WITHOUT F EAR OR FAVOUR

Nepal’s largest selling English daily Vol XXVIII No. 312 | 8 pages | Rs.5 O O Printed simultaneously in , , Bharatpur and Nepalgunj 26.3 C -3.5 C Saturday, January 09, 2021 | 25-09-2077 Biratnagar Jumla Oli throws caution to the wind as he addresses a mass gathering Once again ignoring the fact that his December 20 move is sub judice in court, Oli says the House cannot be restored and urges all to prepare for elections.

ANIL GIRI winds. He flew to Dhangadhi, a town KATHMANDU, JAN 8 in the far west, to address a mass gath- ering as if he was on an election cam- After dissolving the House of paign. While addressing the pro- Representatives on December 20, KP gramme, Oli said the scheduled elec- Sharma Oli, who is now reduced to the tions will happen and there is no status of caretaker prime minister, chance of revival of the House. has thrown the country into a political “I urge all those who are opposing chaos and uncertainty. the House dissolution to read the con- His House dissolution move imme- stitution,” said Oli. “Some people did diately led to a split in his not allow me to work. I could not work Communist Party, with the other fac- for the nation. So I decided to go for a tion led by Pushpa Kamal Dahal and fresh mandate.” Madhav Kumar Nepal declaring a war Observers say Oli seems to have on him. Both the factions of the party completely lost the plot and is making have been engaged in a blame game— illogical statements, while ignoring and on most occasions, Oli has turned his primary responsibility. the conversation nasty and ugly. “The prime minister should focus Since December 20, Oli at a series of on his primary duty—that is govern- programmes has resorted to vitupera- ance. And he is not doing that,” said tion and insults while justifying his Krishna Pokhrel, a professor of politi- POST PHOTO: SANJOG MANANDHAR House dissolution move. cal science. “What he is doing is Before and after pictures of the Kathmandu valley seen from Halchowk. On the left, the Valley is seen covered in a thick layer of smog on Tuesday afternoon. On the right, the Valley has much Amid all this, Oli seems to have address a function believed to have cleaner air on Friday afternoon. On Monday, Kathmandu was reported to be the most polluted city in the world. completely forgotten the fact that as been attended by his followers. This is the executive he still has a job to do— absolutely uncalled for.” for the people and the country. In Oli’s After dissolving the House, Oli has Nepal, governance had never been a declared snap polls for April 30 and priority and since he fell out with his May 10. Seven held from Oli’s rivals in his party, governance has His House dissolution move has Concerns raised about foreign investment in totally taken a back seat. been described by constitutional On Friday, Oli, who has barely experts as extra-constitutional, as the event for wearing stepped out of Baluwatar in the last 10 constitution does not allow a majority agriculture, but it is needed, stakeholders say months given the pandemic and his prime minister to dissolve the House. t-shirts with slogans health condition, threw caution to the >> Continued on page 2 Amid fears that small farmers could be hit hard, officials demanding justice say 75 percent of such production must be exported and for Nirmala Pant the technology that will come along will be helpful. People who attended the function say they were not allowed to wear anything black, even caps or masks.

MOHAN BUDHAAIR DHANGADHI, JAN 8

Police on Friday arrested seven people in Dhangadhi for wearing t-shirts with slogans demanding justice for Nirmala Pant, receiving widespread criticism from various quarters. Pant, a 13-year-old girl from Kanchanpur, was raped and murdered in July 2018. Police are yet to find the perpetrator(s) of the heinous crime. Police rounded up the seven per- sons from a programme which was being addressed by Prime Minister KP POST FILE PHOTO Sharma Oli. The programme was Dhankuta farmers grow cabbage, primarily for export to India. organised by the (Oli faction). SANGAM PRASAIN & KRISHANA PRASAIN would narrow the country’s balloon- The seven persons who were arrest- KATHMANDU, JAN 8 ing trade deficit. ed by police were wearing t-shirts “But Nepal’s agriculture sector with the slogan “‘Where is Nirmala In December 2017, the National needs a massive investment to meet Pant’s rapist?”. Planning Commission held a discus- the export demand. Our agriculture DSP Pratik Bista, who is also the sion with Qatari officials on short- based on traditional methods cannot spokesperson for and medium-term opportunities to even feed our population,” said an Police Office, confirmed the arrests. export for Nepali agricultural pro- official at the ministry who did not “Seven individuals have been duce to Qatar as countries of the Gulf wish to be named. arrested due to security concerns,” Cooperation Council imposed a block- “Nepal’s agriculture needs a drastic said Bista. “They have been detained ade on the natural gas-rich nation. shift from traditional farming to for questioning.” The Qatari government had asked mechanisation. And for this foreign He, however, did not explain how Nepal whether it can export organic investment is necessary.” wearing t-shirts with slogans demand- foods--particularly green vegetables But now the government has decid- ing justice for a girl who was raped and dairy products--on a long term ed to open Nepal’s agriculture sec- and murdered more than two and a basis that would be worth over $2 bil- tor—primary production—for foreign half years ago posed a security threat. lion annually. direct investment by allowing 100 per- Journalists, activists and others The planning commission, the apex cent of investment. At present foreign took to social media to criticise the Oli body that frames the government’s investment is allowed only in process- administration for violating people’s development policies and pro- ing of farm products. fundamental rights guaranteed by the grammes, was just clueless about the Ironically, the decision comes as the constitution. “Dear Prime Minister, Qatari government’s proposal as there blockade on Qatar has been lifted. have you dissolved Article 17(2) of the is no commercial farming in Nepal at “The move [allowing FDI in agricul- fundamental rights which guarantee such a scale. ture] is aimed at creating a positive freedom to assemble peacefully?” Subsequently, the Ministry of impact on export trade,” said Narayan Ameet Dhakal, editor-in-chief of Agriculture and Livestock Prasad Regmi, joint-secretary at Setopati, a digital news portal, wrote Development decided to hold talks Ministry of Industry, Commerce and on Twitter. “If not, why were youths with private traders and producers Supplies. wearing t-shirts with the slogan whether they could meet some of the “It will help increase agricultural ‘Where is Nirmala Pant’s rapist?’ demand. production, enhance productivity arrested from your programme?” There is where the matter rested: on through the latest technology in >> Continued on page 2 the table. Nepal’s agriculture sector that has The demand for organic vege- underperformed despite a good geo- tables and spices in the Gulf graphical location,” Regmi said. Cooperation Council countries— Sections of the agriculture sector Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, have already opposed the government Saudi Arabia and the United decision. Arab Emirates—as well as India On Tuesday Nepal Dairy and Bangladesh is so high that it Association, Dairy Industry cannot be met by small ship- Association, Central Livestock ments, according to an official at Rearing Association, Nepal Fisheries the ministry. Association and Central Dairy Officials estimate that Nepal Producers Association jointly organ- has the potential to export ised a press meet criticising the gov- agriculture products worth over ernment’s unilateral move. $5 billion annually and this >> Continued on page 2

C M Y K SATURDAY, JANUARY 09, 2021 | 02 NATIONAL Oli throws caution to the wind ... Women hit by pandemic, >> Continued from page 1 prepare for elections. gatherings. But even if the constitution allowed Experts on constitutional affairs “He was not even going to his office it, as per parliamentary practices, he last week told the Post that Oli’s such in Singha Durbar,” said Pun, who is should have resigned—only to be des- claims were objectionable as he was currently with the Nepal Communist ignated to oversee elections as a care- speaking on a matter that is sub judice Party (Dahal-Nepal faction), insinuat- domestic violence at high taker prime minister. He has not in court despite him being a party to ing that Oli never had any interest in resigned. On top of that, Oli’s House the case. governance. dissolution move has been contested Oli’s close confidante Subas Oli held most of his Cabinet meet- in the court of law. Until the court Nembang has so far not spoken a word ings over the past year from Baluwatar. passes a final verdict, it’s unclear if on Oli’s move, saying that the case is The reasons given were his health risk of trafficking the country has headed for the polls. If sub judice and that the constitution condition and the Covid-19 pandemic. the court overturns Oli’s decision and “does not allow” him to speak on a Oli underwent his second kidney restores the House, there will be no matter being dealt with by the court. transplant on March 4 last year. Traffickers have been using the Jamunaha border in Banke to smuggle girls and women to elections on the declared dates. Nembang lately has received wide- His government has also faced “It’s strange that the prime minister spread criticism for failing to speak massive criticism for making a spec- India on the pretext of sending them abroad for jobs, anti-trafficking officials say. has turned his focus to elections when up on Oli’s House dissolution move, as tacular bungling in handling of the the matter is sub judice in the Supreme he is the one who in 2019 had made pandemic. According to the Nepalgunj branch Court,” said Pokhrel. public statements that the present