monsoon disaster. government after the Covid-19 pan- 1 NCB-31/077- of Polyurethane 1,62,22,100.00 Ltd. Kathmandu Upadhya. Visuals coming from The National Disaster Risk Reduction demic,” said Updhaya. “But our 78 PU Series Chair Melamchi show at least one storey and Management Authority has pre- approach to disasters is still too tradi- 32. of houses, which could be nearly 10 pared a monsoon response plan for tional. One institution should lead feet, is buried in debris. This is a seri- better dealing with disaster incidents the disaster response for the rest of ous case.” and their aftermaths. the monsoon.” Though rainfall has been reported On Monday, while sharing the draft Hospital Director in Sindhupalchok and other parts of of the monsoon response plan, many (Anish Tiwari contributed reporting the country, the level of devastation is government officials said that they from Sindhupalchok.)

C M Y K 03 | THURSDAY, JUNE 17, 2021 NATIONAL Two transitional justice commissions Large-scale study to getting another term extension assess population’s But conflict victims say the commissions have done very little to deserve added tenure. immunity to Covid-19

BINOD GHIMIRE mission, led by Lokendra Mallick, had KATHMANDU, JUNE 16 completed the preliminary investiga- tions filed from most parts of the yet to start While extending the terms of the two country, except from 10 districts. transitional justice commissions by The incumbent leadership of the around six months in February, the commission under Yubraj Subedi car- Seroprevalence study examines presence of antibodies for government had said the existing ried out the preliminary investiga- legal hurdles in the transitional jus- tions in the remaining districts and a specific disease and helps authorities prepare strategies. tice process will be cleared by the time issued identity cards to some 500 of another extension as a new elected victims. ARJUN POUDEL the infection and immunity status but government would be in place. “We could have started the exhuma- KATHMANDU, JUNE 16 taking decision on restrictions on the The KP Sharma Oli government, tion work in some potential burial basis of immunity status could be which had dissolved the House of sites had the situation been normal,” In the first week of January, Dr another mistake. Representatives and announced snap Subedi said. Basudev Pandey, then director at the “As the coronavirus has been con- polls a couple of months earlier, had He added that it would take at least Epidemiology and Disease Control stantly changing its form and there is issued an ordinance to extend the six more months to start detailed Division, was addressing the final no exact information on how long will terms of the Truth and Reconciliation investigations of the cases filed with meeting for deploying health workers the immunity after an infection last, Commission and the Commission of the commission. to collect swab samples for a nation- taking decision on restrictions on the Investigation on Enforced Disappeared The truth commission too has limit- wide seroprevalence study. basis of one seroprevalence study will Persons till July 15. ed its works to issuing identity cards During the meeting, which was par- not be scientific,” Dr Megnath Dhimal, But on February 23, the Supreme and conducting preliminary studies ticipated by officials and technicians, chief researcher at the Nepal Health Court reinstated the lower house, of the recorded cases. Of the 63,718 Pandey was handed a transfer letter Research Council, told the Post. shutting down the prospect of snap cases filed with the commission, it has sent by the Ministry of Health and “Our southern neighbour had also polls called for April and May. A new completed preliminary investigations Population. performed a large-scale seropreva- elected government is not in place, as POST FILE PHOTO of only 5,000 cases—3,500 cases “The meeting was concluded with- lence study in various cities including announced by Prime Minister Oli, and Families of persons disappeared during the decade-long conflict stage a demonstration in were studied under the previous out any decision and later a nation- in Delhi and reported that over 50 the legal hurdles in the transitional Kathmandu demanding the whereabouts of their loved ones. leadership. wide seroprevalence study, which was percent of the population had antibod- justice process remain. “Both the commissions are high- to be launched in the second week of ies against the virus but later those The terms of the two transitional 2006 and political parties have paid lip roles have been limited to providing lighting distribution of identity cards January, was postponed indefinitely,” cities witnessed worst outbreaks.” justice bodies and their office-bearers service to the concerns of the conflict jobs to some people,” Maina Karki, as their significant work,” Surendra Pandey told the Post. Dhimal said that the antibodies will expire in less than a month from victims. chairperson of Conflict Victims’ Khatri, general secretary of the Experts say that the seroprevalence developed after vaccination are relia- now, and the government is once again The two transitional justice bodies Common Platform, told the Post. “The Conflict Victims’ National Network, survey was necessary as it would pro- ble and the only means to contain the preparing to extend their terms. were formed in 2015 with a mandate to present leaderships in both the com- told the Post. “The cards are useless vide data on the prevalence of corona- spread of infections. “There is no option other than term investigate and prosecute the con- missions are no better than the previ- unless they can be used to access state virus in communities, and help Other doctors say that seropreva- extension,” Minister for Law and flict-era crimes within two years. Over ous ones.” facilities and subsidies.” authorities prepare strategies for lence study is a part of the measures Justice Lila Nath Shreshta, told the the years, they have undergone sever- The government in January last Bishnu Pokharel, a member of the locating hotspots and taking neces- that need to be taken on a regular Post. “We wish we could revise the al term extensions, with another one year had appointed new teams in both truth commission, said they are sary measures to contain the spread basis to know the infection status, to transitional justice Act as directed by imminent, and accomplished very lit- the commissions relieving the previ- preparing to carry out detailed of the virus. make the infection control policy the Supreme Court, but the govern- tle of their mandate. ous leaderships that had failed to investigations into the cases that are Such a study can also tell authori- effective and focus the measures as ment alone cannot do it.” “The government plans to issue an accomplish the expected goals even ready. ties how many people in a specific well as resources in certain areas. On February 26, 2015, the Supreme ordinance within next two weeks to after working for more than four “We are also preparing to recom- population may have contracted the Court had directed the government to extend the terms of the two transi- years. mend reparation and compensation to virus. amend around half a dozen provisions tional justice bodies,” Law Minister Around one and half years in, the the victims very soon,” she told the However, the study has not started The Health Ministry in the Enforced Disappearances Shrestha said. present leaderships of the two com- Post. “We are doing the best we can. yet. Officials at the Epidemiology and Enquiry, Truth and Reconciliation He did not say how long the terms missions too haven’t achieved much. We hope we will have something to Disease Control Division said that had last carried out Act, 2014—the provisions that allowed would be extended this time. “The Covid-19 pandemic has severe- show by the time our tenure expires.” they are planning to start the study amnesty even in cases of serious Concerning the pending amend- ly affected our performance,” Ganga The conflict victims have no faith in soon. But for that health workers need a seroprevalence human rights violation. ment to the transitional justice Act, Dhar Adhikari, spokesperson for the the commissions and their officials to be trained again, as all those trained Amending the Act is a must to pros- the minister said he could not build a disappearance commission, told the though. They have accused the com- earlier are not in contact. study in September. ecute the incidents of serious crimes consensus with the Nepali Congress Post. “Despite the challenges we have missions of keeping them in the dark. “After completing the training we and human rights violations that were and the CPN (Maoist Centre). accomplished some remarkable tasks The pandemic is just an excuse, will start a nation-wide seropreva- perpetrated by the Maoist rebels and Meanwhile, conflict victims have like issuing identity cards to the vic- they say. lence study,” an official at the division, “Even if we do not know how long the state security forces during the said that the two transitional justice tims and completing the preliminary “We have wasted a crucial time of told the Post, asking not to be named. the antibodies will last, such studies decade-long Maoist insurgency. commissions have done nothing tangi- investigations of all cases.” our lives fighting for justice,” said The Health Ministry had carried give an idea of where the infection has But despite the court’s order and ble towards providing justice to thou- Among the 3,223 cases filed with the Karki, whose husband was killed by out a seroprevalence study in spread and its intensity,” Dr Sher calls from conflict victims and human sands of victims and that they don’t two commissions, the disappearance the Maoists in 2004. “I have no hope September last year with technical as Bahadur Pun, chief of Clinical rights organisations to amend the Act, deserve another term extension. commission has shortlisted 2,510 that my family will get justice in my well as financial support from the Research unit at Sukraraj Tropical subsequent governments since the “The commissions were formed to cases that it says fall under its juris- lifetime. But I will continue to raise World Health Organisation. The study and Infectious Disease Hospital, told Maoists joined peaceful politics in provide justice to the victims but their diction. The previous team in the com- my voice until my last breath.” showed that around 14 percent of the the Post. country’s population may have been A seroprevalence study or a serolo- infected with the coronavirus by gy test examines the presence of anti- September last year. bodies for a specific disease in a popu- And in some districts, the infection lation. When a human body is exposed rate may have been as high as 28 per- to a foreign pathogen [disease-causing cent, according to officials. microorganisms], it produces antibod- “The report indicated that 4 million ies in response. of the total population could have Serology tests look for either immu- been infected with the virus by noglobulin m (igm) or immunoglobu- September last year,” said Pandey, for- lin g (igg), the two antibodies devel- mer director at the Division. “Officials oped by the human body against a at the Health Ministry did not let us virus. The igm is the first antibody disclose the report then and decided to developed by the immune system, so it carry out another large-scale study.” is detected in the bloodstream first, The Health Ministry said that blood within a week or two, followed by the samples of 13,500 people from all dis- igg, which is detected only two weeks tricts will be collected and analysed at after the infection. the National Public Health Laboratory. “Only the symptomatic people, those “We are working to start another recommended by the doctors and peo- seroprevalence study at the earliest,” ple going abroad are getting serology Dr Krishna Prasad Paudel, spokesper- tests,” said Pun. “Large scale seroprev- son for the Health ministry, told the alence study shows the extent of popu- Post. “We are planning to make the lation infected with the virus so far, study more comprehensive. More sam- that will at least give some idea.” ples will be collected from densely Of late, infection rate has declined populated cities.” nationwide. Along with that, the number According to Paudel, results of a of tests for Covid-19 have also declined. large-scale seroprevalence study will On Wednesday, of the 8,687 poly- help understand the immunity level merase chain reaction tests carried against the coronavirus in the popula- out throughout the country, 2,014 tion, which ultimately helps in taking returned positive. The Health policy decisions including a decision Ministry also performed 4,335 antigen to lift the restrictions. tests which showed 814 people tested Experts, however, said that large- positive. In the last 24 hours, 52 people POST PHOTO: ANISH REGMI scale seroprevalence studies should be died of Covid-19 throughout the coun- A boy flies a kite from the roof of a hut at a squatter settlement in Kuleshwor, Kathmandu on Wednesday. carried out on a regular basis to know try from the coronavirus infection.

