WITHOUT F EAR OR FAVOUR

Nepal’s largest selling English daily Vol XXIX No. 42 | 8 pages | Rs.5 O O Printed simultaneously in Kathmandu, Biratnagar, Bharatpur and Nepalgunj 34.6 C 5.0 C Thursday, April 01, 2021 | 19-12-2077 Dipayal Jumla A complex political triangle of Maoist Centre and two opposition parties The Maoists are looking to the Congress, which does not want to make any move, while the Janata Samajbadi is a divided house. Amid this, Oli continues to wield power.

ANIL GIRI divided, with two top leaders ready to KATHMANDU, MARCH 31 join hands with Oli and as many opposed to the idea. Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli should The one way the political process have resigned, technically, on moral could have moved forward is if the grounds immediately after the Maoist Centre had withdrawn the sup- Supreme Court on February 23 over- port it lent Oli back in February 2018. turned his December 20 decision to “We don’t want to be the cause of dissolve Parliament, calling the move political instability in the country by unconstitutional, and reinstated the withdrawing support [to the govern- House, ordering the first meeting ment] at this time,” said Barshaman within 13 days. Pun, a Standing Committee member Oli, however, did not. There’s no of the Maoist Centre. legal provision forcing him to resign. According to Pun, the Maoist Centre Then came yet another decision believes that it’s incumbent upon from the Supreme Court on March 7. Oli to seek a vote of confidence in Oli’s CPN-UML and Pushpa Kamal the House. Dahal’s Communist Party of Nepal But Pun would not say why Oli (Maois Centre) were resurrected. should seek a vote of confidence when The reinstated House now he continues to enjoy a majority— POST PHOTO: ELITE JOSHI has four parties controlling sub- with numbers enough on his side to A potey (bead necklace) seller waits for customers at Mangalbazaar in Lalitpur on Wednesday. stantial numbers of seats—the remain prime minister. UML, the Nepali Congress, the With the support of the Maoist Maoist Centre and the Janata Centre’s 53 members in the lower Samajbadi Party. house, Oli, whose UML had won 121 As Oli continues to wield seats, was elected prime minister in power, the three parties that February 2018. BRIEFING Officials in a fix over vaccination could have unseated him are look- The UML currently has 120 seats, ing to each other. with one member dead. Since four of The Maoist Centre wants the the Maoist Centre members have Nepal’s economy on road to drive as WHO suggests ‘own Congress to make a move, and defected to Oli, the Maoist party cur- recovery, economists say vice versa. The fourth largest rently has just 49 seats. force, Janata Samajbadi Party, is >> Continued on page 2 KATHMANDU: In the last fiscal year 2019-20 ended mid-July, Nepal suf- decision’ amid vaccine shortage fered the first economic contraction in 37 years as Covid-19 related social distancing measures and lockdowns Authorities say they are not in a position to say anything paralysed the country. A slow recov- ery in the ongoing fiscal year 2020-21 right now as there are just enough doses to vaccinate is expected to boost the growth rate to 2.7 percent, backed by a favourable those who took the first shots in the first phase. monsoon and an optimistic outlook that the Covid-19 related disruptions will fade and government relief spending will materialise, a World Bank report released on Wednesday said. As per the report entitled South Asia Economic Focus Spring 2021: South Asia Vaccinates, Nepal would recover gradually and achieve a growth rate of 3.9 percent in 2021-22 and then 5.1 percent by 2022-23, based on the baseline projections of a suc- cessful domestic and global vaccina- tion rollout and a gradual resumption of international tourism. (Details on Pg 5)

Sharp increase in destruction of virgin forest in 2020 PARIS: An area of pristine rainforest the size of the Netherlands was POST FILE PHOTO burned or hacked down last year, as Amid a shortage of vaccines, it’s unclear when those inoculated will get their second dose. the destruction of the planet’s tropi- cal forests accelerated despite a glob- ARJUN POUDEL over 1.35 million got their first dose. al economic slowdown, according to KATHMANDU, MARCH 31 These people need to be given the sec- research on Wednesday. The worst ond shot between May 16 and May 30. losses were in Brazil, three times Amid uncertainties over the supply of Nepal so far has used the Oxford- higher than the next highest country, Covid-19 vaccine, the World Health AstraZeneca vaccine, which is the Democratic Republic of Congo, Organisation has issued deployment manufactured by the Serum Institute according to a report from Global guidance and suggested that countries of India under the brand name Forest Watch based on satellite data. take their own decisions on carrying Covishield. Across the tropics, the study regis- out the vaccination drive. The government has currently sus- tered the destruction in 2020 of 4.2 “If vaccine supply is insufficient pended its vaccination drive for the million hectares (10.4 million acres) to cover the target priority population lack of doses. of primary forest—12 percent higher with two doses, countries should The UN health recommends two than the year before. Ecosystems consider two options,” the UN health standard doses (0.5mL) with an inter- straddling the equator shelter abun- agency said in a letter to the Health val of 8 to 12 weeks between doses. dant biodiversity and store vast Ministry, a copy of which is seen by “There is evidence that 1 dose of the amounts of carbon. In total, the trop- the Post. vaccine can provide efficacy as high ics lost 12.2 million hectares of tree “First, reducing the number of tar- as 76 percent for individuals for up to cover—including forests and planta- get priority individuals by stratifying 12 weeks, however antibody concen- tions—last year. (Details on Pg 6) risk within the priority groups and trations decrease throughout the 90 providing those newly defined target days,” the WHO has said. individuals with 2 doses; and second “Countries are advised to calculate Still spoken in whispers: stretching all available doses to vacci- whether supply is sufficient to admin- The obstacles to opening up nate priority groups with at least one ister a full 2-dose schedule for all dose until supply is replenished.” desired priority groups, with an 8–12- about menstrual experiences After becoming one of the first week dose interval.” KATHMANDU: Rushed steps and hushed countries to launch the vaccination Gautam said that the government is whispers are how Munu Maya Sherpa drive, Nepal is currently struggling to hoping to receive vaccines to be pro- remembers most of her early period acquire sufficient doses to continue vided under the World Health days as, in her village Baluwapatti the campaign. Organisation-backed COVAX facility Deupur, in Kavrepalanchok. Officials, however, said they are not within May. Approaching puberty felt frightening in a position to take any decision on Under the COVAX programme, and confusing, she says. “I remember the vaccination drive as yet. Nepal is expected to receive vaccines how I used to hurry down to the riv- “We have sufficient doses in stock enough for 20 percent of the 30 million erside to wash my menstrual clothing for second shots for people who took population, which will mean around because we were told no one should their first jabs in the first phase. We 13 million doses. see us washing or drying it. There have decided to administer the second Under this programme, Nepal so far were no sanitary pads in our days; dose to them from April 20 to 24,” Dr has received 348,000 doses. we used old clothes and held the cloth Jhalak Gautam, chief of the National In the guidance material shared together with our patuki, which we Immunisation Programme, told the by the World Health Organisation wrapped around our stomach,” says Post. “We can say more about our vac- with the Health Ministry on March 19, Sherpa, who works as a domestic cination programme only after we get the UN health agency says while helper in Lalitpur. Sherpa stepped additional vaccines.” supply is expected to increase into puberty with little knowledge of In the first phase between January through the second half of 2021, the why menstruation happens, she says, 27 and March 5, around 438,000 people frequency of shipments to countries aside from her mother privately were given the first dose of the vaccine. remains uncertain in the near to explaining to her that it was a sign The number was quite high during the medium term and residual shelf life she had become an adult and the second phase, aimed at vaccinating at the time of delivery may be as short monthly cycle would happen every people over 65 years of age, between as three months. month. (Details on Pg 8) March 7 and March 15, when a little >> Continued on page 2

