WITHOUT F EAR OR FAVOUR

Nepal’s largest selling English daily Vol XXIX No. 97 | 8 pages | Rs.5 O O Printed simultaneously in Kathmandu, Biratnagar, Bharatpur and Nepalgunj 37.6 C 10.9 C Wednesday, May 26, 2021 | 12-02-2078 Nepalgunj Jumla Supreme Court summons editors over news reports. Not everyone is amused Experts say court’s rebuttal of news suggesting a meeting between prime minister and chief justice is uncalled for and demanding proof from editors wrong.

TIKA R PRADHAN KATHMANDU, MAY 25

When the hearing on Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli’s first House dissolu- tion of December 20 was underway in the Supreme Court, reports surfaced in a section of online media that Justices Hari Krishna Karki and Sapana Pradhan Malla met the prime minister in the afternoon of January 10. Reports suggested that Justices Dipak Kumar Karki and Mira Khadka POST FILE PHOTO met with Oli in the evening for an Analysts say the top court should prove its hour the next day. fairness not by words but by deed. The case was being heard by the Constitutional Bench led by Justice said that the Constitution of Nepal Cholendra Shumsher Rana. doesn’t allow the KP Sharma Oli gov- The Supreme Court on January 15 ernment to dissolve the House of issued a statement, denying the justic- Representatives. es’ meeting with the prime minister In Nepal, people have always put and saying the news reports were “fic- immense faith in the judiciary, but titious” and “misleading” and they Oli’s House dissolution had thrown were far from the truth. the rumour mill into an overdrive. POST PHOTO: PRAKASH CHANDRA TIMILSENA Warning that such news could Talks were rife that Oli had managed Police douse the flames of an effigy representing President Bidya Devi Bhandari and Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli that the Nepali Congress-affiliated Nepal Student Union members set afire at adversely affect the integrity of the to influence the court, something if Shanker Dev Campus at Putalisadak in Kathmandu on Tuesday to protest the dissolution the House of Representatives and announcement of snap polls. Police dispersed the students who were judiciary and public trust in the courts, true would dismantle the principle of protesting Friday night’s move which has been challenged at the Supreme Court. the top court said dissemination of the separation of powers. such news was “unfortunate”. It urged Amid such speculations, the all not to be misled by such reports. Supreme Court’s reaction to the news The online portals subsequently reports was seen as a valid move, as admitted that their sources had mis- the administration could have felt it led them and they removed the news. necessary to dispel rumours. The Supreme Court then was under The Supreme Court on February 23 A watershed in country’s communist tremendous pressure, as the entire overturned Oli’s House dissolution country was watching. Experts on and restored the House. constitutional affairs had called Oli’s But on Friday, Oli once again dis- House dissolution an out and out solved it. His move has been chal- movement as ruling UML nears split unconstitutional move. Four former lenged in the Supreme Court again. chief justices in a joint statement had >> Continued on page 2 The Madhav Nepal faction of the CPN-UML, currently the largest communist party in the country, decides to part ways with Oli, charging the chair with shenanigans.

more leaders. An hours-long meeting on Sunday evening between the lead- ers of Oli and Nepal factions hit a cul- de-sac. Now Nepal is preparing to register a party of his own. “Chances of reconciliation are slim now,” said CP Mainali, a senior com- munist leader and contemporary of Nepal and Oli, who is not active in party politics these days. Along with Nepal, another senior leader Jhala Nath Khanal too is set to break ranks with Oli. On Tuesday, the Nepal faction declared a war on Oli, making an appeal to all to join the campaign to end the latter’s ‘totalitar- ianism and authoritarianism’. A split in the UML, many say, will mean a massive setback for the com- FILE PHOTO: RSS munist movement, and this could KP Sharma Oli led the expulsion of Madhav Kumar Nepal, who steered the party for 15 years. mark a watershed moment in Nepal’s communist history. ANIL GIRI from the UML, on Monday gave their Insiders and analysts blame Oli for KATHMANDU, MAY 25 signatures to a court petition initiated pushing the party towards its split. by the Nepali Congress and the Ever since Oli rose to the leadership The die has been cast. Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist position in the party—he was elected Madhav Kumar Nepal, a senior com- Centre) against Oli’s Friday move of party chair in 2014 through the ninth munist leader and former prime minis- dissolving the House. On Friday after- general convention—he had started to ter, has made his move, and the CPN- noon, the Nepal faction had backed demonstrate signs of running the UML is set to split. The stage has been Congress President Sher Bahadur party with an iron fist. Insiders say set for an official break-up between Deuba for prime ministerial post. Oli would show little regard for senior Nepal and KP Sharma Oli, the current An irate Oli has already expelled leaders like Nepal and Khanal, both of party chair and prime minister. Nepal and 10 other leaders from the whom led the UML party before him. Nepal, along with 22 other leaders party and sought action against 12 >> Continued on page 2 Uncertainty reigns over education sector with no signs of the pandemic ending soon Nationwide grade 10 examinations had been scheduled to begin on Thursday but authorities don’t even know about the new assessment modality.

BINOD GHIMIRE academic session by two months the government does not want to give KATHMANDU, MAY 25 and postponed the grade 10 examina- the sole authority on students’ evalua- tions, usually held in March, to the tion to respective schools arguing that Had the second wave of the Covid-19 end of May. they had inflated students’ grades last pandemic not hit the country, the But with the second wave hitting year. The number of students getting Secondary Education Examinations the country, the government decided GPA 4 was several times higher than would have started from Thursday. to postpone the SEE. Now it has no in previous years. While hardly 106 In order to compensate for the idea when and if the examinations students had secured GPA 4 in 2019, time lost to the pandemic because of will be held and if not with what kind the number increased to a whopping lockdowns last year, the government of assessment students will be graded. 9,319 last year after schools evaluated in February had extended the ongoing “The ministry is concerned about their students’ performance. finding a suitable modality to Experts question what other way is conduct tests and wrap up the possible than to trust the teachers academic session without a fur- about their students. ther day,” said Hari Lamsal, a “The government should trust joint-secretary at the Ministry of teachers for assessment as they know Education, Science and their students best,” said Bidyanath Technology, at an interaction on Koirala, an education expert who is a Tuesday. professor at the Tribhuvan University. “However, no decision has “As, generally speaking, examination been taken on the matter yet.” questions are prepared by the teach- Some 517,000 students have ers and they mark the answers, the registered for the Secondary government should leave it up to them Education Examinations this to evaluate their students.” year. Unlike the previous year, >> Continued on page 2

