#658 31 May - 6 June 2013 20 pages Rs 50 NOW WITH

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DIWAKAR CHETTRI t’s not just a trend anymore. options for Nepal, sustainability ideas about sustainable lifestyles IGoing green is a necessity ideas, practical and affordable and workable examples of for sustainable living. Nepali ways to save energy. The Nepali how to live with shortages of GREEN Times is hosting its annual Times EcoFair has also become everything: from solar home EcoFair on 5-7 June at the Nepal an important event in the lighting to biogas, electric Academy premises in Kamaladi. trade calendar for networking vehicles, organic agriculture. With more than 50 exhibitors among green entrepreneurs, and an expected 150,000 government agencies, innovators visitors, the fair has become a and the media. WAY platform for renewable energy EcoFair 2013 offers many PAGE 7-9 2 EDITORIAL 31 MAY - 6 JUNE 2013 #658 BETWEEN A ROCK AND A HARD PLACE ou may call it the ‘little country syndrome’. Nepal’s political players borders. China has territorial issues in the East China Small states situated among larger neighbours Sea, North Korea and Taiwan, and India has its hands Ytend to have an exaggerated sense of their own should finally learn that the full with a pesky neighbourhood, and making its importance, and think that other countries are competing presence felt in the larger world stage. to gobble them up. only way to reduce outside Both countries are in a race against time to At the time Prithvi Narayan Shah made his famous interference is to put our maintain economic growth so that their vast reference to Nepal being a sweet potato between two populations have jobs, and China in fact is India’s boulders, the nation he unified was three times bigger own house in order. largest trading partner. Neither wants the tectonic than it is today. We are still a yam, but a much smaller distractions of an unstable Himalaya. The spheres of one. Fast forward to Maoist Chairman Pushpa Kamal our neighbours. Nepal does not have vast oil and gas influence between our neighbours, and Nepal’s place Dahal who once got so carried away he made the suicide- reserves, there are no important sea lanes here, and in it, are fairly well-established and neither wants to bomber statement that Nepal could be “a dynamite there is no competition over our water resources because shake it up. between two boulders”. it is useful only to downstream states. The national When they do think about Nepal, our neighbours Dahal was trying to threaten the big neighbours to interests of India and China converge on Nepal because probably worry about us not being worried about our take him more seriously. He repeatedly failed to learn both want political stability, but perhaps for different future. This week marks the first anniversary of the from the mistakes of his predecessors that playing reasons. The last thing both want is for Nepal to dissolution of the Constituent Assembly: a symbol India off against China doesn’t work. It never did. become a bundle of dynamite with a timer attached. of the spectacular failure of our politics. But there Even in the cold war years of the mid-1960s just after Contrary to what Nepal’s conspiracy obsessed politicos is also relief in many quarters that the constitution China and India fought a bloody Himalayan conflict, think, foreign policy mandarins in Beijing and New Delhi would have led to fragmentation and chaos. When Mao Zedong had a clear message to a visiting Nepali are not spending all their working hours thinking about the political parties failed to agree on an electoral prime minister: “Tell your king: keep India happy how to interfere in Nepal. They have other concerns. government, the international community backed the and find your space.” Despite their size, both are extremely sensitive about plan to make the Chief Justice the prime minister. After his last visit to China in April, Dahal came back separatist movements and insurgencies within their own It is now clear that the chief justice is just a puppet, with the sobering message that the Chinese had told him he is beholden to the forces that gave him the post. to “sort it out with India”. Finally, the Chairman seems Foreign friends behind this formula say they acted out to have got the message that he shouldn’t try to disturb of desperation, but they should ask themselves: does the status quo in trans-Himalayan relations. the systematic dismantling of democratic institutions It’s time other Nepali leaders also stopped make Nepal more stable? rocking the boat, and developed a more realistic Nepal’s political players should finally learn sense of Nepal’s geo-strategic importance. that the only way to reduce outside interference is No one really has an overwhelming urge to to put our own house in order. Our future is trade interfere in Nepal’s internal affairs. Not since and investment, Nepal will benefit from hitching its 1792 and 1816 have we waged war against wagons to the twin China-India locomotive, not by decoupling ourselves from them.

DIWAKAR CHETTRI

OF THE O WEEK How much time do you spend on Facebook every day ?

Taufi k Temanggung: 12 hours Bobin Shrestha: Just to check the newsfeed. NO PEACE AFTER WAR Björn A Wallner: Too much! we hear, there is serious misgiving Yulina Amatya: Morning time, day time, night Stop romanticising and glorifying time, lunch time, bed time. Maoist stories about the war about this particularly unproven Dhanu Shrestha: 4-6 hours a day. (‘No peace after war’, Kunda Dixit, claim. (‘The Himalayan record- Narbahadur Pun: 40 minutes approx #657). They were savages who keeper’, Tsering Dolker Gurung, Sharad Duwal: More than I want to were drugged during confl ict to #657) Shova Gurung: A lot kill their own brothers and sisters. Armugam Maoist leaders have turned people @AlishaSijapati: It depends on how free like Navin Jirel into war addicts who Nepali Times did a great job mind and time are. get an adrenaline rush fi ring guns, Our politicians are as bad as their on the coverage of the Everest @gurungjagan: About one hour a day. her. Political leaders of Nepal lack such @nebingrg: I spend hours and hours. swinging khukuris and seeing blood moral values of leadership. The narrow counterparts anywhere, but what makes anniversary: Wonderful stuff on and dead bodies around them. mindedness and selfi shness of Nepali them unique is that they are utterly and glaciers, mountain tourism, on Da shamelessly much more selfi sh, greedy, Tenzing, and interviews with Liz This week’s Question of the week: Prad politicians and government offi cials have What made the road widening project in sickened Nepal till today. We need warm and nervous about external pressure Hawley and David Breashers. But Kathmandu successful when all previous After too much of bloodshed and hearted people like than they should be compared to I did not like your Backside column attempts failed? losses of more than 15,000 Nepali, Wangmo average politicians around the world. (‘Climbing Mt Neverest’, Backside, Go to www.facebook.com/nepalitimes or thousands injured, widowed and Bejat #657), Sir Ed would have been www.twitter.com/nepalitimes to respond. orphaned in the name of people’s UNITED BY LIFELONG GRIEF horrifi ed. revolution, what we see today is Many innocent people lost their lives in War doesn’t just bring changes, Groucho that nothing has changed for the vain to bring the Maoist to power. What but safeguards the future in favour of welfare of Nepal and the people at an irony and a tragedy that the Maoists the winner, who will do as they please What’s the point in trying to say Weekly Internet Poll #658 large. It’s all dirty politics for power are now ruining the country. (‘United by and the loser must suffer (‘Unfi nished or imply Tenzing got there fi rst? He business’, Editorial, #657). Apart chose to become an Indian. So, who Q. How do you assess Khil Raj Regmi's two months in in which the narrow minded and lifelong grief’, Rameshwor Bohara, #657) office? selfi sh have benefi ted. However, the Saed Jeffrey from the Gandhian revolution in the cares? consequences of the dirty politics subcontinent the world we live in is SSP Total votes: 1,313 are dragging Nepal to poverty and SYNDICATED FEDERATION the direct result of gruesome violence, instability. What an excellent article by Bihari K brutal wars and forgotten memories. Those days Nepalis were bare Tashi Lama Shrestha. It was a ploy used by the PKD Krishna S honest, brave, courageous, and took to cash in the ethnicity based issues satisfaction by giving enjoyment to Radha’s story is very to fan their rebellion. We are better off EVEREST visitors, which actually is very diffi cult, inspirational, her sense of generosity, as a single country: one without ethnic I’m just curious, if Elizabeth Hawley’s uncommon to do, and it’s a greater loving kindness should be cherished enclaves (‘Syndicated federation’, #657). chronology has entry related to Pasang victory than climbing a mountain. by all, and we all need to learn from Raithane Lahmu’s claimed successful ascent? As Basudeb Weekly Internet Poll # 659. To vote go to: www.nepalitimes.com Q.Was it right for civil society leaders to boycott the government’s celebration of Republic Day?

