WITHOUT F EAR OR FAVOUR

Nepal’s largest selling English daily Vol XXIX No. 64 | 8 pages | Rs.5 O O Printed simultaneously in Kathmandu, Biratnagar, Bharatpur and Nepalgunj 35.9 C 2.0 C Friday, April 23, 2021 | 10-01-2078 Nepalgunj Jumla When governance took a backseat, second wave took hold At border points, authorities are failing to conduct tests and quarantine people, just as health facilities are on the verge of buckling under the caseload.

ARJUN POUDEL virus breeding grounds. KATHMANDU, APRIL 22 Mishra, the information officer, said that the rural municipality On Thursday, Hindustan Times, Number of cases since October 21, when Nepal has converted three schools into one of India’s leading English recorded the highest daily count quarantine centres, which can papers, came out with a screaming accommodate at least 75 people headline: WORLD’S WORST but no one has been quarantined OUTBREAK. The country’s tally as of Thursday. of 314,835 Covid-19 cases on According to Bishnu Giri, a Wednesday was the highest ever sub-inspector in charge of the daily total recorded by any country. Jamunaha Police Post in India is scrambling to battle Nepalgunj, 10,000 people have the second wave of the coronavi- entered from India through the bor- rus and its health system has col- der point in the last two days alone. lapsed, media reported. “The number of people going to That comes as a warning call for India through this border point is Nepal. also the same. Most go to India for Nepal and India share an medical treatment,” said Giri. around 1,800-kilometre-long But there’s no holding centre at porous border and thousands of Jamunaha border point. people cross into each other’s ter- “Only 10 security personnel ritories almost every day. The have been deployed to manage the health desks that were set up at flow of returnees,” said Giri. Out various border points have been of the total 259 antigen tests con- revived, but there are concerns if ducted at the border point since they are functioning in order. March 24, 34 were positive. Narainapur Rural Municipality Those returning to various dis- in Nepalgunj of Banke borders the tricts say mismanagement at the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. border point has made their jour- There are three points along the ney home difficult. border—Suiya, Ghoddauriya and “We have had a narrow escape. Hulashpurwa. The local govern- The situation in India is dire ment has set up health desks at SOURCE: MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND POPULATION so we decided to return,” said these points and supplied antigen As of Thursday, 292,152 infections and 3,117 coronavirus-related deaths have been reported in the country since the pandemic began. Kabiraj Soni, who was spotted at test kits to perform coronavirus Jamunaha border while returning tests. Apart from these, people also India from returning home and to swell in Nepal around three According to a Health Ministry ic and become the second worst- from India. “The mismanagement use Jamunaha to cross over. the number of people is so mas- weeks after India encountered the projection, by July 15 , the coun- hit state in India. at the border has put us at a bigger However, no test is being per- sive that conducting tests on stark reality of the second wave of try’s coronavirus tally could reach “We have been repeating the risk of being exposed to Covid-19. formed at the health desks, as everyone is a Herculean task. virus taking hold in society. 600,000 and the new variant of the same mistake that we committed We wish our district administra- health workers have been asked to “It is not possible to carry out The daily count on Thursday hit virus could increase new cases in the past,” Dr Keshav Deuba, a tion had made arrangements for perform tests only on those who antigen tests on all, as hundreds of 2,365, with five deaths. more than the estimation. public health epidemiologist, told returnees like us to reach our have symptoms, according to offi- people cross through the bordering Intensive care unit beds are Doctors say performing tests on the Post. “Do authorities still need home districts safely.” cials stationed there. Nepali districts every day,” Laxmi Kanta filling up. Hospitals are now gasp- people returning from disease-hit advice on what should be done and The local administration in migrant workers returning from Mishra, an information officer at ing for oxygen, as a majority of areas is the first step towards con- what should not.” Banke has enforced a lockdown in Maharashtra and Delhi, among the rural municipality, told the hospitals do not have their own taining a possible outbreak. Narainapur is the same rural Nepalgunj Sub-metropolitan City, other Indian states, which have Post over the phone from Banke. oxygen plants and at a few hospi- However, authorities did not con- municipality that was worst which abuts Narainapur, from reported a high number of cases, “As authorities in India have tals which have, the plants are not sider it necessary to perform tests affected by the first wave of coro- Thursday, following a spike in new use the Jamunaha border point to stopped train services, migrant in operation. The data provided by on those returning from Uttar navirus outbreak last year, when cases and the health facilities in enter Nepal. workers are not coming these days the Health Ministry shows that Pradesh, the most populous state even the infected people fled from the district becoming over- Officials say it’s impossible to from Maharashtra and Delhi.” most of the hospitals lack ready in India which has been hit hard quarantine facilities and the facil- whelmed. completely stop Nepalis living in New coronavirus cases started oxygen supply. by the second wave of the pandem- ities themselves had turned into >> Continued on page 2

POST PHOTO: ANISH REGMI A crowded Ason-Indrachowk street in Kathmandu on Thursday. Even as coronavirus cases spiral and the government has advised the public to avoid unessential trips, people seem to be paying little heed to Covid-19 safety protocol. Billions spent on Dharahara but school reconstruction suffering in lack of funds Reconstruction of college buildings damaged in the 2015 earthquakes is yet to begin as the government only recently decided to take Indian loan despite stringent conditions.

BINOD GHIMIRE first in priority for reconstruction fol- struction of academic institutions, KATHMANDU, APRIL 22 lowed by the public infrastructures show 9,072 schools from 31 districts, and heritage sites. suffered damage in the earthquake. The Post Disaster Recovery However, it has been five years since However, just 6,246 schools have been Framework prepared in May 2016 for the framework came into effect, two fully rebuilt while another 1,307 are the systematised and structured years since the deadline passed, and under construction. reconstruction of the 2015 earth- thousands of classrooms from the As many as 1,519 schools have been quakes ravaged structures envisioned hundreds of schools damaged in the altogether left out from the reconstruc- completing the reconstruction of earthquakes still await reconstruction tion citing lack of budget. Of these, schools in three years. for lack of adequate budget. however, only 882 need reconstruction It had kept the individual homes, “Lack of adequate budget and delay as the rest will be closed soon and hospitals and academic institutions in the release of needed budget is a merged with another because they major challenge in attaining have low enrolment of students. the set goals,” Yadu Bikram “It is a challenge to arrange the Thapa, an officer at the educa- budget for the 5,973 classrooms from tion unit, said. 882 schools that need reconstruction,” Around 9,000 people were said Thapa. killed while property worth bil- Some Rs6.1 billion will be needed to lions of rupees turned to rubble complete the reconstruction of all the in the magnitude 7.8 earthquake schools. that struck on April 25, 2015. Meanwhile, a whopping Rs3.47 bil- Records at the Central Level lion has been spent on rebuilding Project Implementation Unit Dharahara which is being inaugurat- (Education) under the National ed on Saturday, on the eve of the sixth Reconstruction Authority, which anniversary of the great earthquake. is mandated to oversee the recon- >> Continued on page 2