C M Y K WEDNESDAY, MAY 26, 2021 | 02 NATIONAL Illegal fishing on the rise Uncertainty reigns over education sector with no signs ... >> Continued from page 1 ally held in April but last year in-per- demic to be over and then hold the despite knowing that the pandemic Authorities have not offered any son examinations were held in late final examinations to wrap up the would not be over anytime soon. in Chitwan park rivers other option besides expressing their November when the daily number of academic session. Teachers have demanded the govern- reluctance for internal evaluations coronavirus cases was around 1,600 “The ongoing academic session has ment allocate adequate funds to RAMESH KUMAR PAUDEL Raut of Thori in Parsa district went to even as there is no possibility of hold- mark. already crossed 14 months. We provide schools with internet CHITWAN, MAY 25 the park forests to collect wild mush- ing in-person examinations anytime The delay in grade 12 tests led to the shouldn’t wait any longer,” said connections. rooms on May 13. He was killed in a soon without signs of the devastating postponement of MBBS entrance Kumar Ghimire, general secretary of Thapa, the chairperson of the Fishing in Narayani, Rapti and other wild elephant attack. second wave abating. examinations for students wishing to the Private and Boarding Schools’ teachers’ federation, said the upcom- streams in the Chitwan National Park According to Prakash Dhungana, On Tuesday Nepal reported 8,387 be doctors. They are yet to be held. Organisation, Nepal. “The ing national budget should be focused has been prohibited this season in the chairman of the buffer zone con- new infections and 169 Covid-19 relat- Normally they are held in October or government should come up with a on easing teaching-learning activities light of the second wave of the Covid- sumer management committee of ed fatalities. The total number of November. way out soon.” in the long run as the pandemic is not 19 pandemic. Chitwan National Park, two people infections stands at 548,848 with The pandemic has also affected However, teachers have a different going to go away soon. However, people have continued who had gone to the Patihani area of 117,261 active cases. Daily cases have examinations in universities. take. “The government should allocate fishing in the streams by taking the park during last year’s lockdown been hovering around the 8,000 mark The final examinations of the sec- They say the current session must the budget to connect all the schools advantage of the prohibitory order in were also killed by tigers in separate and the positivity rate at more than 40 ond-year bachelor’s programme under be extended till August as the students with the internet,” he said. Chitwan district, officials at the park incidents. percent since the beginning of this the Tribhuvan University were post- have hardly studied for three to four The caretaker government is all set s a y. Only 203 Botes and Majhis have the month. poned after the government enforced months so far. to present the budget on Saturday. On Sunday night, 24 individuals permit to fish along the rivers and If vaccines are the way out, when prohibitory orders starting on April “We should not promote students Meanwhile, the student union close were arrested on the charge of fishing streams of the park. But fishing for Nepalis will get vaccinated is unclear. 29. The oldest varsity of the country unless they have fulfilled the to the ruling CPN-UML on Sunday indigenous fish species from Bhagedi them is also prohibited in light of the Further, existing vaccines have not by is reluctant to shift examinations competency prescribed in the demanded the government provide along the Narayani river. pandemic. and large been tested on those below online. Last year it held in-person curriculum,” said Baburam Thapa, internet facilities even to the students “They were caught red-handed,” Bina Bote, coordinator of the the age of 14. During the second wave examinations although other univer- chairperson of Nepal Teachers’ from poorer sections of society. said Lokendra Adhikari, assistant women wing of Nepal Bote Samaj, of the pandemic in the country, school sities held them online. Federation. “If we do, it will only Presenting its demand to Minister for chief conservation officer of the park. claimed that all those who have been age students are getting infected in Tribhuvan University’s love for the weaken their academic performance Education Krishna Gopal Shrestha, “Two quintals of fish and 44 fishing caught illegally fishing in the park large numbers, according to the traditional methods to conduct the in the long run.” the All Nepal National Free Students nets were seized from them.” were from outside their community. Ministry of Health and Population. tests has left around half a million Last year, the nationwide lockdown Union drew the government’s The fishers were held by a patrol “The outsiders catch fish in the rivers Meanwhile, students are students in a fix. had been imposed after the academic attention to holding SEE and team of park officials and Nepal Army and streams of the national park and anxious over the indecision of the Suwekhsa Shrestha, 20, an under- year had been completed but a day grade 12 examinations through alter- soldiers. defame us,” she said. government. graduate student in Social Work from before the Secondary School native means. According to the national park, 120 She also said the local Bote people “The government should make stu- Sindhupalchok, in one of them. Examinations were scheduled to According to experts, the ad-hocism species of fish, including bighead have had to pay fines for trespassing dents clear about its examination pol- “We have no updates when the tests begin. of the policy makers and their reluc- carps, silver carps, rohu, naini, mri- into the national park even when they icy,” Sameer Dawadi, a grade 10 stu- will be held,” she told the Post. “No While students in cities may have tance to think beyond the traditional gal, silverfish, catfish and eels, are were not involved in such activities. dent from Mulpani, told the Post. “It one knows how long we have to wait had online classes, those in rural ways of teaching-learning and found in the rivers and streams at the “The Bote people have a fishing should not keep students in the dark for our tests and this is really frustrat- areas have not had that facility. examinations is responsible for the park. license issued by the national park. for longer.” ing.” It is not only examinations that Different studies have found that uncertainty prevailing in the “Mid-April to mid-May is the repro- We follow the rules. But people outside He is worried that he may have to have been affected. Classes have been around two thirds of school students education sector. ductive period of fish. The park pro- from our community might have lose a year due to the indecision of the too. Most schools and colleges were deprived of remote learning last “Learning doesn’t mean students hibits fishing along the river and entered the park,” she added. government. started in person classes from year. While a large number of stu- should stick to textbooks,” said streams in the time period as the fish The park officials have detained Not just the Secondary Education October onwards last year but now for dents from rural areas had access to Koirala. “There are a number of lay eggs and reproduce,” said Ananath 42 people on charges of illegal Examinations, the government is yet more than a month they have been learning through FM stations across learning opportunities for the Baral, chief conservation officer of fishing in the national park area since to make a decision about the grade 12 disrupted. the country, students have complained students at home too. Teachers and the park. “This is a vital period in the April 29. examinations. The grade 12 exams, The academic session was supposed that they didn’t learn from them as students need to learn to adapt to the fishes’ reproductive cycle.” Under the existing legal provisions, scheduled to commence on June 6, too to end in June but now it is unclear they didn’t find it effective. new normal. We must think outside The park also prohibits intruders one will be fined Rs 10,000 and jailed have been postponed until how school students will be promoted However, the government the box.” into the park area since there’s a high up to six months if one is found enter- further notice affecting around 400,000 and opinions are divided. didn’t take the necessary steps to risk of wild animal attack. ing the park area illegally and catch- students. Private school operators say the increase the internet connectivity and (Shuvam Dhungana contributed Sixty-year-old Gobinda Bahadur ing fish. The grade 12 examinations are usu- government should wait for the pan- student’s access to online studies reporting.) A watershed in country’s communist movement ... >> Continued from page 1 again fallen apart. Analysts say the Nepal led the party as general secre- situation could be favourable for the tary for 15 years from 1993 to 2008. He Nepali Congress, which faced an stepped down in 2008 following the unprecedented drubbing in 2017, dur- party’s loss in the Constituent ing the next elections. Assembly election. Khanal took over. The fate of the House currently is in During the eighth general convention the hands of the Supreme Court. If of the party in 2009, the UML changed the court restores the House, Oli the leadership model, and accordingly would be sent packing and Deuba Khanal became the party chair. would be at the helm. Oli’s highhanded attitude towards Whether the current opposition alli- Nepal was more evident after the ance, which has parties of different merger between UML and the Maoist ideologies, will continue until the next Centre in May 2018 to form the Nepal elections is too early to tell. Analysts Communist Party (NCP). At one point, hence do not rule out communists Oli even relegated Nepal to the fourth once again trying to gather together rank. It was due to this reason, Nepal in the name of what they call “a com- made an alliance with Maoist Centre munist movement”. chair Pushpa Kamal Dahal. The Congress and the Maoist Centre But a March 7 decision by the carry their fair share of tussle from Supreme Court scrapped the Nepal the past. Communist Party (NCP) and revived “National politics will certainly see the UML and the Maoist Centre, there- some recalibration and shifts after a SOURCE: HEALTH MINISTRY by breaking the Nepal-Dahal alliance. split in the UML,” said Hari Roka, a A graph representing Covid-19 cases recorded in Kathmandu Valley in the past 15 days. Nepal had no option than to stay political observer. “We have to see how within the UML, but Oli continued to these forces that have stood in favour squeeze space for him. However, of House reinstatement maintain Nepal, a risk-averse leader who has their unity and chart out their strate- been described as a politician with g y. ” poor decision-making, continued to Given the stark differences in the Supreme Court summons editors over news reports ... vacillate. ideologies between the Nepali Had the Nepal faction decided to Congress and communist forces, ana- >> Continued from page 1 to issue a justification,” said KC. “The court should apologise for the news reports,” said Kuikel, editor back Deuba on May 13, Oli would have lysts say, chances of Nepal and Dahal Amid this, at least two media outlets, imagekhabar. first have belief in itself that it maintains the high- of imagekhabar.com. “But we refused and asked been replaced then and there, insiders coming together cannot be ruled out com and nepalsamaya.com, ran news reports, claim- est level of independence and integrity. Its actions them to follow the due procedure and file a com- say. It was only after Oli, following his in the future. ing that Oli held an hour-long meeting with Chief should show that, not statements.” plaint at the Press Council of Nepal if they deem our reappointment as prime minister The Maoist Centre currently does Justice Rana on Monday midnight. The reports sug- The code of conduct for Nepal’s justices bars them stories inaccurate.” despite losing the vote of confidence, not carry the Maoist ideology and the gested, quoting anonymous sources, Oli had asked from meeting people who are party to any case that According to Kuikel, Narayan Panthi, the regis- sought to become prime minister on Nepal faction will have to decide what Rana to support him. is being heard by the court. trar of the Supreme Court, had asked them to show Friday, the Nepal faction decided to political thought it would pursue once The Supreme Court reacted. Even if the chief justice and the prime minister the basis for their reports. make a move. it registers a new party. Oli’s UML will “The mentioned subject [in the news] has no basis were brothers, they should not meet except on some “But we said everything is in the news and we “The Nepal faction has now reached stick with its “people’s multiparty of truth and it is extremely saddening and condemn- formal occasions, according to KC. stand by our reports,” Amrit told the Post. a point of no return,” said Mainali. democracy”, which was initially pro- able that such an exaggerated news report was pub- Last year, Oli and Rana’s images were splashed on Ramesh Bista and Roshan Puri, senior vice-chair Observers and analysts say a split pounded by the late Madan Bhandari lished with malafide intentions to adversely affect the media when they were seen leaning towards each and general secretary of the Federation of Nepali in the largest party will have larger as a programme. Ghanashyam Bhusal, the fairness of the judiciary and the faith and trust other in what looked like a consultation. It, however, Journalists, were also present during the court reg- implications for the national politics. who is known as one of the leaders to in it,” states the press release signed by Devendra was a public function—inauguration of the new istrar’s discussions with the two editors. The formation of the Nepal have contributed in making “people’s Dhakal, joint spokesperson of the Supreme Court. building of the Office of Attorney General—on The federation, the umbrella organisation of jour- Communist Party (NCP) had resulted multiparty democracy” the UML’s ide- “Since such acts are against the constitution, law December 23. nalists in Nepal, later in the day issued a statement. in the institution of the largest com- ology, is currently with the Nepal fac- and code of conduct of journalists, we would like to The likelihood of any close consultation was “There is an established procedure to seek legal munist force in the country’s history. tion. caution that such acts could attract legal actions.” almost impossible at such a public gathering, but recourse if anyone has complaints about the pub- But the court broke it into two, and Party insiders say it will not be a The statement also called on all concerned to cor- since the House dissolution case was pending at that lished news materials,” read the statement issued by now if Nepal and Oli lead their own good idea to have two parties with the rect such “baseless, fictitious and misleading” time, the images raised quite an eyebrow. Puri. “Interrogation of journalists by the supreme parties, it could mark the beginning same ideology. reports that affect the dignity and esteem of the The Supreme Court managed to dispel the body of the judiciary goes against the spirit of the of an end of the communists in the Talks have been going on for quite judiciary. rumours when it overturned Oli’s House dissolution constitution, which guarantees full press freedom.” country, according to analysts. some time among leaders with their The court administration even summoned the after hearing the case continuously for two months. The preamble of the constitution says “we the Narayan Dhakal, a writer who has tilt towards communism to form a editors of the two news portals to what it said was The judiciary received applause for upholding the sovereign people of Nepal…. being committed to… seen and been part of Nepal’s commu- larger social force. Even Baburam “discuss” the matter. rule of law. full freedom of the press, and independent, impartial nist movements, said the immediate Bhattarai and Upendra Yadav of the Experts say any party, if felt aggrieved by news However, two weeks later, in a dramatic verdict, it and competent judiciary and concept of the rule of impact will be seen from the elections, Janata Samajbadi Party have been stories, can refute stories through statements, but scrapped the Nepal Communist Party (NCP) and law… do hereby pass and promulgate this whether they happen by the dates making a pitch for the same. they say the Supreme Court appears to have overre- revived the CPN-UML and the Communist Party of Constitution.” declared by Oli or next year. Both Bhattarai and Yadav too are acted. Nepal (Maoist Centre). The verdict largely went in In a statement later in the day, the Online “Votes will be divided between Oli part of the current opposition alliance “If the chief justice had not met with anyone, favour of Oli, who emerged even stronger, which is Journalists’ Association also objected to the sum- and other communist forces led by led by the Nepali Congress in their that’s fine. I don’t see a need to make a hue and cry,” now evident from his second House dissolution. moning of editors by the court administration. Nepal and Dahal,” Dhakal told the quest to restore the House and unseat said Balaram KC, a former Supreme Court justice. Experts say by reacting to news reports, the court “The Supreme Court administration must be well Post. “Oli, however, appears to be least Oli. “If the chief justice indeed had met with the prime itself is sowing the seeds of doubt among the public. aware of the fact that there are certain procedures bothered about the communist move- “We are set to witness more politi- minister, it is highly objectionable.” “How many such releases will it issue if the media for legal redressal if there are complaints and con- ment, as he is more into hanging on to cal churning in the country and there According to KC, the judiciary is like a house of continues to write more reports,” said KC. cerns about published news materials,” the associa- power. He is bent on destroying the are chances of union, loose or strong, glass and its strength lies in people’s trust. Legal experts have taken issue also with the court tion said. “We object to the summoning of the edi- system.” among leftist leaders against Oli,” “It’s up to the authorities of the judiciary to main- decision to summon journalists over news reports. tors in the name of discussing the matters published Nepal has already described Oli as a said Roka. But such an alliance’s via- tain its sanctity. They should follow the code of con- “And if the court has any objection to news in their portals.” traitor, who ticked all boxes of author- bility will depend on what common duct and demonstrate a high moral ground so that no reports, instead of issuing a press statement, it Kishor Poudel, a communication expert at the itarianism to demolish the party. minimum programme it can offer or one gets an opportunity to raise their finger at it,” should have written to the Press Council Nepal, Supreme Court, said the court administration asked “Oli will be remembered as a trai- what strategy it comes up with to said KC. which is the appropriate body to lodge complaints,” the editors to provide the basis for their news tor... a regressive leader in the history address the people’s woes.” Last time when the House dissolution case was said Om Prakash Aryal, an advocate. “Calling jour- reports and prove their reports were accurate. of Nepal for becoming the cause of the According to Roka, a lot will depend pending, the court was quick to accept contempt of nalists over news reports is not a good practice. It is “We asked them to put out a corrigendum with an destruction of the communist move- on how soon the House is reinstated. court cases against the four former chief justices tantamount to threatening them.” apology if they cannot prove their stories are accu- ment in the country,” said Nepal. Mainali, the veteral communist who had pointed out that the government’s move Shambhu Thapa, also a senior advocate, described rate, as baseless reports affect the integrity and Nepal’s communists, however, have leader, says Nepal’s communist move- was unconstitutional. The four former chief justices the summoning of journalists to the court as the independence of the judiciary,” Poudel told the Post. a long history of breaking up and ment indeed is facing a watershed duly appeared before the court to furnish their clar- height of insensitiveness on the part of the court “We have not asked the editors to disclose their uniting. The CPN-UML itself had seen moment. ification, in what was described as the beauty of the administration. sources.” a split back in 1996 when a group led “This is not the first time that any democratic and judicial process. “There is an institution called Press Council Legal experts say that by issuing a press statement by Bamdev Gautam, along with communist party has faced such a According to experts and analysts, the one sector Nepal,” said Thapa. “The institution has been set up instead of seeking an appropriate legal route to Mainali, had formed the CPN-ML. But crisis and split. It happened in the past that has thrived after the restoration of democracy to look into matters related to the media.” refute the news reports, the judiciary has created after failing to win even a single seat, too. But this time around, things have in Nepal is the media and its contribution to Nepal’s A court official, who did not wish to be named, confusion among the people, making them wonder if most of the leaders came back to the gone out of hand,” Mainali told the democratic transitions has been hailed. however, said the Press Council Nepal is just a qua- the apex court is trying to cover something up. UML, save Mainali. Post. “The problem of Nepal’s commu- It’s not that Nepal’s media sector does not have si-judicial body. According to KC, the former justice, in third world Even today, there are over a dozen nist movement is that leaders lack a problems and that it needs to improve a lot, but ana- “How can the Supreme Court go to a quasi-judicial countries like Nepal, there is a tendency among pol- communist parties in the country. strong ideological and political foun- lysts say, problems are in every sector. Nepali media body to file a complaint?” said the official. iticians to preach the independence of judiciary and The 2017 elections held after the dation. The present communist lead- has always been at the forefront of exposing policy The two journalists who were summoned by the freedom of press only before coming to power. promulgation of the constitution in ership should change their course, corruptions and political wrongdoings and has even court are Rajan Kuikel of imagekhabar.com and “The judiciary is supposed to protect the freedom 2015 had elected a House with nearly stop listening to foreigners and pay dared to point at the wrongs within the judiciary. Narayan Amrit of nepalsamaya.com. of press,” said KC. “It cannot create a scary environ- two-thirds communist members. attention to their mentors, cadres and “If there was no meeting, then there was no need “We were told to disclose our news sources and ment for the media.” But the communists have once fellow comrades.”

