WITHOUT F EAR OR FAVOUR

Nepal’s largest selling English daily Vol XXVIII No. 319 | 8 pages | Rs.5 O O Printed simultaneously in Kathmandu, Biratnagar, Bharatpur and Nepalgunj 21.0 C -1.0 C Saturday, January 16, 2021 | 03-10-2077 Nepalgunj Jumla Delhi discusses all but boundary row in talks with Foreign Minister Gyawali As hinted, India showed reluctance to get into the issue despite the Nepali side putting the matter on the table.

SURESH RAJ NEUPANE IN NEW DELHI & ANIL GIRI IN KATHMANDU JAN 15

Nepal and India on Friday held the sixth meeting of the Nepal-India Joint Commission in New Delhi, discussing a variety of bilateral issues, but there was no concrete outcome on the boundary dispute, an issue which was high on the agenda of the Nepali dele- gation. Foreign Minister Pradeep Gyawali and his Indian counterpart S Jaishankar co-chaired the meeting. According to a statement issued PHOTO COURTESY: EMBASSY OF NEPAL, NEW DELHI after the meeting by the Embassy of Foreign Minister Pradeep Gyawali and his Nepal in New Delhi, both sides dis- Indian counterpart S Jaishankar in Delhi. cussed the boundary matter and expressed commitment to early com- held a restricted meeting for about an pletion of boundary works in the hour “to set the tone of the meeting” POST PHOTO: ELITE JOSHI remaining segments. where Gyawali had raised the bounda- A child plays at a park in Naxal, Kathmandu on Friday. Most schools in the Valley are still closed due to the Covid-19 pandemic and cold weather. “During informal and formal meet- ry issue and early submission of the ings, the Indian side insisted that the Eminent Persons Group’s report, issue be given to the foreign secretary among others. level mechanism first to deal with,” India’s Ministry of External Affairs said a member of the Nepali delega- said in a statement that both sides dis- tion who participated in the meeting. cussed several areas of cooperation, Constitutional Bench to continue hearing “The Indian side was of the view that including in the areas of connectivity, the issue then can be followed up by economy and trade, power, oil and gas, the Boundary Working Group. So no water resources, political and security serious discussion took place on the issues, border management, develop- boundary issue.” ment partnership, tourism, culture, petitions against House dissolution Prior to the Joint Commission education and capacity building. meeting, Gyawali and Jaishankar had >> Continued on page 2 The five-member bench led by chief justice rejects calls for sending the writ petitions to an extended full bench, saying the issue warrants serious constitutional interpretation.

BINOD GHIMIRE Constitutional Bench. KATHMANDU, JAN 15 The lawyers arguing on behalf of the defendants said that the very The Constitutional Bench on Friday demand for an extended full bench is decided to continue hearing the writ against the spirit of the constitution, petitions against Prime Minister KP which allows the Constitutional Sharma Oli’s move of dissolving the Bench to take decisions on issues House of Representatives itself, turn- related to the interpretation of the ing down lawyers’ demands that they constitution. be sent to an extended full bench. Senior advocate Bishnu Bhattarai The five-member bench, led by said extended full benches heard the Chief Justice Cholendra Shumsher writs of the House dissolution in the Rana, said that since the issue needs past because there was no provision “serious constitutional interpreta- POST FILE PHOTO for the Constitutional Bench then. tion”, the petitions don’t need to be The bench has said it will conduct In 1994 and 2002, the Supreme Court sent to an extended full bench. continuous hearing from Sunday. had approved the moves of then prime “The bench said there is no need to ministers Girija Prasad Koirala and send the writs to the extended full December 20. The recommendation Sher Bahadur Deuba of dissolving the bench,” Bhadra Kali Pokharel, spokes- was approved by the President the House of Representatives, while it had person for the Supreme Court, told the same day. rejected Manmohan Adhikari and Post. “The Constitutional Bench will Lawyers arguing on behalf of 12 Surya Bahadur Thapa governments’ conduct the regular hearing on the petitions challenging the House disso- similar moves in 1995 and 1998, respec- writs against the House dissolution.” lution had demanded that the writ tively. All the decisions were taken by Though the bench generally sits petitions be heard by an extended full an extended full bench comprising 11 twice a week—on Wednesday and bench. But those arguing on behalf of Supreme Court justices. Friday—continuous hearing will be the defendants—the Office of the “If an extended full bench is formed, conducted starting Sunday, given the Prime Minister and Council of then that will mean we the chief jus- gravity of the issue, according to Ministers and the Office of the tice’s decision to send the writs to the Pokharel. President—said that since the issue Constitutional Bench was wrong,” Oli had recommended that the demands constitutional explanation, said Bhattarai. President dissolve the lower house on the writs must be heard by the >> Continued on page 2 With a different letter than one sent by the Cabinet, Oli adds to the confusion While the House dissolution decision signed by the chief secretary does not cite articles, the one undersigned by Oli includes those, thereby creating grounds to suspect foul play.

TIKA R PRADHAN & BINOD GHIMIRE Prime Minister Oli and the other by Oli which has cited the articles. KATHMANDU, JAN 15 Chief Secretary Shanker Das Bairagi. Both the letters are dated Poush 5, Both are addressed to the Office of 2077 (December 20, 2020), the day the The mess Prime Minister KP Sharma the President regarding the decisions House dissolution decision was rec- Oli has created, it seems, is going to of the Office of the Prime Minister ommended to the President. take a while before it is cleared up. and Council of Ministers on House The letter undersigned by Prime After dissolving the House of dissolution and midterm polls. Minister Oli, however, has a seal which Representatives and calling snap While the one signed by Bairagi does says the copy of the Cabinet decision polls, Oli has thrown the country into not say under which articles the House produced for the purpose of the political uncertainties, but the way dissolution was recommended, the Supreme Court. The seal has the date things have surfaced shows he has other signed by Oli cites Articles 76 (1), of Poush 20, 2077 (January 4, 2021). been bent on creating more chaos. (7) and Article 85, which the Office of After the first hearing on December On Friday, two different letters were the President too had cited while 25 on 13 petitions against the dissolu- leaked to the media—one signed by endorsing the House dissolution move. tion, a five-member Constitutional During Friday’s hearing on bench led by Chief Justice Cholendra the writ petitions against the Shumsher Rana had issued a show House dissolution move, senior cause notice and demanded the copies advocate Raman Shrestha said of the Cabinet decision from the that the Cabinet had not cited defendants—the Office of the Prime any articles while recommend- Minister and Council of Ministers ing the House dissolution. and the Office of the President. “How, then, did the President The Office of the Prime Minister cite Articles 76 (1), 76 (7) and 85?” and the Office of the President had Shrestha questioned. furnished their original documents to It, however, did not take long the Supreme Court regarding the for another letter to appear in House dissolution move, including the public domain—this one their clarifications, on January 3. undersigned by Prime Minister >> Continued on page 2

C M Y K SATURDAY, JANUARY 16, 2021 | 02 NATIONAL Pyuthan District Hospital fails to provide effective health services Most people in Pyuthan are compelled to seek medical care elsewhere as doctors are not always present at the district hospital.