C M Y K FRIDAY, APRIL 23, 2021 | 02 NATIONAL Siddhartha Highway Authorities scramble to manage hospitals in dilapidated state as Covid-19 cases surge in Karnali Province MADHAV ARYAL bus driver. PALPA, APRIL 22 According to the Division Road Office in Palpa, road sections at Health officials say the current health infrastructure of the province will be overwhelmed if the caseload keeps increasing. Travelling along the Dobhan- Kadambas, Siddhababa, Damsite, Chidiyakhola section of the Paithedanda, Bhutkhola, Jhumsa, CHANDANI KATHAYAT Siddhartha Highway has been Panimil and Chaubismile, among BIRENDRANAGAR, APRIL 22 made difficult due to the poor road other areas, were damaged during last condition. year’s monsoon. One hundred and four individuals Visibility along the 5km road sec- In August last year, the Division tested positive for Covid-19 in the last tion is low due to dust clouds kicked Road Office had awarded the contract 24 hours in Karnali Province, accord- up by passing vehicles. There are also to Prakriti-Dhulikhel JV for the repair ing to the data of the Provincial several potholes and slippages along of the road section between Dovan to Health Directorate. the section, making travel difficult for Chidiyakhola. On Wednesday, out of 88 swab sam- drivers and pedestrians alike. “But the contractor has not started ples collected by Surkhet-based public “We have been travelling along the any work yet,” Adhikari, the division health laboratory, 86 tested positive for dusty road for months,” said Yadav road officer. coronavirus. According to the Neupane, a motorcycle rider from Every year, the Department of Provincial Health Directorate, this is Kaligandaki Rural Municipality in Roads allocates over Rs 50 million for Karnali’s highest daily infection num- Gulmi. Siddhartha Highway road repairs ber in six months. Local residents say the road condi- only. But the road section along the Until Thursday, there were 212 tion deteriorated further after the Siddhababa area regularly sustains active cases in Karnali, the record of Butwal Drinking Water Project dug a damages due to huge boulders rolling the Provincial Health Directorate POST FILE PHOTO roadside canal and installed pipes down nearby cliffs during the mon- showed with 199 active cases in The Provincial Health Directorate has decided to set up 200 isolation beds at Karnali Provincial Hospital. using excavators. soon season. Surkhet alone. “Three to four excavators are being Siddhartha Highway is one of the Health officials say the current “It is beyond our capacity to tilators and 62 ICU beds in various are only 1,906 beds available at quar- used to dig the road section. This has shortest highways to connect Tarai health infrastructure of the province enhance the supply of oxygen. We will hospitals of the province. antine facilities in 76 different places caused traffic congestion along the with the hill districts. It covers 120 will be overwhelmed if the caseload have to depend on other hospitals for The steady stream of new arrivals in the province, a sharp decline from dusty road,” said Neupane. kilometres from Sunauli, the Indian keeps increasing. Dr KN Paudel, the additional supply of oxygen if we run in the province of late has increased last year’s 41,956 beds in quarantine According to the agreement of the border point, to Pokhara. focal person of Corona Special out of stock.” the risk of rapid spread of Covid-19 in facilities set up in 891 places. Butwal Drinking Water Project and Over 5,000 vehicles from Sunauli, Hospital in Surkhet, says the number On Monday, a meeting of the the province which could overwhelm Meanwhile, a meeting of the munic- the Division Road Office in Palpa, Butwal, Bhairahawa, Gulmi, Palpa, of critical patients in need of supple- Provincial Health Directorate the fragile health infrastructure of ipal-based Covid-19 Control and pipelines should be installed without Syangja, Kaski, Arghakhanchi, mental oxygen and ventilator support Committee decided to install 200 isola- the province, experts say. Prevention Coordination Committee disrupting the roadside canals. Baglung, Parbat, Myagdi and Mustang is increasing by the day. “Thirteen tion beds at Karnali Provincial In the last month, around 5,000 peo- held in Birendranagar Municipality “Two-way traffic movement has use the highway on a daily basis, Covid-19 patients are currently receiv- Hospital and Jumla-based Karnali ple arrived in Karnali from various on Wednesday decided to upgrade been blocked after the project contrac- according to Som Bahadur Saru, chief ing treatment at the . Among them, 12 Academy of Health Sciences and 25 parts of India after the start of the Katakuwa Health Post in Birendranagr tor violated the agreement and at Dovan Police Post. are on oxygen support,” said Paudel. isolation beds in each district hospi- second wave infection there. into a 100-bed Covid-19 hospital. installed pipelines along the canal,” “Limestone-carrying trucks are “There are 25 ICU beds at the hospital. tal. “We have requested newcomers to “The risk of Covid-19 spread has said Mukunda Adhikari, division major contributors to traffic conges- Our health infrastructure and human “The health directorate has been stay in home quarantine. But most are increased in Birendranagar in recent road officer in Palpa. tion on the highway,” Saru said. resources will not be able to handle a working to manage necessary medical found flouting basic health safety days. This is why we are preparing to Shyam Rana, a driver who regularly Another reason for the poor state of large number of patients.” equipment and other physical infra- standards proposed by the govern- turn Katakuwa health post into a travels along the Butwal-Tansen road, the road is the regular operation of According to Paudel, the provincial structures in the province,” Dr Rabin ment,” Chetan Nidhi Wagle, chief at Covid-19 hospital.” said that the two-hour drive from heavy goods-carrying trucks, says government plans to add 50 more beds Khadka, director of the Provincial the District Public Health Office in The Covid-19 death toll in Karnali Butwal to Tansen now takes at least Shibu Khatri, an engineer at the at the hospital but without additional Health Directorate, said. Surkhet, said. reached 33 after a woman from Rukum five hours. Division Road Office. supply of medical oxygen, it may be of According to the Provincial Health According to Khadka at the (West) died of Covid-19. She had According to the data of the District “In the past, lorries with more little help. Directorate, there are a total of 34 ven- Provincial Health Directorate, there returned to the district a few days ago. Traffic Office in Palpa, more than than six wheels were not allowed to 1,000 trucks carrying limestones pass run on the highway. But the the road on a daily basis. Department of Roads has now allowed “Various road sections have caved all types of vehicles to operate on the in due to last year’s landslides. Two- road. This is one of the reasons behind Billions spent on Dharahara but school reconstruction ... way traffic flow has been blocked in the dilapidated state of the road,” these areas,” said Krishna Khanal, a Khatri said. >> Continued from page 1 erecting the school buildings. decide to avail of loan from the Export- from the Indian government-owned Education experts say while the It spent Rs56.6 billion for the school Import Bank of India (Exim Bank) for Exim Bank. The money to be used for heritage sites like Dharahara do need reconstruction until fiscal year 2019- the reconstruction of 39 college build- the reconstruction of the college reconstruction, poor countries like 20 and has allocated Rs18.6 billion for ings, most of them from the Valley. buildings is from the line of credit Nepal should get their priority right. the current one. The Nepal government hadn’t used from the $750 million. They say reconstruction of the schools “We are lobbying the Ministry of the loan sanctioned over four years With no other funding sources is far more important than spending Finance through the National ago due to the tough conditions available, the government is now billions in erecting the structures like Reconstruction Authority to release attached by the bank. using the Indian loan fulfilling all the Dharahara. the needed budget for the reconstruc- The Line of Credit Nepal govern- conditions, according to officials at “Governments with a vision set the tion of the remaining schools in the ment and the Exim Bank had agreed the education unit of the National right priority,” Binay Kusiyait, a pro- upcoming fiscal year,” said Ram upon on September 16, 2016, stipulated Reconstruction Authority. fessor at Tribhuvan University, told Sharan Sapkota, chief of the educa- the use of 75 percent of Indian compo- An estimated Rs20 billion will be the Post. “This government is running tion unit. “We expect the entire con- nents including plant, machinery, used for the reconstruction of colleges after the cheap popularity which it is struction drive to complete in the next equipment and services and 50 per- with an aim to complete them in the getting from reconstruction of the one and a half years given that ade- cent Indian components in civil works next three years. Dharahara.” quate budget is allocated.” in earthquake-damage reconstruc- Education experts say the struc- An estimated Rs110 billion was The government is all set to present tion. Furthermore, the contractor tures like Dharahara can get con- expected to be spent for the schools the national budget for the fiscal year selection process should first structed together with the schools if reconstruction when the framework 2021-22 on May 29. have to go through the pre-qualifica- the government can afford their paral- was prepared in 2016 as the govern- Meanwhile, the reconstruction of tion process before starting the tender lel reconstruction. ment envisioned constructing the colleges damaged and destroyed by process. If it doesn’t, the schools should get schools in a holistic manner which the 2015 earthquakes has not taken The Indian government had prioritised before such structures. included toilets, furniture and other place in the past six years as the gov- announced a support of $1 billion for “The government should be mind- amenities. But with the government ernment could not manage the funds the reconstruction drive in Nepal, of ful of its investment,” Bal Chandra POST PHOTO: MADHAV ARYAL not having an adequate budget, the needed. which $250 million was a grant and Luitel, a professor at Kathmandu Vehicles caught in a jam on Siddhartha Highway. reconstruction drive was limited to Only this year did the government the remaining $750 million was credit University, told the Post. When governance took a backseat, second wave took hold >> Continued from page 1 Nepal’s health facilities were on the with the vaccination drive, however, than 10 percent has shot up to over the coronavirus, continued to use his Rajbhandari, director at the Sukraraj After the second wave threat started verge of buckling under the pressure made people even more carefree. 23 percent. bully pulpit to spread rumours like tropical and infectious Disease to loom large, the Health Ministry of coronavirus cases last year when Pubs started operating without Officials have attributed the United Nepal has already beaten the virus Hospital, which has 60 beds. earlier this week issued a slew of the country saw a sharp rise in num- physical distancing while the govern- Kingdom variant for the rise in the and that guava leaves could easily Doctors say authorities waited until orders, including asking people not to bers. The country reported its highest ment gave its tacit support for festi- number of cases lately. The UK vari- chase the virus away. health facilities were fully occupied to step out of home “unless they have daily count of 5,743, on October 21, vals. Government ministers them- ant, known as B.1.1.7, was first con- Even as the virus is surging, Oli has issue directives to set up quarantines, extremely important work”. four months after the four-month lock- selves never hesitated to organise big firmed in Nepal in January. been busy fixing the cracks in his isolation facilities and holding can- The ministry has also directed pro- down was lifted. gatherings. The government has not made party, just as health facilities are ters, which should have been main- vincial and local governments to “take But there was a dramatic decline in “Without the help of the general efforts to equip laboratories to per- cracking under the strain of Covid-19 tained even as the caseload was going different measures” to check the cases. Even public health experts were public, a pandemic like this cannot be form genome-sequencing, the only cases. Amid the fluid political situa- down. spread of the virus. surprised. But they continued to ring controlled,” Dr Sher Bahadur Pun, way to ascertain the virus variant. tion, he is scrambling to save his gov- “The entire approach is wrong and The new restrictions also include alarm bells about the possible second chief of the Clinical Research Unit at That the “double mutant” is ernment and in doing so, governance reactive,” said Deuba, the public shutting down schools and other pub- wave. the Sukraraj hospital, told the Post. circulating in India is also a cause for is nowhere in picture, as many say, health epidemiologist. “How do we lic places. People have been asked to There was complacency all around. “Public behaviour is also responsible concern. including those from his orbit, that expect the spread to lessen when the avoid gatherings of more than 25 peo- Governance took a backseat after for the recent surge in new cases. We But authorities were too slow to it’s Oli who solely calls the shots. basic things like safety measures, ple at festivals, weddings, other rituals Prime Minister Oli dissolved the not only stopped wearing face masks, recognize the risk. They did not both- Many health facilities in mobility control, testing and contact and funerals, as well as in meetings House on December 20. The season of but also started behaving as if there er to take the warnings of the public Kathmandu Valley, where a majority tracing are not being followed. that must be held face to face if they protests and demonstrations returned. was no coronavirus and neglected the health experts seriously and launch of population resides, are currently Infectious disease experts say the can’t be held virtually. Amid political bickering, the govern- risks.” effective awareness drives, start active occupied by seriously infected people. number of new cases could rise more Public health experts say such ment and agencies concerned ignored A stark difference that has been case findings and necessary prepara- This, doctors say, is because most peo- than threefold during the ongoing sec- instructions do not work unless the health experts’ warnings. Members of seen in the recent surge of cases com- tions for the worst case scenario, ple are seeking treatment only after ond wave, with more severity and authorities themselves abide by the the public happily threw away masks. pared to last year is more young peo- according to Pun. their conditions deteriorated. deaths. instructions they issue for the public. Only 338 intensive care unit beds ple are being affected. The positivity Prime Minister Oli, who is known “We do not have any beds vacant for According to Dr Janak Koirala, an “Officials in the authorities should and 192 ventilators were added to the rate which hovered around less for peddling unproven treatments for new patients,” said Dr Sagar infectious disease expert, preventive contemplate what went wrong and public health facilities after the first measures are a must to stop the spread what could possibly go wrong in the wave of the coronavirus. The number and save lives. coming days,” said Deuba. “People of general beds which could be allo- “People entering the country from will not be convinced when ministers cated for Covid-19 patients was India must be tested and they must be issue some rules for the public and increased by 4,021. quarantined before they are sent violate those rules by themselves the Currently, there are 1,486 intensive home,” said Koirala. “For this, the next day.” care unit beds and 634 ventilators in government must arrange holding On Tuesday, Prime Minister KP operation throughout the country. The centres and quarantine facilities. Sharma Oli organised special worship number of general beds, which can be Authorities should also pay attention in Baluwatar, images of which showed allocated for coronavirus patients, to quarantine management so as to there were more than 25 people, to stands at 18,917. prevent the repetition of what we saw unveil the statues of Ram, Sita and When the number of cases declined, last year.” Hanuman. the government acted as if the coun- Last year, quarantine centres at bor- The statues were then taken to try had triumphed over the virus. der points were poorly managed, with Ayodhyapuri in Madi of Chitwan In January, India provided 1 million some of the centres accommodating under the leadership of Minister for doses of vaccine under grant assis- more people than capacity, thereby Culture Tourism and Civil Aviation tance, with which Nepal launched its raising fears of them becoming new Bhanubhakta Dhakal. Hundreds of vaccination drive. In February, Nepal hotspots. people had gathered at the ceremony signed a deal with the Serum Institute Dr Mingmar Gyelgen Sherpa, for- organised to install the statues. of India for 2 million doses of vaccine mer director general of the When confronted by the media, and paid 80 percent of the total Department of Health Services, says a Dhakal said that the government amount. Half of the order arrived on holistic approach is needed and orders were not applicable until they February 21. all, including officials and the were published in the Nepal Gazette. Prime Minister Oli declared all media, must take into account the It was later revealed that the notice Nepalis would be inoculated within entire country while dealing with the was already published in the gazette. three months, only to correct his state- virus. Social media was quick to react if the ments a few days later. “While arranging the facilities, virus would wait for the notice to be So far around over 1.9 million peo- authorities should not forget the peo- published in the gazette, ridiculing ple have been vaccinated. Nepal has ple residing out of the Valley,” Sherpa the people in power. just a little less than 300,000 doses of told the Post. “Even if intensive care Public health experts say despite Chinese Sinopharm vaccine at pres- unit beds cannot be set up overnight, making a massive bungling last year, ent. There is no certainty when the authorities should increase the num- the government has failed to learn government will receive the remain- ber of beds so that patients who visit any lesson, just while government ing 1 million doses of Covishield for the hospitals can get treatment. There ministers and officials are peddling which it has already paid. POST PHOTO: MADHU SHAHI is an immediate need to ensure suffi- rumours and making excuses. A fall in new infections coupled Medical workers load the body of a Covid-19 victim in an ambulance in Nepalgunj, Banke. cient oxygen supply.”