The pandemic threat is not over yet of Maiti Nepal, as many as 14 women On Friday evening, four former constitution does not allow a in the country. who were heading to the Gulf country Supreme Court justices said Oli’s prime minister to dissolve the House. As of Friday, the number of Covid- through India have been rescued from move of dissolving the House is As a leader who chaired the 19 cases in the country stood at 264,159, Jamunaha border point in the past unconstitutional. Constituent Assembly twice, with 554 new infections reported over two weeks. Eight women were rescued Issuing a statement, former chief Nembang, who is a lawyer also, is the last 24 hours. Covid-19 has claimed in January while six were rescued in justices Min Bahadur Rayamajhi, known as a person with “great under- 1,909 lives so far, with six new deaths the last week of December. Anup Raj Sharma, Kalyan Shrestha standing” of the constitution. in the past 24 hours. Most of the rescued women are and Sushila Karki said that the Going by Nembang’s argument that Surya Thapa, Oli’s press adviser, from Sindhupalchok, Kavre, Articles that have been cited [by the the constitution does not allow him to however, said the prime minister has Makwanpur, Dhading, Bhojpur, Oli government] for the dissolution of speak on a matter under the court’s “followed all the safety protocols” Kapilvastu, Tanahun, Lamjung, the House don’t allow the prime consideration, that should, however, while attending all the meetings and Chitwan among other districts. minister to do so. be applicable to Oli as well. gatherings. “The women who attempted to cross The Office of the President on Article 105 under the title “First there is no lockdown. Second, the border did not have any docu- December 20 said that the House “Restriction on discussion” states that cases of Covid-19 have drastically ments required for foreign employ- “has been dissolved pursuant to “no discussion shall be held in either come down,” Thapa told the Post. ment. The women did not know where Articles 76 (1) and 76 (7) and 85 of the House of the federal parliament on “And the prime minister has main- POST PHOTO: MADHU SHAHI they were going,” said Koirala. constitution. any matters that may cause adverse tained the prescribed social distanc- According to Maiti Nepal, as many as 14 women who were heading to the Gulf countries According to him, the rescued “Article 76 of Nepal’s constitution effect on the dispensation of justice on ing and followed the required Covid-19 through India have been rescued from Jamunaha border point in the past two weeks. women, aged between 22 to 45 years, does not have any provision for dis- any cases which are sub judice in any protocols.” will be sent back to their families. solving the House unless for the pur- courts of Nepal and on any judicial Thapa defended Oli on the govern- MADHU SHAHI Gulf country thereon. “The women and girls who are pose of forming a Council of acts done by judges in the course of ance front saying that the deputy BANKE, JAN 8 But she did not have the necessary hugely affected due to the pandemic Ministers,” said the justices. “But the performance of their duties.” prime minister is there to look after documents required to travel to a for- are at high risk of trafficking. Women House of Representatives is found to Constitutional experts have accused the prime minister’s office. A woman from Sindhupalchok district eign country for employment. So was who find themselves in a financial have been dissolved citing the same Oli of trying to influence the court by Thapa, however, could not provide was rescued by the officials of Maiti stopped at the border unit on suspi- crisis are found taking risks to go Article.” repeatedly saying from different plat- any answer to how Oli had put thou- Nepal, an social organisation working cions of being a victim to human abroad even illegally. But they don’t The Constitutional Bench of the forms that the House cannot be resort- sands of people who attended Friday’s in the field of anti-human trafficking, trafficking. know the risks involved. Going to Supreme Court is hearing as many as ed and that all should prepare for programme at the risk of contracting in Nepalgunj, Banke on January 1. According to Maiti Nepal, she was India to fly to a Gulf country without 13 writs against House dissolution. elections. the virus. The woman in her early forties was rescued along with five other women necessary documents is risky and Observers say elections on the dates Barsha Man Pun, who was a minis- Doctors say Oli is among the people on her way to the Gulf country, as while they were being smuggled into they can become victims to human declared by the Oli government are ter in the Oli Cabinet until December in the high risk group because of his assured by her agent, through India. India. trafficking,” said Koirala. possible only if the court approves the 20, said it’s strange that Oli who was age and the second kidney transplan- She learned that she was being sent Keshav Koirala, Nepalgunj coordi- Human traffickers have been using decision to dissolve the House. And never interested to attend party meet- tation and negligence could be costly. abroad illegally only after she was nator of the organisation, said that the Jamunha border to take the for- with the decision pending, Oli should ings is now suddenly so active that he “Apart from the risk of coronavirus rescued from Jamunaha border point. human traffickers have been luring eign job aspirants to India illegally. refrain from organising and address- has been addressing gatherings one infection, he is also at risk of other “My husband has been rendered women hit hardest by the pandemic According to the data available at the ing election-like gatherings, according after another. infections,” Dr Sher Bahadur Pun, jobless by the Covid-19 pandemic. Now and gender-related violence. Nepalgunj branch of the Maiti Nepal, to them. Last time Oli went out of chief of Clinical Research Unit at he has taken to alcohol. He idles away A 35-year-old woman from a total of 267 India-bound women and Oli has addressed at least three Kathmandu was on November 11 Sukraraj Tropical and Infectious at the village drunk and comes home was also rescued girls were rescued in 2020 in suspicion gatherings in Kathmandu after the when he visited Sankhuwasabha. Diseases Hospital, told the Post. and beats me,” she said. “I have to live on the same day. She was also running of possible human trafficking. Nepal Communist Party split follow- After inspecting some project sites, “Taking part in assemblies and gath- in poverty and violence. That’s why I away from poverty after she separated “It is difficult to conduct a success- ing the December 20 House dissolu- Oli addressed a mass gathering there erings is too risky in the time of the decided to go for foreign employment.” with her husband. “My husband and I ful rescue operation once the victims tion. In all those programmes, he has as well, even though the local adminis- pandemic. Elderly people and others According to her, she came to have separated. I could see no way I have crossed the border. So we try our made claims that the House cannot be tration had issued a prohibitory who have pre-existing conditions must Nepalgunj with an acquaintance could make a living in the village so I best to stop such incidents at the bor- restored and urged all supporters to order and asked all not to hold mass take precautions.” expecting to go to India and fly to the decided to go abroad,” said the woman. der” said Koirala. Seven held from Oli’s event for wearing ... >> Continued from page 1 Twitter. “Arresting citizens who were peacefully protesting Dhakal used the term “dissolved” in reference to Oli’s demanding punishment for perpetrators is against demo- December 20 move of dissolving the House of cratic norms and values. I demand their immediate release.” Representatives, for which he has received widespread crit- “This is too much. Has the autocratic rule begun?...”, icism, with experts on constitutional affairs calling it wrote another user on Twitter. unconstitutional. Despite being elected from the ballot box, Oli has on many Even more than two and a half years after Pant was raped occasions displayed his authoritarian impulses, at times and murdered, the Oli government has failed to nab the through his administration’s moves of centralising power culprits. While the investigation was going on, Oli, on the while other times through some of the bills, including the other hand, had made some public statements, which many Media Council Bill and Information Technology Bill. said were uncalled for as they could have influenced the “This by far is the most absurd and sickening step taken! ongoing probe. If you are NOT ALLOWED to question but ALLOWED mass Oli’s ministers too have in the past made some irrespon- gathering then yes, throw this current government headed sible remarks—at times saying the guilty had been identi- by PM Oli out,” tweeted another user after the seven people fied and would soon be arrested—even when investigation were arrested in Dhangadhi. was yet to be completed. People who attended Friday’s programme said the organ- Ever since coming to power, Oli has shown little care for isers, who were members of the Oli-led Nepal Communist issues like civil liberties and individual freedoms and often- Party, did not allow them even to wear anything black, times used the state machinery to curtail public voices. including caps, masks and shawls. On December 2, last year, the Oli administration was “I did not understand why people were not even allowed accused of brazenly using security forces to arrest Nepali to wear a Bhadgaule cap,” said Siddaraj Bhathha. “A cap can Congress leader Ram Chandra Poudel. After the seven per- be of any colour. I don’t understand why the government is sons’ arrest in Dhangadhi on Friday, Congress President afraid of black caps.” condemned the act. Harka Kala Saud of Dhangadhi-5, who attended the pro- “The act of arresting youths who asked for justice by gramme, said she was even asked to remove her black wearing t-shirts with the slogan ‘Where is Nirmala Pant’s shawl. POST PHOTO: ELITE JOSHI rapist?’ in Dhangadi is condemnable,” Deuba wrote on “I didn’t see the need for such actions,” she said. Workers have lunch at the reconstruction site of Bhimsen Temple at Mangalbazaar, Lalitpur on Friday. Concerns raised about foreign investment in agriculture, but it is needed ... >> Continued from page 1 would not create a bigger impact on Meanwhile, farmers like Poudel Agriculture Ministry officials say But other farmers are not as enthu- Under the existing monetary policy, Radha Krishna Sapkota, president the economy. would welcome international players that among three geographical belts-- siastic about the decision to allow for- commercial banks are required to dis- of Nepal Dairy Association, said that “We need mass production that will in the market. Tarai, hills and mountain, Nepal has eign direct investment in agriculture. burse minimum 10 percent of their foreign investment in the primary create jobs and increase the income of “The entry of FDI in the farm sector huge tracts of underutilised land in Nawaraj Basnet, president of the total credit to the agriculture sector production is not acceptable. farmers,” Poudel told the Post. “The will benefit dairy farmers as they will the hills where millions of tonnes of Federation of National Farmers’ but it has not visibly impacted the “We are close to becoming self-suffi- entry of multinational companies will get a premium price for their prod- organic fruits and vegetables can be Groups, said the government decision sector as private sector investment in cient in dairy, poultry and fisheries make Nepali products competitive in uct,” Poudel added. produced. is not in favour of small farmers. agriculture is very low. and the government is allowing for- foreign markets.” It is not only for dairy but all Nepali They say that “It will impact small farmers as While the minimum threshold for eigners to produce and sell,” Sapkota He also rubbished dairy entrepre- farm produce that Poudel thinks will alone can produce apples to the scale their production will not get the mar- foreign direct investment in other sec- said. neurs’ fears that Nepali farmers will have a huge market with foreign invest- that meets the South Asian demand. ket,” he told the Post. “Technology tors is just Rs50 million, in the agri- According to Sapkota, the private be adversely impacted. ment as it would bring the technology But instead, due to the shortfall in will replace employment.” culture sector it is Rs500 million, as dairy sector has investment of more There is no reason to criticise the necessary to increase production. production, Nepal’s import of agricul- Whether foreign investment will per the new provision. than Rs30 billion, providing employ- entry of FDI because in the dairy sec- “The export potential of Nepali tural products has been growing at an create jobs or not is also a concern of Economist Jagdish Chandra ment for 30,000 people with 600,000 tor Nepal has been facing “milk holi- farm products is huge in the global alarming rate to meet domestic needs. Krishna Poudel, an agriculture expert. Pokharel said that it is important to farmer families directly associated day”--when farmers throw tonnes of market,” he said. “The existing pro- According to the Department of “My question is will foreign invest- push the country’s agriculture sector with it. milk on the road--quite frequently duction methods would not make the Customs, Nepal’s agricultural goods ment create employment, increase the to the next level through investment, “There is no lack of capital in the because farmers are not getting mar- country self-sufficient and exporting import bill crossed an all-time high of income of farmers and stop Nepalis but it should be assessed properly if sector and new dairy industries are ket for their produce, according to them is a far cry.” Rs250 billion in the fiscal year 2019-20 from going abroad for jobs,” he said. foreign investment will bring visible using the latest technology and we are Poudel. Studies have corroborated Poudel’s as a result of the country’s import-pro- Agriculture entrepreneurs say that changes to the agriculture sector. 80 percent self-reliant on dairy prod- Nepal’s private dairy sector has view. Nepal’s vegetable export poten- moting policies, high production costs due to the lack of investment, Nepal’s To scale up production of cash ucts,” Sapkota told the Post. been against any government plan tial largely remains untapped, accord- here and change in consumer behav- agriculture sector holds no charm to crops like tea, coffee and cardamom to “Therefore, there is no need for for- that could be a potential threat to their ing to a study by the South Asia Watch iour, among other factors. attract youths and as a result thou- the next level, further investment and eign investment in the dairy sector.” business. on Trade, Economics and Environment. While the country’s overall imports sands of young people are forced to technology are needed, Pokharel told But officials argue that this fear is In 2013 and 2017 when the Dairy The report said that both the public dropped by 15.63 percent to Rs1.19 tril- migrate abroad for jobs. the Post. unfounded as the amendment to Development Corporation made plans and private sectors had not made seri- lion in the last fiscal year, due to the Pawan Golyan, chairman of Golyan “But there are basic sectors like Foreign Investment and Technology to enter the market in , the ous efforts to promote Nepal’s prod- Covid-19 related restrictions, agricul- Group, one of the leading private sec- those related to food security where Transfer Act, 2019 (FITTA) clearly private sector launched a protest ucts globally. Investment is the major tural goods imports continued to tor enterprises, said that foreign investment should not be allowed,” he says 75 percent of the produce through against the plans and the government hiccup. increase. The share of agro products direct investment is of utmost impor- said. With the law for foreign direct foreign investment has to be exported. entity had to back out. Nepal’s eastern hill districts have in the total import bill has swelled to tance for Nepal’s agriculture sector. investment in place, and voices of “Since 75 percent of the produced India’s world famous Amul brand been exporting thousands of tonnes 21 percent. “Investment is lacking in all areas. caution being raised against it, poul- goods should be exported, it will not that produces dairy products has long of cabbage to India as demand for In comparison, the agricultural From agro processing industry to try farmers, a sector of agriculture impact small farmers,” Regmi said. wanted to come to Nepal but efforts organic vegetables continues to grow. goods imports bill in 2009-10 was just technology, Nepal lags in all areas,” where Nepal is self-sufficient, howev- As per the amendment, foreign have been thwarted by the dairy lobby. Because of the favourable climate and Rs 44.43 billion, growing almost six said Golyan, who has leased 200 bighas er welcome the move. investment is allowed in animal hus- “Amul India has huge interest in the fertility of the soil, farmers in the times in 10 years. (50 hectares) of land in Jhapa for com- “It’s not bad at all. Foreign invest- bandry and livestock, fisheries, bee- Nepal and last year the government eastern hill districts do not use much According to Ojha, agricultural pro- mercial agriculture production. ment will bring technology to increase keeping, vegetables and fruits produc- stepped back from its decision to bring chemical fertilisers and pesticides to duction needs to be increased by The Golyan group, which entered productivity and that’s important as tion, pulses, oil seeds, dairy business the company to Nepal following the grow vegetables commercially. allowing foreign investment in the the agriculture sector just a few years well,” said Guna Chandra Bista, presi- and other primary crops production. pressure from the private sector,” said In a recent interview with the Post, sector and the increased production ago with an investment of around dent of the Poultry Federation of Sashi Poudel, a farmer from Sapkota. Laxman Bhattarai, manager of the would help substitute for ballooning Rs1.5 billion, already has a long-term Nepal. Tilottama Municipality, Rupandehi Former commerce secretary Agricultural Commodity Market imports. export agreement with countries like Such increase in productivity will welcomed the government’s decision Purusottam Ojha is not surprised by Management Committee, , Ironically, Nepal is an agricultural the United Arab Emirates. ultimately benefit the consumer, to allow foreign direct investment in such an argument. said the value of the cabbage exported country, still employing 60 percent of “We don’t even have basic infra- according to former secretary Ojha. the primary production activities. “The private sector in Nepal itself to India annually alone stands at the population and contributing 27 structure like agro processing plants “Allowing the FDI will make prod- Poudel, who rears 550 cows at his is preventing FDI and their longstand- around Rs500 million. percent to the country’s GDP. and cold and dry storage. To trans- ucts cheaper and ultimately benefit farm in southern Tarai plains, said ing cartel in the market remains But what is exported is just a tiny “But unfortunately, we are not able form the traditional farming system, consumers,” he said. “On the other foreign investment is necessary intact,” Ojha told the Post. “It’s a basic fraction of export compared to the to produce even enough onion, garlic, we need huge investment and technol- hand, it will enhance the performance because small investment, with limit- market principle: only those who can potential Nepal’s hills and mountain chilli to meet the domestic needs,” ogy. And that’s only possible through of domestic industries and make them ed resources and traditional methods, compete will survive in the market.” regions hold, according to officials. said Poudel, the farmer. foreign investment,” said Golyan. competitive.”