GIRU PRASAD BHANDARI “We have also informed the chief PYUTHAN, JAN 15 district officer of Pyuthan about the condition of the hospital. On Monday, Buddhiram Sarki, 73, of Baddanda in when a team of municipal officials Ward No. 4 of Pyuthan Municipality reached the hospital, there were only took his 71-year-old wife Sukundra to two health workers--a health assistant the District Hospital in Bijuwar a few and an auxiliary health worker,” days ago. His wife is suffering from Bhandari said. movement disorders. The hospital referred Sukundra to the local medical clinic citing that the hospital could not treat her there. A The posts of medical doctor of the clinic then referred her to the Butwal-based Lumbini City specialists at the Hospital and Medical Science Pvt Ltd. POST PHOTO: BEEJU MAHARJAN She was taken to the city hospital in hospital have been Members of the Nepal Red Cross Society perform an earthquake safety drill to mark the 23rd National Earthquake Safety Day at Bode, Bhaktapur on Friday. an ambulance covering a distance of 133 kilometres by road. vacant for long time. Buddhiram says after three days at the city hospital, he could no longer afford to keep his wife admitted. The District Hospital in Pyuthan is “I spent Rs 120,000 at the hospital in a 50-bed health institution with two Delhi discusses all but boundary row in talks with ... three days. I could not bear the treat- positions of medical specialists and ment cost so I moved my wife to five medical officers. The positions of >> Continued from page 1 could not immediately agree on which have established the Boundary Nepali Embassy, the Nepali side Gurans Hospital in Butwal where the medical specialists have been vacant The meeting of the Joint mechanism should be entrusted with Working Group and a mechanism at thanked the Government of India for cost of treatment is less,” he said. for a long time now. There should have Commission in New Delhi is the first the task of dealing with the issue.” the foreign secretary level… this is its assistance of essential medicines Sukandra is currently admitted at been five medical officers at the hospi- highest level bilateral meeting between According to the Nepali Embassy in unfinished work, and there is an and medical equipment. Gurans Hospital and Buddhiram has tal but only one is on duty at present. the two countries in over a year, which Delhi, the meeting also discussed the urgency in completing those seg- “The Joint Commission also appre- returned to Pyuthan to manage money Two of the medical officers are in saw Nepal-India ties hitting a rock bot- review of the Peace and Friendship ments.” ciated the close coordination between for his wife’s treatment. training, one on leave and the post of tom over the boundary row. Treaty of 1950 and submission of the Gyawali’s visit to Delhi comes amid the two sides in tackling the challeng- “Now I have to sell our house and another one is vacant. But even that India’s publication of a new map report of the Eminent Persons’ Group. political turmoil in Kathmandu es posed by the Covid-19 pandemic,” property for my wife’s treatment,” he one doctor on duty is found to be including Kalapani within its borders The report was finalised in July 2018 caused by Oli’s December 20 decision the statement added. said. “Just keeping her at the hospital absent on most days. in November 2019 had led to the sour- but is yet to be received by Indian to dissolve the House. He has called Also high on the agenda of is not enough. We have to bear more Chief District Officer Khimraj ing of relations between the two coun- Prime Minister Narendra Modi, citing snap elections for April 30 and May 10. Gyawali’s visit was procurement of expenses of food and accommodation Bhusal says he has received numerous tries. Delhi had ignored Kathmandu’s his busy schedule. It was agreed upon But there are uncertainties as the Covid-19 vaccines from India. The since we are seeking treatment out- complaints about mismanagement in request for diplomatic dialogue. In by both sides that the report of the House dissolution move is being heard Nepali side has requested India to side the district.” the hospital. May last year, ties further deteriorat- EPG, which comprised four members by the Supreme Court to test its con- provide 12 million vaccines at a subsi- Most Pyuthan residents are com- “There are issues with filling the ed after Nepal and India entered a each from Nepal and India, would be stitutional validity. dised rate as part of its plan to inocu- pelled to seek treatment outside the vacant posts at the hospital. Dr Sabhu state of cartographic war. In response submitted to the prime ministers of Political parties, experts on consti- late around six million people in the district since the health infrastruc- Kafle, acting medical superintendent, to India’s opening a road link via both countries. tutional affairs and civil society mem- first phase. ture there is poor, says Buddhiram. is currently in training in Butwal. She Lipulekh to Kailash Mansarovar in “This visit will pave the way for bers have called the House dissolution According to sources, India has “The district hospital does not have will soon join the hospital,” he said. the Tibet Autonomous Region of more high-level visits and engage- unconstitutional, arguing that the expressed its commitment to supply- doctors and other medical profession- Video X-ray and lab services, among China, Nepal got its own map approved ments in the future,” Nepal’s constitution does not allow Oli, a ing some doses of the vaccine within als. Because of this, patients have to others, are also irregular at the hospi- by Parliament, depicting Kalapani, Ambassador to India Nilamber majority prime minister, to dissolve January. The quantity, however, was be taken to hospitals outside the dis- tal. “We will soon inspect the hospital Lipulekh and Limpiyadhura as parts Acharya told the Post. “So Friday’s the House. not revealed. The sources said that trict,” he said. and take stock of the situation and try of the Nepali territory. meeting is a positive development in Gyawali, however, defended the gov- India has also given assurances to Laxmi Prakash Raj Bhandari, to reform it through the hospital Both the countries claim the areas this respect. Both ministers discussed ernment’s decision. prioritise, and ease the supply of, the spokesperson and also the chairman development committee,” said as their own. all issues concerning both countries— “To make people sovereign, we vaccines that Nepal would procure in of Ward No. 4 in Pyuthan Municipality, Bhushal. Amid Prime Minister KP Sharma from social, economic and energy to decided to take a fresh mandate,” said the future. said, “Doctors at the District Hospital “The hospital used to receive 400 Oli’s nationalistic rheotric that his other pressing matters that have been Gyawali. “This election will be an “We are convinced that India will do not stay on duty regularly. Patients patients on a daily basis but these government would “bring back the left to us by history.” important opportunity for the people supply the Covid-19 vaccines soon,” are facing difficulties in receiving days, hardly 100 patients visit the hos- Nepali land”, Gyawali reached New Later on Friday, Gyawali addressed to make their choice and strengthen Ambassador Acharya told the Post, treatment. We tried our best to reform pital,” said Bhandari, the chairman of Delhi on Thursday, keeping the bound- a function at the Indian Council of the foundation of democracy.” “and as per our requirements.” the hospital, but failed to do so.” Ward No. 4 Pyuthan Municipality. ary issue high on his agenda. World Affairs where he said the Gyawali is expected to hold meet- But as soon as Gyawali landed in boundary row was discussed during ings with the Indian political leader- Delhi on Thursday, India hinted that the Joint Commission meeting. ship before returning home on talks on the boundary issue were “We desire to start the conversation Saturday. According to sources, dur- unlikely, saying the Joint Commission with a view to resolving the question ing his meetings, Gyawali is likely to and boundary talks are separate of boundary alignment in the remain- apprise the Indian leadership of the With a different letter than one sent by mechanisms. ing segments. We concluded that both recent political developments in “The boundary dispute issue was sides want to finalise it at the earli- Nepal. However, no details were imme- prominently brought to the table and est,” said Gyawali. “Two segments of diately available regarding Gyawali’s the Cabinet, Oli adds to the confusion it was briefly discussed,” said a mem- the border: Susta and Kalapani were meetings and with whom he was ber of the Nepali delegation who par- not completely demarcated by the scheduled to meet. >> Continued from page 1 Rastriya Janata Party and Sanghiya That the two letters are there and ticipated in the meeting. “But we technical committee set up in 2007. We According to the statement by the Oli had argued in his clarification Samajbadi Forum. that the original one from the Office that the House dissolution was a polit- Later in March and December 2019, of the Prime Minister and Council of ical move and that it did not warrant a both the parties withdrew their sup- Ministers was taken back judicial review. port to the Oli government. certainly give grounds for suspicion, However, officials at the Office of Many also wonder which particular according to Bimal Koirala, a former Constitutional Bench to continue ... the Prime Minister and Council of constitutional amendments Oli is chief secretary. Ministers had demanded the original referring to in the letter recommend- “It’s the chief secretary who authen- >> Continued from page 1 Lawyers arguing on behalf of the Senior advocate Badri Bahadur letters on January 7, issuing a letter to ing the House dissolution. ticates all the Cabinet decisions,” After a preliminary hearing on petitioners on January 6 had said that Karki, an amicus, suggested the Supreme Court promising to Oli has also stated that he needed a Koirala told the Post. “There is no December 23, a single bench of Rana Justice Hari Krishna Karki’s inclu- continuing the hearing by the return them within January 12 but two-thirds majority government to need for the prime minister to write had decided to send the 12 petitions sion in the bench led to a conflict of Constitutional Bench by according to Shrestha they were not work in favour of the country and the different recommendations.” against the House dissolution to the interest and that the writs should be increasing the number of justices. He given back yet. people without hurdles, conclude the Tika Dhakal, communication Constitutional Bench. One writ sent to an extended full bench. argued that increasing the number of Now there are concerns if the peace process and address the nation’s expert to the President, however, against the House dissolution was Karki, who had served as the attor- justice will not be considered a breach recommendation to the President to problems effectively. But it is unclear disagrees. directly registered with the bench. ney general during Oli’s first stint as of the constitution. Chief Justice dissolve the House was drafted how snap polls can guarantee a major- “The chief secretary presents the As per the decision of Rana’s bench, prime minister in 2015, recused him- Rana, however, said it directly later by including the constitutional ity government in a country which details of all Cabinet decisions to the a Constitutional Bench led by Rana self from the bench. The hearing was contradicts Article 137 (1) of the provisions. has seen a hung parliament for dec- President while the prime minister himself was formed on December 25, adjourned till Wednesday. Chief constitution. “We have ample grounds to suspect ades. It’s also unclear what makes Oli makes the necessary recommenda- which directed the Office of the Justice Rana replaced Karki with The Article says, “The bench foul play if the documents once pre- so confident that he will get to lead a tions with the constitutional provi- President and Prime Minister’s Office Justice Sapana Pradhan Malla when [Constitutional Bench] shall comprise sented to the court were taken back,” two-thirds government if elections do sions,” said Dhakal. “After the Cabinet to submit justifications in writing the bench was constituted on the chief justice and other four justic- said Shambhu Thapa, a senior advo- happen on the declared dates. took a theoretical decision to recom- why the House was dissolved and Wednesday. es designated by the chief justice on cate who is pleading on behalf of the There is nothing much to talk about mend that the President dissolve the demanded original copies of their On Friday, the amicus curiae too put the recommendation of the Judicial writ petitioners. “We were not provid- when the executive head is bent on House, the prime minister made a decisions. forth its advice. Council.” ed that document earlier.” The recom- pushing the country into a crisis, proper recommendation citing consti- mendation by the Council of Ministers according to Thapa, the senior advo- tutional provisions.” to dissolve the House is also lengthy cate. “Everything appears to be a According to Dhakal, every and long-winded, which too has raised minor issue in a country where the recommendation must cite constitu- many an eyebrow. House is dissolved without any consti- tional provisions as it is a mandatory The Council of Ministers has tutional grounds,” Thapa told the procedure. sought to dissolve the House and call Post. “Anything can happen here as The Office of the Attorney General, snap polls, arguing that the country people in power are refusing to follow which is taking the lead in defending needed a party to govern with a two- the rule of law.” the Office of the Prime Minister, said thirds majority so as to accomplish Officials at the Supreme Court, there should be no confusion at all as “different activities including the however, say the Office of the Prime Oli, in his recommendation, has clear- amendment to the constitution”. Minister has not done anything wrong ly cited the constitutional provisions. “Since political parties too have by asking for the letter that it once “The recommendation by Prime been demanding an amendment to the submitted to the court. There has been Minister Oli has cited the needed constitution time and again and time- a practice of giving such letters back Articles,” Attorney General Agni ly amendments have not been possible to the Cabinet if a request is made, Kharel told the Post. “It’s the prime due to the lack of a two-thirds majori- according to them. minister who has the authority to ty for the ruling party, a majority gov- Devendra Dhakal, an information make the decision of [House] dissolu- ernment is essential,” states the letter officer at the court, said the govern- tion. The Cabinet’s decision is not undersigned by Prime Minister Oli. ment needs the original copy for dif- [even] necessary.” “Also to implement the decision to ferent purposes and they are handed But some lawyers who are defend- bring back its land included in the back whenever asked for. ing Oli’s House dissolution move country’s map, a two-thirds majority The court keeps a copy while giving agree that the confusion has arisen government is needed.” the original document back, Dhakal after the two letters came into the pub- When Oli returned to power, he told the Post. lic domain. According to them, things commanded nearly a two-thirds He, however, refused to explain why will be clear on Sunday when the majority, as then Rastriya Janata the government did not return the Constitutional Bench resumes hear- Party and Sanghiya Samajbadi Forum documents within the committed ing on the petitions, as the letters will had extended their support to his gov- time. be the first topic of discussion. ernment. These two parties had Baburam Dahal, a legal adviser to “During today’s hearing, senior agreed to support the Oli government Oli, refused to comment on the matter. advocate Raman Shrestha had raised in hopes that their demands for consti- “There is no need for me to com- the issue that no articles were cited in tutional amendments would be ment when everything is before the Cabinet’s recommendation for dis- addressed. However, Oli never paid court,” Dahal told the Post. solving the House. It is a serious mat- heed to their demands. Given the But confusion lingers over the ter if true,” said Surendra Bhandari, a Nepali Congress’ position, it could content of the two letters—one senior advocate pleading in favour of have extended support to constitution- signed by the chief secretary and the Oli’s move. “If Shrestha’s statement is al amendments as demanded by the other by Oli. wrong, then also it’s a serious issue.”