C M Y K 03 | FRIDAY, APRIL 23, 2021 NATIONAL Nepalis in Kuwait worry for Government mismanagement their safety after deaths of leads to crowding at hospitals Many were forced to return without getting the jabs despite waiting in line for hours. ANUP OJHA compatriots from Covid-19 KATHMANDU, APRIL 22 After standing in a queue for three hours at Alka Hospital in Three Nepali workers in the Gulf state died after contracting the virus last week. Bhanimandal, Lalitpur, Tularam Panday returned to his room in CHANDAN KUMAR MANDAL ed a total of 261,307 cases with a total “We have confirmed that three Doodhpati, Bhaktapur without getting KATHMANDU, APRIL 22 of 1,482 Covid-19 deaths. The daily Nepalis have died from Covid-19 in the the Chinese Covid-19 vaccine BBIBP- cases are fast increasing with over last one week,” Rebanta Bahadur KC, CorV. Hari Krishna Neupane spent 17 years 1,000 new Covid-19 cases being record- third secretary at the Nepali Embassy “I had arrived here at 9am taking working in Kuwait and Iraq. He start- ed every day. in Kuwait, told the Post. “Covid-19 leave from my school and stayed in ed as a general worker for a Kuwaiti With the cases rising, the safety of cases have been rising in the country. line but only at 12:30pm hospital offi- food and beverage company, and work- Nepali workers in Kuwait, one of the We have asked Nepali workers to cials started distributing vaccination ing between the two countries, popular labour destinations for remain protected and practice safety cards and when my turn came offi- Neupane rose to the position of res- Nepalis, has once again become a guidelines.” cials said the hospital had run out of taurant manager. cause of concern. According to KC, the country has the cards,” Panday, a school teacher, “I worked between 2006 and 2010 in The death of three Nepali workers currently imposed night-time restric- said on Thursday. Iraq where the Kuwaiti company had due to Covid-19 last week, in a span of tions on movement in its attempt to The hospital in its announcement POST PHOTO: KESHAV THAPA its branches,” said Neupane, now 42. two days, has left Nepali workers fur- contain the contagion. had said the vaccination drive was People gather at Alka Hospital in Bhanimandal, Lalitpur for Covid-19 vaccination on Thursday. “Every six months, I would return to ther scared of their own safety in the “Vehicular movement has been pro- being held on Thursday from 10am to Kuwait. After years of hard work, I country. hibited from 7 pm to 5 am,” said KC. “A 4pm, for the 18-59 age group, but it ing over 100,000 Chinese shots. Data the government as the result of which could become a restaurant manager “Of late, the Covid situation has daily three-hour relaxation on public didn’t say anything about the quota it after Sunday was not immediately there have been big crowds despite and take care of my families back been turning frightening here,” movement, only for walking outside, had of the number of people it would available. the country being gripped by the home.” Bishnu Paudel, another Nepali, who is has been enforced considering the vaccinate. Nepal had begun its vaccination second wave of Covid-19. But Covid-19 came as a shock to him running his recruitment business in Ramadan festival.” “Now I can’t go to school, as I had campaign on January 27 with “This is bad management#alkahos- like tens of thousands of Nepali the country, told the Post from However, Nepalis like Paudel find taken leave, and I am told that today is Covishield (Oxford/AstraZeneca) vac- pital If anything, this will end up migrant workers in the Persian Gulf. Salmaiya, some 15-km far from Kuwait themselves in a fix, mainly because of the last day for vaccination,” said cine manufactured in India. becoming a super spreader event Neupane lost his job and also contract- City. “While cases have already been the rising cases and the compulsion to Panday. The government reduced the num- than a vaccination drive,” tweeted ed Covid-19 in Kuwait last May. rising, the recent deaths of Nepali go to work. It was not just Panday who did not ber of centres after Sunday. The Smriti Basnet. “As I was working in the food and workers have further left Nepali work- “Covid-19 infections continue to get the vaccine. Many people who had Chinese vaccine was administered Amid a sharp rise in new cases of beverage sector, I was laid off,” said ers worried.” increase in the country and more waited for over four hours in the from five centres in the Kathmandu the new variant of Covid-19, Neupane, who later got a job in Last Thursday, two Nepalis had died Nepalis are getting infected. But morning rain and the scorching sun Valley—APF Hospital, Janamaitri the Cabinet on Monday announced a another restaurant. “I also got and the following day, another Nepali people like me have no option but to were turned away. Hospital, Chhetrapati Free Clinic and slew of restrictions where it had infected with Covid-19 and that left me died from Covid-19 infections, accord- use public transport to go to work,” Prabesh Paudyal, 37, was shouting Iwamura Memorial Hospital, announced restricting more than 25 physically weak.” ing to Neupane, who is also a journal- said Paudel, who reached Kuwait in at the big crowd for not getting his Bhaktapur besides Alka Hospital—on people at one place. But at Before everything would get back to ist and closely follows the develop- January after his previous employer turn even after waiting in the queue Thursday. Bhanimandal on Thursday, there were normal in the country, the looming ments in Kuwait. terminated his contract in June last for over four hours. When the Post contacted the hundreds. second wave of Covid-19 in Kuwait “Two people who died last Thursday year when he was on a vacation in “They should have informed us or administration of Alka Hospital it The country on Thursday saw five once again hampered his daily life. It were young and physically strong — Nepal. “Public transport is crowded should have registered our names said that it only provided the venue Covid-19 related fatalities with 2,365 has been three months since the res- one was 36 and the other was 42. during rush hours, especially the last before we stood in line,” said Paudyal, and was not responsible for crowd new cases. The Kathmandu Valley taurant, where he worked, had only Last year, at least six Nepalis had few buses are packed increasing the who came from Samakhusi. management. recorded 1,874 new infections in the been providing takeaway and delivery. died. We’ve heard reports of risk of infections.” “Now I am afraid that I may have “The chief district office asked for past 24 hours, of which 987 cases were As the cases of Covid-19 started three more deaths, but that’s not veri- Owing to the Covid-19 restrictions, got infected with the coronavirus, as the venue. The storing and the distri- reported in Kathmandu, 106 in seeing a surge in Kuwait and his job fied,” said Neupane, who is immediate Nepali workers’ migration to Kuwait, the crowd was too big and unman- bution of the vaccine is being done by Lalitpur and 81 in Bhaktapur. prospects were again affected, past president of the Kuwait Chapter which hosts nearly 70,000 Nepalis, has aged,” he said. “This is gross negli- the district administration office “People kept on joining the crowd, Neupane decided to return home. of the Federation of Nepali been halted for more than a year now. gence by the government.” under the supervision of District as everyone wanted to get the vaccine. On April 9, Neupane landed in Journalists. “The two who died Kuwait is among the top-five labour He even complained that those who Covid-19 Crisis Management Centre,” We failed to control them,” said a secu- Nepal. Thursday were popular among destinations for Nepalis. had their links with hospital adminis- said Prakash Dhungana, media rity guard at Alka Hospital. “Honestly, I got terrified of the Nepalis here and were involved in What is more scary for the Nepali tration were allowed to get inside coordinator of Alka Hospital. “Ours Meanwhile, the chief of the Covid-19 situation and decided to community activities. These recent workers in Kuwait is the overwhelmed without getting a pass or standing is the only hospital to administer the National Immunisation Programme, return home. The second wave of deaths have left everyone anxious for health facilities there. in line. vaccine in the district and that could rather than making provisions for Covid-19 is strong and cases have con- their own safety.” “Nepalis who work on the frontlines The government began vaccinating be the main reason for the big crowd more vaccination centres to limit stantly been rising in Kuwait. I could Following the latest surge in Covid- like supermarkets and airports among people with the 800,000 doses of the on Thursday, which was also the last crowding, said that the existing ones not risk my life again,” said Neupane. 19 cases, the Nepali embassy in Kuwait other places were vaccinated,” said BBIBP-CorV vaccine that China pro- day of vaccination.” could be closed. “With the first Covid-19 infection, my issued a notice and advised Nepalis Neupane. “While the second wave is vided in a grant from April 7. He further said that if the district “How can a hospital immunise to health has declined. Since last year, there to remain safe by following the making people sick at a faster rate and According to the data provided by administration office asks it to open big crowds when there is a limitation my family wanted me to return home safety protocols issued by the Kuwaiti considered more dangerous, the local the Health Ministry, over 100,000 peo- for more days, it will continue the vac- of staff,” Dr Jhalak Sharma Gautam after I got infected. Although my visa government and other general safety hospitals do not admit patients unless ple had been vaccinated till April 18 cination drive. said. “But if we continue to see crowds is still valid, I returned home and guidelines like wearing masks and they are critical. Many of my infected from 23 vaccination centres. There has been widespread like in Alka Hospital, we will be com- won’t go back again.” avoiding crowded places, among other friends have been relying on bottled Over 1.9 million people had received criticism of the government on social pelled to close the distribution as our As of Thursday, Kuwait has record- things. oxygen at their apartments.” Covid-19 vaccine up to Sunday includ- media about the mismanagement of last resort.”

C M Y K FRIDAY, APRIL 23, 2021 | 04 OPINION EDITORIAL Mapping a more stable future