C M Y K 03 | SATURDAY, JANUARY 09, 2021 NATIONAL Congress in driver’s seat as power play begins in provinces Both factions of Nepal Communist Party need backing of opposition party to further their cause in the provinces.

TIKA R PRADHAN “I think discussions on the no-confi- KATHMANDU, JAN 8 dence motion will begin after a week when the winter session of the provin- A vertical split in the Nepal cial assemblies in Province 1 and Communist Party triggered by Prime Bagmati begin,” said Shalikram Minister KP Sharma Oli’s move to Jammarkattel, former minister of dissolve the House of Representatives who filed the has now put the spotlight on the main no-confidence motion against Chief opposition, the Nepali Congress. Minister Dormani Paudel. “We are Both factions of the ruling Nepal trying to forge new alliances both at POST PHOTO: RAJ BAHADUR SHAHI Communist Party now need the sup- the provincial and central level, but an Mountains surrounding Rara Lake in Mugu district are covered in snow after the area had its first rainfall of the season in the past few days. port of the party, which suffered a alliance hasn’t taken its full shape.” massive drubbing at the hands of the Meanwhile, in Lumbini, Chief Left Alliance during the parliamenta- Minister Shankar Pokhrel’s govern- ry, provincial, and local elections. ment will be reduced to a minority Although the Grand Old Party, status after assembly members from which has been hitting the streets the Dahal-Nepal faction withdraw BRIEFING Illegal wildlife trade finds a new against the dissolution of Parliament, their support to the government. has been non-committal, members of Pokhrel claims he has the backing of the Oli faction are confident the party 41 members in the 87-strong provin- Three injured in explosion will support the prime minister’s fac- cial assembly. tion of the ruling party. To topple Pokhrel’s government, all KAVRE: Three people were injured in a marketplace—social media “During our meeting with the prime parties represented in the assembly gas tank explosion at Banepa Ward minister a week ago, he told us that an need to forge an alliance. The Dahal- No. 13 on Friday. Yogendra Timalsina, agreement has been reached with Nepal faction holds 20 seats in the inspector at the Area Police Office in Traders are turning to social media to reach out to potential customers to sell wild Nepali Congress President Sher assembly, the Nepali Congress 19, Banepa, said the tank of Bahadur Deuba to save provincial gov- Janata Samajbadi Party 6, and Gaurishankar Gas Udhyog exploded animals for their meat and to be kept as pets, in the domestic market. ernments being run by Oli’s allies,” Rashtriya Janamorcha 1. due to a leakage. “Three workers of CHANDAN KUMAR MANDAL sure whether the meat on offer is of a ing across the country. For instance, said Sita Poudel, a leader of All Nepal The situation is similar in Gandaki the industry were injured in the KATHMANDU, JAN 8 wild boar,” said Khanal. “Species like monkeys are sold in western Nepal for Women’s Association, considered a with Chief Minister Prithvi Subba blast,” he said. The injured are tortoise are also being sold in such their meat and for making local alco- close Oli ally. “If the prime minister Gurung getting the backing of 27 of receiving treatment at Scheer People buying groceries, electronic groups.” hol and medicine,” said Acharya, the hadn’t reached such an agreement the 60 assembly members. The Dahal- Memorial Hospital in Banepa. gadgets, dresses and books, online has According to Khanal, generally, conservationist. with Deuba, the Nepali Congress Nepal faction has 13 seats, the Nepali become common these days with the youths are found to be involved in “Then the meat of wild boar and would have held massive street pro- Congress has 15, Rashtriya Demand for police posts in availability of the internet and social such activities. kalij pheasant is easily advertised and media. “I have even found a pangolin on sold in restaurants in cities like Nigalpani and Dal Singhe But the internet has also become a sale. And, I have also captured a photo Kathmandu and Pokhara. The law has ROLPA: The District Security place for trade in illegal items, includ- of an elongated tortoise, an endan- listed only 26 mammals as protected Committee in Rolpa is planning to ing wild animals, their body parts and gered species being sold through ones. But that does not mean the establish police posts in Nigalpani meat. Several pages and groups on social media.” remaining animals can be killed or and Dal Singhe, the two main border Facebook have been found to be active- The trade in wildlife parts may be sold easily in the market.” points in the district. Superintendent ly involved in such a trade. taking place easily and in the open, Even though hotels and restaurants of Police Naresh Raj Subedi said, “It According to wildlife conservation- but such practices are against the law. claim to be serving dishes made of is necessary to establish police posts ists, traders are using social media officials say. wild boar meat, it is illegal to do so. in Nigalpani and Dal Singhe to main- sites to sell various mammals, rep- Nepal’s wildlife conservation law Last year, the government came up tain security in the district. We have tiles, and birds. This is a worrying with a new rule that allows farmers to also informed the provincial and fed- trend, they say. kill wild boars if they damaged their eral security agencies about the deci- “Traders are using several pages crops. However, doing so requires sion.” and groups on social media to sell wild Even a cursory compliance with a host of conditions. animals’ meat,” said Raju Acharya, a Facebook search As of now, the only place where wildlife conservationist. “That such animals can be hunted is the Tatopani border to be closed for trade is going on shows that protected reveals how animals Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve where 20 days to repair Miteri bridge species are being hunted and captured permission can be obtained to hunt illegally.” are being traded. for Himalayan blue sheep (naur) and POST FILE PHOTO SINDHUPALCHOK: Tatopani border, the According to Acharya, the most Himalayan tahr (jharal) after paying As many as 45 members of the Bagmati Provincial Assembly have registered a Nepal-China border point in commonly traded species killed for the park its fees. no-confidence motion against Chief Minister Dormani Poudel, one of Oli’s close allies. Sindhupalchok, is going to be closed their meat are wild boars, kalij pheas- does not allow the killing or injuring, “Even keeping wild animals and for 20 days starting from January 20. ants, barking deer, red junglefowl, and selling, or buying and selling of wild birds as pets is not permissible by tests,” she added. Janamorcha has 3 and Janata Lal Bahadur Khatri, the customs monkeys. animals and their parts, except under law,” said Acharya. No-confidence motions have so far Samajbadi has 2. An alliance encom- officer of Tatopani, said, “The “Most of the animals are traded official permission. The fifth amendment to the been registered against chief minis- passing all parties, except for the Oli Chinese side is going to close the bor- online for their meat,” said Acharya, Haribhadra Acharya, spokesperson National Park and Wildlife ters of two provinces while various faction, can only topple Gurung’s gov- der from January 20 to repair the also the executive director of Friends for the Department of National Park Conservation Rules introduced a pro- parties are attempting to forge an alli- ernment. Miteri bridge. We are yet to receive of Nature Nepal, a youth-led non-gov- and Wildlife Conservation, said that vision to grant permission to a person ance to topple the government in two However, there are fears that Prime an official letter from them.” ernmental organisation working in as per the National Park Wildlife or entity for commercial farming and other provinces. Minister Oli might get fed up with the the field of environment and wildlife Conservation Act, 1973, no one can kill reproduction of various wild mam- Bagmati Province was the first to equations in the provinces and decide 107kg hashish seized in Birgunj conservation. “If this is happening in or injure, or even sell a wild animal. mals, reptiles, and amphibians. But witness the ripple effects of the par- to