WITHOUT F EAR OR FAVOUR

Nepal’s largest selling English daily Vol XXVIII No. 81 | 8 pages | Rs.5 O O Printed simultaneously in Kathmandu, Biratnagar, Bharatpur and Nepalgunj 37.8 C 9.6 C Saturday, May 16, 2020 | 03-02-2077 Dipayal Jumla

Indian Army chief alluding to outside Government refrains instigation in border from ambitious row irresponsible, objectionable: Analysts growth target in view Naravane’s hint at Chinese role in Nepal’s objection to of Covid-19 pandemic Indian road in Lipulekh Unlike previous years’ focus on physical infrastructure, could cause more friction. the upcoming year’s focus on the social sector will not ANIL GIRI KATHMANDU, MAY 15 translate immediately into high growth, analysts say.

Hours after Foreign Secretary PRITHVI MAN SHRESTHA Shanker Das Bairagi held a meeting KATHMANDU, MAY 15 with Chinese Ambassador Hou Yanqi in Kathmandu regarding the bounda- The KP Sharma Oli government’s pol- ry row with India over Lipulekh, icies and programmes for the upcom- Indian Army Chief MM Naravane ing fiscal year appear to have taken alleged that Nepal was acting ‘at the the impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic behest of someone else’. into account and refrained from set- Though Naravane did not name any ting an ambitious growth target. country, it was apparent that he was The policies and programmes, pre- alluding to China. sented by President Bidya Devi The Indian Army chief ’s statement Bhandari to a joint session of the fed- comes after statements and coun- eral parliament on Friday, are largely ter-statements by Kathmandu and targeted towards strengthening the Delhi on May 9, followed by Nepal’s economy and making it more produc- handing of a diplomatic note to Indian tive at a time when most economies Ambassador Vinay Mohan Kwatra in around the world are expected to con- Kathmandu on May 11. POST PHOTO: HEMANTA SHRESTHA tract in the wake of the pandemic. India, which has lately been wary Two young cyclists enjoy a ride on an empty road in New Baneshwor, Kathmandu, on Friday. According to Jagadish Chandra POST PHOTO:PRAKASH CHANDRA TIMILSENA of China’s increasing role in Nepal, Pokharel, former vice-chair of the President Bidya Devi Bhandari presents the was alarmed a few days ago after the National Planning Commission, the government’s policies and programme in Chinese envoy held a series of meet- government not mentioning a growth the federal parliament on Friday. ings with Prime Minister KP Sharma target for the upcoming fiscal years Oli and former prime ministers suggests that it has acknowledged the 2.9 percent in 2020-21 and 2.7 to 3.6 in Pushpa Kamal Dahal and Madhav Two years since merger, ruling party has impossibility of achieving the high tra- 2021-22. Kumar Nepal, both senior leaders of jectory of double digit growth for the These projections contrast sharply the ruling Nepal Communist Party next four years as envisioned last year. with the government’s target of a high (NCP). little to show except infighting, power play “The policies and programmes have growth trajectory throughout the The recent row with India is over clearly indicated the impact of Covid- coming years. As per the 15th periodic the southern neighbour building a 19 on Nepal’s future growth, although plan 2019/20 - 2023/24, the government road through Lipulekh, a strip of economic growth was impressive in had aimed for an average growth rate land in northwestern Nepal, to con- Nepal Communist Party had the possibility of transforming the country, given its massive the last two years,” said Pokharel. of 9.6 percent during this period. nect India with Kailash-Mansarovar In the last three years, Nepal wit- The government’s target of this in the Tibet Autonomous Region mandate and overwhelming strength. But it has squandered all opportunity, say analysts. nessed continued growth of over six high growth rate was based on its of China. As the road was percent, leading the government to focus on expanding physical infra- constructed under an understanding TIKA R PRADHAN agreed to the merger, albeit on the con- target an ambitious growth rate of 8.5 structure. But there have been numer- between India and China, there KATHMANDU, MAY 15 dition that they would lead the govern- percent this fiscal year. But after the ous setbacks in infrastructure devel- had been calls for Nepal to hold talks ment for two-and-a-half years each. Covid-19 pandemic began to have opment due to the Covid-19 pandemic, with China alongside its talks with Two years ago, when the then CPN- Party leaders, party cadre and severe effects on almost all sectors of according to the policies and pro- India. UML and CPN (Maoist Centre) well-wishers were very much excited, the economy, the Central Bureau of grammes. On Friday, while discussing the announced their merger, many called saying that the merger would provide Statistics, late last month, had project- “The priorities have been changed boundary dispute with Hou, Foreign it an extraordinary moment for a new dimension to the communist ed the country’s economic growth at a due to this pandemic. The priority of Secretary Bairagi reminded her of the Nepal’s communist movement. KP movement, not just in Nepal but in meagre 2.27 percent. the government will be health, educa- diplomatic notes Kathmandu had dis- Sharma Oli and Pushpa Kamal Dahal, South Asia and beyond. This will be the lowest growth rate tion, employment and economic recov- patched to Delhi and Beijing in 2015, who were leading the UML and Maoist In terms of size, the Nepal since the 2015-16 fiscal year when the ery,” said Bhandari. after the two governments agreed to parties, respectively, declared them- Communist Party (NCP) is the fourth economy grew by just 0.2 percent amid Last year, the government’s priority expand a trade route via Lipulekh, selves co-pilots of the newly minted POST FILE PHOTO largest in Asia—after China, Vietnam the effects of deadly earthquakes and areas were infrastructure develop- which Nepal claims as its territory, Nepal Communist Party, the largest Ruling party chairs still harbour mistrust. and North Korea—in terms of mem- the subsequent Indian trade blockade. ment, agriculture and tourism, the without including Nepal in the communist force in Nepal’s history. bership. It is among the strongest gov- But analysts say that even a 2.27 latter of which has been hit hardest by discussions. The Oli-Dahal jet, however, met Oli and Dahal, who had formed the ernments ever in the history of mod- percent growth rate is optimistic, the pandemic with some estimates >> Continued on page 4 with turbulence, almost immediately, party by trusting each other, see the ern Nepal, with a near two-thirds given that the impacts of the pandem- suggesting losses to the tune of Rs160 and even two years on, still con- other as adversary—suspecting each majority in the federal parliament, ic on sectors like hotels, restaurants billion. According to the Central tinues to struggle to cruise statement the other makes,” said controlling six out of seven provincial and tourism are expected to continue Bureau of Statistics, the hotels and smoothly. Party insiders and Yubaraj Chaulagain, a central com- governments and 60 percent of the 753 beyond the end of the health crisis. restaurants sector will see a negative analysts say the unification was mittee member. local-level governments. Although the statistics bureau has growth of 13.3 percent in the current riddled with suspicion, which At least half a dozen leaders the “But things turned sour by the day,” forecasted that all other sectors will fiscal year. has only grown of late. Post spoke to blamed the top leader- said Dilu Panta, a central committee head towards normalisation by mid- The social sector, such as education The party is currently on the ship for the woes of the country’s member. “People started to feel uneasy May, much remains to be seen, as and health, has received priority after verge of a split with the relation- largest communist party. and suffocated as the top leadership Covid-19 cases continue to increase more than a decade and a half. During ship of the two once-cordial When the two parties came together continued to fight for their own petty across the country. the Maoist conflict years, the focus of co-chairs at rock bottom. The in an electoral alliance for the 2017 interests.” The World Bank, in its ‘South Asia successive governments was on the party has organised itself into polls, no one had expected that they When leaders announced the merg- Economic Focus’ report, early last social sector as infrastructure factions, with two top leaders would go on to merge, given their frac- er, they had promised to complete the month projected Nepal’s growth rate development was difficult due to the constantly jostling for support. tious history. But the two leaders man- merger process within three months. in the range of 1.5 to 2.8 percent in the insurgency. “Two years after the merger, aged to put aside their differences and >> Continued on page 4 current fiscal year, followed by 1.4 to >> Continued on page 4