C M Y K THURSDAY, APRIL 01, 2021 | 02 NATIONAL A complex political triangle of Maoist Centre and two ... >> Continued from page 1 because he has no qualms if Oli Pun said if the Congress commits to declares early polls,” another leading the new government, the Congress leader who comes from a Maoist Centre would not mind with- rival faction in the party told the Post. drawing support. For Oli, as of now, the odds appear On Tuesday, Congress President to be stacked in his favour. While he Sher Bahadur Deuba and Maoist has managed to tighten the noose Centre chair Dahal held a meeting to around his arch-rival Madhav Kumar chart out a strategy to unseat Oli. Nepal, who in association with Dahal But there was no remarkable pro- once created troubles for him, Oli gress, according to a Congress leader. seems to have his Plan B or even Plan “There is no point in agreeing with C ready. the Maoist Centre’s idea that we [the Congress party] file a no-confidence motion against Oli,” the leader, who is Even after the familiar with the discussion between Deuba and Dahal, told the Post on con- reinstatement of dition of anonymity. “Speculations are also rife about a the House, Oli is possible split in the Janata Samajbadi Party. In such times, when the Maoist making a strong Centre is reluctant to withdraw sup- pitch for early polls. port and the Janata Samajbadi Party is divided, why should we make a move?” If the Maoist Centre withdraws sup- While Mahantha Thakur and port, Oli will have to seek a vote of Rajendra Mahato of the Janata confidence in the House and in that Samajbadi are in negotiations with case, he would drop the idea of roping Oli on supporting the government, in the Janata Samajbadi Party. His Baburam Bhattarai and Upendra failure to win the vote of confidence Yadav of the party are dead against it. would mean other parties must try to “We are a small party. If other par- form a new government. If the ties [the Congress and Maoist Centre] Congress chooses not to make any call us the decisive force, then it will move, the House will head towards not only be wrong but injustice to us,” dissolution, something both the POST PHOTO: BEEJU MAHARJAN said Mahato. “Either the Congress Congress and Oli won’t mind. Students affiliated to the CPN (Maoist Centre) protest against the February 1 military coup in Myanmar and brutal suppression of pro-democracy protests, outside the Embassy of party should file a no-confidence “It will take some more time before Myanmar in Kathmandu on Wednesday. motion or the Maoist Centre should the picture becomes clearer,” said withdraw support, if they want the Nepali Congress spokesperson Bishwa process to form a new government Prakash Sharma. take forward.” “We are also in a dilemma… we Even after the reinstatement of the don’t know if the Janata Samajbadi House, Oli is strongly making a pitch Party is going to remain intact… we for early elections. don’t know if it would be willing to Helambu administration says Melamchi Oli had, at an all-party meeting lead the government. Discussions called by President Bidya Devi are still continuing on different Bhandari on March 16, said that he alternatives.” had dissolved the House because it The Maoist Centre too is had become irrelevant and that he weighing its options. With the revival project didn’t pay promised local tax still believed so. of the UML and the Maosit Centre, While some leaders had criticised Dahal has lost his key ally—Madhav Oli’s House dissolution move, Deuba, Nepal. Contractor has not paid for the natural resources used in the construction of infrastructure, officials say. the Congress president, had opted not Whether Nepal, who Oli has sus- to speak. pended for six months, will continue ANISH TIWARI the request of the rural municipality. using riverbed materials,” Lama said. “We have also notified the project The Nepali Congress leader who to struggle against Oli by being in the SINDHUPALCHOK, MARCH 31 The contractor company has to pay Meanwhile, the local people of about the request of Helambu resi- spoke on condition of anonymity said UML or decides to quit is not clear yet. tax for using the natural resources of Helambu Rural Municipality Ward dents. The executive meeting of the that Oli seems to have his roadmap Some in the Maoist Centre believe Water from Melamchi River in Helambu,” said Tiresh Prasad Khatri, No. 1 have been requesting the project rural municipality has decided to take clear—dissolve the House again for that the Nepal faction could desert Oli Sindhupalchok reached Sundarijal in executive director of the Melamchi officials to supply water to Kathmandu 25 percent of the income generated early polls. and join them. Kathmandu on Saturday after a dec- Water Supply Development Board. only after releasing sufficient water in from the water supply project,” said As per constitutional provisions, “For now, we have given assurances ades-long wait. While the general pub- According to the act, the local unit the Melamchi River for their use. Sherpa. elections must be held within six to the Nepali Congress and the Janata lic has welcomed the move expecting can sell riverbed materials for Rs 9 per Helambu residents use water from Uttam Mani Bhandari, who oper- months to elect a new House of Samajbadi Party that we would with- respite from the water crisis in the cubic metre. the river to operate fisheries, water ates a fish farm in Kiul, Helambu, said Representatives once the present one draw our support to Oli,” Narayan Capital, Helambu Rural Municipality, Migmar Lama, a local resident of mills and other irrigation purposes. there should be enough water left in is dissolved. Kaji Shrestha, spokesperson for the where the Melamchi Water Supply Helambu Ward No. 1, said tonnes of According to the recent survey car- the Melamchi river for the local resi- Multiple leaders the Post spoke to Maoist Centre, told the Post. “We are Project is located, has accused the riverbed materials have been used ried out by the rural municipality, dents to operate fish farms and other over the past few days said the just wondering whether to withdraw project contractor of non-payment of while constructing the dam and other 1,190 litres of water (per second) is agricultural businesses. party is actually not averse to the idea support before or after a no-confi- local tax. infrastructures of the project. needed to conduct six irrigation “We won’t be able to make a living if of early polls. dence motion is registered.” The rural municipality says “Nothing will be left in Helambu if projects and 14 farms in the rural the local unit does not look into our “Deuba’s lukewarm response to But who is going to file the no-confi- Sinohydro Corporation Ltd, the the project does not pay anything for municipality. problem,” Bhandari said. Dahal’s offer to lead the government is dence motion against Oli? Chinese contractor company of the project, has not paid for natural resources—slates, stones, soil and other riverbed materials—used while constructing Ambathan dam and other infrastructures in Helambu Health conclave to discuss Rural Municipality Ward No. 1. According to Nimagyaljen Sherpa, chairman of the rural municipality, lost health gains due to the company owes the local unit over Rs 50 million in tax. “Riverbed materials, including slate, stones and soil, were used in Covid-19 and way forward constructing the water intake area and other infrastructures in Helambu. POST REPORT tional collaboration to safeguard and But the contractor has not paid tax KATHMANDU, MARCH 31 attain the Sustainable Development levied on the resources it used,” said Goals by 2030. Sherpa. “We have notified the project Nepal Health Conclave 2021, The discussion will also be weaving officials about the non-payment but which will be organised on April 6, around the themes of clinical and we haven’t received any answer yet.” at Yak and Yeti Hotel is intended local engagement, public health inter- According to the Local Government to discuss Covid-19 pandemic and ventions and policies, international Operation Act (2017), the local unit how it has rolled back the funding in health sector program- has the authority to extract, use and development and health gains since ming, and institutional collaboration sell riverbed materials. the 1990s. between key stakeholders. “Under the same provision, we have The panel of experts including Dr The session will attempt to under- been demanding tax for the construc- Anup Bastola, chief consultant physi- stand strategies that worked and could tion materials used by the contractor cian at Sukraraj Tropical and be improved and will chart a compe- since 2018. We have also been request- Infectious Disease Hospital; Dr Samir tent way forward. ing the project officials to coordinate Kumar Adhikari, senior health admin- Due to the rising Covid-19 cases in with us for tax clearance,” said istrator and joint spokesperson for the country, the session is planned to Sherpa. Ministry of Health and Population; be an in-person event for speakers and Construction works of the water and Dr Jaganath Sharma, senior advi- panelists only. Participants could reg- intake area, Gayalthum-Adit road and sor at Health Office USAID, will be ister to attend the event virtually and other infrastructure are still ongoing, discussing the social and health fall- put forth their questions through the he said. POST FILE PHOTO out from the Covid-19 pandemic and NHC’s website at www.nepalhealth- “We have notified Sinohydro about According to Helambu Rural Municipality, Sinohydro Corporation Ltd, the Chinese contractor company, owes it over Rs50 million in tax. reimagine policy reforms and institu- conclave.com. Officials in a fix over vaccination drive as WHO suggests ...

>> Continued from page 1 first dose to as many people as possible, as According to Upreti, a second dose of After a dramatic decline in the number The short supply in Covishiled vaccine fast as possible. That meant delaying sec- vaccine is required to administer pro- of new infections, Nepal lately has report- has resulted from India’s decision last week ond doses, on the grounds that they would longed immunity. ed a steady rise in Covid-19 cases. The to put a temporary hold on exports of vac- add only limited extra protection to people The WHO has said that efficacy of 76 surge in cases in India, with which Nepal cines manufactured by the Serum Institute, who already had significant immunity percent could be expected with no waning shares a long open border, has also come as the world’s largest vaccine manufacturer, from their first dose. immunity for a period of up to 12 weeks. In a cause for concern. to meet the demand at home, as the country After the first phase of vaccination drive, this situation the country may consider Nepal recorded 162 new cases on of 1.3 billion people lately has seen a resur- which was launched with the India-gifted 1 maximising the interval between doses to Wednesday, pushing the total tally to 277, gence in Covid-19 cases. million doses, Nepali authorities were 12 weeks to provide more flexibility to 309. N0 death was reported in the last 24 Nepali authorities, who were planning to administer Covid-19 vaccine to accommodate the uncertain arrival of the hours. So far, according to the Health earlier planning to consult the UN health all above 55 years of age, among whom replenishment. Ministry, 3,030 people have died from Covid- agency on administering all available severity and death rate is extremely high Days after India put a temporary ban on 19-related complications. The Number of doses, said they are not in a position to compared to the rest of the population. vaccine exports, UNICEF said on Saturday, active cases stands at 1,493. decide at this time due to the uncertainty But then there was a setback. After pro- according to a Reuters report, that Meanwhile, the Health Ministry said on over supplies. viding one million doses of the order the WHO-backed COVAX programme Wednesday that it has directed agencies to “We could have administered all the placed–and paid–for two million doses, the expected that the Serum Institute will start preparations to administer the vac- available doses at the time we got the vac- Serum Institute expressed its inability to resume full deliveries of the AstraZeneca cine gifted by China to people between 40 cine,” Dr Shyam Raj Upreti, coordinator of provide the remaining doses. Nepal’s plan shots to it in May. and 54 years of age. Covid-19 Vaccine Advisory Committee, told to procure an additional five million doses “Deliveries of SII/AZ vaccine are expect- The China-gifted 800,000 doses of corona- the Post. “Now it is too late and we have from the Serum Institute also failed to ed to begin fully again by May, with catch- virus vaccines, developed by Sinopharm, committed to providing second doses to move forward. up deliveries to reach every participant’s an affiliate of the state-backed pharmaceu- those who took the first shots in the first Amid the Serum Institute’s inability to full allocation up to May, accelerating tical giant Sinopharm, arrived in phase of the campaign.” provide the vaccine, the COVAX facility thereafter,” a UNICEF spokeswoman told Kathmandu on Monday morning. Some countries including the United also could not supply all the doses that it Reuters in an email. Nepal has not used the Chinese Kingdom had given first doses to a maxi- pledged in its interim forecast. UNICEF is the distributing partner of vaccine yet. mum number of people and delayed the The Health Ministry then changed its the programme, run with the GAVI vaccine “A meeting of the incident second doses to 12 weeks. plan and decided to vaccinate people over alliance. command system held on Wednesday [dis- UK cases of Covid-19 were surging in 65 years of age in the second phase. “We are not even getting the vaccine for cussed ways to] ensure that people will get December, along with hospitalisations and Officials now say there is no certainty of which we have paid for,” Dr Tara Nath both doses of the vaccine of the same deaths, and there was a risk that the health supply of vaccine anywhere to provide the Pokhrel,” a member of the Covid-19 Vaccine brand,” Dr Samir Kumar Adhikari, joint facilities could be overwhelmed. second doses to around 1.35 million popula- Advisory Committee, told the Post. spokesperson for the Health Ministry, told Health authorities then decided that it tion, leave alone giving the first dose to “Without guarantee of supply of additional the Post. “It will take some time to put would be better to give the protection of a others. doses, a new decision cannot be made.” things in order.”

C M Y K 03 | THURSDAY, APRIL 01, 2021 NATIONAL BIMSTEC virtual meet most likely to avoid discussing Myanmar military suppression The meeting is being held on the heels of one of the bloodiest days in the country, in which over 90 protesters were killed.

ANIL GIRI KATHMANDU, MARCH 31

The 17th BIMSTEC meeting of the foreign ministers—a virtu- al one, given the pandemic—on Thursday is likely to avoid discussing the brutal military suppression in Myanmar, despite calls to strongly raise the issue. Ever since the Myanmar military seized power on February 1, it has launched violent crackdowns on democracy protesters, with over 500 killed as of now. On March 27, more than 90 democracy protesters were killed in one of the bloodiest days since the coup, which was largely described by the world as a “day of shame”. Pressure has been mounting on Nepal also to speak up, but the government, after issuing a statement on the day of the coup, has maintained silence even as military oppression continues in the South East Asian country. Sri Lanka, which is hosting the meeting, has already been criticised for inviting Myanmar. It has circulated the agendas of the meeting that incorporate finalising the BIMSTEC Charter and fixing the date of the fifth summit. “We have strongly raised the ongoing repression in Myanmar at the United Nations Human Rights Council and made our position clear,” said Foreign Minister Pradeep Gyawali. “But I do not think Myanmar’s domestic issue is going to figure in the upcoming ministerial meeting.” According to Gyawali, the agendas of the meeting have already been circulated and the meeting is going to finalise the text of the BIMSTEC Charter. “No country has informed them yet that they are going to raise the issue,” said Gyawali. “Traditionally, BIMSTEC does not discuss domestic issues of any member states or any other bilateral issues between the two member states.”

Experts say Nepal must not hesitate to speak up in favour of human rights and democracy.