BRIEFING Monsoon means nightmare for riverside squatters in Kathmandu

Covid-19 positivity rate at Thousands of squatter households living along the riverbanks spend sleepless nights throughout the monsoon. 70 percent in Sindhuli ANUP OJHA Kathmandu four decades ago, settled Dhan Chemjong, treasurer of Nawa SINDHULI: Covid-19 infection rate KATHMANDU, JUNE 16 at the riverbank and raised the family. Dristikon Youth Club at Namuna Basti, stands at around 70 percent in His wife passed away due to pneumo- a squatter settlement along the Bagmati Sindhuli, the record of the District On Wednesday noon the rain had nia in 1999. River at Gauri Gaun, Sinamangal, says Health Office in Sindhuli showed. almost stopped at the squatter settle- “My two daughters were also mar- over 100 families in ward 31 of the Among the samples tested on Sunday, ment along the Bagmati riverbank at ried here in the slum and live nearby, Kathmandu Metropolitan City are at the infection rate stood at over 90 per- Teku in Kathmandu. Seated on a so when it rains all of us including my higher risk of flood. cent, whereas on Monday the infec- bench outside his shack, 65-year-old in-laws suffer from inundation,” said “A few settlements are quite safe tion rate was found to be over 55 per- Maila Damai was hemming shorts Damai. due to the embankment, but many cent. On Tuesday, out of 41 samples made out of old trousers while a small others could be swept away if the river tested, 28 returned positive. Amrit radio beside him blared out news on swelled to dangerous levels,” said Karki, the in-charge of the Covid-19 the losses caused by floods and land- Over 8,000 families Chemjong. Hospital in Sindhuli, said, “The risk slides across the country. Meanwhile, at the squatter settle- of Covid-19 spread is still there. The “This year is going to be tougher for are living along ment at Thapathali, Chandra Tamang, data shows that we are not out of us. The only thing we can do is pray to the chairman of a squatter committee, danger yet. At least one person is God to save our lives,” sighed Damai, the Bagmati said their biggest fear is the rainy dying of Covid-19 every day in who said he has been living in the set- season. “Just like every year, our peo- Sindhuli.” So far, 31 persons have tlement for the past 40 years. riverbanks alone. ple will be spending sleepless nights died of Covid-19 in the district. Every monsoon the squatter settle- for several weeks and months.” ment of nearly 200 families gets inun- According to Tamang, there are 136 dated several times by the Bagmati. Similar is the condition of Pancha squatter households with a total popu- Man held on charge of “Last year, we had to spend four Narayan Maharjan, 65, who has been lation of 616 at Thapathali. raping minor sleepless nights. My bed, kitchen uten- living in the squatter settlement for Meanwhile, the Nepal Landless KANCHANPUR: Police on Tuesday sils and the cooking gas cylinder were the past 20 years with his wife and two Democratic Union Party, which advo- arrested a 53-year-old man of floating in the floodwaters,” said sons, and runs a small grocery shop. cates the cause of squatters, informed Krishnapur Municipality-4 on the Damai. “We live in constant fear throughout that more than 29,000 landless people charge of raping a minor. The suspect Damai, a father of two sons and two the rainy season, but nobody cares in Kathmandu Valley living in 73 set- has been accused of repeatedly rap- daughters, earns a living by sewing about our problems. Instead the govern- tlements. Of them, 1,082 families were ing an 11-year-old girl from the same clothes. The sons and daughters help ment wants to chase us away,” he said. registered as squatters in 2012. The locality. The victim’s family lodged a him. “But we are almost jobless since Like Damai and Maharjan, thou- party’s report shows over 8,000 fami- complaint at the District Police Office the lockdown started a month and a sands of squatter households living lies are living along the Bagmati river- on Sunday. The accused has been half ago,” he said. along the banks of Bagmati, banks alone. Eighty percent of the taken in custody for investigation, Stricken by poverty in his home Bishnumati, Dhobikhola and total squatters live on riverbanks in POST PHOTO: ANUP OJHA police said. village in Kavrepalanchowk, Damai Manohara rivers spend sleepless Kathmandu, Bhaktapur and Lalitpur, Maila Damai, who lives along the Bagmati riverbank at Teku, Kathmandu fears the monsoon is along with his wife came to nights throughout the monsoon. according to the party. going to be tough this year.

C M Y K THURSDAY, JUNE 17, 2021 | 04 OPINION EDITORIAL The way to environmental degradation The decision to extract Depending on handouts sand, stones and soil for The provinces still rely heavily on fiscal transfers export to reduce the and revenue sharing. deficit is unwise.