C M Y K 03 | WEDNESDAY, MAY 26, 2021 NATIONAL Prohibitory orders in Valley extended by another week with more restrictions and big fines Anyone obstructing the implementation of Covid-19 Crisis Management Ordinance or violating the restrictions will face a fine of up to Rs500,000 and one year jail or both.

ANUP OJHA on the roadsides. They can sell vegeta- those found violating the movement KATHMANDU, MAY 25 bles only in the places specified by the restriction can be fined Rs200. local authorities. Likewise, vendors Officials said the restrictions and The prohibitory orders in Kathmandu will not be allowed to sell goods in fines in all three districts of the Valley Valley that have been in place since open spaces or from push-carts and will be similar. POST PHOTO: KESHAV THAPA April 29 to contain the spread of bicycles. The notice also says that all However, in Kathmandu, public A farmer returns home after a day’s work in the field in Bhaktapur on Tuesday. Covid-19 have been extended until the passes or permits distributed ear- mobility was tightened from Saturday June 3. lier will be invalid from May 28. onwards. A meeting of chief district officers Journalists or those who work in Chief District Officer of Kathmandu of Kathmandu, Lalitpur and media houses will need passes issued Kali Prasad Parajuli in his phone Bhaktapur on Tuesday made an by the Press Council or a recommen- conversation with the Post on Sunday announcement to extend the lock- dation letter from their office. had said the restrictions were Government panel to collect details down for an additional one week start- Meanwhile, morning or evening walks tightened in the wake of the latest ing from May 28. will be forbidden. turn of events in Nepal’s politics. Dhundi Prasad Niraula, chief dis- At the meeting, the chiefs of the Following the dissolution of parlia- trict officer of Lalitpur, said grocery three districts of the Valley announced ment by the President on Friday of Nepali workers stuck abroad shops and department stores also to make the new prohibitory orders night, the opposition parties are in a won’t be allowed to open this time. stricter in line with the new ordinance protest mode. Parajuli, however, There is no immediate plan to evacuate the stranded workers, officials say. All construction work will be halted promulgated last week. claimed that the new tougher and vehicles carrying construction restrictions have more to do with the Shrestha, a member of the committee, call centres and social media and pro- materials will not be allowed to coronavirus. CHANDAN KUMAR MANDAL told the Post. “As we have seen that the vide all possible support. The Labour operate. Dairy, vegetable and He also said any kind of protests in KATHMANDU, MAY 25 second wave of the pandemic is raging Ministry runs a dedicated call centre “Each commercial bank will be public will not be allowed. here in Nepal, if a similar situation for migrant workers. The call centre allowed to open two branches in one fruit shops allowed “While the risk of Covid-19 trans- In a bid to provide assistance to Nepali arises in labour destination countries can be contacted by dialling 1141. district while a development bank can mission has not subsided yet, we can- migrant workers affected by the then there has to be a mechanism on “We have been receiving calls from open only one branch. The banks to open till 9 am. not allow protests in the streets,” Covid-19 pandemic and related restric- standby for efficient response and workers who want to return home as should operate with just 20 percent Parajuli said. tions in various countries, the govern- coordination. Therefore, the commit- their work contracts have expired. staff,” said Niraula. Similarly, Bhattarai, the chief dis- ment has decided to collect informa- tee has been formed for helping the Likewise, families have been making He said the new rules will reduce Last week President Bidya Devi trict officer of Bhaktapur, said the tion on their current conditions. Nepalis abroad.” calls for repatriation of workers, who vehicular traffic movement. Bhandari had promulgated the Covid- authorities will not show any leniency Thousands of home-bound Nepali According to a preliminary study of remain stuck or are sick or have died “We are preparing to enforce the 19 Crisis Management Ordinance against the restriction violators. migrant workers remain stuck in var- the Foreign Employment Board, near- abroad,” said Shrestha. “However, this restrictions more strictly, and will be amid an unprecedented surge in new “There will be no compromise on ious countries for nearly three weeks ly 280,000 Nepalis have already lost time the number of such calls are announcing a district-wise plan Covid-19 infections and deaths across punishment. The rules violators will after Nepal suspended international their jobs since the pandemic hit the fewer compared to last year.” Thursday onwards,” said Niraula. the country—allowing the govern- be made to pay fines on the spot,” said flights from May 7 in its attempt to labour destination countries and they Although the impact of the pandem- He said only those shops selling ment to take various measures to stem Bhaktapur’s CDO Bhattarai. stem the spread of Covid-19. want to come home. Similarly, about ic on Nepali migrants has been com- vegetables, dairy products and fruits the spread of the contagion. This is the third time the Valley The government last week formed a 700 Nepali workers need to return paratively less than last year when will be allowed to open till 9am. Until Citing the new ordinance, the authorities have extended the prohibi- seven-member task force, led by a home every day from various labour thousands of workers wanted to Thursday, groceries will be allowed to Kathmandu district administration tory orders. But this time the decision joint secretary of the Ministry of destination countries after the expiry return home fearing infection after open till 10am. on Monday published a notice outlin- to extend the orders was announced Labour, Employment and Social of their work contracts, according to most of the world imposed restric- While the District Administration ing various stringent punishments two days earlier than the last time. Security. Other members of the task an estimation by the board based on tions and lockdowns. Office, Kathmandu has already pub- including huge monetary fines for Lalitpur chief district officer force include the director general of last year’s repatriation experience. The government has so far not lished a notice on the extension of individuals and organizations violat- Niraula said the meeting was held the Department of Foreign “For now, the committee has decid- announced any plans to evacuate the prohibitory orders in the district on ing the prohibitory orders. earlier to allow more time to the pub- Employment, executive director of ed to collect details of Nepalis in diffi- stranded workers. Tuesday, the Lalitpur and Bhaktapur The notice states that anyone lic to make preparations as the restric- the Foreign Employment Board, joint culty by contacting Nepali missions in “If anyone has died or is in extreme district administrations have yet to obstructing the implementation of the tions are tougher this time. secretary of the Tourism Ministry, labour destination countries,” said difficulty, we receive the information publish such notices. ordinance or violating the restrictions In the initial days of the prohibito- joint secretary of the Ministry of Shrestha, who is also the executive through the Nepali missions. If there Prem Prasad Bhattarai, chief dis- will be liable to a fine of up to Rs500,000 ry orders, groceries were allowed to Foreign Affairs, a representative of director with the Board. “The Foreign are chartered flights or special flights trict officer at Bhaktapur, said the and one year jail or both. The notice open twice a day—till 10 in the morn- recruiting agencies, and an under-secre- Ministry will facilitate the collection meant for bringing medical supplies restrictions in Bhaktapur will be sim- also states that anyone violating the ing and between 5 and 7 pm in the tary of the Labour Ministry, who is also of information on the conditions of to Nepal, then people in difficulty can ilar to those in Kathmandu. protocols set in line with the ordi- evening. Even weddings and member-secretary of the committee. Nepali workers and foreign missions be accommodated on such flights,” The notice published by the nance can face six months of impris- bratabandha were also allowed with “The committee has been formed to will be sending back reports.” said Dipak Kafle, a spokesperson for Kathmandu district administration onment or Rs300,000 fine or both. the number of attendees limited to 15. provide a quick response if Nepalis Besides, the committee has also the Labour Ministry. “However, it is states that shops and street vendors Similarly, anyone found without a But from Friday, only seven attendees living in labour destination countries decided to collect stranded workers’ not possible to repatriate thousands will not be allowed to sell vegetables mask in public can be fined Rs100 and will be allowed in such functions. need any kind of help,” Rajan Prasad grievances through the government’s of workers by chartered flights.”