C M Y K SATURDAY, MAY 16, 2020 | 02 MEDLEY

Inside the Post Quote of the day

Two years since merger, ruling party has little to show National except infighting, power play, Page 1 The government has announced a plan to provide initial capital to returnee migrant workers for starting their own ventures in the country. The plan is aimed at absorbing the Nepali migrant workers who are likely to return “Despite its overwhelming strength, which from the Covid-19 hit labour destination countries into the domestic labour market. rarely comes in history, the party has squandered all its opportunities to Money transform the country.” The coronavirus pandemic could cut up to 9.7 percent off the global economy, the Asian Development Bank said on Friday, doubling its previous estimate as the Shyam Shrestha, political analyst, on the ruling Nepal Communist Party two virus stifles trade and leaves millions jobless. years after its formation following a historic merger between the erstwhile CPN-UML and CPN (Maoist Centre) World The coronavirus could infect a quarter of a billion Africans and put intolerable pressure on the continent’s fragile health system, a new report said Friday, as the pandemic’s global death toll topped 300,000. Most read online Sports As government announces to make lockdown stricter, experts The Premier League’s plans to resume the season next month was given a boost on Thursday when Britain’s Culture and Sport secretary Oliver Dowden said the say, it does not offer long-term solution government was “opening the door” for football to return in June. The government has announced to enforce the lockdown more strictly with the rise in cases of coronavirus infections across the country, including in Kathmandu Valley. Some experts, however, say the government’s decision will Books only add to the problem faced by the citizens who have been observing stay-at- The new Dorota Maslowska novel is a ruthless critique and clever parody of the home orders for nearly two months now. world within and around us. The novel is a parody of our times, and yet it is also the revelation of every truth that we would like to hide. Talks with India over Lipulekh unlikely in near future given technical and political factors Amid protests on the streets and calls from the public as well as ruling and opposition leaders, the KP Sharma Oli government has reiterated its commit- News Quiz ment to holding talks with India to settle the boundary row “soon”. Experts and analysts, however, say that there is little likelihood of talks in the near future, given technical and political factors, as well as the global Covid-19 pandemic. 1. Which hospital has sealed off a. Malaysia its neuro ward after a patient b. Qatar POST PHOTO: SANJOG MANANDHAR tested positive for Covid-19? c. South Korea Workers paint a zebra crossing at the Thapathali junction in Kathmandu, on Friday. Nepal’s palm oil exports could suffer as India a. TU Teaching Hospital d. Japan suspends import licences b. Bir Hospital c. Neuro Hospital 5. Which country has announced Nepal’s lucrative palm oil exports to India could hit a setback as the southern d. Army Hospital free food for migrant workers neighbour has suspended all import licences besides imposing stringent trade who have been leaving cities on On this day in history measures in a bid to check cheap imports and protect domestic industry, Indian 2. Indian Army troops have been foot, trying to return to their media reports said. stationed in Darchula’s villages in view of Covid-19? Chharung, near Kalapani since a. Bangladesh Police alert to Ghising entry which year? b. India More individuals seek Covid-19 tests but ministry a. 1945 c. Pakistan BIRATNAGAR - Police are taking strict vigil around Kakarbhitta border and sur- to focus on health workers b. 1962. d. Sri Lanka rounding places to prevent possible entrance of Darjeeling-based Indian leader c. 1980 Subas Ghising, police sources said Monday. The identification of four new cases of Covid-19 in Kathmandu Valley has d. 1992 6. The drug Remdesivir, which cut Police units have been ordered to carry out careful checks at various places to sparked terror among its residents, with hundreds flocking to the Sukraraj the duration of Covid-19 symp- stop Ghising’s arrival, sources said. They said Ghising’s entrance in the present Tropical and Infectious Disease Hospital in Teku for tests. 3. The export of which product toms from 15 days to 11 in clin- situation “may affect long-standing cordial ties” between Nepal and India. from Nepal could suffer as ical trials, was originally devel- Regional deputy superintendent of police Pradip Shumsher JBR said they India suspends import licences? oped for have not received any order from the centre regarding Ghising’s visit. a. Ginger the treat- “But as some of his associates have been held and driven away from b. Betel nut ment of Kathmandu, it is but natural for us to be alert against his possible entrance,” he Corrections c. Cardamom which dis- said. d. Palm oil ease? Our reporters and editors do their best to make sure our reporting is free from a. Ebola The Kathmandu Post errors. But when we make mistakes that warrant correction, we will be transparent 4. Nepali migrant workers’ hopes b. Smallpox May 16, 1995 and clarify at the bottom of the specific article. of returning to work in which c. Rabies If you believe we have got something wrong and it requires correction, please country were dashed after d. Polio email us at [email protected] with “correction” in the subject line. authorities there asked them to Answers to News Quiz: 1(a), 2(b), 3(d), 4(c), 5(b), 6(a) For the most recent corrections, visit kathmandupost.com/corrections. submit a clear self-quarantine plan? AP HOROSCOPE ARIES (March 21-April 19) CANCER (June 22-July 22) LIBRA (September 23-October 22) CAPRICORN (December 22-January 19) **** *** **** *** Let your actions speak today. They are louder Follow your urge to let your selfless side come Your response to a new announcement or idea You must have full conviction that you’re doing than any of your words could be, and they’ll out. Spread the word to friends and colleagues could surprise other people. They never knew the right thing! Believe in yourself. Doing so make your point effectively. Plus, they’ll enable that you’re free to lend them a hand with what- you could be so jaded. Act fast before you lose will inspire others to believe in you, too. This you to stay out of any arguments. Too much ever tasks need your special brand of energy. the last remnants of your idealistic tendencies. isn’t a time to listen to doubts crawling around talking can lead to gossiping, which can lead to Before the end of the day, you’ll be involved in at You need them to balance yourself out. They’ve in the back of your head. This is a time to block hurt feelings. Right now it’s better to do than to least one thing that will entitle you to pat your- been dormant, just waiting for a time when out what other people are doing and just focus talk about doing. self on the back. they’ll be necessary in your life again. on your own thing. Persevere.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20) LEO (July 23-August 22) SCORPIO (October 23-November 21) AQUARIUS (January 20-February 18) **** **** **** **** It looks like you could meet your match today! Today could be a day to remember, full of You’re about to be asked to take a larger role in You know good and well that you can rely on Someone pops onto the scene who has as much romance and secrets. You’ll be in the thick of a project, and this will be very welcome news. your friends for support, so why aren’t you doing charm, intelligence, and wit as you. At first, you things right away, so make sure you eat a good You’ve been waiting to take on more responsi- that? This is no time to feel embarrassed about might feel like your territory is being taken breakfast and are prepared for some roller-coast- bilities for a long time, and now it’s your time what you’re going through! All your people love over, but if you give this person a shot, you’ll er hours. You’re a featured player in this day- to really shine and show them how it’s done! you for who you are, and they’ve made some stop seeing them as competition and start see- time drama, and whether or not you’re the hero You can make a huge impact on the status quo mistakes, too. They’re ready and waiting with ing them as one heck of a cool person. of the story is completely up to you. right from the start. open arms for you to reach out.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21) VIRGO (August 23-September 22) SAGITTARIUS (November 22-December 21) PISCES (February 19-March 20) **** *** *** *** You need to keep all of your interactions on a If you’re in the middle of negotiations today, You’re happy for a friend, so be supportive Pay close attention to odd combinations, unex- more formal level for a few more days. Even if expect a snag to pop up early on. You’ll be able about their good fortune! Sure, you might not pected events, and any unusual behaviour of you’re in the middle of building a romantic rela- to suggest an alternate idea, but the other party be seeing as much of this person as you used to your friends today. Besides being immensely tionship, you should try not to make any big might not see your solution. Expect some push- now that there’s more competition for their entertaining, these out-of-the-ordinary vignettes demands on their time or push too hard for back and stand up to it. Play a little bit of hard- time, but so what? They’re happy, and you can are bound to provide the perfect conversation greater intimacy. Instead of sharing your most ball and show this person that while you’re get by with talking to them less often starters. People who think differently find a personal thoughts, stick to broader subjects. willing to be flexible, you’re not a pushover. for a while. Give them the space they need. kindred spirit in you, so be on the lookout.

CROSSWORD SUDOKU

YESTERDAY’S SOLUTION

C M Y K 03 | SATURDAY, MAY 16, 2020 NATIONAL Returnee migrant workers to get seed money to start their own businesses The plan is aimed at absorbing youths who return after losing their jobs abroad into the domestic labour market.

