Nepal to Purchase 4 Million Doses of Sinopharm Vaccine from China Officials Say Procurement Will Be Under a Non-Disclosure Agreement

WITHOUT F EAR OR FAVOUR

Nepal’s largest selling English daily Vol XXIX No. 118 | 8 pages | Rs.5 O O Printed simultaneously in Kathmandu, Biratnagar, Bharatpur and Nepalgunj 34.8 C 13.0 C Wednesday, June 16, 2021 | 02-03-2078 Simara Jumla Nepal to purchase 4 million doses of Sinopharm vaccine from China Officials say procurement will be under a non-disclosure agreement. Price is not disclosed yet but is said to be around $10 per dose. No other details are available.

ANIL GIRI relationship, which would mean many KATHMANDU, JUNE 15 details, including the price, are not made public. Increasingly under pressure to “The proposal to purchase vaccines acquire vaccines at the earliest, the from China was sent to the Cabinet, as government has decided to buy four a special permission was needed for million doses of the Chinese signing a non-disclosure agreement,” Sinopharm vaccine. Officials con- Dr Roshan Pokhrel, chief specialist at firmed that a Cabinet meeting on the Health Ministry, told the Post. “The Monday took a decision to that effect proposal approved by the Cabinet will as per a proposal moved by the be forwarded to the agencies con- Ministry of Health, but details like cerned in China. Price and other issues price and when the vaccines will will be determined accordingly.” arrive were not immediately known. According to Pokhrel, the Health “The Cabinet has authorised the Ministry is expecting all the due pro- vaccine procurement unit of Health cess would be completed within a week. Ministry to buy four million doses of Since the agreement is a non-disclo- the vaccine from China,” Minister for sure type, how much Nepal will be Industry, Supplies and Commerce paying for vaccines is anyone’s guess. Rajkishwor Yadhav, told the Post. A minister said discussion on the POST PHOTO: SANJOG MANANDHAR “Other issues including price, price at the Cabinet meeting was out A monkey rips the seat cover of a parked motorcycle at Swayambhu in Kathmandu on Tuesday. logistics and transportation will of the question because of the non-dis- be looked into by the govern- closure agreement. He, however, said ment agencies concerned.” that it could be around $20 for two At least two government offi- doses. The minister did not provide cials said that the vaccines any basis for that. would be bought under a non-dis- Two senior officials involved in INSIDE Is Oli government’s new closure agreement, as proposed negotiations for buying vaccines from by Sinopharm. Nepal’s procure- China said the Chinese side has ment laws, however, do not allow agreed to “provide the jabs at a dis- Floods and landslides wreak a non-disclosure agreement. counted price.” According to a Health havoc across the country Nepal map more about A non-disclosure agreement Ministry official, $20 for two doses implies a legally binding con- would still be too costly for Nepal. LAMJUNG: Incessant rains since tract, establishing a confidential >> Continued on page 2 Monday have triggered floods and landslides in several districts of optics than substance? Gandaki, Bagmati, Lumbini and Sudurpaschim provinces. The water level in several rivers and rivulets As India continues to expand the road via Lipulekh, Nepal has increased to alarming levels, putting many settlements at risk of has yet to make any diplomatic response. Foreign Ministry floods and landslides. Manang, a mountain district in Gandaki, has says it has asked Home Ministry to look into the matter. been hit hard by water-induced disasters with more than 100 families displaced in several villages. According to Chief District Officer Bishnu Lamichhane, 60 families were displaced in Chame Bazaar, 48 families in Taalgaun and five other families in a village across the Marsyangdi river. “Five houses, including the postal office, were swept away by floods in the local stream in Chame on Tuesday. Five other houses were waterlogged,” said Lamichhane. (Details on Pg 2)

Lack of response to President’s letters for vaccines a diplomatic failure, observers say KATHMANDU: In the last week of May, President Bidya Devi Bhandari was busy writing to several heads of states, including those of India, China, US, UK and Russia, seeking their help in procuring Covid-19 vaccines for Nepal. After the President’s POST PHOTO: MANOJ BADU Rockfall from India’s construction across Mahakali has blocked Nepal’s access to upper areas. letters, then foreign minister Pradeep Gyawali announced that there would BINOD GHIMIRE be a breakthrough on vaccine pro- said Shrestha at a meeting held with KATHMANDU, JUNE 15 curement within 15 days and that the officials from the Centre last government was planning to procure Wednesday, according to Ishwar five million vaccines each from China Last year, the KP Sharma Oli adminis- Dhakal, his press adviser. and the US.But nothing has come of tration unveiled a new Nepal map and “Confiscate those textbooks and it yet. And now Deputy Prime got it endorsed from Parliament seek clarification from the publish- Minister and Foreign Minister through a constitutional amendment. ers,” Shrestha said at the meeting. Raghubir Mahaseth has written to The new map depicting Limipiyadhura, The government’s decision to unveil his British counterpart Dominic Lipulekh and Kalapani, the areas a new map of Nepal in May last year Raab, seeking Covid-19 vaccines fol- claimed by India as its own, within came at a time when Oli was increas- lowing the British government’s Nepal borders came in response to ingly under pressure, with his prime announcement of supplying vaccines Delhi’s announcement of a road link to ministerial position at stake. By pub- to poorer countries across the world. Manasarovar in Tibet Autonomous lishing a new map, which was Soon after this announcement, a let- Region of China via Lipulekh. endorsed unanimously in Parliament, ter was sent so that Nepal would be a Oli’s move of unveiling the new Oli had managed to pull off a coup. He priority, sources at the Foreign map was hailed as historic. was also hailed for “standing up to” Exactly a year later, India last week India for the sake of nationalism, sov- Ministry told the Post. (Details on Pg 3) lauded its engineers for the ongoing ereignty and territorial integrity. progress on the road expansion in the But the goings on in the region bare- Provinces unveil budgets with Lipulekh area. The road construction ly concern Oli now. has continued, while security officials The recent blasts by Indian authori- focus on improving healthcare from the Indian side have been pre- ties on the Indian side in Garwadhar KATHMANDU: All seven provinces on venting the Nepali side from con- have now affected the daily lives of the Tuesday unveiled their budgets for structing embankment along the people on the Nepali side. The govern- the next fiscal year 2021-22 beginning Mahakali river. ment has not responded to India yet, mid-July, putting maximum focus on The Oli administration does not rather it has left the issue for local constructing advanced health care seem to care. His ministers rather are officials to deal with. systems and infrastructure, and allo- making statements more for optics “The debris from the blast has cating funds to vaccinate all people than substance. pushed the flow of the Mahakali river against the coronavirus. Their com- Last week Minister for Education, east towards Nepali territory chang- bined budgets for the next fiscal year Science and Technology Krishna ing its course,” said Sidda Raj Joshi, come to Rs262 billion, down slightly Gopal Shrestha directed the chief district officer of Darchula. from the Rs264.20 billion for the cur- Curriculum Development Centre to “This has obstructed the road in rent fiscal year. The value of the confiscate textbooks that don’t have Tawaghat to Bundi area in Byas Rural annual financial plan of Bagmati updated versions of Nepal’s map Municipality.” Province has increased significantly showing Kalapani, Lipulekh and The federal government has been among all provinces. Province 1 has Limpiyadhura as parts of Nepal. informed about the situation but it unveiled a Rs32.46 billion budget for He even called having textbooks has not taken the issue up with New the next fiscal year. Out of the total with the old map “unconstitutional” Delhi. investment plan, Rs14.16 billion has and “unacceptable” to the govern- This has left Joshi to write to his been set aside for recurrent expendi- ment. counterpart in Pithoragarh district in ture and Rs15.05 billion for capital “The textbooks without the new Uttarakhand state of India. expenditure. (Details on Pg 5) map of the country are unacceptable,” >> Continued on page 2