Publisher and Editor: Kunda Dixit Published by Himalmedia Pvt Ltd | Patan Dhoka, Lalitpur | GPO Box 7251 Kathmandu | Desk Editor: Trishna Rana | Design: Kiran Maharjan [email protected] | www.nepalitimes.com | www.himalmedia.com | Tel: 01-5005601-08 Fax: +977-1-5005518 Director of Corporate Events: Anup Prakash | Marketing: Arjun Karki, Surendra Sharma [email protected] | Advertorial/features: Ram Krishna Banjara | Subscription: Santosh Aryal [email protected] Nepali Times on Facebook Printed at Jagadamba Press | 01-5250017-19 | www.jagadambapr.com Follow @nepalitimes on Twitter 31 MAY - 6 JUNE 2013 #658 INTERVIEW 3 government. From the private sector, Chinese investors are looking for different kinds of projects in hydropower and “It is a win-win-win situation” other infrastructure areas. Some are under evaluation process. Sinohydro is constructing the Upper Marsyandi, a Nepali Times: Chinese investment in joint venture with a local company under Nepal is growing dramatically, what China’s ambassador to build-operate-transfer (BOT) model. The could be done to increase it even further? Nepal, Wu Chuntai, spoke China International Water and Electric Wu Chuntain: According to the statistical to Nepali Times this week Corp (CWE) is also investing in the Upper data from Department of Industry, Nepal about Nepal-China trade, Modi hydropower project. has attracted more than $100 million investment and potential investment from China and Chinese for future cooperation. How realistic is the trade and transit entrepreneurs have established more potential for Nepal to benefit from its than 500 local companies in Nepal. Excerpts: location between India and China? In order to boost Chinese investment Both India and China are neighbours of in Nepal, we suggest that the BIPPA Nepal, India is Nepal’s largest trading (Bilateral Investment Promotion and partner while China is the second largest Protection Agreement) be signed by the trading partner. It is through Nepal that governments of Nepal and China which some trade activities between China will significantly enhance our bilateral and India happen, like some Indian economic relationship. In addition, the importers purchase Chinese products PDA (Project Development Agreement) through Tatopani in Nepal. It is believed is vital for Chinese investment in that Nepal has immense opportunities to hydropower projects, which is needed for benefit from its location between the two the Chinese investors to finance adequate CINDREY LIU huge economies. The improvement of funding to develop the projects. north-to-south transportation including Chinese investors. implemented. The Tatopani Dry Port infrastructure between Chinese dry ports What are the main areas of investment being built under a Chinese grant is and Indian dry ports through highways, that Chinese companies are attracted by Bilateral trade has also been growing, under construction and will help Nepal even railways, through Nepal, will provide in Nepal? but it is a bit one-sided. What prospects improve its trade facilitation services. great help. The Chinese companies are engaged in do you see for balancing Nepal-China All these efforts will draw an optimistic the hydropower sector, tourism, hotel, trade? picture of the bilateral trade development What possibilities are there for tri-lateral restaurant industries etc. The bilateral trade between China and between China and Nepal. cooperation between China, India and Nepal has been developing steadily Nepal? And what would you say are the main and continuously for many years. The Which specific infrastructure and Nepal has large potential in hydropower, obstacles they face for further growth in total bilateral trade volume in 2012 energy projects is China looking at being tourism and infrastructure areas. It offers investment? reached nearly $2 billion, increasing by involved with in Nepal in future? a good cooperative platform for investors The Nepali government has done a lot 67 per cent, and Chinese imports from We are extending the Kathmandu Ring from different countries, including China to attract foreign investors. However, Nepal went up by 112.9 per cent, which Road and constructing the dry port in and India, to boost the Nepali economy. the investors are now facing some is the highest rate of increase among Tatopani, that I mentioned before, with The Chinese government encourages common difficulties, such as the political South Asian countries. The Chinese grant assistance. We are also Chinese investors to cooperate with transition, power shortage, lack of raw government has provided several policies building the Upper Trisuli-3A hydro partners from Nepal as well as India. materials etc. It is believed that more and measures to promote bilateral trade, power project with concessional loans, It is also well known by private sector conducive and preferential policies will including duty-free privilege to 95 per preparing the construction of Pokhara companies that there is a huge potential provide a safe and stable investment cent of total tariff lines as a follow-up International Airport and discussing for benefits from tri-lateral cooperation. environment to attract foreign investors to the 60 per cent facility which will be other potential projects with Nepal We think it is a win-win-win situation. 4 NATION 31 MAY - 6 JUNE 2013 #658 HANDS ACROSS THE HIMALAYA Chinese trade and investment in Nepal is mounting exponentially

TELECOM AVIATION HYDROPOWER TRADE INFRASTRUCTURE

Tatopani Dry Port and customs Huawei has bagged a Rs10 billion Rs 3 billion soft loan to buy fi ve Rs140 billion in the 750MW Rs 53 billion Nepal’s imports infrastructure in Rasuwa Gadi, upgrade of Nepal Telecom turboprops for Nepal Airlines West Seti Project by Three Gorges from China (apparel, electronics, Olangchung Gola, Mustang and vehicles) Lamabagar ZTI is working with Ncell on its Rs 13 billion soft loan for a new Rs 10 billion soft loan for the Completing the remaining 18km mobile infrastructure international airport in Pokhara 70MW Upper Trisuli 3A Rs 1 billion China proposes to segment of the Syabru-Rasuwa Additional projects: Upper Marsyangdi, invest in Nepal in the coming year to Highway Upper Madi generate employment for 3,000 CGGC is building the Upper Trisuli3A, and Pokhara airport

FINANCE Chinese contractors are building Chameliya, Kulekhani III and other energy projects West Seti New apartment construction by China’s Exim Bank interested Chinese contractors in opening in Nepal

Kyerung Lhasa POKHARA Xigatse Rasuwa Gadi Upper Marsyangdi Upper Trisuli 3A Tatopani Dry Port Lumbini KATHMANDU Kulekhani III Bhairawa Ring Road Expansion

NEPAL CHINA Beijing RAMESH KUMAR expressed interest in investing Lhasa in energy, infrastructure, Birganj New Delhi Raxaul tourism, agriculture and mining INDIA hen Chinese president in Nepal. Xi Jinping spoke at “Every fortnight or so we get Wthe Boao Forum in a Chinese investors’ delegation Hainan in April, he underlined visiting Kathmandu these days,” that China’s prosperity wasn’t says Rajesh Kaji Shrestha of companies, construction, International airport. Melamchi Project left after possible without the prosperity the Nepal-China Chamber of airports and hydropower. Nearly Chinese exports to Nepal their demand for a 200 per of its neighbours. Commerce. Statistics tell the half the applications for new have exploded in the past cent cost increase was not met. Indeed, China’s position as story: Chinese investment in investments in Nepal are from ten years. Affordable Chinese Only 6km of the 26km tunnel the second biggest economy Nepal has grown six fold in the Indian companies, and 10 per apparel have transformed the was dug. Chameliya, which in the world has impacted last ten years. Bilateral trade cent from Chinese, but the way Nepalis dress, and Chinese was supposed to be finished in its periphery. This is most grew from Rs 10.7 billion ten latter is growing much faster. electronic goods and vehicles this year has also been delayed pronounced in East and years ago to Rs 53 billion this The biggest interest from China have flooded the market. To after the Chinese contractor Southeast Asia, but increasingly year. Although the balance is for hydropower projects, facilitate this burgeoning trade, left. The Upper Trisuli 3A was in South Asia. China is now of payments deficit has been with Three Gorges interested China is helping build a Rs 200 mired in controversy over a India’s biggest trading partner, growing, Nepal exported over in investing Rs 140 billion in million dry port at Larcha near decision to increase project and Chinese investors and Rs 2 billion worth of goods to the 750MW West Seti reservoir Tatopani and to upgrade the capacity, businesses have a strong China in the first eight months project. The Chinese are also Kodari highway. China is also leading to a cost overrun. presence in Bangladesh, Sri of this fiscal year, compared to involved in the 60MW Trisuli upgrading the border facilities Despite this, Chinese Lanka and Pakistan. only Rs 980 million last year. 3A, the Upper Marsyangdi and at Rasuwa Gadi, anticipating contractors still outbid most Nepal shares a 1,000km long This was after China granted Upper Madi projects as joint that most trade will move international rivals, and have Himalayan border with China, tariff incentives for 7,757 items. ventures. China’s Exim Bank there once the highway on the amassed experience in working and Chinese investment, trade Chinese investments in has agreed to grant Rs 3.8 billion Nepali side is complete and the in the Nepali situation. Nepal and tourism with Nepal has also Nepal which started with small- for the purchase of five Chinese Chinese railway network arrives Telecom, plagued with chronic been growing exponentially. A scale outlays in restaurants turboprop aircraft for Nepal in Kerung via Xigatse. overcapacity, has gone with Chinese business delegation that has now grown to include Airlines and construction of In infrastructure, it appears China’s Huawei for a Rs 10 visited Kathmandu this month hospitals, hotels, software the Rs 13 billion new Pokhara as if Chinese contractors have billion upgrade of its telecom a monopoly in hydropower, infrastructure. Even the private 119 115 airport and telecom projects sector Ncell works with ZTI. 60 98 100 in Nepal. In most energy Tourism is another area