dissolve all the assemblies and broad daylight on social media, we can “The department keeps getting the law hasn’t been implemented. ty’s split as 45 members of the provin- announce fresh elections at the pro- PARSA: A joint team of Province 2 infer that efforts by concerned author- complaints that people are taking to “Until then, our laws do not allow cial assembly registered a no-confi- vincial level as well. The prime minis- police and the District Police Office ities to control poaching of wild ani- social media to sell wild animals and trade in any wild bird or animal,” said dence motion against Chief Minister ter, and ministers Shiva Maya in Parsa arrested a man in possession mals have not been adequate.” their parts. Even last fiscal year, we Khanal. “But common birds like par- Dormani Poudel, a close ally of the Tumbahangphe and Lekhraj Bhatta of a large quantity of hashish from Even a cursory search on Facebook, issued a notice after there were rots are ignored by local forest offi- prime minister, on December 25. The have already hinted that the provin- Birgunj on Wednesday night. Rabin reveals several posts and pages that reports that wild animals were being cials and security forces as well, until second casualty was Chief Minister of cial assemblies could be dissolved if Tamanag, 34, of Thaha Municipality provide details on how one can buy sold on social media for their meat,” and unless someone files a complaint.” Province 1 Sherdhan Rai, against opponents try to topple governments in Makwanpur was arrested with wild animals for consumption or to said Acharya. “Most of the time, such For Acharya, the conservationist, whom 37 assembly members regis- in the provinces. 107kg hashish, police said. According keep as pets. incidents are happening because the the buying and selling of wildlife tered a no-confidence motion on “As Oli accepted federalism only to Manojit Kunwar, DSP of the Chiranjeevi Khanal, another wild- members of the public are unaware of using social media platforms pose a December 27. after he was dragged into it, he District Police Office in Makwanpur, life conservationist, who closely fol- the consequences of their actions.” new challenge to protect the country’s Now with both the provincial does not have the feeling of ownership Tamang was driving a container load- lows such trade on social media, said However, according to conserva- valuable wildlife. “While existing assemblies preparing for their winter of the system,” said Rajendra ed with hashish from Makwanpur to birds like parrots are the most com- tionists, such practices are going on wildlife trade routes are used for session to start on January 20, both Maharjan, a political analyst. “So it Birgunj. A detailed investigation in mon ones to be sold on social media. unabated in different parts of the smuggling wildlife parts abroad, the factions of the ruling party have been won’t be wise to provoke such a person the case is on, local police officials “We can also see many posts on wild country, even in Kathmandu. internet is being used to create a busy trying to garner support for their who does not follow the constitution,” said. boar meat. However, no one knows for “Trade in wild animals is happen- domestic market.” cause. he added. Former chief justices speak out Thamel to now focus on domestic visitors Businesses should provide affordable services, but not compromise on standards, experts say. against dissolution of House ANUP OJHA KATHMANDU, JAN 8 POST REPORT KATHMANDU, JAN 8 Although the adminis- tration allowed night businesses in Thamel At a time when the Supreme Court is testing the to resume last month, the once happening constitutionality of the House dissolution, four place still wears a deserted look, and entre- former chief justices have said the Constitution of preneurs are incurring heavy losses. Nepal doesn’t allow the KP Sharma Oli government Now, with the looming threat of the new to dissolve the House of Representatives. and more contagious variant of coronavi- The retired chief justices made a joint statement rus spreading around the world, business on Friday while the Supreme Court is still undecid- owners in Thamel doubt foreign tourists ed which bench should handle the writ petitions will return a year or two. filed against the House dissolution as recommended Keeping this in mind, Thamel Tourism by the Oli Cabinet. Development Council, Kathmandu In the statement issued in the name of Former Metropolitan City, and tourism entrepre- Chief Justices’ Group, Min Bahadur Rayamajhi, neurs have decided to work together to pro- Anup Raj Sharma, Kalyan Shrestha and Sushila mote domestic tourism in the area. Karki say the Articles that have been cited for the “Most Nepalis think that Thamel is only dissolution of the House don’t empower the prime for tourists,” said Rajeshwor Gyawali, chief minister to do so. administrative officer at Kathmandu “Article 76 of Nepal’s constitution does not Metropolitan City. “But that is not the case, have any provision for dissolving the House and we want to show that to the local peo- unless for the purpose of forming a council of min- ple,” said Gyawali. isters but the House of Representatives is found to Under the initiative, Thamel is to be POST PHOTO: SANJOG MANANDHAR have been dissolved by the article that cannot be rebranded as an affordable and safe place to A bartender serves drinks at a night club in Thamel, Kathmandu. attracted to the act,” the former chief justices hang out and even stay at night, officials stated. say. Local businesses are to provide their who come to Nepal visit Thamel, Kishor Thapa, a former government sec- Though Oli’s decision to dissolve the House has products and services at discounted rates where thousands of people work in retary, and an urban planning expert, who divided public opinion sharply, major political par- POST FILE PHOTO for domestic tourists. businesses serving tourists before they was also secretary at the tourism ministry ties Nepali Congress, the Nepal Communist Party Former justices Anup Raj Sharma (bottom left), Min “The idea is to make Thamel a centre of return home. during Tourism Year 2011, said the plan to (Dahal-Nepal) faction and Janata Samajbadi Party Bahadur Rayamajhi (top left), Kalyan Shrestha (top right) attraction for local people. We are already The council’s report shows that of the attract domestic visitors to Thamel is a have already held a round of protests across the and Sushila Karki. coordinating with the local government 10,000 businesses in Thamel, over 700 shut good idea. “But they should be able to win country. and entrepreneurs to do so,” said down last year. According to the Covid-19 the confidence of people. Hoteliers should “The action taken flouting the important change direction. They have drawn the attention of all Bhabishwor Sharma, vice-president of the Tourism Business Disaster Committee’s provide affordable rooms with hygienic in the present constitution made to ensure stability those concerned to ensure that such an act is not council. report, 270 travel and tour agencies, cloth- food,” said Thapa. in the House of Representatives and the govern- repeated in the future for the sake of democracy, Before the nationwide lockdown was ing shops, curio shops, restaurants, and He, however, said that the hotels should ment should be taken as an unusual political and rule of law and development in the country and to imposed in March last year, Thamel used to hotels have shut down as of July. not compromise on their standards.” They constitutional impasse,” they stated. work a way out of the current impasse. see around 3,000 tourists every day. While “Around 80,000 people who worked in should roll out new ideas, keep the area The former chief justices also stressed that none “If we allow deviations against the constitution some came for shopping, and others came to Thamel are jobless now. Thamel can sur- clean and improve the safety of the place so of the contemporary incidents or situations can while implementing it, any of the provisions could experience the place. According to the vive only if we attract domestic visitors,” that visitors are comfortable to go there,” change the basic spirit of the constitution or its be misused,” the former chief justices stated. Nepal Tourism Board, 80 percent of tourists said Gyawali. said Thapa.