CHANDAN KUMAR MANDAL Baniya. “Also, not everyone would be KATHMANDU, MAY 15 getting financial support. The vulner- ability of migrant workers can be dif- The government has announced a ferent. Therefore, there should be data plan to provide initial capital to the collection on migrant workers at the returnee migrant workers for starting time of their repatriation and how their own ventures in the country. affected they were because of the The plan is aimed at absorbing the pandemic.” Nepali migrant workers who are like- Baniya suggested local levels, spe- ly to return from the Covid-19 hit cifically ward levels, should be made labour destination countries into the responsible for supporting such domestic labour market. migrants, as they can have a better Presenting the annual policies and understanding of workers’ situation programmes for the fiscal year 2020- and help them accordingly. 21, President Bidya Bhandari on Labour migration researcher Friday said the government would Swarna Kumar Jha has cautiously offer seed money to innovative youths, welcomed the plan announced by the POST PHOTO: ELITE JOSHI entrepreneurs and returnee migrant government for returnee migrant Nepal Army personnel wear masks as they perform a guard of honour for President Bidya Devi Bhandari who visited the Parliament Hall in New Baneshwor, workers to start new ventures. workers. Kathmandu, on Friday to present the government’s policies and programmes for the upcoming fiscal year. To revive the country’s labour sec- “There must be criteria for distribu- tor, which is devastated due to the tion of seed money based on the vul- Covid-19 pandemic, the government nerability of the workers,” said Jha, a will also help new entrepreneurs with coordinator with the National skills development and improve mar- Network for Safe Migration, an organ- ket access, according to the fiscal poli- isation working in the field of labour cies and programmes. migration and migrants’ rights. Health sector gets priority as government Production of skilled workers, “Providing seed money can turn out respect to work, self-employment, fair to be ineffective like past years when remuneration and labour manage- it was based on skills of workers, but ment with ensured social security are skills of returnee migrant workers at the heart of the government’s could not be utilised nor recognised unveils its annual plans amid pandemic labour policy as the global pandemic here in the country.” will create unemployment in the coun- According to Jha, there should be a try, President Bhandari pointed out. clear mention of the amount a migrant The government has announced ambitious plans for social sector, but experts say they need budgetary support. “The domestic market, as it were, worker would be getting as there are was not offering enough job opportu- different groups of migrant workers BINOD GHIMIRE asked the government to make ade- implementing the programme was Equipping all secondary schools and nities. Now, with the pandemic and as well. KATHMANDU, MAY 15 quate investment in improving the necessary to ensure the policies and colleges with the internet in the migrant workers likely to return “Some are workers earning hand- health services of the country. programme are not limited to paper. the upcoming fiscal year is one of the home, the labour market could shrink some salaries than others. Some might President Bidya Devi Bhandari on The policies’ reflect the growing “Drafting flowery policies is easy, new plans announced. There are further, making the unemployment need a higher amount than others for Friday unveiled the government’s pol- realisation that the Covid-19 has but implementing them is challeng- around 9,000 secondary schools problem worse,” President Bhandari starting their ventures,” said Jha. icies and programme before exposed the frail health services of ing,” he told the Post. He said there while the number of colleges stands said. “The Covid-19 pandemic has “Therefore, the allocation would be Parliament prioritising the social sec- the country, and they need to be has to be a right person at the right at 1,400. changed the government’s priorities. different, which should be based on tor, especially health services and edu- ramped up. place with a proper vision to turn the Internet connectivity was priori- Now the focus will be on health, edu- the category of workers’ income and cation. Health experts say that while it is government’s slogan into reality. He tised as classes were taken online due cation and employment creation and their vulnerability.” The government plans to revamp good that the government plans to said the current budget on health, to the lockdown. However poor con- the revival of economy.” The policies and programmes also the entire health sector and provide focus on health, it’s plans need to be around four percent of the national nectivity has hampered such classes. However, experts in the field of highlighted that the unemployed pop- international- quality health and edu- backed by money and proper monitor- budget, must be doubled to start The government also announced labour and migration sector say these ulation would be given jobs in com- cation services, said the president in ing. Dr Praveen Mishra, former secre- implementing the government’s ambi- that it shall introduce technical educa- measures will not be enough to deal mercial agriculture, infrastructure her speech. tary at the health secretary, said coor- tious programme. tion in each school. It has announced with the ‘extraordinary situation’ that development, small and medium scale According to the ambitious plan, dination among the three tiers of gov- Along with health, the policy speech that 2020-2029 would be observed as has emerged due to the global industries, manufacturing industries, the government shall make arrange- ernment and a visionary leadership in has given due emphasis on education. the decade to improve the public pandemic. construction and service sector. ments to set up hospitals with 5-15 schools across the country. “Providing seed money looks like a In a bid to deal with the shortage of beds in each of the 753 local levels, 25 Similarly, prioritising research- rudimentary recovery plan for dealing skilled workers, programmes of agen- to 50 beds in the 75 districts and at based education and revamping with the crisis,” Jeevan Baniya, a cies working in the sector of labour least 200 beds in the 14 zones. Tribhuvan University, the oldest var- labour migration researcher, said. “It production and skill development will The government also aims to set up sity of the country, as a centre of aca- is to send out a message that the gov- be implemented in an integrated man- 500-bed hospitals in each province, demic excellence is another priority ernment is doing something.” ner. The government also plans to upgrade the Pokhara Academy of of the government. According to Baniya, also the assis- organise mobile training skills in all Health and Sciences, Karnali Education experts say it is good tant director of Centre for the Study the local levels. Academy of Health and Sciences, that the government has realised the of Labour and Mobility at Social Likewise, the Prime Minister Koshi Hospital, Narayani Hospital, need of technology-based education Science Baha, a think tank, there is a Employment Programme (PMEP) Bharatpur Hospital, Bheri Hospital and research. risk of the plan to distribute will be implemented as a campaign to and Dadeldhura Hospital to “special- However, “good” programmes can seed money becoming a mere target unemployed sections after link- ised service hospitals”. Similarly, a only be implemented if there’s ade- populist move if the procedures are ing it with other employment schemes. 300-bed infectious disease hospital at quate budget. Mana Prasad Wagle, an complicated. “The PMEP, which only ensures 100- the centre and a and 50-bed one in the education expert, said the policies and In 2018, the government had come days of temporary jobs, alone can not provinces too has become a govern- programmes are meaningless if up with a similar scheme to provide be sufficient for job creation in the ment priority. there’s no money to implement them. soft loan to returnee migrant workers country. The government will have to “There will be a structural change “Budget for the education sector is to utilise their skills and experience in coordinate with other stakeholders for in the entire health system of the decreasing every year,” he told the the country. Despite seeing an encour- new jobs,” said Jha. “The government country,” said Bhandari. Prioritisation Post. “I haven’t seen any positive signs aging response from returnee has been saying the labour force will in the health services was one of the that it will be increased this year.” The migrants, they could not benefit from be mobilised in the agricultural sec- demands of the lawmakers during the education budget, which had reached the scheme because of the complicat- tor. But it’s not necessary that all the pre-budget discussion that concluded POST PHOTO: ELITE JOSHI 17 percent in fiscal year 2011-12, is ed guidelines in accessing the loans. migrant workers, whose lifestyles on Wednesday. Similarly, the National A staffer measures the temperature of Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli as he makes his way down to 10 percent in the current “It takes a long time in meeting all have changed after working abroad, Human Rights Commission had also into the House chamber on Friday. fiscal year. the procedural requirements,” said would be interested in farm works.” Banks digitise remittance Tenants are being forced to take tests as city processing after lockdown deals with rising coronavirus cases The central bank is trying to promote electronic transactions nationwide. ANUP OJHA on Thursday released a notice to residents KATHMANDU, MAY 15 not to rent rooms to “new people”. It has also PRITHVI MAN SHRESTHA Most branches of banks had remained closed sealed off all its alleys. KATHMANDU, MAY 15 during the lockdown, which started on March 24. People living in rented rooms across the city Lalitpur Metropolitan City Ward No.6 But many have now reopened since Sunday. say their landlords, and even local govern- chair Hitler Shakya circulated a notice to all Banks across the country have digitised remit- Bank officials have also been fearful that their ment authorities are illegally forcing them to house owners not to let tenants enter their tance processing so that clients don’t have to employees could be infected with Covid-19 as they test for Covid-19 even when they don’t show house if they have been outside the Valley. come out of their homes to receive money. are in contact with customers, as the number of signs of any illness. The targeting of tenants by landlords and Under the new arrangement in place after the Covid-19 cases surges across Nepal. The issue has become so pervasive that 40 local government officials only add stressors lockdown, a person who has to receive money Nabil Bank Chief Executive Officer Anil Shah percent of the 750 people who visit the to people who have been affected by the eco- from abroad, needs to provide proof that he or has also seen a remarkable rise in digital transac- Shukraraj Tropical and Infectious Disease nomic slump triggered by the Covid-19 lock- she is the legitimate recipient of the remittance tions at his bank after the lockdown and the Hospital every day complain of being forced down. Dr Basu Dev Karki, senior consultant (such as a code number sent by the sender, and banks depositing remittance in the receiver’s by their landlord to get tested for the disease, psychiatrist at Patan Mental Hospital said, citizenship or driving license or other govern- account directly is one aspect of the growth in said the hospital. “Anyone can contract the virus. The tenants ment documents), electronically. Until recently, digital transactions. “Many come and literally cry here. The POST PHOTO: ANISH REGMI are unfairly being targeted in the name of the recipients had to visit the bank with the doc- “Besides the impact of the lockdown, banks not treatment of landlords seems brutal at this A health professional collects a swab sample from a the virus,” said Karki. He also said that it uments to receive the money. charging fees is another reason why people are difficult time,” said Dr Sagar Raj Bhandari, man for the coronavirus test in Kathmandu. was time authorities took measures to edu- “Of the 3,000 transactions we record on an seeking transfer of remittances in their accounts, director at Shukraraj. “They are forcefully cate the community about the disease and average every day, 700 are related to remittances,” instead of taking out cash,” he said. sent by landlords who threaten to evict them Lawyers say that it is illegal for landlords stop the targeting of certain groups. said Ashoke Rana, chief executive officer of “The banks are also very careful in such trans- if they don’t get tested,” said Bhandari. to threaten their tenants Himalayan Bank. “While we deposit money to the actions because chances of fraud increase in According to the Ministry of Health, 258 and force them to get tested. accounts of recipients who hold an account at our electronic transactions,” said Shah. people have been infected with the disease in Senior advocate Om bank, we also deposit money to accounts in other The central bank said that it has also learnt Nepal so far, and the tally has crossed 10 for Prakash Aryal said, “If ten- banks that are connectIPS members,” he said. that the rise in direct transfer of remittance to the Kathmandu Valley. ants are mistreated, they After the document proof is verified by the the receivers’ account has gone up, but it is yet to “My landlord said that If I didn’t get tested can file a complaint at the concerned bank, the remittance is transferred to receive detailed reports. for coronavirus, I could leave the house,” said nearest police office,” said the bank account of the receiver in any bank that Rewati Prasad Nepal, executive director at the Dilmaya Sunuwar, 47, who came to the hospi- Aryal. is a member of connectIPS, the single payments payment system department at the central bank, tal on Friday to get tested. “The doctor gave The Criminal Code (Act) platform developed by the Nepal Clearing House said that there has not been a significant jump in me a clean-chit after examining my history. I 2074’s section 166 states that that allows the customers to link their bank electronic processing of remittances, but the am completely fine,” said Sunuwar, who sells anyone who obstructs a per- accounts to enable payment processor, fund trans- trend has picked up during the lockdown. vegetables in Tinkune, Kuleshwor every son from using private and fer and biller payments. Almost all commercial Officials from the central bank and commer- morning. public property, and dis- banks are IPS members. cial banks said that one advantage of the lock- As it is not possible to test everyone who criminates against anyone, “Around Rs 60 million is being deposited in down was that people were moving towards digi- comes to the hospital, doctors place them into shall be liable to up to three this manner daily without the presence of a tal transactions. “red” and “green” depending upon the risk years in imprisonment or a remittance receiver at the bank’s counter,” said “About 60 percent of the daily transactions are of contracting the virus and their travel his- fine of Rs 30,000 or both. Rana. According to the bankers, the new arrange- being done electronically,” said Nepal. “Most of tory. They then issue a piece of paper to the “Obstructing tenants ment is part of an overall growth in digital trans- the transactions are related to payment to the ones in the “green category” saying they from entering their house actions observed during the lockdown. groceries such as department stores for food have been screened for the virus, and don’t just because they were out Nepal Rastra Bank has also pushed for elec- items.” The central bank plans to promote elec- show any symptoms. For the ones in “red”, of the valley is against the tronic transactions during the lockdown as peo- tronic transactions even in the future. “We have doctors conduct a more thorough check. law,” said Aryal. ple haven’t been able to reach banks. On March increased the maximum limit of fund transfer Like Sunuwar, another woman in her 40s, It’s not just the landlords, 22, the central bank called upon the general pub- and merchant payment to promote digital trans- who didn’t want to disclose her name, said various local bodies in lic to prioritise electronic transactions saying actions, and we plan to continue to maintain the she came for the test after her house owner Kathmandu Valley are also that the banks and financial institutions shall not increased limits when the current pandemic is didn’t let her enter her room without a test turning hostile towards ten- charge any fee for electronic transactions. over,” said Nepal. result. ants. Kirtipur Municipality

C M Y K SATURDAY, MAY 16, 2020 | 04 NATIONAL As cases of Covid-19 surge in Province 5, Kanchanpur sends recent returnees to their local units hospitals run out of resources The local administration conducted rapid diagnostic Health officials say their resources will be spread thin if more patients are admitted. tests on the returnees before sending them to their