C M Y K 03 | SATURDAY, JANUARY 16, 2021 NATIONAL

BRIEFING Bodies of Pokhara residents help workers stuck Kailali landslide victims POKHARA: The civil society in Pokhara in Malaysia to has provided financial assistance to the landslide victims of Ward No. 3, 4, 5, and 6 of Chure Rural Municipality in Kailali. More than 100 individuals be repatriated were displaced due to the landslides CHANDAN KUMAR MANDAL triggered by heavy rainfall last mon- KATHMANDU, JAN 15 soon. Since then, they have been liv- ing under makeshift sheds near Nearly three dozen bodies of Nepali Pashupati Community Forest in migrant workers, who lost their lives Gauriganga Municipality. A repre- while working abroad, are being sentative of the society handed over a repatriated from Malaysia. cheque of Rs 26,560 to the District After the repatriation of bodies Coordination Officer in Kaski on from the Southeast Asian country was Friday. halted for some time, the Foreign Employment board had reached out to Health insurance programme the Ministry of Labour, Employment, and Social Security seeking help to started in Lamjung repatriate the bodies. LAMJUNG: The Health Insurance “Bodies of Nepali workers who Board has launched a health died due to various reasons could not insurance programme in Lamjung be brought home lately from district. Citizens can receive health Malaysia,” Shrestha, told the Post. insurance services through District “The number of bodies kept growing Hospital, Sundarbazaar Hospital, with the delay.” Chandreshwor and Gaunda Primary Government data shows that on Health Posts in the district, said average, two Nepali workers die every Jiblal Kharel, coordinator of the day while working abroad. According board in Gandaki Province. to the board’s estimates, at least 31 He said, “An employee has been bodies need to be brought home imme- deployed in all 75 wards of the diately from Malaysia and handed eight local governments in over to their kins in Nepal. Lamjung for registration POST PHOTO: SANJOG MANANDHAR The delay has been attributed due to under the scheme. Cadres of the Nepali Congress play tug of war as a symbolic protest against Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli’s decision to dissolve the House, in Kathmandu on Friday. the absence of regular flights. “So far Nepal airlines have been using nar- row-body aircraft to fly to Malaysia. These aircraft can hardly carry one or two bodies at one time. Foreign airlin- ers do not ferry bodies,” said Shrestha. “Therefore, the Labour Ministry has Oxford-AstraZeneca jab gets emergency use nod requested Nepal Airlines to fly its wide-body aircraft to Kuala Lumpur to repatriate the bodies.” Government should fulfil its promise to inoculate all eligible citizens, only allow private players to import if authorities can’t do so, experts say. Nepal Airlines conducts three flights to Kuala Lumpur every week— ARJUN POUDEL cines,” Koirala added. “If we allow “With the emergency use approval, allowed to import the vaccine only if phase and India is the preferred on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays. KATHMANDU, JAN 15 private companies to import vaccines suppliers and manufacturers can now the government fails to do so. “If the source, according to Minister for According to Karishma Shrestha, at the earliest, risk of infection will administer the Covishield vaccine in government can’t procure enough Health and Population Hridayesh spokesperson for Nepal Airlines, the Nepal’s drug regulator on Friday increase for frontline workers, elderly Nepal without any restrictions,” doses, private importers should be Tripathi. national flag carrier will soon send a granted emergency use approval to people, and the poor will not get the Santosh KC, spokesperson for the allowed to sell the vaccine as it will Earlier, Nepal’s Ambassador to New wide-body aircraft to fetch the bodies the Covid-19 vaccine developed by the vaccines.” department, told the Post. “The gov- ultimately help to fight the infection.” Delhi Nilamber Acharya has held two of Nepali workers. University of Oxford and pharmaceu- At least three vaccine manufactur- ernment too can import the vaccine Friday’s announcement comes as rounds of talks with senior officials “It will be possible to bring back the tical giant AstraZeneca and manufac- ers—two of them Indian and one by signing deals with the manufactur- Foreign Minister Pradeep Gyawali is of the Pune-based Serum Institute of mortal remains of the deceased on the tured in India, paving the way for even Chinese— responded to the call and ing companies or countries.” on a visit to New Delhi to co-chair the India and met senior officials of wide-body aircraft,” said Shrestha, private companies to import and sell applied for emergency use approval in Dr Prabhat Adhikari, infectious dis- meeting of the sixth Nepal-India Joint Bharat Biotech in order to speed up the spokesperson. “However, the exact the jab in the market. Nepal, according to Bhattarai. While ease and critical care expert, echoed Commission. The government is hop- the vaccine procurement, according to date for the flight has not been fixed.” Public health experts, however, say Serum Institute’s application was Koirala. “It will be better if the gov- ing for a breakthrough in talks with officials. Bringing back remains of deceased the government, which has already approved on Friday, applications from ernment secures vaccines for all citi- India to procure Covid-19 vaccines The Cabinet meeting on November migrant workers from various labour committed to vaccinating the entire the Hyderabad-based Bharat Biotech zens and administers it as per its pri- being manufactured in India. 9 had decided to procure coronavirus destination countries has been a population for free, should live up to and the Beijing-based Sinopharm are ority list,” he told the Post. He also Nepal seeks to procure vaccines to vaccines, which have received emer- challenge for the board due to corona- its promise. Private companies should being reviewed. said that private players should be inoculate 12 million people in the first gency approval and administer them virus-related lockdowns and suspen- be also allowed to import the coronavi- to people free of cost on the basis of sion of international flights for sever- rus vaccines, only if the government priority. al months. fails to import sufficient doses. It has estimated that Rs48 billion More than 300 bodies had remained “The government has said it is com- would be required to inoculate 52 per- stuck before the process had resumed mitted to vaccinating eligible citizens cent of the population. As children with the operation of chartered flights free of cost,” Dr Bhagwan Koirala, under 15 years of age, who constitute for repatriating Nepali migrant work- chairman of Nepal Medical Council, 28 percent of the population, can’t be ers. the national regulatory body of medi- immunised as vaccines haven’t been Unable to ferry dead bodies, the cal doctors, told the Post. “The govern- tested on them, only 72 percent of the government authorities had also start- ment should fulfill its promise and Nepalis will need to be vaccinated. ed seeking consent from deceased vaccinate 20 percent of the population The World Health Organization’s workers’ families to perform their which is at the highest risk—the front- COVAX programme will provide vac- final rites abroad. line workers, the elderly people and cines for 20 percent of the population According to Shrestha, the execu- with underlying conditions, at the for free. tive director, while more than 600 bod- earliest. ” The Ministry of Health and ies had remained stuck abroad since The Department of Drug Population has prepared a priority list the pandemic began, 172 were cremat- Administration’s decided to grant for coronavirus vaccines. All health ed in countries where they had died. emergency use authorisation to the workers serving either in state-run or Once these bodies land at the air- Covishield vaccine manufactured by private health facilities who are at port, the board provides a free hearse the Pune-based Serum Institute of high risk of catching the infection are service for taking these bodies to the India, on Friday, two days after it the first priority. hometown of deceased workers. issued a notice calling on manufactur- Supporting staffers—drivers, clean- “The employer concerned pays for ers of vaccines listed by the World ing staff of health facilities, security repatriating the bodies that will be Health Organization or their author- personnel deployed on the frontline brought back next week. This is an ised agents to apply for emergency use and female community health volun- international practice and the Nepali authorisation at the earliest. teers are also on the priority list. embassy oversees this issue,” said “If the government fails to procure People above 55 years old are on Shrestha. “If the employer can’t be the vaccine and people want to take second priority and those in the 40 t0 made to bear the cost of transporta- the jab by paying on their own, we 54 years age group third, according to tion, the board coordinates with the should only then discuss, whether or REUTERS the Child Health Section at the Family Nepali missions and bears all the not to allow private imports of vac- Vials of AstraZeneca’s Covishield vaccine are seen before they are packaged inside a lab at Serum Institute of India, Pune. welfare Division. expenses.” Kathmandu Metropolitan City doesn’t have any plans yet for street vendors While Lalitpur Metropolitan City authorities have adopted a much gentler way to manage street vendors, their counterparts in Kathmandu are still resorting to brute force.

ANUP OJHA sell goods on non-designated spots and we do address the concerns of street vendors, it was KATHMANDU, JAN 15 not let anyone scot-free,” said Sapkota. a shame that the Capital city is not doing any- While Sapkota justifies the action of the city thing in this regard. A video of Kathmandu Metropolitan City police in the name of rules and regulations, he “Kathmandu Metropolitan City should have police confiscating a vegetable cart of a woman glosses over the plight and concern of street been a role model on this issue,’’ said shrestha. has prompted fury over social media, where vendors who have long been urging the city Basanta Acharya, chief of the law division the city authority has been criticised for rob- authority to find a place for them where they at the city office, said it was difficult to manage bing livelihoods of street vendors. could ply their trade. the street vendors because of their sheer num- This incident happened at Sukedhara at 3pm Kathmandu Bidya Sundar Shakya had men- ber. “People from across the country are living on Friday and the woman seen in the video tioned in his election manifesto in 2017, that as street vendors in Kathmandu. It’s not easy pleading with the city police not to take away managing the city’s street vendors was one of to manage them. There should be an in-depth her cart has been identified as Manju Kunwar. his priorities. Four years into his office as a study and discussion on the issue to address “Please leave it, let the poor live off their mayor, and he has yet to deliver on his promise. this issue,” he said. work,” a person is overheard in the video. “There hasn’t been any homework from the Saroj Basnet, vice-chairperson of the Urban Meanwhile, Kunwar is seen complaining city authority to address the concerns of street Planning Commission, said he will raise the with the bystanders that her empty cart was vendors,” said Rajkumar Shrestha, secretary concerns of street vendors before the mayor seized from in front of the house where she general of Nepal Street Vendors’ Trade Union. and other officials. lives with her teenage son. Around 9,000 street vendors are associated “The city alone can’t solve the problem, “I was not selling anything here,” she is with the union. though. It also needs help from the federal gov- heard pleading in the video. According to Shrestha, there are around ernment,” he said. Touched by Kunwar’s plight, which was 30,000 street vendors in Kathmandu Valley. The issue of street vendors is not a new one. uploaded on social media platforms, many “Many people lost their jobs due to the It goes back to over a decade. There have been poured their anger towards Kathmandu Covid-19 pandemic and they are now support- many promises from government authorities Metropolitan City for harassing the daily wage ing their families as street vendors. The way to address the issue over the years, but they workers. the city authority is treating street vendors is never delivered on them. “Those who are corrupt can fill their stom- appalling,” said Shrestha. Eleven years ago, a committee had recom- ach but what will the daily wage earner eat,” a While the Kathmandu Metropolitan City has mended relocating the street vendors to person wrote, sharing the video on his face- been relying on force to get rid of street ven- Khulamanch, Tinkune, Kalanki and Balaju. book wall. dors, the neighbouring Lalitpur Metropolitan The recommendation did not come to pass, This was not the one-off incident of street City has adopted a much gentler approach and the street vendors continued to ply their vendors being chased away and harassed by when it comes to dealing with street vendors. businesses wherever they found convenient, the authorities. The city police has intensified Kunwar, the woman whose cart was seized preferably at places that saw high footfall. its crackdown on street vendors—once again— by the city police, had bought the cart for Rs Then in 2014, Bam Dev Gautam, the home in the name of clearing the city’s roads and 9,000, the money which she borrowed from her minister at the time, issued an order to evict all pavements. friend. POST FILE PHOTO: DEEPAK KC street vendors, but the latter refused to give in. Dhanapati Sapkota, head of the municipal “The city police took my empty cart that was A man selling vegetables on a foggy morning in Kathmandu. “Those who sell goods on footpaths and police, said in the past few weeks the city has just parked in an open space near my room. street vendors care to the people with lower confiscated dozens of carts and bicycles for They admonished me when I tried to stop Street Vendors’ Trade Union, said that the city taken any serious steps towards addressing the income, because not everyone can afford the selling fruits, vegetables and other goods on them. Now I don’t know how I am going to pay authority was indifferent towards the problem concerns of street vendors,” he said. items sold in malls and supermarkets,” roads and pavements. my room rent and feed my son without the of the street vendors. Shrestha said while other places outside Shrestha said. “The way the city authority is “Every day we have been nabbing nearly cart,” Kunwar said. “Many times we have held meetings with Kathmandu Valley like Mahendranagar treating the street vendors shows that it does three dozen carts and bicycles. It is illegal to Shrestha, the secretary general of Nepal Mayor Shakya about the issue, but he has not Municipality has spent Rs200 million to not care about the poor.”