C M Y K SATURDAY, JANUARY 09, 2021 | 04 WORLD BRIEFING Pfizer study suggests vaccine Kim vows to improve Radical cleric linked to Bali bombings released ties with outside world BOGOR: Indonesia released from pris- works against virus variant on on Friday Islamic cleric Abu Bakar Bashir, as authorities said the Antibodies from vaccine recipients successfully fend off the virus in lab dishes. suspected mastermind of the 2002 at party meeting Bali bombings would enter a deradi- calisation programme amid concerns EU nod to extract more ASSOCIATED PRESS over his continued influence in SEOUL, JAN 8 extremist circles. Bashir was picked shots from Pfizer vaccine up by his family and was being driv- North Korean leader Kim Jong Un en to his home in central Java, said a BRUSSELS: Europe’s medicines regula- stressed the need to drastically spokeswoman for the corrections tor gave the go ahead on Friday for an improve his nation’s ties with the out- directorate general at the law and extra sixth dose to be extracted from side world as he addressed a major human rights ministry. Photographs Pfizer-BioNTech Covid-19 vaccine political conference for the third day. showed him wearing a white robe, vials, increasing the number of State media said Kim also reviewed white cap and a face mask as he left available shots at a time when sup- relations with rival South Korea the prison in Bogor, south of Jakarta. plies are short. but didn’t explain what steps he said REUTERS “Abu Bakar Bashir was released from EU countries started inoculating he wanted to take. Observers have Kim Jong Un Gunung Sindur prison at 5.30 am,” people with the Pfizer-BioNTech vac- expected Kim to use the first congress spokeswoman Rika Aprianti told cine two weeks ago, after the European of the ruling Workers’ Party in five President Donald Trump, which reporters, adding that he was healthy Medicines Agency (EMA) recom- years to send conciliatory gestures awarded him long-desired legitimacy on his departure. mended the shot’s conditional approv- toward Seoul and Washington as he on the world stage. He also met al under an authorisation which faces deepening economic troubles Chinese, Russian, South Korean and allows five doses to be extracted from at home. other world leaders. But as his diplo- Korean court orders Japan to each vial. “EMA’s human medicines In his speech on the third day of the macy with Trump stalled and the coro- compensate former sex slaves committee (CHMP) has recommended meeting Thursday, Kim “declared the navirus forced him to close his coun- SEOUL: A South Korean court on updating the product information for general orientation and the policy try’s borders, Kim has been focusing Friday ordered the Japanese govern- Comirnaty to clarify that each vial stand of our party for comprehensive- domestically to mitigate the economic ment to pay compensation to 12 World contains six doses of the vaccine,” ly expanding and developing the shocks from the pandemic. War II sex slaves or their families, in AP/RSS EMA said. external relations,” the Korean During Thursday’s session, Kim an unprecedented ruling likely to Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, right, receives a vaccine for coronavirus at The vaccine is branded as Central News Agency said Friday. also called for “thoroughly eliminat- infuriate Tokyo. The Seoul Central Singapore General Hospital on Friday. Comirnaty in the EU. Reuters had Kim also examined relations with ing non-socialist elements” in North District Court ruled that Japan reported on Wednesday that the regu- South Korea “as required by the pre- Korean society and proposed ways to should pay the victims 100 million ASSOCIATED PRESS online site for researchers. The study lator was close to green lighting the vailing situation and the changed promote the “might of the social sys- won ($91,000) each, South Korea’s WASHINGTON, JAN 8 is preliminary and has not yet been move. This change in authorisation times,” KCNA said. tem of our state,” KCNA said. Kim Yonhap news agency reported. It is reviewed by experts, a key step for could allow 20 percent more doses to The congress is the party’s top deci- criticised working people’s organisa- the first civilian legal case in South New research suggests that Pfizer’s medical research. But “it was a very be available in the EU under an exist- sion-making body that reviews past tions including the youth league for Korea against Tokyo by wartime sex Covid-19 vaccine can protect against reassuring finding that at least this ing contract with Pfizer, EU lawmaker projects, lays out new priorities and allegedly failing to fulfill their duties slaves for Japanese troops, who were a mutation found in two highly mutation, which was one of the ones Peter Liese had said. (REUTERS) reshuffles top officials. It was con- and said the league must prioritize euphemistically labelled “comfort contagious variants of the coronavi- people are most concerned about, does vened as Kim struggles to overcome “ideological education” above other women”. Tokyo and Seoul are both rus that erupted in Britain and not seem to be a problem” for the vac- what he calls “multiple crises” caused tasks, it said. major US allies, democracies and South Africa. cine, said Pfizer chief scientific officer Dr Anthony Fauci, the top US infec- by an economy battered by pandem- Kim’s government has been crack- market economies faced with an over- Those variants are causing global Dr Philip Dormitzer. tious disease expert, recently said ic-related border closings, a series of ing down on what it calls “alien, bearing China and nuclear-armed concern. They both share a common Viruses constantly undergo minor vaccines are designed to recognise natural disasters and US-led economic unsound non-socialist practices.” Last North Korea. But their relations are mutation called N501Y, a slight altera- changes as they spread from person to multiple parts of the spike protein, sanctions. month, state media said North Korea’s strained by Japan’s early-20th centu- tion on one spot of the spike protein person. Scientists have used these making it unlikely a single mutation In his opening-day speech, Kim parliament legislated “a law on reject- ry colonial rule over Korea, which is that coats the virus. That change is slight modifications to track how the could be enough to block them. But admitted his previous economic plans ing reactionary ideology and culture.” still bitterly resented on the peninsu- believed to be the reason they can coronavirus has moved around the scientists around the world are con- had failed and vowed to adopt a new Analysts say North Korea is guarding la, and have plunged to their worst in spread so easily. globe since it was first detected in ducting research with different vac- five-year development plan. On the against a possible spread of capital- years under South Korea’s centre-left Most of the vaccines being rolled China about a year ago. cines to find out. second day of the meeting, he said he ism and looser internal unity amid President Moon Jae-in. out around the world train the body to British scientists have said the vari- Dormitzer said if the virus eventu- would bolster his country’s military the economic difficulties. recognize that spike protein and fight ant found in the UK—which has ally mutates enough that the vaccine capability. Kim, who inherited power South Korea’s spy agency said Kim it. Pfizer teamed with researchers become the dominant type in parts of needs adjusting—much like flu shots upon his father Kim Jong Il’s death in is worrying about US President-elect 2020 ties 2016 as hottest from the University of Texas Medical England—still seemed to be suscepti- are adjusted most years—that tweak- late 2011, turned 37 on Friday. His Joe Biden, who is to take office on Jan. Branch in Galveston for laboratory ble to vaccines. That mutant has now ing the recipe wouldn’t be difficult for birthday hasn’t yet been designated a 20. Biden has called Kim a “thug” and year on record tests to see if the mutation affected its been found in the US and numerous his company’s shot and similar ones. national holiday like his father’s and is unlikely to hold any direct meetings PARIS: The year 2020 has tied 2016 as vaccine’s ability to do so. other countries. But the variant first The vaccine is made with a piece of grandfather’s. KCNA said the con- with him unless North Korea takes the hottest year on record, the They used blood samples from 20 discovered in South Africa has an the virus genetic code, simple to gress would continue, suggesting it serious steps toward denuclearisa- European Union’s climate monitoring people who received the vaccine, made additional mutation that has scien- switch, although it’s not clear what was having a fourth-day session on tion. The Kim-Trump diplomacy service said on Friday, keeping Earth by Pfizer and its German partner tists on edge, one named E484K. kind of additional testing regulators Kim’s birthday. broke down during a summit in on a global warming fast track that BioNTech, during a large study of the The Pfizer study found that the vac- would require to make such a change. After a provocative run of weapons Vietnam in early 2019 after Trump could devastate large swathes of shots. Antibodies from those vaccine cine appeared to work against 15 addi- Dormitzer said this was only the tests in 2016-17 to acquire the ability to rejected Kim’s offer to dismantle his humanity. The six years since 2015 recipients successfully fended off the tional possible virus mutations, but beginning “of ongoing monitoring of strike the US mainland with nuclear main nuclear complex, a limited dis- are the six warmest ever registered, virus in lab dishes, according to the E484K wasn’t among those tested. virus changes to see if any of them weapons, Kim abruptly launched armament step, in return for broad as are 20 of the last 21, evidence of a study posted late Thursday on an Dormitzer said it is next on the list. might impact on vaccine coverage. high-stakes nuclear diplomacy with sanctions relief. persistent and deepening trend, the Copernicus Climate Change Service reported. Last year’s record high—a soaring 1.25 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels—was all the more alarming because it came with- US envoy to UN to visit out the help of a periodic natural weather event known as an El Nino, which added up to two-tenths of a Taiwan, Beijing irked degree to the 2016 average. “It is quite clear that in the absence of El Nino and La Nina impacts on year-to-year REUTERS ties with Taiwan, it is the island’s temperatures, 2020 would be the TAIPEI, JAN 8 strongest international backer and warmest year on record,” said Zeke arms supplier, being obliged to help Hausfather, director at Breakthrough The US ambassador to the United provide Taiwan with the means to Institute in Oakland. (AGENCIES) Nations, Kelly Craft, will visit Taiwan defend itself under the 1979 Taiwan next week for meetings with senior Relations Act. Taiwanese leaders, Taiwan’s govern- China said it was firmly opposed to ment and the US mission to the UN the visit. said, prompting China to warn they “We wish to remind the United were playing with fire. States that whoever plays with fire Beijing, which claims the self-gov- will burn himself. The United States erned island as its own territory, has will pay a heavy price for its wrong been angered by stepped-up support action,” China’s UN mission said. for Taiwan from the outgoing Trump “China strongly urges the United administration, including trips to States to stop its crazy provocation, Taipei by top US officials, further stop creating new difficulties for straining Sino-US ties. China-US relations and the two coun- Chinese fighter jets approached the tries’ cooperation in the United island in August and September Nations, and stop going further on the during the last two visits--by US wrong path.” Secretary of Health and Human Taiwan’s Foreign Ministry said on Services Alex Azar and US Under Friday that Craft, whom it called a Secretary of State for Economic “staunch friend”, would meet Growth, Energy, and the Environment President Tsai Ing-wen and Foreign Keith Krach, respectively. Minister Joseph Wu. “During her trip, the Ambassador The visit is highly symbolic as will reinforce the US government’s Taiwan is not a UN member, because strong and ongoing support for of objections by China, which views Taiwan’s international space in the island as one of its provinces and accord with the US one-China policy not a country, and that only Beijing that is guided by the Taiwan Relations has a right to speak for Taiwan on the Act, the three US-PRC joint commu- international stage. niques, and the Six Assurances to Taiwan says that right belongs to its Taiwan,” the US mission to the United democratically elected government, Nations said in a statement on not China, and has complained of Thursday. She will be in Taiwan from Chinese pressure preventing it from January 13 to 15, it added. getting real-time information from the While the United States, like most World Health Organization during the AP/RSS countries, has no formal diplomatic Covid-19 pandemic. A man wearing a face mask as a precaution against coronavirus infection throws his net as he fishes at a lake in Tangerang, Indonesia, on Friday.