C M Y K WEDNESDAY, JUNE 16, 2021 | 02 NATIONAL Petroleum truck drivers given Covid-19 jabs Floods and landslides wreak TIKA R PRADHAN agreed to provide jabs to our drivers,” Katuwal claimed that the Finance KATHMANDU, JUNE 15 said Ishwar Lama, chairman of the Ministry has provided Covid-19 jabs Nepal Petroleum Tanker Drivers even to the kin and relatives of influ- At a time when the authorities are Association. “We will get the jabs from ential businessmen. under tremendous pressure to man- the Armed Police Force Hospital in “The vaccines should be provided havoc across the country age sufficient jabs against the corona- Balambu from Wednesday.” equitably but that is not happening. virus for the most vulnerable elderly Lama said they were forced to go We cannot sit idly by and watch them Rivers swollen by incessant rainfall in last two days have displaced hundreds of people. population, the government has start- into strike for jabs after seven of their misusing the vaccines,” Katuwal said. ed vaccinating the drivers associated members including drivers and help- Experts have also expressed con- AASH GURUNG with the Nepal Petroleum Tanker ers died of the coronavirus while 73 cerns over the failure of the authori- LAMJUNG, JUNE 15 Drivers Association from Tuesday fol- were infected among a total of some ties to manage the jabs. They said the lowing their three-day strike demand- 5,000 members. government has failed on all three Incessant rains since Monday have ing the jabs. “As per our request, the Health fronts when it comes to combating the triggered floods and landslides in sev- Although the petroleum tanker Ministry has managed jabs for the coronavirus—financing the jabs, eral districts of Gandaki, Bagmati, drivers, who fall under the essential tanker drivers,” said Surendra Poudel, using diplomatic ways to get them and Lumbini and Sudurpaschim provinc- services category, had been offered the Managing Director of the Nepal Oil properly managing them for priority es. The water level in several rivers jabs in January along with other Corporation. “Since we fall under the groups. and rivulets has increased to alarm- frontline workers, they ignored the essential services, the ministry has “If we are unable to develop and ing levels, putting many settlements at offer then, according to officials. But arranged the jabs for drivers.” implement a proper policy for vacci- risk of floods and landslides. now after several months when the Not only tanker drivers, but various nation, then people who need vaccines Manang, a mountain district in authorities are under extreme pres- professional organisations including the most will not get them,” said Dr Gandaki Province, has been hit hard- sure to manage jabs, the drivers the E-business Association of Nepal Sharad Onta, a public health expert. est by water-induced disasters with launched a strike demanding the jabs. and the Restaurant and Bar He said since the government has more than a 100 families displaced in However, experts have warned that Association of Nepal have requested limited doses of jabs, it should distrib- several villages. the government’s bowing down to the the authorities to provide vaccines to ute them equitably ensuring that the According to Chief District Officer pressure of strike action could encour- their members claiming that they deal right person gets it at the right time. of Manang Bishnu Lamichhane, 60 age more such strikes for jabs. with customers all the time hence are Executive director of the Covid-19 families have been displaced in Chame Recently, the government started at high risk of Covid-19 infection. Crisis Management Centre Balananda Bazaar, the district headquarters, 48 vaccinating the 60-64-year olds in the “During our meeting with the chief Sharma said, “Our problem is that we families in Taalgaun and five other Kathmandu Valley and 62-64-year olds district officers of the Kathmandu did not properly define the frontline families in a village across the outside the Valley. The eligibility cri- Valley and Health Ministry officials services and this is what I told the Marsyangdi River. teria for those outside the Valley was today, we demanded that our members Health Ministry after monitoring the “Five houses were swept away by narrowed down at the last minute cit- be provided vaccines at the earliest,” distribution of vaccines.” floods in the local stream in Chame on POST COURTESY: HOM NATH PANTHI ing limited stock. said Naresh Katuwal, chairman of the He said once the government is able Tuesday. Five other houses were Manang has been hit hardest by water-induced disasters with over a 100 families displaced. “We have already resumed our ser- Nepal National Traders’ Federation. to procure more vaccines to inoculate waterlogged,” said Lamichhane. vices, which were halted for the last “Or else we will launch a protest at least half the population, things According to him, around 300 people rainfalls continue to feed the already gates of the Gandak Barrage have three days, after the government against the government.” would be easier. of 60 displaced families in Chame are swollen Madi, Seti and Marsyangdi been opened after the flow of water taking shelter at the new building of rivers, among others, putting nearby increased in the Narayani River on the district prison. settlements at high risk of flooding. Tuesday evening. The barrage lies in “Forty-eight houses in Taalgaun The District Administration Office Tribeni along the Nepal-India border were inundated by the floods in the has urged the people of riverside set- point in Nawalparasi (East). Is Oli government’s new Nepal map more ... Marsyangdi River. The displaced fam- tlements to stay on high alert. “All of the gates were opened after ilies are taking shelter in a nearby “Rescue teams have been formed in the water level in the river crossed the >> Continued from page 1 India’s spy agency, to hold talks with new map is nothing but a charade, hillock. They are in need of food and all 10 local units of the district for danger level,” said Tara Singh Thapa, “The road expansion is being done Oli. Soon afterwards, there was a flur- analysts say. According to them, tents but we haven’t been able to airlift possible emergencies. Security agen- an official at the barrage. by India’s central government,” Joshi ry of visits from the south. India’s strategy is to create a crisis in the relief materials because of cies are on standby,” said Chief According to him, the barrage told the Post. “The most the district According to Wagle, Oli has com- Nepal to fulfil its interests. adverse weather conditions,” said District Officer of Tanahun Sagar recorded the water flow at 280,000 magistrate in Pithoragarh can do is promised with the south now to “The Indian government has expe- Lamichhane. Acharya. cusecs per second at 4am on Tuesday. forward my letter to Delhi.” remain in power. dited road expansion drive as Nepal is Similarly, the flooded Timangkhola In Rupandehi district of Lumbini, “Water flow over 267,200 cusecs in Observers say it’s now become “He won’t be raising the in a crisis created as per its strategy,” stream swept away a bailey bridge in the residents of several riverside set- the barrage qualifies as a danger apparent that Oli used the Nepal map Limpiyadhura, Lipulekh and Kalapani Mrigendra Bahadur Karki, executive Chame Rural Municipality-1 and dam- tlements in Sammarimai, Rohini, mark. That is why all of the doors for his own political benefits. Oli need- issue now,” said Wagle. “The educa- director of Centre for Nepal and Asian aged three other bridges. The flood Marchawari, Mayadevi, Devdaha and were opened,” he said. “The ed to divert the attention of the public, tion minister’s directive to confiscate Studies under the Tribhuvan also washed away a micro hydropower Butwal have been living with the fear settlements near the riverbank areas so he played the map trick, according books is ridiculous while authorities University, told the Post. “The govern- project and uprooted several utility of possible inundation due to the are at risk.” to them. have not even revealed the new area of ment is doing nothing except publicity poles in the area. incessant rainfall for the last two days. The District Administration Office “And the minister’s statement on the country with the incorporation of stunts like decisions to confiscate text- In Baglung, as many as 14 families “It’s paddy transplantation season has requested the local people to stay textbooks and maps is yet another the disputed region within Nepal’s books.” have been displaced due to floods and but if the rainfall continues at the on high alert after the Narayani River strategy to divert the attention from borders.” Oli’s advisers say it was but natural landslides. According to current rate, our paddy fields will be reported an increase in water level. the real problem,” said Geja Sharma Oli’s ministers in the past too have for the chief district officer to raise Superintendent of Police Krishna inundated,” said Om Prakash Yadav, a The floodwaters of Narayani and its Wagle who writes on domestic politics been involved in such optics and the issue because the official knows Bahadur Magar, eight families in resident of Mayadevi Ward No. 6 in tributaries have inundated 150 houses and geopolitical affairs. “The govern- stunts. the actual scenario by virtue of being Badigad Rural Municipality-7 were Rupandehi. in Palhinandan, 260 houses in Sarawal ment has remained a mere spectator On September 15 last year, then edu- there. displaced by landslides while floods Rupendra Ligal from Butwal Ward and 530 houses in Susta rural munici- when India is expediting the road con- cation minister Giriraj Mani Pokharel “The federal government will write swept away six houses in Kathekhola No. 1, who lives near the Tinau river, palities of the district. Vehicular struction in the area brought under released a 110-page book for high or respond when necessary,” Rajan Rural Municipality-5. says he has been watching the water movement along various parts of the Nepal’s territory and is taking the school students titled, “Self Study Bhattarai, Oli’s foreign relations Similarly, vehicular movement level rise in the river since Tuesday. East-West Highway has also been issue of textbooks to show as if it is Material on Nepal’s Territory and adviser, told the Post. “The prime min- along most of the rural roads in the “There is a danger of flood waters affected due to the inundation. doing something.” Border” which dwelt on historical ister has directed the Ministry of district has been disrupted. According entering our settlement. We have to “Landslides have occurred in five Relations between Nepal and India facts about the country’s territory and Foreign Affairs to coordinate with the to police, the Balewa section of the stay alert” different places along the Daunne had hit a new low last year, as Oli its border disputes, mainly with the local authority. The Foreign Ministry Kaligandaki Corridor and the The District Disaster Management road section while another road sec- ratcheted up his nationalistic rheto- southern neighbour. is the right agency to deal with the Rankhani-Paiyuthandhap section and Committee has been discussing plans tion in the Ghui Khola area has caved ric. Oli’s increasing tilt towards the But the book ran into controversy matter.” the Baglung Bazaar-Bihun section of to mitigate the effect of monsoon dis- in,” Deputy Superintendent of the north was much to Delhi’s chagrin. after it was found to have a number of The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Mid-Hill Highway have been asters, according to Chief District District Police Office in Nawalparasi But as Oli found himself in a difficult factual errors and “inappropriate” however, pointed to the Ministry of closed due to landslides and floods. Officer of Rupandehi Asman Tamang. (East) Raju Lama told the Post. position after pressure from his own content. Consequently, the Cabinet on Home Affairs. “Landslides have damaged the 25 In Bardiya, the water level in the Floodwaters of Rambhand, Bhulahi party members, Oli made peace with September 17 directed the Ministry of Sources at the Foreign Ministry km-long Baglung Bazaar-Bihun road Babai and Karnali rivers has also and Turiya streams have also eroded Delhi. Education to halt its distribution and said the Home Ministry has been at several places. Efforts are under- increased since Monday. The district some farmlands, according to the Analysts say a phone call to Delhi to not to print any more copies of the asked to report on the present situa- way to clear the debris and resume authorities have requested the District Administration Office in congratulate Indian Prime Minister textbook. The Ministry of Land tion in Darchula. transportation,” said SP Magar. people living near rivers and streams Nawalparasi (East). Chief District Narendra Modi and the people of Management, Cooperatives and “We will study the Home Ministry’s In Parbat, vehicular movement to stay alert. Officer Dharmendra Mishra said peo- India on India’s Independence Day on Poverty Alleviation and Ministry of report before making any correspond- along the Parbat-Baglung section of “The residents of settlements at ple living near rivers and streams are August 15 paved the way for rap- Foreign Affairs had expressed serious ence with India,” said a source the Mid-Hill Highway has been dis- risk of inundation have been asked to at risk. prochement. In the third week of reservations over the book’s content. requesting anonymity. “The Home rupted, as a massive landslide has take help from the ward chairmen of In Sudurpaschim Province, vehicu- October, Modi sent Samant Goel, the Now the current education minis- Ministry is currently analysing the blocked the road in Sashasradhara the respected local units and also to lar movement along various road sec- chief of Research and Analysis Wing, ter’s diktat to recall books without the actual situation on the ground.” since Tuesday morning. “Other roads contact the local administration if tions has come to a halt due to land- connecting to neighbouring Baglung, needed,” said Santa Bahadur Sunar, slides. According to the Sudurpaschim Myagdi and Mustang districts have chief district officer of Bardiya. Provincial Police Office, the Sanfe- also been disrupted. We are trying to On Tuesday, the water level in Babai Martadi road section, Dhangadhi- Government of Nepal clear the landslide debris,” said Police was recorded at 3.5 metres from the Dadeldhura road section, Khodpe- Inspector Pradip Paudel. river surface. The river will pose a Bajhang road section and Baitdai- National Reconstruction Authority According to Paudel, the water level threat if the water level crosses the Dadeldhura road section have wit- in the Kaligandaki and Modikhola, five-metre mark, according to the nessed several landslides triggered by Central Level Project Implementation Unit (Building) among other rivers and streams in the District Disaster Management incessant rains. district, has surged due to continuous Committee. The water level in Karnali “Dozers are being used to remove District Level Project Implementation Unit (Building) rains in the area since Monday. is six metres from the river surface, landslide debris from the road sec- In Gorkha, a 38-year-old man has four metres less than its ten-metre tions,” said Superintendent of Police Dhunche,Rasuwa gone missing after being swept away danger level. at the Sudurpaschim Provincial Police by the flooded Thotneri stream in “If the rainfall continues for the Office Yogendra Thapa. Aarughat Rural Municipality-2 on next few days, the water levels of both LETTER OF INTENT (LOI) Tuesday. Search is on to find the miss- Babai and Karnali will exceed the (With inputs from our correspondents First Date of Publication: - 16th June, 2021 ing, said police. danger mark,” said Sunar. in Gandaki, Lumbini and Likewise in Tanahun, incessant In Nawalparasi (East), all 36 flood- Sudurpaschim provinces.) is is to notify to all the concerned bidders that the following bidder are intended to award the following contracts (mentioned below) as per their Bid price which are corrected and modied in accordance with Instruction to Bidders and hereby selected as Substantially Responsive lowest evaluated bid. Any inquiries/responses concerning this notice of intent to award should be directed to the Project Nepal to purchase 4 million doses ...