C M Y K SATURDAY, JANUARY 16, 2021 | 04 WORLD Concerns over India’s homegrown vaccine At least 34 dead as Critics suspect the swift approval of Covaxin was motivated by Prime Minister Modi’s protectionist push for ‘self-reliance’. Indonesia quake topples AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE But activists have accused the firm BHOPAL, INDIA, JAN 15 of cutting corners and breaching rules in conducting trials in India. A homegrown coronavirus vaccine In the central city of Bhopal, will be rolled out in India from Bharat’s local partner the People’s homes, buildings Saturday even though clinical trials College of Medical Sciences and have not been completed. But the Research Centre paid 750 rupees ($8) government insists it will be safe each to 1,722 recruits. and effective. Rajesh Kapur, vice chancellor of the The All India Drug Action Network private hospital, said it adhered to all (AIDAN), an independent watchdog, proper protocols and ethical practices, led a chorus of concern from including counselling and monitoring experts saying it was “shocked” and subjects, seeking their informed con- “baffled” by the emergency approval sent, and arranging care in case of of Covaxin. health complications. India has been hit hard by the virus, But 10 participants AFP spoke with, logging the second-highest number of several of whom are illiterate, said Covid-19 infections globally with more they had not been properly informed. than 10.5 million cases, and over Some said they were not given any 150,000 deaths—behind only the documentation or briefing, while oth- United States and Brazil. ers said they were told they were In early January New Delhi green- being given a vaccine that would soon AP/RSS lighted Covishield, a version of become mandatory nationwide. Residents inspect earthquake-damaged buildings in Mamuju, West Sulawesi, Indonesia. AstraZeneca and Oxford University’s AFP Being informed of risks and sign- shot made by India’s Serum India has been hit hard by the virus, logging the second-highest number of infections globally. ing consent forms have been mandato- ASSOCIATED PRESS “They are trapped inside, please help,” Institute, the world’s largest vaccine ry since the government tightened the MAMUJU, INDONESIA, JAN 15 he cried. manufacturer. rules of drug testing—a booming Thousands of displaced people But it also gave “emergency approv- International Covid-19 vaccine poll industry in India—following a num- A strong, shallow earthquake shook were evacuated to temporary shelters. al” to Covaxin, developed in India by ber of scandals. Indonesia’s Sulawesi island just after The quake was centred Bharat Biotech and the Indian Council shows higher mistrust of Russia, China shots Illiterate wage labourer Mannsingh midnight on Friday, toppling homes 36 kilometres south of West Sulawesi of Medical Research, even though Parihar, 70, said he and four others and buildings, triggering landslides province’s Mamuju district, at a phase 3 human trials were yet to be LONDON: People across the world are be delivered and administered in were driven to the hospital on and killing at least 34 people. depth of 18 kilometres, the US completed. generally likely to say yes to getting a countries across Europe, North December 21 and given the injection. More than 600 people were injured Geological Survey said. Authorities stated—without releas- Covid-19 vaccine, but would be more America and Asia. “They did not say a word (about it during the magnitude 6.2 quake, The Indonesian disaster agency ing supporting data—that Covaxin distrustful of shots made in China or In Britain, 73 percent of people said being a trial). They gave the injection which sent people fleeing their said the death toll climbed to might work better against new Covid- Russia than those developed in they would get vaccinated, while in and money and asked me to go,” he homes in the darkness. Authorities 34 as rescuers in Mamuju retrieved 19 strains than other vaccines that use Germany or the United States, an Denmark the number was 70 percent. told AFP. were still collecting information 26 bodies trapped in the rubble of different technologies. international poll showed on Friday. In the United States, however, just Similar allegations are echoed by about the full scale of casualties and collapsed homes and buildings. According to Prabir Chatterjee, The survey, conducted by the poll- less than half of those surveyed said other participants interviewed by damage in the affected areas. The agency said in a statement that a community medicine specialist ing company YouGov and shared they would be willing to have a Covid- Indian media and by activists. There were reports of many people eight people were killed and in West Bengal, the lack of data exclusively with Reuters, found 19 vaccine, a figure that has remained “No informed consent was taken, no trapped in the rubble of collapsed 637 others were injured in was causing “a lot of upset among Britons and Danes were the most will- broadly stable since July. adverse events have been recorded, no homes and buildings. Mamuju’s neighbouring district of doctors and very senior doctors and ing to take the Covid-19 vaccine when More than a third of people sur- monitoring and follow-up is being In a video released by the National Majene. It said at least 300 houses and scientists.” it becomes available to them, while the veyed in Poland and almost half in done,” activist Rachna Dhingra said. Disaster Mitigation Agency, a girl a health clinic were damaged “I would guess that the Bharat French and Poles were more likely to France said they would say no to a Public concern was fuelled by stuck in the wreckage of a house and about 15,000 people were Biotech vaccine, after it has been eval- be hesitant. Covid-19 shot if offered. the widely reported death of one trial cried out for help and said she heard being housed in temporary shelters uated, may be the best, the cheapest The poll was based on questions put Confidence among populations participant, nine days after being the sound of other family members in the district. Power and phones and the most practical for developing to almost 19,000 people. about vaccines will be a key factor in injected. also trapped. “Please help me, it were down in many areas. countries,” he told AFP. It also found that willingness to take governments’ efforts to curb the rate A post-mortem said the cause of hurts,” the girl told rescuers, who West Sulawesi Administration “But... I don’t think we should jump- the Covid-19 vaccine has been improv- of infections in the year-long death was suspected poisoning and replied that they desperately wanted Secretary Muhammad Idris start the process by using it before it ing in many countries in recent weeks, SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus pandemic, Bharat said the death appeared to be to help her. told TVOne that the governor’s has been proved.” just as shots developed by companies which has infected more than 92 mil- “unrelated” to the trial dosing. The rescuers said an excavator was office building was among those The main opposition Congress in the United States, Russia, China, lion people worldwide and killed at A detailed email questionnaire needed to save the girl and others that collapsed in Mamuju, the party accused the government of Germany and Britain were starting to least 1.98 million. (REUTERS) from AFP to Bharat on the claims was trapped in collapsed buildings. Other provincial capital, and many people putting lives at risk. The health minis- not answered. images showed a severed bridge and there remain trapped. ter of one state, Chhattisgarh, The Bhopal controversies have been damaged and flattened houses. TV sta- Rescuer Saidar Rahmanjaya said a has said the Bharat vaccine is “not The government responded to the It has delivered over three billion a lightning rod for criticism across the tions reported the earthquake lack of heavy equipment was hamper- safe” to deploy. criticism by saying the vaccine is vaccines for diseases worldwide nation about the trials and the wis- damaged part of a hospital and ing the operation to clear the rubble Critics suspect that the swift “110-percent safe”. including Zika and Japanese dom of rushing the vaccine’s roll-out. patients were moved to an emergency from collapsed houses and buildings. approval was motivated by Prime Privately owned Bharat Biotech, set Encephalitis and an ultra-cheap shot “There seems to be clear misses in tent outside. He said his team was working to save Minister Narendra Modi’s protection- up in 1996 by husband and wife for Hepatitis B. the way these trials have been con- Another video showed a father cry- 20 people trapped in eight buildings, ist push for “self-reliance”, and by the Krishna Ella and Suchitra Ella, is an The firm intends to supply Covaxin ducted,” said Anant Bhan, an expert ing, asking for help to save his chil- including in the governor’s office, a desire to save money. established player in inoculations. to other countries including Brazil. on bioethics and health policy. dren buried under their toppled house. hospital and hotels.

BRIEFING Iran’s Guard holds ballistic missile North Korea parades new submarine-launched missile drill amid tensions SEOUL: Nuclear-armed North Korea unveiled a new submarine-launched ASSOCIATED PRESS ballistic missile at a military parade TEHRAN, IRAN, JAN 15 in Pyongyang, state media reported on Friday, in a show of strength Iran’s paramilitary Revolutionary days before Joe Biden’s inauguration Guard forces on Friday held a military as US president. The parade came exercise involving ballistic missiles after the five-yearly congress of the and drones in the country’s central ruling Workers’ Party, at which desert, state TV reported, amid height- leader Kim Jong Un decried the ened tensions over Tehran’s nuclear US as his country’s “foremost programme and a US pressure cam- principal enemy”. “The world’s most paign against the Islamic Republic. powerful weapon, submarine-launch In the first phase of the drill on ballistic missile, entered the square Friday morning, the Guard’s aero- one after another, powerfully space division launched several sur- demonstrating the might of the revo- face-to-surface ballistic missiles lutionary armed forces,” the official against simulated enemy bases, KCNA news agency said. Pictures state TV reported. It said the drill showed at least four of the missiles included Zolfaghar and Dezful sol- with black-and-white cones being id-fuel ballistic missiles. Bomb- driven past flag-waving crowds, and carrying drones were also deployed. Ankit Panda of the Carnegie The Dezful, a version of the Zolfaghar, Endowment said it was a previously has a 700-kilometer range and 450-kilo- unseen weapon. gram warhead. Nearly 60,000 have fled Central African Republic On Wednesday, violence: UN Iran’s navy held a GENEVA: The number of people AP/RSS fleeing violence in the Central two-day short-range A bird flies over the sky near the 1000-year old Orthodox Monastery of Caves covered with the first snow this winter in Kyiv, Ukraine, on Friday. Ukraine has been hit with African Republic has doubled in unusually cold weather with temperatures of 21 degrees Celsius below zero. just a week to nearly 60,000, the missile drill in the UN refugee agency said on Friday, as post-electoral violence intensifies. Gulf of Oman. CAR’s government has been battling rebel groups seeking to overturn a Dec. 27 vote in which President Iran has missile capability of up Faustin-Archange Touadera was Unclear who presides at Trump trial if he’s out of office to 2,000 kilometres, far enough declared victor despite fraud claims. to reach archenemy Israel and US “What’s clear is the situation has... military bases in the region. Last worsened,” UNHCR spokesman Boris ASSOCIATED PRESS specifies the chief justice to run the President at the time of impeachment. sor Neil Kinkopf wrote in an email. January, after the US killed a top Cheshirkov told a UN briefing in WASHINGTON, JAN 15 president’s trial is that the person who Here, he was, so Roberts presides,” If it’s not Roberts or Harris, who Iranian general in Baghdad, Tehran Geneva. “What we are hearing from otherwise presides over the Senate is Vladeck wrote. may wish to avoid the appearance of a retaliated by firing a barrage of (refugees) is some of them have been The Constitution says the chief jus- the vice president—the very person Another factor in favour of Roberts conflict that presiding over Trump’s ballistic missiles at two Iraqi bases separated from loved ones, some tice is to preside at the impeachment who would assume the presidency if is that “a trial of a President (even a trial might inflame, the next choice housing US troops, resulting in have had loved ones killed, that trial of a president. But what about an the chief executive is convicted. former President) is a momentous would be Leahy, the senior Democrat brain concussion injuries to dozens the attacks have intensified,” he ex-president? That’s a bit unseemly. event and having the Chief Justice in the Senate, Norm Eisen said on of them. added. When rebels moved on Like so much else about the But if the stakes are changed and preside seems more congruent with, CNN. Eisen was a legal adviser to In recent weeks, Iran has increased the capital Bangui on 13 January, Constitution, the answer is subject to the sitting vice president no longer or more fitting of, the occasion,” Democrats during Trump’s first its military drills. On Wednesday, 10,000 people arrived in a single interpretation. stands to get the top job, why not have Georgia State University law profes- impeachment. Iran’s navy held a two-day short-range day in the Democratic Republic of If President Donald Trump’s trial Harris, who by then will have taken missile drill in the Gulf of Oman. On Congo across the Ubangui River, begins after January 20, it’s not clear over for Mike Pence, preside? Saturday, the Revolutionary Guard UNHCR said. (AGENCIES) whether Chief Justice John Roberts Whittington said he thinks that held a naval parade in the Persian would make his way to the Senate could happen, “as with the impeach- Gulf. A week earlier, Iran held a chamber as he did last year for ment of any officer other than the massive drone manoeuvre across half Trump’s first trial. Impeachment president.” But he said he “can the country. scholars, law professors and political imagine that the Senate might go the Tensions are again rising in the scientists offer differing views. other way and treat a former presi- waning days of the administration The choices appear to be Roberts, dent the same as a sitting president.” of President Donald Trump, as Iran Kamala Harris, who by then will be University of Texas law professor ramps up pressure on the West over vice president, or Sen. Patrick Leahy, Steven Vladeck said the chief justice the US sanctions campaign against D-Vt, who will be the Senate’s presi- is the better choice. The House on the Islamic Republic. dent pro tem once the Democrats gain Wednesday impeached the president, Trump in 2018 unilaterally with- control of the Senate. not the former president, Vladeck drew the US from Iran’s nuclear deal, The issue is “unsettled, completely wrote on Twitter. in which Tehran had agreed to without precedent, and unspecific “Indeed, if Trump resigned (or his limit its uranium enrichment in in existing Senate rules and prece- term ended) mid-trial, it would be exchange for the lifting of economic dents,” Princeton University political more than a little odd for the Chief sanctions. Trump cited Iran’s scientist Keith Whittington wrote in Justice to give way to the Vice AP/RSS ballistic missile program among other an email. President. The question should be In this file image, presiding officer Chief Justice of the United States John Roberts speaks as issues in withdrawing from One reason that the Constitution whether the impeached officer was closing arguments in the impeachment trial against President Donald Trump. the accord.

C M Y K 05 | SATURDAY, JANUARY 16, 2021 MONEY

FOREX US Dollar 117.22 Biratnagar airport to get Rs15-billion facelift Euro 142.22

Pound Sterling 159.95 The runway will be lengthened to 2,500 metres, enabling it to handle jets like the Airbus A320 and the Boeing 737.