C M Y K WEDNESDAY, MAY 26, 2021 | 04 OPINION EDITORIAL Controversies, conspiracies and Care for comrades the constitutional crisis The government should care for the caregivers, With more holes in it who are crucial partners to save lives. than a strainer, the convoluted constitution It has been a month of mayhem with record surges in new infec- tions and deaths, as new variants of the coronavirus continue was fated to fail. to ravage Nepal. The virus is not sparing even the remote coun- tryside where it will be more than daunting to break the chain of transmission and save lives in the weeks ahead with fewer CK LAL resources at hand. It is the worst humanitarian crisis of our SOUTH SIDE times, made further acute by a lack of precautions and prepar- edness, and government inaction. Out of beds, out of medical oxygen and out of human resources, the public has been left to scramble and save lives on its own while the leadership contin- ues to misplace priorities amid a deadlier second wave of the When Rudyard Kipling wrote in a poem pandemic. ‘And the wildest dreams of Kew are the We have witnessed how each passing day in May brought facts of Khatmandhu’, he probably had suffering and pain as the infected lay outside hospitals gasping botanical diversity in mind. Times for breath, and members of the army paid the final respects to have since unrecognisably changed, and the Shangri-la along the hippie the deceased before mass cremation at Pashupati; but the sheer trail of the early 1970s is now a con- horror of Covid-19 that has pummelled the country remains crete jungle where vehicular exhaust invisible. It will be an understatement to say that health work- from the latest SUVs idling endlessly in ers have been at the forefront of treating and caring for those traffic jams has turned the capital of SHUTTERSTOCK who have been infected and developed severe conditions. They Nepal into one of the most polluted cities of the world. first attempt, but has since redoubled ble assertions of the majority support tionary of the Communist Party of are working overtime and are under immense pressure as they The raging pandemic and repeated his effort to remain the unassailable for the leader of the opposition in the Nepal (United Marxist-Leninist) and is manage the risks of acquiring the virus in a high exposure zone lockdowns have considerably reduced Supremo. House was, at the very least, somewhat unlikely to have had any say in the for- while relieving people from suffering and saving lives. the air pollution, but Kathmandu must Intensification of the campaign to suspicious. mulation of policies. The pandemic has put into perspective how important health claim some distinction, howsoever rule the country without legislative The legality of the presidential order Oli opposed republicanism, federal- workers are, and without whom even a robust health system dubious, to assert its identity of being challenge began with the dissolution of issued in the wee hours of the morning ism and inclusion tooth and nail until could falter. If it weren’t for the undying sacrifice of our health vastly different from any other city on the Pratinidhi Sabha, when Oli feared a that dissolved the Parliament on the the last moment and agreed to the com- the planet. The political absurdities of vote of no confidence in the House. The recommendation of a prime minister promise document in 2015 only when workers who put their lives at risk every minute, Nepal’s situa- the last few months have shown that Constitutional Bench of the Supreme who had failed to face the House he realised that he couldn’t achieve his tion could have been far worse. But a second year into the pan- Nepal is fully capable of making a Court ruled that the dissolution was remains to be examined. The constitu- life’s ambition without the promulga- demic, the rightful concerns of health workers continue to fall royal mess of its constitutional order. ultra vires, which resulted in the resto- tionality of Oli’s recommendation and tion of a constitution. Having become on deaf ears. Worldwide, governments have introduced a range The power games appear so bizarre ration of the Parliament. Meanwhile, the presidential decision without due the prime minister, it’s understandable of measures to support health workers, equipping them with that should the management of Ripley’s due to an unrelated and inexplicable deliberation has once again reached that the Supremo now wants to throw Believe It or Not decide to have a gallery order of the Supreme Court, bifurcation the Supreme Court. away the ladder and rule the country personal protective equipment or providing financial and men- exclusively devoted to political oddi- of the ruling party became inevitable. It’s almost clear that the country is according to his whims and fancies. tal health support and further incentives. The Oli administra- ties, they need look no further than the Oli showed his disdain for the legisla- in no position to fight at four fronts at Even though the prime mover of the tion, too, had announced last year that it would give risk and capital city of the country where the ture by not attending a single session of the same time. The infection and death charter, Nepali Congress, isn’t too happy encouragement allowances to health workers, including other Buddha was born over two and a half the restored House till the day of present- rate from the pandemic in Nepal is with some of its features, such as the frontline staff, but the welcome gesture remains unfulfilled as millennia ago but his nationality con- ing himself for a trust vote. The parlia- comparable to that of India, which is proportionate election system, secular- tinues to be contested to this date! ment expressed its lack of confidence in one of the highest in the world. The ism and federalism. Given a choice, the the fiscal year comes to an end. Health workers have instead With a practising Marxist-Leninist his leadership. But none of his cabinet remittance, trade and service-based NC leadership will happily return to the been handed advisories to use protective gear “rationally” and, head of government publicly profess- colleagues could gather the courage to sectors are in tatters. discredited statute of 1990. in some places, are making do with improvised protective ing Hindutva ideology and a lapsed oust him from the premiership. Having lost the confidence of the Maoists accepted the draft that had gowns. Maoist worshipping the buffalo to Unchallenged, he did something that international community due to the thrown their agenda into the dustbin to How the state continues to ignore and treat our health work- appease the stars on his birth chart, should be considered sacrilege in any dillydallying over the Millennium save their skin. Madhesis were shot parliamentary democracy: He took the Challenge Corporation (MCC) deal and ers when they have the biggest responsibility is disgraceful. It unbelievable is the everyday affair of dead in the streets when the rest of the Nepali politics. Supremo Sharma oath of office of the Prime Minister Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) projects, country was lighting lamps to welcome just shows how the government announcement was made in an Oli’s grandiose pronouncements are after losing the vote of confidence in the the country stands isolated in the com- the charter. There is no reason for ad hoc manner with little intention to follow through and ridiculous. House. But as an exclamation of exas- ity of nations. Nepal has failed to bene- Madhesis to shed tears at the tearing of release funds timely and as required. The pandemic in the peration goes—‘ke garne? yo Nepal ho!’ fit from the ‘vaccine diplomacy’ race a document that they symbolically hands of an incompetent administration has not just put health Diabolical demagogue In fact, Oli looked so confident after due to an utter lack of diplomatic initi- burn every year. workers at enormous risks, but they’ve also been handed false Oli emerged as the ethnonational chief- losing the confidence vote that he actu- ative. In the middle of this pandemoni- Strategic planners in New Delhi tain of the constitutionally-created cat- ally snapped—‘tyo pardaina’—at um, Bhandari and Oli hope to hold want Nepal to be ‘India-friendly’, which promises. It is unacceptable that health workers are deprived of egory, Khas-Arya, in the wake of the President Bidya Devi Bhandari in the fresh elections. Even optimism has is perhaps a secret code for ‘communist their rightful allowances and other incentives. The government Gorkha earthquakes. The political middle of the ceremony. Fearing the some limits. free’ Hindu Rastra. The Chinese will must, without delay, release due salaries and allowances in full repercussions of conspiracies hatched legality of the vow, an ordinance was The key question is to ask then is not be unhappy to deal with a leader while ensuring that they have the environment and the resourc- during catastrophe still shake the poli- issued in haste to retroactively legiti- why hurry for midterm polls in the that is not restrained by plural politick- es to work safely and professionally. ty and society of Nepal at frequent mise the official pledge. middle of a pandemic? There is no ing. The US would like to see the influ- intervals. Unlike the self-doubting breed of clear answer. But it seems that almost ence of Maoists diminish. Thousands of health workers across the country have con- Uncertainties of wars, armed con- one-handed economists, constitutional- all key players want to cremate the con- With more holes in it than a strainer, tracted Covid-19 since the pandemic took hold last year, and the flicts, natural calamities and economic ists are conditioned to be confident of troversial constitution of 2015, as it has the convoluted charter was fated to fail. fraternity continues to lose their comrades in the second wave. crises create a conducive atmosphere their position. Learned lawyers can dig outlived its utility. But it deserved a decent burial or a Besides the unimaginable personal loss to family and friends, it for the emergence of demagogic popu- up precedence to justify any decision. ceremonial cremation through parlia- is an immeasurable loss to our society when a health worker lists everywhere. Already enthroned as Argumentative advocates can manufac- Limited liability mentary deliberations. Oli has decided the ethnocentric chieftain of the ture endless reasons to advance the President Bhandari and Premier instead to throw whatever remains of succumbs to what is otherwise a completely preventable situa- hegemonic community, Oli decided to case of their clients. It’s possible to Sharma Oli have almost no stake in the the constitutional order down the tion. The government should drop any pretext and care for the use the ‘opportunity’ that the pandemic argue that the President was free to foundational principles of the statute. Bagmati in the name of a fresh man- caregivers, who are crucial partners to save lives and contain had created in the country to perpetu- choose from the competing claimants Before ascending to the high office, date in the middle of a raging pandem- the pandemic. ate himself in power. He failed in his of premiership, but dismissing credi- President Bhandari was a minor func- ic. This too, however, shall pass. South Asian geopolitics: Present and future

United Kingdom and France have also The days ahead been part of the military engagement with QUAD Plus nations and have had are going to be several naval exercises. After several skirmishes in the Ladakh region, more demanding for India has unearthed a mutual basis with Australia, Japan and the US to South Asian nations. dissuade extended Chinese political advance. Therefore, a focus on the militarization of the Himalaya alone BINOJ BASNYAT will not suffice. The present is filled with Covid-19 challenges, but the days ahead are going to be more demanding for South Asian nations, and a question may be raised about their foreign policy. US concerns are about Chinese loans to South Asian nations that are influenc- South Asia is moving away from its ing the regional security architecture. past regional security architecture Washington will be persuaded to rapidly. Ongoing geopolitical develop- relieve and ease the challenges that ments can have a long-standing the countries will meet in the estab- impact, especially on regional securi- lished finance order for development. ty matters. Foreign ministers of the US interests in the Indo-Pacific Region G7, the world’s prominent democra- are twofold—South Asian nations reli- cies and advanced economies, held an ance on China for development efforts, in-person meeting from May 2-3 which and India’s standing in the region voiced support for Taiwan and with their domestic politics and inter- Ukraine. A dedicated discussion was nal conflict to shape the South Asian conducted on China’s motives and regional security architecture. other global concerns ranging from Nepal’s foreign policy was adopted climate change and human rights in a different regional security envi- issues to gender equality. Officials ronment of South Asia when India got from Australia, India, South Africa, its independence and nationalism was South Korea and Brunei joined as at the core, Tibet was annexed by guests. China and Mao prevailed, World War Taiwan was included for the first II ended and Europe was the centre of time with observer status in the World gravity. The global body the United Health Assembly which is the deci- Nations and global financial bodies sion-making body of the World Health were formed. Nepal should be able to Organisation (WHO). The status will receive assistance on the basis of permit Taiwan to be part of the annu- grant fearing a debt trap, though the al meeting to be held from May 24 to country in some instances is consider- June 1. China responded by denounc- ing its dependency on India. The Oli- ing the G7 joint testimony, saying it led government with severe criticism was unpleasant meddling in China’s SHUTTERSTOCK assured unmatched development. in-house matters. A significant devel- the smaller states of South Asia. After are conscious of the disadvantage or considered to be a pivotal moment Australia, India, Japan and the US. It Nepal counts on foreign aid so it is a opment for South Asia was the Tibet the 2017 Doklam confrontation, the long-term after-effects of Chinese since the first India-EU Summit in has been responding to China’s diplo- challenge for it to reinforce the cus- issue, where the ministers denounced Bhutan has been interrelating about loans, for their central concern is to 2000. The EU is China’s largest trading matic engagements. Much more is tomary dependence on development China’s human rights exploitations. the border issues even if it does not remain in power through democratic partner, but commerce has shrunk happening for a significant and endur- aid and the slow progress in non-Chi- Transferring the operations of Sri hold any diplomatic relations. The practices. due to a series of tit-for-tat sanctions ing effect. QUAD has been strength- nese foreign direct investment. With Lanka’s Hambantota port to the central responsibility of India in the A meeting between India and the 27 imposed by Beijing and Brussels ened in response to China’s growing the changing strategic dynamics, will Chinese for 99 years, an escalation of region has created hitches in China- European Union nations ended in an mainly because of China’s mistreat- influence in the region and now in the foreign policies of Nepal and other China-India tensions in the western India relations. Governments of exchange of views on three broad ment of its ethnic Uyghur minority in South Asia with pandemic diplomacy. South Asian nations remain the same? Himalaya and Chinese-funded major South Asian nations are assessing the clusters—one, technology and connec- Xinjiang province. QUAD is furthering processes to pri- infrastructure projects through the advantages from the projects by tivity; two, Covid-19, environment and There has been a lot of chit-chat oritise trade, investment and the envi- Basnyat is a strategic analyst Belt and Road Initiative have been the revealing the development efforts to climate change; three, foreign policy, about the Quadrilateral Security ronment as well as augment cyber and and a former Major General of striking points of China’s presence in the people even if the political parties security and regional issues. This is Dialogue (QUAD), comprised of maritime security cooperation. The the Nepal Army.