The finance ministers of the seven provinces on Tuesday pre- sented their budgets for the next fiscal year 2021-22 to their SHYAM MAINALI respective assemblies. The combined budgets come to Rs262 billion, down slightly from the Rs264.20 billion for the current fiscal year. While the slight decrease in the budget is under- standable owing to the economic downturn brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic, what is of concern is that the provinces still rely heavily on fiscal transfers and revenue shared by the The budget for the upcoming fiscal federal government while their reliance on internal revenues is year has invited nationwide criticism negligible. In that sense, the provinces seem to seek only to for its provision allowing the extrac- decentralise federal money rather than generate their own tion of valuable natural resources in the Chure belt. The rationale behind income and emerge as self-dependent units of governance. the announcement, as claimed by the On display is the poverty of thought and imagination on the government, is to export sand, stones part of the provincial governments in expanding their fiscal and soil to India with a view to reduce jurisdiction as well as maximising local resource mobilisation, the trade deficit that Nepal has with the southern neighbour. This justifica- independent of the federal government. tion hardly satisfies any Nepali as If there is one thing to look forward to in the provincial budg- everyone knows that it will negatively ets, it is the focus on advanced health care systems and infra- contribute to the degradation of the structure. That is a welcome approach considering the pain environment in the entire Chure region with immediate effect on the whole of citizens across the country have endured due to the failure of Tarai belt. The policy is bound to create the health system amidst the pandemic. The provinces have a revolt from environment experts, the rightly allocated funds for prevention, control and treatment of media, different political parties the coronavirus, compensation for victims of the virus, and (except, perhaps, for the ruling party), academicians, development experts, allowances for frontline workers. The provinces have also allo- intellectuals and the general public. cated funds to vaccinate all people against the coronavirus, The extraction of any materials from although that seems like an overkill in the absence of a modali- the Chure region is prohibited by the ty. The federal government is expected to take up the responsi- government. A lot of natural resources are removed and sold illegally in the bility of vaccinating the people. domestic and international markets. POST PHOTO: MADHAB ARYAL Apart from health, provinces have variously focused on agri- Due to political instability and ill inten- the region’s environmental degrada- to the protection, promotion and eco- the budget because it was issued culture, education, and social security as they should. The prov- tions of the government, it has not tion and ecological imbalance go from logical balance of the fragile area, the through the ordinance route which is inces, though, have not failed to disappoint this time as well, been successful in controlling such bad to worse. With a few exceptions, all ministry says. as good as the acts of the nation. If the activities. It will create a serious oppose the plan and strongly claim that But environmental activists are not government is really prepared and having reproduced programmes that are of little significance at impact downstream by causing deserti- this is an obscene and regressive move convinced by the government state- determined, another ordinance is a time when they have a myriad of problems to look after. fication of the plains. According to the against the national interest. ment, and claim the Environment essential to correct it. Further exploita- Barring Lumbini, the provinces have given continuity to the constitution, these things are under the Saving a weak government at the Ministry statement is completely tion of the natural resources will ruin unpopular Local Infrastructure Development Programme that jurisdiction of the local level. Political cost of environmental devastation worthless. The government has taken the ecological balance amid the contin- analysts are of the opinion that it is a needs to be condemned by all. The such a counterproductive decision uing political instability and wrong allows assembly members to fund projects of their liking. This political strategy designed to please mafia in the Chure area is strong and it immediately after the dissolution of policy of the government. Activists, increases the risk of corruption as well as extravagance in unvi- one’s party workers and create a source can easily influence the government. the House of Representative. The inten- experts, freelancers and independent able schemes. At a time when the federal budget for the next of income for the election. Undesired They have terrorised environmental tion of such a decision is bad because it environmentalists would like to advise year has scrapped the programme altogether owing to the elements are highly protected and mas- activists on a regular basis. The mur- fulfils the interest of undesirable ele- the government for an immediate with- sive exploitation of natural resources der of environmental martyr Dilip ments. The Nepal Forum of drawal of such a counterproductive absence of Parliament, it makes little sense for the provinces to is continuing at the cost of the nation Mahato by the crusher mafia can be Environmental Journalist said in a and highly opposed announcement as continue with a similar programme even as they stare at politi- at large. cited as a representative example in statement that this policy would ruin soon as possible. cal crises in the days to come. this regard. the Chure region which has already The present caretaker government is Notwithstanding the strengths and weaknesses in terms of Natural disasters According to the Ministry of suffered much in the past decades. weak and fragile. Its future will be The opposition party has charged the Environment, the essence of the gov- Politicians and the government are decided by the constitutional bench of allocation, though, the real test of the budget lies in its imple- incumbent government with being ernment announcement is entirely a deeply involved in immediate financial the Supreme Court. The people are suf- mentation. No matter how good a budget they present for the involved in rampant policy-level cor- policy decision. The government says it gain. They lack long-term impact anal- fering greatly from the pandemic. Why next fiscal year, the provinces will not be able to bring meaning- ruption by taking such a counterpro- is determined to protect and promote ysis including the negative impacts, in such a situation is the government ful changes in the lives of the people unless they come up with ductive step. The government com- this significant and fragile region. The which could lead to a situation of eco- attracted to announcing such a prob- pletely ignored the directives of the government further claims that the logical imbalance. Powerful industrial- lematic and highly debatable policy? viable plans to implement it. Having inherited archaic adminis- parliamentary committee to protect the policy itself is essential for progress ists and contractors have been success- Such steps should be taken by a full- trative systems and practices from the federal government, the ecological balance of the region. and prosperity, pointing out that the ful in influencing the government and fledged government following feedback provinces still fail to show a firm commitment to delivering Relentless mining of sand, boulders, contribution of mining in Nepal’s its machinery so easily. The outcome of from independent experts. Parliament services that bring transformative changes in the lives of the pebbles and stones from the rivers and gross domestic product is extremely this policy is deforestation and water is the proper place to take a decision on hills of this region for export to India low, that is, less than 1 percent while it sources will gradually dry up. such a significant matter. It is not sure people. The provincial governments have a significant role to in massive quantities results in natural is 26 percent in China, 20 percent in whether Parliament will be reinstated, play not only in the distribution of the country’s resources but disasters like floods and landslides. Australia and 4 percent in India. The Unbelievable claim so this policy needs to be suspended as also in addressing the problems of the people locally. Having Deforestation in the Chure hills has budget statement is just a policy The claim of the government is unbe- of this moment. A new Parliament will endured for long a centralised state structure, people have come been a permanent source of income for approach to explore suitable mines lievable in the sense that no environ- be the proper body to decide such local traffickers and downstream without compromising on ecologically mental impact assessment provision is important matters. to expect more from the provincial governments. The budgets inhabitants. They are illegally selling balanced activities that are based on mentioned in the budget statement. of the provinces, therefore, should find local solutions for local timber and boulders. The present poli- environmental impact assessment Legally speaking, the Ministry of Mainali is a former secretary of the problems. cy of the federal government will make reports. Utmost priority will be given Finance cannot amend the provision in Government of Nepal. School reopening can’t wait

remain an option, but only as a last Some of the biggest costs resort and for limited periods where community transmission is surging. of Covid-19 will stem from When schools are forced to close tem- porarily, this must be done in conjunc- lengthy school closures. tion with other community-level pub- lic-health and social measures. But overall, the evidence overwhelm- ingly points to the need for schools, especially preschools and primary KARIN HULSHOF & TAKESHI KASAI schools, to be reopened. The same applies to ECD centres. There is no such thing as zero risk. But the risks are manageable with robust mitigation strategies. The World Health Organization’s guidance on operating schools during the pandemic includes several measures to reduce Covid-19 With the Covid-19 pandemic now well exposure and transmission. These into its second year, safely reopening include personal hygiene practices, schools has become an urgent priority. proper mask use, physical distancing, School attendance is critical for chil- adequate ventilation, and regular clean- dren’s education and lifetime pros- ing and disinfection of surfaces. Clear pects. The long-term costs of clo- and consistent communication with par- sures—both for individual children ents and children to ensure compliance and society—are simply too large to both in the classroom and during after- justify on a continuing basis. school activities is equally important. Evidence since the start of the pan- Policymakers must also consider the demic shows that Covid-19 does not local context for resuming in-school pose a high risk to children, and that learning, including factors such as the schools are not drivers of transmis- level of community transmission and sion within the surrounding commu- the capacity to respond to an increase nity. We have also amassed a large in infections. In some places, health body of knowledge about how to and education services will need addi- reduce the risks to children, teachers, tional resources to implement the nec- and their families. Using this knowl- essary safety measures. edge, we all need to urgently work Maintaining vigilance and adher- toward reopening schools safely to SHUTTERSTOCK ence to all of these measures is criti- protect our children’s future. start of the pandemic. Children who the pandemic. The region should pre- estimate that education budgets in the ly to the proportion of hospitalised cal—not only for schools, but also for Prolonged school closures have a are not in the classroom also experi- pare for a reduction in the expected region will need to increase by at least cases or reported deaths). And a study our broader efforts to contain Covid-19, significant impact not just on chil- ence increased loneliness, difficulty gains in reading and math skills for 7 percent to stay within striking dis- of children from the Republic of including the development and spread dren’s skills attainment and earning concentrating, and high levels of children in both preschool and prima- tance of those targets. Korea shows that infected children are of virus variants and mutations. prospects, but also on their physical learning anxiety. These problems will ry school, as well as a wider achieve- Despite the obvious costs of school less likely to spread the virus. The good news is that school reo- and mental health. While online edu- only grow worse the longer schools ment gap between disadvantaged chil- closures, many countries are still In short, primary schools, pre- penings are not dependent on the cation can guarantee some continuity remain closed. dren and their peers. reluctant to reopen, citing fears of schools, and early childhood develop- availability of vaccines. We need to of learning for some children, these School closures have also led to The Asian Development Bank further transmission. But our focus ment (ECD) centres are not high-risk work toward a sustainable “new nor- services are no substitute for in-per- reduced physical activity, poor eating warns that the learning losses caused now should be on using what we know settings for transmission, especially if mal” right now. While the relatively son attendance. Moreover, access to habits, and disrupted sleep patterns. For by prolonged school closures will sig- about Covid-19 and children to work the right safety measures are followed. low risks of children being in school online learning remains woefully une- some children, more time at home has nificantly reduce the future productiv- towards the safe reopening of schools. Transmission levels in these settings are easily managed, the consequences ven, with disadvantaged children— increased the risk of domestic violence, ity and lifetime earnings of affected Globally, children account for a very have been found to reflect those of the of keeping them out of their class- including those with disabilities, just as more screen time has exacerbated students in the region. It estimates the small proportion of confirmed Covid- surrounding community. rooms are grave and far-reaching. It is those affected by migration, and the risks of online harm. And with present value of these losses to be 19 cases. Children of prima- The one possible exception is sec- time for the school gates to reopen. excluded minorities—bearing the schools closed, a critical avenue for iden- $1.25 trillion—5.4 percent of the ry-school-age and younger are among ondary schools (high schools), which brunt of the shortcomings of digital tifying and reporting abuse and mental region’s 2020 GDP. Achieving the 2030 the least likely cohorts to be infected. have accounted for a higher number Kasai is World Health Organisation education. health issues has been closed off. Sustainable Development Goal for And even when they do contract of outbreaks than primary schools. Regional Director for the Western The evidence shows increases in In nearly half the countries in education was already going to be Covid-19, they tend to have milder Because adolescents appear to trans- Pacific. Hulshof is UNICEF Regional anxiety, depression, and self-harm developing Asia, schools have been challenging enough before the pan- symptoms than adults (which is why mit the virus much like adults, partial Director for East Asia and the Pacific. among school-aged children since the closed for more than 200 days during demic. Now, UNICEF and UNESCO they have not contributed significant- closures for secondary schools should — Project Syndicate