However, Myanmar military suppression has lately drawn global attention and the recent bloodbath has received wide- spread condemnation. Not really from Nepal’s both immedi- POST PHOTO: ANGAD DHAKAL ate neighbours though, and one of them is a leading member In this combo picture taken at the lower house of Parliament in Kathmandu on Wednesday, several lawmakers are seen without masks or wearing them under their noses and chins despite the Covid-19 risk. state of BIMSTEC–India. Ever since Narendra Modi returned to power for a second term, his government has shown interest in making a push for BIMSTEC rather than another regional bloc–South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation. Except for Bhutan and Thailand, both India and China BRIEFING have their own larger stakes in BIMSTEC member states. Nothing is being done to curb local Experts say geo-political considerations cannot be ruled out when it comes to what’s going on in Myanmar. Missing girls found “India’s interest to twist BIMSTEC as a ‘security and mili- MAHOTTARI: Seven girls aged between tary’ block also plays an important role, so political differenc- 10-18 years, who had gone missing es could hardly become the matter in the regional platform,” pollution, environmentalists say said Sambhu Ram Simkhada, Nepal’s former permanent from Bhangaha Municipality in Mahottari district on Tuesday after- representative to the United Nations in Geneva. “None of the noon, were located in Bihar, India on Vehicle emissions, industries, brick kilns and construction are major sources of air pollution. member states of BIMSTEC has come up with a strong state- Wednesday. According to the District ment on–or call to stop– Myanmar military’s brutal suppres- Police Office in Mahottari, Indian sion of democracy protesters.” police informed that the seven miss- Indu Bikram Joshi, a spokesperson for the In the morning of Saturday, the day more than 90 democra- ing girls were found in Sitamarhi in Department of Environment. “Once the AQI cy protesters were killed, Myanmar generals organised a the Indian state of Bihar. Upon ques- goes over 300, we need to take actions such as gala to mark the Armed Forces Day. tioning, the girls revealed that they issue public notice about pollution and shut India and China were among the eight countries who sent had gone to India on their own to down schools, both of which we have done. their representatives to attend the parade. become singers. The girls had gone There is no need to declare an emergency as “I do not see BIMSTEC members raising the issue of to collect fodder for cattle on Tuesday doing so will only create havoc.” Myanmar military suppression,” Shimkhada told the Post. and not returned home. Tuladhar pointed out that shutting down “Since India and China are the key players in Myanmar, I schools barely helps in the fight against air think the member states are watching them.” pollution.“Closing schools won’t bring down According to Shimkhada, India is definitely not going to Two Goit activists held in pollution levels as pollution from other raise the Myanmar issue at the BIMSTEC platform, as it is sources continues unabated. Rather, play trying to build the regional group as a military organisation. connection with Lahan blast outside in polluted air when they are given a India had organised the first ever BIMSTEC joint military SIRAHA: Police have arrested two sus- holiday,” said Tuladhar. exercise in 2018 where almost all member states except Nepal pects in connection with an explosion Joshi, also the deputy director-general of took part. at the Land Revenue Office in Lahan the department, said if ongoing initiatives Calls have been growing in Nepal of late demanding that two weeks ago. According to the are not adequate to bring down pollution the government strongly condemn the military brutality in Province 2 Police Office, Ramrijhan levels, then more actions such as limiting Myanmar and use its good office, in the capacity of a member Yadav, 25, of Sukhipur Municipality-5 vehicular movement, will be taken. of the UN Human Rights Council, to shore up global support and Abhimanyu Giri, 26, of But the government should have already to restore democracy in the South East Asian country. Laxmipur Patari Rural Muni- taken such actions, according to the plan. It “What is happening in Myanmar is against the global cipality-3 were arrested with two POST FILE PHOTO says that while open burning of waste needs norms and values, so one should dare to raise the issue of the country made pistols. Eight people The air quality of Kathmandu Valley reached hazardous levels in the past few days. to be banned, roads need to be cleaned with military’s violent crackdown on democracy protesters,” said were injured, two critically, when the broomer vehicles, and public notices issued Gauri Pradhan, a human rights defender. “We should stop the improvised explosive device went off CHANDAN KUMAR MANDAL ed cities in the world. Since Friday, air quali- to ask people to wear N95 masks. The plan tendency of raising domestic political issues in countries at the government office on March 14. KATHMANDU, MARCH 31 ty monitoring in different parts of the also says that people need to be advised to which are geographically far but maintaining silence when The Goit faction of the Tarai Kathmandu Valley has crossed the AQI level avoid unnecessary outdoor activities, keep such brutal killings are taking place in the neighbourhood.” Janatantrik Mukti Morcha had Kathmandu and other parts of the country of 300 marks many times. the elderly and children safe and stop According to Pradhan, Nepal must speak up in favour of claimed responsibility by issuing a have been enveloped in toxic air for the past As the air quality has continued to plum- operating vehicles. human rights and democracy. statement soon after the incident. week emanating from dozens of wildfires met, various authorities, mainly the Likewise, the plan calls for a ban on the “Any of the member states can raise the issue,” Pradhan around Nepal, and the general public has Department of Environment and Ministry entry of goods-carrying trucks and shutting told the Post. “Issues raised at such organised platforms do been gasping for clean and fresh air. of Health, issued advisories urging the pub- down of industries inside the Valley. hold a meaning and help build pressure.” Six people arrested over While controlling all the fires anytime lic to remain indoors and avoid outdoor “The air quality action plan envisions a Holi clash sooner, because of its intensity and lack of activities. However, they have refrained from coordination committee headed by the envi- BAGLUNG: The District Police Office in mechanism, looks like an uphill task, experts declaring a health emergency. ronment minister. I don’t know if the coordi- Baglung arrested six individuals on prioritise implementing measures, including “As far as declaring a public health emer- nation committee has even convened,” said charge of killing two youths in a vio- declaring a public health emergency, to help gency is considered, the government’s own Tuladhar. lent attack during the Holi festival. reduce local emissions to bring down pollu- decision says that if the AQI level reaches The government official Joshi, however, On Sunday, Prakash Kunwar, 36, and tion levels, especially in cities. 300, then a public health emergency is to be said as current pollution is mostly because Dipak Pariyar, 34, of Nisikhola Ward However, authorities have not only declared,” said Bhushan Tuladhar, another of wildfire, the department of the environ- No. 7 died in the clash that took place refrained from taking tough action against environmentalist who closely follows urban ment can’t do anything about it. at Baldechaur in Badigad Rural local sources of pollution, they have also not environmental issues, including air pollu- “Controlling wildfires is beyond our juris- Municipality ward no. 10. “On declared a public health emergency as per a tion. “Therefore, according to the govern- diction. Other agencies are already doing it Wednesday, we arrested six government plan to deal with high levels of ment action plan, we are already in an air and the pollution level has come down slight- individuals (two from Gulmi and air pollution prepared earlier. pollution emergency.” ly today [on Wednesday],” said Joshi. “For four from Baglung) on charge of “Locally-generated pollution also causes The Kathmandu Valley’s Air Pollution cutting down long-term emissions, we have killing the two youths. harm. Forest fires and cross-border pollution Management Action Plan Tuladhar was been working on strategies to import better only intensify local pollution,” said Manjeet referred to was endorsed by the Cabinet last quality fuels and reduce pollution from brick Dhakal, an environmentalist and a climate year. It says that authorities can declare a kilns. Enforcing odd-even rules for vehicles Tiger found dead in change expert stressing the importance of public health emergency whenever AQI read- is also one of the measures that can be imple- Shuklaphanta curbing local pollution. ings exceed 300. mented if required.” KANCHANPUR: An adult tiger was Emissions from vehicles, industries, brick The Phora Durbar air quality monitoring But experts are not convinced. found dead in Shuklaphanta National kilns, burning of waste, and construction station has recorded over 300 AQI four times “Authorities can’t shrug their responsibili- Park on Tuesday. According to are the major sources of air pollution in since Friday, with the highest, 352, recorded ties by saying that nothing can be done about Rabin Chaudhary, assistant Kathmandu Valley. But despite soaring levels on Saturday. the pollution from wildfires,” said Dhakal. conservation officer at the park, of pollution, nothing much is being done to Even in January, when air quality had “The government has collected nearly Rs12 the tiger sustained deep injuries curb the generation of pollutants from these severely deteriorated in the Valley, crossing billion in pollution taxes which remain unu- around its neck. The carcass was sources to address the problem as authorities the AQI level of 300, authorities had not tilised,” said Dhakal. buried in the park area after conduct- blame the deteriorating air quality on forest announced an emergency. “We have been spending billions on buying ing a post mortem. The post mortem fires, which are beyond their control. “This is true for most rules, strategies, one fossil fuel, which only adds to the pollu- report showed that the tiger died due Since Friday last week, various parts of action plans, and policies that the govern- tion problem,” he said. “Over the years, we to injuries apparently caused by a the country, including Kathmandu Valley, ment prepares. Most of it is limited to paper,” haven’t worked towards cutting down the wire. It is suspected that the big cat remain blanketed in hazardous smoke that said Tuladhar. consumption of fossil fuel, but walked in the fell into a trap planted by the poacher emanated from wildfires across the country. However, officials deny that such plans opposite direction, constructing pipelines and sustained injuries in its bid to The capital city, at 1:45 pm on Wednesday even exist. “There aren’t any provisions that and shifting our focus from domestic sources free itself. afternoon, topped the list of the most pollut- call for declaring a health emergency,” said of pollution.”