Chief, District Level Project Implementation Unit (Building), Dhunche, Rasuwa, Nepal within 7 days >> Continued from page 1 non-disclosure agreement, it won’t be the 2 million doses for which the gov- from the date of publication of this notice. Nepal so far has paid for vaccines able to use the funds provided by ernment had paid the Serum Institute only once. The government in donors like the Asian Development of India arrived. In March, COVAX, an February signed a deal with the Bank and the World Bank to buy vac- international vaccine sharing scheme Bid price Serum Institute of India to buy 2 mil- cines from China. backed by the United Nations, provid- Substantially Responsive (Excluding lion doses of Covishield, the The government must provide all ed 348,000 doses of Covishield. The Contract Id No.: Description of Work Lowest Ealuated Bidder VAT and AstraZeneca type vaccine, at $4 per the details, including the price, to the Indian Army had provided 100,000 dose. The Serum Institute, however, donors if the money provided by them doses of Covishield to the Nepal Army including PS) expressed its inability to supply the is used to buy vaccines. in March. remaining doses of the vaccine after a Vaccines at undisclosed prices from After India faced a Covid-19 crisis Conservation & Reconstruction delivery of 1 million doses. China have become an issue in some of its own, chances of procuring vac- NRA/DLPIU of Kangying Dongang Choling Compared to $4 per dose, the other countries as well, including cines from the southern neighbour Dharma S/Gauri Ganesh. JV Chinese vaccine is very expensive, but Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, lately. faded. The country is now in a desper- /Rasuwa Gumba at Bridhim,Gosaikunda many say more than the price, the Last month, The Daily Star ate need of vaccines and trying to Daraunepokhari 7,47,02,391.01 /2077-78/NCB-04 Rural Municipality-3, Rasuwa, non-disclosure agreement is a con- reported that disclosure of the price procure them from wherever it can– cern. of Sinopharm vaccines sparked China, the United States, the United Nepal Officials familiar with the vaccine confusion. The paper said after the Kingdom and Russia. procurement process say if the gov- $10 per dose price was reported, The government has been making Conservation & Reconstruction ernment can buy two doses at $20, it a finance ministry official requested an appeal and using all its diplomatic NRA/DLPIU Dharma S/Dhulikhel/C.L.JV, of Tolku Choling Gumba, would be far cheaper than what Nepali the media not to mention the efforts to buy vaccines, but to no avail. /Rasuwa Gosaikunda RM-6,Dhunche, 7,42,21,667.07 firms were eying at. price for the “greater interest of the Nepal needs at least 1.4 million doses Dhunche, Gosaikunda RM-6, /2077-78/NCB-05 Rasuwa An official handling the corre- country”. of AstraZeneca almost immediately Rasuwa spondence with the Chinese side said Reports had also emerged that disas the people above 65 years had taken the two private firms had quoted $69 closure of procurement price of their first shots between March 7 and Conservation and Reconstruction for two doses. China’s Sinopharm vaccine in Sri March 15. NRA/DLPIU “After checking the background of Lanka sparked a row. The reports sug- Officials say the government, how- of Hissey Lendup Gumba at Dharma S/Gauri Ganesh. JV /Rasuwa 7,83,93,839.00 the firms and the price, the govern- gested that Colombo had to shell out a ever, must continue to make efforts to Chilime, Amachodingmo Rural Daraunepokhari ment decided to directly deal with higher per-dose price than its fellow procure vaccines–not just AstraZeneca /2077-78/NCB-06 Sinopharm,” said the official who did South Asian country Bangladesh. but any other that is available–as no Municipality - 5, Rasuwa, Nepal not want to be named. According to media reports, Sri Lanka one is safe until everyone is safe. It is, however, not clear how the gov- would buy Sinopharm vaccines at $15 Pokhrel, the chief specialist at the Conservation & Reconstruction ernment is going to sign the non-dis- per dose. Health Ministry, said the market price NRA/DLPIU of Dangyang Chhuklang Khang Dharma S/Dhulikhel/C.L.JV, closure agreement. The Oli adminis- Nepal has so far received 1.8 million of the Chinese vaccine is too high for tration last month introduced a “sun- doses of Sinopharm vaccine, but they Nepal. /Rasuwa Gumba at Bridhim, Gosaikunda Gosaikunda RM-6,Dhunche 8,11,94,597.28 set” law through an ordinance so as to were provided for free under a grant “We hope that the Chinese govern- /2077-78/NCB-07 Rural Municipality-3, Rasuwa, ,Rasuwa ease some procurement processes, but assistance by the Chinese government will provide concessions for a it does not explicitly talk about the ment. few million doses,” said Pokhrel. “We Nepal non-disclosure agreement. India had provided 1 million doses have to pay as per the market price for Experts told the Post last month of Covishield in January, helping any additional doses we buy.” Project Chief that even if the government changes Nepal launch its vaccination drive. In the procurement law to sign the February, another 1 million doses of (Arjun Poudel contributed reporting.)

C M Y K 03 | WEDNESDAY, JUNE 16, 2021 NATIONAL Lack of response to President’s letters for Decentralise SEE and vaccines a diplomatic failure, observers say honour statute, experts There has not even been ‘reciprocal response’ to the President’s letters requesting for vaccine support. advise government ANIL GIRI tries that they will provide vaccines to Covid-19 vaccines. Bharatiya Janata Party’s headquar- KATHMANDU, JUNE 15 Nepal and the process for this is India has not only not responded ters and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Education experts say the government with a centralised underway.” but Nepal is yet to get the 1 million Yogi Adityanath, for the delivery of In the last week of May, President According to Yadav, the countries doses of Covishield vaccines from the 1 million doses of Covishield vac- mindset doesn’t want to lose any of its authority. Bidya Devi Bhandari was busy writ- that the President wrote to have taken Serum Institute of India that Nepal cine. ing to several heads of states, includ- her letters seriously but since all has already paid for, as the Indian gov- Nepal’s Ambassador to India ing those of India, China, US, UK and countries are badly affected by the ernment restricted the export of vac- Nilamber Acharya is meeting with Russia, seeking their help in procur- pandemic, the first priority goes to cines after suffering a devastating sec- Indian Foreign Secretary Harsh ing Covid-19 vaccines for Nepal. their own citizens. ond wave of the pandemic in April Vardhan Shringla this week, a Nepali After the President’s letters to them, “We are hoping for some kind of and May. diplomat based in Nepali Embassy the then Foreign Minister Pradeep breakthrough in this regard very “Our first priority is to get 1 million told the Post over the phone. Gyawali announced that there would soon,” he added. doses of Covid-19 vaccine from Serum Nepal is also expecting vaccines in be a breakthrough on vaccine pro- Officially, the Ministry of Foreign Institute of India, for which we have a grant from the US. President curement within 15 days and that the Affairs is unaware if there has already paid,” a Nepali diplomat based Bhandari wrote a letter to the US government was planning to procure been a response to the President’s let- in New Delhi told the Post over the President Joe Biden after the US five million vaccines each from China ters. phone on condition of anonymity. “It announcement last month that it and the US. “I have not been updated on wheth- has been more than 12 weeks since would distribute 7 million doses of But nothing has come of it yet. er there has been a response to the people were inoculated with the Covid-19 vaccines to Asian countries, And now Deputy Prime Minister President’s letter or not,” Sewa Covishield vaccine manufactured by including Nepal. and Foreign Minister Raghubir Lamsal, spokesperson for the Ministry the Serum Institute. If they do not “The status of other vaccines that Mahaseth has written to his British of Foreign Affairs, told the Post. receive the second dose, then it will be we are expecting from the US is not counterpart Dominic Raab, seeking “Writing letters is a regular process useless.” known yet,” a Nepali diplomat based Covid-19 vaccines following the and these are normal diplomatic pro- in Washington DC told over the phone British government’s announcement cesses, so we are waiting for the on condition of anonymity. “We are of supplying vaccines to poorer coun- response from those countries.” Nepal is losing expecting delivery of the first tranche tries across the world. Observers, however, say that not of the donation and further decisions As soon as this announcement was receiving any response to the credibility in on more vaccines in coming weeks made, a letter was sent so that Nepal President’s letter for weeks is a diplo- and months.” would be a priority, sources at the matic failure. diplomacy, a former According to an official at the Foreign Ministry told the Post. “When you do not get response and Ministry of Health and Population, Meanwhile, even as the second reciprocity, then you should under- ambassador says. the hope of getting vaccines as wave of the pandemic continues and stand this is also a part of diplomacy,” a donation by writing to the heads of most of the country is in lockdown to Bhekh Bahadur Thapa, former minis- states or governments is misplaced, check the spread of the virus, Nepal ter and ambassador, said. “The Some 1.4 million Nepalis over the with the demand for vaccines world has yet to get credible assurances President sending a letter is not like age of 65 were given the Covishield over. POST FILE PHOTO from vaccine manufacturing coun- you and me sending a letter. It attaches jabs between March 7 and 15 with the Observers blame Nepal’s diplomacy. In-person exams will not be taking place this year as well because of the Covid-19 pandemic. tries when and how vaccines are com- serious meaning.” 1 million doses of the vaccine that the “This is the result of failed ing. When President Bhandari had writ- Serum Institute delivered along with diplomacy,” Dinesh Bhattarai, BINOD GHIMIRE framework prepared by the Besides the President and the for- ten to the heads of states of different vaccines received from the COVAX former foreign relations adviser to KATHMANDU, JUNE 15 Curriculum Development Centre. eign minister, the prime minister, countries as well as to Queen Elizabeth facility of the World Health two prime ministers and ambassador, The federal government, however, health minister and Nepali ambassa- II of the United Kingdom, observers Organization. With no signs of the said. “Our proclamation to be The government in February decided has been saying the Education Act dors have also been trying to procure had criticised the move as an attempt second delivery arriving, authorities ‘heard, seen and be visible’ in diplo- to continue conducting the Secondary 1971 only allows regional authorities vaccines. at improving her image following her have decided to expand the gap macy is becoming so for the wrong Education Examinations (SEE) cen- to hold the exams and not the local Not only has there been no response complicity in Prime Minister KP between the first and second doses to reasons.” trally against the suggestions from governments. on vaccines, there has not even been Sharma Oli’s dissolution of the House 12 to 16 weeks from the earlier 8 to 12 “There must be a response to the various quarters and the directive of The eighth amendment to the Act in any “reciprocal response” on the of the Representatives on the night of weeks. President’s letter. There must be an the Parliamentary Committee on 2016 says the School Leaving President’s letters from any heads of May 21-22. Virologists have said that the anti- acknowledgement. If we do not get a Education to decentralise the exams. Certificate Examinations (later states, according to officials at the The President, however, got a call bodies present in the body will be response and there are no The exams, originally slated to com- renamed as SEE) would be held at the Office of the President and the from Chinese President Xi Jinping on useless if the gap between the first results, then we are losing our mence on May 27, were postponed fol- regional level. The provinces have Ministry of Foreign Affairs. May 26 when the latter announced 1 and second doses is too long. credibility in diplomacy. Credibility lowing a spike in coronavirus cases. replaced the regions after the promul- “We have not received any written million vaccines to Nepal as a grant. Nepali diplomats in New Delhi say and trust are great assets in diploma- With no possibility of conducting the gation of the new constitution. response,” Lalbabu Yadav, an adviser Before speaking to Xi, the President they have lobbied in almost all power cy,” Bhattarai said. “If no one is exams, the government on June 1 “But the constitution prevails over to President Bhandari, told the Post. had dispatched a letter to her Indian corridors, including the President’s responding and no one is listening, decided that the National the Act,” said Gharti. “There shouldn’t “But there has been some verbal com- counterpart Ram Nath Kovind Office, the Office of the Prime then what is the meaning of writing Examinations Board would issue cer- be a problem in delegating the author- munication from some of the coun- seeking Indian assistance for Minister, Home Ministry, the ruling letters?” tificates based on internal evaluation ity as per the constitution.” of the students. The federal education Act would It was decided that students would have given a solution to this problem, be graded based on their performance she said. in the terminal examinations, assess- The constitution prescribes a feder- ment of the subject teachers and prac- al education law to delegate the educa- tical tests. tional authority among the three tiers A similar grading approach was of the government. However, six years adopted last year after the Covid-19 have passed since the constitution was pandemic led to the shutting down of issued, and the government is yet to schools for most of the year. formulate the Act. Although the board had tried to Some education experts say the SEE systematise the evaluation process, it has already been decentralised twice remains more or less the same as it due to the pandemic and that the gov- was last year. ernment should continue it perma- The board will be issuing certifi- nently. cates to some 517,000 students this “The pandemic has given an oppor- year based on internal evaluation. tunity to hold the test as envisioned by Call for decentralising the SEE has the constitution,” Binaya Kusiyait, a been raised ever since the three tiers professor at Tribhuvan University, of government came into existence told the Post. through the 2017 elections. However, He said as the SEE’s evaluation is the federal government has been done based on the grading system, the reluctant the idea. continuous assessment rather than This year, even after the recommen- the three-hour memory tests fits to it. dation by the social committee of the The schools have the role for the Cabinet to decentralise the test, the continuous assessment while the local government decided to conduct it cen- governments can oversee the evalua- trally. tion process. The continuous assess- The committee, based on the direc- ment approach and test the tive issued by the Parliamentary practical knowledge of students, Committee on Education and the sug- rather than using the traditional gestions from stakeholders, had rec- examination format. Under continu- ommended that the authority of con- ous assessment, teachers will evaluate ducting the Grade 10 final exams the day-to-day performance of stu- should be delegated to local govern- dents and rate them based on their ments. overall performance in the entire aca- “The government didn’t heed our demic year. suggestion,” Jayapuri Gharti, chair of Education experts say the govern- the committee of the now dissolved ment with a centralised mindset House, told the Post. “Though the con- doesn’t want to lose any of its author- ventional SEE wouldn’t be held even ity. Dhananjaya Sharma, former prin- this year due to the pandemic, the cipal at Gyanodaya School, Bafal, says POST PHOTO: ANISH REGMI government should still decentralise as the grade 12 is the final year for the A passer-by stops to watch artisans carving designs on wooden blocks for a temple restoration at Patan, Lalitpur on Tuesday. the authority to conduct the exams, as school education, the central exami- per the spirit of the constitution.” nation should be concentrated to Schedule 8 of the Constitution gives grade 12. local governments authority to man- “The government wasn’t willing to age school education and take neces- localise the tests but the pandemic sary measures to manage the compelled it to do so,” Sharma told the Eight people died in Valley road accidents during lockdown school-level education within their Post. “I believe after allowing the jurisdictions. They are free to hire schools to conduct the tests twice the Kathmandu Valley has recorded 407 road accidents in the month and a half since the imposition of prohibitory orders. teachers, conduct tests and even devel- government has understood there is op curricula based on the national nothing wrong in decentralising it.”