C M Y K 05 | THURSDAY, JUNE 17, 2021 MONEY

FOREX US Dollar 117.62 Wage gap between men and women persists: Report Euro 142.61

Pound Sterling 166.03 The widest difference is in the professional category where a male worker earns Rs23,800 monthly compared to Rs12,000 for a female.

Japanese Yen 10.70 KRISHANA PRASAIN managers who make up 70.3 percent Chinese Yuan 18.39 KATHMANDU, JUNE 16 of the total. From agriculture, forestry and fish- Qatari Riyal 31.80 Last December, the All Nepal Football ing to manufacturing, wholesale Australian Dollar 90.66 Association made a landmark deci- and retail trade, accommodation and sion to end wage discrimination food service activities, financial and Malaysian Ringit 28.57 between men and women national insurance activities, professional, sci- players, and pay them the same salary entific and technical activities, educa- Saudi Arab Riyal 31.36 starting January 2021. tion, human health and other social Exchange rates fixed by Nepal Rastra Bank Nepal thus became one of the few activities, the number of male manag- countries in the world to end pay dis- ers is higher than that of females, the parity in sports. But in most other report said. Shares sectors, there is still a wide wage gap There are 77.6 percent male manag- between female and male workers, ers in the manufacturing sector Nepse 2,969.69pts -1.73% according to a recent study report against only 22.2 percent female man- unveiled by the Central Bureau of agers. In the financial and insurance HIGHEST LOSERS Statistics. sectors, there are 75 percent male JOSHI GUFL NHPC CHL AKJCL BFC -9.94% -9.92% -9.91% -9.88% -9.85% -9.78% An analytical report on Women in managers and only 24.7 percent female Business shows that the share of managers. MODERATE LOSERS PMHPL GHL MPFL DHPL NFS PFL women workers in any sector is high The gender gap in the information -9.76% -9.75% -9.72% -9.72% -9.7% -9.58% when the monthly income is small and and communication sector is even

MODERATE GAINERS vice versa. wider, with male managers making up SKBBL SMATA SLBBL NICLBSL ALBSL GBLBS The share of women workers is 58 89 percent and female managers 3.44% 3.47% 3.53% 3.56% 3.69% 4.13% percent for monthly incomes smaller accounting for only 9.8 percent. HIGHEST GAINERS than Rs7,600. In contrast, the share of According to the report, the partici- KMCDB SLBSL RSDC UNHPL FMDBL CHDC women workers is only 12.2 percent pation of women at decision-making 5.06% 5.23% 5.62% 6.44% 7.2% 9.9% for monthly incomes of more than levels in the private sector is 29.61 Rs25,000. percent. Similarly, women’s participa- The Central Bureau of Statistics, tion in the cooperative sector is 51 the central agency for the collection, percent. GRAPHIC COURTESY: CENTRAL BUREAU OF STATISTICS PRICE PER TOLA consolidation, processing, analysis, The report said that 98.3 percent of BULLION publication and dissemination of data global goals be designed to be a The major problems of gender said that women were gradually female managers were engaged in in Nepal, reports that the biggest pay blueprint to achieve a better and equality in Nepal, as pointed out becoming leaders--mostly in the busi- 268,866 micro establishments that Fine Gold Rs 93,100 gap between male and female workers more sustainable future for all. On by the Fifteenth Plan (2020-21 to ness sector. engage 1-9 people. The scale of the is in the “professional” category. In gender equality and women empower- 2024-25), include prevalence of behav- “A patriarchal culture, access to businesses established by female Silver Rs 1,360 this category, for example, if a male ment, it would be important to ioural discrimination against women, finance, lack of technical knowledge managers is small compared to male earns Rs23,800 monthly, a female get a clear understanding of the and the persistence of societal and traditional methods of produc- managers. SOURCE: FENEGOSIDA earns Rs12,000. situation of women participation structures, beliefs, values and tradi- tion are barriers for women entrepre- The report said that the average Even in the “managers” category, in political, economic and public tional practices that promote illitera- neurs to move ahead,” Rana said. annual sales of a company run by which requires competency, if a male activities. cy, harmful practices, gender-based “As most women are engaged in infor- female managers was Rs1 million, GASOLINE WATCH earns Rs32,000 per month, the pay for Kushum Shakya, professor and for- discrimination and violence against mal business sectors, which are compared to Rs4.1 million for male women averages Rs25,500. mer head of the Central Department women.Nepali women ranked second not registered, their economic contri- managers. Similarly, the annual The pay gap in the “technicians of Economics at Tribhuvan University, in South Asia and 101st globally in the bution is not counted or is not visible average profit of companies run and associated professionals” catego- said that social barriers and educa- Global Gender Gap Report 2020. The in the statistics,” she added.Despite by female managers is Rs343,000, ry is not so great—the monthly sala- tion were the key hindrances for Global Gender Gap Index showed that government efforts, gender dispari- compared to Rs1.2 million for male ries for men and women being Rs24,000 women from participating in different Nepal was ranked high on political ties in Nepal have not been fully elim- managers. and Rs22,500 respectively. In the “agri- business activities, including the gen- empowerment while placed at lower inated as women are backward in The access to credit of male manag- culture, forestry and fisheries work- der pay gap. positions on educational attainment terms of literacy, property rights and ers is 36.1 percent and that of female ers” category too, if a male earns “Most women quit their careers and health and survival. labour participation, the report managers 34.3 percent, according to Rs12,167 monthly, female workers soon after starting a family. This The Fifteenth Plan has made showed. the report. earn Rs11,406. reduces their participation in higher strategies such as responsive budgets According to the report, the wom- The major loan providers to busi- “One of the reasons why the cash positions,” said Shakya. “Women at all levels of government for en’s literacy rate of 57.7 percent is nesses with female managers are income of females is less than that of are also forced to quit their education the institutionalisation of gender, and lower than that of men by 20 percent- cooperatives with 36.4 percent while male workers would be that not many halfway due to various pressing for the achievement of economic age punts, the proportion of women the major loan providers to businesses female workers take up leadership reasons. So, with a low level of empowerment and social transforma- with access to property right is only 26 with male managers are banks with positions and professional occupa- education, they remain at the lower tion by giving special priority percent, and labour participation of 39.6 percent. tions,” the report said. “Another levels in their professional career,” to economically poor and socially women is 26.3 percent compared to There are 1.2 million female employ- reason is that the income of female she said. Shakya said that there was a excluded women to achieve substan- 53.8 percent for men. ees, accounting for 37.7 percent of the workers is smaller than that of male huge payment disparity in the private tial gender equality by ensuring equal In terms of societal aspects, women workforce while the figure for male workers even when they are in the sector. “The government should make and meaningful participation of are disproportionately more involved employees is 2 million, or 62.3 percent, same positions.” a provision for an equal pay system. women. in unpaid housework than men, the the report shows. To achieve the Sustainable The pay disparity is the single biggest Bhawani Rana, immediate past analytical report said. More women are engaged in human Development Goals of the United reason for discouraging women from president of Federation of Nepalese According to the report, there health and social work activities with Nations, the bureau has recommend- participating in working and their Chambers of Commerce and Industry, are 273,436 female managers, or 29.6 56.8 percent compared to 43.2 percent ed that a collection of 17 interlinked professional growth,” she said. the apex private sector body of Nepal, percent, compared to 648,773 male for men. Spain hopes to jumpstart India says Twitter knowingly not complying with local laws ASSOCIATED PRESS India to excuse itself from complying with the can be held criminally liable for failing to com- NEW DELHI, JUNE 16 law of the land, such attempts are misplaced,” ply with the government’s requests. electric car industry Prasad said in a series of tweets. Twitter said in a statement on Tuesday that it The standoff between the Indian government The Indian government has been at odds with was making every effort to comply with the new and Twitter escalated on Wednesday when the major social media websites over a new set of regulations. The company said it had appointed country’s technology minister accused the sweeping regulations that give it more power to an interim chief compliance officer in India, a social media giant of deliberately not complying police online content. requirement under the new regulations, and with local laws. It requires companies to erase content that will soon notify India’s Ministry of Electronics Technology Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad authorities deem unlawful, comply with govern- and Information Technology. said Twitter has chosen “the path of deliberate ment takedown orders, help with police investi- The new rules also require social media plat- defiance” when it comes to following new gations and identify the originators of “mischie- forms to appoint what the government calls internet regulations that digital activists vous information.” grievance officers to handle complaints from have said could curtail online speech and priva- Under the new laws, social media websites law enforcement agencies. Prasad, the IT minis- cy in India. and tech companies will also have to remove ter, also accused Twitter of bias and said it was “If any foreign entity believes that they can content within 36 hours after an administrative labelling some content as manipulated media, portray itself as the flag bearer of free speech in or legal order is issued. Their employees “only when it suits its likes and dislikes.”