Japanese Yen 11.31 SANGAM PRASAIN It is the first certified aerodrome Chinese Yuan 18.11 KATHMANDU, JAN 15 among Nepal’s domestic airports and second to Tribhuvan International Qatari Riyal 32.05 Biratnagar airport in south-eastern Airport in Kathmandu. Australian Dollar 90.75 Nepal is getting a Rs15-billion facelift According to Kharel, a preliminary that will add a new terminal and survey for land acquisition has been Malaysian Ringit 29.04 nearly double the length of the exist- completed. The project envisages tak- ing runway to upgrade to an interna- ing over 126.46 bighas of land at an Saudi Arab Riyal 31.25 tional facility. estimated cost of Rs5 billion. Exchange rates fixed by Nepal Rastra Bank Construction work on the The Civil Aviation Authority of 7,000-square-metre terminal, which is Nepal, on behalf of the federal gov- PRICE PER TOLA estimated to cost Rs4 billion, is slated ernment, will put up 50 percent of the BULLION to begin this year. investment while the provincial and Chief of Biratnagar airport Utsav local governments will chip in 40 and Fine Gold Rs 92,500 Kharel said that as per the master 10 percent respectively, Kharel said. plan, the 1,500-metre runway will be “The pre-qualification process to Silver Rs 1,260 lengthened to 2,500 metres, enabling it shortlist bidders to build the new ter- to handle narrow-body jets like the minal has started,” said Pradip SOURCE: FENEGOSIDA Airbus A320 and the Boeing 737. Adhikari, chief of the National Pride “But we will acquire enough land to Projects at the Civil Aviation enable us to extend the runway to Authority of Nepal. “The airport will GASOLINE WATCH 3,000 metres at a future date.” be upgraded with the view of develop- On November 12, the cabinet grant- ing it as an international airport in ed permission to the Civil Aviation the near future.” Authority of Nepal to acquire 126 The plan to upgrade Biratnagar bighas of land for the airport expan- or Bhadrapur airport for cross-border sion project. connectivity was mooted a long The airport expansion project is time ago. expected to be completed by 2024, offi- Initially, discussions were held to cials said. According to Kharel, the upgrade Biratnagar airport to a total cost of the upgrade is expected to regional international airport from be upwards of Rs15 billion. where flights would take off for Last year, 596,453 travellers passed Saidpur Airport in Bangladesh. through Biratnagar airport, making it POST FILE PHOTO Bhadrapur or Biratnagar to Saidpur the second busiest domestic airport Construction work on the 7,000-square-metre terminal, which is estimated to cost Rs4 billion, is slated to begin this year. is a 20-minute hop by plane. after Pokhara. There were 10,678 take- Saidpur is one of the most impor- offs and landings, according to the Indian cities to bring tourists as their powerhouse with the establishment of industrial hub. Once the centre of tant economic zones in Bangladesh. Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal. aircraft are too large for Nepal’s Biratnagar Jute Mill, the first modern economic activities, Biratnagar is In 2018, the Bangladeshi Civil “The airport has tremendous poten- domestic airports. factory in Nepal. now struggling to keep its glorious Aviation and Tourism Ministry start- tial to serve as a regional internation- Kharel said that once the airport is The mill was a major milestone that past alive due to lack of infrastructure ed work to upgrade the airport to al airport connecting Bangladesh, upgraded, it will permit Biratnagar to led to the opening of many other and connectivity. Despite hosting international class. Bhutan, Kolkata in India and even regain its lost glory. manufacturing plants in the city some of the largest factories in the A joint team of Nepal’s Foreign Myanmar,” said Kharel. In 2014, Biratnagar celebrated the and surrounding areas. The expan- country, the city lags behind in attract- Ministry and the Nepal-Bangladesh According to civil aviation officials, centenary of its birth as an industrial sion of industry resulted in the ing investors. Chamber of Traders had also studied many Nepali airlines are prevented city. The sleepy farming town was formation of the Sunsari-Morang Biratnagar airport, which opened the possibility of establishing air from making cross-border flights to transformed into a manufacturing Industrial Corridor, the country’s first in July 1958, is spread over 120 bighas. links from the closest border point. Trump admin takes British fishers cry foul as Brexit Airbnb CEO says travel final swipes at China and its companies red tape leaves catch rotting never going back to the REUTERS 25 percent over a 5 ½-year transition WASHINGTON, JAN 15 period. After that, new quotas will way it was before Covid-19 have to be negotiated. The Trump administration took At the same time, Britain’s exit REUTERS another swipe at China and its biggest from the EU single market means new NEW YORK, JAN 15 firms on Thursday, imposing sanc- costs and red tape for exporters—a tions on officials and companies for major problem since Britain exports Airbnb Chief Executive Officer Brian alleged misdeeds in the South China most of the fish its boats catch. Chesky on Thursday predicted Sea and imposing an investment ban Danish company DFDS, which travel would permanently change due on nine more firms. transports seafood from Scotland to to the pandemic with people seeking The moves come just days before the EU by truck, has suspended ship- out thousands of smaller cities and Trump steps down and President-elect ments at least until Monday because spending more time visiting friends Joe Biden takes office. of delays in getting new paperwork in and family. Executives of state-owned enter- order. Traditional tourism and sightsee- prises, officials of the Chinese Jamie McMillan of Scotland’s ing at top global destinations would be Communist Party and military, along Lochfyne Langoustines said “the fish- significantly reduced by travellers with oil giant CNOOC face new ing industry has been made a fool of” who will drive to smaller communities restrictions for allegedly using coer- by the government in London. and fly less for business meetings. cion against states with rival claims “We can’t get our product to the EU Travellers are “yearning for what REUTERS in the South China Sea. market because of red tape,” he said was taken away from them,” Chesky Airbnb Chief Executive Brian Chesky. Senior US officials told reporters on in a video released on social media. said at the Reuters Next conference in Thursday the new CNOOC restric- “If Scottish exporters can’t get their an interview with Jonathan Weber, percent to record high of $187.42 on tions would not apply to crude, refined product to market next week, we will Reuters global technology editor. Thursday. The rental platform has fuels and liquid natural gas and do not AP/RSS be at the gates of Westminster and “They’re not yearning to see Times been cancelling home-sharing reser- apply to existing joint ventures with A file photo shows fishermen arranging crabs after their boat returned from we’ll be dumping our shellfish on your Square. What they are yearning to do vations in the Washington D.C. area CNOOC that do not operate in the a fishing trip to the harbour in Hartlepool, England. doorstep, rotten,” he added. is to see their friends and their fami- for President-elect Joe Biden’s inaugu- South China Sea. The trade deal that took effect lies they have not seen in a long time.” ration’s next Wednesday after law Nine Chinese firms were added to ASSOCIATED PRESS be solved. Many British fishermen January 1 allows Britain and the EU The startup was hit by the Covid-19 enforcement warned of a threat from the Pentagon’s list of companies with LONDON, JAN 15 backed Brexit because it promised the to trade in goods without quotas or pandemic in early 2020 and its busi- armed militias. alleged ties to the Chinese military, chance for the UK to leave the EU’s tariffs. But that is a far cry from the ness dropped by 80 percent in a little Chesky recalled the white suprema- including planemaker Comac and British fishing communities were complex system of fishing quotas and seamless, hassle-free trade the UK over eight weeks. cist rally in Charlottesville, Virginia phone maker Xiaomi Corp. among the strongest supporters of regain control over who is allowed to enjoyed while it was part of the EU’s However, as lockdowns eased, more and said that he did not want the plat- Brexit. But now some say they face fish in British waters. single market. Companies face new travellers opted to book homes instead form facilitating people traveling to ruin because of new red tape imposed Fishing rights became a major expense and red tape, including cus- of hotels, helping Airbnb post a sur- commit violence in communities. by the UK’s departure from the sticking point in the trade negotia- toms declarations and border checks. prise profit for the third quarter. The Airbnb made the decision of after Nine more firms European Union. tions that followed the UK’s political There have been shortages of some San Francisco-based firm gained from consulting local and federal officials with alleged ties One seafood firm has threatened to departure from the bloc in January goods on supermarket shelves as increased interest in renting homes and after a number of hosts worried dump rotting crustaceans on the gov- 2020, as European nations sought to firms reduce the number and amount away from major cities. about potential attacks sought to can- to the Chinese ernment’s doorstep if the situation retain access to waters where they of shipments they make. The home rental firm went public cel bookings. However, major hotel doesn’t improve within days. have fished for decades or centuries. Prime Minister Boris Johnson has in a blockbuster initial public offering chains including Hilton Worldwide military received The government insisted on Under a new UK-EU trade deal said fishing companies will be com- in December, its shares more than Holdings Inc and Marriott Thursday that the issues were just agreed last month, the EU’s share of pensated for their losses, though he doubling in their stock market debut. International have said they planned an investment ban. “teething problems” that would soon the catch in British seas will be cut by has not given details. Shares of Airbnb rose as much as 10 to uphold existing reservations.

Those companies will be subject to a new US investment ban which forces American investors to divest holdings of the blacklisted firms by November China’s battle against fresh Covid outbreak clouds economic recovery 11, 2021. Chinese foreign ministry spokes- man Zhao Lijian said in Beijing on REUTERS Manufacturing and export demand Beijing and has seen cities locked In the Hebei city of Tangshan more from last week and by 7 percent from a Friday that China firmly opposed the BEIJING, JAN 15 remain robust. But economists say down to contain the outbreak, steel than one-third of steel mills have coke year earlier, Mysteel data shows. new sanctions. “This action is against consumption, which typically inventories have jumped 11 percent supplies of fewer than seven days, “The Covid situation may not the trend of the times and is against From cancelled hotel bookings ahead accounts for more than half of the this year, according to data from con- which suggests supply shortages, and improve quickly, but the impact its self-touted market competition and of the Lunar New Year to steel piled economy and has lagged the wider sultancy Mysteel, with industry sourc- weekly blast furnace capacity utiliza- will not be as big as in last year’s international economic trade rules,” up at mills because of transport curbs recovery, may take a hit. es blaming transport restrictions. tion rates fell this week by 1.7 percent Lunar New Year,” said Zhang Yiping, he said. The Biden transition team did in Hebei province, China’s battle Authorities have urged people not economist at China Merchants not immediately respond to a request against a new wave of Covid-19 infec- to travel for the week-long Lunar New Securities in Shenzhen. for comment. tions clouds what has been a dramatic Year holiday, which starts February 11 Consumption in China was slower Shares in Xiaomi closed down 10 economic recovery. and is typically a time to spend on to recover than factory output or percent on Friday, against a 0.4 per- New cases in China are at 10-month travel, food and gifts. investment, although retail sales cent drop in the Hang Seng index, highs, prompting the lockdown of 28 “The worsening coronavirus situa- recorded the fourth straight month of while CNOOC Ltd shares fell by 1.1 million people in two provinces, dis- tion will impact economic activity, year-on-year growth in November. percent. rupting logistics and industrial activi- and markets may need to temper their Gubei Watertown, a tourist site at The United States has long opposed ty, with millions expected to scrap expectations for strong pent-up con- the foot of China’s Great Wall, has China’s territorial claims in the South holiday travel plans in a blow to sumption demand in the coming LNY suffered cancellations of 8,900 room China Sea, a potentially resource-rich China’s efforts to get consumption holidays,” Nomura analysts wrote in a bookings as well as numerous year- area that is also a trade route. back on track. note this week. end conferences, Chen Xianghong, Washington accuses Beijing of intimi- China’s economy plunged an The outbreak and social distancing president of Wuzhen Tourism Co Ltd, dating states such as Vietnam and the unprecedented 6.8 percent in the first measures “add conviction” to one of its owners, said on the Twitter- Philippines that have rival claims quarter last year. Nomura’s forecast that policymakers like Weibo site on Thursday. there. China accuses Washington of Thanks partly to surging global will moderate moves to ease stimulus “We can’t close, but keeping open is trying to destabilize the region by demand for Chinese-made electronics and slow credit growth, and delay rate loss-making,” he said. sending warships and planes to the and gear to protect from coronavirus, hikes into 2022, it said. Many companies which would ordi- South China Sea. China looks set to be the only major But Julian Evans-Pritchard, senior narily be holding parties are cancel- “The United States stands with economy to expand in 2020, with China economist at Capital ling events, while cities have advised Southeast Asian claimant states seek- growth expected at 2.1 percent. Economics, said there may be an eco- couples to delay wedding banquets. ing to defend their sovereign rights Given the limited geographic spread nomic upside. Liquor giant Kweichow Moutai, and interests, consistent with interna- of the outbreaks and improved testing “One reason many manufacturers based in Renhuai in Guizhou prov- tional law,” Secretary of State Mike and containment, economists do not have been quick to participate in offi- ince, told employees to stay put. Pompeo said in announcing the sanc- expect anything approaching a repeat cial efforts to discourage travel is that “All employees are not allowed to tions. Pompeo said Washington was of what happened in the first quarter it would allow them to keep factories leave Renhuai, participate in gather- imposing visa restrictions on execu- of last year, when the emergence of running over the holiday,” he wrote in ings, or visit public areas such as tives of Chinese state-owned enter- the coronavirus resulting in the a Friday note. karaoke outlets, bars or internet prises and officials of the Chinese world’s second largest economy con- In the steelmaking powerhouse REUTERS cafes,” according to a notice to staff Communist Party and navy. tracting by 6.8 percent. Hebei province, which surrounds Police officers in PPE stop a car at a checkpoint on the outskirts of Beijing. reported by state media this week.