CHINESE INVESTMENT IN BILLIONS OF RUPEES projects, the civil works, hydro- where there is huge potential 50 CHINA’S mechanical and electronic for growth. In 2000, just under NEPAL - CHINA 80 EXPORTS TO contracts are being carried out 4,000 Chinese tourists visited 40 TRADE AND INVESTMENT NEPAL by Chinese companies. Sino Nepal. This year, it has grown 71 Hydro is building the civil to more than 53,000, and 60 works in the 456MW Tamakosi Chinese now make up nearly 30 Project and Kulekhani III. 10 per cent of all arrivals. Air NEPAL’S A Chinese company is even China, China Eastern, China 20 EXPORTS TO 45 CHINA building the Korean-financed Southern and Dragon Air, now TRADE IN BILLIONS OF RUPEES 40 30MW Chameliya Project in have nearly 20 flights a week 10 33 western Nepal. to destinations in China. If seat 18 However not all the capacity is improved andwith 0 20 experiences with Chinese better promotion, Nepal could contractors have been good. attract vast numbers of Chinese 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 The contractors building the tourists. 31 MAY - 6 JUNE 2013 #658 INTERNATIONAL 5 China’s e-tail revolution BIZ BRIEFS Oman bound Mass consumption in China is coming of age in the Internet era Qatar Airways has commenced services to Salalah, joining Muscat as the airline’s second destination in Oman. SHANGHAI – When you think about amortization, which is slightly larger than of age in the Internet era. Given that Salalah, south of the centers of technological innovation, the average margin for physical retailers. industry structures are still developing Arabian Peninsula, Silicon Valley, Seattle, and Seoul are Roughly 90 per cent of Chinese e- in many of these countries, e-tail is set is the Doha-based airline’s fi fth new route probably the first places that come to tail is conducted on ad-funded virtual to shape not only the retail landscape, of the year taking its global reach to 127 mind. After all, they are the homes of marketplaces. On these platforms but also the manufacturing and destinations. Amazon, Apple, Facebook, Google, Intel, manufacturers, retailers, and individuals financial-services industries: and even Microsoft, and Samsung – companies offer products and services to consumers the urban landscape itself. whose innovations transform the way through online storefronts. By contrast, in Alibaba (which owns marketplaces Flying in style other sectors, from financial services to the US, Europe, and Japan, roughly 70 per such as Taobao) and 360buy.com Etihad Airways has introduced early bird telecoms and media, do business. cent of the market is composed of e-tailers (which focuses on electronics) rank special fare for its pearl business class. With the special fare customers can indulge in Now, however, the rise of ‘e-tail’ running their own Web sites, whether among China’s top ten retailers, and a 6’1” fully fl at bed, award- (consumer-facing e-commerce) in China online-only merchants like Amazon or already provide national coverage winning cuisine with a is enabling Hangzhou – the base of traditional brick-and-mortar retailers such through the reach of express delivery dedicated onboard Food Alibaba, China’s largest online retailer companies. As a result, China’s &Beverage manager, – to join their ranks. Indeed, on 29 April, retail sector seems more likely to stylish lounges and complimentary Etihad Alibaba signaled its ambitions by buying follow a two-stage development Chauffeur Service. The sale period is valid an 18 per cent stake in Sina Weibo, path, with e-tailers emerging as from 26 May to 30 June and the travel period China’s version of Twitter. And, as with the major national players. is valid from 1 August to 30 September. technology hubs elsewhere, innovations By removing some of the born in Hangzhou are determining the benefits of scale and specialisation development path of related industries. that characterise the consumer- What a TV! LG Electronics has become the fi rst company China’s e-tail market is the world’s goods industry elsewhere, e-tail in the world to launch commercial sales second largest (after that of the United enables new manufacturers to of a 55-inch OLED States) with an estimated $210 billion in join the market, selling goods like TV, According to the revenue last year. Since 2003, the market apparel and cosmetics directly company, it is just 4 has posted a compound annual growth from workshops and factories to millimeters thick and weighs around 10 rate of over 110 per cent. By consumers. Such businesses are kilograms. 2020, China’s e-tail market could also leveraging their broad access be as large as today’s markets and widely recognised brands to in the US, Japan, the United expand their role in the financial- Art and peace Kingdom, Germany, and France services sector. Nepali and combined. as Carrefour, Dixons, and Walmart. China may have largely missed foreign artists conducted an Despite a broadband penetration rate Online purchases in China do not the Industrial Revolution in the art camp on of only 30 per cent, e-tail commanded simply replace offline purchases. Rather, nineteenth century. But its approach the occasion of six per cent of total retail sales in China e-tail supports incremental consumption: to e-tail is poised to be one of the Buddha Jayanti in 2012, on par with the US. And the $1 of online consumption seems to forces shaping the emerging-market at Buddha Maya Gardens hotel in Lumbini. It sector is already profitable: Chinese e- generate roughly $0.40 of additional Internet revolution of the twenty-first was organised by Fine Arts Nepal, students of tailers are logging margins of ten per cent sales. Mass consumption in China and century. Lalit Kala Campus and Demo Nepal. of earnings before interest, taxes, and other emerging economies is coming © Project Syndicate 6 NATION 31 MAY - 6 JUNE 2013 #658 Repeating history

Taking a long- term time horizon gives a new perspective on Sino-Nepal relations

involving China, India (1738-1805), a leading British However, the envoy that GEOPOLITICAL HISTORY: Nepal and Nepal, for instance, is not general in the American War of Cornwallis had selected was always a 'middle kingdom' since the time of (left to right) Chinese GUEST COLUMN new. Independence used to be to mediate, Col William In 1770, the first Governor- Governor-General of India Kirkpatrick, was in Patna en Emperor Qianlong, British Governor Bhaskar Koirala General Warren Hastings, King General of Bengal, Warren and received complaints route to Kathmandu when he Harshavardana in northern India and Hastings, dispatched an from the Court of Peking discovered that the ‘Nepaul King Prithvi Narayan Shah. emissary to Nepal to put about encroachments by the Regency', either dubious of the nalysts of foreign policy forward a proposal to Jaya ‘Government of Nepaul’ upon efficacy of our interposition and diplomacy typically Prakash Malla of territories under Chinese with the Chinese, or fearful Afocus on events that Kathmandu and Pritivi Narayan jurisdiction and so therefore of the influence which, if communication between China occur over a limited period Shah of Gorkha seeking their had come to the ‘resolution of successful, it might give and India by opening a new of time to draw conclusions cooperation to assist the East chastising the aggressor, or the us in their future councils, and more efficient route across about the nature of relations India Company to establish a Robber’ as the king of Nepal had suddenly, and without the Himalaya at Kerung Pass. between states. But in the direct channel of was described in the dispatches. any reference to the British This new route between case of Sino-Nepal relations, communication with Peking. China and Nepal went to Government, concluded such Lhasa and Kathmandu was first if we take a much longer time The British at the time were war in 1791-1792, the last battle a treaty with the invaders, used by an official Chinese period to discuss some of its facing problems in commerce of which was fought near the as entirely superseded the mission to Nepal commanded intricacies, we are afforded with in the port of Canton from Betrawadi River, a mere 20 km necessity of the proposed by army officer Li Piao and 22 a unique historic perspective what they termed ‘narrow- north of Kathmandu. Sitting mediation’. others, who proceeded on to the on developments of the minded local officials’ and in Calcutta, Cornwallis had Ironically, this peace Court of King Harshavardhana contemporary period. felt that if ‘they could present procrastinated on requests for agreement signed on 30 of India, a convert and great Beginning with the their complaints directly to assistance from both sides during September 1792 between Kaji patron of Buddhism then ruling introduction of Buddhism from Peking many of their problems the hostilities, but decided Dev Dutta Thapa and General over the entire Indo-Gangetic Nepal to China right up to the would be solved’. Though the eventually that ‘the commercial Fu K’ang-an stipulated and plain north of the Narmada launch this week of a Chinese conditions were different, there advantages that Bengal may introduced the quinquennial River. weekly newspaper in Nepal, it was a precursor for trilateral obtain by a friendly and open mission system (five-yearly Li Piao’s delegation was is an exceptionally long legacy cooperation nearly 250 years intercourse with both countries Nepali missions to the Peking received in Kathmandu by that constitutes the association ago. [made it] no less political than Court) that lasted more King Narendra Deva who took between these two states. The Sino-Nepal relations were humane in us to interfere our than a century till 1906 and pleasure in showing his guests notion of ‘tripartite relations’ also ‘global’ in nature. The good offices and endeavor to laid the foundations for an around, even escorting them Marquis Charles Cornwallis reestablish peace’. unprecedented and sustained to ‘the south-east of the capital interaction between China and [where] there is a lake full of Nepal. water and of flame. The water The ties were remarkably does not flow but it always stable in spite of the changes boils. If one holds a lighted in leadership in both countries candle by hand, the whole of during this period with six the lake is set on fire; the fume emperors, five kings and seven and flame rise upward to several prime ministers in the two feet’. It was believed that in the countries. Perhaps it is based bed of this lake was embedded on this historical memory that the crown of Maitreya Buddha. China today does not maintain This Chinese awe at the rigid fraternal relations with mysticism and exotica of Nepal any specific political element has carried through to this day in Nepal, rather engaging as it and is what draws increasing does with whoever occupies numbers of Chinese tourists to the seat of power which is Nepal. It is also the legacy of essentially a reflection of the a shared history that sustains will of the people. Nepal’s ties with China. Triangular trade between China and India via Nepal goes Bhaskar Koirala is a PhD student back even further, to the period at the School of International of Princess Bhrikuti in the 7th Studies, Peking University century. The matrimonial and also director of the Nepal alliance had the effect not Institute of International and only of opening Nepal to the Strategic Studies outside world, it also facilitated www.niiss.org.np This is the time of year when all attention is on Indian and Sri Lankan meteorological forecasters and their KATHMANDU monsoon simulations. Indian scientists monitoring the pressure patterns over the Arabian Sea and the Subcontinent predict that the monsoon will hit the Kerala coast on 3 June. In Nepal, a extra- heavy pre-monsoon has stoked fears of a late arrival of the real thing. But it’s too early to tell, and fi ngers crossed that there won’t be a long dry spell in FRIDAY SATURDAY SUNDAY early June. The pre-monsoon storms 25° 28° 27° will continue into the weekend, with #658 31 May - 6 June 2013 evening showers, sometimes heavy. 17° 17° 18°

ROASTED LILY CHICKEN PER PIECE Rs 650 Rs 50

BROWN BREAD Rs 250

PORK SAUSAGE PER Kg Rs 1,800

GOAT JUANITA MALAGON BEETROOT CHEESE BUNCH 300 Gm Rs 100 Rs 800 FRESH from

SPAGHETTI 500 Gm Rs 200 the CARROTS FARM 1 Kg Rs 150 f you want fresh, local made produce, helped us expand our diet,” says Reshma. the farmer’s market in 1905 has Rastra adds that the health benefits of the everything you need. organic products are also important. “Since Every Saturday from 9am to 12.30 we started eating organic vegetables and pm, a dozen vendors set up fresh, local fruits bought in the farmer’s market, I have madeI produce at tables in the grounds of the felt healthier,” he says. HONEY 1905 restaurant. If you happen to be one of While most people come to the farmer’s 500 Gm Rs 750 the late-comers, there is a good chance market to stock up on organic goods, you’ll be leaving empty handed as some come here for the ambience and the place gets packed within an to spend their Saturday mornings hour of opening and the products with friends and a nice meal. start to disappear from the stalls. The variety of the products that Started by French citizens Francois the market offers makes it well Driard and Christine Regnier in worth a visit. Besides the healthy 2009, the farmer’s market at 1905 is green vegetables, other delicacies EGG popular among both expats and locals. including cheese, sausages, bread and PER PIECE Rs20 Reshma and Rastra Tuladhar are regulars even chocolates, all made in Nepal, are up at the Farmer’s Market and say that they for sale. An interesting mix of good quality APRICOT 1 Kg buy their provisions for a whole week at the and fresh produces from local farmers and Rs 100 Saturday market. “We can find products here entrepreneurs make this a favourite among that are normally not available in the local organic lovers. tarkari bajar. Coming to the market has Juanita Malagon