C M Y K THURSDAY, APRIL 01, 2021 | 04 OPINION EDITORIAL Whatever happened to equity and inclusion? Be no fool We must start questioning the intention and integrity of those who govern us. It looks as if we are slowly turning into citizens of a republic of fools, in which our rulers are buffoons right from the executive head all the way down to the ward chairperson. Politicians have turned clowning around into a political art form, even a surviv- al tactic. In fact, buffoonery has become so quintessentially political that you start thinking that a leader who does not look like a joker is no leader at all. But the truth is, they are extremely clever people who know exactly how, in acting like buffoons, they can get away with their lies and propaganda. In the garb of buffoonery, political leaders are tampering with the constitution and rule of law for their petty political gains. And yet, we are willing to believe the fraudulent claims of the leaders and keep hoping that they will do the best for strengthening our democracy and nation. After SOURCE: STATE OF SOCIAL INCLUSION IN NEPAL, 2020 all, we have got used to being fed a daily dose of deceit, hypocri- Average annual household consumption per capita (NRs) by social group. sy and propaganda. politician-activist, Padma Ratna ness.’ egalitarian society without constantly Hannah Arendt was right on point when she wrote, in Crises That one group should Tuladhar, who later played Tweedledum There is no quibbling that both edi- striving to tackle the multifarious of the Republic, ‘Lies are often much more plausible, more to Dhungana’s Tweedledee as peace- tions of the constituent assembly were sources of inequity that forces one to appealing, than reason, than reality, because the liar has the progress so disproportionately makers, is cited by legal scholar Mara highly inclusive by far. That is as far as ask people like Sitaula and Nembang great advantage of knowing beforehand what the audience Malagodi as saying that ‘the constitu- we can agree with Nembang though. how they would explain the accompa- talks about the failure of the tion was supposed to reflect the aspira- The bulk of the constitution may have nying figure. wishes or expects to hear.’ When we get used to being fed falsity tions of the people, those aspirations been written ‘through a participatory The graph has been taken from the and mass propaganda day in and day out, we begin to internal- state-society compact. raised by People’s Movement’. But it process’ since there would be little dis- publication State of Social Inclusion in ise it as part of our lives so well that we have no objection to did not. As Malagodi concludes: ‘The agreement on issues such as universal- Nepal, one that seems to have attracted being deceived. question was how prepared were the ly accepted fundamental rights, or, by little attention despite its extreme rele- DEEPAK THAPA Nepali political leaders to do away with that time, the need for affirmative vance. It was produced by the It is not that we do not know we are being duped; it is just that ideological narratives established by action for the marginalised. But we Department of Anthropology at we resign to being conned because that is the most comfortable AS I LIKE thirty years of Panchayat regime.’ also remember very well that crucial Tribhuvan University, our premier cen- thing to do. Once we become adept at submitting to every falsity As we found out, not at all. Subhash decisions were the least participatory, tre of higher learning, and hence not we are fed, the road to totalitarian politics is pretty straightfor- Chandra Nembang, who headed both as that infamous spectacle back in May easy to brush aside as some ‘NGO pub- Constituent Assembly I and II, recalls 2012, just before the dissolution of the lication’ as is the government’s wont ward. Leading the fake news industry is the country’s prime that the feeling at the time was ‘no first constituent assembly, when the when faced with uncomfortable evi- minister, who still peddles pseudoscience about coronavirus amendments to this constitution was honourable members were forced to sit dence. The report uses data from the transmission and treatment even today. More than a leader lead- ‘The best constitution in the world’ necessary for the next 60 years. But around twiddling their thumbs even as Nepal Social Inclusion Survey conduct- ing the nation, the prime minister appears as a content creator were the words used to describe the with time some calls for reform were the cabal of top leaders peremptorily ed by the Department in 2012 and 2018 1990 constitution. In the fog of time, I made. Eventually, it was abolished by decided on everyone’s behalf what the to show how household consumption for social media. can be forgiven for a lapse in memory the people’. And replaced in 2007 by a way forward would be. patterns—as in expenditures on food, And alas, but for a few exceptions, mainstream media, which but I believe they were uttered by constitution that attempted to do pre- The same absence of a ‘participatory education, agriculture inputs, medi- has the single biggest responsibility to help people segregate Daman Nath Dhungana, one of the cisely what the 1990 version had not— process’ was repeated in the second cines, clothes, utilities, etc—had truth from falsity, has abdicated its role. The only guiding prin- drafters of the said document and the introduce a new national narrative constituent assembly as well with our changed over that period among the first speaker of the House of based on the idea of equality for all. elected representatives reduced to sim- country’s various population clusters. ciple of the media should be an unflinching adherence to truth. Representatives under it. Regardless of Together with the substantive amend- ply rubber-stamping whatever was We see that in aggregate Hill Bahuns On the contrary, the media tells us not what we need to know, who is given (dis)credit for that some- ments made following various social decided by that exclusive group. But have more than doubled their family but what it wants to tell us. And in doing so, it often dissemi- what fatuous assertion, we all know movements, the Interim Constitution that was between the party faithful and expenses, far in excess of any other nates useless information and shies away from telling the truth. that was what the constitution was can be considered a fair representation their leaders and if that is how they group. While one can take heart in the touted at the time. of, to borrow Tuladhar’s words, the wanted to roll, who are we to object? fact that there were none that And we, the people, take part unapologetically in the making of Of course, no one had gone around aspirations raised by the Second Objections certainly can be raised remained stagnant or, worse, regressed, the fake news industry. poring over constitutions from around People’s Movement. when we are repeatedly told to believe that one group should move ahead so The proliferation of a whole new ecosystem of fake news and the world with a list of quantifiable Nembang presided over a process the fiction that the constituent assem- disproportionately certainly points to propaganda, facilitated by the abundance of smart phones and indicators to measure where on a scale that finally gave us the present consti- bly was a deliberative body and that the the failure of the new state-society of ‘bestness’ each constitution lay. The tution after nearly a decade of uncer- constitution is a document par excel- compact supposedly heralded by post- the internet, has meant that for some, fake news looks like the claim to superlativeness was after all tainty, and which once again was pro- lence because it came out of an inclu- 2006 Nepal. only newsworthy thing there is. Social media has been the big- only an emotional outburst of relief. pelled immediately to the status of sive process. Even if we accept the argument that gest challenge in the dissemination of truth, as there is a flood Emerging from nearly a century and a ‘best constitution’. He explicates: ‘This Another stalwart of the ‘best consti- the constitution is a very inclusive of fake news doing the rounds of our mobile screens every day. half of autocratic rule by the Ranas constitution is important for two rea- tution’ brigade is Krishna Prasad one—and it is, to a large extent—there We are the vanguards of the hashtag generation that posts and then the Shahs, punctuated by a sons. First, the constitution was writ- Sitaula. A key member of that male-on- certainly seem to be other forces at 10-year chaotic free-for-all period, it ten by the representatives of the sover- ly club that decided our fate in 2015, it work aiming to undo its promises. It #PrayForNepal from inside our homes, comfortably numb with was enough that we had a constitution eign people…Second, the constituent was Sitaula who is said to have been takes a lifetime and more of dedication the misbelief that there is someone out there who will do all the that more than passed muster as a dem- assembly that made the constitution responsible for inserting that unneces- to ensure that the fruits of an inclusive leg work for us while we continue to complain about the system ocratic one, and people went all out in was inclusive in every way... the consti- sary clause that defined ‘secularism’ in democracy are shared by all. The likes that just does not work. At the risk of sounding pedantic, it extolling it. tution was written by an inclusive CA our context; and succeeded in under- of Sitaula and Nembang, and of Oli, Although not much publicised, those through a participatory process. We mining the very essence of secularism Deuba, Nepal, Dahal, Poudel and must be said: No, that is just not enough; we must come out and drafting the 1990 constitution were made attempts to reach a broader polit- itself. Although politically from the Khanal, appear to believe that with ask sharp, piercing questions about what our leaders and more than aware that they had failed ical consensus by holding extensive other side of the aisle as Nembang, their having delivered the constitution, administrators are doing on the ground to contain the inferno quite spectacularly in meeting the discussions throughout the course of Sitaula, too, is of the view that our con- with all its nods to inclusion, there is that is ravaging the country’s forests. We must stop being fooled expectations of those who wanted constitution writing. This enabled us to stitution has managed to resolve the no need to dwell further on the matter. structural changes that went much produce a constitution based on the problems of exclusion. It is due to this That certainly is not a formula for a any more and seriously start questioning the intention and deeper into the nature of both the principles of federal democratic repub- absolute conviction about the power of stable and conflict-free future for integrity of those who govern us. Nepali state and Nepali society. The licanism, secularism and inclusive- the constitution to magically create an Nepal.

The West’s crisis of academic freedom

being taught in public schools. exploiting it for political benefit. Politicians are increasingly In the UK, meanwhile, the govern- When the European Commission sued ment recently released a white Hungary in 2017 for infringing on aca- condemning research in paper—’Higher education: free speech demic freedom, it pointed to the fact and academic freedom’—that appears that Central European University academic fields that to call for radical restrictions of aca- (CEU) had been forced out of the coun- demic freedom in British universities. try. But the Hungarian government challenge their worldviews. In a truly Orwellian gesture, the gov- maintained that the EU had no juris- ernment wants to install a ‘Free diction, because there was no Speech and Academic Freedom European definition of academic free- LIVIU MATEI Champion’ in the Office for Students. dom—legal or otherwise—upon which While Prime Minister Boris Johnson to base its case. In the end, what probably won’t go so far as to appoint should have been a clear-cut a former military officer to the post, landmark case about academic free- he doubtless will choose someone with dom turned partly into a dispute strong partisan credentials. about the delivery of commercial ser- The crisis of academic freedom is vices under World Trade Organisation partly political and regulatory, featur- rules. A crisis of academic freedom is loom- ing threats and legal restrictions on For her part, Vidal justified her ing in Europe. Usually, when academic research and education. These are, in attack on universities not only with freedom comes under fire in the West, essence, attacks against the very political and legal arguments—name- people assume that it is a marginal notion of knowledge as a public good ly, that restrictions on some disci- issue, confined to countries like (though they are more disguised than plines are necessary to protect the Hungary that have become increas- is the case in countries like Turkey or rule of law and to prevent terrorism— ingly authoritarian. But an honest Russia). But there is also an intellectu- but also with her own tendentious reckoning would show that the prob- al dimension to the crisis, born of the definition of academic freedom. lem is far more widespread than absence of a shared understanding of Adopting a familiar tactic from the far Europeans and Americans would like how academic freedom should be right, the French government has to admit. adapted to the present. tried to package its assault on postco- Yes, things are bad in Prime Academic freedom is a global chal- lonial studies as a research project, as Minister Viktor Orbán’s Hungary, a lenge, but Europe has a particular if it is simply exercising academic European Union country where con- problem with it. In Europe, higher freedom for itself. By framing the stitutional protections for academic education has been transformed by the issue in this way, the government can freedom have been erased, gender creation of a European Higher pretend that it is not cracking down on studies has been denied accreditation Education Area, a process that started postcolonial studies for political rea- as an academic course, and a former in 1999. Currently comprising 49 coun- sons, but rather conducting its own army colonel has been appointed tries, the EHEA has created a common ‘study’ into the issue of ‘Islamo- chancellor of the Budapest University space for higher education with shared gauchisme.’ of Theatre and Film Arts. But consid- models and standards, intense There is a recent precedent for this er France, where Frédérique Vidal, exchanges, and joint regulations and strategy in the UK. In 2017, Chris the minister of higher education, institutions, which transcend national Heaton-Harris, a Conservative MP, research, and innovation, has accused jurisdictions and academic traditions. demanded that all major universities the country’s universities of promot- Yet, despite these remarkable in the country submit course syllabi ing ‘Islamo-gauchisme’ (Islamo- changes, the work of developing a and the names of any instructors leftism), and launched an investiga- shared concept of academic freedom, teaching their students about Brexit. tion into the entire academic field of suited to the present, has not kept up. In response to the inevitable backlash, postcolonial studies. Instead, academic freedom has simply his excuse was that he ‘was doing And the threat is not confined to the been neglected, with scant agreement research’ for a book. SHUTTERSTOCK EU. In both the United Kingdom and about what it even means. Whether Universities should not be political thus demands intellectual resistance, dom of research and education more long delay, initiatives to explore such the United States, which have long one looks to higher-education institutions. But protecting them from starting with an effort to develop a generally. questions are now underway. It is my represented the gold standard for aca- policies or within universities them- attack nonetheless requires political modern-day common understanding The question, of course, is what a profound hope that these efforts are demic freedom, lawmakers appear to selves, there simply is no shared defi- action, because academic freedom is a of the concept in Europe. Here, aca- pan-European concept of academic not coming too late. want to join ranks with Hungary’s nition of the concept, nor any com- political issue. The free and open pur- demics could profitably work with freedom might look like. Can we draw illiberal regime. In the US, Republican- mon recognition of why it is currently suit of knowledge as a public good is their allies in the European inspiration from the European tradi- Matei is Provost of Central European controlled state legislatures are draft- needed. necessary to the proper functioning of Parliament, where there has been tion of a rationalist, ‘colourblind’ University and Director of the Global ing bills to prevent ‘critical race theo- The enemies of academic freedom democracy. strong support for CEU in its struggles epistemology, or do we need new, more Observatory on Academic Freedom. ry’ and other academic fields from have profited from this vacuum, The crisis of academic freedom with the Orbán regime, and for free- sophisticated perspectives? After a — Project Syndicate

C M Y K 05 | THURSDAY, APRIL 01, 2021 MONEY

FOREX

US Dollar 117.28 Nepal’s economy on road to recovery, economists say Euro 137.49

Pound Sterling 161.56 As per the World Bank, the country is expected to achieve a growth rate of 2.7 percent this fiscal year.