C M Y K SATURDAY, JANUARY 16, 2021 | 06 SPORTS | MEDLEY Bhandari’s ton gives Army a flying start Australia exploit India’s The departmental team captain struck an unbeaten 111 as they beat Gandaki Province by 98 runs in the opening match. injury woes to take SPORTS BUREAU KATHMANDU, JAN 15 An unbeaten century from skipper charge of Gabba decider Binod Bhandari gave Tribhuvan Army Club a flying start to their REUTERS who had held Australia to a Prime Minister Cup national one-day BRISBANE, JAN 15 courageous draw in the third Test cricket tournament campaign as they in Sydney to keep the series level registered a 98-run victory over Marnus Labuschagne rode his luck to at 1-1. Gandaki Province in the curtain rais- a home-ground century as Australia The home side were also wasteful, er at the TU cricket ground in Kirtipur exploited India’s injury woes and pun- with four of their batsmen dismissed on Friday. ished their poor fielding to reach 274 due to poor shot selection, and only National player Bhandari, who for five at the close of a steamy day opener David Warner (1) falling to a came to bat at number 4, smashed an one of the fourth Test decider in good ball when he nicked Mohammed unbeaten 111 runs as Army made 287-6 Brisbane on Friday. Siraj to the slips in the first over. in the allotted 50 overs before restrict- Captain Tim Paine was 38 not out Without a single first-choice bowler ing Gandaki at 189 with two overs to and all-rounder Cameron Green on 28 available — all sidelined or long since spare. Bhandari struck nine fences at stumps, with Australia holding departed with injuries — India blood- and five sixes in his 76-ball innings. sway after winning the toss and bat- ed two debutants in paceman T Electing to bat first, the departmen- ting on a Gabba pitch that flattened Natarajan and spin-bowling all-round- tal team openers Hari Krishna Jha obligingly for the batsmen under a er Washington Sundar. and Raju Rijal put on a 63-run partner- blazing sun. Both the new boys had their ship for the first wicket before the It was a bad toss to lose for Ajinkya moments. Sundar claimed Steve Smith former was dismissed for 14 runs. Rahane’s decimated side, shorn of (36) as his first Test wicket when the Rijal, the next wicket to fall, scored 45 pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah and master batsman chipped a half-volley runs off 71 balls. He was trapped leg spinner Ravichandran Ashwin, and to short mid-wicket, while Natarajan, before by Bipin Khatri. stitched together with four inju- completing his hat-trick of debuts in Rohit Paudel and Bhim Sharki were ry-forced changes. all three formats, grabbed the wickets sent back to pavilion for 10 and 15 runs Selectors spread the load with a of Labuschagne and Wade. India’s respectively as Army were 111-4. But rookie four-prong pace attack, but it pacemen owned the first hour, dis- skipper Bhandari and Rajesh Pulami was soon a man down when seamer missing both openers before the played a 73-run partnership for the POST PHOTO: HEMANTA SHRESTHA Navdeep Saini went off the field with drinks break, with Thakur taking fifth wicket to lift their innings. Tribhuvan Army Club’s Binod Bhandari (batting) smacked nine boundaries and five sixes in his 76-ball innings to guide his team to victory. a groin injury after lunch. He exited Marcus Harris for five when the Pulami contributed 38 off 52 before he straight after inducing a nick from recalled opener spooned a catch to was caught by Sameer Kandel off Paudel shared one wicket each. by Paudel off Sarki in 36th over with conceded 26 runs. Labuschagne that was dropped in the square leg. Deepesh Khatri. Gandaki’s run chase suffered an 136-4 at board. He hit five fences in his Nepal APF Club will vie against gully by Rahane when the batsman Smith’s wicket raised India’s spirits The man-of-the-match Bhandari, early setback as opener Deepesh patient knock. Skipper Bipin Khatri Province 1 in the group match at the was on 37. Labuschagne was then again but they were soon deflated by who reached 100 runs off 73 balls, then Khatri was trapped leg before by remained not out on 37 runs while same venue on Saturday. The tourna- dropped on 48 before tea and duly Labuschagne as he attacked with played a 103-run stand for the fourth Aakash Chand for one run. But his Bishnu Pandey contributed 12 runs ment organised by Cricket Association made India pay in a 113-run partner- gusto after tea, bringing up his fifth wicket with Lokesh Bam, caught by opening partner Arjun Kumal, who for Gandaki. The provincial team lost of Nepal is played under the league ship with Matthew Wade (45) before Test century with an all-run four and wicketkeeper Deepak Dumre in the contributed 36 runs from 54 deliveries, other batsmen cheaply. cum knockout format. The event fea- getting out slogging for 108. a glorious cover drive. last ball of the innings. The duo col- and Sameer Kandel played a 52-run Army’s Rajesh Pulami was the most tures 10 teams including seven provin- India blew a third chance late in the Australia will be confident of build- lected 103 runs from just 60 deliveries. stand for the next wicket. Kumal was successful bowler claiming five cial and three departmental teams. day, with Green reprieved on 19 by ing on their total and then seeing Bam scored 42 runs from 30 balls. caught by Jeetendra Mukhiya off wickets. He gave away 25 runs in The participating teams are divided paceman Shardur Thakur, who whether the cracks might offer Gandaki’s Bipin Khatri and Bishal Rohit Paudel. his nine-over spell with two into two groups. The top two finishers grassed a waist-high caught-and- more for their pacemen at a ground Paudel grabbed two wickets apiece Kandel, Gandaki’s highest scorer maiden overs. Sarki grabbed three of each group after league stage will bowled chance. For all that it could where the home side is undefeated while Deepesh Khatri and Chandra with 50 runs off 90 balls, was caught wickets in his seven-over bowling. He make to the semi-finals. have been much worse for the tourists, since 1988. Women’s league to have two legs Bagmati provincial boxing event to start on March 3 SPORTS BUREAU Stadium and other matches at the KATHMANDU, JAN 15 ANFA Complex. SPORTS BUREAU from all 13 districts of the province. The winner of the month-long KATHMANDU, JAN 15 The winners of each weight catego- National Women’s Football League is tournament will bag a purse ry will get a purse of Rs 10,000 while set to begin on January 20 in the of Rs 1.5 million while the second Nagarjun Boxing Sports Committee is the runner up and two semi-finalists capital under the double leg format, to fourth placed teams will get Rs set to organise Bir Ganesh Man Singh will walk away with Rs 7,000 and Rs according to the football governing 800,000, Rs 500,000 and Rs 300,000 Memorial Bagmati Province Boxing 4,000 apiece. Mayor Basnet announced body All Nepal Football Association respectively. Championships from March 3 to 6 in the plan to reward the best female (ANFA). Each team will have 30 members Nagarjun, Kathmandu. boxer of the championships with a This is the first time the women’s including 23 players and seven The event will feature six weight two wheeler paid for with his own tournament is set to have two legs – officials. They can also sign and play categories in women’s and eight cate- money. Meanwhile, the organiser will each team will compete against anoth- up to four foreign players. The best gories in men’s sections, according to honour the best male boxer with a er twice in the event. player of the league will ride a two Mohan Bahadur Basnet, the mayor of motorbike. The tournament will feature wheeler while the best striker, mid- Nagarjun Municipality and coordina- The estimated cost of the four-day seven teams including Tribhuvan fielder, defender, goalkeeper and coach tor of the main organising committee, event is Rs 3 million—of which the Army Football Club, Nepal Armed will receive Rs 50,000 each. at a press conference on Friday. municipality will provide Rs 2 mil- Police Force Club, Nepal Police Club, Each team has been allocated The women’s event will feature lion. Meanwhile, the organisers have Chaudandigadhi Municipality, preparation fees of Rs 100,000 48kg, 51kg, 54kg, 57kg, 60kg and 64 kg also announced to honour the medal- Biratnagar Metropolitan City, Waling apart from Rs 50,000 as Covid Relief weight categories while the men’s lists of the 13th South Asian Games at Municipality and Chandrapur Fund. ANFA will provide food and event will have 49kg, 52kg, 56k, 60kg, the event. The championship is being Municipality. accommodation for the teams and also 64kg, 69kg, 75kg and above 81kg weight POST PHOTO organised in the memory of the 1990 The opening and closing ceremo- isolation facilities if any players or categories. Mayor Basnet said they Nagarjun mayor and coordinator of the main organising committee Mohan Bahadur Basnet democratic movement leader Ganesh nies will be held at the Dasharath officials develop Covid-19 symptoms. expect the participation of boxers briefs media on Bir Ganesh Man Singh Memorial Bagmati Province Boxing Championships. Man Singh. HOROSCOPE ARIES (March 21-April 19) **** CANCER (June 22-July 22) *** LIBRA (September 23-October 22) *** CAPRICORN (December 22-January 19) **** Can you feel it? Something new is starting in your In negotiating something with a friend, you need to Just follow your mood today. Wherever it leads you You could get a huge boost for your dreams and ambi- life! Be confident in this feeling. Let it build up into carefully consider the balance of power in the rela- will be the right place for you to be. If you’re feeling tions, bringing lucky coincidences and opportunities full-fledged excitement. You deserve to let go of all tionship. Their ego could be going through a very down, you’re feeling down for a reason, so don’t try to your door. If you’ve been hoping for a stroke of your concerns and all of your hesitation. It’s a free- sensitive phase, and you need to try to let them call to force yourself to cheer up. If you’re happy, be good fortune to help you advance in life, you will ing feeling, and one you won’t soon forget. the shots this time. wary of the reason. likely get it.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20) *** LEO (July 23-August 22) *** SCORPIO (October 23-November 21) *** AQUARIUS (January 20-February 18) *** You are ready for action. If you’ve been contemplat- Why are you putting things off ? The time for procras- Don’t hesitate to get angry at someone who is hold- Acting your age won’t feel like much fun today. The ing a travel adventure, today is the day to start tination is over! If you don’t move forward, an impor- ing you back. If they’re wrong, they need to hear children in your life are having fun, so why can’t you? planning. Making travel plans is a great way to make tant person might start to doubt that you know what about it or they’ll just keep on doing the wrong Get rid of the grown-up restrictions you’ve put on the most of your wanderlust and organisational you’re doing. And even if that is true, you can’t let things over and over again. Follow your mood and yourself. Take a more relaxed attitude with you wher- skills. them know it! give them a piece of your mind. ever you go today, even to work.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21) **** VIRGO (August 23-September 22) **** SAGITTARIUS (November 22-December 21) *** PISCES (February 19-March 20) *** Despite the fact that you’ve been enjoying marching Right now, you have a big dose of energy that doesn’t Reevaluate your lifestyle right now. Are you living You’re encouraged to live up to your full potential. If to the beat of your own drummer lately, today the come around very often, so make the most of it by above your means? It might be time for some think- there are goals you have so far been unable to reach, urge to hop on the bandwagon could be too hard to stirring up some good times. It takes courage to ing in terms of how you spend your money. This you might consider hiring a teacher who can help resist. Going along with the crowd every once in a break out of your shell, and you should be proud that doesn’t mean you can never go out to dinner—but you make this happen. The focus is on self-improve- while isn’t a crime. it’s sometimes so easy for you to do. money saved is money earned. ment and self-expression. CROSSWORD SUDOKU

YESTERDAY’S SOLUTION

C M Y K 07 | SATURDAY, JANUARY 16, 2021 CULTURE & LIFESTYLE Of being a woman in a man’s world Sudha Sharma’s memoir is the story of a woman who treads her own path in an unwelcoming and discouraging patriarchal structure.