El condor’s friends Runoff channels are often Vultures play a significant role in our ecosystem. ignored because they are believed to be too small In September last year, there was an exciting development for bird lovers when conservationists spotted a red-headed vul- to be of import. ture nest in Kanchanpur. Of the nine vulture species con- firmed in Nepal, four species—red-headed vulture, white- rumped vulture, slender-billed vulture and Indian vulture— MADHUKAR UPADHYA are critically endangered while the Egyptian vulture is listed as endangered. Three other species—bearded vulture, cinere- STARTING ous vulture and Himalayan griffon—are listed as near threat- POINT ened by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. According to ornithologists, the population of various vul- ture species in the country was estimated at 1.6 million in the early 1980s, but in the decade and a half that followed, the Widespread wildfires gripped the coun- population of these abundantly found large birds of prey try this year, making it one of the worst in almost a decade. Wildfires aren’t declined by a shocking 99 percent. The cause of this decline, uncommon during winter, but they get investigators say, is directly linked to a veterinary drug, worse, like this year, when winter rains diclofenac, the residue of which was traced in the carcasses fail to arrive. It is noteworthy that this of cattle consumed by the vultures. It turned out the birds year’s dry winter succeeded a devastat- suffered from kidney failure and death after a single feeding ingly wet monsoon last year. What cli- on contaminated carcasses, decimating their population to mate scientists were cautiously warn- near extinction. ing of just a few years ago regarding extreme events as a consequence of Nepal eventually banned the drug in 2006 and pioneered a global warming seems to have already community-led conservation model, following which the come true in our case; the South Asian country has witnessed a remarkable recovery of the raptors. monsoon has been experiencing a dan- There are now vulture safe zones, a breeding centre and even gerous increase in extreme wet and dry vulture restaurants that provide uncontaminated meat, and spells. A recent study also revealed that the monsoon rainfall will be accompa- studies show that these efforts have gradually increased their SHUTTERSTOCK population since 2013. nied by an increased number of extremely wet years and potentially being stored in aquifers to feed our cept with profound applications. The sectoral policies of water, Conservationists have recorded an increase in the number more high rainfall events. springs and streams. Our actions in Drainage channels that convey runoff agriculture, and forests have long of nesting birds in vulture safe zones. Flocks of vultures in It isn’t clear whether a wet monsoon reshaping the land to develop infra- during the monsoon in the mountains recognised the importance of manag- the hundreds visit the Jatayu Restaurant, an ingenious idea followed by a dry winter leading to structures will, if not corrected, fur- are constantly altered by natural and ing watersheds to tackle climate that is now being replicated globally. The vulture breeding potential wildfires is a norm in the ther obstruct this replenishing process. anthropogenic factors. When altered, change impacts within their respective centre in Chitwan National Park has also been lauded for making, but if it is so, which remains Speaking of disasters, Nepal aims to the channels divert runoff to points sectors, but none of these sectoral successfully releasing captive-bred vultures into the wild, likely, this new cycle of floods and land- achieve its national goals of reducing that may not have the capacity to han- plans have actually figured out how to which have been tracked as far away as Pakistan. slides, dry winter, and wildfires all disaster mortality or, more specifically, dle its volume. These small events are go about it. The concept of runoff map- within a single year must boggle the reducing the number of people affected often ignored because they are believed ping perhaps provides an edge in real- The return of the raptors tells us that we are headed in the minds of disaster managers. The devel- by direct disaster economic loss, for to be too small to be of import. However, ising these sectoral policy commit- right direction with our conservation efforts, but there’s a opment of adaptation strategies for the which actions must begin at the local each one of them creates a new point ments too. long way to go before we start seeing a thriving population of coming years is urgently required. level by developing local disaster risk for runoff water to flow from, deepen- the majestic birds. According to Bird Conservation Nepal, reduction strategies. Unfortunately, the ing the channel and posing a greater A stitch in time helps save nine there are some 15,000 to 20,000 vultures today, and studies National goals of disaster reduction chasm between the national goals and threat downstream. A closer look at While formulating well-meaning con- show that there is a positive trend of recovery in Nepal, but Nearly half of Nepal’s population liv- local actions only seems to widen. The these changes, through mapping, helps cepts and policies is one thing, their ing in the mountains is exposed to action plans and strategies developed to find where the runoff flowed safely successful implementation is another. threats remain. recurrent hazards like intense rains to address disasters, following the glob- during the last shower and ensure that The biggest problem is the perception On Wednesday, as many as 67 vultures of various species during monsoons and acute shortage al call under the Sendai Framework, it stayed there. among many that lessening disaster were found dead near a pond in Nawalparasi (West)—33 of water during winters—both of contain everything under the sun and This ingenious approach helps impacts requires expensive, physical white-rumped, 31 Himalayan Griffon, two cinereous vultures which have undermined progress and are incredibly comprehensive docu- assess the risk points and open up structures, which simply isn’t true; a and one slender-billed vulture. One Himalayan griffon, which inflicted unimaginable suffering. This ments from an academic standpoint. opportunities for local communities, strategic stitch in time truly helps save was found ailing in the area, is currently undergoing treat- pattern will continue in the years Sadly, comprehensive documents don’t with the support from their govern- nine. Although, leaping from our ment. A preliminary investigation showed that the vultures ahead, perhaps in more damaging ways necessarily help in the implementation ments, to manage runoff and ensure existing reality is further complicated because we haven’t been able to effec- of said plans and strategies in rapidly that runoff flows through stable chan- by the fact that taking preemptive and died after feeding on the carcasses of dogs that could have tively tackle these extremes. Now, we changing institutional and environ- nels and is diverted to safe places or less expensive measures for risk reduc- been poisoned to death. may also add widespread forest fires mental landscapes. stored in ponds in the event of heavy tion require constant vigilance—a tax- This is an enormous loss for Nepal’s vulture conservation, after dry winters to this growing list. Whether it is reducing water-in- rain. This will not only help reduce the ing endeavour in and of itself—and and conservationists fear more could be found dead in other Furthermore, our aquifers haven’t duced risks in the monsoon or making risk of debris flow significantly but don’t have any physical structures to places. While officials must investigate the incident and hold been adequately filled in almost three water available in the springs during also maintain or improve storage in the mark progress. those responsible accountable, there are lessons for us to decades because of this change in rain- the winter or even reducing the rapid depleting aquifers. One of its key bene- However, only measures such as ensure that these critically threatened birds are protected. As fall pattern, which incidentally brings spread of wildfires in the summer, the fits—the restoration of aquifers— this that are informed by our unique in the same volume of water but within answer clearly lies in the way we man- would potentially help reduce the combination of geography, sociopoliti- we have witnessed in the past, a single feeding on contami- a much shorter period leading to disas- age monsoon rain and keep our springs rapid spread of wildfires we’re seeing cal issues, and changing global nated carrion can kill the birds. ters in the monsoon and allowing very and streams flowing. Few other meas- right now. climate, enable us to reach the millions Our ongoing conservation efforts must be complemented little water to be saved for the winter. ures would come as close to answering Institutionally, the approach takes of people across thousands of villages by effective awareness campaigns, especially in areas near Our watersheds naturally store water our pleas like the one recently concep- advantage of the federal system and to liberate them from grinding poverty vulture safe zones. People need to be sensitised about vulture for non-rainy periods, but this is only tualised within the National Disaster enables local governments, especially and rescue them and their properties conservation because their plight will eventually pose bigger possible so long as the rains keep stead- Risk Reduction and Management in the mountains, to see how reshaping from the increasing menace of risks. Vultures, conservationists say, travel as far as 100 km ily feeding these aquifers. However, Authority—runoff mapping to plan for the land in the name of development water-related disasters, all with limited with an increased number of extreme- the required actions in managing mon- can result in increased water-induced financial and institutional capabilities. or longer in search of food and play a significant role in our ly wet years and potentially more high soon runoff. risks for local communities, and to In that sense, the runoff mapping ecosystem as they feed on putrid carcasses that could spread rainfall events as projected for the integrate risk reduction actions in approach holds much promise to deadly pathogens. We cannot overlook the importance of years ahead, we will have more floods Runoff mapping their development plans—an action reduce water-related disaster risks in these magnificent birds. during the monsoon with less water Runoff mapping is a very simple con- called for by the Sendai Framework. the years ahead.

How to stop the poverty pandemic

toward scaling up the most effective Experience shows that schemes. High-quality research demonstrating the Graduation innovative and evidence Approach’s effectiveness across con- texts helped BRAC, J-PAL, and other based approaches, partners convince donors and govern- ments that the model can help vulner- when executed well, work. able people create sustainable liveli- hoods and make social protection poli- cies more inclusive and effective. LINDSAY COATES & JOHN FLORETTA As BRAC scales Graduation global- ly through direct implementation and with partners, it has identified impor- tant lessons that can inform similar efforts. Above all, adherence to the key underlying principles driving a programme’s impact is essential, while also adapting the model to each Globally, extreme poverty is increas- context. An ethos of learning and crit- ing for the first time in 20 years. ical self-evaluation is central to pro- Although some poor countries are gramme success, as Graduation’s now receiving Covid-19 vaccines, 20-year evolution in Bangladesh has the pandemic is set to drive nearly 150 shown. And by examining a pro- million people into extreme poverty gramme’s effects on different popula- by the end of 2021, reversing decades tion groups and continuing to tweak of progress. and test its components, like the size But the world has a huge opportuni- and type of livelihood packages pro- ty to help prevent this outcome, and vided, we can continue to leverage not only through more generous aid research to empower people in and vaccine distribution. Lower- extreme poverty. income countries also need assistance The scale of the Graduation in adapting and scaling more Approach after years of iteration and robust social protection and livelihood evaluation points to areas where programs. Such initiatives build resil- philanthropy and aid can be ience, enabling people to weather ARUN SAMBHU MISHRA/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM especially useful. These include future economic crises. And collabora- recognised in 2019 when the ed with an income-generating asset To answer this question, nonprofits psychological well-being, including an investment in social policy innova- tions between enterprising non-prof- Nobel Memorial Prize in Economic such as a cow, a sewing machine, or a working in seven countries, from increased sense of hope. A follow-up tions, rigorous evaluation of whether its and researchers can help guide Sciences was awarded to three of its cash transfer. In addition, they receive Pakistan to Peru, were trained to run study published in November 2020 and how they work, and partnerships the way. pioneers, Abhijit Banerjee and Esther wraparound support for the following the programme while rigorous evalua- found that these positive effects per- with governments to apply globally Careful, high-quality research to Duflo of MIT and Michael Kremer 18-36 months, including training on tion continued. Researchers from sisted for up to ten years after the sourced knowledge to their own evaluate the effectiveness of specific of Harvard. how to generate income from the MIT’s Abdul Latif Jameel Poverty programme ended. programmes. social policies and programs in differ- A vivid example of how social poli- asset, life skills coaching, consump- Action Lab (J-PAL) and Innovations To date, BRAC has reached more Our experience shows that innova- ent contexts has increased markedly cy research-and-development collabo- tion support, access to a savings for Poverty Action conducted six con- than 2.1 million households in tive and evidence-based approaches, in the past two decades. A particularly rations can make a real difference to account, and links to government current randomised evaluations in Bangladesh, where the programme when executed well, can dent poverty. rigorous approach known as ran- those whose livelihoods have been assistance. each country. These coordinated stud- originated, with a ‘graduation’ rate of With the pandemic threatening to domised evaluation employs a meth- upended by the pandemic is the BRAC previously collaborated with ies found the Graduation Approach to 95 percent. As of 2018, more than 100 reverse hard-won global gains, the odology similar to that of medical tri- Graduation Approach, whose effec- a team of economists from the London be one of the most effective of the organisations in nearly 50 countries need for policy-relevant research, and als to assess the real-life effects of tiveness Banerjee and Duflo have stud- School of Economics on a randomised evaluated programmes for helping have piloted or implemented for scaling effective solutions, has promising innovations. ied. Established and led by BRAC, the evaluation to study the Graduation people propel themselves out of Graduation programmes. never been more urgent. This research has identified a range largest NGO based in the Global programme’s impact on poverty in extreme poverty. The Graduation Approach’s world- of effective measures to reduce South, the Graduation Approach rural Bangladesh. The results were In nearly every country, Graduation wide expansion and proven ability to Coates is Managing Director of extreme poverty, including schemes involves a holistic sequence of inter- impressive: the move to self-employ- programme participants improved break the cycle of extreme poverty BRAC’s Ultra-Poor Graduation to enrol more girls in school, help ventions that are evidence-based, ment increased the poorest partici- their economic outcomes. They suc- shows that designing innovative pro- Initiative. the unemployed find jobs, and highly adaptable to local contexts, and pants’ earnings by an average of 37 cessfully launched small businesses, grammes, collaborating with research- Floretta is Global Deputy Executive support voters in making more designed to meet the multidimension- percent over four years. But could the and their increased income led them ers to test them rigorously, and estab- Director of MIT’s Abdul Latif Jameel informed election choices. The tre- al needs of people in extreme poverty. approach be effective and scaled in to explore other ways to make money. lishing trusted partnerships with gov- Poverty Action Lab (J-PAL). mendous value of this research was Graduation participants are provid- other contexts? Participants also reported improved ernments can result in great strides —Project Syndicate