FARMERS MARKET 1905 Restaurant (Kantipath): Saturday 8:30 to 12:30 am New Orleans Restaurant (Sanepa): Sunday 8:30 to 12:30 am

SEASONAL JAM Rs 150

PICS: DEVYANI SHIWAKOTI 8 5pm, Image Ark Gallery. Kulimha choices of bread, experiment with Tole, Patan, (01)5006665, its goat cheese or yak cheese EVENTS www.image-ark.com DINING sandwiches, or have a sip of coff ee in the classy indoor dining area. Thamel, Shopping Carnival, purchase stuff 7.30am-7pm, (01)4259185 worth Rs 1000 and above from Civil Mall outlets and get a chance Bhumi Restaurant & Bar, savor HIǧTEA, enjoy to win Samsung mobiles, home delicious Newari, Nepali, and Indian your cup of tea appliances and Bajaj Pulsar. Runs cuisine in a welcoming environment. and performances till 6 July, Civil Mall, Kathamandu. Lajimpat, (01)4412193 while helping the children of Photo Exhibition by Nancy and Aishwarya Children Tyson Moktan. 1 June, 10am to TRISARA, with dishes like fl ambeed Home. 1 June, 2 to 6pm, Le Sherpa, Pani Pokhari, prawns, crispy chicken, and khau 6pm, Hotel Orchid, Lazimpat, 9813663930 soi, it would be a folly to ignore its Tripureshwor aromas. Lajimpat Dance Marathon, dance away for The British School and Circus Shelter, a documentary on the issues 8 hours 8 minutes and 8 seconds Kathmandu, a photo exhibition that of Nepali squatters. Rs 100, 1 June, to show your support for gender is a culmination of creative projects 2.45pm. Rato Ghar, Ravibhawan, equality and equity. Rs 500 for done by class 7 and 8 students . Runs Kathmandu, (01)4287471 participants, Rs 100/200 for MOMOTARAU, step in for till 31 May, Image Ark Gallery, Kulimha audience, 15 June, 10am to 7pm, mouthwatering Japanese delicacies, tole, patan, (01)5006665 T.T. Hall, Lainchour, www.facebook. try their diverse variety of fresh com/events/162638933910996/ noodles and authentic sauces. Threefold, an exhibition of paintings ?ref=22, register at http://bit. Sanepa Main road, (01)5521988 by three emerging artists refl ecting ly/dmnepal Nepali culture, their personal Chopstix, savoury Asian food cooked psychological evolution and scientifi c Nepal in Pictures, showcase your in true Chinese fashion sure to charm wisdom. 19 May to 2 June (except MY VOICE, a photography workshop photography skills in this nation- PERI PERI, home of legendary and impress. Try the famous drums of Saturdays), 10.30pm to 5.30pm. Park where you tell stories through your wide photo competition organised Portugese fl amed grilled chicken, heaven. Kumaripati, (01)5551118 Gallery, Pulchok, (01)5522307 photographs. Rs 3000, 6 to 12 June, by Photo Journalist Club Nepal and enjoy dishes served with the 7 to 9 am, Suchana Bibhag building, get a chance to win cash prizes. trademark Piri Piri sauce. Jhamsikhel, Sinamangal, 9851000178, download Deadline 15 June, 9851056865, 9808563803 application from www.dropbox.com/ www.pjclub.com.np sh/0b0sg38yjjislrp/JeVHbHTDN7 Boudha Stupa Restaurant and Café, bide your time in the free wi-fi Photography Workshop, beginners zone as you enjoy wood fi red pizzas, and keen learners take out your home-made pastas and Tibetan cameras and learn the basics of gyakok, Boudha, 9841484408 photography. Rs 3000, 1 to 9 June, 7 to 9am, Register at (01)4002037/985 Alice restaurant, step in for 1180088/9851182100, www.artudio. scrumptious Thakali, Chinese, NEPALǧAFRICA FILM FESTIVAL, org/event.php?event_id=47 Continental and Japanese cuisine. watch amazing movies from 15 UTSAV, an exhibition of paintings Gairidhara, (01)4429207 diff erent African nations as well as Uni, She, celebrate the beauty of by Sagar Manandhar. 5 to 30 June, SAIGON PHO, spacious interior selected Nepali movies. 18 June, womanhood, a photo exhibition by Siddhartha Art Gallery, Babar Mahal Pumpernickel Bakery, get an early with authentic Vietnamese dishes. Kathmandu Uma Bista. 2 June to 2 July, 10am to Revisited, (01)4218048/4438979 breakfast or brunch with interesting Lajimpat, (01)4443330 31 MAY - 6 JUNE 2013 #658 9 MUSIC GO GREEN The second installment of Nepali Times EcoFair is finally here. The three-day fair will feature various stalls displaying eco- friendly products and services. Know more about solar energy, bio energy and electric vehicles. Learn about sustainable ideas and practices that help you do your bit for the environment, like rain-water harvesting, bio briquettes, and energy saving lights. Look around or purchase traditional crafts, pottery and recycled and Lokta paper products. And also enjoy live model presentations and musical performances. SUMMER FEST, enjoy 12 hours of 5 to 7 June, 10am to 6pm, live music with bands like Cob Web, Nepal Academy, Kamaladi, (01)5005601 Lakhey and others, bike stunts, food stalls and gaming zones. Rs 200, 8 June, 8am to 8pm, Bhrikuti Mandap Park, Exhibition Road

Sukarma unplugged, spend your evening listening to the acoustic sounds and sipping fi ne wine, best food and chilled beer. 4 June, 7pm onwards, Tamas-laya, Naxal

What the funk, we r soul’d out, dance to the beats of this reggae band, every Tuesday, 7.30 pm onwards, Rs 250, Moksh, Jhamsikhel

Live at Cafe 32, live music and delicious food every Friday. 6pm onwards, Cafe 32, Battisputali, World (01)4244231 Environment EVEREST Day TRIVIA GETAWAYS ANSWERS Last week we tested our readers’ knowledge of the world's Himalayan Peace and Wellness highest mountain. If you are still Centre, yoga, detox, and Ayurveda searching for the answers, here treatments and retreats every day. they are. Go to www.facebook. Get 10 per cent discount on all com/nepalitimes to see if you Ayurvedic treatments. Park Village, have won the contest.The winner Budhanilkantha, 980106661, peace@ receives a six month subscription wellness.com.np of Nepali Times and a red NT cap.

Ride with Pride, celebrate the 1. Chomolungma, Peak XV, World Environment Day- pedal and Sagarmatha. your way from Basantapur Darbar 2. British Surveyor General of Square to Patan Darbar Square, India. Free Registration, 1 June, 7am, 3. "Well, George, we knocked Kathmandu Cycle City, 9808961613/ the bastard off ." 9802024586/9851087878 4. Reinhold Messner (together with Peter Habeler) in 1978. TEMPLE TREE RESORT AND SPA, Green Soldiers, a bicycle rally to 5. Junko Tabei from Japan in a peaceful place to stay, complete mark the world environment day. 1975. with a swimming pool, massage 5 June, 7am, 9841530912 6. Namgyal Wangdi. parlour, and sauna, it’ll be hard to 7. Appa Sherpa. leave the premises once you enter. Nepal Environment Film Festival, 8. Western Cwm. Gaurighat, Lakeside, (61)465819 watch the latest documentaries, 9. Rongbuk Glacier. short fi lms and movie clips on 10. The Yellow Band. Dhulikhel Mountain Resort, diff erent environment issues and announces summer bonanza off er. participate in the discussions and Stay at this lovely establishment talk programs. Free entrance for for a discounted rate. Dhulikhel, public/tickets for corporate houses, 3 (01)4420774/4420776, reservations@ to 5 June, 2 to 5pm, Russian Culture dmrnepal.com Center, Kamal Pokhari.

Hotel Heritage, enjoy the exquisite Clean up the city, join the architecture and traditional campaign to make the city ambience, but make sure to book clean and green and create your rooms online with NepalSutra. environmental awareness among Bhaktapur, (01)6611628, info@ people. 5 June, 6.30am, Boudha nepalsutra.com Stupa, Chabahil MEET THE EXHIBITORS

LAXMI BANK HIMALAYAN NATURALS As a part of its Ujyalo Known throughout Nepal Abhiyaan campaign, as briquette sellers, Laxmi Bank installed Himalayan Naturals solar street lights at has sold over a million Bagmati Bridge in briquette pieces in the Thapathali and Saint last three years. HN Xavier’s School in has partnerships with Godavari in 2012. The communities in Dolakha, campaign is an initiative of ‘Laxmi Cares’—an NGO Sindhupalchok, Dhading, formed and run by employees of Laxmi Bank. Ujyalo Chitwan, Makawanpur, Abhiyaan aims to light up one public space each year Rupandehi, Kapilvastu, and has already installed solar street lights in places Parbat and Arghakhanchi like Patan Durbar Square, Three Star Club office and to produce and sell candies, teas, juices, coffee, and spices. Mangal Bazaar Police Station. ESEWA AEPC Established in 2009, eSewa is the first online payment portal Alternative Energy Promotion Centre is a semi- of Nepal. With eighteen banking partners and unique services autonomous government body that endorses like mobile wallet, payout agent and internet wallet, one can renewable energy technologies and efficient use send and receive money as well as make purchases online. of energy. AEPC has been working in the areas of biogas, micro hydro, solar energy, improved cooking HIMALAYAN CLIMATE INITIATIVE stove, improved water mill and bio fuel production HCI has introduced programs to in collaboration with donors and the government. make the people in Himalayan region resilient to climate change through their Climate Smart Living initiatives. The HamriBahini: The Green Angel project has created green jobs for 200 rural and young Nepali women helping them in a self-sustained business of making, and distributing cloth and paper shopping bags to replace use of polythene bags in Kathmandu.