Japanese Yen 10.60 SANGAM PRASAIN Chinese Yuan 17.90 KATHMANDU, MARCH 31

Qatari Riyal 32.21 In the last fiscal year 2019-20 ended Australian Dollar 89.31 mid-July, Nepal suffered the first eco- nomic contraction in 37 years as Malaysian Ringit 28.28 Covid-19 related social distancing measures and lockdowns paralysed Saudi Arab Riyal 31.27 the country. Exchange rates fixed by Nepal Rastra Bank A slow recovery in the ongoing fis- cal year 2020-21 is expected to boost the growth rate to 2.7 percent, backed Shares by a favourable monsoon and an opti- mistic outlook that the Covid-19 relat- Nepse 2,619.02pts 1.68% ed disruptions will fade and govern- ment relief spending will materialise, HIGHEST GAINERS a World Bank report released on MLBSL WOMI AIL SGI PICL UIC 9.97% 9.96% 9.96% 9.92% 9.08% 8.95% Wednesday said. As per the report entitled South MODERATE GAINERS HIDCL SMFBS GIC KSBBL GUFL EIC Asia Economic Focus Spring 2021: 8.8% 6.4% 5.88% 5.5% 5.49% 4.99% South Asia Vaccinates, Nepal would

MODERATE LOSERS recover gradually and achieve a MMFDB KKHC ICFCD83 SMFDB KPCL MHNL growth rate of 3.9 percent in 2021-22 -1.55% -1.6% -1.69% -1.72% -1.72% -1.86% and then 5.1 percent by 2022-23, based HIGHEST LOSERS on the baseline projections of a NICAP STC HURJA UMRH BNT RRHP successful domestic and global -1.96% -2.4% -2.59% -3.13% -3.19% -3.29% vaccination rollout and a gradual resumption of international tourism, which is expected to fully recover after two years. PRICE PER TOLA “There is a risk that political BULLION uncertainty, if prolonged, may under- mine investment sentiment,” the POST FILE PHOTO Fine Gold Rs 85,600 report said. According to the World Bank, industrial activities are likely to remain below pre-pandemic levels until early 2022-23. Another uncertainty in the way of Silver Rs 1,195 faster recovery of the Nepali economy tion and demand increases, we have could thwart Nepal’s plans to gradual- Natural disasters, such as the April first half of fiscal 2020-21 (mid-July is the new waves of Covid-19 infec- roughly projected Nepal’s economic ly open up to tourism. 2015 earthquake and recurring floods 2020 to mid-January 2021), growth SOURCE: FENEGOSIDA tions in neighbouring India. growth rate at 5 percent for this fiscal According to the Central Bureau of and landslides, and external develop- remained sluggish, given that tourism “Sources of risk to the outlook year,” said Hem Raj Regmi, deputy Statistics, in the fourth quarter of the ments, such as border closures, trade stalled and private investment was include possible new waves of Covid- director general of the Central Bureau last fiscal year 2019-20, the country’s disruptions and the recent pandemic, constrained by risk aversion and GASOLINE WATCH 19, as well as increased political uncer- of Statistics. economic growth rate, or output of depressed growth and impacted liveli- uncertainty. tainties, following the dissolution of “It’s mainly led by a growth in the the gross domestic product, plunged hoods, the report said. However, there were incipient signs Parliament’s lower house in December agriculture sector, which contributes 15.4 percent compared to the same While the lockdown impacted all of recovery in wholesale and retail 2020 and the Supreme Court’s 27 percent to the national economy.” period in 2018-19, which resulted in a sectors of the economy, they dispro- trade, transport and financial servic- February 2021 decision to reinstate According to Regmi, the manufac- year-on-year negative growth rate of portionately affected workers engaged es, as containment measures were it,” said the report which included turing and service sectors will see a 1.99 percent. in subsistence activities, who make up gradually eased. Subdued demand and activities till March 25, 2021. gradual recovery because of the sub- The annual growth rate went into over half of the country’s workforce. adequate food supply brought year-on- The government is yet to review the dued demand. “Our economy is on negative territory for the first time in International border restrictions year consumer price inflation to a growth forecast it had made initially. track,” he said. 37 years. In 1982-83, Nepal’s economic and economic downturns abroad also three-year low of 3.7 percent, the Even though the Nepali economy “A 5 percent growth sounds more growth rate had sunk to -2.97 percent, forced thousands of Nepali migrants report said. was clearly heading towards a reasonable to me,” said economist according to World Bank data. to return home, elevating the risk that Given modest levels of foreign catastrophe as the months-long lock- Biswo Poudel. “Except for transport This was the seventh negative many households who have relied on direct investment, external conces- down brought life to a standstill, con- and hospitality, the construction and growth rate Nepal had seen since the remittances and informal sector jobs sional loans financed the current founding experts who struggled to manufacturing industries have then Ministry of Economic Planning may fall back into poverty. account deficit. Official foreign make plausible predictions, the then revived. Imports and tax collection started compiling the National A nationwide lockdown from exchange reserves reached $11.3 bil- finance minister Yuba Raj Khatiwada have returned to normal, and it’s a Accounts Statistics in 1961-62. March-July 2020 impacted economic lion by mid-January 2021—equivalent had set a highly ambitious growth sign that the economy is getting back According to the World Bank, activity in the last four months of to 11.3 months of imports. target of 7 percent. on track,” Poudel told the Post. industrial activities are likely to 2019-20. As a result, output contracted A recent World Bank Covid moni- Nepal imposed a complete lockdown Last week, Nepal eased travel rules remain below pre-pandemic levels by an estimated 1.9 percent in the last toring survey suggests that the pan- on March 24, a decision the govern- removing the quarantine requirement until early 2022-23. fiscal year. Wholesale and retail trade, demic-related economic slowdown ment made after finding only the sec- for foreign tourists. Economists say Nepal’s growth averaged 4.9 percent tourism, transport and associated ser- had a major impact on jobs and ond Covid case in the country. that the move will help the country’s over the fiscal years 2008-09 to 2018-19, vices such as hotels and restaurants— incomes, with more than two in five “It’s still uncertain. But given that tourism to recover to some extent. supported by remittance inflows but which are all important drivers of economically active workers report- Nepal will not witness the new waves But the World Bank has warned constrained by structural vulnerabili- growth—were particularly impacted. ing a job loss or prolonged work of Covid-19 infections, and consump- that the new variants of the virus ties and periodic shocks. The World Bank said that in the absence in 2020. Billion dollars for every Biden to tax businesses to build infrastructure

ASSOCIATED PRESS makers. Biden hopes to pass an clean electricity. Homes would chip-maker who ‘makes in India’ WASHINGTON, MARCH 31 infrastructure plan by summer, get retrofitted, schools modernized, which could mean relying solely on workers trained and hospitals REUTERS President Joe Biden wants $2 tril- the slim Democratic majorities in renovated under the plan, which NEW DELHI, MARCH 31 lion to reengineer America’s infra- the House and the Senate. also seeks to strengthen US India wants to set up structure and expects the nation’s The White House says the largest manufacturing. India is offering more than $1 billion in corporations to pay for it. chunk of the proposal includes $621 The new construction could keep cash to each semiconductor company reliable suppliers for The president travels to billion for roads, bridges, public the economy running hot, coming that sets up manufacturing units in the its electronics and Pittsburgh on Wednesday to unveil transit, electric vehicle charging on the heels of Biden’s $1.9 trillion country as it seeks to build on its what would be a hard-hatted trans- stations and other transportation coronavirus relief package—econo- smartphone assembly industry and telecom industry to cut formation of the US economy as infrastructure. The spending would mists already estimate it could push strengthen its electronics supply chain, two grand in scale as the New Deal or push the country away from inter- growth above 6 percent this year. officials said. dependence on China. Great Society programmes that nal combustion engines that the Separately, Biden will propose in Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s shaped the 20th century. auto industry views as an increas- the coming weeks a series of soft ‘Make in India’ drive has helped to turn White House officials say the AP/RSS ingly antiquated technology. infrastructure investments in child India into the world’s second-biggest India in December invited an “expres- spending over eight years would US President Joe Biden Another $111 billion would go to care, family tax credits and other mobile manufacturer after China. New sion of interest” from chipmakers for generate millions of new jobs as the replace lead water pipes and domestic programmes, another Delhi believes it is time for chip companies setting up fabrication units in the country shifts away from fossil 2019. The city famed for steel mills upgrade sewers. Broadband inter- expenditure of roughly $2 trillion to set up in the country. country or for the acquisition of such man- fuels and combats the perils of cli- that powered America’s industrial net would blanket the country for to be paid for by tax hikes on “The government will give cash incen- ufacturing units overseas by an Indian mate change. It is also an effort to rise has steadily pivoted toward $100 billion. wealthy individuals and families, tives of more than $1 billion to each compa- company or consortium. compete against the technology and technology and health care, draw- Separately, $100 billion would according to people familiar with ny which will set up chip fabrication units,” The government extended the last date public investments made by China, ing in college graduates from west- upgrade the power grid to deliver the proposal. a senior government official told Reuters, of submission for that expression of inter- the world’s second-largest economy ern Pennsylvania in declining to be named as he was not author- est to end-March from January 31, given and fast gaining on the United a sign of how econo- ised to speak with media. the level of industry demand, the govern- States’ dominant position. mies can change. “We’re assuring them that the govern- ment source said. White House press secretary Jen The Democratic ment will be a buyer and there will A consortium of investors led by Abu Psaki said the plan is “about mak- president’s infra- also be mandates in the private market Dhabi-based fund Next Orbit Ventures has ing an investment in America—not structure projects [for companies to buy locally-made chips].” shown interest in setting up in India, an just modernizing our roads or rail- would be financed How to disburse the cash incentives has auto industry source said. ways or bridges but building an by higher corporate yet to be decided and the government has Next Orbit did not respond to a request infrastructure of the future.” taxes—a trade-off asked the industry for feedback, said a sec- for comment. Biden’s choice of Pittsburgh for that could lead to ond government source, who also declined A shortage of chips is holding back unveiling the plan carries impor- fierce resistance to be identified. India’s auto sector just when it sees early tant economic and political reso- from the business Governments across the world are signs of a recovery in demand after nance. He not only won Pittsburgh community and subsidising the construction of semicon- sales plunged in 2020 because of the and its surrounding county to help thwart any attempts ductor plants as chip shortages hobble pandemic. secure the presidency, but he to work with the auto and electronics industries and Indian technology ministry officials met launched his campaign there in Republicans law- highlight the world’s dependence on executives from the Society of Indian Taiwan for supplies. Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM), a lead- India also wants to establish reliable ing auto industry body, earlier this year to suppliers for its electronics and telecom assess car makers’ demand for chips, three industry to cut dependence on China fol- auto industry sources said on condition lowing border skirmishes last year. of anonymity. Chips made locally will be designated as The government estimates it would cost “trusted sources” and can be used in prod- roughly $5-$7 billion to set up a chip fabri- ucts ranging from CCTV cameras to 5G cation unit in India and take 2-3 years after equipment, the first source said. all the approvals are in place, one of the But the sources did not say whether par- auto industry sources said. ticular semiconductor companies have The source added that New Delhi is shown interest in setting up units in India. willing to offer companies concessions, India’s technology ministry did not including waivers on customs duty, respond to a request for comment. research and development expenses and India has previously tried to woo semi- interest free loans. conductor players but firms were deterred by India’s wobbly infrastructure, unstable power supply, bureaucracy and poor planning. The renewed government push to lure chipmakers is more likely to succeed, fol- lowing the success of the smartphone industry, industry insiders say. Moreover, Indian con- glomerates, such as the Tata Group, have also expressed interest in mov- ing into electronics and high-tech manufacturing.