SANJU POUDEL & DURGALAL KC hometowns on Wednesday and Thursday. RUPANDEHI, MAY 15 BHAWANI BHATTA workers who had spent more than a As Province 5 sees a surge in Covid-19 KANCHANPUR, MAY 15 month at various quarantine facilities cases, hospitals here have begun fac- in India. However, the number of ing a resource crunch. The District Administration Office in homebound Nepalis reaching the bor- The hospitals in the province desig- Kanchanpur has sent all the returnees der areas has swelled in the last few nated as Covid-19 treatment centres who entered the district through vari- days. Over 60 people are waiting at the say they lack medical equipment, ous border points this week to their no man’s land area along the Mahakali medical workers and protective gear respective local units. The local border to enter the country. as the number of infected in the prov- administration conducted rapid diag- ince reached 105 in the province as of nostic tests on them before sending Friday. them to their hometowns on The district has so The hospitals in Butwal, Wednesday and Thursday on condi- Bhairahawa, Banke, and Dang, where tion that they spend 14 days at a quar- far rescued 242 Covid-19 patients are receiving treat- antine facility at their respective local ment, face a host of challenges deal- units. Nepalis stranded in ing with patients diagnosed with the According to the District novel disease. Administration Office, homebound the border area. Sudarshan Thapa, focal person migrant workers had started arriving at Butwal-based Lumbini Hospital, at the bordering Indian villages from which is administering the various parts of India around one and According to Siddharaj Bhatta, the Corona-specific hospitals in a half months ago. public health officer at the District Rupandehi, said that resources are “Indian security personnel have Health Office in Kanchanpur, swab already spread thin and it can’t started releasing the stranded people samples of 35 individuals have been take in any more patients. into the no-man’s land area. On collected from Dodhara Chandani in “The hospital needs to recruit about Sunday night, 75 individuals entered Bhimdutta Municipality to be tested 30 more health workers at the earli- Nepal whereas 167 more entered on for coronavirus. “We are also going to est,” said Thapa. As of Thursday, 36 Monday night from Brahmadev,” said collect swab samples of 27 people who patients are undergoing treatment at Bir Sigh Sahu, superintendent of swam across the river to enter the the hospital. POST PHOTO: AMRITA ANMOL police of the Armed Police Force in country. We will not release them until But it’s not only the beds that the The provincial government says it plans to add more beds to the corona-specific hospital in Butwal. Jhalari. “Once in Nepal, they were their lab results come out,” said hospital lacks, it also needs PPEs and kept at a quarantine facility at Bhatta. On Thursday alone, two indi- masks, said Thapa. ly admitted at the Beljhundi-based in Dang. Lumbini Provincial Hospital Baijnath Secondary School in viduals swam across the Mahakali In Banke, 25 people infected with corona-specific hospital. A total of 30 Similarly, 19 are receiving treat- Development Committee, which moni- Mahendranagar.” river to enter Nepal. Both of them are the disease are currently undergoing beds are ready for use as of now, the ment in Bhairahawa. tors the corona-specific hospital in Gokarna Prasad Upadhyay, the kept at a quarantine facility in treatment at the Sushil Koirala hospital says it can increase the capac- Meanwhile, the provincial govern- Butwal. assistant chief district officer, said all Baijnath. Currently, there are around Prakhar Cancer Hospital. While the ity if need be, according to hospital ment has said it plans to add more Bhattarai, however, said that while rapid diagnostic test results conduct- 500 Nepalis in Khatima, Uttarakhand, hospital has 50 beds, only 25 have been administration. beds to the Butwal-based hospital. A the work has started, it’s uncertain ed on the returnees came out negative. waiting to go home. allocated for the Covid-19 patients. Late on Friday, the Ministry of meeting convened by Minister for when the additional facilities would “We conducted rapid diagnostic According to Dipak Phulera, a local The hospital has three ventilators and Health and Population confirmed Industry, Tourism and Environment be ready. tests on the returnees in journalist, around 200 Nepalis reached six ICU beds, which are insufficient if three coronavirus cases in Dang. The Lila Giri has decided to add 200 beds at “Two ventilators are ready at the Mahendranagar and sent them home Khatima from various Indian cities on patients fall critically ill, said Prakash Ministry said the patients’ condition the facility. hospital. We are increasing other only after their test results came nega- Thursday and Friday. Thapa, chief of Bheri Regional is normal and that they are in contact “The government has decided facilities as well,” said Dr Sarbesh tive,” said Upadhyay. “The locals of Khatima have made Hospital, said. with the health officials. These are the to add 200 beds and 20 ICUs,” said Sharma, secretary of the Hospital Authorities in the district have so arrangements for food and shelter for In Dang, 21 individuals are current- first three coronavirus positive cases Surya Bahadur Bhattarai, chair of Management Committee. far rescued 242 stranded migrant them,” said Phulera. Indian Army chief alluding to outside ... Two years since merger, ruling party ... >> Continued from page 1 the latter forged a strong alliance with According to Shrestha, a commu- >> Continued from page 1 connecting the Lipulekh pass ‘at the matic matters. But Saturday marks the second a number of Oli’s former party com- nist force of the Nepal Communist Two senior Foreign Ministry behest of someone else’,” Naravane The two armies could actually have anniversary of the merger and the rades--Madhav Nepal, Jhala Nath Party’s size and strength could’ve officials told the Post that the said at an interaction in New Delhi, played a crucial role in defusing rising process remains incomplete. Holding Khanal and Bamdev Gautam. While maintained unity by enacting progres- Chinese envoy, in response, said that according to the Economic Times. tensions, say analysts. general convention is nowhere on the the Nepal Communist Party had long sive policies that the constituent par- Beijing is aware of the diplomatic He also described Nepal’s reaction Although it remains unclear why party’s current agenda. remained steadfastly allied along for- ties had committed to in their election note sent by Nepal in 2015 and the as surprising. Naravane went beyond his brief to According to Haribol Gajurel, a mer party lines, Nepal, Khanal and manifestos. But none of the policies recent boundary dispute in the “The area east of Kali river belongs make such a statement, some believe standing committee member, it’s Gautam had all felt increasingly side- were ever implemented, showing that Lipulekh pass. to them. The road that we built is on that he could have taken offence at unfortunate that the party has yet to lined within the party, with Oli ideology was never the unifying fac- However, the Indian Army chief ’s the west of the river. There was no Nepal deploying the Armed Police complete the merger and that the gen- monopolising decision-making. They tor, said Shrestha. allusion to China as the instigating dispute. I don’t know what they are Force near Lipulekh. eral convention is a distant dream. broke convention to ally with Dahal, “Instead, the budget for agriculture force in Nepal’s objections over the agitating about,” said Naravane. Amid pressure from the public and “We cannot expect to have a proper prompting a near crisis in the party. was slashed to Rs40 billion from Rs90 road link is deplorable, said experts “There has never been any problem in leaders from the opposition as well as party when the leadership works uni- Oli’s opponents called for his resigna- billion,” he said. “Party leaders were and analysts. the past. There is reason to believe the ruling party, the KP Sharma Oli laterally,” said Gajurel. “We had tion as prime minister but the ever influenced by mediators and mafia One head of a security agency said that they might have raised the issues government on Wednesday sent an dreamt of ruling the country for 25-30 wily Oli managed to break the alliance groups who helped them stay in that they did not expect such a state- at the behest of someone else and that Armed Police Force troop to years while merging the two parties, and retain his position, although by a power.” ment from the Indian Army chief, who is very much a possibility.” Chharung, which is near Kalapani, but that dream has gradually been hair’s breadth. All along, the top leadership of the is also the honorary chief of the Nepal Nepali government officials refused also a disputed territory where Indian shattered due to the interests of the This latest crisis, according to party has remained inward-looking, Army. to comment on the Indian Army Army troops have been stationed top leaders.” Subedi, was sorted out by the hectic too focussed on its own internal power “Statements by politicians or chief ’s statement, except to say that since 1962. The resentment expressed by party movement of second-rung leaders, dynamics to even think about the peo- civilians on such matters may not they are carefully “following “Even if it is intended for domestic leaders is not unfounded. The two and it is they who need to be included ple at large. be of much concern, but the chief developments”. signalling, [the APF deployment] has years of the Nepal Communist Party in the decision-making circle. “The ruling party has two opportu- of the national defence force But Geja Sharma Wagle, an naturally raised eyebrows in India, have been marked by a constant tussle According to Subedi, the problems nities to gain some sympathy from the making such unfounded statements analyst who writes extensively on especially in the context of other bor- between Oli and Dahal; while the for- in the party will remain as long as people--the coronavirus crisis and the is unfortunate and could cause strategic and security issues, said der disputes flaring up between Indian mer has attempted to run the party decision-making in the party remains border dispute--if it can successfully friction between the two countries,” that the Indian Army chief ’s and Chinese armies in recent days,” and government as he saw fit, the province of a few select leaders handle them,” Shrestha said. “Else, I said the official who did not wish to statement is “objectionable” and Constantino Xavier, a fellow at the Dahal has increasingly chafed at being and ignores influential second-rung don’t see the future of the ruling be named given the sensitivity of “irresponsible”. Brookings India, a think tank, told the sidelined. leaders like Shankar Pokhrel, Prithvi party.” the matter. “His statement demonstrates the Post on Thursday. The problems in the party erupted Subba Gurung, Barshaman Pun, Amidst the Covid-19 pandemic, rul- Naravane, who took over as chief of Indian government’s attitude towards But according to Wagle, what is all because Oli and Dahal failed to Ghanashyam Bhusal and Janardan ing party shenanigans have already the Indian Army at the end of boundary disputes,” said Wagle. “Such more damaging is the fact that General manage power sharing between them, Sharma. earned it much criticism for not focus- December, has yet to visit Kathmandu. remarks could flare up tension.” Naravane has dragged China into the say analysts. But there are those who believe that ing on the crisis at hand and instead As per a long-standing tradition, the Though Nepal and India share whole episode. “There are two reasons behind the the foundation of the party’s merger getting bogged in internal politics. army chiefs visit the neighbouring special relations as neighbours, “Naravane has not only spoken ruling party’s crisis--Oli and Dahal’s itself was faulty, as the union was not Analysts fear the same thing could countries after assuming office. As they have long been dealing with a about the boundary row with India failure to manage power-sharing and a driven by ideology but was simply a happen with the ongoing border dis- part of this tradition, the chiefs of the number of perennial irritants, bound- but has also dragged China into the power play citing the upcoming move to gain state power. pute with India over Lipulekh. two armies are also recognised as hon- ary disputes being one of them. But ongoing dispute,” said Wagle. “His national convention,” said Jhalak “Unity prompted by a desire to cap- “Despite its overwhelming strength, orary chief of the other country’s the two countries’ security forces, remarks reflect the very character and Subedi, a political commentator. ture state power will collapse any time which rarely comes in history, the national defence force. especially the armies, share a brother- mindset of the Indian government, After Oli continued to exercise one feels that the possibility of power party has squandered all its opportu- “There are reasons to believe that ly relationship and tend to refrain and India’s haughty approach to the power unilaterally both in govern- is over,” political analyst Shyam nities to transform the country,” Nepal objected to India laying a road from engaging in political or diplo- ongoing border dispute.” ment and the party bypassing Dahal, Shrestha told the Post. Shrestha said. Government refrains from ambitious growth target in view of Covid-19 pandemic

>> Continued from page 1 that the policies and programmes did During this time, Nepal made pro- not specifically address the assistance gress in meeting the Millennium to sectors battered by the pandemic. Development Goals, most of them Bhandari said that the government related to the social sector. is studying the impact of the Covid-19, After the decade-long insurgency based on which it will improve the came to an end in 2006, Nepal renewed supply system, the quality of health its focus on increasing investment in and education, increase agriculture infrastructure to boost growth, but and industrial production, and inten- growth remained sub-par as the coun- sify development activities. Once the try entered into a period of political study is complete, an economic reha- instability for another decade. bilitation plan for the tourism sector But unlike then, the social sector will be introduced, according to the will not yield high growth immediate- policies and programmes. ly, compared to hard infrastructure, But Pokharel, the former planning says economists. commission vice-chair, said that the “Focus on health and education is government did not specify how good at the moment because of the it would help small and medium pandemic,” said economist Keshav enterprises and other sectors that Acharya. “But they don’t contribute to have been greatly affected by the achieving large-scale growth immedi- pandemic. ately, like infrastructure.” “The government has talked about The government is not in a position implementing many projects, but to target high growth, because nobody some of them could be discarded dur- would trust such an assertion, said ing a resource crunch like this,” he Acharya. said. “The government can abandon “In fact, the government’s assertion some railway projects and rethink that the country was close to dou- even on Nijgadh airport and focus on ble-digit growth in the last two years projects like Melamchi Drinking was itself misleading because a gap of Water Project which are in the final a half percent is also a big shortcom- stage of completion. Without econom- ing,” he said. ic recovery, generating more internal Although the government has prior- resources will be very difficult for the POST PHOTO: SANJOG MANANDHAR itised economic recovery, experts say government.” People caught drink driving face the police at Kasthamandap in the Capital on Thursday.

C M Y K 05 | SATURDAY, MAY 16, 2020 MONEY

FOREX Virus could cut up to US Dollar 121.20 Policies and programmes for fiscal 2020-21 Euro 130.96 9.7 percent off global Pound Sterling 147.68

Japanese Yen 11.33 focus on boosting the agriculture sector economy: ADB

Chinese Yuan 17.03 AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE Farming to be made an attractive occupation by increasing investment in the sector. MANILA, MAY 15 Qatari Riyal 33.29