ANUP OJHA other seven deceased were involved in restrictions. Now hotels and restau- KATHMANDU, JUNE 15 two-wheeler accidents. rants can operate takeaway services According to the division officials, while the shops selling grocery items, Eight people have lost their lives in on normal days the Valley would fruits, vegetables, dairy products, various road accidents in the record 800 to 900 road accidents in the meat, water and stationery items can Kathmandu Valley since the Covid-19 three districts—Kathmandu, Lalitpur remain open until 11 am. Earlier they prohibitory orders were imposed on and Bhaktapur—and around 10 deaths were allowed to open only until 9 am. April 29. The figure is nearly almost in the accidents. With the revision of the restrictions, the same as the average monthly traf- Meanwhile, since the imposition of the vehicular traffic in the Valley has fic fatality rate of 10, according to the the prohibitory orders over 300 people increased so much that major Metropolitan Traffic Police Division. were booked for riding vehicles with- intersections like Kupondole, Although fewer road accidents were out a driver’s licence. Singhadurbar, New Baneshwor, and recorded during the month and a half New Road are seeing traffic jams dur- of the lockdown when the number of ing rush hours. vehicles on the road was significantly 1,400 traffic officers “Since the flow of traffic is low, low, fatalities remained almost the overspeeding has emerged as a major same, which has left the traffic police have been deployed problem,” said DSP Shah. officials surprised. He said the police have started The division’s records show that 407 in the Valley to booking motorists for overspeeding accidents occurred in the Valley in and have increased license checking. which eight people died and 332 were manage the traffic. The division has been deploying injured including 14 seriously during 1,400 traffic police in the Valley. the period. Until 5 am on Monday, the division “The fatality rate is high as roads “We found a large number of drivers office had detained 1,200 vehicles for were empty and people drove their had passes issued by the district admin- operating in violation of the prohibi- vehicles at high speeds,” said Senior istration offices but no driving licenc- tory orders. Since the imposition of Superintendent Janak Bhattarai, also es,” said Sushil Jung Shah, deputy the prohibitory orders on April 29, the chief of the division. superintendent of police at the division. traffic police detained a total of 86,026 Even cyclists were overspeeding. Starting Tuesday, the prohibitory vehicles for operating without permis- Last week a 12-year-old-boy died after orders in the three districts of the sion. They included 60,618 two wheel- his bicycle crashed into a pole at high Kathmandu Valley have been extend- ers, 20,025 four-wheeler light vehicles speed in Bhaktapur. Police say the ed for a week by easing some of the and 5,383 four-wheeler heavy vehicles.

C M Y K WEDNESDAY, JUNE 16, 2021 | 04 OPINION EDITORIAL What’s in the agriculture budget The government’s Road map to reopen financial plan has also Until we secure enough doses for everyone, emphasised the precautions are all we have. digitisation of agriculture.

The government has relaxed certain restrictions in Kathmandu Valley and across the country while extending the prohibitory SHANKAR SAPKOTA order by a week, Tuesday onward. Shops selling essential supplies, including books and stationery supplies, can now operate until 11 am. A similar arrangement has been made for shops selling construction materials from 4 pm, and there are no restrictions for agricultural work. Authorities have also allowed hotels and restaurants to resume takeaway and home delivery services. Although not in the official correspondence, officials Ballooning imports of farm products is have also said there’ll be no restrictions for morning or evening a big challenge for a country like Nepal, walks, provided people abide by mandatory public health proto- where agriculture employs around 65 cols against Covid-19. percent of the population and contrib- It’s been almost two months since the government imposed utes about 27 percent to the gross one of the world’s strictest stay-at-home orders as the second domestic product. The budget for the wave took hold in Nepal, collapsing our health system and coming fiscal year 2021-22 has accorded unleashing mayhem of deaths and sufferings. While the deci- priority to the agriculture sector. The sion to relax restrictions, owing to a decline in new infections, policies and programmes mainly focus deaths and hospital admissions, is a welcome one, public health on livelihood improvement and employ- experts say it is a continuity of ad hoc decisions by the government generation through commercialisation and mechanisation of agricul- ment. Authorities, however, say the extension with a revised ture. The government’s annual finan- modality was made after consultation with various stakehold- cial plan has also emphasised digitisa- ers. Whatever the case, it is a policy failure in the first place to tion of agriculture which includes have bureaucrats making decisions amid a pandemic with a online farmer registration, digital soil variant of concern in circulation. Sans any measures to break mapping and Mero Kitta app for land the chain of transmission, an extension by a week shows how management. Another highlight is the clueless the administration is. So how should Nepal gradually establishment of a chemical fertiliser SHUTTERSTOCK and safely lift the prohibitory order? factory in Nepal to ensure a regular from the current 20 to 22 percent, a tory guarantee system, good agricul- The government has earmarked The answer lies in our end goal. We cannot have a scenario and long-term supply of plant nutri- nationwide “seed guarantee for food ture-livestock-veterinary practices and Rs400 million for provincial agricul- where there will be a lockdown again. To avoid a future resur- ents. security” programme will be carried integrated pest management practices. ture and livestock market development gence, facts, not beliefs, should guide the authorities to plan and Looking at the records of the past 10 out to make quality seeds available on based on the concept of the One years, it is revealed that the Ministry time. Towards this end, $5.3 million has Big funding Province, One Market model. Around implement the modalities and the timeframe for relaxing the of Agriculture and Livestock been allocated for a seed sufficiency The budget statement has given priori- Rs100 million has been allocated for the restrictions. While at it, the government should also offer practi- Development spends around 80 percent programme. The production and avail- ty to the commercialisation and mecha- construction of cold storage facilities cal solutions to individuals and businesses who’ve been out of of its annual budget allocation, one- ability of breeder seeds and foundation nisation of agriculture. The Prime which will be implemented with match- wages and operation. The reopening discourse should start with third of it on buying chemical fertil- seeds will be ensured by the Nepal Minister Agri Mechanisation ing funds support from the municipali- assessing whether hotspots have conducted adequate testing and iser. The government has earmarked Agricultural Research Council. Programme will be made more involved ties. Adequate budgets have been allo- tracing, and whether the current downward trend of new infec- Rs45.09 billion for the farm sector in Breed improvement programmes to develop the sector under a value cated for projects supported by differ- tions is real. Without an actual dip in new infections for two the next fiscal year. This includes con- will be continued next year for better chain model. In total, the Prime ent development partners. Around consecutive weeks vis-à-vis adequate testing and continued adop- ditional and supplementary budgets and sustainable production of meat Minister Agri Mechanisation $8.2 million has been set aside for the tion of safety protocols, any plan to reopen is destined to fail. for the provinces and local units. and milk. Promotion of embryo trans- Programme has allocated more than Rural Enterprise and Economic The road map to reopen should first consider how today’s fer; use of sexed semen; support for Rs7 billion for next year. Land consoli- Development Project, a new scheme decisions will impact the country shortly. As essential as reo- Key programmes nucleus, breeder and multiplication dation and pooling, block production, started this year with loan support The farmer registration programme herds; promotion of fish, meat and contract farming and establishment of from the World Bank. pening is to our society so that the economy gets going and will be continued in the next year, and dairy marketing; and establishment of model land banks are some of the For the nuts and fruits in hilly areas people can return to their jobs and businesses, and resume around 3.8 million farm households a pedigree performance recording sys- focused programmes for next year. In project, which is in the design phase, a “normal life”, both the government and the public must reflect will be listed in the online system in tem are some of the highlighted pro- addition, a budget of nearly Rs500 mil- budget has been proposed for next year. on the blunders last year, and ensure that we behave appropri- the next five years. This is a major shift grammes for next year. Forage and fod- lion has been provisioned for a youth-fo- A budget allocation of around Rs120 ately to prevent getting stuck in lockdown cycles and further in digital agriculture, and all der management; mineral mapping in cused entrepreneurship development million has been proposed for the con- jeopardising our fragile situation and the economy. No one is subsidy mechanisms and support pack- dairy pocket areas; establishment of mission programme. tinuation of the minimum support safe until everyone is vaccinated, and until we secure enough ages for farmers will gradually come holding yards for animals; fish value For agriculture research, a Rs300 price mechanism proposed. The One doses for everyone, precautions are all we have. While the gov- under this online system. The digital chain management; and insurance pro- million budget has been allocated for Municipality, One Nursery programme ernment has to figure out how to effectively instil safety proto- soil mapping programme will be grammes for the livestock sector are the upcoming year. At least 10 crop will be started from the next fiscal year. cols as a new norm and communicate a science guided time- instrumental in identifying soil health the focused programmes. For the vac- varieties will be approved and regis- Around Rs500 million has been set frame to lift pandemic restrictions, the public too needs to adapt and improving the fertility of the soil. cine production and campaign pro- tered; and 15 new technologies for aside for the coming fiscal year for the Around 10,000 farmers will be able to gramme, around Rs10 million has been crops, livestock and fisheries will be construction of food grain storage. In to the culture of the “new normal” while going about their daily get Kisan Credit Cards from the bank- allocated for next year. developed by the next fiscal year. With addition, school agricultural pro- lives and returning to work. ing system to link them with the digital The subsidy on chemical fertiliser technical support from the Israeli gov- grammes, small irrigation, and custom The daily positivity rate hovers above 20 percent despite a system. will be continued, and the supply sys- ernment, two farms will be developed hiring programmes and implementa- sharp decline in testing and tracing. Polymerase chain reaction An irrigation area-focused rice pro- tem will be monitored by digital means. as a model centre of agricultural excel- tion of the Slaughterhouse and Meat tests have more than halved, and antigen tests are pathetically duction programme will be implement- A Rs12 billion budget has been allocat- lence. Other major programmes such Inspection Act are some of the inadequate to assess our situation. With the relaxed restric- ed in the Tarai region. Under this ed for this. Support for organic produc- as strengthening and regulating the cross-cutting major programmes pro- tions, we are bound to see an increase in mobility and, with it, scheme, rice and fine rice production, tion, processing and marketing will be food quality control system; establish- posed for the fiscal year 2021-22, which our risks of a deadly resurgence. We are our choices hereon as and processing and storage pro- scaled up; and a national level organic ing a one-window quarantine system; will be jointly implemented with local the race to open and resume everyday life builds up, but we have grammes will be implemented jointly centre will be established under the facilitating international trade; estab- and provincial governments, coopera- to be mindful of dropping our guard and openly flouting safety with the provinces and the private sec- Agriculture Ministry. The knowledge lishing an auction centre; and promot- tives and the private sector on a protocols, as we did in the months leading to the explosion in tor. In addition, maize and soybean and experience of indigenous crops ing the Nepali tea trademark are cost-sharing basis. mission programmes will be continued and breeds will be further explored, planned for next year. For producing, mid-April this year. It will be catastrophic. next year. These two crops are the basic preserved and utilised. A farm- processing and marketing Nepal tea Sapkota is a senior agriculture Pandemic-appropriate behaviour by each one of us will be raw materials for the feed industry. To er-friendly organic certification system and coffee, a budget of over Rs120 mil- economist at the Ministry of paramount to gradually and safely lift the prohibitory order. increase the seed replacement rate will be developed based on a participa- lion has been set aside. Agriculture and Livestock Development. No safe space