C M Y K 05 | FRIDAY, APRIL 23, 2021 MONEY Airlines face Party venues dismayed by latest Covid-19 restrictions another bleak year Instead of placing restrictions, the government should conduct strict inspections and close border points with India, entrepreneurs say. as outlook worsens KRISHANA PRASAIN he said. “It’s also a loss for the govern- tors, they have been operating at KATHMANDU, APRIL 22 ment if they close down.” 40 percent of capacity since November AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE For many party palace operators, 2020. Many of them have gone PARIS, APRIL 22 Party palaces and caterers are dis- the business they get during the peak bankrupt. mayed by the latest government regu- season, which lasts from mid-April to Restaurant owners also have simi- Airlines face another bleak year with lation that has severely restricted mid-June, sustains them for the next lar tales of woe. The government has steeper losses than previously fore- their business as the country moves to five months. All bookings for wed- permitted restaurants to open for 12 cast, as some regions struggle to speed contain the second wave of the corona- dings were cancelled last year follow- hours from 8 am to 8 pm by adhering up Covid-19 vaccination campaigns virus by preventing close contact ing the lockdown in March. to health protocols. They are allowed and control virus variants, an indus- between people. Domestic carrier Buddha Air said to provide take away or home delivery try group said on Wednesday. The cabinet decreed Monday that there were increased flight bookings service after business hours. The industry is expected to register public establishments like banquet for April and May as pending wed- “This is a partial restriction. But net post-tax losses of $47.7 billion (39.7 halls, cinemas, dance bars, health dings and events across the country why are there restrictions for restau- billion euros) in 2021, greater than the clubs, gyms, swimming pools, futsal were being scheduled for these rants only? What about the restau- $38 billion forecast in December, courts and stadiums will remain months. Last March, domestic airlines rants being operated in hotels and according to the International Air closed until May 14. saw an all-time monthly high in pas- other public places?” said Araniko Transport Association. But the government has thrown senger carriage. As per the figures Rajbandari, president of the On a brighter note, IATA slightly banquet halls a lifeline by allowing POST FILE PHOTO released by the Civil Aviation Restaurant and Bar Association raised its forecast for global air pas- them to hold parties for a maximum According to party palace operators, they have been operating at 40 percent capacity since Authority of Nepal, 346,471 passen- Nepal. There has been no inspection senger traffic, saying it would reach 43 of 25 guests after getting a permit November 2020. Many of them have gone bankrupt. gers took to the air last month which from the government side whether percent of pre-pandemic levels this from the chief district officer. is an unprecedented number. people are following the safety proto- year—compared to around 33 to 38 Restaurants and party palaces bore due to pent-up demand as all events establishments to provide services Even in March last year, when the cols or not as cutting operating hours percent forecast in February. the brunt of the lockdown last year. were postponed. by following all health and safety pro- aviation sector suffered its worst days only will not control the spread of the “Financial performance will be The eateries were forced to close over- “We had better-than-expected book- tocols as directed by the government,” with the government declaring a com- virus, he said. worse and more varied this year than night, and thousands of waiters, cooks ings,” said Krishna Prasad Pandey, he said. plete lockdown from March 24, there According to Rajbhandari, restau- we expected in our December forecast, and other employees were out of work spokesperson for the National “Instead of placing restrictions on were 213,770 domestic passengers. rant revenues have dropped by 25-30 because of difficulties in controlling with no respite in sight. Party Palace and Catering Federation. businesses, it would be better if the The restriction on party palaces, percent in the past three weeks since the virus variants and slower vaccina- The end of the stay-home order “Though there have been no cancella- government conducted strict inspec- according to the federation, will the second wave spread started spik- tion in some regions,” the association allowed the economy to stir back to tions as of Wednesday, customers tions and closed the national borders impact the jobs of hundreds of work- ing. “People seem to have become psy- said in a report. IATA said it now life, and just when the restaurant have started trimming their guest and entry points to control the spread ers. According to the federation, there chologically disinclined to dine out, expected “much more limited” flying industry was seeing a semblance of a list,” he said. of the virus,” he said. are 7,000 party palaces associated with especially in recent days with the during the key summer season, when recovery, they were told to close early. Pandey said that the federation had “If the current state of uncertainty the federation which translates into daily rise in the number of Covid-19 people take to the air on holiday. The latest decree is a letdown, decided to request the government to prolongs, around 75 percent of party 60,000 jobs. cases,” he said. Airlines lost more than $126 billion entrepreneurs said, particularly cancel the rule requiring them to get palace owners will go bankrupt.” More than 70 percent of these estab- There has been no significant last year as the Covid-19 crisis prompt- because it has come at the height of approval from the chief district officer Party palaces and banquet halls lishments are operating with bank growth in take away or even in deliv- ed countries to lock down cities, close the wedding season, and party palaces to host weddings and other events. have been paying around Rs3 billion loans, officials said. ery of food since the government borders and ban international flights. were looking forward to a bonanza “We have also asked our member in taxes annually to the government,” According to party palace opera- imposed the restrictions, he said. IATA expects more people to fly in 2021, with 2.4 billion passengers com- pared to 1.8 billion in 2020. It still remains far from pre-pan- FOREX demic air traffic: some 4.5 billion peo- ple travelled by plane in 2019. China, North Korea poised to resume freight rail links The picture varies between regions. US Dollar 120.23 North American airlines will fare Euro 144.89 REUTERS 19. China, which has all but stamped trade are evident on both sides. better than previously thought, with DANDONG (CHINA), APRIL 22 out the spread of the virus, also tight- Along the railway between the losses of $5 billion instead of $11 bil- Pound Sterling 167.17 ly restricts entry. North Korea is bridge and Dandong station, Chinese lion, thanks to the recovery of the China is set to resume cargo train Another source, a China-based dip- customs recently built a zig-zagging domestic market there, IATA said. Japanese Yen 11.13 service with North Korea, people lomat, said that there appeared to be motivated to reopen row of booths labelled “epidemiologi- But the outlook has worsened in Chinese Yuan 18.53 familiar with the matter said, follow- preparations to reopen the Sino- its border to ease the cal survey area”. Europe due to a slower vaccination ing a 15-month border closure Korean Friendship Bridge. North At the North Korean end of the campaign and less easing of interna- Qatari Riyal 33.02 due to Covid-19, as trade with the Korea is motivated to reopen its bor- economic burden of bridge, disinfectant facilities have tional travel restrictions. Australian Dollar 93.14 impoverished and isolated country der to ease the economic burden of the been set up, said multiple sources, European airlines are now tipped to begins to rebound. lockdown, the diplomat said. the lockdown. including the diplomat. lose $22 billion, compared to $12 bil- Malaysian Ringit 29.24 The bridge linking the city of Both people declined to be identi- In Dandong, which relies heavily on lion in the earlier forecast. Dandong with Sinuiju, across the Yalu fied due to the sensitivity of the Chinese tourists visiting or catching a Meanwhile, passenger volume at Saudi Arab Riyal 32.06 River in North Korea, will partially matter. Saturday. Reuters was unable to verify glimpse of the North and is the main European airports is only expected to Exchange rates fixed by Nepal Rastra Bank reopen to allow cargo train service China declined on Tuesday to say that report. hub for trade with the country, many return to pre-pandemic levels in “sometime before or after May 1”, the when the border would reopen Freight cars marked in Korean— business engaged with North Korea 2025, a year later than previously head of a transportation company but said it respects North Korea’s including the name of what appeared are shut but some have recently reo- expected, according to industry group Shares handling cross-border trade told epidemic controls. to be a location in North Korea—were pened, merchants said. ACI Europe. Reuters on Wednesday. US government-funded Radio Free visible at Dandong station on North Korea closed its border in “The outlook for international Nepse 2,648.00pts 0.60% No date is set for resumption of Asia on Tuesday cited unnamed sourc- Wednesday, but it was not clear how January 2020, soon after the virus air travel depends critically on the passenger traffic, the person said, as es saying a train carrying food aid long they had been there. broke out in the central Chinese city vaccination rollout,” the industry HIGHEST GAINERS North Korea remains fearful of Covid- left Dandong for North Korea on Signs of a pending resumption of of Wuhan. body said. SINDU BBC MLBSL GRDBL JLI NCCB 10% 10% 9.97% 9.95% 9.93% 9.84%

MODERATE GAINERS SAPDBL IGI NRN MLBL HIDCL BFC 6.84% 5.58% 5.38% 5.28% 4.56% 4.55%

MODERATE LOSERS NBF2 NMFBS KSBBLP NIFRA GUFL RHPC Macau’s digital yuan plans deal Cold snap could slash French -1.53% -1.56% -1.63% -1.75% -1.79% -2.2%

HIGHEST LOSERS NHDL CGH HDHPC MFIL PMHPL HURJA -2.23% -2.29% -2.38% -2.45% -2.56% -3.44% fresh blow to casino junkets wine harvest by 30 percent AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE ably the greatest agricultural catastrophe of PARIS, APRIL 22 the beginning of the 21st century.” PRICE PER TOLA The government has promised more than BULLION A rare cold snap that froze vineyards across 1 billion euros ($1.2 billion) in aid for much of France this month could see har- destroyed grapes and other crops. Fine Gold Rs 92,200 vest yields drop by around a third this year, Based on reported losses so far, the dam- France’s national agriculture observatory age could result in up to 15 million fewer Silver Rs 1,335 said on Thursday. hectolitres of wine, a drop of 28 to 30 per- Winemakers were forced to light fires and cent from the average yields over the past SOURCE: FENEGOSIDA candles among their vines as night-time five years, the FranceAgriMer agency said. temperatures plunged after weeks of unsea- That would represent 1.5 to 2 billion euros sonably warm weather that had spurred of lost revenue for the sector, Ygor Gibelind, early budding. head of the agency’s wine division, said by GASOLINE WATCH Scores of vulnerable fruit and vegetable videoconference. It would also roughly coin- orchards were also hit in what Agriculture cide with the tally from France’s FNSEA Minister Julien Denormandie called “prob- agriculture union.

REUTERS A file photo shows people walking in front of Casino Lisboa in Macau, China.

REUTERS Deploying e-CNY, as it is often China and more consumer-friend- HONG KONG, APRIL 22 referred to, will enable Beijing to ly,” he told an analyst call on better control money laundering Thursday. Macau’s plans to use China’s and illegal transactions, said a Operators Wynn Macau, Melco future digital currency will help senior casino executive in Macau Resorts, Galaxy Entertainment, Beijing curb money laundering in who declined to be named as SJM Holdings and MGM China the world’s top gambling hub but he was not permitted to speak declined comment. could deal a fatal blow to casino to media. China flagged on Sunday plans junket operators. “If Macau cannot control the to expand digital yuan experi- These companies, who help lure environment, China is not going ments to more cities after testing high rollers to Macau, have been to give us the tourists,” he said. it last year in Suzhou, Shenzhen, on the ropes since Beijing identi- A key risk is that Beijing could Chengdu and Xiong’an. fied the cross-border flow of funds put a daily or annual transaction Macau’s chief executive Ho Iat for gambling as a national securi- limit, executives said, but the Seng told legislators last week that ty risk last June. impact could be mitigated if more the former Portuguese colony Since then, opaque financing tourists are allowed to come. should “follow the pace” of the channels used by the online gam- Mainland China visitors mainland. bling sector and Macau’s junket account for more than 70 percent In a statement to Reuters, BIZLINE industry have been cut off and of Macau’s tourist arrivals Macau’s Monetary Authority said tens of thousands of people have every year. it was amending its legal frame- been arrested for illicit cross-bor- “It’s such a high-level policy no work to incorporate the digital Hero Motocorp partners der gambling. one can really do anything. We yuan and that it had been in con- As Beijing clamped down on just have to follow right and as an tact with the People’s Bank of with Gogoro to accelerate illegal money flows, nervous long- operator make sure our systems China over the progress. It would electrification of mobility time customers rushed to with- will be compatible,” said another also conduct its own feasibility draw money from junkets, result- casino executive, who asked not to study. KATHMANDU: Hero Motorcorp and ing in liquidity problems. A digi- be named for similar company pol- Macau’s government said in an Gogoro are entering into a strategic tal yuan threatens to close remain- icy reasons. email to Reuters last week it was partnership to accelerate the shift to ing avenues the operators could The Macau Junket Association closely following the foray into sustainable electric mobility in India. explore to stay in business, indus- could not be immediately reached digital payments as it develops its The partnership brings together try executives say. for comment. own financial sector with a bond Hero, the world’s largest manufactur- “All these intermediary indus- Casino revenues in the special market, wealth management and er of motorcycles and scooters, tries will be faded out or disappear administrative region, the only financial leasing. and Gogoro, the global leader in right away, and this is a very likely place in China where gambling is Over the past year, Macau has urban battery swapping and smart possible outcome,” said Luiz Lam, legal, have been in free fall for facilitated bond sales, trading and mobility innovation. The companies an investor in the junket industry, over a year due to coronavirus settlement services to issuers will establish a battery swapping of the digital yuan’s impact. restrictions. Revenues are down including Chinese companies and joint venture to bring Gogoro’s Casino executives hope a fully around 60 percent from 2019. the Chinese finance ministry. industry leading battery swapping traceable digital yuan will give Robert Goldstein, chairman of “The digital yuan is important platform to India and will collaborate Beijing greater confidence to Las Vegas Sands and Macau’s for casinos to control the money on electric vehicle development to allow more visitors to travel to Sands China welcomed the e-CNY flows but it’s part of a bigger strat- bring Hero-branded, powered Macau for gambling, likely in prospects. egy which involves Macau becom- by Gogoro Network vehicles to mar- amounts an economy with a large- “It may be a very positive thing ing diversified,” said Oriol ket, reads the press release issued by ly closed capital account is com- for the Macau market as it Caudevilla, a fintech consultant the company. fortable with. becomes...more integrated into based in Hong Kong.