C M Y K 05 | WEDNESDAY, MAY 26, 2021 MONEY

FOREX UK declines US 116.74 Housebound Nepalis buy mobile phones Euro 143.05 to rule out new Pound 165.53 oil exploration Australian 90.65 and laptops in record numbers Japanese 10.73 despite warning Chinese 18.23 6.35 million phones imported between mid-July 2020 and mid-May 2021, up from 3.95 million in same period last fiscal. Saudi 31.13 REUTERS KRISHANA PRASAIN LONDON, MAY 25 Qatari 32.06 KATHMANDU, MAY 25 The United Kingdom will not commit Malaysian 28.18 Nepalis went on a mobile and laptop to halting new oil exploration in the Exchange rates fixed by Nepal Rastra Bank buying spree to stay connected as the North Sea, a government energy body pandemic confined them to their told Reuters, despite a warning from homes, pushing up imports to an all- the world’s top energy watchdog to Shares time high. rein in fossil fuels spending to achieve Online classes and remote commut- climate goals. Nepse 2,816.56pts -0.23% ing became the order of the day for The UK is due to host the UN students and office employees after Climate Change Conference (COP26) HIGHEST LOSERS the government clamped a lockdown, in Scotland in November and commis- MPFL MDB NFS SADBL CCBL SHINE -3.22% -2.70% -2.62% -2.61% -2.55% -2.45% and so they reached for their personal sioned the International Energy devices, officials said. Agency to chart a path towards net-ze- MODERATE LOSERS ILBS ACLBSL NIBD2082 NLBBL SCB KRBL As per the Customs Department, ro emissions by 2050. The agency pub- -1.17% -1.16% -1.16% -1.15% -1.15% -1.06% Nepal imported nearly Rs40 billion lished its findings last week, but its

MODERATE GAINERS worth of cell phones and laptops in recommendation that fossil fuel PLI NICL HURJA KPCL LICN SRBLD83 the first 10 months of the current fis- investment be halted sits uneasily 2.38% 2.19% 2.05% 2.04% 1.95% 1.91% cal year. with a deal the UK government HIGHEST GAINERS That is more than twice what this reached in March to continue allow- BARUN MHNL UPCL GHL DHPL SDLBSL farming country spends on importing ing North Sea offshore oil licensing in 9.95% 9.86% 9.84% 9.78% 8.92% 8.39% chemical fertiliser annually. exchange for pledges to cut emissions. Nepal imported 6.35 million mobile “We are working hard to drive down phones during the period mid-July demand for fossil fuels, however there 2020 to mid-May 2021, compared to 3.95 will continue to be ongoing demand PRICE PER TOLA million units during the same period for oil and gas,” the UK department BULLION last fiscal year. for Business, Energy and Industrial The imports were valued at Rs32.09 Strategy said in response to emailed Fine Gold Rs 93,500 billion, up from Rs14.68 billion previ- questions from Reuters. ously. “We will not be cancelling licences Silver Rs 1,350 Officials said imports rose steeply that were recently awarded. Any mainly because many educational SHUTTERSTOCK future licences are only awarded on SOURCE: FENEGOSIDA institutions launched remote learning Nepal imported nearly Rs40 billion worth of cell phones and laptops in the first 10 months of the current fiscal year. the basis that they are aligned with and online classes in response to the the government’s broad climate stay-home order. remote learning needs,” said Nawaraj The number of mobile internet According to the Central Bureau of change ambitions, including the UK’s GASOLINE WATCH Schools across the country were Kunwar, president of the Federation users in Nepal currently stands at Statistics, in the fourth quarter of the target of reaching net zero by 2050.” closed for most of 2020 after the gov- of Computer Associations Nepal. 26.35 million. last fiscal year 2019-20, the country’s The UK halted its latest licensing ernment imposed a lockdown in “The pandemic has hit every sector Sanjay Agrawal, vice-president economic growth rate, or output of rounds for offshore exploration for March. badly. But it was a boon for sellers of of the Mobile Phone Importers’ the gross domestic product, plunged technical reasons in March but said According to traders, another rea- personal gadget like mobiles, laptops Association, said that demand 15.4 percent compared to the same they would resume at an unspecified son for the import boom was that the and tablets.” increased drastically with a majority period in 2018-19, which resulted in a time. Minister Alok Sharma wel- grey market vanished because all With the coronavirus situation of schools and colleges adopting year-on-year negative growth rate of comed the IEA’s findings. Sharma last transport routes including flights becoming uncertain again, and people online classes. 1.99 percent. week said that the Paris-based watch- were shut down. gradually adapting to digital technolo- “We did not see such demand for This is the first annual negative dog’s report shares many of the UK’s The import bill for laptops and note- gy, demand for gadgets may rise expo- personal gadgets before during last growth rate since 1982-83 when Nepal’s priorities, including its desire to “con- books totalled Rs6.02 billion during nentially in the future, Kunwar said. year’s lockdown, even though many economic growth rate plunged to -2.97 sign coal power to history”. the first 10 months of the current fis- From grocery shopping to tele-med- people were in financial difficulties,” percent, according to the World Bank. A joint communique by the G7 cal year. In contrast, imports amount- icine, more and more people are turn- he said. Tens of thousands of people The negative growth rate continued group of the world’s largest advanced ed to Rs164.74 million during the ing to digital technology, and this will were furloughed, and many lost their in the first quarter of the current fis- economies, including the UK, last whole of the last fiscal year ended result in smartphone demand explod- jobs when the government enforced a cal year 2020-21. week pledged “to phase out new direct mid-July. ing, Kunwar said. lockdown for nearly four months Following controls on trade through government support for carbon-inten- In terms of units, Nepal imported With internet service reaching starting on March 24, 2020. unauthorised channels, the govern- sive international fossil fuel energy, 108,531 laptops and notebooks in the more rural areas, it will further push Nepal’s economy faced headwinds, ment’s tax revenue has also increased. except in limited circumstances at the first 10 months compared to 2,995 dur- sales of modern gadgets like smart- technically recording an economic The exchequer collected Rs5.07 billion discretion of each country”. ing the same period of the last fiscal. phones and laptops, he added. recession for the first time in almost in import duty on mobile phones alone The Oil and Gas UK industry body Imports of tablets totalled 28,565 units In 2020, approximately 87 percent of 40 years with the country witnessing in the first 10 months of the current said it agreed with the IEA’s call for worth Rs592.36 million during the the population in Nepal had access to negative growth rates for two consecu- fiscal year. more investment in renewable energy review period. the internet, according to the manage- tive quarters because of the Covid-19 Revenue collection totalled Rs2.32 but that continued exploration under “The obvious drivers for the growth ment and information report of the pandemic-induced supply and demand billion during the same period in the government scrutiny of emissions centred around work from home and Nepal Telecommunications Authority. shock. last fiscal year. was in line with climate goals. Consumer confidence ticks China to tighten commodity price controls in 5-year plan REUTERS down but remains strong BEIJING, MAY 25 China will strengthen price controls ASSOCIATED PRESS fading. Earlier this month, the on iron ore, copper, corn and other SILVER SPRING, MAY 25 Commerce Department reported that major commodities in its 14th five- retail sales in the US flattened out in year plan for 2021 to 2025 to address Consumer confidence ticked down April after soaring in March, when abnormal fluctuations in prices, the slightly in May but remains nearly as many Americans received those gov- state planner said on Tuesday. high as its been since the pandemic ernment checks and boosted their The country will also step up moni- began. spending. toring and analysis of commodity The Conference Board reported on Economists have said that rising prices such as crude oil, natural Tuesday that its consumer confidence confidence should bolster overall eco- gas and soybean, the National index fell to 117.2 from April’s 117.5 nomic growth as consumers, who Development and Reform Commission reading, the highest level since account for 70 percent of economic (NDRC) said in a statement. February of 2020, just before the pan- activity, spend more as lockdown “(Local governments) should study demic began. restrictions are eased or abandoned and judge the import impact in depth, The present situation index, based altogether in many places. and promptly make suggestions... (on on consumers assessment of current Recent government data shows that matters) such as reserves, import and business and labour market condi- the nation’s gross domestic product— export, fiscal and taxation, and finan- tions, rose to 144.3 from 131.9. Although its total output of goods and servic- cial adjustment measures,” the state- the percentage of consumers surveyed es—is expected to continue to rise. ment said. claiming that business conditions are Following a 4.3 percent gain in the The NDRC also said authorities “good” fell from 19.4 percent to 18.7 fourth quarter of 2020, the govern- would “reasonably adjust cotton tar- percent, those claiming conditions are ment’s first estimate of the January- get price levels” and stick to the coun- “bad” declined more, from 24.5 per- March quarter came in at a brisk 6.4 try’s minimum purchase price policy cent in April to 21.8 percent in May. percent annual rate. Some economists framework for rice and wheat, it said. Consumers’ assessment of the expect even bigger growth in the cur- The government buys these grains labour market also improved as the rent April-June quarter—an annual from farmers at a minimum price percentage of consumers saying jobs pace of 10 percent or more—driven by when the market drops below that are “plentiful” climbed from 36.3 per- a surge in people traveling, shopping, level. The move comes as Beijing pri- cent to 46.8 percent. Those saying that dining out and resuming their oritises guaranteeing food security for jobs are hard to get fell to 12.2 percent pre-pandemic spending habits. its population of 1.4 billion. from 14.7 percent. Unemployment That optimism is on full display in The NDRC said it will build a solid REUTERS FILE claims have fallen to pandemic lows US markets with five of the six grain supply and stabilise prices. Workers unload coal at a storage site along a railway station in Hefei, Anhui province. each week for the past the month. top gainers on the S&P 500 carrying In energy markets, the state planner The Conference Board’s expecta- the tickers of airlines or cruise said China will adopt a new pricing tricity prices... to promote carbon spike in factory gate prices and slower such as iron ore and corn on the tions index, based on consumers’ companies. mechanism for pumped storage, and reduction,” the statement said. growth in industrial output in April. Dalian Commodity Exchange, short-term views for income, business Shares in United Airlines rose more promote price reforms in transmis- Commodities prices in the world’s Government watchdogs have steel and copper on the Shanghai and the job market, fell to 99.1 in May, than 5 percent Tuesday after the air- sion and distribution of electricity, in second biggest economy have seen big repeatedly urged industrial metal Futures Exchange all hit historic from 107.9 in April. line said ticketed yields from casual order to improve flexibility in the grid swings this year driven by post-pan- firms to maintain market order, highs this year. Consumers’ expectations for the travellers are near pre-pandemic lev- system. demic demand recovery, global liquid- pledged tougher inspections on physi- Premier Li Keqiang also said on future may be less bright because the els. Shares in Delta Air Lines jumped “For high-energy intensity and ity easing and speculative trading. cal and derivative markets and probes Monday that the government will tailwind from Americans spending 2 percent after the company said book- high-emission industries, (China) will Beijing’s recent moves come after into behaviour that bid up prices. strive to prevent rising commodity their $1,400 stimulus checks could be ings have been better than expected. implement differential and tiered elec- soaring metals prices contributed to a Futures prices for commodities prices being passed on to consumers. Nigeria’s economy grows in first quarter on oil price rise REUTERS last month directed its regions to stop giving first by leaving interest rates on hold. However, dollar ABUJA, MAY 25 doses of AstraZeneca vaccines once they use half shortages have stoked inflation to a more than 4-year their current stock, to safeguard supply for a second high, while a shrinking labour market and mounting Nigeria’s economy grew 0.5 percent in the first quar- dose. The NBS said the non-oil sector, which the gov- insecurity have ter, lifted by higher crude production and oil prices, ernment is trying to make the main growth sector, pressured house- the country’s statistics office said on Sunday, as rose 0.79 percent in the first quarter. Telecoms, crop holds. activities slowly gain momentum after the gradual production, real estate, food manufacturing and con- “While this easing of coronavirus lockdowns. struction lifted growth in the quarter. points to the Africa’s largest economy, exited its second reces- Crude prices rose above $70/barrel on Tuesday but likelihood of firm- sion since 2016 in the fourth quarter, despite a full- fell on Wednesday on renewed demand concerns as er growth from the year contraction in 2020. Covid-19 cases in Asia rose and fears that rising second quarter, it Nigeria had been grappling with low growth inflation might lead the U.S. Federal Reserve to raise still does not allow before the coronavirus pandemic triggered a reces- rates, which could limit growth. for a more robust sion and created large financing gaps, including Oil, which accounts for around two-thirds of policy response to dollar shortages and inflation. Nigerian government revenue and 90 percent of for- inflationary pres- “The Q1 2021 growth rate was slower than the 1.87 eign exchange, contracted 2.21 percent in the first sures,” Razia percent growth rate recorded in Q1 2020 but higher quarter as crude production rose to 1.72 million Khan, chief econo- than 0.11 percent recorded in Q4 2020, indicative of a barrels per day from the fourth quarter. mist for Africa slow but continuous recovery,” The National Bureau With weak growth, few expect Nigeria’s central and the Middle AP/RSS of Statistics (NBS) said. bank to alter interest rates next week. East at Standard Shoppers exit a retail store in downtown Chicago. Nigeria is inoculating its 200 million citizens, but The bank has pursued an accommodative stance Chartered, said.