while they have every right to live Women who faced sexual with long-term support from the gov- violence during the 10 ernment. So says the accord years of the Maoist armed Article 7.1.1 of the Comprehensive Peace Accord states, ‘Both sides reiter- conflict continue to suffer. ate their commitment to the respect and protection of human rights and to international humanitarian law and SUSAN RISAL accept that nobody should be discrim- inated against on the basis of colour, gender, language, religion, age, race, national and social origin, wealth, dis- ability, birth and other status, thought or belief.’ However, women who faced sexual violence at the time of the armed conflict are still facing discrim- The world is marking International Day ination from the state policy as well as for the Elimination of Sexual Violence from their family and community. in Conflict on June 19. The aim is to Many of them have also been thrown make countries and people aware of the out of their houses after their cases need to end conflict-related sexual vio- became known to their family mem- lence, and honour the victims and sur- bers who did not understand that the vivors of sexual violence. Some pro- incident that occurred was not their gress has been made on this front with mistake. the recognition of conflict-related sexu- Further, Article 7.1.3 states, ‘Both al violence under International sides express the commitment that Humanitarian Law, International impartial investigation and action as Criminal Law and International Human per the law would be carried out Rights Law. The Convention on the against the people responsible in cre- Elimination of Discrimination against ating obstructions to the exercising of Women (CEDAW) has also upheld the the rights envisaged in the letter of right to equal access to justice. Although agreement and guarantee not to these laws acknowledged sexual vio- encourage impunity. Apart from this, lence conducted in times of conflict or they shall also guarantee the right to in peacetime as a human rights viola- relief of the families of the conflict tion, countries which saw armed con- SHUTTERSTOCK and torture victims and the disap- flict—Nepal among them—have peace accord in Nepal. However, the women who faced sexual violence ment and accessing medication, espe- heavy work due to the brutal violence peared.’ But the women who faced launched no major initiatives to address women who faced sexual violence dur- as conflict victims, or provided any cially in this time of Covid-19. Many they suffered during the conflict. The sexual violence were never brought the multiple needs of women who faced ing the 10 years of the Maoist armed peace dividends for their contribution have also cut their spending on regu- effect of the brutal violence and tor- into the circle of this policy and plan. sexual violence. conflict continue to suffer. The special to changing the system. This is a bla- lar medicines and used the money to ture inflicted on their bodies is clearly This omission of the government is The adoption of United Nations needs of these women have always tant example of the subjugation, buy mobile sets and data for their shown by their inability to sit in one reinforcing the persistent structural Security Council Resolutions 1325 and been sidelined by the Nepali peace humiliation and marginalisation of children so that they can join online position for more than 2 hours. Their violence and contributing to subjugat- 1820 provided the political framework process. They have also been pushed these women. Due to the large scale of classes. backs also start to swell when they do ing these women. In this scenario, it is and roadmap for the participation of aside in the name of addressing major political violence and power domi- In addition, the women who faced heavy work. necessary to analyse the patterns and women in the peacemaking process, unanticipated events like the 2015 nance, women who faced sexual vio- brutal violence were mostly from mar- Our government and leaders do not trends of such violence and identify and in addressing cases of sexual vio- earthquake and now Covid-19. lence are still living with memories ginalised communities living below have time to look back and examine the perpetrators so that they can be lence that occurred during armed con- However, women were disproportion- and flashbacks of the harrowing inci- the poverty line. These women were the effects of the harm inflicted on punished and the women socially and flict. In 2011, Nepal formulated its first ally affected during the armed conflict dents they faced during the Maoist used as human shields on the battle- women during the armed conflict. culturally established, otherwise his- National Action Plan on Resolutions and major unanticipated events. They conflict. field, and they faced brutal torture They can change any policy they tory will raise questions again and 1325 and 1820, but it has not been able were forced to face extreme violence In the absence of safe spaces, they and violence. In the initial stage of the like for their own benefit by going again against these warlords and their to make any significant contribution at the time of the conflict, and they have not been able to ventilate their brutal incident, many were very beyond the constitution, and bring fanatical followers for every injustice to changing the lives of women who also underwent greater suffering dur- multilayered traumas which are still young and able to sustain themselves the country to a chaotic situation for suffered by the women who faced sex- faced sexual violence. ing the earthquake and coronavirus making them psychologically and by doing any kind of work that comes their stinky power games. But the ual violence during the armed conflict pandemic. physically weak. Many of them are in across. However, now after this long irony is that they cannot bring any in Nepal. Continue to suffer Even 15 years after the peace accord, a life and death situation due to a lack period of time, they are ageing and policy and initiate action to save It has been almost 15 years since the the government has not acknowledged of money for getting regular treat- their bodies are not able to do any women who faced sexual violence Risal is CEO of Nagarik Aawaz.

C M Y K 05 | WEDNESDAY, JUNE 16, 2021 MONEY

FOREX Biden eases US 117.61 All provinces unveil annual budgets with Euro 142.58 trade friction Pound 165.57 Australian 90.41 focus on improving healthcare with EU ahead Japanese 10.68 Universal vaccination against Covid-19 is among the major features of the annual financial plans. of Putin summit Chinese 18.38

Saudi 31.36 SANGAM PRASAIN prepare a detailed study report to con- ASSOCIATED PRESS KATHMANDU, JUNE 15 struct a 500-bed teaching hospital with BRUSSELS, JUNE 15 Qatari 32.3 350-bed general ward, 50-bed kidney All seven provinces on Tuesday ward, 50-bed heart ward and 50-bed President Joe Biden on Tuesday Malaysian 28.57 unveiled their budgets for the next cancer ward. The province has allocat- moved to end a long-running dispute Exchange rates fixed by Nepal Rastra Bank fiscal year 2021-22 beginning mid-July, ed funds to provide Rs6,000 as encour- with the European Union over subsi- putting maximum focus on construct- agement bonus to health professionals dies for aircraft manufacturers, a ing advanced health care systems through the district health offices major breakthrough in the US-EU Shares and infrastructure, and allocating annually. trade relationship that comes on the funds to vaccinate all people against Lumbini Province has published a eve of his highly anticipated meeting Nepse 3,022.10pts -0.12% the coronavirus. budget of Rs40.95 billion for the com- with Russian President Vladimir Their combined budgets for the ing fiscal year. Provincial Minister for Putin. HIGHEST LOSERS next fiscal year come to Rs262 billion, Economic Affairs and Planning The announcement that the two CHL LEC BARUN SIFC NHDL SAPDBL -7.66% -7.02% -6.98% -6.57% -6.42% -6.10% down slightly from the Rs264.20 billion Baijnath Chaudhary released the sides reached resolution in a 17-year for the current fiscal year. The value budget on Tuesday. A Rs14.93 billion dispute over how much of a govern- MODERATE LOSERS SSHL SHPC AKPL EBLCP NABBC GLH of the annual financial plan of budget has been allocated for recur- ment subsidy each can provide for its -3.69% -3.69% -3.50% -3.43% -3.33% -3.30% Bagmati Province has increased sig- rent expenditure and Rs21.17 billion aircraft manufacturing giant—Boeing

MODERATE GAINERS nificantly among all provinces. for capital spending. Much of the in the United States and Airbus in the NABIL GBIME NMB50 NICD83/84 ICFCD83 NICBF Province 1 has unveiled a Rs32.46 RSS budget is focused on health, agricul- EU—came as Biden met with 0.23% 0.22% 0.20% 0.19% 0.16% 0.15% billion budget for the next fiscal year. Gandaki Province has allocated a large chunk of its budget for upgradation of hospitals. ture and tourism. European Council President Charles HIGHEST GAINERS Out of the total investment plan, Karnali Province has brought a Michel and European Commission CHDC KKHC UNHPL OHL HIDCL NTC Rs14.16 billion (43.6 percent) has been cines, kits and other health items for allowance. budget of Rs36.54 billion for the com- President Ursula von der Leyen. 9.88% 9.82% 9.78% 5.81% 5.80% 4.64% set aside for recurrent expenditure corona prevention and control. The province has allocated a budget ing fiscal year. On Tuesday, provincial With the move, Biden eases a major and Rs15.05 billion (46.3 percent) for He said that Rs120 million had been to provide free dialysis services for Minister for Economic Affairs and point of tension in the trans-Atlantic capital expenditure. The province’s allocated for the purchase of 35 dialy- kidney patients in hospitals in Planning Gopal Sharma presented the relationship at a moment he’s seeking budget for the current fiscal year sis machines for kidney patients. The Sindhuli, Trishuli and Dhading. To budget which is Rs3 billion higher to marshal widespread European sup- PRICE PER TOLA totals Rs40.89 billion. budget has allocated Rs20 million for promote domestic tourism, the prov- than the current fiscal year’s budget. port for his efforts to counter Russia BULLION Tanka Angbuhang Limbu, the pro- scholarships for the families of mar- ince has allocated funds to provide Out of the allocated budget, Rs21.65 prior to his Wednesday meeting in vincial minister for economic affairs tyrs and deprived or poor people. Rs35 travel allowances for 10 days to gov- billion has been set aside for capital Geneva with Putin. Fine Gold Rs 93,200 and planning, pledged to vaccinate all million has been allocated to promote ernment employees to visit its moun- expenditure, Rs11.49 billion for recur- US Trade Representative Katherine people. The province has allocated the one school one nurse programme. tain region. rent expenditure and Rs3.39 billion for Tai told reporters that the agreement Silver Rs 1,355 Rs440 million for the control and treat- Likewise, Rs80 million has been Gandaki Province has unveiled a financial transfer. calls for a five-year suspension of the ment of Covid-19. The province has allocated for the employment of budget of Rs30.03 billion for the next Minister Sharma said that the aircraft tariffs, and stressed that it SOURCE: FENEGOSIDA announced upgrading Mechi Hospital poor families and Rs150 million for fiscal year. Out of which Rs16.73 bil- budget had given priority to supply of was time to put aside the fight and to 200 beds and the hospitals in youth self-employment programmes. lion is for capital expenditure and essential medicines, health materials focus on China’s economic assertive- Panchthar and Dhankuta to 100 beds. The province has allocated Rs180 Rs13.06 billion for current expendi- and equipment, storage of essential ness. “Today’s announcement resolves GASOLINE WATCH Other hospitals will be expanded to 50 million for the conservation of the ture. Giving priority to Covid-19 and food items, food security and job crea- a longstanding trade irritant in the beds. The budget has allocated Rs3.25 Chure area. the health sector, Gandaki Province tion to keep Karnali safe from epidem- US-Europe relationship. Instead of billion for the health sector. The prov- Bagmati Province has unveiled a has allocated a large chunk of the ics including Covid-19. fighting with one of our closest allies, ince has launched a comprehensive Rs57.72 billion budget for the next fis- budget for health insurance and Karnali has allocated Rs540 million we are finally coming together against nutrition programme for children cal year. The current fiscal year’s upgrading of hospitals. for the testing and treatment of Covid- a common threat,” Tai said. “We below five years in eight districts. budget amounts to Rs42.66 billion. Out Chief Minister Krishna Chandra 19. The province has decided to pro- agreed to work together to challenge The province has allocated Rs2.90 of next year’s total budget allocation, Nepali presented the budget in the vide an allowance equal to the month- and counter China’s non-market billion for the agriculture sector and recurrent expenditure accounts for provincial assembly on Tuesday. ly salary to frontline personnel like practices in this sector in specific Rs13.21 billion for physical infrastruc- Rs26 billion and Rs29.70 billion has Nepali said that the budget had health professionals, drivers and ways that reflect our standards for fair ture and transport. been allocated for capital expenditure. focused on providing free treatment to workers involved in cleanliness for the competition. “ The Province 2 government has pre- The province has allocated Rs2 billion women suffering from breast and uter- duration of the pandemic. She added that the tariffs could be sented a budget of Rs33.79 billion. Out for the vaccination programme. ine cancer and miscarriage, and pro- Sudurpaschim Province has reimplemented if the US determines of the total allocation, Rs15.63 billion To generate employment and tection to orphaned children and sen- announced a budget of Rs30.33 billion US companies are not able to “com- has been set aside for recurrent encourage production, the province ior citizens. The budget has also given for the fiscal year 2021-22. Presenting pete fairly” with the EU’s. The tariffs expenditure and Rs18.58 billion for has allocated Rs2 billion for loan dis- priority to tourism, infrastructure, the budget on Tuesday, provincial had been temporarily suspended on capital expenditure. The budget has bursement in coordination with banks agriculture and sports. Minister for Economic Affairs and March 11 for four months, and the new given priority to the protection of the and financial institutions. The prov- Gandaki Province has allocated Planning Prakash Bahadur Shah said agreement will officially go into effect lives of the citizens through preven- ince has allocated funds to provide funds to effectively implement air that the provincial government had on July 11. tion, control and treatment of corona- Rs3,000 as monthly social and educa- ambulance service using helicopters allocated Rs17.65 billion for capital To be certain, the US-EU relation- virus infection. tion allowance to children who have for pregnant women and women with spending and Rs10.66 billion for recur- ship faces other trade-related friction. Presenting the budget, provincial lost their father and mother to Covid- critical illnesses and newborns. rent expenditure. The province has The continent’s leaders are becoming Minister for Economic Affairs and 19. For children who have lost their Gandaki Province has allocated funds allocated Rs900 million for the treat- impatient that Biden has not yet Planning Vijay Yadav said that father and mother to other reasons, to upgrade Dhaulagiri Hospital to a ment of Covid-19. addressed Donald Trump’s 2018 deci- Province 2 had allocated Rs200 million Bagmati Province has decided to 200-bed facility. sion to impose import taxes on foreign for the purchase of essential medi- grant Rs2,000 as social and education The province has allocated funds to (With inputs from district correspondents) steel and aluminium.