C M Y K FRIDAY, APRIL 23, 2021 | 06 WORLD

BRIEFING Myanmar crisis Low on beds and oxygen, India adds summit a test Missile from Syria triggers Israel strike for ASEAN’s JERUSALEM: A Syrian anti-aircraft global high 314,000 coronavirus cases missile landed in southern Israel on early Thursday, setting off air raid credibility sirens near the country’s top-secret Lockdowns and strict curbs have brought pain, fear and agony to many people in New Delhi and other cities. nuclear reactor, the Israeli military AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE said. In response, it said it attacked ASSOCIATED PRESS at Bengaluru-based Shanti Hospital YANGON, APRIL 22 the missile launcher and air-defense NEW DELHI, APRIL 22 and Research Center. systems in neighbouring Syria. “I try to find beds for patients every A weekend summit on the Myanmar Israeli media later described the India reported a global record of more day, and it’s been incredibly frustrat- coup crisis will be a test for ASEAN’s Syrian missile as an “errant” projec- than 314,000 new infections on ing to not be able to help them. In the credibility and unity, a senior Thai tile, not a deliberate attack deep Thursday as a grim coronavirus surge last week, three patients of mine have official said on Thursday, amid an inside Israel. In recent years, Israel in the world’s second-most populous died at home because they were una- escalating death toll and violence has repeatedly launched air strikes at country sends more and more sick ble to get beds. As a doctor, it’s an across its western border. Syria, including at military targets people into a fragile health care sys- awful feeling,” Gururaj said. Security forces in Myanmar have linked to foes Iran and the Lebanese tem critically short of hospital beds Yogesh Dixit, a resident of northern killed at least 739 people since a Hezbollah militia, both allies of and oxygen. Uttar Pradesh state, said earlier this February 1 military coup ousted civil- Syrian President Bashar Assad. The 314,835 infections added in the week that he had to buy two oxygen ian leader Aung San Suu Kyi, accord- past 24 hours raise India’s total past cylinders at 12,000 rupees ($160) each, ing to a local monitoring group. 15.9 million cases since the pandemic more than twice the normal cost, for The Myanmar military has stepped Russia orders troops back began. It’s the second-highest total in his ailing father because the state-run up the use of lethal force as it seeks to after massive drills in Crimea the world next to the United States. hospital in Lucknow had run out of quell mass protests against the junta, MOSCOW: Russia’s defence minister on India has nearly 1.4 billion people. supplies. with an estimated 250,000 people now Thursday ordered troops back to Fatalities rose by 2,104 in the past 24 displaced, according to UN envoy Tom their permanent bases following mas- hours, raising India’s overall death Andrews. sive drills in Crimea that involved toll to 184,657, the Health Ministry The previous Leaders and foreign ministers from dozens of navy ships, hundreds of said. the 10-country Association of warplanes and thousands of troops in A large number of hospitals are highest daily case Southeast Asian Nations are set to a show of force amid tensions with reporting acute shortages of beds and hold talks on the mounting Myanmar Ukraine. After watching the drills, medicine and are running on danger- AP/RSS count of 307,581 was crisis in Jakarta on Saturday. Russian Defence Minister Shoigu ously low levels of oxygen. Relatives of Covid-19 patients wait for refill of their oxygen cylinders in New Delhi. reported in the US Coup leader Min Aung Hlaing will declared the manoeuvres over and The New Delhi High Court on travel to Indonesia for the summit, in ordered the military to pull the troops Wednesday ordered the government to on January 8. his first overseas trip since the putsch, taking part in manoeuvres in Crimea divert oxygen from industrial use to Nikkei Asia reported. and western Russia back to their per- hospitals to save people’s lives. “You EU looks to sue AstraZeneca His involvement has angered activ- manent bases. “I consider the goals can’t have people die because there is He bought two “because the doctors ists, human rights groups and a shad- of the snap check of readiness ful- no oxygen. Beg, borrow or steal, it is a AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE options open together with member can ask for another oxygen cylinder at ow government of ousted Myanmar filled,” Shoigu said. “The troops have national emergency,” the judges said, BRUSSELS, APRIL 22 states to take any further steps.” any time,” he said, adding that he had lawmakers. shown their defence capability and I responding to a petition by a New One EU diplomat said the to sell his wife’s jewellery to meet the Indonesian president Joko Widodo decided to complete the drills in the Delhi hospital seeking the court’s The European Commission is looking commission wants EU states to back cost. and Thai prime minister Prayut Chan- South and Western military intervention. to launch legal action against the lawsuit by the end of this week. The main cremation ground at O-Cha discussed the summit in a districts.” The government is rushing AstraZeneca for underdelivering “The problem is that the member Lucknow, the state capital, received phone call on Thursday morning. oxygen tankers to replenish supplies Covid-19 vaccine doses to the EU, hob- states do not know the complaint” nearly 200 bodies on Sunday. “The bod- During the conversation, Prayut to hospitals. bling the bloc’s early rollout of jabs, being formulated, the diplomat said. ies were everywhere, they were being acknowledged that the situation in Death toll from suicide car Indian Health Minister Harsh diplomats said on Thursday. “It is a sensitive procedure and you cremated on sidewalks meant for Myanmar is a challenging issue for Vardhan said on Thursday that The EU executive informed member do not want to further damage trust in walking. I have never such a flow of peace and stability in the region. bombing rises to five in Pakistan “demand and supply is being moni- state envoys of its plans on Wednesday, the vaccine.” dead bodies in my life,” said Shekhar But Thai Foreign Ministry QUETTA: An attack at a luxury hotel tored round the clock.” He said in a the diplomats told AFP, confirming Anther diplomat said that “not Chakraborty, 68. spokesman Tanee Sangrat confirmed in Pakistan has been confirmed as tweet that to address the exponential information first published by the all member states are in agreement” In Kanpur, also in Uttar Pradesh, 35 Prayut will send Foreign Minister a suicide car bombing, and the spike in demand, the government has Politico website. on taking the company to court, temporary platforms have been set up Don Pramudwinai in his place because death toll has risen to five, police increased the quota of oxygen for the They said any lawsuit against stressing that their aim was simply on Bithoor-Sidhnath Ghat along the he must stay home to deal with the said on Thursday. In a statement, seven worst-hit states. AstraZeneca would begin in a Belgian to have AstraZeneca deliver the doses Ganges River to cremate bodies. coronavirus situation gripping the counter-terrorism department Lockdowns and strict curbs have court—the jurisdiction agreed under it had promised in its contract. The Health Ministry said that of the Thailand. said five people were killed and brought pain, fear and agony to many the commission’s contract with the AstraZeneca has so far delivered country’s total production of 7,500 ASEAN countries are aware of about a dozen wounded in people in New Delhi and other cities. British-Swedish pharmaceutical just 31 million of the 120 million doses metric tons (8,300 US tonnes) of international expectations to deliver Wednesday’s attack in the parking In scenes familiar across the coun- company. it had promised. It has warned it oxygen per day, 6,600 metric tons (7,275 concrete outcomes from the talks, lot of the Serena hotel, in the try, ambulances are rush from one A commission spokesman, Eric will likewise provide just 70 million of US tonnes) was being allocated for Tanee said. southwestern city of Quetta. Four hospital to another, trying to find an Mamer, told journalists that “no the 180 million more meant to be deliv- medical use. “It is now up to ASEAN family deaths had been initially reported. empty bed. Grieving relatives line up decision has yet been taken”. ered over the rest of this year. It also said that 75 railroad coaches members including Myanmar to safe- Pakistani Taliban have claimed outside crematoriums where the Another spokesman, Stefan De Public confidence in the in the Indian capital have been turned guard ASEAN’s unity and credibility,” responsibility for the suicide bomb- number of dead bodies has jumped Keersmaecker, added: “As you know, AstraZeneca jab has taken a blow after into hospitals providing an additional Tanee told an online press conference. ing. In a tweet, Prime Minister Imran several times. AstraZeneca is not delivering the the European Medicines Agency said 1,200 beds for Covid-19 patients. There have been some calls for Khan said his nation had “made great “I get numerous calls every day number of doses which have been it was likely linked to a very rare, but The Times of India newspaper said Myanmar to be expelled from the bloc, sacrifices in defeating terrorism from patients desperate for a bed. The agreed upon in the contract... This is often fatal, form of blood clots affect- that the previous highest daily case which generally has a hands off & we will not to allow this scourge demand is far too much than the sup- one of the reasons why we keep our ing the brain. count of 307,581 was reported in the approach when it comes to the inter- to rise again.” (AGENCIES) ply,” said Dr. Sanjay Gururaj, a doctor US on January 8. nal affairs of its members. Time running out US pledges to halve its for 53 crew on missing Indonesian emissions by 2030 submarine AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE BALI, APRIL 22