BRIHAT INVESTMENTS MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT Brihat Investments works with organisations to Ministry of Environment addresses issues relating to attract investments in the housing sector. One environmental conservation, pollution control, renewable of their successful ventures includes a project energy promotion, environmental standards enforcement in Sitapaila which incorporates a range of eco- and monitoring, environmental impact assessment and friendly products. Their other project, Community climate change adaptation and mitigation. It aims to promote Rental Home By Owner (CRBO) is already a pioneer sustainable development through environmental protection. in the field of hospitality and housing. They are also developing knowledgeable and trustworthy KARUNA NATURAL WEARS real estate marketing agents through training and Established in 1997 Karuna education program Natural Wears promotes natural fabrics such as CENTRE FOR INTEGRATED URBAN DEVELOPMENT hemp, bamboo, linen, CIUD has been working vigorously for sustainable allo and ramie through its urban solutions to support and compliment the clothing and accessory line. government’s effort to tackle urban challenges since Infusing minimal design GREEN 2002. It will showcase products made from recycled elements, Karuna Wears’ plastic and bio briquette in the upcoming Eco Fair. products are a perfect mix t’s not just a trend anymore. Going green h of fashion and nature. It Nepali Times is hosting the second editio CLEAN ENERGY NEPAL has showrooms at Lazimpat friendly products and services on 5, 6 an Clean Energy Nepal conducts education and and Durbarmarg. advocacy campaigns on the use of sustainable I The fair aims to develop a platform f energy. It aims to influence both policy makers KATHMANDU METROPOLITAN CITY and services. It will be an event to discover p and those affected at the grass roots towards using The environment division at KMC has been raising awareness together green entrepreneurs, government bod cleaner energy sources and diminishing the ever- on reducing waste from the source while managing the waste increasing dependence on bio fuels. generated by 8,00,000 plus population of the valley. Though into the future. This year’s EcoFair will exhibit a ban on plastic had been announced few years ago, KMC is workable examples of how to live with shortag determined to implement the ban strictly from next month. It biogas, electric vehicles to organic agriculture encourages the use of paper and cloth bags as an alternative to plastic bags. s

SV GALLERY For the first time in Nepal, SV Gallery has launched Indian parquetting made with German technology. It is waterproof, shockproof, and fireproof.The HDF particle parquetting is available at the same price as other inferior products.

GAZZAB – CO TEA Gazzab-Co Tea promotes organic drinks including organic tea, coffee, honey, and aloevera juice in Nepal. Gazzab-Co will organise organic green tea tasting sessions and launch stevia sugar free powder during the three day Eco Fair.

CHOYALI Choyali art is an independent organisation that promotes different types of thankas including tara thanka, manjushree thanka and traditional wooden windows. SYAKAR TRADING SABAH NEPAL Syakar Trading, the authorised distributor of Honda motors Sabah Nepal is an organisation of home based workers that SOLAR ELECTRICITY in Nepal recently introduced Honda Insight, a hybrid car in has more than 1100 members. These women produce finest Solar Electricity, established in 1991, is a pioneer the market. The colour-coded instrument panel glows green quality accessories, home furnishing, apparel, and other in solar home systems in the country. So far the when you are driving efficiently and turns to blue when hand crafted products. The popular Village Café in Pulchowk company has lit up over 1500 households across the you are guzzling gas. Free test drives on the Insight will be run by members of Sabah Nepal serves mouthwatering country. available during the Eco Fair. traditional Newari delicacies. ALKA HOSPITAL What started out as a pharmacy in Jawalakhel is now a hospital serving the residents of Lalitpur and beyond. Alka Hospital provides a range of diagnostic facilities, OPD services, surgery, as well as maternity care.

SIPRADI ENERGY With products like UPS, lamps, charge controllers, solar panels, and industrial batteries to boost your solar sets’ efficiency, Sipradi Energy has been servicing the alternative energy market since 2010 with the help of 140 dealers across the country.

SUNRAY ENERGY NEPAL Sunray Energy Nepal has introduced several solar NAMUNA GHAR related technologies in Nepal. Its products include Estimated to be around 150 years old, Namuna Ghar was solar panels, solar street lights, solar tukki, tabular restored to its former glory by architect and owner Rabindra batteries and charge controllers that provide better Puri in 2001. Designed in a traditional Newari style, the three- alternative during the crippling power cuts. storey brick and wood structure has inspired many to follow in its footsteps. A perfect example of cultural restoration, the house today serves both as a residence and venue for art and cultural events.

NEPAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY Nepal Academy of Science and Technology (NAST) is an autonomous apex body to promote science and technology in the country. NAST also lends its technical expertise to partner organisations working for environment conservation.

NEROLAC PAINTS Nerolac has introduced eco-friendly paints with low VOC (volatile organic compound), which means neither your house nor the environment is damaged when you use their range of interior and exterior emulsions. NEVI TRADELINK NEVI Tradelink, which was involved in the Safa Tempo campaign, took green transportation initiative further by importing 100 per cent electric cars and buses from China. Bijuli I and Bijuli II are 4-seater and 5-seater vehicles, respectively whereas the buses are 14-seaters. The maximum speed of the buses is 40 kilometres per hour while Bijuli I and Bijuli II have maximum speed up to 65 and 105 km per hour respectively.

TRIVENI BYAPAR NEPAL KNOTCRAFT CENTRE Triveni Byapar has Shyam Badan Shrestha started Nepal Knotcraft Centre in a launched energy- small workshop thirty years ago to make special macramé saving products- handicraft. Today there are hundreds of women from all Panasonic and over Nepal involved with the company producing macrame Yasuda. The new handicrafts, furniture and accessories, all made with recycled range of smart air- conditioners from Panasonic has materials. ECONAVI system that automatically adjusts power N WAY levels reducing waste, saving energy and money. SCHEMS has become a necessity for sustainable growth. Established in 1999, School of Environmental Science and on of EcoFair, an exclusive exhibition for eco Management (SCHEMS) is a pioneer institute providing bachelor's and master's degree course on Environment d 7 June at Nepal Academy Hall, Kamaladi. science. The teaching faculty comprises of people from for showcasing sustainability ideas, products interdisciplinary background who have helped produce practical, new eco-living habits that will bring skilled human resource in the environment conservation sector. dies and innovators who are leading the charge t several ideas about sustainable lifestyles and UN HABITAT NEPAL ges of everything: from solar home lighting to The demand for urban homes FUTURE GREEN ENERGY in Nepal will be close to one e. Future Green Energy has introduced eco-friendly million this decade and to solar powered LED lights. These products use a new tackle this situation UN-Habitat generation of Lithium Iron Phosphorus battery that is Nepal has launched Green environment friendly and more efficient than sealed Homes, promoting sustainable lead acid batteries. They also last longer with up to housing. The three-year project 3000 charge cycles. incorporates five major areas- green building, passive solar design, energy efficiency, water conservation and sustainable VENUE MAP management of waste and waste water at household level.

RAINWATER HARVESTING CAPACITY CENTRE Since 2006 RHCC has been actively promoting rainwater harvesting in Nepal. With technical and advisory support from RAIN Foundation, Netherlands, the centre aims to increase access to water for drinking, better sanitation and micro-irrigation for income generation through this technology.