EXPLAINED Why India is losing sleep over record cooking oil prices

third-biggest import item after India grows several oilseeds— crude oil and gold. mainly peanuts, soybeans and India’s vegetable oil imports rapeseed (mustard)—but their pric- have surged to 15 million tonnes es are not guaranteed by the gov- from 4 million only two decades ernment like grain prices are. ago, according to industry esti- As a result, Indian output of rice mates. It could touch 20 million by and wheat is nearly six times 2030, trade and industry experts greater than total oilseed output on say, boosted by a growing populace average. with higher incomes and a taste for The local vegetable oil industry calorie-laden curry and fried food. has argued that the government, Domestic oilseed production has which earns about 350 billion failed to keep pace with demand, as rupees ($4.79 billion) from levies on farmers prefer to grow grains like edible oil imports, should set aside rice and wheat, the price of which some of that to incentivise farmers is guaranteed by the government. to switch to oilseeds. But the gov- India produced about 10.65 mil- ernment has not taken any such lion tonnes of edible oils in 2019-20, measure so far in 2021. less than half of the roughly 24 million tonnes it consumed during that period, according to trade and government estimates. REUTERS It imported the rest, buying Workers fill cooking oil in tins from a tanker at a wholesale market in Kolkata, India. around 7.2 million tonnes of palm oil from Indonesia and Malaysia, REUTERS Asia. Benchmark futures in about 3.4 million tonnes of soyoil NEW DELHI, JUNE 15 Malaysia touched 4,142 ringgit from Brazil and Argentina, and 2.5 ($1,007.30) a tonne in mid-March, million tonnes of sunflower oil, India, the world’s top importer of their highest since 2008. mainly from Russia and Ukraine. vegetable oil, will have to spend Poor rapeseed and sunflower billions of extra dollars this year to seed harvests in Europe and the What has been the buy more costly cooking oil from Black Sea region further tightened government’s response? overseas and is mulling cutting edible oil supplies, helping push Soaring vegetable oil prices have taxes on those imports to soften the global food prices to 10-year highs further hit people already reeling blow to the economy, industry offi- last month. from record fuel prices and lower cials have said. Mirroring record global prices, incomes due to a devastating sec- The government is considering domestic palm oil and soyoil rates ond wave of Covid-19 infections. reducing taxes on vegetable oil have more than doubled in the past The government has voiced sup- imports after cooking oil prices hit year. port for greater domestic produc- record highs last month as it seeks tion of oil crops in recent years, to make food costs more affordable Why is India concerned? and had been expected to unveil for its population of over 1.3 billion As the top edible oil importer, India incentives for farmers willing to and keep price pressures at bay. spends an average of $8.5-$10 bil- expand oilseed output in its latest lion annually on imported vegoils annual budget plan. Why have global edible oil and the recent price surge will only But the government has yet to prices rallied so much? inflate its bloated import bill fur- come up with a viable plan to raise Problems in the global production ther. Vegetable oil is India’s oilseeds production. of key oilseeds coupled with rising biodiesel use have fuelled the global vegoil rally. Province Transport Operation and Soyoil futures have jumped more than 70 per- Management Board (PTOMB) cent this year after drought tightened US and Brazilian soybean supplies. The US Bagamati Province, Hetauda Department of Agriculture has forecast global soybean Amendment to Bid stocks will fall to a five-year low of 87.9 million tonnes by September. Graphic: (Addendum No.: 4) Global edible oil prices (Date of Publication: June 16, 2021) scale record highs on supply woes, juiced up biofuel use. A bid addendum has been made for the IFB of Supply and Delivery of Electric Palm oil prices, the most Bus and Electric Vehicle Charger, Contract ID: PTOMB/PTD/ICB/077/78- widely consumed edible oil, also rallied 18 percent in 01 published on March 31,2021. The details of the addendum are in 2020 after Covid-19 lock- downs curbed output from Addendum section of eGP portal at https://bolpatra.gov.np/egp/. plantations in Southeast

C M Y K WEDNESDAY, JUNE 16, 2021 | 06 SPORTS | MEDLEY Messi frustrated as wasteful Argentina Tendulkar calls for Test held by Chile in Copa America match World Cup in four years The Argentine superstar opened scoring with a freekick in the first half before conceding equaliser through a penalty.

AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE Bravo was down well to save his RIO DE JANEIRO, JUNE 15 low shot. Gonzalez’s night to forget would get Argentina superstar Lionel Messi worse 10 minutes from time when he scored a stunning freekick but Chile ran onto a perfect chipped pass from hit back to earn a 1-1 draw in the Copa Messi but headed over from just seven America on Monday. yards out when it looked easier to Messi’s magical left foot gave domi- score. It was his last involvement as he nant Argentina a deserved first half was substituted before Bravo took the lead but Eduardo Vargas equalized in goalkick. Argentina kept pushing but the second half after Argentina Messi headed over the bar in injury goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez saved time as Chile held on for a point. veteran midfielder Arturo Vidal’s “This team didn’t want to be beaten, penalty. even though they didn’t play well. Despite Argentina’s dominance, This group of players are defiant,” Messi lamented that “we weren’t calm, said Chile coach Martin Lasarte. we didn’t have control of the ball.” His Angel Romero scored twice as REUTERS coach Lionel Scaloni saw things differ- Paraguay bounced back to beat 10-man Sachin Tendulkar is the most prolific run-scorer in both Tests and 50-over cricket. ently, though. “We deserved to win but Bolivia 3-1 in Goiania and top Group in the end we drew. In any case, it’s ‘A’. Erwin Saavedra gave Bolivia the REUTERS which was switched out of Lord’s due only the start of a very tough tourna- lead from the penalty spot on 10 min- LONDON, JUNE 15 to Covid-19 protocols. ment,” said Scaloni. utes after a long VAR review. Paraguay “You need to shorten that window Before the Group ‘A’ game started in dominated throughout but the game The World Test Championship (WTC) and compress the whole thing,” the Nelson Santos stadium in Rio de changed deep into first half stoppage should be held every four years on the Tendulkar added. “All teams go and Janeiro, there was a light and effects time when Bolivia’s Jaume Cuellar lines of the World Cup in the shorter play wherever it is held and that is tribute to Argentina legend Diego was sent off for a second booking. formats of cricket, batting great when the final will have more signifi- Maradona, who died in November Alejandro Romero Gamarra Sachin Tendulkar told Reuters on cance than what it is at this moment. aged 60, although the ground was AFP/RSS restored parity just past the hour Tuesday. When a 50-over World Cup happens, it empty due to coronavirus restrictions. Lionel Messi (left), who turns 34 this month, is looking for his first silverware with Argentina. mark and Romero put Paraguay in India and New Zealand will contest goes on for nearly two months and The first chance fell to Messi on front three minutes later. Romero the inaugural five-day WTC final in nowhere in the world there is any eight minutes as Leandro Paredes shot straight at Bravo. It would be a more intent and Erick Pulgar played sealed the win 10 minutes from time Southampton from Friday for Test other format being played during picked out Nicolas Tagliafico on the frustrating night for Gonzalez. Vargas into the area but his shot on as Paraguay enjoyed almost 80 percent cricket’s biggest honour, along with a those two months. But along with the left and the fullback nodded the ball Argentina got the goal their domi- the stretch was saved by Martinez. possession and had more than 30 winners’ cheque of $1.6 million. The WTC final, (currently) there are multi- down for his captain, who sent a volley nation deserved on 33 minutes, and However, Vidal stormed in to try to shots. WTC was launched in 2019 following ple teams playing in different parts of wide. Minutes later, Giovani Lo Celso inevitably it was Messi who scored, fire home the rebound and was caught The Copa was due to take place last the successes of the T20 and 50-over the world in different formats. To get crossed from the left but a sliding curling a free-kick from 25 yards out by Tagliafico as he shot. Referee year but was delayed by 12 months due World Cups, with the top nine Test more eyeballs and get more focus, Lautaro Martinez could only spoon just beyond Bravo’s dive. They should Wilmar Roldan consulted VAR and to coronavirus. It was also switched playing nations competing in a league more engagement, we need to have the ball over the bar from inside the have had a second soon afterwards but then awarded a penalty. Martinez from original hosts Argentina and format across two years to decide the just one tournament.” six-yard box. teed up by Gonzalo Montiel 10 yards tipped Vidal’s effort onto the crossbar Colombia to Brazil at the 11th hour two finalists. India coach Ravi Shastri has said a Argentina were in total command out, Martinez screwed his shot horri- but Vargas was quickest to the ball to due to the pandemic situation in the Tendulkar, 48, the most prolific best-of-three final would have been an and Lo Celso picked out Nicolas bly wide. head home the equalizer. former and social unrest in the latter. run-scorer in both Tests and 50-over ideal way to determine the winner at Gonzalez to shoot from 20 yards but “I would be worried if the team Argentina were soon back on the Brazil’s health ministry issued a cricket, urged the International the end of the WTC’s two-year cycle. goalkeeper Claudio Bravo got down wasn’t creating chances. The impor- attack but Chile centre-back Gary statement on Monday saying 31 mem- Cricket Council to schedule future Tendulkar agreed with his former well to his right to tip the ball around tant thing is we are, we’re getting lots Medel blocked a volley from Gonzalez, bers of the playing delegations, Test championships in a dedicated India team mate. “India played all four post. From Messi’s corner Gonzalez of players in the box. And it will go who later headed over from a Messi including players and staff, tested pos- two-three months’ window like the Tests in Australia, and four Test headed over the bar and moments in,” said Scaloni. free-kick. Twenty minutes from time, itive for the coronavirus on Sunday, World Cups. matches against England at home,” later he was released by Lo Celos but Chile started the second half with Messi created space in the box but without giving further details. “Maybe to generate even more Tendulkar, who retired from interna- interest, it could become like a World tional cricket in 2013, explained. “So Cup. A World Cup is not played all we have been playing full series to get across the globe. World Cup is played here and suddenly you get to the final in just one or two countries,” and you just have one match. So it Tendulkar said in a telephone inter- should have been a WTC final series, Cavani tempted by South American return after Man United view. “We need to decide which are the best of three.” countries where you can host Test On the contest on the field in AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE But he admitted his representatives had been in tives, on desires you want to achieve, on arriving at championship. And within possibly Southampton, Tendulkar, who had to MONTEVIDEO, JUNE 15 contact with South American clubs over a possible certain goals. From a football perspective my aim at those two months, you just play Test be admitted to hospital after contract- return. the national team level, and in general, is to go to the championship. If you are playing one ing Covid-19 in March, said he believed Manchester United striker Edinson Cavani said on “There were negotiations. My brother (and agent) World Cup in Qatar and from there to step aside and match against each other, then to play the final was being played between Monday he expects to return to South America from had some chats ... things that happen in football, dedicate myself to my family, my people, my things. final just as a one-off game also makes two evenly-matched sides. While spin- the English Premier League at the end of next sea- they’re normal,” said the forward, who has not I think this is the last dance.” sense. But if you allow everyone to ners are not expected to extract much son. played club football in his home continent since Cavani was one of the many players to speak out play entire series and then just play turn from the pitch, crafty tweakers Last month, Cavani ended uncertainty over his leaving Uruguayans Danubio for Palermo in Italy in against playing the Copa America during the corona- one game as final, then continuity is could still get drift in the air due to the immediate future by committing to a second season 2007. “There’s nothing certain, but I think at some virus pandemic but he said now that the decision has not there.” heavy, overcast conditions in England, with the Red Devils, to the delight of United’s fans as point I’ll come back to South America, I’ll play here.” been taken to go ahead, he was going to give his all. Tests played between two countries Tendulkar said. well as his manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. The However, he may not be donning the sky blue shirt “From the beginning it would have been better to over the last two years counted Batting could, however, determine 34-year-old was a huge hit in his first season, scoring of his national team for much longer. Cavani is stop (but) since I’ve known we’re going to play, towards an overall points table under the result, he felt. “The top two teams 17 goals, including a run of 10 in his last 10 matches. Uruguay’s second highest all-time scorer after the message is that we’ve got to give everything,” the WTC to determine the two teams who have got there have played some “I decided to play there for one more year. I think Atletico Madrid’s Luis Suarez, but he doesn’t expect he said. for the final. good cricket and that’s why they’re there’s a good team which is one reason to stay,” said to play on for his country beyond the 2022 World Cup Uruguay play Argentina in Brasilia on Friday in Critics have pointed out that the there,” said Tendulkar, who along Cavani during a video conference in Montevideo in Qatar. their first Group ‘A’ encounter. They have won the final should have been promoted more with his entire team donated blood on ahead of Uruguay’s first Copa America match on “Honestly, that’s what I’m thinking,” he said. “I competition—the oldest international tournament heavily as there has been barely any Monday in Mumbai to mark the World Friday. believe every human being’s life is based on objec- in football—a record 15 times. buzz created for Friday’s contest, Blood Donor Day. HOROSCOPE ARIES (March 21-April 19) **** CANCER (June 22-July 22) *** LIBRA (September 23-October 22) *** CAPRICORN (December 22-January 19) **** You tend to have no problem launching new initia- As a Cancer, you tend to hold your tongue at times Let yourself retire from the world today, Libra. Another day of the same ol’, same ol’ is bound to tives in your life, Aries. The only snag you wind up when you should actually be speaking up. Remind You’re likely to be in the mood to hole up and hide make you nuts, Capricorn. Find a way to reinvigor- hitting is your ability to follow through. Wednesday’s yourself of this tendency today. It’s an ideal day to away, as the moon glides into reflective Virgo. It’s an ate your routine today, as the moon slides into capa- skies put you in working mode and help you return return missed texts and emails, get absorbed in an ideal day to cleanse your space and minimize any ble Virgo. Get out of the norm to enliven your per- to endeavours that have fallen by the wayside. honest heart-to-heart. junk you’ve collected. spective and watch the rest fall into place.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20) *** LEO (July 23-August 22) *** SCORPIO (October 23-November 21) *** AQUARIUS (January 20-February 18) *** You’re in desperate need of a good time, Taurus. You need structure to feel your best today, Leo. Let Reconnect with your people today, Scorpio. The As an Aquarius, you’re not often one for big, messy, What makes you happy? Find that activity and recon- yourself get lost in productive action today, as the moon slides into practical Virgo this morning, emotional displays. This is especially true when nect with it unabashedly today, as the moon glides clarity-seeking Virgo moon pushes you to focus on prompting you to feel like a part of something bigger. those displays might be your own! Wednesday’s skies into down-to-earth Virgo. The moon’s minimal con- activating your skills. It’s an ideal day for anything It’s an ideal day to plan something with friends or encourage you to actually sit with and acknowledge tacts make for a slow-paced day. involving a realistic mindset. reach out to those special people in your life. any unsettled feelings.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21) **** VIRGO (August 23-September 22) **** SAGITTARIUS (November 22-December 21) *** PISCES (February 19-March 20) *** Your quiet twin needs some airtime today, Gemini. It’s easy for you to get lost in your head, Virgo. Dial into the needs of your career today, Sagittarius. Take a good look at your partnerships today, Pisces. Pull away from the noise and let yourself recuperate Wednesday’s skies remind you to reconnect with The moon’s presence in capable Virgo offers you the The moon glides into your opposite sign of sharply in the quiet comforts of your home. It’s an ideal day your body and come back down to earth, as the moon chance to sink your teeth into something and stay realistic Virgo, helping you tune into your current to catch up with friends of yesteryear and family glides forward into your sign. Today, embrace the focused. Devote some energy into making your work- relationship story. It’s an ideal day to touch base with members. opportunity to sync back up with your own needs. flow operate more efficiently. yourself or a partner. CROSSWORD SUDOKU