Indonesian warships led the hunt on Thursday for a submarine that went missing with 53 crew aboard and only enough oxygen for a few days. An oil spill where the submarine was thought to have submerged early Wednesday pointed to possible fuel- tank damage, and fanned fears of a deadly disaster. The crew on the KRI Nanggala 402 could have enough oxygen until early Saturday, but time was quickly run- ning out as rescuers scoured the AP/RSS coast off holiday island Bali where it President Joe Biden speaks to the virtual Leaders Summit on Climate from the White House. disappeared. “There’s time until Saturday REUTERS tion to the next. around 3:00 am. Let’s hope we can find WASHINGTON, APRIL 22 Biden’s recently introduced $2 tril- them before then,” Navy Chief of lion infrastructure plan contains Staff Yudo Margono told reporters. The Biden administration on numerous measures that could deliver However, defence analysts have Thursday pledged to slash US green- some of the emissions cuts needed warned that the vessel could have house gas emissions by 50-52 percent this decade, including a clean energy already broken into pieces if it has from 2005 levels by 2030, a new target it standard to achieve net zero emissions sunk to depths believed to be as much hopes will spur other big emitter in the power sector by 2035 and moves as 700 metres (2,300 feet)—well below countries to raise their ambition to to electrify the vehicle fleet. what it was built to withstand. combat climate change. But the measures need to be passed Indonesia’s president Joko Widodo The goal, unveiled at the start of a by Congress before becoming reality. asked his country to pray for the crew, two-day climate summit hosted by Biden focused on restoring US cli- while Australian Defence Minister Democratic President Joe Biden, mate leadership during his campaign Peter Dutton said initial comes as the United States seeks to and in the first days of his presidency reports raised the prospect of a reclaim global leadership in the fight after Republican Trump, a climate “terrible tragedy”. against global warming after former change sceptic, removed the United The German-built submarine was President Donald Trump withdrew States from the Paris agreement on scheduled to conduct live torpedo the country from international efforts global warming. exercises when it asked for permis- to cut emissions. The new administration has come sion to dive. It lost contact shortly It also marks an important mile- under heavy pressure from environ- after. stone in Biden’s broader plan to decar- mental groups, some corporate lead- Search teams were focused on an bonise the US economy entirely by ers, the UN secretary general and for- area around the oil slick. 2050—an agenda he says can create eign governments to set a target to cut But the exact location of the vessel millions of good-paying jobs but emissions by at least 50 percent this had yet to be pinpointed, the navy which many Republicans say they fear decade to encourage other countries said, with warships and helicopters will damage the economy. to set their own ambitious emissions assisting in the hunt. The emissions cuts are expected to goals. Damage to the submarine’s fuel come from power plants, automobiles, Biden will announce the number at tank could spell big trouble. and other sectors across the economy, the start of a climate summit on “If your tank’s cracked it is not very but the White House did not set indi- Thursday that will be attended by good news,” said Collin Koh, a naval vidual targets for those industries. leaders from the world’s biggest emit- affairs specialist and research fellow “No nation can solve this crisis on ters, including China. at the S. Rajaratnam School of its own, and this summit is a step on a World leaders aim to limit global International Studies in Singapore. path to a secure, prosperous, and sus- warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius above “Because we are talking about the tainable future,” Biden said in a tweet pre-industrial levels, a threshold sci- pressure hull of the submarine being minutes before the summit began. entists say can prevent the worst breached. So it could cause potential The new US target nearly doubles impacts of climate change. flooding.” former President Barack Obama’s One of the administration officials Neighbouring Singapore and pledge of emissions cut 26-28 percent said with the new US target, enhanced Malaysia have already dispatched below 2005 levels by 2025. commitments from Japan and Canada, ships that are expected to arrive in the Sector-specific goals will be laid out and prior targets from the European coming days, including the city-state’s later this year. Union and Britain, countries account- MV Swift Rescue—a submarine res- How the United States intends to ing for more than half the world’s cue vessel. reach its climate goals will be crucial economy were now committed to India said Thursday it had sent a to cementing US credibility on reductions to achieve the 1.5 degrees ship to assist in the hunt, while the global warming, amid international Celsius goal. United States, Australia, France and concerns that America’s commitment “When we close this summit on Germany are among other nations to a clean energy economy can Friday, we will unmistakably commu- that have offered help. shift drastically from one administra- nicate ... the US is back,” he said.

C M Y K 07 | FRIDAY, APRIL 23, 2021 SPORTS | MEDLEY BRIEFING Nepal thump Malaysia by 69 Man City move closer Frappart set to be first woman to officiate at men’s Euro to Premier League title NYON: France’s Stephanie Frappart runs to become group winners is set to become the first woman to officiate at a men’s European Pep Guardiola’s men need eight points from five matches. Championship after UEFA named The hosts collect six points from four matches and will meet the Netherlands in the final. her as a fourth official for Euro 2020 AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE Super League. on Wednesday. Frappart has already BIRMINGHAM, APRIL 22 Mourinho was sacked on Monday achieved several firsts for female after 17 turbulent months in charge of officials, having been the first Manchester City closed in on the the north London club, but his shock woman to referee a match in Ligue 1, Premier League title as the leaders exit was overshadowed by the fall-out and in the Champions League last fought back to win 2-1 at Aston Villa from the bitter Super League row. December for a group-stage game on Wednesday in their first match Languishing outside the top four and between Juventus and Dynamo Kiev. since withdrawing from the European knocked out of the Europa League by The 37-year-old Frappart was also Super League. Dinamo Zagreb, Tottenham would the first female referee of a major Pep Guardiola’s side were rocked by have benefitted more than most from men’s European game, for the 2019 John McGinn’s opener for Villa after the proposed Super League. UEFA Super Cup between Liverpool just 20 seconds. But City recovered But instead they were forced to and Chelsea. The tournament, impressively as Phil Foden equalised become one of six Premier League delayed because of the coronavirus before Rodri put the visitors ahead. clubs to withdraw from the reviled pandemic, will run from June 11 to City defender John Stones threat- breakaway tournament on Tuesday July 11. ened to derail his team’s charge when after a furious backlash. Celebrating he was sent off for a reckless foul on the Super League’s demise and calling Milan teams frustrated, Jacob Ramsey just before half-time. for Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy However, Villa were reduced to 10 men to quit, a handful of fans gathered Juventus go third in Serie A as well when Matty Cash earned a outside the stadium holding signs that MILAN: Serie A leaders Inter Milan second booking for chopping down read: “We said no to Super League” were held at Spezia on Wednesday Foden in the second half. and “Thanks for NO memories. Time but extended their advantage to 10 City are 11 points clear of second to say goodbye. Levy out”. points, as nearest rivals AC Milan placed Manchester United and need a The Super League was dead in the fell to a 2-1 home defeat by Sassuolo. maximum of eight points from their water just 48 hours after its creation, Champions Juventus moved third, remaining five games to clinch a third forcing Tottenham to focus on a more just one point behind AC Milan, after Premier League title in four seasons. traditional way of making it into beating Parma 3-1. Diego Farias “Not the start I dreamed of but we Europe’s elite. Against that backdrop, surprised the visitors with a reacted very well. It was a really good a win in the first match of the 12th-minute opening goal. Ivan POST PHOTO: HEMANTA SHRESTHA performance,” Guardiola said. “Phil post-Mourinho era was essential and Perisic pulled Inter level after 39 Nepal’s batsmen Aasif Sheikh and Gyanendra Malla (left) run between the wickets during their Tri-Nation T20I Series match against Malaysia. Foden’s influence in our games is mas- they achieved it thanks to their first minutes from an Achraf Hakimi sive. He’s becoming a serious player.” recovery from a half-time deficit this cross. In Milan, Giacomo Raspadori SPORTS BUREAU Bhurtel, who had scored 62 runs Malaysian bowler Aziz, Rahman City’s bid for an unprecedented season. came off the bench in the second KATHMANDU, APRIL 22 and 61 runs against the Netherlands, and Fitri Sham grabbed two wickets quadruple was shattered in Saturday’s Danny Ings put Southampton half and scored twice, after Hakan and not out 61 against Malaysia in the apiece while Wafiq claimed one. Aziz FA Cup semi-final defeat against ahead, but Gareth Bale equalised Calhanoglu had put Milan ahead on Nepal registered a thumping 69-run first leg matches, departed for 16 runs. gave away four runs in his one-over Chelsea. That loss, coming a week before Son converted a last-gasp penal- the half-hour mark. Juventus also win over Malaysia to finish on top of The 25-year-old who made his debut in spell while Rahman conceded 37 runs after 10-man Leeds won at the Etihad t y. got off to a slow start in Turin, with the standings in the Tri-Nation the T20I series opener was caught by in his four-over bowling. Sham gave Stadium, raised the possibility of a Tottenham move into sixth place, Parma’s Gaston Brugman’s free-kick Twenty20 International Series at the Syed Aziz off Muhammad Wafiq in 4.1 away 32 runs in his four-over bowling. remarkable late-season collapse from two points behind fourth-placed beating Gianluigi Buffon on 25 TU cricket ground in Kirtipur on overs. The Malaysian run chase received a a City side who led the table by 17 Chelsea, who have a game in hand in minutes. Alex Sandro volleyed in Thursday. But his opening partner Aasif huge blow as they lost their openers points just a few weeks ago. the race to qualify for next season’s the first before the break and struck Put into bat first, Nepal posted a Sheikh and captain Gyanendra Malla Aziz and Anwar Arudin cheaply for But their gritty display at Villa Park Champions League. again early in the second half, mammoth total of 217-7 after a collec- shared a 73-run partnership for the four and six runs respectively. Aziz was a big step towards the title given Mourinho’s failure to lead heading in a Juan Cuadrado cross. tive batting effort from the home team second wicket. Sheikh smashed 42 was trapped leg before by Sompal their remaining fixtures feature few Tottenham into the top four and a Cuadrado provided the corner batsmen on a day that saw opener runs off 31 and Malla played a quick- Kami in the fourth ball of the innings daunting tests. deteriorating relationship with his which Matthijs de Ligt got his head Kushal Bhurtel fail to reach half-cen- fire 41 runs off 25. Malla cracked a and Arudin was caught by KC off “After this game it doesn’t look like squad proved his downfall. The axe to on 68 minutes to seal all three tury milestone for the first time in the boundary and four sixes before he was Kami in the third over. the Super League distracts us. Of fell just six days before Tottenham’s points for Juve. series. In reply, Malaysia were bowled caught by Wafiq off Anwar Rahman Captain Ahmad Faiz, who came to course everyone was concerned, but bid to win a first trophy since 2008 out for 148 runs in 19.1 over after T20I in the first delivery of the 12th over. bat at number three, and middle order the players were focused on this against Manchester City in the League debutant Kamal Airee, Sompal Kami Sheikh, the half-century scorer batsman Aminuddin Ramly were the game,” Guardiola said. “The Premier Cup final at Wembley on Sunday. Real Madrid thrash Cadiz 3-0 and Sandeep Lamichhane picked against the Netherlands in the opener major contributors for the Malaysian League is the most important title to Leipzig boss Julian Nagelsmann is MADRID: A first-half double from three wickets each. Nepal had edged and Malaysia in the second match, side. Faiz hit 31 runs off 21 deliveries win. We are so close.” the bookmakers’ favourite to replace Karim Benzema helped Real Madrid Malaysia by nine runs in their first was trapped leg before in the penulti- before he was caught out by Bhurtel Before returning to the title race, Mourinho. cruise to a 3-0 victory away to Cadiz match on Monday. mate ball of the same over by Rahman. off Sushan Bhari. Ramly scored 41 City face Tottenham in the League But for now, former Tottenham mid- in La Liga on Wednesday. The The outcome means Nepal finished He hit three fences and as many sixes. runs off 18 deliveries that included Cup final at Wembley on Sunday and fielder Ryan Mason has been placed in Frenchman’s brace came either side on top of the standings with six points Dipendra Singh Airee, coming to five sixes and a four. He hit three sixes then travel to Paris Saint Germain for charge on a caretaker basis and this of a maiden senior league goal for winning three matches and losing one. bat at number four, contributed 33 to Bhari in the 12th over before being the Champions League semi-final first was an encouraging start before he defender Alvaro Odriozola, as Real The Netherlands wrapped up the runs from 17 deliveries that included caught by Kami off Sandeep leg next week. has to pit his wits against City boss moved onto 70 points. Benzema group stage at second accumulating five fences and a six. Binod Bhandari Lamichhane in the 14th over. City’s bid to win the Champions Pep Guardiola. netted his first from the penalty five points after two wins and a tie was out cheaply for eight runs. Ainool Hafizs, Fitri Sham and Wafiq League for the first time is unlikely to Aged just 29, Mason, who has been spot on the half hour following a while Malaysia bowed out third with Kushal Malla and Karan KC were were the other Malaysian batsmen to have much neutral support after their working in Tottenham’s youth acade- VAR intervention, which spotted an only one point. Hosts Nepal and the the other major contributors scoring reach double-digit figures. Hafizs involvement in the failed European my, is the youngest boss in Premier Isaac Carcelen foul on Vinicius that Netherlands were already assured of unbeaten 19 runs and a quickfire 45 scored 11 runs, Sham 14 runs and Super League. But Guardiola earned League history and the first younger referee Antonio Mateu Lahoz had final place as top two teams on runs respectively. Kushal hit two Wafiq 12 runs. praise when he criticised the contro- than 30 to manage in the English top missed. He turned provider three Thursday. boundaries in his 10-ball knock while Sompal Kami, Sandeep Lamichhane versial plan prior to City becoming flight since QPR’s Frank Sibley in minutes later when he crossed for The final is set for Saturday. KC cracked seven sixes in his 13-ball and Airee were the most successful the first club to withdraw on Tuesday 1977. Odriozola. Casemiro should have “Our boys did well today, in both the blitz before he was caught by Rahman Nepali bowlers claiming three wickets evening. “I thought it was fantastic. I’m so made it 3-0 moments later when he batting and bowling departments. off Syed Aziz. apiece. Kami was the most economical Tottenham made a winning start to proud of the boys,” Mason said. fired over from close range, however This win has obviously boosted our KC slammed four sixes to bowler giving away 20 runs in his four- life after Jose Mourinho as Son Heung- “Tonight was important for many five minutes before the break he confidence for the final clash,” said Dhivendran Mogan in the 18th over over bowing with a maiden over. min’s last-minute penalty sealed a reasons; a change of manager, a lot crossed for Benzema, who completed Nepal skipper Gyanendra Malla. and three sixes to Wafiq in the follow- Lamichhane conceded 42 runs in his vital 2-1 victory against Southampton has gone on at the club in the last 48 his double to seal the points for “It needs a winning mentality to ing over before his dismissal in the four-over haul. Airee gave away 16 in their first match since withdrawing hours. It was important to get back to Zinedine Zidane’s side. (AGENCIES) land a trophy and we are positive.” first delivery of the last over. runs in 3.1 over bowling. from the controversial European winning ways.” HOROSCOPE ARIES (March 21-April 19) **** CANCER (June 22-July 22) *** LIBRA (September 23-October 22) *** CAPRICORN (December 22-January 19) **** As an Aries, you faithfully look to the initiative-tak- You’ve been dealing with difficult material in recent You’ve been in the process of expanding your com- Your work has been a considerable point of stress in ing planet, Mars, for guidance. Today you will look weeks, Cancer. You’ve been wrestling with issues fort zone, Libra. After weeks of devoting energy recent weeks, Capricorn. That said, you’ve managed towards unprocessed feelings and devote the bulk of concerning your own validity. Today, Mars moves towards new educational ventures and exploring to accomplish a lot and push forward with a variety your energy to matters concerning your home base forward in your sign, providing you with a welcome new opportunities for self-expansion- you’re ready to of productive efforts. The cosmos think you’re ready and family connections. boost of energy, self-assertion, and fearless drive. take things to the next level. to explore new terrain today.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20) *** LEO (July 23-August 22) *** SCORPIO (October 23-November 21) *** AQUARIUS (January 20-February 18) *** You’ve been devoting tireless energy towards hustling It’s no coincidence that while you’re at your peak in Friday’s skies usher in a welcome change of pace, as After weeks of reconnecting with your creative pro- and sorting your finances, Taurus. Friday’s skies your career, you’re also wrestling with confidence Mars moves forward into soulful Cancer until June cess, you’re ready to get organized. Self-driven Mars push you into exploring the next new terrain. You will issues. After weeks of prioritizing new goals, you’re 11. This shift gives you energy to apply towards get- moves forward into initiative-taking Cancer today. have energy for efforts concerning clear communica- ready to deal with other pressing issues. Today, head- ting out of your comfort zone and exploring new This transition sees you devoting energy and drive tion, active self-expression, or writing projects. on with blockages concerning self-assertion. educational outlets. towards getting more efficient on the work front.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21) **** VIRGO (August 23-September 22) **** SAGITTARIUS (November 22-December 21) *** PISCES (February 19-March 20) *** As a Gemini, you’re notorious for having a non-stop It’s time to re-examine your long-term ambitions, It’s no surprise to you that relationships have felt One part of you has been reaching out to people and approach to life. In recent weeks, you’ve been so over- Virgo. You’ve spent the past month devoting tireless like a hot spot in recent times, Sagittarius. It’s been getting your voice heard. The other has been private- stimulated that your health may be taxed. Today’s energy to sorting out the issues concerning your critical for you to dismantle outgrown projections ly dealing with a variety of home issues. Today’s skies work to shift gears and get you more in sync forward career movement. Now, the cosmos believe and expectations in the partnership arena. Friday’s skies put an end to the latter story, you will now be with your feelings. you’re ready to tackle new terrain. skies push you to keep going deeper with this work. able to take creative actions to your problems.. CROSSWORD SUDOKU