MADAN KUMAR BHATTARAI covert politicisation. cal alliances. Second, politically appoint- In the book, she states that there is a ed people tend to exploit resources rather r Sudha Sharma is a thin line between the bounds of reti- SINGHA DARBARKO than serve the institutions they are known and respected cence, dictated by the secrecy of the GHUMNE MECH assigned to. Third and more dangerous is name in Nepali academia. office, and what she intends to divulge. Dr Sudha Sharma that the virtually untrained political Also known for serving as But she minces no words in naming and Publishers: Nepalaya, class has a visceral tendency to humili- a top-level health bureau- shaming individuals and even systems Kathmandu, 2020 ate and discredit civil servants and crat, she recently pub- that have been detrimental to the people Pages: 208 bureaucracy. Dlished her much-awaited memoir, inter- and country. In many ways, the book— Price: Rs 425 In the book, Sharma talks about the estingly entitled ‘Singha Durbar ko with its documentation of certain bouts of humiliation she often had to Ghumne Mech’, which can be loosely events—lambasts the government by undergo for being a woman despite her translated to ‘The Revolving Chair of highlighting its ills, particularly in its isations as first lady President of Nepal professional credentials, proven exper- Singha Durbar’. approach towards women in leadership Medical Association. tise in her field, adequate international The book, with an impressive front roles. Dr Sharma is a close friend and a col- exposure and concentration to her cover of the southern main gate of the She also focuses on her illustrious league as we took over the office of assigned duty with acclaim from both premises of the sanctum sanctorum of father, Laxmi Nath Gautam, son of a Health Secretary and Foreign Secretary internal and external observers. Her Nepali bureaucracy, has 14 chapters that noted Sanskrit and Ayurveda scholar, respectively at the same time. We served major frustration comes from the fact encapsulate the author’s life spanning Kulchandra Gautam. Laxmi Nath in close liaisons especially in the context that despite their lofty slogans, other over six and half decades. Gautam also served as Home Secretary of the Trauma Centre that she has men- women—be they legislators, associated Written over a span of almost 10 years, and Nepal Rastra Bank Governor tioned and other issues that warranted with non-governmental organisations or the book is a frank appraisal of the perfor- during his long innings in the bureaucra- inter-ministerial coordination. civil society—prefer to turn a blind eye mance and role of medical experts. Dr cy. She chronicles two incidents that But she was not allowed to work when it comes to offering sympathy, sup- Sharma admirably—and honestly—por- humiliated her father, and uses them to through repeated transfers as Health port or cooperation to another woman’s trays both the positive and the negative highlight the reality of how things run in Secretary and Population Secretary and predicament. aspects of the country’s healthcare sys- a bureaucracy. hindrances and obstacles posed by her The only weakness of the book that is tem. She writes about the interplay of The first incident involves the then much under the circumstances, Gautam ministers. Dr Sudha’s sense of pride pre- common with other autobiographies and selfish forces in terms of delivering prop- Home Minister, whom she does not name retaliated in his own way when he vented her from facing more humilia- memoirs is its concentration on oneself. er healthcare services and about rampant but gives obvious references of, who refused to accept the position he was tions and she tendered her resignation. Otherwise, the book, with the informa- large-scale corruption that affects the wanted a criminal released. Gautam did offered in the Administrative Reforms Soon after, she opted to serve as head of tion and statistics it has, is a valuable health sector particularly in terms of con- not comply with the request and as a Commission. the department of health and nutrition addition to the country’s literature struction. She also writes about the mal- result, he was thrown into a reserve pool She also admits her soft corner for lib- in Tanzania for five and half years to about health, gender mainstreaming, feasance and misfeasance with mala fide for four years by the minister. The second eral democracy and civil rights after her make the best use of her expertise she public policy, sociology and public intentions on the part of politicians, espe- incident involved a flash news from marriage to a fellow medico, Dr Bijay had gained through brilliant academic administration. cially in regards to health administration; Radio Nepal related to the acceptance of Sharma, with connections to the Koirala records and rich professional experience. the unbroken saga of non-accountability his resignation as Governor. The news family. So understandably, she was In a nutshell, the book presents three Bhattarai is a former Foreign Secretary in the country as a whole, irrespective of came as a surprise to him, writes instrumental in galvanising support for major points. First, our political class, and author involved in the study of change of governance; and a gradual drift Sharma, as her father had not tendered the successful restoration of democracy despite tall talks of ambitious goals, Nepal’s foreign relations from a histori- of health bureaucracy through overt and any resignation. Though not able to do in 2006 acting in unison with other organ- gives primacy to individuals and politi- cal perspective. BEST-SELLERS | NEW RELEASES

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1. Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Deep End by Jeff Kinney 2. Srilaaji by Shobhaa De 3. The Archer by Paulo Coelho 4. One Arranged Murder by Chetan Bhagat 5. The Return by Nicholas Sparks Source: Mandala Book Point Source:

Non-Fiction A Social Theory of Corruption The Year of the Witching Darling Rose Gold Author: Sudhir Chella Rajan Author: Alexis Henderson Author: Stephanie Wrobel 1. Sanskrit Non-Translatables by Rajiv Publication: Harvard University Publication: Ace Publication: Berkley Malhotra, Satyanarayana Dasa Press Price: Rs 1,118 Price: Rs 1,118 2. Hidden Hand: Exposing How the Price: Rs 1,118 Chinese Communist Party is Reshaping Alexis Henderson brings forth a story Wrobel brings two complex characters Rajan, the author of Enigma of about a young woman living in a rigid of a mother and daughter to drive a the World by Clive Hamilton, Mareike Automobility: Democratic Politics and society who discovers dark powers story. Rose Gold Watts for the first 18 3. Too Small to Fail by James Breiding Pollution Control, argues that corruption within herself. The story tells about years of her life believed she was seri- 4. Shameless by Taslima Nasreen isn’t just the pursuit of private compa- oppression and rebellion and discuss- ously ill until she found her mother 5. The Battle of Belonging by Shashi nies while fulfilling a public duty. Rajan es morality, as the protagonist finds was lying to her. But when her mother Tharoor discusses how it’s not just bribes but herself caught in a Handmaid’s Tale Patty returns from prison, Gold recon- caste and gender relations and the repro- nightmare. ciles with her, however, she has not duction of class that shows the true forgotten what her mother did to her. depths of corruption. Study: Pandemic eats into LGBTQ Germany says it has representation on network TV handed over 14 works According to the study, prime-time broadcast fell to 9.1 percent after from Gurlitt trove reaching an all-time high of 10.2 percent last season. ASSOCIATED PRESS Authorities first stumbled BERLIN on the art while investigating a tax case in 2012. Gurlitt’s The advocacy group noted that nearly half of erman authori- will bequeathed the works to all LGBTQ representation in prime-time script- ties have now a Swiss museum, the ed cable is seen on just three networks—FX, handed over all Kunstmuseum Bern. Freeform and Showtime. It urged other net- 14 works from A German govern- works to follow their lead. the art trove ment-backed foundation has The report also found that nearly one in accumulated by been working with it to ensure every five LGBTQ characters is connected to Glate collector Cornelius Gurlitt that any pieces looted from just four show writers and creators—Shonda that so far were proven to have Jewish owners are returned to Rhimes, Greg Berlanti, Lena Waithe and Ryan been looted under Nazi rule, the their heirs. A trickle of works Murphy. government said. has been handed back in recent Ellis noted that data from the Nielsen compa- “Piano Playing,” a drawing by years as the painstaking pro- ny shows that pandemic-affected Americans— Carl Spitzweg, was handed over cess of provenance research age 18 and over—are averaging 37 hours of TV to Christie’s auction house at the made gradual progress. a week—almost a second full-time job. That request of the heirs of its right- Germany’s culture minister, means the stakes are even higher for GLAAD’s ful owner, Henri Hinrichsen, the Monika Gruetters, said it was goals of reaching representation, even as the government said. “an important signal” that all fragility of positive movement is clear. The work was seized from the works so far identified as “The content is more important than ever Hinrichsen, a Jewish music looted art have been restituted and it’s having a bigger impact than ever. So for publisher, in 1939. The follow- to their owners’ heirs. us we’re thrilled that the drop wasn’t as big as ing year, it was bought by “Behind every one of these it could have been. But, if all things are equal, Gurlitt’s father, Hildebrand pictures stands a human, tragic then even if the quantity of programs goes Gurlitt—an art dealer who trad- fate such as that of Auschwitz down, the representation shouldn’t,” Ellis said. ed in works confiscated by the victim Dr Henri Hinrichsen,” An estimated 4.5 percent of adults in the Nazis. Hinrichsen was killed at she said in a statement. “We AP/RSS United States, approximately 11.3 million peo- the Auschwitz death camp in cannot make up for this severe This image released by HBO shows Zendaya (left) and Hunter Schafer in a scene from the series Euphoria. ple, identify as LGBTQ, according to the 1942. suffering, but we are trying Williams Institute at UCLA School of Law. The reclusive Cornelius with the appraisal of Nazi art MARK KENNEDY found that 70 out of 773 series regular charac- GLAAD and The Harris Poll have found that 20 Gurlitt, who died in 2014, had looting to make a contribution NEW YORK ters on broadcast scripted prime-time TV were percent of Americans ages 18-34 identify as squirrelled away more than to historical justice and fulfil LGBTQ. Last year, those numbers were 90 out LGBTQ. 1,200 works in his Munich our moral responsibility.” GBTQ and gender inclusiveness of a total of 879 characters. Recurring LGBT While streaming and cable shows have found apartment and a further 250 or She stressed Germany’s on television has retreated slightly characters were also down. homes for LGBTQ characters, GLAAD focuses so at a property in Salzburg, “lasting commitment” to con- this season due to delays and There were also declines in LGBTQ rep- on gains made on broadcast channels because, Austria. He inherited much of tinue with that appraisal and shutdowns caused by the Covid-19 resentation on streaming services and prime- unlike those TV alternatives, channels like the collection from his father. provenance research. pandemic, according to a new study time scripted cable shows, triggered in part by ABC, NBC, CBS and Fox are in everybody’s out Thursday by the advocacy group production shutdowns of such series as “The L household. LGLAAD. Word,” “Euphoria” and “Killing Eve.” “We still do focus on broadcast because that’s The percentage of regularly seen LGBTQ GLAAD is asking the industry to reach 20 where a majority of Americans are still taking characters on streaming as well as prime-time percent representation of LGBTQ regularly in and absorbing content. That’s still where the broadcast TV and cable during the 2020-21 sea- seen characters on all three platforms by 2025, majority of Americans might meet their first son fell. Prime-time broadcast fell to 9.1 percent and to ensure that half of LGBTQ characters gay person or transgender person or bisexual after reaching an all-time high of 10.2 percent on every TV platform are people of colour with- person for the first time,” Ellis said. last season. That represents the first decrease in the next two years. GLAAD also found that the number of char- since GLAAD’s 2013-14 report. The group found good news on the second acters living with HIV plunged from nine to “We’re hoping that is just a blip and not the request in the latest study—over half of LGBTQ three—all three on FX’s “Pose,” set in the late beginning of a trend,” GLAAD’s President & characters on cable television were people of 1980s. The organisation is calling on the indus- CEO Sarah Kate Ellis said in an interview, add- colour, meeting GLAAD’s challenge. And for a try to introduce no less than three new regular ing that the decrease overall was largely due to second year, GLAAD counted more LGBTQ or recurring LGBTQ characters living with AP/RSS fewer shows being made. regular and recurring women on prime-time HIV each year on cable or broadcast primetime. In this file photo, people visit the exhibition ‘Gurlitt : Status Report’ at the GLAAD’s report, “Where We Are on TV,” broadcasts than LGBTQ men. — Associated Press Bundeskunsthalle museum in Bonn, Germany.