YESTERDAY’S SOLUTION

C M Y K WEDNESDAY, JUNE 16, 2021 | 07

Players to Watch Enrique rues Gareth Bale (Wales) Ronaldo breaks Euro goalscoring record Wales’ defensive strength is poised missed chances to lay the foundation for success at Euro having kept clean sheets in 11 The Juventus striker, who also becomes the first player in history to play at five European matches since the start of 2020 but but defends they are putting their hopes on the Championships, has now scored 11 goals in the tournament, two more than French great Michel Platini. Real Madrid winger to deliver star quality in attack and there is no AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE game plan doubting the ability of the Wales’ BUDAPEST, JUNE 15 all-time goal scorer to thrive on big REUTERS stage. The 31-year-old has scored 33 Cristiano Ronaldo netted a double to become SEVILLE, JUNE 15 goals in 92 international appear- the European Championship’s all-time lead- ances since making his debut in ing scorer as Portugal struck three times late Spain coach Luis Enrique rued 2006. Though he last scored in on to beat a stubborn Hungary 3-0 in their missed chances from his side in their October 2019, he has created four Euro 2020 opener at a packed Puskas Arena 0-0 European Championship draw goals in his previous seven games. on Tuesday. with Sweden on Monday, insisting he Zeki Celik (Turkey) The holders, who appear to have a much will not be changing his style of play stronger squad than when they won their despite getting off to a disappointing Celik impressed in his 27 appear- first major title five years ago, laboured for start in the tournament. ances for Lille this season, scoring long periods in Budapest. But Raphael But they were let down by poor fin- three goals and providing two Guerreiro made the vital breakthrough in ishing and might have even lost had it assists as the club won Ligue 1. His the 84th minute and Ronaldo slammed in a not been for a glaring miss by oppos- performances have attracted inter- penalty shortly afterwards before tapping ing striker Marcus Berg. est from Manchester United, home in injury time. Alvaro Morata spurned Spain’s best Arsenal and Tottenham. Although The Juventus striker has now scored 11 opportunity in a dominant first half he did not provide any assists dur- goals in the tournament, two more than display from Luis Enrique’s side on a ing qualification, the 24-year-old is French great Michel Platini, who netted nine scorching evening at Seville’s La a modern-day full-back, making times when he led France to glory in 1984. Cartuja stadium in Group E when he eight starts on the right-hand side The 36-year-old is also just three goals away missed the target from inside the area of defence during the campaign from matching Iranian Ali Daei’s all-time after a defensive slip. and looks to still have that position international scoring record of 109. But Sweden’s Berg was equally sewn up as his own. Ronaldo chose by far the biggest crowd of wasteful when he somehow missed the tournament to break the record in front the target after a sensational piece of of, with Budapest the only Euro 2020 venue skill and cross from fellow forward Today’s Fixtures not to limit fan capacity due to Covid-19. Alexander Isak, who had manoeuvred The Puskas Arena has a capacity of almost his way past four Spain defenders to 68,000 fans. put the chance on a plate. Portugal coach Fernando Santos opted to Spain ran out of steam in the play Liverpool forward Diogo Jota and second half before rallying again late Bernardo Silva alongside Ronaldo ahead of on but still failed to beat Sweden Joao Felix. keeper Robin Olsen, who thwarted It almost paid instant dividends, as Jota substitute Gerard Moreno in stoppage forced Hungary goalkeeper Peter Gulacsi time. into a smart save with a left-footed drive in This was a deeply frustrating start the fourth minute, although he perhaps to the tournament for three-time should have squared the ball for an unmarked AP/RSS European champions Spain, who Ronaldo. Five minutes later, Jota, who was Cristiano Ronaldo is now only three behind Iranian striker Ali Daei’s men’s record of 109 international goals. broke a competition record with 917 out injured for most of the latter stages of passes while keeping 85% possession the club season, volleyed Bruno Fernandes’ but failed to win their first game for Finland vs Russia free-kick over the crossbar. the fifth time in their last six major 18:45 NST, Wednesday Ronaldo created an opportunity for tournament appearances. Turkey vs Wales Bernardo Silva in the 28th minute by win- Capacity for finale raised to 40,000 Spain have enjoyed just one win in ning the ball back high up the pitch, only for their last six opening matches at a 21:45 NST, Wednesday the Manchester City winger to delay his shot LONDON: The Euro 2020 semi-finals and final Czech Republic in front of 25 percent capaci- major tournament, a 1-0 victory Italy vs Switzerland too long and see the opening snuffed out by will be played in front of 40,000 fans at ty at Wembley in the next week. But a last 16 against the Czech Republic at 00:45 NST, Thursday an excellent tackle from Hungary cen- Wembley. match on June 29, plus the semi-finals and Euro 2016. tre-back Willi Orban. British Prime Minister Boris Johnson on final in July, will be staged in front of the “We were by far the better team, the Hungary offered very little from open play, Monday announced a four-week delay in largest crowd in the UK for more than 15 opposition tried to hang back, we com- although they sent Portugal a warning short- England to the full lifting of coronavirus months. pletely controlled the game and tried Results ly before half-time when Adam Szalai headed restrictions—which were due to end on June England’s group games at Euro 2020 had to generate as many chances as a free-kick too close to Rui Patricio. 21—because of a surge in infections caused already been included on the government’s possible,” Luis Enrique told a news Spain 0-0 Sweden The best chance of the opening period fell by the Delta variant. However, the final four extended events research programme and conference. Hungary 0-3 Portugal to Ronaldo in the 44th minute, only for the matches at Wembley of the European will continue to be played in front of crowds The Spain coach was also keen to Portugal captain to plant the ball over from Championship will be able to nearly double of 22,500. stress that there was no need to panic. six yards out after meeting Guerreiro’s the crowd that saw England win their open- Ticket holders for matches at Wembley There will be no change in system low cross. ing match against Croatia 1-0 on Sunday. have to provide proof of full vaccination or a either, even though Spain’s possession Portugal came out of the blocks quickly England will also face Scotland and the recent negative Covid-19 test result. (AFP) amounted to little end product in after the break, knowing failure to win would Seville, with top spot in Group E put them in trouble in such a difficult group, remaining the target. with Pepe seeing a downward header well Bernardo Silva. corner of the Hungarian net. “Of course, there are two games to saved by the stretching Gulacsi. Portugal’s increasing frustration in the The home side’s resistance was totally go and we still aspire to win the Santos’ men continued to press despite closing quarter of an hour was shown when over three minutes later, as Orban pulled group,” Luis Enrique added. “If we Hungary growing in confidence, with Ronaldo begged for a penalty for handball back Rafa Silva when he was clean through cannot do that we will try to come Fernandes drawing Gulacsi into another fine against Attila Fiola. Hungary thought they on goal. Ronaldo stepped up and made no second. stop with a dipping strike from long range. had snatched a shock lead through substitute mistake, sending Gulacsi the wrong way to “I am not going to change the plan Despite having Felix, in-form Eintracht Szabolcs Schon, but he was denied by a late add another record to his collection on the before the match against Poland Frankfurt striker Andre Silva and Pedro linesman’s flag for offside. day he became the first player in history to (Spain’s next game). We try to play the Goncalves, last season’s top-scorer in the Rafa Silva played a key role in the opening play at five European Championships. same way in every match, we are Portuguese Primeira Liga, on the bench, goal, though, as his deflected cross was met There was more to come from Ronaldo, as going to be prepared and we try to give Santos waited until the 71st minute to make by Guerreiro, whose shot also took a huge he danced through after a one-two with Rafa our best.” a change, sending on Rafa Silva for deflection and dribbled agonisingly into the Silva and rolled in his 106th goal for Portugal. Spain play Poland on Saturday. Turkey expect crowd boost against Wales