C M Y K THURSDAY, APRIL 01, 2021 | 06 WORLD BioNTech-Pfizer WHO experts say vaccine 100 percent China criticises Covid-19 probe Chinese jabs show effective on 12-15 critics as Europe reels from surges ‘safety’, but data is year olds, study says As governments bicker and point fingers over its origins, virus spikes again in many parts of world, including Europe. still lacking AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE BERLIN, MARCH 31 AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE GENEVA, MARCH 31 BEIJING, MARCH 31 BioNTech-Pfizer said on Wednesday WHO vaccine experts said on their vaccine showed 100 percent effi- China on Wednesday slammed Wednesday that an interim analysis cacy against the coronavirus in 12 to “unethical” critics as it faced mount- of clinical trial data from two Chinese 15 year olds, as they eye approval for ing pressure over origins of the Covid- Covid-19 vaccines showed they demon- adolescents to get the jabs before the 19 pandemic, after the World Health strated “safety and good efficacy”, but next school year. Organization chief revived the theory that more data was needed. Phase 3 trials carried out on 2,260 that the coronavirus may have leaked The Chinese firms Sinovac and adolescents in the United States from a Chinese lab. Sinopharm, whose Covid jabs are “demonstrated 100 percent efficacy WHO-backed experts had judged it already being used in several coun- and robust antibody responses”, the “extremely unlikely” that the virus tries, have submitted data in applica- companies said in a statement. was leaked from a Chinese lab after a tions for the World Health “We plan to submit these data to (US politically sensitive mission to the Organization’s emergency use listing regulator) FDA as a proposed amend- ground-zero city of Wuhan, but the (EUL) green light. ment to our Emergency Use UN body’s boss stressed Tuesday that The UN health agency’s Strategic Authorisation in the coming weeks “all hypotheses are open” and “war- Advisory Group of Experts on and to other regulators around the rant complete and further studies”. Immunization (SAGE) said it had world, with the hope of starting to The United States also led a chorus reviewed the data provided so far, and vaccinate this age group before the of concern over the findings, with that both vaccines “demonstrated start of the next school year,” said China riled by swirling accusations safety and good efficacy against symp- Pfizer chief executive Albert Bourla. that it failed to give proper access and tomatic Covid-19 disease”. Chief executive of German compa- data to the investigators. However, it warned, “both vaccines ny BioNTech said the results showing “This practice of politicising lacked data in older age groups and in high protection for teens were “very the search for the origins of the virus persons with co-morbidities,” mean- encouraging given the trends we have is extremely unethical,” Chinese for- ing other medical conditions. seen in recent weeks regarding the eign ministry spokeswoman Hua “Post-introduction vaccine effec- spread of the B.1.1.7 UK variant”. Chunying said at a press briefing, tiveness and safety studies will be The BioNTech/Pfizer shot is based stressing that full access was granted needed to address the impact on those on novel mRNA technology and was to the Wuhan lab. sub-populations,” SAGE said in a list the first Covid-19 vaccine to be China was not mentioned directly of highlights published after a approved in the West late last year. by WHO chief Tedros Adhanom meeting last week to discuss develop- Both the United States and the Ghebreyesus or in the statement by AP/RSS ments on vaccines against a range European Union have approved its use the United States and its 13 allies, but Liang Wannian, Chinese co-leader of the joint China-WHO investigation into the origins of Covid-19 pandemic, listens to a journalist’s question of diseases. for people aged 16 and above. Beijing hit back, saying it had demon- at a press conference in Beijing on Wednesday. The two vaccines are among four Since then, it has been used in mil- strated “its openness, transparency homegrown jabs that have been lions of adults in more than 65 coun- and responsible attitude”. momentum in many countries. third wave of cases, with a debate rag- concerns grew over the glacial pace of approved by Chinese regulators so far, tries. A real world study involving 1.2 The WHO team “expressed the diffi- Daily new cases have doubled to ing nationwide on how to control the vaccinations in the country. but SAGE pointed out that neither had million people in Israel found it to be culties they encountered in accessing around 40,000 in France, and hospitals surge while minimising the economic In addition to the economic devasta- yet received authorisation by what the 94 percent effective. raw data”, Tedros said. in infection hotspots such as Paris and social impact of restrictions. tion, the pandemic has also rolled WHO considers “a stringent regulato- With the world scrambling to inocu- China was slammed last year by have been overwhelmed, building Authorities in Tuebingen near back years of progress towards gen- ry authority”. late, BioNTech said Tuesday it was on former US president Donald Trump, pressure on Macron to respond. Stuttgart are trying to keep the histor- der equality, according to a report SAGE, which advises the WHO on track to manufacture 2.5 billion doses who had promoted the theory that the His prime-time television address ic university city open by offering free released Wednesday. immunisation policies, said it would of its vaccine this year. virus could have leaked from the on Wednesday will follow a weekly coronavirus tests—anyone with a neg- Studies have shown that the Covid- hold off on issuing recommendations The higher output was driven by the Wuhan Institute of Virology and meeting of top ministers, with several ative result can enjoy a day of shop- 19 pandemic has had a disproportion- for how the two Chinese vaccines recent launch of a new production site accused Beijing of not being transpar- anti-virus options reportedly under ping, culture or outdoor dining. ate impact on women, who have lost should best be used until after in the German city of Marburg, which ent about the initial outbreak. consideration including a much-re- “I think it’s long overdue that peo- jobs at a higher rate than men, and another expert panel rules on their is now one of the world’s largest Beijing has rejected the allegations. sisted national lockdown. ple consider strategies other than just had to take on much more of the EUL applications. mRNA vaccine manufacturing plants, As governments bicker and point There are similar surges elsewhere closing everything,” said Kathrin, 33, extra childcare burden when schools An emergency use listing by the it said. The vaccine is also being pro- fingers over its origins, the virus has in Europe, forcing governments to who was visiting a shop in the city. closed, according to the World World Heatlh Organization paves the duced at a Pfizer plant in Belgium and spiked again in many parts of the reimpose unpopular restrictions. While countries race to try and Economic Forum’s annual Global way for countries worldwide to quick- at three sites in the United States. world, including Europe, where Italy on Tuesday said it would speed up vaccine rollouts, seen as cru- Gender Gap Report. ly approve and import a vaccine for BioNTech said improved efficiency French President Emmanuel Macron impose a five-day quarantine on trav- cial to defeating Covid-19, many are The pandemic’s impact on the world distribution. and new cooperation agreements with will address the nation to respond to ellers arriving from other EU coun- battling supply scarcity and logistical of entertainment was also brought It also opens the door for the jabs outside partners had also helped lift criticism that he has let Covid-19 run tries, while Germany will beef up challenges. Australian Prime Minister into focus Tuesday as it emerged that to enter the Covax global vaccine-shar- its vaccine target, as had the regulato- out of control. checks along land borders to ensure Scott Morrison admitted Wednesday next month’s Oscars ceremony will ing scheme, which aims to provide ry nod allowing vaccinators to extract The known global Covid-19 death people arriving have negative that the country will fall well short of include venues in Britain and France equitable access to doses around six instead of just five doses from a toll has exceeded 2.8 million, and the Covid-19 tests. its initial target of jabbing four mil- for international nominees unable to the world and particularly in poorer single BioNTech/Pfizer vial. virus has gained fresh, devastating Germany is scrambling to contain a lion people by the end of March, as travel to the United States. countries. Myanmar’s Suu Sharp rise in destruction Kyi in good health, lawyer says of virgin forest in 2020

AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE YANGON, MARCH 31

Myanmar’s ousted civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi appears in good health despite two months of deten- tion, her legal team said Wednesday as diplomatic pressure on the military junta ramped up. Daily protests demanding the resto- ration of the elected government have been met with a crackdown that has left more than 520 civilians dead in the weeks since the February 1 coup. The junta’s violent response has triggered international condemna- tion—and threats of retaliation from some of Myanmar’s myriad ethnic armed groups. The US State Department ordered AFP/RSS the departure of non-essential diplo- This August 1, 2020 photo shows an aerial view of large-scale forest fires in Brazil. matic staff and their families from Myanmar, and Japan—a top AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE But researchers said there was little donor to the country—halted new PARIS, MARCH 31 sign that the pandemic had changed aid payments. the trajectory of forest destruction The 75-year-old Suu Kyi has not An area of pristine rainforest the and warned that the worst could be been seen in public since she was size of the Netherlands was burned still to come if countries slash protec- deposed by the military and detained or hacked down last year, as the tions in an attempt to ramp up eco- in the early hours of February 1. destruction of the planet’s tropical nomic growth. But a member of her legal team, forests accelerated despite a global But Seymour said the most “omi- Min Min Soe, was summoned economic slowdown, according to nous signal” from the 2020 data is the to a police station in the capital research on Wednesday. instances of forests themselves falling Naypyidaw for a video meeting with The worst losses were in Brazil, victim to climate change. her on Wednesday. three times higher than the next high- “I mean, wetlands are burning,” she Suu Kyi is facing a raft of criminal est country, the Democratic Republic said in a press briefing. charges and conviction could see her of Congo, according to a report “Nature has been whispering this barred from political office for life. from Global Forest Watch based on risk to us for a long time. But now she “The physical situation of DASSK satellite data. is shouting.” (Suu Kyi) seemed good according to Across the tropics, the study regis- Plants—especially in the tropics— her appearance on video screen,” her tered the destruction in 2020 of 4.2 and soil comprise an enormous car- legal team said in a statement. million hectares (10.4 million acres) of bon sink, sucking up roughly a third Suu Kyi noted that during the meet- primary forest—12 percent higher of all the carbon pollution humans ing, police officers remained at the than the year before. produce annually. lawyer’s side, and guards monitored Ecosystems straddling the equator Yet tropical forests continue to her at her end, the statement said, shelter abundant biodiversity and disappear rapidly, threatening adding that the Nobel laureate had store vast amounts of carbon. irreparable losses to Earth’s crucial asked whether this was legal. In total, the tropics lost 12.2 million biodiversity. She faces a court hearing on hectares of tree cover—including for- Researchers conducting the study Thursday, though another of her law- ests and plantations—last year, driven said the destruction of tropical prima- yers, Khin Maung Zaw, said it was largely by agriculture. ry forests in 2020 released 2.64 billion likely to be fairly brief and deal with But researchers said extreme heat tonnes of CO2 in 2020. administrative matters. and drought also stoked huge fires The figure is equal to the annual The junta is also probing Suu Kyi that consumed swathes of forest emissions of India or 570 million cars, over allegations she took payments of across Australia, Siberia and deep more than double the number on the gold and $600,000 in cash, but Khin into the Amazon. road in the United States. Maung Zaw said these were not likely These losses are a “climate emer- “The longer we wait to stop deforest- to become formal charges at this stage. gency. They’re a biodiversity crisis, a ation, and get other sectors on to net The US said it had decided to pull its humanitarian disaster, and a loss of zero trajectories, the more likely it is staff out of the country to protect economic opportunity”, said Frances that our natural carbon sinks will go their safety and security. Seymour of the World Resources up in smoke,” Seymour said. World powers have repeatedly Institute, which is behind the report. Brazil, where far-right President condemned the violent crackdown The study found some evidence that Jair Bolsonaro has cut funding on dissent and hit top junta figures Covid-19 restrictions may have had an for environmental programmes and with sanctions. effect around the world—with an pushed to open protected Amazon Japan has halted new aid to the increase in illegal harvesting because lands to agribusiness and mining, lost country, according to the country’s forests were left less protected, or the 1.7 million hectares of primary forest foreign minister, but stopped short of return of large numbers of people to in 2020, an increase of 25 percent imposing sanctions. rural areas. from 2019, the report said.