AP/RSS A man charges his electric car at a charging point in Rivas Vaciamadrid, Spain.

ASSOCIATED PRES Association of Automobile and Truck BARCELONA, JUNE 16 Manufacturers. “What we are doing is accelerating a Daniel Sánchez is one of the luckier electric change that is already taking place,” Blanco car owners in Spain. With a free recharging said. “This is a unique opportunity. The station less than a kilometre from his home automakers are on board, and there are just north of Barcelona, he can keep his resources to carry out the investments.” Tesla ready to roll. A leader in highspeed electric trains, “I cannot imagine stopping at a gas station Spain wants to put 250,000 more electric ever again,” the 41-year-old transport compa- vehicles on its roads within two years, add- ny owner said. “We feel like those people ing to the current 96,000. who got off a horse-drawn carriage and The push for electric cars should reduce climbed into a car. There is no going back.” CO2 emissions by 450,000 tons, according to Other Spaniards are considerably less government projections as Spain aims to enthusiastic. completely convert to renewable energy by The dearth of places to plug in, compared 2050, in line with EU targets. to western and northern Europe, and the “Spain can carry out these industrial price of electric cars have left Spain lagging activities with green energy,” Blanco said. as the continent races to get greener. “Compared to other countries of central and Now the government wants to usher the eastern Europe that still rely on fossil fuels, entire country into this new paradigm. or other countries which use nuclear, Spain The ruling left-wing coalition plans to use can rely on renewable energies since it has a chunk of the 140 billion euros ($166 billion) wind and solar.” Spain is set to receive from the European Spain is counting on its robust car indus- Union’s pandemic recovery plan to kickstart try, and the deposits of lithium—key to bat- its electric car industry. tery production for electric vehicles—that it European Commission President Ursula shares with Portugal. von der Leyen is set to visit Madrid on The goal is to establish a supply chain by Wednesday while Spain awaits the approval encouraging private investment to build a of its plan by Brussels. She will meet with battery factory, along with assembly plants Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, who has and software design, all with the goal of driv- compared the EU Next Generation funds to a ing more climate-friendly cars off produc- “new Marshall Plan.” tion lines. The plan’s success, however, faces Spain’s Secretary of State for Industry hurdles. Spain has fewer than 2 public plug- Raül Blanco told The Associated Press that in points per 100,000 square kilometres, com- the government is aiming at spending pared to over 10 in Germany, Belgium and around 5 billion euros ($6 billion) over the Netherlands, according to a 2020 report the next three years on its electric vehicle by the European Court of Auditors. initiative. The government wants to boost the total Spain produced 2.2 million cars and trucks number of recharging points nationwide in 2020, second only to Germany in Europe. from 11,500 to 100,000 in three years. But only 140,000 of these were electric or ANFAC, the carmakers’ group, said more hybrids, according to ANFAC, the Spanish may be needed.