Trump still has two weeks left—but how much of a future?

AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE ing the populist president. No longer. stay by his side. On Thursday, Trump insid- Quite apart from the mayhem on WASHINGTON, JAN 8 From his ever more lonely perch in the er Mick Mulvaney was the latest to quit Wednesday, there’s the embarrassing fact White House, Trump is left to watch and indicated that a trickle of other depar- that Trump’s personal campaigning failed Abandoned in the White House by former Washington turn on him and to wonder if tures may become a flood. to prevent the two Republican Senate can- allies, a deeply isolated Donald Trump has his once near mythical political powers can Trump himself remained silent early on didates from losing in Georgia, thereby two weeks left to contemplate the rubble of be saved. Thursday, hamstrung by the unprecedent- handing Democrats control of Congress. his presidency—and perhaps his dreams of While Republicans now dare to despise ed decision by Twitter and Facebook—the But in the burn-it-all-down mentality a return in 2024. Trump openly, Democrats are going fur- two giant platforms essential to Trump’s of team Trump, none of this necessarily Trump repeatedly tested the limits of ther, encouraging government officials to rise—to block him. matters. what a US president can get away with. He invoke the 25th Amendment declaring a Until January 20, Trump still retains As ever, it’s his base—passionate, well gleefully broke every norm, survived president no longer capable of performing control over everything from the nuclear organised, aggrieved and prone to conspir- impeachment, and saw off Special Counsel his duties. missile codes to the red button on the Oval acy theories—that the president believes is Robert Mueller’s explosive probe into his “This president should not hold office Office desk that summons a butler to deliv- key to keeping his ship afloat. contacts with Russia. one day longer,” Senator Chuck Schumer, er his beloved Diet Cokes. He may not be wrong. But Wednesday’s debacle, in which set to lead the Senate when a new That lag raises potential for more tur- According to an Axios-SurveyMonkey Trump encouraged a mob storming Democratic majority takes office, said moil in the next two weeks, as Trump pon- poll this week, 62 percent of Republicans Congress trying to certify Democrat Joe Thursday. Calling on Vice President Mike ders how to secure his longterm future. still don’t accept that Biden won in Biden’s election victory, was beyond the Pence to invoke the 25th and eject Trump The mere prospect of Trump 2.0 has November. pale even for Republicans. immediately. cowed other Republican would-be presi- “Let the weak ones get out,” Trump For years, party leaders like senators Trump, long used to being humored and dents. Trump, always the loudest voice intoned Wednesday in his speech whipping Mitch McConnell and Lindsey Graham had flattered by his ever-changing cast of White in the room, is all but assured to be the up the crowd. performed contortions to avoid confront- House aides, will now find fewer ready to party’s frontrunner. “This is a time for strength.”

C M Y K 05 | SATURDAY, JANUARY 09, 2021 MONEY

FOREX India income US Dollar 117.49 Second cross-border petroleum pipeline Euro 143.89 tax department Pound Sterling 159.69 Japanese Yen 11.31 project in Jhapa moves a step closer searches offices Chinese Yuan 18.18 of Flipkart Qatari Riyal 32.07 An Indian delegation will arrive next week for a field study of the proposed 50km pipeline, officials say.

Australian Dollar 91.44 KRISHANA PRASAIN unit, Swiggy Malaysian Ringit 29.14 KATHMANDU, JAN 8 REUTERS Saudi Arab Riyal 31.32 The plan to develop the second BENGALURU, JAN 8 Exchange rates fixed by Nepal Rastra Bank cross-border petroleum pipeline has moved a step closer as a delegation India’s Income Tax Department this PRICE PER TOLA from the Indian Oil Corporation is week conducted searches at offices of BULLION scheduled to arrive in Nepal to make a a group firm of Walmart’s Flipkart field study before finalising the and local food delivery startup Fine Gold Rs 95,300 detailed project report. Swiggy for alleged tax evasion by According to Nepal Oil Corporation, their third-party vendors, two sources Silver Rs 1,330 the Indian delegation will arrive on told Reuters. January 11 and make a field study of The searches began on Wednesday SOURCE: FENEGOSIDA the pipeline connecting Siliguri in at Swiggy and Instakart’s offices in India and Duwagadi in Jhapa. The the southern city of Bengaluru, the Indian survey team has already final- sources said. GASOLINE WATCH ised the Siliguri-Jhapa route where The search at the office of Instakart, pipes will be laid. e-commerce giant Flipkart’s logistics According to Surendra Poudel, arm, concluded late on Thursday, one executive director of the corporation, of the sources said. the initial survey has shown that 35 km of pipeline will be laid in the Indian territory, and 15 km in the The companies are Nepal side. The pipeline project has moved being investigated ahead taking into consideration the demand for oil until 2034, he said. for alleged tax “The detailed project report will be prepared by the mid-April next year,” POST FILE PHOTO evasion by their Poudel said. A general view of the Amlekhgunj-Motihari pipeline. The meeting of joint secretary-level third-party vendors. Nepal-India Joint Working Group on son for Nepal Oil Corporation. According to the oil utility, it plans gurated the Nepal-India cross border cooperation in oil and gas sectors held “The detailed project report will to construct an advanced aviation fuel petroleum pipeline, the first in in New Delhi, India in January 2020 assess the investment and other tech- depot at Gautam Buddha International South Asia. At least 20 income tax officials visit- had decided to construct the petrole- nical details of the pipeline in Jhapa,” Airport, Bhairahawa. It has already The 69-kilometre-long pipeline ed the Instakart office to inspect um pipeline project at Nepal’s request. said Upadhyaya.“After that, the Indian started a diesel storage tank in transports fuel from India’s Barauni invoices issued to its vendors, the Province 1 will also have an oil stor- delegation will visit Amlekhgunj oil Pokhara. refinery in Bihar to Amalekhgunj in source added. age plant with a capacity of 40,000 depot in Bara as plans are to extend Construction of two aviation fuel Nepal. Of the 69 kilometres, 36 kilo- In a statement, Flipkart said kilolitres that can stock fuel for 90 the oil pipeline to Lothar, Chitwan.” storage tanks with a capacity of 30,000 metres of the pipeline is on the Nepali it was providing the officials with “all days. Nepal Oil Corporation has hired The corporation said that the sec- liters has also started in Bhadrapur side and the rest on the Indian side. the required information and are an international consultant to prepare ond phase of 69-km Motihari- airport, it said. According to the Trade and Export extending our full co-operation”, add- study for the construction of a storage Amlekhgunj petroleum pipeline, The corporation is planning to build Promotion Center, the country import- ing it was in full compliance with all plant of liquified petroleum gas, also which is currently supplying diesel, is oil storage tanks at airports of Dang, ed petroleum products of Rs35 billion tax and legal requirements. known as cooking gas, and gas bot- also about to commence. Simara and Manthali, where fuel has in the first four months of the current Swiggy, backed by South African tling plant in Jhapa. “The Nepal Oil Corporation plans to to be supplied through oil tankers. fiscal year, a decline of 38.9 percent internet giant Naspers, too said it was BIZLINE The capacity of the cooking gas construct two vertical oil tanks with a The construction of petroleum compared to the same time period last in full compliance with tax and legal storage plant will be 4,000 tonnes. capacity of 2.2 million litres. A mod- storage plants in the number of prov- fiscal year. India fulfils all of Nepal’s mandates. Both the petroleum and gas storage ern depot or a smart oil terminal will inces will help to keep a minimum petroleum requirements. “The survey by the IT officials Standard Chartered Bank plants are being constructed in also be constructed,” said Upadhyaya. stock. The buffer stock will help ease Last fiscal year, due to the Covid-19 is currently underway and our Nepal holds 34th AGM, board Duwagadi, Jhapa where the corpora- “The technical aspect of the project supplies when shortage