C M Y K SATURDAY, JANUARY 16, 2021 | 08 CULTURE & LIFESTYLE (C.R.P.D.) - 3/052/053 The beauty of effortless, subtle cinema Without being loud, ‘Is Love Enough, Sir?’ says a lot about society’s classist attitude that governs everything—including love.

SCREEN GRABS VIA NETFLIX Scenes from the recently released ‘Is Love Enough, Sir?’ that is now available on Netflix.

ANKIT KHADGI on track, a few days prior to his wedding, We never see the movie slipping into an from a steel cup while her employee her personality. Similarly, she wants to be KATHMANDU he finds out about his fiance’s infidelity. overtly sexual zone. Rather, through the enjoying meals in neatly crafted ceramic independent and gain control in her life, This leads him to end his relationship. dignified performances, impeccable writ- plates and utensils, or she walking bare- like the designers, who are in full control usy in the kitchen, Ratna is He is broken, yet every day puts up a ing, and nuances, we witness an overlap- foot whereas other people walking in of their creations. preparing breakfast for her brave face and goes to work. ping of two hearts, who regardless of their shoes in the apartment or the misbe- The use of space in the movie is equally employee, Ashwin. Although Meanwhile, Ratna has her own fair each other’s social status or positioning, haviour normalised towards Ratna and prominent, as it adds nuances to the sto- Ashwin is her ‘sir’, the two share of struggles. Born in an underpriv- feel for each other. other house helps by privileged people, rytelling process. As time passes by, both share a closeness that makes ileged family in a rural area, she was Likewise, as a filmmaker, she uses min- Gera presents such discriminatory and Ratna and Ashwin develop a sense of Ratna feel attached to him. married to a man at a young age of 19. imalistic means to depict their story, classist behaviour to add a social message comfort and understanding for each BShe understands him well, empathises However, within four months of their which adds depth to her story-telling. We to her story. other, which is denoted by the distance with him. She makes an effort to pacify marriage, her husband died. Not wanting don’t see the protagonists using melodra- From the production design to cine- between them. his broken heart, eventually leading her to succumb to any societal pressure exer- matic dialogues. Neither do they speak a matography, from acting to writing, Likewise with the help of Dominique to fall for him. But her heart gets shat- cised by society on widows, she leaves her lot, cry a lot, or even express their love for there’s hardly any department that hasn’t Colin’s cinematography, Gera also suc- tered when she sees a girl coming out of village and comes to Mumbai for her each other in heavy and deep words. performed exceptionally well. As a film- cessfully depicts the contrasting lives of his bedroom. She knows what might have independence. Every emotion and action is subtle, and maker, Gera doesn’t only rely on the story, the two characters. In a few scenes, as the happened with the girl and her employer But regardless of her own storms in as an audience one is fully invested in but she makes sure that each and every camera glides down horizontally, we see last night. She feels betrayed. life, Ratna is hopeful and dreams of trying to read between the lines. element—from cinematography to acting the bedrooms of Ashwin and Ratna. But at the end of the day, she knows she becoming a fashion designer. Meanwhile, to music—is utilised in a way that adds Ashwin has a comfortable and bright liv- is just an employee, a house help hired to she also empathises with Ashwin, as she depth to her story. ing space, whereas Ratna has a cramped work for him and even though she’s angry, tries to pacify and be his cheerleader. Set in Mumbai, the For instance, in many scenes, Gera relies and dark bedroom, where she sleeps on a she hides her anger, and tries to be on her Besides performing her regular duties, on music to express the flowing of emo- small bed. best behaviour. she stitches clothes for him, answers his film is a genre-bending tions of the characters, elevating the Although the movie was made in 2018 Directed by Rohena Gera, this emotion- phone calls, and even makes an attempt to impact of the scene, without the help of and premiered at the Cannes Film ally packed scene is one of the defining console him when he’s feeling low. piece of cinema that opulent or flashy action or movements. For Festival that year, it took almost three scenes of ‘Is Love Enough, Sir’?, a recent With time passing by, they slowly start instance, in a scene, when Ratna is search- years for the makers to make the movie Netflix release. But the turbulence of falling for each other and the romance makes every bit of its ing for a fabric, which a tailor, whom she is widely available to a larger audience. The emotions in the scene doesn’t play out that was cooking underneath now is training under, has told her to find, Gera wait might have been long and difficult loudly. Rather, actions take a backseat, expressed openly. 99 minutes count. heavily relies on the background score to for the makers, but now after its release, and through facial gestures, and subtle But for two people who belong to two depict the tense atmosphere. one thing they should be happy or be and effortless acting, we understand different sides of the spectrum, loving Likewise, even the details like the immensely satisfied with is the art they what’s going inside Ratna’s mind and each other or even thinking of being But ‘Is Love Enough, Sir’? isn’t only a character’s profession, their aspirations have created. heart. together is unfeasible. They know what is love story. Through the movie, Gera also and goals, which are often overlooked Each and every scene is perfection. Set in Mumbai, ‘Is Love Enough, Sir?’ at stake and how others will perceive craftily criticises society as a whole, and in other movies, are paid attention to here. Every element from acting to writing is is a genre-bending effortless and subtle their love. But their love is pure and what how its archaic system governs people’s Ashwin finds solace in words—he was top-notch. It’s a kind of effortless, subtle cinema that makes every bit of its 99 min- they feel for each other is something they behaviour towards each other. The sus- a writer and thus he knows the value of movie that will melt your heart. It’s a utes running length count. Every scene is haven’t felt for another person. taining restraint that prohibits the two words. That’s why as a person, he is a kind of movie that will make you invested neatly crafted, every character is beauti- Will they get united? Or, like always, lovers to live a happy life with each other man of few words, as whenever he speaks, the whole time. But most importantly, it’s fully written, and every element in the will social rules that always try to main- reflects the never-changing mindset of he tries to utter words that are deep and a kind of movie that will help you to grow movie helps viewers immerse in a beauti- tain hierarchy stop them? The film is all society, which only allows the union of meaningful. Meanwhile, among the two, and be a better person. ful story. about this. people of the same strata and social class. he is keener to form a relationship as he Ratna (played by Tillotama Shome) As a director and also the writer, the Likewise, throughout the movie, in has the writer’s mind—prone to imagina- works as a house help for Ashwin (played story Gera presents isn’t an extraordi- many scenes, we are exposed to the tion and romanticisation. IS LOVE ENOUGH, SIR? by Vivek Gomber), who lives with his nary one. But the way she sensitively uncomfortable truth of how people, no Whereas, Ratna, who aspires to be a fiance, in a posh apartment. After his handles the issue of love between an matter how highly educated, ultimately fashion designer, is more practical and Directed by: Rohena Gera brother’s demise, Ashwin, who was a employee, a house help, and her employer, discriminate. logical. Like how designers play with var- Starring: Tillotama Shome, writer, had moved to Mumbai from New reflects her talent and calibre as a film- Whether be it Ratna sitting on the floor ious colours and fabrics, she wants to Vivek Gomber York. While his life is slowly going back maker. eating in steel utensils or drinking tea play with her life, which is reflected in

Stars return to inauguration, with JLo, Gaga set to perform On January 20, as Joe Biden and Kamala Harris are sworn in on the West Front of the US Capitol, Gaga will sing the US national anthem.

JOCELYN NOVECK that the starry Gaga-J Lo lineup was not The Presidential Inaugural Committee NEW YORK A-list, but D-list—”for Democratic.” also announced Thursday that the Attendance at the inauguration invocation will be given by the Rev Leo he A-list is back. How A-list? will be severely limited, due to both the O’Donovan, a former Georgetown Try Lady Gaga and J Lo. pandemic and fears of continued vio- University president, and the Pledge of Inauguration officials lence, following last week’s storming of Allegiance will be led by Andrea Hall, a announced on Thursday that the Capitol. firefighter from Georgia. the glittery duo would appear Outside the official events, one of the There will be a poetry reading from in person on January 20, with more prominent galas each inauguration Amanda Gorman, the first national youth TGaga singing the national anthem as Joe is The Creative Coalition’s quadrennial poet laureate, and the benediction will be Biden and Kamala Harris are sworn in on ball, a benefit for arts education. This given by Rev. Silvester Beaman of Bethel the West Front of the US Capitol, and year, the ball is entirely virtual. African Methodist Episcopal Church in Jennifer Lopez giving a musical perfor- But it is star-studded nonetheless: Wilmington, Delaware. mance. The event, which will involve food being On the same platform, Biden sat in 2013 The announcement comes a day after delivered simultaneously to attendees behind pop star Beyoncé as she sang “The word that Tom Hanks will host a 90-min- in multiple cities, will boast celebrity Star-Spangled Banner” at President ute primetime TV special celebrating hosts including Jason Alexander, David Barack Obama’s second inauguration. Biden’s inauguration. Other performers Arquette, Matt Bomer, Christopher James Taylor sang “America the include Justin Timberlake, Jon Bon Jovi, Jackson, Ted Danson, Lea DeLaria, Beautiful,” and Kelly Clarkson sang “My Demi Lovato and Ant Clemons. Keegan Michael-Key, Chrissy Metz, Country, ‘Tis of Thee.” Despite a raging pandemic that is forc- Mandy Patinkin and many others. At Trump’s inauguration in 2017, the ing most inaugural events online, it was a Robin Bronk, CEO of the non-partisan anthem was performed by 16-year-old sign that Hollywood was back and eager arts advocacy group, said she’s been del- singer Jackie Evancho. A number of top to embrace the new president-elect four uged with celebrities eager to participate artists declined the opportunity to per- years after many big names stayed away in some way. The event typically brings in form at the festivities, and one Broadway from the inauguration of President anywhere from $500,000 to $2.5 million, star, Jennifer Holliday, even said she’d Donald Trump, hugely unpopular in and this year the arts community is strug- received death threats before she pulled Hollywood. gling like never before. out of her planned appearance. The question: How would the star watt- Bronk noted that planning has been a There was indeed star power in age play across the country as Biden challenge, given not only the recent political 2017, but most of it was centred at the seeks to unite a bruised nation? Eric upheaval in the country but also the gravity Women’s March on Washington, where Dezenhall, a Washington crisis manage- of the coronavirus pandemic. Given all that, attendees included Madonna, Julia ment consultant and former Reagan did a celebration make sense? Roberts, Scarlett Johansson, Cher, Alicia administration official, predicted reac- “I was thinking about this when we Keys, Katy Perry, Emma Watson and tion would fall “along tribal lines.” were trying to phrase the invitation,” many others. “I think it all comes down to the rein- Bronk said. “Do we celebrate? This is the This year, signs are that Obama-era forcement of pre-existing beliefs,” most serious time of our lives.” celebrities are returning. Dezenhall said Dezenhall said. “If you’re a Biden sup- But, she said, especially at a time when that in the end, it’s logical for organisers porter, it’s nice to see Lady Gaga per- the arts community is suffering, it’s cru- to go with the biggest talent. form.” But, he added, “what rallied Trump cial to shine a spotlight and recognize “Lady Gaga is as big as you can get, and supporters was the notion of an uber-elite that “the right to bear arts is not a red or she is very talented,” he said. “If I were that had nothing to do at all with them and blue issue. One of the reasons we have being inaugurated and I could have Lady AP/RSS that they couldn’t relate to.” this ball is that we have to ensure the arts Gaga, I would take it.” In this file photo, Lady Gaga performs during a drive-in rally for then Democratic presidential Presidential historian Tevi Troy quipped are not forgotten.” — Associated Press candidate former Vice President Joe Biden at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh.

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