SOLAR SOLUTIONS SUSTAINABLE CONSTRUCTION PRACTICE Solar Solutions provides solar energy solutions to both SCP promotes green building materials and solutions, and residential and commercial customers. It was established in provides consumer information on the benefits of clean 2008 by energy professionals with wide range of experience energy and energy-saving building material for sustainable in renewable energy technologies. The company has a wide consumption patterns in the construction industry. At the network of branches to ensure quality of delivery, installation fair, SCP will showcase environment friendly construction and after sales services. techniques. 12 GIZMO by YANTRICK eurotically memorising gesture can be the most telling if the names of the winning captured correctly by the camera. Nfilms and their directors The film centers around a of the Cannes Film Festival is young girl Mùi (Man San Lu) who is no fun game. But it is a game brought to work for a rich family at cinephiles worldwide are the age of ten. Mùi quickly learns Ice ice baby! compelled to play until the the ways of the household, helping films are available. Blue Is the to chop vegetables and preparing othing beats the summer heat quite like a chilled glass of Warmest Colour, a film about a traditional Vietnamese meals. We beer. So this week Yantrick went around town in the scorching lesbian romance by Abdellatif see her blossom as she quietly heat hunting for a refrigerator and tried the recently launched Kechiche, was awarded the observes the world around her and N Panasonic 415 VNWA. The sleek model in stainless steel colour isn’t coveted Palme d’Or this year. wins the heart of the mother of the just an eye candy, given its energy effi ciency it is also a great bargain As we impatiently anticipate household with her graceful ways. for many more summers to come. the film’s release among many Over the course of the years, For those of you who like Yantrick take that extra mile to save others from this year, it may we watch Mùi (now played by Trân power, should know that recent sleek models of refrigerators be a good idea to revisit an Nu Yên-Khê) grow into a beautiful consume a third of energy compared to its vintage cousins. A fridge old classic from the festival. and thoughtful young woman manufactured in 1972, for example is said to consume 2000 kw of In 1993, a young Vietnamese- who has become beloved to the electricity per year while one made in 2001 consumes just about French director named Tran Anh now old mother, but chooses to 485 kw. Hung made such an impression change households to work for a on Lazennec Productions that handsome young pianist. they financed his first feature As we watch her move about THE film, the now famous and the new household, putting things revered The Scent of Green to right and creating a harmony Papaya, set in Vietnam but with everything around her, we fall SCENT actually shot on a soundstage in in love with this older Mùi just as Boulogne, France. the pianist does. Watching the film today, It is no surprise then that this OF twenty years later, one is still film won the Camera d’Or that struck by the verisimilitude year at Cannes, a prestigious prize of the provincial Vietnamese awarded annually to a director for GREEN setting that the film depicts with their first feature film. such loving care and attention Personally, The Scent of Green to detail - something a director Papaya is one of my favourite PAPAYA can only achieve with a great films. It is like a treasured book deal of perseverance, excellent or poem that I can pull out at any visual memory, and of course, time, either watching it all the way an extraordinary affinity for that through or skimming to the best specific place or country. parts to be inspired and to warm MUST SEE The story in The Scent of my soul in a way that only a thing Unlike most other Sophia Pande Green Papaya is gentle, and of pure beauty can do. refrigerators, this glossy model simple, yet transcends its very from Panasonic has refrigeration simplicity due to the immense on top and a pull-out drawer skill of its maker who clearly nepalitimes.com freezer on the bottom. Initially it loves deep character study Watch trailer takes some time getting used to it and realises that the smallest but once you fi gure your way around, you realise just how convenient the design is. The tempered glass shelf in the center is aptly located and with a capability to hold up to 100kg, there is no worry about over stocking your fridge. The Panasonic 415 VNWA (415lts capacity) comes installed with an AG fi lter that cleans circulating air to deactivate bacteria and reduce odour. But the best part about the fridge is its smart eco-friendly behaviour. With the help of sensors that detect everything from the level of lighting in the room, to when and how often the fridge door is opened and the temperature of the room, the fridge is able to control its internal temperature, minimising excess energy. You can choose among the two modes of operation which further enhances the product’s eco-friendliness. The night mode automatically reduces the cooling power when lights are switched off , while the smart eco mode regulates the refrigerator’s internal temperature according to usage behaviour. When you go to sleep, so does your fridge. This system saves up to 25% electricity besides cooling eff ectively. A refrigerator consumes about one-sixth of the total electricity consumption at home. So, buying a fridge that is energy effi cient may just be the way to bring down your electricity bills and head towards a greener life. Yantriks verdict: It isn’t just eye candy, given its energy effi ciency it is a great bargain for many more summers to come. 31 MAY - 6 JUNE 2013 #658 13

RE VIEW vivid perhaps as the IMAX film, Everest, but the haggling over rope-fixing, camp-setting almost as dramatic. Secondly, it humanises and portering, all done light-heartedly with like no other film, the porters, guides, the Sherpas happy to earn the “last price” high-altitude rope-fixers that make Everest of about $5,000 per expedition. It may expeditions possible. This is a film that sound like a lot, but that is their annual The people who should be seen by all who still use the word income for most. The footage of the ‘sherpa’ to mean porters (or all-terrain congestion on the Icefall and the Hillary vehicles) interchangeably with ‘Sherpa’, an Step caused by inexperienced climbers, ethnic group from Nepal. the ladder crossings of crevasses gives make it possible The film follows Long Dorje, Norbu, viewers goose pimples. Mingma and Ang Nima from their farewells The documentary also covers the death t was one of those flukes of history that with families in Kathmandu, Thame and of one of the climbers from exhaustion on the Swiss lost out on being the first Namche to Base Camp, up the Icefall, the his way down, and how his guide, Mingma, Iexpedition to summit Mt Everest in 1952. camp-fixing on the Western Cwm right up risks his life and nearly dies trying to But it was the South Col route that they to the top. Earlier in the film, Long Dorje, save him. The scenes of the near-vertical pioneered which was used a year later by breaks down during an interview, wiping Lhotse face and the extreme difficulty of Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay for the away tears. Surprisingly, he isn’t getting driving ice pitons for ropes in 6 100 km/h successful ascent. Tenzing had in fact been emotional remembering a friend who died gales at -40 degrees gives us an idea of the on the Swiss expedition and reached the on the mountain, but chokes up when he is conditions which triggered the fist fight altitude of 8,595m with Raymond Lambert describing how as a child he never got to go on the mountain last month. Whoever was on the Southeast Ridge of Everest. The two to school like his brothers. His wife, Pasang right, one walks away from this film with tried heroically to press on to the summit, Tiki, sheds tears as well as she describes a much better understanding of the lives bivouacking at 8,400m without oxygen how traumatic it is waiting for news of a people who make mountaineering or tents or stoves, and drinking water by from Everest while her husband is on the possible in Nepal. melting snow with a candle. One wonders mountain. He has climbed 13 times, but she Kunda Dixit how different history would have been if has never got used to it. they had made the last 300m. Kathmandu International Film Festival This is a film that brings out the dignity, Has been shown all over Nepal, including The Swiss came back to Everest several (KIMFF) in that year. In the year of generosity, compassion, companionship and in the Khumbu. Sherpas The True Heroes times, and were there in a commercial the 60th anniversary of the first climb, bravery of the hardy folk that the world has of Mount Everest 2009, A film by Frank expedition led by noted mountaineer Kari and also the year when there was the first come to rely on to make it possible to climb Senn, Hari Thapa and Otto Honegger,Swiss Kohler in 2008. They took along a camera and highest-ever brawl on Everest between in the Himalaya and beyond. Norbu, in National Television and Swiss Agency for crew and made a stupendous documentary Sherpa rope-fixers and western climbers, it is a characteristic Sherpa understatement, calls Development Cooperation, 51m about their climb and the Sherpas who made instructive to revisit this film. expedition work “a hard job” but says “it has it possible, called Sherpas, The True First of all, the documentary has footage to be done”. Heroes of Everest. that makes it almost feel like you are there “Every year we come back to Base Camp, nepalitimes.com The documentary was released in 2009, yourself on the South Col or on the icy cliffs and think we will never come back, To watch trailer of the documentary and won the best film award in the of the Lhotse Face, dangling by a rope. Not as but we always do,” he says. The film shows

SOMEPLACE ELSE

PICS: CINDREY LIU

atan Durbar Square is one of desserts. It is a pretty standard a disappointment. The perfect the most interesting places in fare, with one or two standout milkshake has to hit that sweet PLalitpur. It is easy to lose track selections. The vegetable korma spot between a drink and an ice of time once you are inside this CAFÉ DU TEMPLE curry (Rs 225) is excellent, not too cream, and the ones we had tasted beautiful maze of ancient temples spicy but rich and tasty. However more like juices. It wasn’t ice-cold and curio shops. Less crowded and Café du Temple might have rice isn’t included and comes either. more peaceful than Kathmandu’s the best view of all, revealing the as a set dish at Rs 70. We tried On the whole, Café du Temple Durbar Square, the area is perfect whole of Patan Durbar Square from the Temple Special Chicken, a might be better remembered for its for a weekend outing. Once you its top floor. During the Lalitpur grilled thigh covered in a cheesy spectacular view than the quality have satisfied your thirst for art festival, my friends and I had an sauce. The chicken itself was a of its food. Our meal was fine, but and history, there are a lot of dining excellent view of the free concert little dry, but when accompanied certainly not something to sing options within the square that will taking place within the Square with the sauce, no complaints about later. However the pictures cater to your hungry stomach. from that very spot. Tarps and there. The Deep Fried Fish came we took from the rooftop were Everything from local Newari dishes other shelters keep off the sun and with chips and a small salad. The definitely something we would be to vegan food, Indian and Western the rain, although it does tend to special tartar sauce is a winning showing off to our friends. cuisine is up for grabs. Some of leak during a particularly heavy combination with the juicy, Sulaiman Daud the restaurants even have rooftop downpour. breaded pieces of fish. dining areas that lets you enjoy The restaurant offers a range of To finish our meal we ordered How to get there: Café Du Temple a magnificent view of the entire Nepali, Indian, and Western dishes, a couple of milkshakes, mango and is located at Patan Durbar Square, square. as well as snacks, drinks and chocolate (Rs 95) which were quite south of Krishna Mandir. 14 31 MAY - 6 JUNE 2013 #658 Nick Simon’s Institute HAPPENINGS useful training in the case of Nepal where majority of the hospitals have equipments stored away because of lack of simple repair job. The Skilled Birth Attendant training (SBA) is a 4-10 weeks training for nurses, midwives and doctors to conduct deliveries including those with complications. So far the NSI has provided this training to 173 candidates. The government of Nepal’s National Health Training Center has requested an expansion of this program. A 3- month course of ultrasound training for government doctors to do basic diagnostic is also available. The simple up does not yield effective results. ultrasound examination has Few organisations can boast of revolutionised diagnostic providing the sort of training that capabilities. DHANVANTARI NSI offers. In total, NSI has five Finally the Mid-Level Buddha Basnyat, MD areas of training. Practicum( MLP) training which Anesthesia Assistant Course is a three- month clinical-based (AAC) is a one-year international course, upgrades the skills or seven years now the Nick course for nurses and health of government mid- level Simon’s Institute has worked assistants. There are still no workers ( health assistants to provide quality health anesthesia doctors in 60 of our and auxiliary health care F DEVYANI SHIWAKOTI care to Nepalis especially in rural district hospitals. Nine people workers). These workers form OUR VOICE COUNT: Around 1,200 people gather in Baneshwor demanding the areas. The institute has devised have passed the course and 14 are the backbone of the rural resignation of Khil Raj Regmi as Chief of Justice on the occassion of Republic Day effective training programs to this currently studying to fill this gap health care team, but are often effect. But the most impressive in the districts. left languishing in rural areas aspect of the NSI approach has Similarly, the Biomedical because of lack of refreshment been to consider whether these Equipment Technician (BMET) courses. In the next 7 years training programs have a long is a one- year course that trains we hope NSI moves from term impact on government college graduates to maintain strength to strength so that policies. This consideration is and repair hospital equipments. many more Nepalis in rural key because simply carrying out Twenty participants are being Nepal will benefit from their training programs without follow- trained this year. This is amost programs.