C M Y K WEDNESDAY, MAY 26, 2021 | 06 WORLD

BRIEFING China denounces India’s coronavirus infections ebb people’s tribunal Thousands evacuated in India as strong cyclone inches closer on alleged abuses NEW DELHI: Tens of thousands of peo- but states struggle for vaccines ple were evacuated on Tuesday in against Uyghurs low-lying areas of two Indian states The vaccination drive is in shambles and people are suffering and despairing, opposition leader says. and moved to cyclone shelters to ASSOCIATED PRESS escape a powerful storm barrelling REUTERS BEIJING, MAY 25 toward the eastern coast. Cyclone NEW DELHI, MAY 25 Yaas is set to turn into a “very severe China on Tuesday denounced plans cyclonic storm” with sustained wind India’s official tally of daily infections for a people’s tribunal in Britain on speeds of up to 177 kilometres per of coronavirus fell to the lowest in allegations of genocide against hour, the India Meteorological nearly six weeks in the past 24 hours, Uyghurs and other Turkic Muslim Department said. The cyclone is offering hope that a devastating sec- people in China’s Xinjiang region. expected to make landfall early ond wave is ebbing, but government The spokesman for the northwest- Wednesday in Odisha and West leaders said shortages of vaccines ern region’s government, Xu Bengal states. were a big concern. Guixiang, said China “condemned Barely 3 percent of the country’s 1.3 and despised” the hearings, which are billion people have been vaccinated, expected to draw dozens of witnesses Mali in turmoil after army the lowest rate among the 10 countries when they begin in early June. detains leaders with the most Covid-19 cases. The tribunal, which does not have BAMAKO: Mali was in turmoil on The Serum Institute of India, which government backing, is to be chaired Tuesday after disgruntled army is supplying the AstraZeneca vaccine, by prominent lawyer Geoffrey Nice, officers detained the president and and local firm Bharat Biotech which who led the prosecution of ex-Serbian the prime minister, sparking fears of is providing Covaxin, have both said President Slobodan Milosevic and a coup less than a year after the last they are ramping up production but worked with the International military takeover in the impover- the supply remains way short of the Criminal Court. ished west African nation. The new- millions of doses India needs. “This is a total violation of interna- est crisis to hit the vast country On Tuesday, the country posted tional law and order, a serious dese- where jihadists control large swathes 196,427 new coronavirus cases over the cration of the victims of real geno- of territory sparked widespread last 24 hours, its lowest daily rise in cide, and a serious provocation to the international condemnation. Army infections since April 14, and less than 25 million people of all ethnic groups officers upset with a government half the 414,188 peak reported on in Xinjiang,” Xu told reporters at the reshuffle detained President Bah May 7. The country’s overall officially latest in a series of briefings in Beijing Ndaw and Prime Minister Moctar recorded case load since the start of intended to counter growing criticism Ouane and took them to the Kati mili- the pandemic now stands at of China’s policies in Xinjiang. tary camp on the outskirts of the cap- 26.95 million. The region has become a major for- ital Bamako, two senior officials who Deaths due to Covid-19 amounted to eign policy headache for China, which declined to be named told AFP. 3,511 in the last 24 hours, bringing the is accused of locking up more than a total since the pandemic first stuck million Uyghurs, Kazakhs and mem- over a year ago to 307,231, according to bers of other minority groups in Biden to meet Putin amid health ministry data. REUTERS re-education camps where they are The Economist magazine’s excess- Patients suffering from Covid-19 receive oxygen support as they sit inside a classroom turned Covid-19 care facility in Mumbai, India. forced to denounce their traditional US-Russia tension deaths model estimates that around a culture and swear fealty to China’s WASHINGTON: President Joe Biden will million people have died of Covid-19 whose Aam Aadmi Party is bitterly ruling Communist Party and its hold a summit with Russian in India so far, way above the 590,240 opposed to Modi’s Bharatiya Janata EU agrees to donate 100 million doses of vaccines leader, Xi Jinping. President Vladimir Putin next month in the United States, the worst hit Party (BJP). Women from the region have also in Geneva, a face-to-face meeting country based on official counts. The northern state of Punjab also BRUSSELS: EU leaders agreed on gramme suffered a major setback testified that they have been forced between the two leaders that comes In desperation, several Indian state said over the weekend its efforts to Tuesday to donate at least 100 mil- last week when its biggest supplier, to undergo contraceptive measures, amid escalating tensions between the governments and even cities such as directly source supplies had been lion doses of Covid-19 vaccines to the Serum Institute of India, children have allegedly been taken US and Russia in the first months of Mumbai have launched global tenders rebuffed by the foreign vaccine manu- poorer nations by the end of the announced it would likely not from their incarcerated parents the Biden administration. The White or sought expressions of interest from facturers. The hill state of year as supplies steadily rise across export any more vaccines until the and claims of forced labour have House confirmed details of the sum- firms such as Pfizer , Moderna and Uttarakhand extended its global ten- Europe. Gathered in Brussels for a end of the year due to the Covid-19 prompted multinational companies to mit on Tuesday. The two leaders’ Johnson and Johnson for urgent der till the end of the month after two-day summit, the 27 leaders crisis on the subcontinent. As vacci- cut ties with Xinjiang’s key cotton meeting, set for June 16, is being supplies. failing to get any bid, local media backed a text in which they pledge nation campaigns continue to pro- industry. tacked on to the end of Biden’s first But Delhi’s deputy chief minister reported on Tuesday. to continue efforts “to increase gress in the Western world, poorer China says it has merely been international trip as president next Manish Sisodia said the three firms “The vaccination drive is in sham- global vaccine production capaci- countries are struggling to acquire providing job training and counsel- month when he visits Britain for a told them they were in touch with the bles and people are suffering and ties in order to meet global needs.” supplies. During a health summit in ling to de-radicalise those influenced meeting of Group of Seven leaders federal Indian government and that despairing,” Anand Sharma, a leader Leaders also called “for work to be Rome last week, Italian Premier by jihadist propaganda following and Brussels for the NATO summit. they will not be dealing with state of the main opposition Congress said, stepped up to ensure global equita- Mario Draghi said that nearly 1.5 years of violent outbursts against “The leaders will discuss the full level authorities. urging Modi to put aside politics and ble access to Covid-19 vaccines” and billion vaccine doses have been Chinese rule in the region. range of pressing issues, as we seek Sisodia blamed Prime Minister work with state governments to help reiterated their support for the administered in over 180 countries While the tribunal’s judgment is not to restore predictability and stability Narendra Modi’s government for mis- them procure vaccines. UN-backed COVAX program. worldwide. Yet only 0.3 percent were binding on any government, to the US-Russia relationship,” White handling vaccine procurement and Pfizer said it was in talks with the COVAX aims to ensure equitable in low-income countries, while rich- organisers hope the process of House press secretary Jen Psaki not moving fast enough to secure sup- Indian government to supply its vac- access to Covid-19 shots for low-and er countries administered around publicly laying out evidence will com- said in a statement announcing plies for the country. cine, which has still to be cleared by middle-income countries. The pro- 85 percent. (AP) pel international action to tackle the the summit. (AGENCIES) “It is a global blunder,” said Sisodia, India’s drug regulator. alleged abuses in Xinjiang. US to aid Gaza without helping Hamas ASSOCIATED PRESS Blinken will not be meeting with JERUSALEM, MAY 25 Hamas, which does not recognise Israel’s right to exist and which Israel US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and the US consider a terrorist organ- vowed Tuesday to “rally international isation. support” to aid Gaza following a dev- But the top US diplomat faces the astating war there while keeping any same obstacles that have stifled a assistance out of the hands of its mil- wider peace process for more than a itant Hamas rulers, as he began a decade, including a hawkish Israeli regional tour to shore up last week’s leadership, Palestinian divisions and cease-fire. deeply rooted tensions surrounding The 11-day war between Israel and Jerusalem and its holy sites. The Hamas killed more than 250 people, Biden administration had initially mostly Palestinians, and caused wide- hoped to avoid being drawn into the spread destruction in the impover- intractable conflict and focus on other ished coastal territory. The truce that foreign policy priorities before the came into effect on Friday has so far violence broke out. held, but it did not address any of the Netanyahu, meanwhile, is fighting underlying issues in the Israeli- for his political life after a fourth Palestinian conflict, something inconclusive election in two years. He Blinken acknowledged after meeting faces mounting criticism from Israelis with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin who say he ended the offensive prema- Netanyahu. turely, without forcibly halting rocket “We know that to prevent a return attacks or dealing a heavier blow to to violence, we have to use the space Hamas. created to address a larger set of Netanyahu hardly mentioned the underlying issues and challenges. And Palestinians in his remarks, in that begins with tackling the grave which he warned of a “very humanitarian situation in Gaza and powerful” response if Hamas breaks starting to rebuild,” he said. the cease-fire. “The United States will work to Netanyahu spoke of “building eco- rally international support around nomic growth” in the occupied West that effort while also making our own Bank, but said there will be no peace significant contributions.” He added until the Palestinians recognise Israel that the US would work with its as a “Jewish state.” The Palestinians partners “to ensure that Hamas does have long objected to that language, AP/RSS not benefit from the reconstruction saying it undermines the rights of Farmers plant rice at the Namsa Co-op Farm of Rangnang district in Pyongyang, North Korea, on Tuesday. assistance.” Israel’s own Palestinian minority. Airlines start shunning Belarus, opposition leader says journalist tortured