YESTERDAY’S SOLUTION

C M Y K FRIDAY, APRIL 23, 2021 | 08 CULTURE & LIFESTYLE (C.R.P.D.) - 3/052/053 A little-known hotel in Lazimpat aims to become ‘the place’ for authentic Nepali dishes Shinee Norchhok’s food menu already serves a few unique dishes from Nepal’s far-west and now the establishment plans to take its food menu one notch higher by featuring dishes from across the country.

TSERING NGODUP LAMA present with the mushrooms are diced KATHMANDU carrot and onions. The next dish Khanal brings is the ucked away in one of Karnali Thali Set. According to Khanal, it Lazimpat’s quiet alleyways is is one of the more popular dishes on the Shinee Norchhok, a 13-room menu. Differentiating the Karnali Thali boutique hotel. Four months Set from other thali sets served in the ago, Shinee Hospitality, a hos- city’s restaurants is it comes with marsi pitality management group, rice, the hugely popular red rice grown in Ttook over what was Norchhok Boutique Karnali, instead of white rice. The set also Hotel and the property was given its cur- comes with a curry made from beans rent name. sourced from Karnali. Norchhok’s neighbours include some of “It’s a much healthier option compared Kathmandu’s renowned hotels. Radisson to your regular dal bhat thali,” says Hotel and Hotel Tibet are less than a min- Khanal. “It’s already popular among our ute walk away, and Shangri-La Hotel is more health conscious customers, and less than a kilometre away. given the rise of the healthy eating trend, I ask the property’s 24-year-old opera- we are very sure that the thali will only tions manager/executive chef Heaven get more popular.” Khanal about the competition. Khanal has big plans for the hotel’s new “Nepal’s hotel industry is a highly com- menu, and when done, the menu will, he petitive industry, which is a good thing. says, will be one of a kind in the city’s This forces us to stay on our toes and keep premium restaurant landscape. innovating and offering the best to our Khanal isn’t the one to divulge many customers,” says Khanal. details but insists that the menu will have One of the areas Khanal is focusing on familiar Nepali dishes like selroti but will to stay ahead of the competition is food, also feature lesser familiar regional dish- which, he says, he knows very well. es that are popular in the respective “My mother taught me cooking when I regions. was seven or eight and since both my par- “For example, Dolpo Aloo is one of the ents went to work, it was my responsibili- popular regional dishes that will feature ty to cook for my grandfather,” said in the new menu,” says Khanal. “For this Khanal. “But it was only after I began dish, we will be using potatoes grown in cooking professionally, which was during Dolpo. The potatoes from the region are the first year of my college, that I started more starchy than the ones available in falling in love with cooking. My first job the market right now. When cooked with was at an Italian restaurant where the spices from Dolpo, the taste of Dolpo owner/chef taught me a lot about Italian potatoes elevates to another level.” cuisine and that experience changed the POST PHOTOS: ANISH REGMI Khanal’s aspiration for making Shinee way I look at cooking forever.” The Karnali Thali Set, which is one of Shinee Norchhok’s more popular food offerings, comes with marsi rice, the hugely popular red rice grown in Karnali. Norchhok ‘the place’ for authentic cui- After leaving the Italian restaurant, sines from Nepal is a tall one given his Khanal went on to work at multiple res- international cuisines in their food menus cuisine using as many organic ingredi- soup isn’t very appetising to look at, but it, culinary experience so far has mainly taurants and a club in Kathmandu. He leaving out local cuisines,” said Khanal. ents as possible.” says Khanal, is packed with nutrition and centred around Italian and other interna- also spent a few months working at a hotel “We are now designing a new food menu The aim, says Khanal, is to have Shinee has a lot of health benefits. tional cuisines. in Singapore. for Norchhok, a menu that will feature Norchhok serve as a window to the diverse The stock, made from vegetables, is “I have a hardworking team and I know “The majority of Kathmandu’s leading international cuisines but at the same and exciting world of Nepali cuisine for light, and the small diced morel mush- that we can achieve the goals we have set hotels have placed a lot of emphasis on time focus very heavily on local Nepali the hotel’s foreign guests, and a place its room lends it a mild woody taste. Also for ourselves,” says Khanal. local guests trust for authentic and healthy Nepali dishes from various regions of the country. The menu, Khanal says, is already in the works and will be ready very soon. Given that the hotel’s existing food menu is very limited with just three pages, there’s no doubt a new, more extensive menu makes sense. The limited menu still features three local dishes, the two of which—Morel Mushroom Soup and Karnali Thali Set—are unlikely to be found in any other food menus in the city. Both these dishes have a connection with Nepal’s Karnali region and that con- nection is by no means an accident. The hotel’s owner is a well respected Buddhist master from Dolpa and the dish- es are a tribute to the owner’s birth region. “Morel mushroom is one of the most expensive mushrooms in the world. As far as we know, in Nepal, the mushroom is found only in Dolpa,” said Khanal. “We have been able to source it because our owner hails from the region.” Twenty-four-year-old Heaven Khanal is the hotel’s operations manager/executive chef. The brownish watery morel mushroom Shinee Norchhok has 13 rooms and a spacious garden for outdoor dining. Hong Kong robots help autistic children The robots have helped more than 1200 children improve their social skills.

REUTERS the Chinese University of Hong old daughter has been in the pro- HONG KONG Kong, says more than 1,200 chil- gramme for seven months and her dren have used the programme social and communicative skills Hong Kong profes- since its 2015 launch. have improved vastly. sor has developed “Individuals with autism have “She has started to have some an educational pro- low motivation to interact with degree of social life”, Wong said. gramme using others, and hypersensitivity to the After interacting with the role-playing robots world around them,” So said. “So robots, the children are encour- to help children we use the social robots to teach aged to try out their social skills withA autism improve their social them social skills in order to with a human tutor. skills, part of an initiative adopted reduce their anxiety.” More than 20 non-profit groups by non-profit groups and schools. The robots engage the children financed by governments and pub- The programme, Robot for with role-playing and verbal lic schools in Hong Kong and Autism Behavioural Intervention interaction. A typical class Macau have adopted the pro- (RABI), is designed for people with involves two small robots acting gramme. So hopes the project will autism between the ages of 3 and out social scenarios on a table top, help fight against exclusion. 18, and aims to help them be more helping the children see the differ- “We believe RABI can help chil- social and to resolve issues such ence between appropriate and dren with autism improve their as conflicts and bullying. unacceptable behaviour such as social and behavioural skills, and Catherine So, associate profes- tantrums or screaming. in turn enhance the quality of

sor of educational psychology at REUTERS Muse Wong, 41, said her 5-year- their life”, she said.

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