C M Y K 07 | THURSDAY, APRIL 01, 2021 SPORTS | MEDLEY Belgium reserves impress coach Martinez What will a radically With Courtois, Bruyne, Lukaku and Mertens rested, the second-string Red Devils side make mark hitting eight past Belarus. reformed Champions REUTERS LEUVEN, MARCH 31 League look like? Coach Roberto Martinez was delighted with the performance of his sec- AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE the additional berths will go to. ond-string Belgian side on Tuesday after PARIS, MARCH 31 British newspaper The Times their 8-0 thrashing of Belarus in a 2022 reported that two extra spots will World Cup qualifier emphasised the Plans to radically reform the go to the clubs with the best coef- depth of talent in the country. UEFA Champions League are set ficient who fail to qualify via With the likes of Thibaut Courtois, to be confirmed in April, despite domestic competitions but have Kevin De Bruyne, Romelu Lukaku a delay caused by certain leading qualified for the second-tier and Dries Mertens given the night European clubs looking for more Europa League. off, Belgium’s reserves were given say over commercial rights. However European Leagues, a the chance to impress and did not An announcement had been body representing the interests disappoint. expected at an executive commit- of clubs and leagues in 30 coun- “I changed a lot of positions but the tee meeting of European foot- tries, is against places being continuity and stability stayed,” said a ball’s governing body on attributed on historical merit and beaming Martinez after the win at Den Wednesday, but UEFA said no offi- insists the make-up of European Dreef in Leuven. “It was great to see cial decision would be taken competitions “should reflect some of them taking the responsibility before April 19. A statement late the current state of domestic and playing a decisive role.” on Tuesday from the powerful competition”. Leandro Trossard and Hans Vanaken European Club Association France, which is Europe’s fifth- both had doubles while Michy Batshuayi, AP/RSS (ECA) revealed it had been behind ranked nation but currently only Christian Benteke, Jeremy Doku and Six different players got on the scoresheet against Belarus helping Belgium top Group E with seven points after second victory in three games. the setback. has two guaranteed places in the Denis Praet also got on the scoresheet to The ECA, whose chairman is group stage, should get an extra give Belgium second Group E win. Gareth Bale. The Welsh have three held to a 3-3 draw at home by Latvia. They are level on seven points from Andrea Agnelli, also the chair- spot. They were held 1-1 by the Czechs at the points. Turkey had beaten the Dutch and three games with Serbia for whom man of Juventus, said it “unani- weekend. Both sides ended with 10 men after Norway in superb fashion to lead the Aleksandar Mitrovic scored both mously agreed that it was not yet The ‘Swiss system’ “It is important that we have different Patrik Schick saw red for the Czechs just group but came unstuck as Davis goals in a 2-1 win away to Azerbaijan. in a position to formally endorse The plans will see a complete players who can help the team. Fresh after halftime, while Connor Roberts Ikaunieks scored late on for Latvia to He has already scored five goals in the key changes... for the period post overhaul of how the group stage blood is a must if you want to achieve was sent off for the hosts shortly before deny the hosts a third consecutive win. campaign. 2024 in isolation”. works. Teams will all be placed success. With just 11 players you won’t the winning goal. Luxembourg, who stunned Ireland 1-0 Croatia laboured to a 3-0 win at home “If European football is to meet into one giant pool and will each become European champion.” The Netherlands also earned a big at the weekend in Group A, looked to be to Malta with second-half substitutes the challenges it currently faces,” play 10 games in a so-called ‘Swiss Tuesday’s match was the last competi- rout in Europe crashing seven past on course for another sensational result Ivan Perisic, Luka Modric and Josip the statement added, “the founda- system’ more commonly associat- tive outing for Belgium, the world’s top Gibraltar in Group G. when they took the lead against Portugal Brekalo scoring to put the 2018 World tions for ECA and UEFA’s future ed with chess. ranked team, until they kick off their Only Steven Berghuis’s goal separated thanks to a goal by Portuguese-born Cup runners-up top of Group H. relationship also need to be given For the draw clubs will be split Euro 2020 campaign against Russia in St the sides at halftime but Luuk de Jong, Gerson Rodrigues on the half hour Croatia have six points from three due consideration at the same into four pots of nine based on Petersburg on June 12. Memphis Depay, Georginio Wijnaldum mark. games, ahead of Russia on goal differ- time.” UEFA coefficients. Teams will “What we learned puts us in the right and Donyell Malen all scored in quick But Diogo Jota headed an equaliser in ence after they lost 2-1 to Slovakia for According to sources close to play against 10 different sides, direction for the Euros,” Martinez succession before Donny van de Beek the second minute of added time at the whom Robert Mak struck the winner in the negotiations, certain leading with five games at home and five added. added a sixth and Depay got his end of the first half and Cristiano the 74th minute. clubs want greater control of away. At the end of this phase, the Belgium top the group with seven second to give the Dutch their biggest Ronaldo put his side ahead early in the In Group G, Norway earned a 1-0 win UEFA Club Competitions (UCC), top eight sides will go through to points from three games, three points away win since a 7-0 success over San second half. away to Montenegro with Alexander the subsidiary company which the last 16, with the bottom 12 ahead of the Czech Republic who fell to a Marino in 1993. Substitute Joao Palhinha sealed the Sorloth scoring the first-half winner to advises UEFA itself on commer- eliminated. 1-0 defeat in Wales after Daniel James The Netherlands have six points, one win in the 80th minute as Portugal move them to six points, level with cial matters. Half of the board Meanwhile the sides finishing headed a late winner from a cross by behind Turkey who were surprisingly moved top of the section. Montenegro and the Netherlands. members of UCC are appointed between ninth and 24th position by UEFA. The other half are will play two-legged play-offs, appointed by the ECA. with those between ninth and The current protocol defining 16th drawn against a side finish- the relationship between the ECA ing from 17th to 24th. The win- and UEFA is also set for renewal ners of those ties will complete Forum launches academy for sports journalists in 2024, hence the sticking point. the last-16 line-up, with the losers However, plans for what the dropping into the Europa League. reformed version of European SPORTS BUREAU focusing on technical aspects of the and with the All Nepal Football said Silwal at the Academy launching football’s elite club competition— Crucially, more matches KATHMANDU, MARCH 31 game. Association for training programmes in ceremony. supposed to stave off the threat of At the heart of the reforms is the According to NSJF, the umbrella the seven provinces of the country. “As per the rule, sports associations a breakaway Super League—will desire to play more games, stated Nepal Sports Journalists Forum on organisation of sports journalists, they need to submit their audit reports by look like are already an open explicitly by Agnelli earlier this Wednesday formally launched the NSJF would begin the series with volleyball Inactive sports associations mid-January, but many have not submit- secret. year. “It is our strong view that Academy with an aim to enhance the beginning on Thursday. will be scrapped, Silwal says ted them until now,” he said, urging the This is how things are set to more European matches are wel- professional quality of sports journal- “The series will run throughout the National Sports Council (NSC) member associations to provide the details of change: come,” the ECA and Juventus ists across the country. year and give multiple benefits to sports secretary Ramesh Kumar Silwal has income, expenses and bring out an supremo has insisted. According to Niranjan Adhikari, the associations. First, media persons would warned that passive sports associations action plan so that the NSC could sup- More clubs This system certainly offers NSJF vice president and academy coor- get in-depth knowledge of the game and existing only in documents will be port them. He also pledged support to the The changes are essentially all that. Each team will play 10 group dinator, they will focus on three major that would enable them to present news scrapped. NSJF academy. about creating a new format for games instead of six, meaning an areas including training, research and analytically as well as get more media Referring to a news article published Minister for Youth and Sports Dawa the group stage, replacing the overall explosion of the number mentorship programme for sports coverage rather than being limited to by the Post entitled ‘Nepal barely plays said the Academy would be useful for existing structure in place since of matches, with 180 in the group reporters. The academy has also opened win or defeat,” said NSJF president 50 different sports, but hosts nearly 200 qualitative growth of sports journalists 2003. At the moment 32 clubs stage instead of the current 96. registration for mentorship programmes Durga Nath Subedi. sports associations,’ Silwal said it is and the ministry was ready to help. enter the group stage and are The knockout stage remains for its members. The launching ceremony was attend- indeed correct and the NSC would not Sports Ministry secretary Kedar split into eight groups of four untouched, but the addition of a The academy has announced to hold ed by office bearers of the major sports spare such associations. Neupane pointed out that Nepal’s sports teams, who play each other home play-off round at the end of the at least sports reporting training and associations, National Sports Council, “Such associations which exist only journalism lacks analytical content and and away with the top two in each group phase means the total num- workshops in all seven provinces of Nepal Olympic Committee and a few for foreign visits, which do not produce the academy would contribute to devel- group advancing to the last 16. ber of matches in the competition the country within a year and start the corporate houses. coaches, players, do not have playing oping expertise. Nepal Olympic It is understood the plans will will sky-rocket from 125 to 225. know-your-game series promptly. The academy also announced that it infrastructure and do not organise com- Committee president Jeevan Ram see the number of teams in the A team reaching the final will The series will be organised together has reached an agreement with the petitions are useless. It is better that Shrestha said the Academy would bene- group stage increase to 36, with have to play at least 17 games with respective sports organisations Centre for Media Research for training such associations die rather than live,” fit the whole Nepali sports sector. discussions ongoing about who compared to the current 13. HOROSCOPE ARIES (March 21-April 19) *** CANCER (June 22-July 22) **** LIBRA (September 23-October 22) *** CAPRICORN (December 22-January 19) *** Today’s moon will wander through your It’s your turn to be unapologetically bold, Both the sun and your flirtatious planetary Are you ready for that heart-to-heart conversa- thrill-seeking ninth house of adventure, expan- Cancer. This is especially true and fully sup- ruler, Venus, continue to dazzle your seventh tion, Capricorn? The moon governs your sev- sion, faith, and unknown territory—evoking ported by luscious Venus amidst her transit house of committed partnerships, significant enth house of one-on-one relationships, signifi- your innate longing for excitement and exhila- through your ambitious tenth house of career, others, and interpersonal connections, high- cant others, and interpersonal connections. rating experience. legacy, reputation, and authority. lighting everything from your ability to com- promise to your most prominent unions.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20) *** LEO (July 23-August 22) **** SCORPIO (October 23-November 21) **** AQUARIUS (January 20-February 18) *** Feelings are intense, Taurus. Your harmo- Sometimes, all you need to do is take a leap of You can find romance where you least expect it, Single? Grabbing drinks with your besties, or ny-seeking planetary ruler, Venus, continues to faith, Leo. Today’s moon will illuminate your Scorpio. Venus is frolicking through your perhaps taking a chance on someone you met roam through your mysterious twelfth house of romantic fifth house of love, passion, affection, responsible sixth house of health, daily duties, online wouldn’t be a bad idea, Aquarius. closure, dreams, karma, clandestine affairs, and and self-expression, bringing emotional empha- and acts of service, bringing charm and harmo- all things behind the scenes. sis and intuitive clarity to themes surrounding a ny to everything from your work routine to your potential love story. day-to-day activities.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21) *** VIRGO (August 23-September 22) *** SAGITTARIUS (November 22-December 21) *** PISCES (February 19-March 20) *** Lady Venus makes a harmonious alignment Relationships are a work in progress, Virgo. *** You’re focusing on your stability and abun- with the North Node in your sign today, encour- Both the sun and Venus continue to energize Don’t be afraid to wear your heart on your dance, Pisces. But by no means is this insinuat- aging you to stand your ground and embrace and harmonize your eighth house of intimacy, sleeve, Sagittarius. With today’s moon sailing ing a love drought. Today’s moon hovering over your freedom—especially when it comes to your mergers, shared resources, and soulmate con- through your sign, you’re much more in tune your career-driven tenth house of ambition, self-worth and romantic partnerships. nections, highlighting everything from your with your feels and unconscious mind. legacy, and public persona. desire for connection. CROSSWORD SUDOKU

YESTERDAY’S SOLUTION

C M Y K THURSDAY, APRIL 01, 2021 | 08 CULTURE & LIFESTYLE (C.R.P.D.) - 3/052/053 Still spoken in whispers: The obstacles to opening up about menstrual experiences A woman’s menstrual cycle is the most normal reality of her life, but menstruation health and hygiene are still treated as a taboo subject.