Australian Dollar 77.96 SANGAM PRASAIN The coronavirus pandemic could cut KATHMANDU, MAY 15 up to 9.7 percent off the global econo- Malaysian Ringit 27.86 my, the Asian Development Bank said President Bidya Devi Bhandari pre- on Friday, doubling its previous esti- Saudi Arab Riyal 32.27 sented the government’s policies and mate as the virus stifles trade and Exchange rates fixed by Nepal Rastra Bank programmes for fiscal 2020-21 to leaves millions jobless. Parliament on Friday which gave par- The estimated impact would cost as ticular focus to the agriculture much as $8.8 trillion based on a range PRICE PER TOLA sector with food being classified as of scenarios, but ADB said govern- BULLION ‘most essential’ during the Covid-19 ment interventions could help offset lockdown. the losses inflicted by the crisis. Fine Gold Rs 77,000 “We are spending big in the agricul- Up to 242 million jobs will be lost ture sector as the government plans to due to the virus, more than seven Silver Rs 720 make farm activities a major employ- times higher than the employment ment generating sector,” said losses seen during the global financial SOURCE: FENEGOSIDA Bhandari addressing a joint session of crisis a decade ago. Foregone labour the federal Parliament. income could top $1.8 trillion. The policies and programmes have “These will be difficult to recoup,” GASOLINE WATCH focused on implementing contract the Manila-based lender said, warning farming to boost production and pro- it could not discount the possibility of ductivity by engaging the private sec- a financial crisis if the pandemic was tor in the farm sector. not contained quickly enough to pre- “The government has accorded pri- vent defaults and bankruptcies. ority to farm mechanisation and mod- ernisation,” said Bhandari. The upcoming budget scheduled to The estimated be presented on May 28 will be based on the policies and programmes pre- impact would cost as sented on Friday. President Bhandari said that the much as $8.8 trillion policies and programmes had set a target to increase employment in agri- based on a range culture and agricultural processing and make the farm sector an attrac- POST FILE PHOTO of scenarios. tive and respectful occupation by Farmers gather paddy saplings for transplantation in Morang. increasing agricultural investment in irrigation, boosting productivity and areas because they have the requisite The participation of youths in the “If we had a processing and storage The coronavirus has killed 300,140 expanding export markets. skills. farm sector has dropped sharply centre, food would never have gone to people worldwide, according to an The share of the farm sector in the The programmes and policies have mainly because it has become highly waste because we can make dry foods AFP tally based on official sources. gross domestic product has declined focused on producing organic prod- unattractive due to its high produc- and ketchup out of the unsold vegeta- The World Health Organization has from 33 percent to 27 percent in the ucts which have big demand in the tion costs and labour-intensive nature. bles,” said Golyan. said the virus may become just anoth- last fiscal year, but it still employs 66 international market. “Giving a tiller to a farmer at a sub- The policies and programmes have er endemic virus in communities and percent of the population. Now that Nepal’s agricultural goods import sidised rate will not make a big focused on establishing processing populations will have to learn to live the global economy is in the throes of bill ballooned to an all-time high of difference in the farm sector. Instead, zones to enable the export of Nepali with it. Over 4.4 million cases have a recession due to the Covid-19 pan- Rs220 billion in the last fiscal year, the government should focus on products. been officially recorded in 196 coun- demic, hundreds of thousands of setting off alarm bells that the coun- reducing the input cost. For this, cus- “The government will make the tries and territories, with the United Nepalis abroad are likely to lose their try was progressively becoming a net tom hiring centres need to be encour- agriculture sector an employment States recording the most deaths at jobs and return home. importer of farm products. aged,” he said. generating sector,” said President 85,906. To stem the economic losses, Airbus to be Despite agriculture being a main- “This import data shows there is an “Farmers will rent out farm Bhandari, adding that Agriculture governments have announced a range stay of the country, a majority of opportunity in the farm sector. machinery to farmers who cannot and Livestock Excellence Centres of stimulus measures such as payroll ‘resized,’ could farmers are engaged in subsistence Covid-19 has created more opportuni- afford to purchase high-end agricul- would be set up at all local units. support to keep jobs, cash transfers agriculture; and successive govern- ties. The future also looks encourag- tural machines and equipment.” “Farm technicians will go to the and tax breaks. ments, despite promising to encour- ing,” said Pawan Kumar Golyan, Farming is a backbreaking activity doorsteps of farmers to help them “These helped counteract some of cut output again age commercial agriculture, have chairman of the Golyan Group, one of in Nepal. The method of tilling, while the government will announce the adverse economic impacts of the failed to do anything tangible. the leading private sector enterprises planting, weeding, harvesting and the minimum support prices of key COVID-19 pandemic,” ADB said. “Nepal has a large supply of which has diversified into the agricul- bundling hasn’t changed for centu- crops before they are planted,” said The bank noted the United States unskilled, often unemployed, workers ture sector. ries. Despite the hard work, farmers Bhandari. stands to lose up to $2.2 trillion or a well suited to farm work. It does, how- He said that demand for organic earn very little. The minimum support price is a tenth of its GDP while losses in China, ever, face skilled labour shortages,” vegetables and food was very high in “With many labour migrants form of market intervention by the where the virus first surfaced, could said former finance minister Ram the international markets and was returning to the country due to the government to ensure that farmers top $1.6 trillion or 11 percent Sharan Mahat. growing. The Golyan Group has start- downturn in the global economy, get reasonable value for their produce of its economy. Among industries, “The government needs to impart ed exporting vegetables and foods to there is an opportunity for Nepal,” in the event of any sharp fall in farm tourism and aviation were hit skill training and employ them in the the United Arab Emirates and Qatar. former finance secretary Rameshore prices. It is normally announced dur- hard as countries closed borders and farm sector,” he said. “Providing “From China to Europe, there is huge Khanal told the Post in a recent inter- ing the planting season or a month enforced lockdowns to contain the training also means generating jobs.” demand for organic food,” he said. view. “The government should intro- before the harvest on the basis of the spread of the virus. “As people are moving to rural from “The government should not scatter duce targeted schemes for them to recommendations of the Ministry of Many airlines have either REUTERS urban areas, the government needs to the budget in the name of subsidy. turn the coronavirus crisis into an Agricultural Development. retrenched staff or told their employ- The logo of Airbus is pictured at their encourage them to engage in Instead, it should focus on increasing opportunity to make the country The scheme gives farmers a guaran- ees to take unpaid leave. facility in Bouguenais, near Nantes, France. agriculture activities and produce productivity, setting up storage houses self-sufficient in food production.” tee that they will get a certain amount “The impact on employment was high-value crops that have demand in and agro processing centres or zones,” This year, despite a bumper harvest, of money for their produce even if severe. Unskilled workers normally REUTERS both domestic and international mar- said Golyan, which has acquired over many farmers have gotten deeper into market prices were to fall due to working on a casual or ‘per piece; PARIS, MAY 15 kets,” he said. 200 bighas of land in four different debt, as they are unable to sell their bumper harvests. basis were hardest hit,” ADB said. He said that many migrant workers places in Jhapa to start commercial produce and many farmers’ products The policies and programmes have Travel restrictions will cut global Planemaker Airbus has told senior were returning home, and the budget farming. rotted due to the lockdown. While announced establishing factories to trade by up to $2.6 trillion, which staff the company must be “resized” should focus on employing them—not Large gaps in storage, cold chains Nepali farmers’ products were piling promote the dairy sector and provid- is already reeling from trade in plans to be set out around end-June only in the agriculture sector—but and limited connectivity with markets up, Nepal imported vegetables worth ing fertiliser and seeds to farmers in a tensions between the United States and is ready to cut jet production also manufacturing and industrial have added to the woes of farmers. more than Rs4 billion from India. timely manner. and China. again to tackle any second wave of the coronavirus crisis, people briefed on the matter said. Chief Executive Guillaume Faury told Airbus bosses to “face reality” in a briefing on Thursday on the crisis, China economy better which has idled an estimated 14,000 Oil prices back at early April highs jetliners or two thirds of the global fleet and left manufacturers and air- REUTERS analyst, said. Amid supply cuts by the OPEC supply to fall by 3.2 million bpd. lines battling to save cash. LONDON, MAY 15 Organization of the Petroleum Barclays raised its forecasts for but vital consumer Faury once again warned that Exporting Countries (OPEC) and Brent and WTI by $5-$6 a barrel for Airbus may not survive without Oil prices touched a one and a half other major producers, bright spots 2020 and by $16 a barrel for 2021. It now change and insisted that “radical,” month high on Friday amid signs are also emerging on the demand sees Brent prices averaging $37 a bar- “proactive” and urgent steps were demand for crude was picking up, side. Data released on Friday rel and WTI at $33 this year. For 2021, demand still feeble needed, according to people briefed on with China reporting increased refin- showed China’s daily crude oil use the bank expects Brent and WTI pric- the presentation. ery runs and rounding out a week of rebounded in April as refineries es to average $53 and $50 per barrel, “Any further measures will be dis- bullish news on the supply front. ramped up operations. respectively. cussed first with our social partners, West Texas Intermediate (WTI) The market mood remains less “The sheer size and speed of the which means it is too early to specu- oil was up $1.06, or 3.85 percent, at than euphoric, though, with the coro- disruption and associated inventory late on any figures,” he added. $28.62 a barrel at 1347 GMT, after navirus pandemic far from over and overhang will take time to get fully The warning by the head of one of reaching $28.89, its highest since early new clusters emerging in some absorbed, in our view,” Barclays ana- Europe’s largest industrial employers, April. WTI jumped 9 percent in the countries where lockdowns have lyst Amarpreet Singh said in a note. with major factories in four nations, previous session. been eased. Meanwhile US crude inventories comes amid speculation of thousands Brent crude was up 59 cents, or 1.9 “Oil prices have been up significant- fell unexpectedly for the first time of restructuring job losses. percent at $31.72 a barrel, after ly since yesterday thanks to a better since January, the Energy Information Faury made reference in his touching $32.50, the highest since assessment of the situation by the Administration said on Wednesday. presentation for the first time April 13. Brent rose nearly 7 percent International Energy Agency (IEA),” On the production side, record cuts to a possible “restructuring plan” but on Thursday. Commerzbank said in a note. of nearly 10 million bpd by OPEC and told bosses a figure of 10,000 job cuts Both contracts are on track for a The IEA expects global crude inven- associated producers—collectively reported by a British newspaper was third consecutive week of gains. tories to fall by about 5.5 million bar- known as OPEC+—have kicked in for speculation. Airbus plans to overhaul “Further signs of demand recovery rels per day (bpd) in the second half of May and June, with producers Saudi its structure to become simpler and together with deepening production this year. Arabia, Kuwait, and the UAE pledging more profitable, using “all necessary” cuts from OPEC+ as well as shut-ins It also expects oil demand this year to cut beyond their commitments. social tools, Faury said, according to and natural declines by non-OPEC+ is to fall by 8.6 million bpd, which is a Oman said on Friday that it is con- the people briefed after a weekly man- helping oil prices to recover,” Bjarne smaller decline - by 690,000 bpd - than sidering cutting output further in agement call. Schieldrop, chief SEB commodities it forecast last month. It expects non- June as well.