REUTERS Protasevich had been tortured. and British carriers that fly over dent travelling with him were arrest- The EU leaders also directed offi- sanctions, which mostly consist of KYIV/VILNIUS, MAY 25 “He said that he was treated lawful- Belarus should re-route via the ed, and three other people disem- cials to draw up unspecified new sanc- blacklists barring various officials ly, but he’s clearly beaten and under Baltic states. barked the flight in Minsk, suspected tions against Belarus, and to work out from travelling or doing business in Airlines shunned Belarus’s airspace pressure. There is no doubt that he Underlining the EU’s desire to show by Western countries of being spies a way to ban Belarusian airlines from the United States and EU. on Tuesday and Belarusian planes was tortured. He was taken hostage,” support for opponents of Belarusian involved in the operation. the bloc’s skies. Politicians in the West have called faced a possible ban from Europe as she told a news conference in the President Alexander Lukashenko, They were interviewed on Belarus Belarus’s neighbour, Ukraine, also for tougher measures. But they have international outrage mounted over Lithuanian capital Vilnius. French President Emmanuel Macron state TV, which identified them as two announced a ban on flights to or from failed to influence the behaviour of Minsk forcing down a jetliner and Belarus did not immediately com- said he would like the Belarusian Belarusians and a Greek. All three Belarus, and on its own airlines using Lukashenko, who enjoys unwavering arresting a dissident journalist who ment on the torture allegation but has opposition to be invited to meet Group said they had asked to disembark Belarusian airspace. That could mean financial and security support from was on board. consistently denied abusing detain- of Seven leaders at a summit in because they planned to travel to land-locked Belarus could soon be Russia. A video released overnight showed ees. Rights groups have documented Britain next month. London did not Minsk anyway once the plane reached reached by air only over its eastern Moscow denied suggestions by 26-year-old Roman Protasevich con- hundreds of cases of what they immediately respond. Vilnius. border with close ally Russia. Western politicians that it may have fessing to having organised anti-gov- describe as abuse and forced confes- Belarusian state media have report- European Union leaders at a sum- “If we let this go, tomorrow assisted its ally Belarus in the ernment demonstrations. On Sunday sions during a crackdown on pro-de- ed that Lukashenko personally mit on Monday called for airlines Alexander Lukashenko will go further operation. Russia has also accused he was pulled off a flight from Greece mocracy activists since last year. ordered the flight to be intercepted. based in the 27-member bloc to halt and do something even more arro- Western countries of hypocrisy, to Lithuania forced down in the France and Ireland have described Belarus says it was responding to a flights over Belarusian airspace, gant, more cruel,” Ukrainian Foreign noting a Bolivian presidential plane Belarusian capital Minsk. the incident as piracy. On Tuesday bomb scare that later proved to be a which is along a major corridor con- Minister Dmytro Kuleba said in a was diverted to Austria in 2013 British Prime Minister Boris NATO Secretary-General Jens false alarm. The UN agency ICAO has necting Europe and Asia and earns statement. after reports it carried US intelligence Johnson said the video made for “dis- Stoltenberg called it a “state said the incident may have violated hard currency from overflight rights. Lukashenko, whose security servic- leaker Edward Snowden. tressing viewing” and Belarus hijacking”. the foundational treaty governing Lufthansa, KLM, SAS, Air France, es crushed months of pro-democracy During Lukashenko’s crackdown would face consequences. Exiled oppo- In response to Minsk’s actions, the international civil aviation, the 1944 LOT and Singapore Airlines were demonstrations last year after an on dissent, nearly all opposition sition leader Sviatlana European air traffic control agency, Chicago Convention. among carriers that announced they election opponents said was rigged, figures have been driven into exile Tsikhanouskaya said it proved Eurocontrol, recommended that EU Protasevich and a 23-year-old stu- would stop flying over Belarus. has so far shrugged off Western or jailed.

C M Y K 07 | WEDNESDAY, MAY 26, 2021 SPORTS | MEDLEY BRIEFING Manchester United boss Socceroos gather for Modric extends Real Madrid contract until June 2022 World Cup qualifiers MADRID: Real Madrid midfielder Luka Solskjaer eyes first silverware Modric has signed an extension to his ASSOCIATED PRESS in November 2019. contract until June 2022, the Spanish BRISBANE, MAY 25 Domestic and international border side said on Tuesday. “I’m proud and Manchester United will attempt to end their four-year wait for a trophy—their longest restrictions have made selection happy to keep wearing the shirt of After 18 months without a game, the tricky for Arnold. Australia’s the best club in the world,” Modric, run since the 1980s—when they take on Villarreal in the Europa League final today. gathering of Australian players in A-League is still running, meaning 35, whose contract was due to expire Dubai ahead of next month’s World some players were unavailable for the at the end of next month, said on this term despite winning three of Cup qualifiers feels like a family reun- national team, and veterans such as Twitter. Croatia international their first four games, heaping pres- ion for head coach Graham Arnold. Shanghai-based Aaron Mooy and Modric, who joined Real from sure on Solskjaer as rumours swirled “The culture I believe in the most is Celtic midfielder Tom Rogic have Tottenham Hotspur in 2012 for about a possible move for Mauricio a family culture within the Socceroos,” withdrawn from selection because of around 40 million euros, was one of Pochettino. A return of 10 points from he said in a video news conference. family and injury reasons. Real’s top performers in an overall nine matches saw United off to their “The coaching staff are my brothers, “The way that the world is at the disappointing season in which they worst league start since 1986-87, but, the players are my kids.” moment with the quarantine side of lost out on the La Liga title to city remarkably, Solskjaer’s side became In that case, they’ve been very dis- things and Covid around, it’s down to rivals Atletico Madrid and were just the fourth to go through an tant relatives, scattered across four the individual. It’s a very strong beaten in the Champions League English top-flight campaign undefeat- continents with the likes of Mat Ryan squad, we’ve got great depth in every semi-finals by Chelsea. Modric, who ed away from home. at Arsenal, Brad Smith with the position and I’m excited about the will represent Croatia at the Since replacing Jose Mourinho in Seattle Sounders and Adam Taggart players coming here.” European Championship, was one of December 2018, United’s gradual in Osaka, Japan. He said the homecoming formali- several high-profile Real players to improvement under Solskjaer has Arnold announced a squad of 31 ties would have to be quick, with play- run down their contract. Winger resulted in the club finishing sixth, players Tuesday, drafting them in ers joining the coaches in staggered Lucas Vazquez and captain Sergio third and, this season, second in the from 14 countries for a series of arrivals in Dubai until the squad Ramos are both set to leave for free Premier League. four games in 13 days in Kuwait. leaves for Kuwait on May 31. The unless they sign extensions before “We’ve worked together two and a Australia resume the second round Australians are missing out on three June 30. half years now and taken a step into of Asian qualifying with a match home games in the second stage after the final after the near-misses we’ve against Kuwait on June 3. The the remaining Group B games were all had. To get to a final is one thing, but Australians will then play Taiwan on switched to Kuwait. Liverpool defender Alexander when you get to a final you need to win June 7, Nepal June 11 and Jordan on The rapid proximity of Australia’s Arnold gets England recall it,” said Solskjaer. June 15. last four games in the second stage LONDON: Liverpool defender Trent “Those nights when you win the Arnold’s squad scored 16 goals and will help “get rid of the ring rust,” Alexander-Arnold earned a recall in a trophy it brings everyone together, it’s conceded one to lead Group B in Arnold said. 33-man provisional England squad for a celebration. When we won in ‘99 it November 2019 with four straight The top team in the group are Euro 2020 named by manager Gareth didn’t make me a better player. It wins. But that was before the Covid-19 guaranteed a spot in the third round Southgate on Tuesday. The right didn’t make us individually better pandemic disrupted everything. of Asian qualifying for Qatar back’s place had been in doubt after players, but as a group we believed While most teams in the top 50 in 2022. Australia, aiming to qualify for a he was dropped in March for World that we could go on to win more stuff the world rankings have played match- fifth consecutive World Cup, lead the Cup qualifiers but he made the cut in and we comfortably won the league es since the global shutdown started to group with 12 points, two clear of a squad that will be reduced to 26 the next couple of seasons.” ease, the Socceroos haven’t assembled Kuwait and Jordan but with a game players ahead of a June 1 UEFA Only three starters from the 2-0 win since a 1-0 win over Jordan in Amman in hand. deadline. Uncapped Brighton over Ajax in the 2017 final remain at defender Ben White, Everton’s Ben the club—Paul Pogba, Marcus Godfrey, West Bromwich Albion Rashford and Juan Mata—with United goalkeeper Sam Johnstone and seeking to end their longest run with- Sheffield United’s Aaron Ramsdale out a trophy since the 1980s. “This Djokovic can’t hit US Open were also selected. Liverpool’s Jordan game’s important for us. We’re so Henderson, Manchester United’s close to being a team that can compete Harry Maguire and Leeds United’s and win trophies every single season. Kalvin Phillips, all with lingering Maybe winning this title, this Europa line judge—there won’t be any injury concerns, were included. League, can give us that little push Leeds United striker Patrick Bamford that we need,” said Rashford. ASSOCIATED PRESS Ashe against Pablo Carreno Busta last misses out, however, as do injured REUTERS Solskjaer will give captain Harry NEW YORK, MAY 25 September, Djokovic was defaulted Burnley goalkeeper Nick Pope, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s first four semi-finals as Manchester United manager ended in Maguire until Tuesday’s final training from the US Open for inadvertently Tottenham’s Eric Dier and defeats, including a 2-1 loss to eventual champions Sevilla in last season’s Europa League. session to prove his fitness, although Novak Djokovic does not need to hitting a line judge in the throat with Southampton forward Danny Ings. the England defender is highly unlike- worry about accidentally hitting a US a ball after dropping a game. It was a AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE silverware in Gdansk. ly to play after damaging ankle liga- Open line judge with a tennis ball shocking and abrupt stop to the No MANCHESTER, MAY 25 “You always feel pressure to win ments two weeks ago. between points this year because 1-ranked Djokovic’s 29-match winning Flick to take over as Germany things at Manchester United. Progress Another obstacle in United’s way is there won’t be any line judges—chair streak and his bid to add to his Grand Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will attempt to in the league shows progress. The Unai Emery, a three-time Europa umpires will be the only on-court offi- Slam title collection. coach after Euro 2020 win his first trophy as Manchester next step is to win trophies and chal- League champion with Sevilla who cials at that Grand Slam tournament’s After losing a game to trail 6-5 in the BERLIN: Outgoing Bayern Munich United manager in Wednesday’s lenge in the Premier League as well,” has overseen a 14-match unbeaten run matches. first set, Djokovic angrily swatted a coach Hansi Flick will succeed his Europa League final against he said. “Winning a trophy can give in Europe with Villarreal to reach his The US Tennis Association and the ball behind him with his racket—and former boss Joachim Loew in the Villarreal, confident that victory you belief but it can make you hungry fifth final. All four previous meetings sport’s two leading professional tours, it went directly at the line judge. Germany dugout after Euro 2020, the could ignite another sustained run of for more. When you win things you between United and Villarreal have the ATP and WTA, announced Monday Tournament referee Soeren Friemel German Football Association (DFB) success at Old Trafford. just want to win more, you want to feel finished goalless. A similar outcome is that Hawk-Eye Live electronic ruled the match—and Djokovic’s par- announced on Tuesday. “It’s all gone The Norwegian, now 48, will forever that sensation again of lifting tro- entirely plausible in Poland, but this line-calling will be used for all compe- ticipation in the 2020 US Open—would surprisingly quickly, but I am very be remembered for his late winner phies. I know my players will believe time there will be a winner and loser tition courts at the US Open in 2021 end there, saying at the time: “We all happy to be Germany coach from the against Bayern Munich in the 1999 they can win it and that we can move regardless. and at seven of the nine US Open agree that he didn’t do it on purpose, autumn,” said Flick, 56, after signing Champions League final, and on to better things, but when you get “It’s going to be special. You’ve got Series events preceding it. but the facts are still that he hit the a three-year contract to succeed Loew. Solskjaer is eager to further embed that taste of the first one, that’s a big to be proud to be able to lead a A year ago, the USTA relied on the line umpire and the line umpire was Flick, who was assistant coach to himself in the club’s rich history. step in the right direction.” Manchester United team out to a automatic system and dispensed with clearly hurt.” Loew when Germany won the 2014 Having helped United secure succes- Solskjaer’s first four semi-finals as final,” said Solskjaer. “It’s been a fan- line judges at the US Open except for The US Open Series tournaments World Cup, has long been the sive top-four finishes for the first United boss ended in defeat, including tastic journey and, as we say in matches at the two main courts in that will rely entirely on electronic favourite to take over from Loew, who time since Alex Ferguson retired after a 2-1 loss to eventual champions Norwegian, veien er målet (the goal is Flushing Meadows, Arthur Ashe line-calling this year are the events in will leave the job after 15 years in the last of the club’s Premier League Sevilla in last season’s remodelled the journey). This is just a step on the Stadium and Louis Armstrong Atlanta; Washington; Toronto; charge later this year, a year before titles in 2013, Solskjaer hopes to Europa League. United crashed out in road to bringing our Man United Stadium. Montreal; Cincinnati; Winston-Salem, his contract ends. (AGENCIES) now end their four-year wait for the Champions League group stage back.” During a fourth-round match at North Carolina; and Cleveland. HOROSCOPE ARIES (March 21-April 19) **** CANCER (June 22-July 22) *** LIBRA (September 23-October 22) *** CAPRICORN (December 22-January 19) **** Give yourself ample room to navigate Wednesday’s As a Cancer, the moon’s phases have a direct impact As a Libra, you’re perpetually trying to strike a bal- Wednesday’s skies are unlikely to be easy, Capricorn. terrain, Aries. The first eclipse of the year arrives on your emotional landscape. Be especially mindful ance with life. You’ve been devoting your focus to Give yourself ample space to process the emotions today, and with it comes wildcard energy that of this today, as the full moon lunar eclipse emerges stepping back and examining the big picture of your that come up to reveal what self-sabotaging behav- requires flexibility. Expect changes of plan around in big-hearted Sagittarius. Expect yourself to be current vision. This eclipse is likely to bring critical iours need releasing. It’s an ideal day to talk with a travel and your long-held beliefs around life. feeling it all. conversations and mental revelations. therapist and journal your feelings.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20) *** LEO (July 23-August 22) *** SCORPIO (October 23-November 21) *** AQUARIUS (January 20-February 18) *** Emotions are swelling beneath Wednesday’s cosmic Stay alert under Wednesday’s skies, Leo. The first Wednesday’s skies have some emotional intensity in High emotional energy swirls beneath Wednesday’s landscape, Taurus. Keep a light schedule, as eclipses eclipse of the year emerges this morning, bringing store, Scorpio. The first eclipse of the year arrives cosmic landscape, Aquarius. The first eclipse of the tend to throw things for a loop. It’s an ideal day to with it some profound revelations and potent feelings today, and with it comes wildcard energy and potent year arrives today, and with it comes a whirlwind of connect with a therapist, confide in a lover, or find an around heartfelt matters. Give yourself a light sched- revelations. Aim to keep a light schedule, as this wildcard happenings and revelations. It’s an ideal day outlet to help release pent-up feelings. ule. eclipse can zap energy levels. to reconnect with old friends.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21) **** VIRGO (August 23-September 22) **** SAGITTARIUS (November 22-December 21) *** PISCES (February 19-March 20) *** One of the most important cosmic moments of your The eclipses have arrived, Virgo! One of the most You’re stepping into the cosmic spotlight today, Wednesday’s skies are bound to be emotionally year arrives today, Gemini. The full moon lunar important moments of your year arrives today, as Sagittarius. Today’s skies usher in the first lunar intense, Pisces. Take this moment to let go of old eclipse in big-picture Sagittarius arrives this morn- the full moon lunar eclipse emerges in far-reaching eclipse of the year, which happens to take place in career aspirations, sort through new ones, and hone ing, bringing with it powerful revelations around the Sagittarius. Family, home, and your emotional foun- your sign. Make ample room for yourself to navigate in on where you want to be headed. Keep a flexible current reality of your relationships. dations are likely to be at the centre point. this emotionally intense space. schedule and stay hydrated. CROSSWORD SUDOKU