C M Y K THURSDAY, JUNE 17, 2021 | 06 SPORTS | MEDLEY Nepal into final rounds of Asian Cup qualifiers New Zealand aim to end Nepal get direct entry into the third round after Qatar and China qualify for finals as their group winners and runners-up. final jinx against India SPORTS BUREAU KATHMANDU, JUNE 16 REUTERS preparedness with a 1-0 series victory Nepal have qualified for the final LONDON, JUNE 16 against England. Particularly impres- rounds of the AFC Asian Cup 2023 sive was how the team under stop-gap qualifiers after the Asian Football An upbeat New Zealand will take on captain Tom Latham, having made six Confederation (AFC) announced an undercooked India aiming to changes to their squad, triumphed by changes in the rule for qualification become Test cricket’s first official eight wickets inside four days in on Wednesday. world champions when they clash in Edgbaston. Nepal, who were set to go through the inaugural World Test By contrast, India have not played a playoffs for a place in the qualifiers, Championship (WTC) final in Test match since March and are yet to were given direct entry into the third Southampton from Friday. win an ICC trophy under skipper or the final round of the Asian qualifi- The one-off match at the Rose Bowl Virat Kohli. The importance of the ers after the defending champions marks the culmination of a two-year WTC final was not lost on the Qatar and next edition’s hosts China cycle of the WTC, which was launched 32-year-old. and both qualified for the AFC Asian in 2019 to create Test cricket’s own “This holds a lot of value, especially Cup finals as group winners and best pinnacle event. this being the first of its kind and in four runners up among all eight The governing International the toughest format,” Kohli said groups. Cricket Council (ICC) wanted the before leaving for England. “This is Qatar qualified as Group ‘E’ win- championship to bring relevance and like the accumulation of all the hard ners and China as Group ‘A’ runners context to Test cricket and New work of not just the duration of the up for both -- next round of the World Zealand captain Kane Williamson said championship but the last five-six Cup Qualifiers as well as the finals of it had been a success. years.” the Asian Cup. Qatar and China’s “I think we saw it at the end of the The WTC final could prove to be a direct qualification for the Asian Cup PHOTO COURTESY: ANFA competition, teams trying to push contest between India’s star-studded finals paved the way for all the fourth- Nepal finished fourth in Group ‘B’ consisting of Australia, Kuwait, Jordan and Chinese Taipei collecting six points from eight matches. their case for qualifying which made batting line-up and New Zealand’s ver- placed teams as well as three best way for a lot of exciting results,” the satile pace attack armed with the fifth-placed teams from all eight ranked 36th to 39th, will compete in made it to the final round of Asian participating teams will be divided 30-year-old said last week. “We saw in fast-swinging Dukes ball. groups to make it to the final rounds the AFC Asian Cup qualifiers play-offs qualifiers as the bottom placed second into six groups each consisting of four Australia, in New Zealand, a lot of With an animated Kohli and a of the AFC Asian Cup final round for two available spots, according to teams while Bahrain, Turkmenistan, teams. The winners and runners up of teams had a chance to get through.” phlegmatic Williamson leading their qualifiers. the AFC. The second round of the Jordan, Palestine, Malaysia, each group will book a place in the New Zealand are looking to shed the troops, the final will also be a clash of Nepal finished fourth in Group ‘B’, Asian qualifiers, which also served as Philippines, Kyrgyzstan and India finals. The date for the final rounds of bridesmaids tag in big finals, having contrasting leadership styles. whose other teams included Australia, the next round qualifiers for the 2022 advanced as third-placed teams among qualifiers is yet to be announced. finished runners-up at the last two The ICC is happy with how the WTC Kuwait, Jordan and Chinese Taipei. World Cup, saw participation of 39 all eight groups. Nepal along with Nepal are already out of the World 50-overs World Cups. They were par- generated more interest in Test crick- Along with Nepal, three of the lowest teams. Nepal were ranked 32nd among Thailand, Singapore, Mongolia, Cup fray. In the second rounds joint ticularly unlucky in 2019 when et. “It was obvious that the interest in ranked second-placed teams, all eight them. Afghanistan, Hong Kong, Maldives qualifiers matches of the Asian Cup England won the title via a now- certain series wasn’t just restricted to third- and fourth-placed teams across The winners of all eight groups and and Sri Lanka advanced as fourth- and World Cup, Nepal had defeated scrapped boundary-count rule after the two teams involved,” ICC acting Groups ‘A’ to ‘H’, as well as three best the five best runners up earned a placed teams. Bangladesh, Yemen and Chinese Taipei 2-0 in both legs while the final ended in a tie even after a CEO Geoff Allardice told a virtual fifth-placed teams—22 in total—have direct berth for the next round of Myanmar qualified as the best three gone down 5-0 and 3-0 against Super Over. news conference on Monday. qualified for the 24-team qualifiers World Cup qualifiers as well as the fifth-placed teams. Australia, faced identical 3-0 defeats The WTC final presents them with “It was coming from all over the final rounds. Asian Cup finals. There will be a total of 24 teams in against Jordan, and lost 7-0 and 1-0 to another opportunity to become world cricketing world and I think to bring The bottom four fifth-placed teams, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan and Kuwait the final round of qualifiers and the Kuwait. champions and they look ready to that sort of context to Test cricket is a grasp their chance, signalling their real step forward.” Brazil searching for ideal strike force Man City, Spurs to vie in opener against Peru at Copa America AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE LONDON, JUNE 16 ASSOCIATED PRESS Tite has said the 20 days of Copa final. The Peruvians then counted on SAO PAULO, JUNE 16 America will be used to test some striker Paolo Guerrero, who will not Premier League champions things, with an eye the World Cup in be at the match in Rio. Manchester City will start the defence Brazil coach Tite has hinted he’ll con- Qatar next year. He and his players Peru were just coming off their first of their title away to Tottenham after tinue searching for his ideal strike publicly said they were against the World Cup appearance in decades. the fixtures for the 2021-22 season were force in Thursday’s Copa America Copa America taking place in Brazil Now the scenario is totally different, unveiled on Wednesday. game against Peru. during the Covid-19 pandemic but with Ricardo Gareca’s team in the last Pep Guardiola’s side won the league Tite tested Everton Ribeiro, Everton would always answer the call for position in South American World by 12 points last season ahead of rivals and Gabriel Barbosa up front at prac- national selection. Cup qualifiers. Manchester United, who open their tice on Tuesday instead of Lucas Midfielder Fred seemed to Copa America is once again being campaign against old foes Leeds at Old Paqueta, Richarlison and Gabriel disagree with his boss, saying Brazil’s played in Brazil, despite alarming Trafford. Jesus, who started in Brazil’s 3-0 win national team is already in good shape Covid-19 figures, after Colombia and Hopes are high for significant crowd over Venezuela in the tournament for Qatar. Argentina were dropped as tourna- numbers for the coming season. A opener on Sunday. “We are a great team, we have great ment co-hosts. 40,000 crowd will witness the Euro Roberto Firmino, who was on the players. The coach and the coaching Peru had their first practice session 2020 semi-finals and final at Wembley bench against Venezuela, didn’t staff are doing great work. If the in Brazil amid fears of contagion in in July as part of a UK government participate in the practice game in World Cup started today Brazil would the squad. On Monday, fitness coach pilot scheme. the time while the Brazilian football be ready,” he told a news conference. Nestor Bonillo tested positive in Lima Elsewhere on the weekend of confederation broadcast training to “At this Copa America coach Tite can for the coronavirus. He did not travel August 14, new boys Brentford begin the media. The coach also tried a give chances in the team, that’s to Brazil. It was not clear whether he life back in the top flight for the first change in defence with Thiago Silva important. He always talks about it, was counted by Brazil’s health minis- time in 75 years with a London derby replacing Marquinhos as Eder about us being ready when the oppor- try as one of the 52 confirmed cases at home to Arsenal, while Militao’s partner and a defensive mid- tunity comes.” related to the tournament. Championship winners Norwich AP/RSS field duo with Fabinho joining Fred in Two years ago, Brazil comfortably Gareca has not confirmed his start- entertain Liverpool on their return to Kane Williamson’s Black Caps are looking to shed the bridesmaids tag in big finals, place of Casemiro. beat Peru 3-1 in the 2019 Copa America ing lineup to face Brazil. the Premier League. having finished runners-up at the last two 50-overs World Cups. HOROSCOPE ARIES (March 21-April 19) **** CANCER (June 22-July 22) *** LIBRA (September 23-October 22) ***** CAPRICORN (December 22-January 19) *** You’ve been on the go non-stop lately, Aries. It’s Spring tends to be a strange time of year for Now’s the time to get out of your comfort zone, This time of year is all about putting your nose been important for you to stay engaged and you, Cancer. Don’t sweat it if you don’t feel like Libra. You’ve been exploring new avenues for to the grindstone, Capricorn. Thursday’s skies explore new opportunities in all of your run- yourself—as you’ve been actively trying to education and self-expansion, perhaps in a way encourage you to look closer at what you’re ning around. Yet, today’s skies work to help you release outgrown, inhibiting patterns. It’s an that makes you nervous. Keep bravely pursuing working toward. How can you manifest what course-correct and narrow in on a clearer path ideal day for journaling and active releasing. this new frontier as you inch closer to clarity. you want when you continue to doubt your abil- forward. ities?