AP/RSS Vendors sell vegetables on the streets of Beijing. Chip giant TSMC to build $12 billion US plant ASSOCIATED PRESS and gradual improvements in eco- BEIJING, MAY 15 nomic activity,” Iris Pang of ING said in a report. AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE smallest and fastest on the market— Most of TMSC’s factories are locat- Factory output rose in April as China’s The ruling party has handed out ARIZONA, MAY 15 beginning in 2024, TSMC said. ed in Taiwan. The Arizona facility virus-battered economy reopened but shopping vouchers, cut taxes and “This project is of critical, strategic will be the firm’s second manufactur- job losses depressed consumer spend- promised entrepreneurs low-interest Taiwanese computer chip giant TSMC importance... (for) leading US compa- ing site in the US. ing, a key driver of growth, challeng- loans after first-quarter activity announced Friday it will spend $12 nies to fabricate their cutting-edge TMSC said support was being ing the ruling Communist Party’s shrank 6.8 percent from a year earlier. billion on a state-of-the-art semicon- semiconductor products within the offered from both the State of Arizona push to revive normal activity. Still, forecasters expect little to no ductor foundry in the United States, United States,” a company statement and the US government but it gave no Investment in factories and other economic growth this year. creating thousands of jobs. said. “TSMC welcomes continued details or where the plant would be fixed assets also improved as busi- Factory output rose 3.9 percent in The announcement is a win for strong partnership with the US admin- located. nesses reopened after China’s deepest April from a year earlier, an improve- President Donald Trump who has istration and the State of Arizona on Foxconn, another major Taiwanese economic slump since at least the ment over the previous month’s 1.1 pushed for major chipmakers to set up this project.” electronics company, announced plans 1960s, official data showed Friday. percent contraction. shop inside the US. The firm said the factory would in 2017 to build a huge plant in China, where the pandemic began Manufacturers have been hurt by Taiwan Semiconductor REUTERS create 1,600 jobs—and thousands Wisconsin with Trump appearing at in December, was the first economy to weak demand for exports in the Manufacturing Company, the world’s A file photo shows the logo of Taiwan more via supply chains—and would the ground-breaking ceremony. shut down to fight the virus and the United States, Europe and other largest contract microchip maker, pro- Semiconductor Manufacturing Co at its churn out 20,000 semiconductor But the project has fallen short of first to start reopening in March. major markets that have closed to duces the processors that provide the headquarters in Hsinchu, Taiwan. wafers a month. expectations with a smaller plant and Automakers and some other manufac- fight the virus. computing muscle for everything Trump is keen to reduce reliance on fewer jobs than initially announced. turers say production is back to nor- Consumer spending, a major eco- from iPhones, laptops and games con- Construction for the facility in Asia as tensions simmer with China A political row also broke out over mal, but retailing and other industries nomic driver, shrank 7.5 percent from soles to servers and critical internet Arizona is set to start in 2021 with over trade, tariffs, industrial espio- significant tax breaks Wisconsin gave are struggling. a year earlier, depressed by wide- infrastructure. production of 5-nanometre chips—the nage and national security. Foxconn to set up shop. Friday’s report “shows only small spread job losses.

C M Y K SATURDAY, MAY 16, 2020 | 06 WORLD Quarter of a billion Africans at risk, Amnesty says 1,000 as coronavirus toll tops 300,000 Rohingya stranded at Trump renews his accusation that Beijing concealed true scale of problem after virus emerged in Wuhan late last year. sea as borders are sealed

The United States has registered REUTERS almost 86,000 deaths linked to Covid- JAKARTA, MAY 15 19—the highest toll of any nation, Coronavirus found with a third of all known global infec- At least 1,000 Rohingya are stranded at tions. In an interview aired Thursday, sea as Southeast Asian nations tight- in a Bangladesh Trump again accused Beijing of con- en their borders to keep out the new refugee camp as 280 cealing the true scale of the problem coronavirus, Amnesty International after the virus emerged in Wuhan late said on Friday, urging action to ensure Rohingyas rescued last year. they were not buried in an “invisible “I’m very disappointed in China. I graveyard” at sea. from Bay of Bengal. will tell you that right now,” he said. Rights groups believe at least two Asked how the United States might boats carrying Rohingya, members of choose to retaliate against what he has a Muslim minority from Myanmar, against the coronavirus, coast guard dubbed the “Plague from China”, are off the coast of the Indonesian and naval officials said on Friday. Trump said: “We could cut off the province of Aceh, but officials said The rickety wooden boat was spot- whole relationship”. they had no clear information. ted early on Thursday in Bangladeshi Beijing played down the spat, say- Spokesmen for the Western Fleet of waters, and taken to Bhasan Char, a ing: “To maintain the steady develop- the Indonesian navy as well as Aceh’s low-lying island off the southern ment of China-US relations is in the disaster mitigation agency and search coast, where the government has built fundamental interests of the people in and rescue team told Reuters they housing and cyclone shelters. both countries.” were trying to confirm the location of “They were starving and we have The US and China are the world’s the vessels. given them food and water,” one naval two largest economies, doing hun- Refugees from two other boats have officer said, speaking on condition of dreds of billions of dollars of mutual- landed in Bangladesh since mid-April, anonymity. ly beneficial trade every year. many starving and emaciated after “The plan is to keep them in home Nevertheless, the US president is weeks at sea. Survivors from one said quarantine for 14 days. Later the gov- keen to make Beijing the bogeyman in dozens died on board. ernment will decide.” an election year when gloomy news Saad Hammadi, from the South The navy and coast guard are on AP/RSS has become par for the course. Asia Regional Office of Amnesty alert for other boats in Bangladeshi A passenger wearing a protective suit arrives from London at Barcelona airport, Spain, on Friday. Travellers arriving in Spain from outside go New figures showed a further three International, said the refugees waters, unable to find their course as into a 14-day confinement as the country takes steps toward re-opening borders. million job losses, taking the newly could have been sailing for several the seas turn rougher due to a change unemployed to 36.5 million—more weeks or even months without food or in season. AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE “We are looking at the very real people could become infected. than 10 percent of the US population. water, citing information from The novel coronavirus has been WASHINGTON, MAY 15 prospect that thousands of people may Up to 190,000 of them could die, the Over a third of them will have trou- humanitarian agencies and local detected in one of the southern die from Covi-19” in these camps, Save study published in the journal BMJ ble paying their bills, a survey has news reports. Bangladesh camps that are home to The coronavirus could infect a quar- The Children’s Bangladesh health Global Health suggested. revealed. States are slashing their In a virtual news conference he more than a million Rohingya refu- ter of a billion Africans and put intol- director Shamim Jahan said. With large populations living in budgets because of tax shortfalls urged Indonesia and Australia, who gees, officials said on Thursday, as erable pressure on the continent’s “There are no intensive care beds at slums, social distancing is all but caused by the job losses, with chair an anti-people smuggling and humanitarian groups warned the fragile health system, a new report this moment” in the camps at Cox’s impossible for many on the continent, California announcing it would have a trafficking forum known as the Bali infection could devastate the crowded said Friday, as the pandemic’s global Bazaar, Jahan said. Track and trace and health experts say only a vaccine $54 billion deficit this year. Process, to ensure the refugees are settlement. death toll topped 300,000. teams were fanning out Friday to fol- will prevent widespread infection. Much of Europe was back on the allowed to land safely “so that An ethnic Rohingya refugee and Despite fears of a second wave of low up on two positive tests. Despite scientists working flat out road to recovery, with more parts of we don’t see the sea become an invisi- another person have tested positive infections, borders began opening up Epidemiologists have long warned towards that aim, experts say it could the continent opening up. ble graveyard.” for Covid-19, a senior Bangladeshi offi- in Europe and lockdowns continued to that the virus could race through the still be many months—or even years— Slovenia opened its borders on The Australian foreign ministry cial and a UN spokeswoman said. It ease as governments try to get stalled cramped, sewage-soaked alleys of the away. And without a robust roll-out Friday after declaring an end to its said it could not immediately com- was the first confirmed case in camps economies moving again, with experts camps, where the persecuted Muslim plan, even highly developed countries coronavirus epidemic, despite new ment and a spokesman for the more densely populated than most warning world output could shrink by minority have lived since fleeing a could struggle to take advantage of infections still being reported. Indonesian foreign ministry did not crowded cities on Earth. 10 percent. military offensive in neighbouring any breakthrough. Austria and Germany were expect- immediately respond to a request for “Today they have been taken to an And Donald Trump ramped up his Myanmar nearly three years ago. In the US, the man formerly charged ed to open their shared border, while comment. isolation centre after they tested posi- war of words with Beijing over The nexus of poverty and risk was with developing a vaccine told law- Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia were Rohingya have made perilous voy- tive,” Mahbub Alam Talukder, the responsibility for what he has dubbed also laid bare by a World Health makers the government in Washington set to create their own “mini-Shengen ages to Malaysia, Thailand, and Refugee Relief and Repatriation the “Plague from China”, threatening Organization report that warned has no “master plan” to fight the pan- on the Baltic”, allowing free move- Indonesia for years, fleeing persecu- Commissioner, told Reuters by phone. to cut ties between the two countries. Africa is a hotspot waiting to happen, demic and is unprepared to distribute ment among the three countries. tion in Myanmar and poverty in refu- The other patient was from the But it was the very human cost of despite so far having escaped the enough vaccines to immunise mil- But in Latin America, the news was gee camps in Bangladesh. “host population”, a term usually the disease that was thrown into sharp worst of the disease. lions of Americans. looking increasingly dire. The Bangladesh navy rescued referring to local residents outside the relief with the discovery of infections Researchers say frangible health “We don’t have a single point of Thousands of fresh graves are being around 280 Rohingya Muslims from camps, the UN spokeswoman said. In in the world’s biggest refugee camp, systems on the world’s poorest conti- leadership right now for this dug in the Chilean capital’s main cem- the Bay of Bengal, towing their the camps, where people live in where upwards of a million Rohingya nent could quickly be overwhelmed, response,” said Rick Bright, who was etery, as the infection rate soars and as stranded boat to an island where they squalid conditions, reaching aid live in squalor. with modelling suggesting 231 million removed from his job last month. Santiago enters lockdown from Friday. will be quarantined as a precaution would be a nightmare.