KUNDA DIXIT COMMUNITY PRIDE: Kalpana Chapagain (left) of Radio Didi Bahini and Khem Kumari Pokhrel of Radio Mukti are conferred the National Media Award.

CINDREY LIU WELCOME ALL: A stall owner shows books to buyers at the Education and Book Fair 2013 held at Bhrikutmandap on Monday.

READERS’ PHOTO

SATHAPORN KAMKONG TEA TIME: An elderly woman enjoys break from work with a cup of tea in Kathmandu Durbar square. 31 MAY - 6 JUNE 2013 #658 NATION 15

application. Then in January 2008, the Maoists killed all their livestock and chased them out of their homestead in Phujel. When asked why the Just want justice couple was illegally detained in January, the then head of DAMBAR K SHRESTHA Kathmandu Police, SSP Rana Bahadur Chand told us: “We took their problem to the district rishna Adhikari was 18 administration and the Home years old when the Maoists Ministry, and gave them food Ktook him away from his and shelter while they waited. home in Phujel of Gorkha district But since it was a case in on 4 June 2004. His body was Gorkha we sent them back.” later found in Chitwan. Kamal Pokhari Police station Krishna’s parents, Nanda chief Dipak Bhandari said Prasad Adhikari and Ganga Maya, they were removed because went to the National Human they were obstructing traffic Rights Commission, civil rights outside the prime minister’s activist groups, the police, and residence, but had no answer to district administration to lodge why they were locked up. He a complaint. No one listened to said they were sent to Gorkha them. on instruction of the district So, out of desperation and administration. with nothing left to lose, Nanda The CDO of Kathmandu, Prasad and Ganga Maya came Krishna Karki said the couple to Kathmandu in January this refused to take the Rs 1 million year and staged a hunger strike compensation for families of outside Prime Minister Babu Ram conflict victims, and insisted Bhattarai’s official residence in that they wanted the murderers Baluwatar. The police picked DAMBAR K SHRESTHA prosecuted. “But it is not them up and dragged them to the possible to file a case because Kamal Pokhari Station, where Parents of youth murdered during the all conflict-related cases like they were illegally detained these were scrapped in 2008 for 48 days. Later, they were war are themselves illegally detained by the Pushpa Kamal Dahal-led handcuffed and taken back to government,” Karki said. Gorkha in a jeep and dumped the Adhikaris will get either But they locked us up. Now we Ram Prasad Adhikari, Shiva Human rights lawyer Tika there even though the Maoists justice or treatment. Passers-by are back because my wife needs Prasad Adhikari. Among them, Bhattarai said it is illegal to had evicted them from their crowd around them, but their treatment.” Januka Poudel is now personal detain anymore more than 24 home. plight is drowned in a capital The Adhikaris want to asssistant to Baburam Bhattarai’s hours without producing them Now, Ganga Maya is sick, with so much misery. lodge a complaint with the wife, Hisila Yami. in court. “If we are to respect the and the couple are back on the “We went to Baluwatar police naming the Maoist cadre After their son’s murder, the rule of law, everyone involved pavement outside Kathmandu’s because no one listened to us,” who they say are behind their Ahdikaris were threatened by in detaining the Adhikari couple Bir Hospital, waiting for some says the bearded Nanda Prasad, son’s murder: Januka Poudel, the Maoists and were told their or ordering their detention can charitable person to pay her “we though at least the prime Chhabilal Poudel, Kali Prasad other son would also be killed if be prosecuted and the victims medical bills. It doesn’t look like minister from Gorkha would. Adhikari, Baburam Adhikari, they didn’t withdraw their FIR must be compensated.” 16 NATION Arunima conquers two Everests

KUNDA DIXIT shouting with happiness. I did TRUE GRIT: Arunima Sinha, the it.” fi rst female amputee to make it to It has been a long way in a the top of Mt Everest last week, hen Arunima Sinha very short time for Arunima Arunima at a climbing wall with her prosthetic leg (centre) and with neared the highest from a hospital bed at AIMS in her mentor India’s fi rst Everest New Delhi after her left leg was Wpoint in the world sumiteer Bachindra Pal. at 10:55 in the morning of amputated a year ago. This is 21 May, she let out a shriek. story of a young woman who Her climbing partner, Nima attained two Everests: one to Sherpa, thought something was climb the physical mountain, she trained in the Garwhal wrong and rushed to her side, the other to overcome a Himalaya, climbing many of the asking “What happened, what tragic injury and strive for an peaks there. happened?” impossible goal. Finally, after also climbing Arunima turned around and Arunima was a national Island Peak in Nepal, she with a big smile said: “I am volleyball player from the was confident enough to join Uttar Pradesh team and was up with the EcoEverest 2013 travelling on a train to Delhi Expedition with six other when six men tried to snatch Indian members. When more her necklace. When she than 500 climbers get to the top resisted, they threw her out of within one week, is Everest still the running train at 1AM. An a challenge, we ask her. incoming train ran over her “People think Everest is left leg, and Arunima lay there easy, it’s not,” she replied, “the between the tracks, her body vertical Lhotse Face and the broken. Other trains passed Hillary Step are the hardest within inches of her face. She things I have ever done. The was rescued six hours later. crampons work well on ice, Surgeons amputated her but they scrape and slip on the left leg and replaced her right rock, one small mistake and femur with a steel rod. She you either fall into China or refused to be on crutches and down to Camp II.” turned away a wheel chair, Arunima had the stamina, and started immediately into but her endurance was also physical therapy. Doctors had tested to the limits. Because said she would take up to she was slower than others, it two years to be able to get up took her 26 hours of continuous on her artificial leg, but she climbing to get from the South was walking with the help of Col to the summit and back. parallel bars within two days. Once, near the South Summit They can’t explain how it Arunima slipped and was saved happened. because she was hooked to the It was while she was fixed rope with her carabiner. recovering in her hospital bed Finally, when she saw the that Arunima decided that top, Arunima had to suppress if she was to overcome her a strong urge to run to it. “The disability, she needed to set a view from the top is the most goal, and she gave herself the beautiful thing I have ever seen, most difficult task she could we were above the clouds, the think of: climb the world’s others peaks looked so small highest mountain. Her brother, and far below,” she recalled. Om Prakash, encouraged her Arunima is now working and soon she was making what on a plan to build a sports doctors called a “miraculous” academy for underprivileged recovery. children in the town of Unnao “Everyone would come to in Uttar Pradesh. She has got hospital and console me saying the land, but there is no money ‘bichara’,” Arunima said in for the facility yet. She hopes Hindi, “I decided I would not the publicity about her climb be a ‘poor thing’ and set an will help her in fund-raising. example for others like me.” Arunima adjusted her Arunima’s inspirations were prosthetic leg as she prepared cricketer Yuvaraj Singh, who to leave for the Nepal successfully battled cancer and government’s reception Bachendri Pal, the first Indian for Everest Sumiteers at woman to climb Everest in the Naryanhiti Museum 1984, who encouraged her and on Wednesday, and said: lined up a sponsorship from “Everyone has Everests in their the Adventure Foundation of lives, but however impossible Tata Steel. Arunima had always it may look no goal is idolised Pal and felt honoured insurmountable. You just need to have a mentor like her as to believe in yourself.” 31 MAY - 6 JUNE 2013 #658 17

The uncertainty over politicised student union elections reflects doubts over national elections DEVYANI SHIWAKOTI The rot at the bottom were put on hold for four years because school buses to manhandling college and reliable classes free of politics. of disagreements over the electoral management, student unions are When TU tried to introduce an age limit of system, finally settling on a mixed anything but student friendly. 28 for candidates contesting FSU elections, HERE WE GO electoral system earlier this year. Even “There are broken chairs, light bulbs students filed a petition. The Supreme Trishna Rana after TU announced dates for April, don’t work, the library does not open Court had to intervene and declare the polls were pushed back twice due to on time, we don’t have a set timetable act would come into effect starting from lack of preparation. Seen as a dress for exams, and results are published 2015. Leaders who use colleges as a Campuses are covered in a sea of rehearsal for the CA elections later in ten months later. Why don’t unions pay stepping stone into mainstream politics red as college students across Nepal the year, parent parties went all out to attention to these basic issues first?” will see their careers end if the age bar prepare for union elections that were boost the chances of their proxies. Party asks 24-year-old Ranjana Koirala, a is implemented and will no doubt revolt scheduled for next week. Ever since leaders who don’t tire of harping on the English literature student at Patan again in 2015. the Panchayat, college elections in virtues of free and fair elections funded Multiple Campus. “Let politicians do the Student unions and political parties Nepal have been a proxy for the unions and instructed them to do politics.” make all decision within campus grounds, political parties which were banned whatever it took to bolster vote banks. Ask union heads why campus life and this points to institutional failure in those days. And today, just like Union heads held college administrators is so politicised and why issues of in Tribhuvan University. For a month national elections are uncertain, student hostage earlier this month and hundreds federalism get precedence over more in April, the university was without an elections start looking iffy just as their of fake students were admitted. pressing concerns like reforming the examination controller as parties tried to dates are announced. There was already The lead up to college elections university system or youth employment, arm twist their candidate to the post. a controversy about voter lists, with has not only set a wrong precedent for the answer is the same regardless of Having a student body that is allegations that student unions have national polls, it also shows how the which flag they fly: “If politics is set politically aware and informed is good padded it with fake student admissions, rot in Nepali politics starts at the very right, then everything else will fall in for the nation, but when students set such and after university officials and bottom. With unions heavily reliant on place”. low standards of activism the future of student-body representatives this week parent parties for funds and institutional Students shouldn’t be held hostage to Nepali politics looks dismal. The only way could not agree on technicalities, the support, it’s not surprising to see promises of a stable polity. Even through student leaders can gain genuine affection elections were indefinitely postponed. problems that are all too familiar on the a decade of conflict Nepal managed and support from their peers is if they lose 6 June will be yet another deadline the national level: corruption, violence, and to achieve 90 per cent enrolment in some of their revolutionary zeal, and focus country just missed. intimidation. Students are conscripted primary schools and virtual gender on what is important: improving the basics Free Student Union (FSU) elections as foot soldiers to do their parties’ parity. These children will soon be going of student life and letting their responsible for 60 constituent campuses of TU are dirty work in college campuses. to college. They need a more modern and accountable behaviour trickle up into supposed to take place annually, but From enforcing bandas by burning curriculum, better infrastructure, regular national politics. 18 FROM THE NEPALI PRESS 31 MAY - 6 JUNE 2013 #658

NEPALI TWEETS Mend your ways Celebrating Republic Day doesn’t make Editorial, Kantipur, 29 May sense when we are in someone else’s back pocket.