TAURUS (April 20-May 20) ***** LEO (July 23-August 22) **** SCORPIO (October 23-November 21) *** AQUARIUS (January 20-February 18) **** This time of year is all about getting in touch The universe is pushing you to build upon your You’ve been trekking through the darkness of You’ve been busy devoting yourself to the pleas- with your skills, Taurus. What are you not using personal goals today, Leo. The first quarter your own heart, Scorpio. The universe is work- ures of life, Aquarius. That’s exactly where you and which skills are you looking to better hone? moon arrives in capable Virgo, prompting you to ing to help you heal and release yourself from should be, as you reconnect with your creative Don’t be afraid to find yourself a stage and embrace changes in attitude and approach the ancient relationship baggage that you’ve drive in a refreshed and meaningful way. Today share from the heart. towards your aspirations. been lugging around. examine some of your relationships in an honest light.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21) *** VIRGO (August 23-September 22) *** SAGITTARIUS (November 22-December 21) **** PISCES (February 19-March 20) *** You are your own top priority, Gemini. It’s critical Your career is of utmost importance to you this What’s happening in the world of your reputa- Pisces, you’re navigating ancient material for you to invest energy into building a new sense time of year, Virgo. Are you setting clear and tion, Sagittarius? Some changes are needing to around your family life and trying to build a of identity and independence during your birth- realistic goals for yourself ? The universe is urg- be made to get closer to where you want to be solid foundation for yourself—emotionally and day season. There are important changes needing ing you to go after what you want wholehearted- ambition-wise. Look to anyone you’re in close domestically. Make changes needing to be made to be embraced around your family matters. ly. Today make changes around your sense of collaboration with to get to the heart of your around your closest relationships. independence. story. CROSSWORD SUDOKU

YESTERDAY’S SOLUTION

C M Y K THURSDAY, JUNE 17, 2021 | 07

Players to Watch Kevin De Bruyne (Belgium) Wales beat Turkey to close on knockout stage Rested in 3-0 win against Russia after having surgery for nose and eye socket fractures, Manchester The surprise semi-finalists of European Championship 2016 now have four points, after drawing with Switzerland in their opener. City playmaker De Bruyne is fit to play against Denmark on REUTERS both times he failed to score, Thursday. De Bruyne has scored 21 BAKU, JUNE 16 with Cakır denying him times for Belgium in 80 appearanc- from a tight angle in the es but it is his intelligence, guile Wales captain Gareth Bale sixth minute and then thun- and technique that could turn the set up Aaron Ramsey and dering a shot over the bar in result in Belgium’s favour. Connor Roberts to score for a the 24th. There was nothing The return of the 29-year-old will 2-0 victory over Turkey in lucky about the third time certainly boost the top-ranked their Group A match at with Bale floating a superb- team’s bid for their first major Baku’s Olympic Stadium on ly-timed cross in the 42nd tournament success. Wednesday to take a big step minute for Ramsey who towards qualifying for the brought the ball down per- European Championship fectly and slotted under Kasper Schmeichel (Denmark) knockout stages. Cakir. Denmark have quietly amassed a Ramsey failed to convert Turkey upped the pace formidable record at international two chances early in the first after the break. Captain level in recent years, with half but scored just before Burat Yilmaz, who had Schmeichel laying the foundation halftime when he made a run missed a good chance in the of that success in goal. In his game through the middle to chest first half, should have scored there are echoes of the style shown down Bale’s perfect ball over 10 minutes after the restart by his father, legendary the defence and slip it past when he was left completely Manchester United and Euro the goalkeeper. unmarked in front of the ‘92-winning goalkeeper Peter. An Wales could have doubled Welsh goal but blazed a vol- imposing shot-stopper, the the lead at the hour mark ley from three metres out Leicester City star is one of the when Bale was tripped by well over the crossbar. most reliable in his position Zeki Celik and awarded a Wales found space to coun- around Europe and is now aiming penalty, but the Welsh skip- ter attack and Ramsey’s low to emulate his dad by winning the per skied his effort after a shot was blocked before Bale European Championship. stuttering run up. was brought down just inside Wales scored right at the the box to earn a spot kick on AP/RSS death in injury time when a the hour. Gareth Bale misses a penalty but sets up Aaron Ramsey and Connor Roberts (centre) to score for a crucial 2-0 win over Turkey in Baku. Today’s Fixtures corner was played short and But the 31-year-old’s effort Connor Roberts was on hand flew high and wide to keep to divert a Bale pass past the Turks in the game, who goalkeeper Ugurcan Cakir to then forced a good save Miranchuk goal reignites Russia’s Euro campaign seal the victory. from keeper Danny Ward “I’m delighted with the when he punched a Merih SAINT PETERSBURG: A special goal by lost 3-0 to Belgium in their opener. half and came down awkwardly, the win. We fought hard, we Demiral header wide in the Aleksei Miranchuk allowed Russia Russia’s final group game will be back of his neck taking the full force worked our socks off like we 87th. to kickstart their Euro 2020 cam- in Denmark next Monday, while of the landing. He needed to be stabi- always do,” Bale said after With the Turks having run paign with a 1-0 win over Finland in Finland should again have a sizeable lised and was stretchered off before the game, adding that his out of steam in stoppage Saint Petersburg on Wednesday, but support behind them as they stay in being taken to hospital. The Russian contributions compensated time, Bale cut inside to feed the game was marred by an injury to Saint Petersburg to play Belgium. team’s Twitter feed later said that for the penalty miss. Roberts for their second goal. Mario Fernandes. Finland, making their debut at a tests revealed he had not suffered a The surprise semi-final- Miranchuk, of Serie A major international tournament, spinal injury but that he would ists of Euro 2016 now have EURO 2020 STANDINGS side Atalanta, produced a had beaten Denmark 1-0 in remain under supervision while four points, after drawing glorious finish in first-half Copenhagen on Saturday, a game returning to Moscow. Ukraine vs North Macedonia with Switzerland in their Group ‘B’ stoppage time for the only completely overshadowed by Russia went on to win the game 18: 45 NST, Thursday opener. Their final game is Teams P W D L GF GA PTS goal of the game between the Christian Eriksen’s cardiac arrest. without Fernandes, as Miranchuk Denmark vs Belgium against Italy next week. Belgium 1 1 0 0 3 0 3 neighbours in Group B. It Here it was Russia’s Fernandes, the turned on the edge of the box and Turkey take on the Swiss. blows open the section after played a one-two with skipper Artem Russia 2 1 0 1 1 3 3 Brazilian-born CSKA Moscow right- 21: 45 NST, Thursday Ramsey was twice picked Russia, one of nine partici- back, who provided an injury scare. Dzyuba before sending a glorious Netherlands vs Austria out by Bale with superb Finland 2 1 0 1 1 1 3 pating nations at the Euro The 30-year-old went up for a high left-foot shot into the top corner of 00: 45 NST, Friday defence-splitting passes but Denmark 1 0 0 1 0 1 0 playing matches at home, ball in the Finland box in the first the net. (AFP)

Results France 1-0 Germany Germany already on the back foot after France defeat Finland 0-1 Russia Turkey 0-2 Wales REUTERS said Hummels, who was recalled and worked hard until the end to try to turn enough to advance to the knockout stage MUNICH, JUNE 16 to the squad for the tournament after the game around and avoid a first ever and midfielder Toni Kroos said there was having been dropped more than two years defeat in a Euro opener. no point dwelling on the defeat. “We have to Germany already have their backs to the ago. “We obviously know full well that look ahead now,” he said. “Obviously when wall at Euro 2020 after their opening loss to there is room for improvement in our game. you lose the first game and you only have world champions France on Tuesday but But you could see that we want to fight Germany had never three then the pressure is always great.” they are confident there will be no repeat really hard in this tournament, that we How coach Joachim Loew’s team handle of their shock first round exit at the last want to excite you (the fans) and be suc- previously lost an this pressure against Portugal might decide World Cup. cessful.” their fate. Defender Mats Hummels’ first-half own The Germans certainly lacked opening game at Euro. For midfielder Joshua Kimmich, goal gave France the 1-0 Group F win and fighting spirit in Russia three years ago Germany showed in the defeat to France leaves three-time champions Germany in when they were sensationally eliminated that they can compete with the best. “What need of points from their last two matches in the first round of the World Cup after While they again struggled to carve out we did was we showed that we can certain- against holders Portugal on Saturday and losing their opening game to Mexico and clear scoring chances they did deliver a ly keep up with top teams at this level,” Hungary next week, with both games in managing just one win from three group solid second-half performance, earning Kimmich said. “France are one of the title Munich again. games. some praise from German media. contenders. In the next game we have to “This defeat is very painful, especially On Tuesday they were up against argua- The tournament format with three group show that we also are one of the title con- for me as my own goal decided the game,” bly the most complete team in the world matches means that one win could be tenders.” Denmark ready to ‘show who we are’ again