BRIEFING Afghans say Taliban Baltics open Europe’s first behind bloodshed, reject pandemic ‘travel bubble’ IKLA/AINAZI BORDER CROSSING POINT: Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia opened US blame on Islamic State their common borders at the stroke of midnight, creating the first “travel REUTERS “Neither the Taliban hands nor bubble” within the European Union KABUL, MAY 15 their stained consciousness can be in a bid to jump-start economies bro- washed of the blood of women, babies ken down by the coronavirus pan- Afghan officials on Friday blamed the & other innocent in the latest sense- demic. A dozen Estonian border Taliban for a bloody attack on a less carnage,” Afghan Vice President guards removed all signs directing |maternity hospital in the capital, Amrullah Saleh said on Twitter. vehicles to stop at the border and Kabul, this week, rejecting a US asser- Saleh, a former intelligence chief, huddled together at the roadside for tion that it was carried out by Islamic did not mention Khalilzad’s assertion cake and coffee. “We have the little State militants. but said earlier some people were celebration because the border is now Three gunmen disguised as police naive for accepting Taliban lies and open again,” officer Martin Maestule attacked the hospital on Tuesday, kill- blaming the “fictional” Islamic State told Reuters on Friday just after mid- ing 24 people including two babies in a faction in Afghanistan for the attack. night as the first cars sped through clinic run by the international human- The Afghan affiliate of Islamic on the region’s reopened main road. itarian organisation Medecins Sans State, known as Islamic State Citizens and residents of the three Frontieres (MSF). Khorasan, after an old name for the generally sparsely populated Baltic No group has claimed responsibili- region, first appeared in eastern nations are now free to travel ty. The Taliban, who struck a deal with Afghanistan in 2014, and has since within the region, though anyone the United States in February clearing made inroads into other areas. entering from outside must self-iso- the way for the withdrawal of US The Islamic State militants, who late for 14 days. troops and the end of America’s long- battle government forces and the est war, denied responsibility. Taliban, and have claimed some of the US Special Representative Zalmay deadliest attacks in urban centres in Storm forces thousands from Khalilzad, the architect of the pact recent years, and will not be part of homes in virus-hit Philippines with the Taliban, blamed Islamic the deal between the United States and MANILA: Tens of thousands of people State militants for the attack, saying the Taliban. were forced into cramped shelters by they opposed any Taliban deal and The group did claim another attack the powerful storm pounding the sought to trigger an Iraq-style sectari- on Tuesday, a suicide bomb attack on Philippines on Friday, making an war in Afghanistan. But Afghan the funeral of a policeman in the east- social distancing nearly impossible as officials in Kabul dismissed the ern province of Nangarhar in which AP/RSS the nation battles the coronavirus Taliban denial. 32 people were killed. A boy feeds sparrows in front of a bakery at the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin, on Friday. pandemic. Typhoon Vongfong smashed homes, schools and virus quarantine sites when it hit central Samar island on Thursday, but then weakened into a severe tropical storm on its path north to the capital India’s farmers gather record wheat crop, but cannot move it Manila. The storm struck as tens of millions of Filipinos are hunkered down at home to protect themselves REUTERS For Sukrampal, the matter is pack and re-load millions of wheat against Covid-19, but more than GHARUNDA, MAY 15 urgent. He risks spoiling the whole lot sacks onto tractor trolleys that then 140,000 had to flee in central Bicol if he does not move his produce with- ferry it to government and private region because of the powerful Late last month, Sukrampal had to beg in the next few days, before the next warehouses. storm, disaster officials said. and borrow farmhands from nearby round of wet weather, as he struggles This year, those bustling bourses villages to gather his part of the coun- to keep the moisture content in the have emptied, severing the food sup- try’s largest-ever wheat harvest in wheat below 13 percent to 14 percent. ply chain in the world’s second-most Wuhan tests almost Haryana state near New Delhi. Above that, grain is less attractive to populous country and slashing earn- Now the 50-year-old Indian farmer buyers and will fetch a lower price. If ings for millions of migrant labourers a third of residents has a bigger problem: how to sell his it gets too wet, it will be worthless. who have had to sit out one of the SHANGHAI/BEIJING: Wuhan, the origi- crops when the three wholesale grain The lockdown has severely hit most lucrative periods on the crop nal epicentre of the new coronavirus markets serving growers in his home- India’s more than 7,000 wholesale food calendar when they normally would outbreak in China, has tested over 3 town of Gharaunda, near the heart of markets, which are the only channel make up to half their annual income. million residents for the pathogen what is known as India’s breadbasket, for getting food supplies to India’s 1.3 To accommodate the dearth of since April, and will now focus its are operating with a skeleton staff. billion inhabitants. workers, marketing agents have testing efforts on the rest of its 11 The country-wide lockdown, intro- “Nearly 90 percent of labourers been forced to stretch out their million population, according to duced in late March to stem the spread aren’t around. Last season, there were wheat procurement period from the state media. Once the tests of every- of the new coronavirus, has led to a about 5,000 labourers, and this season usual 20 to 30 days to more than two one living in the city are completed it labour shortage across rural India, there are only 500,” said Radhe Shyam, and a half months. should give authorities a clear indica- crimping the harvest and preventing a commission agent at the Gharaunda That has cut the daily flow of farm- tion of the number of asymptomatic the bagging and movement of it. Grains Market. “We haven’t seen any- ers bringing crops to wholesale mar- cases as businesses and schools reo- The largest crop gathered globally thing like this before.” kets to about a tenth of normal, com- pen, the official Xinhua News Agency during the pandemic, which is worth India’s wheat farmers sell their mission agents said, raising the risk reported late Thursday. The priority more than $26 billion, according to grain exclusively by law at these of spoilage. will be given to residents who have traders, may serve as a test case for wholesale markets to commission It also means delayed payments for not been tested before, people living other harvests coming up around the agents, which sell it on to state buyers growers, who say that will stop them in residential compounds that had REUTERS world, including Brazil’s main sugar- and private traders. The commission from buying seeds and fertilizers for previous cases, as well as old or In this April 24 photo, workers load sacks of wheat onto a supply truck at the Gharaunda cane and coffee harvests and Southeast agents usually employ armies of the next planting window that begins densely populated estates. (AGENCIES) Grains Market in Karnal district of the northern state of Haryana, India. Asia’s second rice harvests. labourers to unload, clean, weigh, in June.

C M Y K 07 | SATURDAY, MAY 16, 2020 SPORTS BRIEFING Dortmund braced for most unusual English football No spitting or kissing football gets green in South American games ASUNCION: Teams competing in South derby as Bundesliga returns signal to America’s Copa Libertadores and Copa Sudamericana have been told players must avoid spitting and kiss- Dortmund will host Schalke at near-empty Signal Iduna Park which usually draw around 82,000 spectators. resume in June ing the ball as part of new rules pub- lished by the region’s football govern- REUTERS ing body (CONMEBOL) to combat LONDON, MAY 15 Covid-19. The two flagship tourna- ments were suspended in March due The Premier League’s plans to resume to the outbreak of the novel coronavi- the season next month was given a rus and new start dates have still to boost on Thursday when Britain’s be decided. CONMEBOL also said in Culture and Sport secretary Oliver a statement that players must not Dowden said the government was blow mucus from their nose or swap “opening the door” for football to shirts after the game, and they must return in June. use their own personal water bottles. Dowden said he held a “positive In addition, face masks must be worn meeting” with football authorities — when giving post-match interviews which included the Premier League, and by substitutes on the bench. the English Football League and the Football Association — to “progress plans” for football to resume. The pro- Ireland postpone New Zealand, fessional game has been suspended Pakistan series since mid-March due to the Covid-19 LONDON: Ireland’s home series against pandemic that has killed over 33,100 New Zealand and Pakistan scheduled people in the United Kingdom. for June and July have been post- With lockdown restrictions in poned due to the Covid-19 pandemic, England being eased from this week, their cricket boards said on Thursday. the government said elite sport could The pandemic has brought world return next month. “We all agreed sport to a virtual standstill and with that we will only go ahead if it is safe government restrictions on air travel to do so and the health and welfare of between countries, Cricket Ireland players, coaches and staff comes (CI) had no choice but to postpone the first,” Dowden said in a statement. series. New Zealand, who were due to “The government is opening the play three Twenty20 internationals door for competitive football to return and three one-day internationals safely in June. This should include (ODIs), informed the hosts they widening access for fans to view live would not be able to fly out. Pakistan, AP/RSS coverage and ensure finances from the scheduled to play Ireland in two T20 Players of Bundesliga side Schalke during a training session in Gelsenkirchen, Germany. They are set to vie with Borussia Dortmund when Bundesliga resumes behind closed doors on Saturday. game’s resumption supports the wider games in Dublin on July 12 and 14, football family.” supported the decision. AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE added. Dortmund are looking to close “A lot of things will start from the season against Freiburg on While the government has given the BERLIN, MAY 15 the four-point gap behind leaders scratch on Saturday,” Dortmund wing- Saturday. “Not many players my age go-ahead, Dowden said it was up to Bayern Munich, who visit Union er Julian Brandt told Sky. “There will have scored 20 goals in a season once football authorities to finalise the Bayern close to agreeing price Borussia Dortmund’s young stars Berlin on Sunday. be no real advantages and disadvan- and I’ve done it twice,” said the details of how they would proceed, Erling Braut Haaland and Jadon However, Dortmund’s iconic south tages to playing home or away. In the 24-year-old Werner who has netted 21 with the government offering for City’s Sane Sancho will be hunting more goals on stand, dubbed “The Yellow Wall” and end, it depends on who best accepts times this term. “I’d like to score 30 in guidance. PARIS: Bayern Munich and Saturday in “the most unusual derby normally packed with 25,000 passion- this situation and can best deal with a season.” “There is combined goodwill to Manchester City are reportedly close in history” against Schalke as the ate fans will - like the rest of the stadi- it.” The pressure is on Haaland, 19, Julian Nagelsmann’s Leipzig trail achieve this for their fans, the football to agreeing a transfer fee for German Bundesliga returns behind um - stand empty. “The players will and Sancho, 20, to continue their goal- leaders Bayern by five points follow- community and the nation as a Germany winger Leroy Sane, accord- locked doors. miss the chance for extra motivation rich partnership, despite the empty ing draws against Leverkusen and whole,” Dowden added. “The govern- ing to the German media on Dortmund usually expect 82,000 by the fans and the atmosphere,” terraces, and steer injury-depleted Wolfsburg before matches were halted ment and our medical experts will Thursday. Magazine Kicker claims spectators at Signal Iduna Park for a admitted Kehl. Dortmund to victory. Midfield enforc- due to the virus outbreak. continue to offer guidance and sup- City want 50 million euros ($54 mil- home derby, but the stadium will be While league action in England, ers Emre Can and Axel Witsel are out Robert Lewandowski, the league’s port to the game ahead of any final lion) for the 24-year-old Sane, but near-empty with only a handful of Spain and Italy is still at least a month with muscle strains, while playmaker top scorer, is back from injury and decision which would put these plans Bayern are offering around 10 million media and officials admitted. Even away, the German Football League Marco Reus is recovering from a groin looking to add to his 25 goals this sea- into action.” euros less. Last week, magazine Sport national team coach Joachim Loew (DFL) has drawn up detailed hygiene problem. son on Sunday against Union in However, England’s Deputy Chief Bild reported that Sane has already will not be allowed in to watch his guidelines to restart. The Bundesliga Haaland was in stunning form Berlin. With nine games left, the Medical Officer Jonathan Van-Tam agreed a transfer to Bayern on a five- Germany players live on their return is set to become the first top European when the league was suspended in 31-year-old Poland international is set said a “measured approach” was year contract. Kicker claims defend- to action. league to return during the pandemic, mid-March with nine goals in eight to beat his previous best haul of 30 required and a decision on a return to ing Bundesliga champions Bayern “It will be the most unusual derby which has so far claimed around 7,700 Bundesliga appearances since joining league goals, achieved in both 2015/16 competitive action will depend on how have cut off talks with RB Leipzig’s in history,” former Dortmund captain lives in Germany. from Salzburg. Sancho also terrorised and 2016/17. players and coaching staff fare after Germany striker Timo Werner, Sebastian Kehl told German daily At games around the country, sub- defences with 14 goals and 16 assists in It will also be worth watching group training sessions. because they are nearing a deal with Welt. Normally, a home derby against stitutes will wear masks, goal celebra- 23 league games. Bayern’s Canadian teen Alphonso “There will be small, carefully Sane. Sane has won the Premier Schalke comes alive “through the tions will be replaced by elbow taps At third-placed RB Leipzig, Davies, 19, who has extended his con- measured step-wise approaches to League title twice under Pep fans, from their emotions, from the while handshakes and hugs before Germany striker Timo Werner is aim- tract until 2025 after several impres- seeing what can be achieved safely,” Guardiola at City. (AGENCIES) enthusiasm in the stadium,” Kehl kick-off are a no-go. ing to move closer to his goal target for sive displays at left-back. he said. IOC creates $800m fund to tackle crisis Towering Returning to training

AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE severe financial effect on the world, on “several hundred million dollars”, Jamieson LAUSANNE, MAY 15 society, on government and of course adding that while the body would hon- felt like being a child also on the Olympic Games, the entire our its financial obligations to Tokyo, The International Olympic Committee Olympic movement and in particular it would probably have to make cuts. rewarded with said Thursday it had created a fund of the IOC”. “This situation requires compro- $800 million to tackle the financial “We have been discussing this mises, requires sacrifices by every- again, says Savic hardships created by the coronavirus financial effect, this financial impact body. Therefore the IOC and the organ- central contract pandemic which has forced the post- today. You can imagine it’s not easy ising committee are in close contact ponement of this year’s Tokyo because planning in these days is so with this joint taskforce and we are REUTERS Olympics until 2021. difficult because of all the uncertain- leaving no stone unturned in this WELLINGTON, MAY 15 IOC president Thomas Bach, speak- ties you have. Nobody knows how the respect to reduce the costs while main- ing by teleconference after a virtual world looks like tomorrow,” Bach said. taining the spirit of the Games and Towering pace bowler Kyle Jamieson executive board meeting, said the “It’s a very incremental planning pro- the quality, of course, of sports com- has been rewarded for an impressive body had released “an envelope of up cedure.” petition and the athletes in particular. debut series against India earlier this to $800 million to address the financial The IOC, which has approximately Everything is being discussed and year by being awarded a central con- consequences of this Covid-19 crisis”. $1 billion (926 million euros) in everything is on the table.” tract by New Zealand Cricket (NZC) “We anticipate that we will have to reserves, in March took the historic But Bach was quick to scotch for the next 12 months. bear costs of up to $800 million for our decision to postpone the Games, rumours that the postponed Games South African-born batsman Devon part, our responsibilities for the scheduled to open on July 24, until could be moved to another country Conway and left-arm spinner Ajaz organisation of the Games,” the July 23 to August 8, 2021. It was the depending on how the Covid-19 out- Patel also received their first central German said. first peacetime postponement of the break plays out. “We are now working contracts, NZC said in a statement on The envelope has two parts: $650m Games. The postponement affects with full engagement on the success Friday. The contracts, which include a (602 million euros) which “refers to every aspect of the organisation — the of Tokyo 2020 starting on July 23, base salary alongside usual match the costs for the organisation” of the Olympic Athletes’ Village, hotels, tick- 2021... To have the Games in a safe fees, are awarded each year to the postponed Games for the IOC; and up eting, venues and transport, being environment for all participants in 20 players expected to feature promi- to $150m as an aid package for the among the major headaches. Tokyo next year,” Bach said. “We are nently for the national side in the next Olympic movement, in particular According to the latest budget, the one year and two months away from 12 months. international federations, national Games were due to cost $12.6 billion, these postponed Olympic Games. We “It’s really exciting to offer con- Olympic committees and IOC- shared between the organising com- should not perhaps fuel any specula- tracts to Kyle, Ajaz and Devon who recognised entities. mittee, the government of Japan and tion on any future developments now.” have all impressed over the past 12 Bach said the coronavirus pandem- Tokyo city. The IOC also agreed to hold their months,” selection manager Gavin ic, which has killed almost 300,000 Bach had warned last month that next executive board meeting, virtual- Larsen said in the statement. “Kyle’s people worldwide, had had “a very the postponement would cost the IOC ly, on July 17. performances against the might of India were nothing short of outstand- ing and at 25 years of age he’s certain- PHOTO COURTESY: GETTY IMAGES ly got a big future.” Stefan Savic “We see Ajaz as the incumbent Test spinner at present and he’ll be looking REUTERS but are expected to start training in to stamp his mark on that spot after MADRID, MAY 15 small groups from next week, subject some superb efforts with the ball in to testing negative for the virus. the sub-continent. Devon’s form Atletico Madrid defender Stefan Savic Organisers La Liga hope the season with the bat across all three formats has spoken of his joy at returning to can start up again on June 12. A num- these past two seasons made him train for the first time after being ber of players in Spain and across impossible to ignore and he’s going cooped up at home for over two months Europe have expressed their fears to be a great option to add to the due to the coronavirus pandemic. about returning to training and batting mix.” Atletico’s last match was their 3-2 matches and risking getting infected Conway, 28, will be cleared to play win away to Champions League hold- with the virus, but Savic had no com- for the national team from late August ers Liverpool to reach the quarter-fi- plaints. after he completes his three-year resi- nals of Europe’s top competition. But “I didn’t have any fear about going dency requirement. He topped the that euphoria was followed by uncer- out to train, I was really looking for- scoring charts in all three forms of tainty as Spain imposed a strict lock- ward to returning because it’s always cricket in New Zealand’s domestic down to prevent further spread of the better to train on the pitch than at competitions last season. virus, with even elite athletes only home,” he said. The 25-year-old Jamieson, however, allowed out of the house to go to the “We lack the same freedom we had was New Zealand’s find of the Test supermarket or pharmacy. It was also before and we still need to feel that series against India in February and the last professional football match contact with the other team mates. March where he used his 2.04-metre played in England. But we have already taken a big step height to extract steep bounce off a Spain’s restrictions were eased last with the individual work and it can length and consistently trouble the week and Atletico, like all clubs in help us get closer to what we want to batsmen. Spain’s top two divisions, returned to do in the next few weeks, which is to Jamieson took nine wickets, includ- individual training as part of the get back to competing.” ing his first five-wicket haul, in the league’s four-step plan to return to Savic also suggested he will not Test series that New Zealand won 2-0, activity. object to the league’s plans for teams a result that helped propel Australia “I felt like a little boy going to play to live away from their families, quar- above India to the top of the with his friends on the field,” Savic antined in closed facilities, once the International Cricket Council Test told a virtual news conference on season re-starts until it ends. “I rankings. Thursday. “I felt very happy to be on wouldn’t be bothered with being quar- Limited overs specialist Colin the pitch again, training at home is antined. I spent more than two months Munro, legspinner Todd Astle and just not the same.” stuck quarantined inside my home on AP/RSS opening batsman Jeet Raval dropped Savic and his team mates are my own so I’d have no problem with In this file photo, a man walks in front of a Tokyo Olympics logo at the Tokyo metropolitan government headquarters building in Tokyo. off the list. restricted to individual drills for now that,” he added.

C M Y K SATURDAY, MAY 16, 2020 | 08 BOOKS (C.R.P.D.) - 3/052/053 Peak millennial unlocked; send memes The new Dorota Maslowska novel is a ruthless critique and clever parody of the world within and around us.

RICHA BHATTARAI mermaids long to be humans, decorating themselves with human waste, that wenty-something Farah (Fah makes us want to hide ourselves in to her friends) is taking a per- shame. sonality quiz when a note falls This admonishing and chastising is out of the magazine. For a barely solid or directly accusatory, it is moment, Farah is enchanted. like vapour, a quickly flowing liquid that Her days seem not so dull and never settles and is difficult to define or Tworthless anymore, with this letter she’s contain. This makes the novel itself so found, seeped with whispers of heated wispy you would fail to describe to anoth- desire. And then, just as abruptly, she er just what it was about or what it realises that those breathless exhorta- means. You read and laugh and struggle tions were not meant for her. With that, to understand the inside jokes that are comes a plunge directly into gloom and funny and frightening. And somehow the despair. SHUTTERSTOCK spool of plot unravels and scuttles away, What could be more millennial than To this distressed germaphobe Fah, ham pimped out with legs’; a never to be found again. So you reread this: a youngster’s life so empty and who sneaks out antibacterial gel at every jacket becomes a ‘little fry-scented cloud;’ and forget, flip back and comprehend the meaningless that she hopes to salvage it opportunity, Joanne is the antipode. Soon a cigarette spins to the ground like ‘like contempt the words emit even better the through a letter tucked in Yogalife? after, Joanne, who “wore greasy, flag-red an itty-bitty burning ballerina; or a ‘shard second time around, and so on. Failing at which, she slides into instant lipstick, ironed her hair straight, so that of a Christmas star smashed by hood- The slim novel is a parody of our times, depression. This is just the beginning of it looked fake, and every morning, first lums.’ and yet it is also the revelation of every how Polish author Dorota Masłowska’s smearing her legs in moisturizer until All these astounding similes make for truth that we would like to hide. It novel ‘Honey, I Killed the Cats’ shreds the they shined like glass, she would run a an enjoyable and imaginative read. Even unearths the façade erected of yoga pants vapid millennial culture that is filled with pencil straight up to her butt, so that more arresting are more drawn-out imag- and healthy diets; social media influenc- advertisements, commodities, and shal- under the appropriate shade of stockings es, tapping into the soul of a person and ing and soul-finding trips. It sees beyond low relationships. it would look like a seam”, becomes Fah’s the character of a place. This description the attempt at collective humour and The author revels in uprooting this best friend. of the city at dusk, for example, is care- memes to bandage our loneliness and millennial hope of ‘balancing our Masłowska’s piercing gaze takes in less, indifferent even, and yet so accurate depression. Nowhere is this farce as clear chakras’ through kale juices and Pilates everything, from the exterior scuffles and and tender: “The evening city was seeth- as it is during an absurd art exhibition. A while our mental health is ripping apart snarls to the ‘mounds of loneliness’ in her ing in its basin like black soup garnished newly-introduced character advising Fah seam to seam. She mocks the intense food characters. And then she replicates these with glass and light, bubbling over with on art is hilarious because it is so true, deprivations we go through the entire personas and emotions on paper. But not secrets and excess; dogs barked, the sub- “Take a couple of dirty Q-tips and use an week, only to binge eat our feelings and in ordinary words. The descriptions that way wailed, someone who’d been raped Ikea pencil to draw a dick.” fears come weekend. pour out of her are so extraordinary and on had merely had her handbag snatched And in making this intense work of art She throws shade at newfound compelling; irreverent and wild; laugha- was screaming horribly in the distance, available to the English-speaking public Buddhists; just-turned vegans; coffee ble and shocking that they hold the entire and artificial fires flared into the dark- much thanks must be given to the transla- addicts; sartorial choices; those who don’t book together. The plot is there, some- ness over the river, promising that, still, tor, Benjamin Paloff. All translation is have ‘five million friends on Facebook.’ where, lost within the wilting power and anything could happen.’ difficult but this one must have been espe- The novel is a quirky observation, ruth- scathing beauty of this detailing. This sense of marvel and curiosity for cially arduous, and yet it flows so natural- less critique and clever parody of the For example, a person’s teeth in the the coming moment, an uncertainty that ly it never once seems envisioned in any world within and around us. September sun shine ‘like the keyboard permeates the characters’ action and the other language. In this world, Fah is a character millen- of some expensive instrument.’ The col- world they inhabit, is built a little higher One last line from this peculiar, clever nials dread turning into: someone who our of someone’s hair is ‘artificial chest- in every page. Everything is an experi- novel that is ensnared in its own mad- receives no mail, except for breast nut lacquered to the point of perfect HONEY, I KILLED THE CATS ment in the absurd—reckless and ram- ness: “Jed had just left for lunch (which enlargement (and brain reduction), is at imperviousness to the most severe weath- bunctious. The work mocks the serious- usually consisted of gulping down ten the outcast fringes of social media; is er conditions.’ Author : Dorota Masłowska ness with which we take ourselves as we glasses of wine at a nearby bar) (not the shunned by users of dating sites. Her Heels are ‘plucked off and decentered Translator : Benjamin Paloff continue to destroy the ecology and social glasses, of course) (they were too non-al- only distraction is a plethora of sexual like they were cross-eyed’; someone Pages : 161 structures and our very bodies that were coholic!) dreams starring long-forgotten boy- smells ‘like a goat that’s just brushed its Publisher : Deep Vellum meant to revel in this. And suddenly we And then, in the middle of this chaos, friends and distant acquaintances. teeth’; another person is a ‘hard-pickled are transferred to a surreal world where “No no, I’m kidding,” says the narrator.

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