Once again, the Maoists have shown their wild side by attacking NC leader Gagan Thapa at a program in Rukum. Their leaders in Kathmandu keep talking of political transformation, but the cadres’ action in Rukum speaks the Should the international community call exact opposite. Pushpa Kamal Dahal in Hague for crimes against humanity or in Oslo to give him the Since they signed a peace treaty accepting mainstream Nobel Peace Prize? politics seven years ago, the Maoists have tested the limits of democracy, using the YCL to force donations and marching armed combatants out of cantonments in a show of power. But after Baburam Bhattarai’s prolonged stint in government, SHRAWANKUMAR DEV which saw progress in ex-combatant integration, everyone How can student unions who carry the fl ags thought their ways had changed. This latest incident in Rukum of Congress, UML and Maoist call themselves raises serious doubts over this supposed transformation. Murder mystery independent? During the insurgency, members of other parties were not allowed entry into Maoist strongholds like Rolpa and Rukum. Himal Khabarpatrika, 26 May factory. During the wedding Many local NC and UML leaders were beaten up, killed, or WEEKLY BAZAR POLL #15 some people had overheard chased away. As the conflict grew worse, these areas became a phone conversation about Maoist base areas. But now with elections coming up, local In weekly polls conducted with the Former CA member Sadrul Miya money. Haque had worked in leaders are going back to the villages, which is why Gagan support of The Asia Foundation, Haque (pic centre) was found India for a few years before Thapa headed to Rukum recently. Himal Khabarpatrika asks 375 dead on 21 May at the residential he started a brick factory in A lot of NC and UML leaders became Maoists during the respondents in 12 cities across Nepal quarter of his own petrol pump his village. He was elected the insurgency. So, it was only natural for some unsatisfied Maoist every Monday for their opinion on in Kalyanpur, Saptari. Haque’s ward secretary in 1997 and contemporary issues. This week’s leaders in Rukum to join the NC. But a simple welcoming throat had been slit, and his was also the president of the result of interviews about the traffi c program turned violent because the Maoists in Rukum could body was covered in injuries. Tarun dal, the youth wing of NC police’s measures: not quit their old ways. Despite the Central Investigation in his village. He was elected Not only does this raise doubts about the Maoists’ What do you think of the police’s Bureau’s involvement in the case to the Constituent Assembly commitment to democracy, it also puts the next elections in drunk-driving checks? and the formation of a probe as an independent candidate doubt. Will they really be free, fair, and neutral as proposed? Good committee, Haque’s murder is from Constituency number 87.3% Maybe the Maoists don’t want free and fair elections, still shrouded in mystery. The 5 of Saptari district in 2008. Bad 9.3% and want to hold polls on their own terms, with violence 55-year-old had returned to his When it came to issues related Don’t know 3.2% and intimidation. If not, their actions must show they are room on Monday night after to minorities and Muslims, he committed to peaceful politics. The party’s leadership must Do you think drivers should be allowed attending a wedding. It is still was always vocal and actively take action against its wayward cadre so that other parties’ to drink to a certain limit? unclear who accompanied Haque fought for their rights. After the members do not have to fear for their life. No back to the village. CA was dissolved he returned to 54.1% Ultimately, the Maoist leadership must accept that Nepalis When he didn’t return home his village and was involved in Yes 40.3% don’t want a democracy defined by the Maoists, they want a in the morning, the family business and social work. Don’t know 5.3% democracy that ensures the rights of sovereign people. members set out to search for him and found his body at the residence of the petrol pump. A sharp weapon used to murder Haque was found at the same place while his shirt, slippers and notebook were found near the petrol pump. Since the body was found at Haque’s room local police suspect the involvement of someone close to Haque’s family. According to relatives, Haque had been under immense stress after being unable to pay the workers at his brick DIWAKAR CHETTRI Scaling new heights

using an iron rod. He slowly recovered and taught himself to cook, shower, shave, and dress . Before long, he had learnt how to ride a horse, and in 2001 he even learnt how to drive a car in Kathmandu. In 2005, Gautam climbed the 5520m Yala Peak in Langtang without oxygen or prosthetic arms. It was Yesterday then that he set his sights on Today Everest, only to realise this Chair: Chairman of Ministers’ Council dream eight years later with the help of safety ropes and four climbing sherpas. Basu Kshitij in Annapurna Post, 28 May Gautam’s record previously Sheela Pandey, Kantipur, highest mountain. belonged to American Thomas QUOTE OF THE WEEK 21 May Since the last six years Whittaker, who made it to the

Gautam has been living in world’s highest peak in 1998 The government keeps saying we have

Canada, working as a motivator with one prosthetic leg. Also in “weapons and should“ hand them over to Sudarshan Gautam became the for disabled people and raising 2001, Erik Weihenmayer of the avoid getting shot. Well, I challenge them first person without both hands campaigns with the slogan US was the first blind person to shoot us. to climb Mt Everest, stepping – ‘Disability is not inability’. to summit Everest. This year on its summit at 9am on 20 May In 1994 Gautam lost both (see page 16), India’s Arunima and being the first double hand his arms as he tried to get a kite Sinha became the first woman Ram Bahadur Thapa, General Secretary, amputee to climb the world’s unstuck from an electric pole amputee to climb Everest. CPN-M, Naya Patrika, 29 May 31 MAY - 6 JUNE 2013 #658 19 20 BACK SIDE 31 MAY - 6 JUNE 2013 #658 www.nepalitimes.com www.nepalitimes.com

Boring Entrepreneurs Association to go on strike

ne has to give credit Apparently, thanks to GON, on the top of the world’s highest the hot sun on one where it’s due, and Comic Relief raised a lot more mountain how come it doesn’t of the least scenic Olaud the Grubberment money than expected because work in Kathmandu? corners of Kavre of Nepal’s contribution to of the publicity generated by the district with no the Comic Relief fundraising threat to deport Hughes and ban FG creature comforts. expedition to Mt Everest by him from entering Nepal for five The Foreign Ministry’s Fam Trip It was another black-listing David Hughes for years. GON sure has the knack for Kathmandu-based diplomats GON masterstroke skyping from the summit on 19 of demonstrating to the world this year was designed to give that in a country May. Despite the danger of being just how anal it can be, which plenipotentiaries a taste of the endowed with such an international laughing stock, is great for charity. Good thing Real Nepal. A dip took a dip natural beauty, and GON wanted Hughes dead or our government doesn’t have during the rafting trip down the during the Everest alive for wearing a red nose and half the brains of a smartphone. Sun Kosi, and then they were anniversary year, daring to take a live video on And, finally, a word from our all asked to schlep for a whole the diplomats were his mobile without permission. sponsors: if 3G works so well day climbing 4,000ft up a hill in made to endure labour camp

conditions. Was the DIWAKAR CHETTRI Firanghi Ministry trying to get back at the firanghis for something? FG Oslo from considering him as The Quote of the Week for a candidate for the 2013 Peace Inadvertently Blurting Out the Prize. It makes perfect sense, the Truth this week must go to Khil inventor of dynamite honouring Raj Regmi for telling members of the user of dynamite. But, the High Level Political Syndicate seriously, if Barack Obama can (HLPS) who were pressing him get the Peace Prize for refusing to resign his Chief of Justice to ground drones, our Fearsome post: “Why should I resign? I am One is fully deserving of the only responsible to those who award, the Shaktikhor Tape appointed me.” notwithstanding. FG FG The Chief Minister seems to Another sign that elections are have all the time in the world nigh is that Rekha Thapa has to launch doves and inaugurate been inducted into the party handicraft fairs, but not to and threatened to carry a real decide on a date for elections. gun. Mahara Dai has let off Finally, he gave in and said a trial balloon saying that if on Wednesday: “It will be in ex-Kingji behaves himself the November, the exact date isn’t Cash Baddies could give him important.” Comrade Maximus, a ticket. All party leaders are meanwhile, announced at campaigning in the Tarai, is another election rally that the that why Comrade Gyanendra date for announcing the date of has also decided to head down? elections was Republic Day, but KingG is said to be not happy that day came and went without with the rise of Loktantra Man a date. Now, we are waiting for who openly defied him during a date for changing the election the royal reign when LMSK was laws, only then can there be a chief sec. And here is a new date for announcing the exact one: Awesome has proposed date of elections. Gyancha as the new prez and himself as PM. FG FG Meanwhile, PKD got a bit carried away the other day Headlines of the week: during an election campaign Criminals Should Be speech when he said that Allowed To Contest although Girija Babu is no Polls: UCPN (M) more, that shouldn’t stop the Boring Entrepreneurs Nobel Prize Committee in Association on Strike

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