YESTERDAY’S SOLUTION

C M Y K WEDNESDAY, MAY 26, 2021 | 08 CULTURE & LIFESTYLE (C.R.P.D.) - 3/052/053 From a metal singer to one of the most-loved sketch performers Natasha Shah, aka Nattu, talks about her musical journey and her love for comedy and TikTok.

hether she is performing TikTok has everything built for you. You can on a stage or in front of a add music, edit, and shoot, all on a single plat- camera, Natasha Shah, form. And these features make it easier for an aka Nattu, makes sure to artist to create content and reach people. make her presence felt. The most rewarding aspect of the app has Rocking her short hair been the laughs and the happiness I have been Wand a contagious smile on, Nattu has always able to spread. exuded confidence, be it as a musician, a TV I get messages from cancer survivors and presenter or a comedian. those who are undergoing chemotherapy say- “I love entertaining and making people ing how my videos are making them happy. happy,” says Nattu talking to the Post, from When I hear such things, it makes me glad. Sydney, Australia, where she is now pursuing her degree in audio engineering. You juggle between both comedy and music. In her many roles as a singer, songwriter, What’s your creative process like? television presenter and sketch performer, Nattu has worn multiple hats and has always As far as music goes, I mostly write songs that entertained her audience. reflect my emotions. I prefer to write about In this interview with Post’s Ankit Khadgi, something that I’m feeling at the moment. Nattu talks about her musical journey, her love Many of my friends often confide in me with for comedy and TikTok videos, and the experi- their feelings and emotions. And if something ences of working in the Nepali media industry that someone shares moves me immensely, I as a queer person. Excerpts. pen songs on it, with the concerned person’s permission of course. What was your childhood like? Did you grow When it comes to comedy, a lot of my materi- up in a musical family? al is my general observation of the society we live in and the people in it. Fortunately, I am I grew up in the company of poets, musicians blessed with great observation skills. I try to and music composers. My family members note down when I observe something interest- from my mother’s side were into music where- ing and use it in my sketches. as members from my father’s side were poets and composers, who wrote songs for legends You are also one of the first artists from the like Narayan Gopal. queer community to work in the mainstream And that’s why from my early childhood, I Nepali media? Do you think the media indus- was into music. I believe I picked up a little bit try is queer-friendly? of talent from both sides of my family. I am privileged and fortunate to have extreme- How did your musical journey begin? ly understanding family members. That has always given me the courage to be confident Even though it was only in 2013 when I released and open about my sexuality. my first album ‘Nattu’, I was actively pursuing I usually don’t care what others think music way before that. about me. But I believe if I were ‘girly’ or femi- When I was 15, I was part of a heavy metal nine, which society expects a woman to be, I band and we used to perform in concerts and think I wouldn’t have faced as much struggle stages in the city. We were pretty good back as I had to. then. We even participated in a contest called Although no one has directly said anything the Battle of the Bands. We made it into the nasty to me, there were many times when peo-

final rounds but the organisers ran away with SHAH NATTU COURTESY: PHOTO ple from the industry didn’t know how to react all the money and we were left with nothing. towards me and my talent. I know many of That experience killed my love for metal music. set and an old desktop software and shared it MySpace, a hugely popular social networking Laughter has always been a coping mechanism them still believe that my social media accounts After that experience, I started leaning more among a few high school friends. site back then. for me. I love making people happy and I have blew up not because of my talent but because into acoustic and alternative rock and I started Since the song was very simple and the lyr- Since people didn’t know who the singer always been that person who tries to crack a of my sexuality. writing songs. ics were easy to understand and relate to, my was, my cousin suggested that I make a video joke, even in a tense situation. To be honest, I don’t care how anyone from The first song I ever wrote was in English. In friends immediately liked the song. They singing the song and give a face to the song. I simply do comedy because I feel good when the industry perceives me. I do what I like, and 2004, I composed and sang my second song ‘Ma began sharing the song to other friends via I created a YouTube channel and uploaded a I make people laugh. I let them do whatever they want. Dherai Maya Garchu’ which became a huge hit. their phones’ Bluetooth. video of me singing the song and I uninten- What started out as a song shared in a limit- tionally became Nepal’s first YouTuber. And With more than 40,000 followers, you are So what’s keeping you busy these days? ‘Ma Dherai Maya Garchu’ was indeed a very ed circle ended up reaching thousands of when I returned from London to Nepal in 2011, also popular on TikTok. What has your experi- big hit. Tell us the song’s back story? Nepalis living in Nepal and abroad. I started getting more gigs and shows and I ence been like on the platform? I am gearing up for my new song ‘Sayauchoti’. I only got to know of the song’s popularity eventually ended up making a career in music. I have collaborated with Brijesh Shrestha I wrote the song for someone I had a crush on four years later when I was studying and living So far I have already released two albums--‘Nat- I started making TikTok videos when I moved for the song and I am really excited about when I was 15. I wrote the song in English, as in London. I played the song to my cousin and tu’ in 2013, and ‘Nakkali Nani’ in 2018. to Australia in 2019. It was curiosity that led it. ‘Sayauchoti’ is a folk indie song with my Nepali was terrible back then, and had it she started singing along, which took me by me to TikTok. But the more I used it, the more eastern influence. I have also experimented translated in Nepali. surprise. I also learned that people were shar- Besides music, you have also dabbled in com- rewarding I found the platform to be for an with my vocals for the song and it will be I recorded the song in my home using a head- ing and dedicating the song to their loves in edy. How did you get into it? artist like me. released in June.

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