SRIZU BAJRACHARYA A few years back, Sapkota found KATHMANDU herself shaken to the reality of how women saw and experienced ushed steps and their menstruation in Province 5 hushed whispers are during one of her menstrual how Munu Maya health and hygiene advocacy pro- Sherpa remembers grammes. “The women there most of her early believed that undergarments period days as, in her themselves were a menstrual Rvillage Baluwapatti Deupur, in product used for periods. And Kavrepalanchok. Approaching many women shared it among puberty felt frightening and con- themselves, and as a result, they fusing, she says. all had gonorrhoea,” says Sapkota. “I remember how I used to “Menstruation hygiene still hurry down to the riverside to remains a big problem because we wash my menstrual clothing have not been able to open up dis- because we were told no one course around menstruation: the should see us washing or drying problem is its education still it. There were no sanitary pads in remains a private issue.” our days; we used old clothes and For women across the country, held the cloth together with our communicating about menstrual patuki, which we wrapped around cramps or asking for leave due to our stomach,” says Sherpa, who menstrual pain is still awkward. works as a domestic helper in “We may assume that in an edu- Lalitpur. cated setting, communication Sherpa stepped into puberty around menstruation would be with little knowledge of why men- easier, but sadly no one really struation happens, she says, aside understands what a woman goes from her mother privately explain- through during her menstruation. ing to her that it was a sign she Toilets will not have water or even had become an adult and the dustbins and during urgency, monthly cycle would happen every there will be no menstrual pads, month. “It was an uncomfortable so the acceptance is only a decep- subject to bring up among friends tion. We have a long way to go,” too,” she says. says Jha. Years later, it was her young And because conversations daughter who introduced her to around menstruation, even among the how-tos of using a sanitary women, have not opened up, the pad or absorbent clothing and the challenges transman and intersex menstrual hygiene she should fol- people go through is double, says low during periods. Sudeep Gautam, a transmen activ- But Sherpa is not the only ist. “You wouldn’t expect a society woman who is uncomfortable who doesn’t understand women’s speaking about her experiences of menstruation to understand what menstruation. She is not the only menstruating means for a trans- woman who has felt the need to man. We as a society have not even cover menstrual pads in a piece of come close to addressing our a newspaper when getting a pack- issues, from products related to et from a medical shop. And she is menstruation to understanding not alone in feeling guilty, even our menstrual health, no one has ashamed, for going through her really made an effort to think of monthly cycle. what we go through,” says Although a woman’s menstrua- Gautam. tion cycle is the most normal real- Gautam today has already had ity of her life, society around her, his ovary surgery meaning he no just as she is, has remained mostly longer menstruates, however, the apprehensive and quiet about reality of menstruation for others their monthly vaginal bleeding. in his community is still a And as a consequence, speaking hard-hitting reality that forces around menstruation has not been them to see that society has not an easy conversation. This accepted them. silenced culture has eminently PHOTO COURTESY: RASHANA BAJRACHARYA “Even hospital caregivers don’t contributed to how women see Through her 2018 artwork ‘Purity of Impurity’, artist Rashana Bajracharya confronted the idea of ‘purity’ that surrounds the topic of menstruation. understand our problems when their natural cycle. we tell them we have menstrual “Menstruation conversations cant to me because all our lives something embarrassing, unclean cramps. Although I don’t menstru- still fluster people: it’s awkward, women are made to feel embar- that needed rinsing off for puri- ate today, the awareness that uncomfortable and an experience rassed about their menstruation ty,” says Sherpa, remembering the transmen also menstruate is very people are reluctant to discuss,” when it is nothing to be ashamed insights the women in the family minimal. And so it is difficult to says Durga Sapkota, a youth of,” she says. shared discreetly with each other. reveal our problems as their preju- health advocate and co-founder of “But even yet, I find myself bar- “The instructions that I was dice is visible,” says Ghimire. Youth-led Sexual and Reproductive ring myself from visiting temples given were more about what we “If a trans man needs to change Health Rights Advocacy Nepal. during my period. If I do, then I shouldn’t do during periods, like their menstrual pads they cannot “In urban settings, we find that think it will affect my family. Such we shouldn’t go to religious plac- use the women’s washroom, and women—to some extent—do talk thinking has been ingrained in es, we shouldn’t run too much, we then men’s restroom does not have about menstrual health although us,” she says. should sit carefully. We were told the necessary privacy, or toilet they have internalised the nega- Radha Paudel, a menstrual to be cautious and not talk about commode, dust-bin or pads availa- tive connotation of period related rights activist and the author of it—that’s why it was ‘na chhune’,” ble. So, the discrimination starts to purity and impurity, but in far ‘Dignified Menstruation is said Sherpa. right from asking for access to off regions, women do not even Everyone’s Business’, believes It was the same for Kajal Jha using one of the most basic human know the basics of menstrual that one of the primary reasons from Janakpur. One of the fore- need,” he adds. “And I don’t know health and hygiene,” adds Sapkota, the stigma of menstruation trails most lessons she was taught by if we will ever reach that under- who works with adolescent girls, throughout the life of a woman is her sisters and mothers was to standing any time soon with peo- teaching them about menstrual because a girl child, from the onset UNSPLASH keep the experience to herself and ple still shying away from talking health and hygiene, safe abortion, of puberty, is taught to believe avoid religious settings. “When I about menstruation.” family planning while also talking something is wrong with her. had my first period, I remember Even though times are now about gender equality, domestic “She is denied her dignity, and ‘Menstruation conversations still waking up to see my bed sheet changing, and menstruation-relat- violence, and rape. Till date, made to feel anxious and insecure fluster people... it’s an experience covered with splotches of blood. I ed awareness is picking up, there Sapkota has provided training to about herself right from her first was scared and remember feeling is still an impending fear that 700 girls across Nepal. period,” she says. “You have to people are reluctant to discuss,’ says embarrassed to ask my own moth- young girls will carry the insecu- Rashana Bajracharya, a 30-year- understand that the way we treat a er what was wrong with me,” says rity and anxiousness of menstrua- old artist based in Kathmandu, girl or a woman during her men- Durga Sapkota, a youth health advocate. Jha, who works with Johns tion with them into their future. has also time and again found struation plays a vital role in the Hopkins Center for “I hope when my three-year-old herself questioning her beliefs, construction of power, affecting Communication Programs will have her menstruation, socie- although she has been vocal about her self-esteem for the rest of her need to be part of the menstrua- them more uncomfortable to talk Reducing Early, Child and Forced ty will be more open. And I will menstruation and the woman’s life,” she says. tion conversation because the stig- about their menstrual experienc- Marriage. make sure that she gets the neces- body. In 2018, Bajracharya in an Paudel has been at the forefront ma surrounding menstruation is es. The knowledge of menstrua- For Jha and many girls, men- sary education to liberate herself exhibition had displayed a huge of the menstruation discourse, rooted deep in the patriarchal sys- tion instead of being an open edu- struation was something they from the negative thoughts that canvas in the shape of a sanitary and she has been advocating for tem and for women to interrupt cation and reality becomes a pri- understood over time, with their still hold us back,” says Jha. “But pad with red swashes and a dignified menstruation before the system they need everyone’s vate matter where no one knows if own personal experiences. “It was I am scared that she will learn three-headed woman surrounded menstrual health and hygiene to support. “It takes everyone to they are taking care of themselves more like a ‘learning-as-you-grow’ that fear too, as change has been with lotuses portrayed as a crea- break the silence around menstru- bring a change in society—this in the right way,” she says. experience; no one really took the slow, and society is still not open.” tor—the title of her artwork was ation. “If we don’t talk about dig- isn’t just about women but a struc- This is true for Sherpa as well. time to explain to us what exactly For Sherpa, however, despite ‘Purity of Impurity.’ nity first, we won’t be able to root ture that obstructs dignity and No one really taught her or the happened within our body, we knowing that menstruation is a “I wanted to question purity out the idea of impurity that is equality,” she said. women in her village the right learned about the premenstrual natural process she has not been and put across the point that men- entrenched in our culture. According to Sapkota, most way of taking care of themselves syndrome and period cramps able to get rid of the idea of sin struation is the very cycle that Moreover, when we miss out on girls and women still don’t under- during their menstruation, she when it happened,” says Jha. “The and purity related to menstrua- makes a woman capable of procre- talking about dignity in menstrua- stand the term ‘mahinabari’, the recalls. It was a hushed affair, knowledge of the cycle was limit- tion. “The absurdity of it ating as people think menstrua- tion, the advocacy of health and Nepali term for menstruation, where mothers or sisters taught ed back in the day,” she says. all is that the belief is now tion is impure, but what is purer hygiene will fail because the clean- when talking about menstruation their girls the best they knew Most women are still unaware ingrained in me and per- than the fact that she is the one liness it addresses will proliferate health and hygiene. “And the rea- about the monthly cycle. And tied that the vaginal bleeding that haps in my daughter and creating the world,” she said. the belief that menstruation is son is the private discourse terms deeply to the whispered teachings occurs every month is the release sisters. Say what you may, Bajracharya’s work boldly con- impure and dirty.” menstruation as ‘na chhune’; was the stigma attached to men- of the uterus lining that prepares I still am afraid that I will fronted the idea of purity and “So we need to create a society women and girls in families are struation, where girls would be for pregnancy, says Sapkota. make the gods angry,” awkwardness surrounding the that is open to talking about men- taught they are untouchable and introduced to their blood as an “They just know it is something said Sherpa. topic of menstruation. struation—girls, boys, husbands, shouldn’t touch communal or cul- impure experience that they must that happens every “A lot of people might have felt men everyone needs to be able to tural objects during their periods get through every month. month and it is to uncomfortable when facing the talk about it openly,” says Paudel. and that is the concept they carry “They made it apparent that do with woman- artwork but the work felt signifi- Sapkota too affirms that men around with themselves, making what I was going through was hood,” she says.

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