ASSOCIATED PRESS country in the wake of Eriksen’s col- play at least part of the game against COPENHAGEN, JUNE 16 lapse. Denmark on Thursday. Axel Witsel Fans are planning a tribute to could also make a return, six months For Denmark, it’s time to somehow Eriksen by giving him a standing ova- after tearing his Achilles tendon. focus on football again at the European tion in the 10th minute of the game— It will likely be a strange experience Championship. in honour of his number 10 shirt— for Belgium striker Romelu Lukaku as Five days after Christian Eriksen’s and will likely be chanting his name well. Lukaku is teammates with collapse against Finland, the Danes throughout. Eriksen at Inter and said he “cried a will return to Parken Stadium on lot” before the Russia game after hear- Thursday to face top-ranked Belgium ing about the collapse. Lukaku scored in their second Group B game. Man City midfielder twice in that game and ran to a TV It promises to be an emotional camera after the first goal to shout return for a team that is still process- Kevin De Bruyne “Chris, Chris, Strength boy, I love you ing Saturday’s incident and has spent in a mixture of Dutch and English.” the last few days just figuring out is set to play Now his task is to ruin the moment for how to feel OK about playing a game Denmark. again. But with Eriksen recovering against Denmark. For Hjulmand, Eriksen’s absence well, and telling his teammates they also presents a purely practical prob- should re-focus on the Euro 2020 tour- lem: How to replace the team’s best nament, Denmark coach Kasper “We’ll try to prepare ourselves for player? Hjulmand said the players are able to this experience,” Hjulmand said. “But “He’s the rhythm of the team, he is move forward with a clean conscience. it will be emotional for sure. But we the heart of the team,” Hjulmand said. “We are ready to show who we are should use these emotions for the “It’s not possible to replace him. But once again,” Hjulmand said. “We match and get ready to fight, get ready together we’ll do something else, we’ll showed it on the pitch (and) off the to play well. And allow ourselves to go do something different. ” pitch Saturday. And again on Thursday with everything we have. And hopeful- Belgium midfielder Nacer Chadli, we will show who we really are, and ly we can use this for something posi- Eriksen’s former teammate at how we play, and how we fight.” tive and be strong out there.” Tottenham, said it’s difficult to know They are also ready for a very spe- The problem for Denmark is that, what to expect from this Denmark cial atmosphere at Parken Stadium. after losing to Finland 1-0, they now team given the circumstances. About 25,000 fans will be allowed in face one of the top teams in the tour- “For them it is an exceptional situa- amid loosened pandemic restric- nament. Belgium beat Russia in 3-0 in tion,” Chadli said. “They have a lot of tions—up from 15,000 for the Finland their first game and will see the entry good players, we will have to be at our game—and they are sure to show their of playmaker Kevin De Bruyne. top level. But it remains to be seen AP/RSS appreciation for a team that has been Belgium coach Roberto Martinez what mental state they will have going The Netherlands’ Quincy Promes (left) and Wout Weghorst arrive for the training in Zeist, the Netherlands widely hailed as heroes by the entire said playmaker De Bruyne is ready to into that game.” on Wednesday, a day before their European Championship 2020 Group C football match against Austria.

C M Y K THURSDAY, JUNE 17, 2021 | 08 CULTURE & LIFESTYLE (C.R.P.D.) - 3/052/053 Bringing back the culture of paying for music Created by musicians for fellow musicians, Noodle hopes to serve as a platform where music lovers can encourage and support musicians.

he internet has com- third-party payment options. pletely changed how These conditions are not feasible people listen to music. for us. Secondly, to actually work The arrival and popu- out a streaming app, we also need larity of music good internet and a server that streaming apps have backs it. But in Nepal, connectivi- Thugely impacted traditional ty is still a problem. album sales. Gone are the days And to be honest, the streaming when people bought cassettes and culture does not play fair to all CDs to listen to songs of their artists. The views on streaming favourite artists. platforms don’t always translate For artists, amassing a huge to income for the artists. With our number of views on streaming platform, if an artist is only even platforms doesn’t always trans- able to sell his/her songs to a late to financial gains, and for small group of people, they have a many musicians, that has become better chance of making a good a cause of concern. income. Nothing will benefit art- Today, in a bid to shake up the ists more than being directly existing music scene for a health- paid. ier ecosystem, a group of young musicians—Ritavrat Joshi, How are the songs and albums Bartika Eam Rai, Sushant Roy, priced, and how does the plat- Avishek KC and Suzeena form generate revenue? Shrestha—have come together to create Noodle, a platform that The minimum price for singles on allows people to purchase songs the platform is Rs 99, and for and albums and directly connects albums, the minimum price is local artists to their audience. Rs 600. Within a month, the platform— Currently, Noodle gets 30 percent which was launched in April— from each sale made on the has already collaborated with platform. more than 60 Nepali music artists and have already sold over 400 How has the reception been so singles, 80 albums and 25 EPs. The far and how optimistic are you? app has also already amassed over 2,000 users. We launched the app in April and In an interview with the Post’s so far, the reception has been Srizu Bajracharya, Ritavrat good. We hope to bring back the Joshi, one of the co-founders, culture of paying for music.

talks about what the platform WEBSITE NOODLE’S VIA SCREENGRAB Artists also have a huge role to means for the local music scene play in this. Artists should not and why it matters. Excerpts: Even during the last lockdown, past, Nepalis are now familiar having enough platforms and we have a music platform that have to feel shy about telling peo- online music shows were trend- with the idea of online payment opportunities to sell music to not prioritises artists. We have a dedi- ple to buy their music. If artists Why did you feel the need to ing but many artists who were and that is vital for an app like being paid fairly. In fact, the cated page for each artist and can ask people to listen to their create Noodle? part of such shows weren’t paid. Noodle to do well. musician community has long spaces to review their works so music, why feel ashamed in ask- The pages and the platforms ben- We have registered the compa- waited for something like Noodle that people can once again start ing the same people to pay for it. In this day and age of YouTube, efit from reach but the artists ny as ‘Noodlerex’ and we want to to start. discussing music and artists, In every other field, people for the people have stopped buying usually get nothing in return. go beyond just selling music. We But convincing people to pay something people have stopped service they enjoy, so why music. People no longer purchase During the last lockdown, we are also working on merchandise for music can be challenging. doing. shouldn’t it be the case when it cassettes and CDs. This has left organised a paid online concert design, production, and delivery. People are used to online music comes to music. We want to make many artists struggling with a and a lot of people bought tickets And we will also be supporting streaming platforms where one You are in a way reintroducing that message clear that it is okay career that does not pay well to see the live show. And that artists with record deals, studio can listen to music for free. So the idea of owning music at a to price your music. enough. made us realise that there are linkages, crowdfunding, etc. We why should one pay for music on time when many streaming app We know that this won’t happen These days, artists release their people who are willing to pay for have many plans for the platform our platform? When people buy developers are focusing on overnight, but we feel it is impor- songs on YouTube directly and music. We also felt like the prob- and we are excited about it. music on our platform, they are monetising accessibility. Why? tant to start somewhere. We are sell perhaps just over a dozen CD lems of the music scene can only not only encouraging and sup- not expecting hundreds of thou- albums and that’s it. For years, be addressed by musicians them- Was it difficult to bring artists porting artists they like but are That has been one of the main sands of people to use our plat- how to sell music has been a seri- selves. on board? also getting songs and albums questions that we have been form. Even if we are able to amass ous discussion amongst artists That’s how we decided to start with better audio quality. Users asked—why not a streaming app only about 1,000 genuine users, and bands. Noodle, to support musicians and It wasn’t. Explaining to artists can save the albums and songs or a built-in player? As per app that’s good enough. Because those Over the years, we have seen connect them directly with their what we are trying to do with they purchase in their library store’s policies, if you keep a genuine listeners will encourage many initiatives created to sup- audience. The idea is not new and Noodle has been easy. Many thus providing people a sense of built-in player, you have to pay and support artists to continue port artists but the majority of there are plenty of such apps all artists have for a long time strug- ownership of music. about 30 percent to the platform. doing what they do—which is to them have been unsuccessful. around the world. Unlike in the gled on a lot of fronts—from not I also think this is the first time You are also not allowed to use create music.

Published and Printed by Kantipur Publications Pvt. Ltd., Central Business Park, Thapathali, Kathmandu, Nepal, P. B. No. 8559, Phone: 5135000, Fax: 977-1-5135057, e-mail: [email protected], Regd. No. 32/049/050, Chairman & Managing Director: Kailash Sirohiya, Director: Swastika Sirohiya, Editor: Sanjeev Satgainya