ASSOCIATED PRESS players coming off good seasons at website reported. BAKU, JUNE 15 club level. “We are the Turkish national team, Burak Yilmaz and Zeki Çelik won we are here to make our country Turkey will be expecting a big boost the French title with Lille, while proud. Now, everyone should raise from a supportive crowd in Baku, and Hakan Calhanoglu had a strong sea- their heads. Let’s rise and make our they might just need it. son with AC Milan, as did Caglar people happy with a victory over After a 3-0 loss to Italy without even Soyuncu with Leicester. Wales.” a shot on target, underpressure That optimism evaporated quickly Turkey’s population is estimated at Turkey will face a Wales side looking against Italy. about 84 million, or 26 times that of to build on their opening draw against Wales, one of the biggest gulfs in Switzerland when the teams meet size between any two teams at Euro Wednesday at the European After drawing with 2020. Championship. Being one of the tournament’s Azerbaijan is an ally of Turkey and Switzerland and smaller teams means Wales are used the two countries have close cultural to playing as the underdog. ties, so a large delegation of traveling with Italy looming Morrell said that builds the kind of fans and local Turkey supporters are team spirit which took the Welsh to expected. next, Wales know the Euro 2016 semi-finals. A quiet, mostly empty venue for “I think we’re a team and a country Wales’ 1-1 draw with the Swiss in they need result. that has to be together because Baku, where just 8,782 fans attended, otherwise there’s bigger nations, could now have an intimidating away- there’s nations with more money, game atmosphere. The 35-year-old Yilmaz couldn’t find more people, a bigger pool of players, Wales are expecting it. space among the Italy defence and that are going to be battling us,” “I think hopefully we can feed didn’t have the pace to unsettle the Morrell said. off the negative energy of the back line. Turkey clung on until the “We’ve got a group of lads here, Turkey fans as opposed to the positive 53rd minute, when Merih Demiral as in 2016, that are really together. one,” said Wales midfielder Joe scored an own-goal. That benefits us in the 90th Morrell, who set up Kieffer Moore’s Turkey’s attacking efforts amount- minute when you look across and equaliser in the games against ed to one shot off target and two you see someone blowing a little Switzerland. blocked. bit, as a few were yesterday including “We can try and have the game on “This result did not suit us. But we myself (against Switzerland),” he our terms, which is always the are a country that has always pro- added. AP/RSS objective,” duced surprises at big tournaments,” It helps drag you through knowing Supporters of Hungary before the European Championship 2020 Group F football match between Turkey came into the tournament Yilmaz said in a motivational speech that you’re going to do anything for Hungary and Portugal at the Puskas Arena in Budapest on Tuesday. The 68,000-capacity Puskas Arena is with high hopes and a string of to the team after the loss, the SporX your teammates.” the only stadium at this year’s tournament to allow a full capacity amid the coronavirus pandemic.

C M Y K WEDNESDAY, JUNE 16, 2021 | 08 CULTURE & LIFESTYLE (C.R.P.D.) - 3/052/053 The joy of giving In Boudha, Sonam Wangchen, a Buddhist monk, has been quietly helping thousands of people hit hard by the pandemic. This is his story.

TSERING NGODUP LAMA lies, paid cash aid ranging from Rs time,” says Choegyal. “I dipped into my savings and KATHMANDU 3,000 to Rs 10,000 to more than 200 In 2010, Wangchen earned his Geshe sought financial help from people I families. degree, the highest academic degree know and we started delivering food t the peak of the second On March 24 last year Nepal went in the Gelugpa sect of Tibetan aid,” says Wangchen. “When people wave of the Covid-19 into lockdown to curb the spread of Buddhism. The following year became aware of our work, many pandemic, when the Covid-19. The same evening, Wangchen accepted an invitation from came forward with donations.” country was reeling Wangchen went for a walk around a senior monk to work as a teacher at Today, the majority of donors to under acute shortage of Boudha carrying packets of biscuits a Kathmandu-based monastery. Wangchen’s organisation are individ- oxygen and hospital and noodles to distribute to the area’s During his free time, Wangchen start- uals. beds,A Sonam Wangchen’s phone was homeless, street kids and beggars, all ed teaching spirituality and medita- Tenzin Choegyal (not related to Lisa ringing non-stop. The majority of the of whom rely on the generosity of tion to residents of several drug reha- Choegyal), a Boudha resident, first calls were distress calls from pan- passersby and business owners. bilitation centres in Kathmandu. came to know about Wangchen’s work ic-stricken people urging Wangchen to “But with businesses shut and peo- His work at drug rehabilitation cen- in 2015. arrange hospital beds, oxygen cylin- ple’s movement restricted, I knew tres, he says, revealed to him how “When the pandemic hit, I saw that ders, ambulances, etc. these people were going to be hit hard. challenging it is to recover from drug Wangchen was once again helping Between April and May, And I was right. That evening I came and alcohol addiction and that under- people who were really going through Wangchen—a Buddhist monk and the across many who hadn’t eaten the standing brought a certain sense of a tough time due to the lockdown,” founder of Metta Hope and Challenge, entire day,” says Wangchen. urgency in him to work towards drug says Tenzin, who is the marketing a small not-for-profit organisation— Back home, Wangchen got busy abuse prevention. manager at Worldlink. “ I spent a few helped arrange hospital beds for six drawing up an ambitious plan—to “I realised the best way to deal with days volunteering with Wangchen’s Covid-19 positive patients, delivered feed hundreds of meals daily. the issue was to make children and team that prepares and distributes oxygen cylinders and concentrators to The next day, Metta Hope and young adults aware of the perils of free hot meals daily and I was thor- more than 50 people isolating at home, Challenge began distributing free hot drug and alcohol abuse,” says oughly impressed that with very limit- covered PCR tests fees for 30 people meals, which the organisation contin- Wangchen. “We visited a lot of schools ed funds they were able to help so and medical costs for more than 100 ues to this day. to give talks and presentations on the many people. So on my wife’s birthday, people, and arranged cremations for “At the height of the lockdown, both subject. Eventually in 2014, we estab- we donated Rs 10,000 to Metta Hope several families who lost their loved in 2020 and this year, we were distrib- lished Metta Hope and Challenge with and Challenge. Knowing Wangchen, I ones to the infection. uting 1,000 packets of hot meals a day. our main objective being drug abuse know that the money went to those A few days after Kathmandu Valley Our daily average now is around 400 prevention.” who need it the most. People like went into a lockdown in April, meals daily,” says Wangchen. A little less than a year after the Wangchen are an inspiration for all of Wangchen set up a 17-bed isolation But 10 years ago, social work was an organisation was set up, Nepal was hit us to be better human beings.” centre, with standby oxygen and area of work something Wangchen by devastating earthquakes, which, When asked what he feels about his 24-hour in-house nurse support, and a never envisioned for himself. says Wangchen, compelled the organi- work, Wangchen’s answer is simple— kitchen with a team of cooks, near Wangchen spent most of his forma- sation to diversify its work. joy. Sundarijal. Until last week, 20 Covid- tive years in a boarding school in “Everywhere you looked, there was “Ever since I was a little kid, I have 19 positive patients had recovered and northern India and during school hol- suffering and grief. As an organisa- always enjoyed being of help to oth- had been discharged from the free-of- idays, he would come to Kathmandu to tion, we knew we can’t turn a blind ers. You have no idea the number of charge isolation centre, which is still his uncle, who is married to Lisa eye to that reality and that we had to times I have been scolded at school for up and running. Choegyal, who is a writer and New do something to help those in need,” coming late to classes as I was busy “May was a very hectic month. I Zealand Honorary Consul to Nepal. says Wangchen. nursing wounded animals,” says don’t remember being so busy in my Choegyal remembers Wangchen as But there was a problem. Wangchen, with a wide grin on his entire life,” says Wangchen, sipping someone who loved playing football Metta Hope and Challenge, says face. “When you get close to other peo- milk tea in a cafe. With a sharp decline and cricket. Wangchen, had limited funds. ple’s sufferings, you end up realising in the daily Covid-19 cases in the coun- “Wangchen has always had this A day after the major earthquake, that many of your own problems are try, the number of distress calls very saintly quality about him,” says Wangchen and a group of over two nothing. This realisation helps lighten Wangchen gets has decreased, allow- Choegyal. dozen monks, all Wangchen’s friends, your heart.” ing him to take some time off for him- At school, Wangchen didn’t enjoy headed to the TU Teaching Hospital in But there are days, Wangchen self. studying, which is not surprising for Maharajgunj, Kathmandu. admits, when he questions his work. But not long after Wangchen arrives his age. But what set him apart from “The scene at the hospital was “As a trained Buddhist, I am aware at the cafe, his phone rings. The caller, the rest was that he wanted to become POST PHOT0: TSERING NGODUP LAMA heartbreaking. Ambulance after that no amount of material help can a native of Dolpo and currently resid- a Buddhist monk. Sonam Wangchen is the founder of Metta Hope and Challenge, a not-for-profit organisation. ambulance were arriving at the hospi- truly alleviate people’s suffering. So ing in Boudha, asks Wangchen’s help “Several Buddhist hermits lived in tal carrying people with grave inju- there are days when I cannot help on behalf of a family that had fallen tiny shacks on the hills high above my ment and that’s why I wanted to Left with no choice, Wangchen con- ries, and the hospital’s staff were but wonder if I could have been better on hard times due to the lockdown. school. I often visited them and helped become a monk.” tinued his schooling. being overstretched,” says Wangchen. able to serve the people had I focused Wangchen listens intently and asks them with their chores—from collect- Every time Wangchen visited Whenever he had time, he would go “We helped transfer patients from on practising the dharma and medita- the man to send him the family’s ing water for them to cleaning their Kathmandu during his school holi- spend time with the Buddhist hermits. ambulances. At first the hospital staff tion so that I can teach people the details and assures him that he will humble shacks. These hermits spent days, he would urge his family to send When Wangchen was 18, deter- appeared a bit taken aback with the same,” says Wangchen. “Such send food aid the next day. almost all of their waking hours med- him to a Buddhist monastery. mined to fulfill his longheld wish of sight of dozens of monks in red robes thoughts make me realise the impor- Ever since the pandemic gripped itating and on spiritual practise,” says “For years, Wangchen kept insist- becoming a monk, he ran from his filing in and out of the hospital but tance of finding able people to lead the country last year and wreaked Wangchen. “In terms of material pos- ing that he wanted to become a monk, school and travelled more than 2,500 they quickly got used to us being Metta Hope and Challenge so I unimaginable economic challenges to sessions, these hermits didn’t have and for years, his family and my hus- kms to South India and got ordained there.” can focus solely on the dharma, just the most vulnerable section of the much, but they still appeared very band kept insisting that he attend as a monk at a Buddhist monastic uni- A few days after the earthquake, like the Buddhist hermits who society, Wangchen says he has distrib- happy and content with life. I wanted school and get a formal education,” versity. Wangchen was delivering food aid to lived high up on the hills above my uted food aid to more than 10,000 fami- that kind of inner peace and content- says Choegyal. “The family didn’t stop him this villages hard hit by the earthquake. school.”

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