appears, pandemic that forced almost all vehi- team is extending full cooperation in tion has 28 bighas (7 hectares) of land. will be assisted by the Indian Oil Poudel added. cles off the road, Nepal’s fuel import the matter.” appoints new chairman The delegation will also visit the Corporation. It will also provide train- In September 2018, Prime Minister bill dropped to Rs164 billion, from The tax department did not immedi- KATHMANDU: The 34th annual general site of a cooking gas storage facility, ing to our [Nepal Oil Corporation] KP Sharma Oli and his Indian coun- Rs216 billion in the previous fiscal ately respond to Reuters’ request meeting (AGM) of Standard said Binitmani Upadhyaya, spokesper- manpower.” terpart Narendra Modi jointly inau- year, 2018-19. for comment. Chartered Nepal, chaired by Jitender Arora, was successfully held on Friday. Due to the Covid-19 situation, the AGM was conducted in a hybrid model from The Everest Hotel in Kathmandu, states the press release Elon Musk leaves behind Amazon’s Oil set for weekly gain on issued by the bank. The bank record- ed an operating profit and net profit of Rs2.85 billion and Rs1.99 billion respectively for the financial year Bezos to become world’s richest man Saudi output cut pledge 2019/20. The 407th meeting of the board, also held on the same day, appointed Zarin Daruwala as the REUTERS er, said Musk still trails Amazon’s REUTERS could see a correction in coming chairman to the board of Nepal CALIFORNIA, JAN 8 Bezos by $7.8 billion. Forbes has a LONDON, JAN 8 months, if their rallies were not effective January 9, 2020. more conservative estimate based backed by stronger fuel demand. Tesla Inc chief and billionaire entre- on the Tesla stake that he has Oil prices hit 11-month highs on Severe mobility restrictions around preneur Elon Musk surpassed pledged as a collateral for personal Friday and were on track for a strong the world to contain a surge in Covid- MAW-JCB ties up with Amazon.com Inc’s top boss Jeff Bezos loans. To take that into account, it weekly gain, supported by Saudi 19 cases still weighed on fuel Mega Bank to provide easy to become the world’s richest man, applies a 25 percent discount to his Arabia’s pledge to cut output sales, weakening the prospect of ener- Bloomberg News reported on shareholding, according to its report and a rally in global equities as gy demand recovery in the first half financing for customers Thursday. in November. investors looked beyond rising corona- of 2021. KATHMANDU: MAW Earthmovers, the Including Thursday’s gains in Musk, who co-founded and sold virus cases. “Oil markets are expected to stay in sole distributor of JCB Construction Tesla shares, Musk, 49, had a Internet payments company PayPal Brent crude climbed 44 cents, or 0.8 a bullish tone toward February,” said and Heavy Equipment in Nepal, has net worth of more than $188.5 billion, Holdings Inc, now leads some of the percent, to $54.82 a barrel by 1007 Kazuhiko Saito, chief analyst at com- inked a memorandum of understand- $1.5 billion more than Bezos, the most futuristic companies in the GMT, the highest since late February, modities broker Fujitomi Co. ing with Mega Bank to enter into a report said. (https://bloom.bg/3n- world. and US West Texas Intermediate “But concerns over slower demand strategic financing partnership. The nOz3U) Besides Tesla, he heads rocket (WTI) gained 36 cents, or 0.7 percent, in gasoline and other fuels in the agreement was signed by Vishnu Musk’s personal wealth has been company SpaceX and Neuralink, a to $51.19, also its highest level since United States and other parts of the Kumar Agarwal, chairman of MAW boosted by last year’s more than eight- startup that is developing ultra-high late February. world due to wider restrictions to con- Earthmovers and Anupama Khunjeli, fold surge in the shares of Tesla, bandwidth brain-machine interfaces Both benchmarks were on track for tain the spreading Covid-19 pandemic chief executive officer of Mega Bank which became the world’s most valua- to connect the human brain to weekly gains of around 6 percent. may limit gains.” in presence of Virender Bhardwaj, ble carmaker. computers. “The surprise Saudi cut is keeping The pandemic claimed its highest country head, Nepal from JCB India. He has a 20 percent stake in the REUTERS He set up the Boring Company bulls at the helm of the energy com- US death toll yet, killing more than The agreement will enable both part- carmaker and about $42 billion Tesla Motors Inc CEO Elon Musk. to make affordable tunnels below plex,” said Stephen Brennock of oil 4,000 people in a single day, while ners to offer customized financial of unrealized paper gains on busy city streets for an all-electric broker PVM. “It will take a brave man China reported the biggest rise in solutions to JCB customers across the vested stock options, according percent on Thursday at a record high public transportation system to to bet against the current bullish run daily cases in more than five months country, according to a press state- to the Bloomberg report. of $811.61. avoid the nasty traffic jams in US of play.” and Japan may extend a state ment issued by MAW Earthmovers. Tesla shares were up as much as 7.4 The Forbes Billionaires List, howev- cities. Earlier this week, Saudi Arabia of emergency beyond the greater pledged additional, voluntary oil out- Tokyo region. put cuts of one million barrels per day A rally in global shares also lent (bpd) in February and March as some support to oil prices, with part of a deal under which most Japan’s Nikkei hitting a three-decade OPEC+ producers will hold produc- peak, as investors looked beyond ris- Hyundai says in early talks with Apple tion steady in the face of new corona- ing coronavirus cases and focused on virus lockdowns. hopes for an economic recovery later after electric vehicle tie-up report However, analysts said oil prices in the year.

REUTERS er’s supply contract with Apple on SEOUL, JAN 8 iPhones. Analysts said Apple may be inter- South Korea’s Hyundai Motor Co said ested in using Hyundai’s electric car on Friday it was in early talks with platform and facilities to cut costs to Apple, after local media reported the develop and make vehicles. firms were discussing an electric car “Apple could see Hyundai as and battery tie-up, sending Hyundai an ideal partner, because when it shares surging 25 percent. comes to legacy US automakers, they The report comes weeks after all have strong unions, which Apple Reuters reported that Apple was mov- would like to avoid,” said Kevin Yoo, ing forward with self-driving car tech- an analyst at eBEST Investment & nology and was aiming to produce a Securities. passenger vehicle that could include “Moreover, their [legacy US auto- its own breakthrough battery technol- makers] labour cost is much higher ogy as early as 2024. than that of Hyundai, which often Earlier on Friday, Korea Economic plays a big role when it comes to car Daily TV said the iPhone maker and production.” Hyundai were in discussions to devel- REUTERS A tie-up with Apple would be a op self-driving electric vehicles by The Apple Inc logo is seen hanging at the entrance to the Apple store in Manhattan, New York. major boost to Hyundai, whose global 2027 and develop batteries at US facto- sales last year fell more than 15 per- ries operated by either Hyundai or its without identifying any of them. in a note. Hyundai and Apple already cent as the pandemic took a toll on affiliate Kia Motors Corp. The broad- Apple declined to comment. The work together on CarPlay, Apple’s soft- demand. Friday’s share price surge caster didn’t cite sources. iPhone maker is known to keep prod- ware for connecting iPhones to a vari- added nearly $8 billion to Hyundai’s “Apple and Hyundai are in discus- uct plans under tight wraps. An Apple- ety of vehicles. market value. sion, but as it is early stage, nothing branded car could be a big challenge “Apple outsourcing car production A longtime champion of rival has been decided,” Hyundai said in a to electric vehicle (EV) market leader to Hyundai makes sense, because [the hydrogen fuel cell cars, Hyundai statement. It didn’t say what the talks Tesla Inc. Korean firm] is known for quality,” recently increased bets on bat- were about and omitted a reference in It remains unclear who would said Jeong Yun-woo, a former design- tery-powered electric cars, a move wel- an earlier statement to Apple being in assemble such a car, but analysts have er at Hyundai and a professor at comed by investors eyeing the recent discussions with other global auto- said they expect the company to rely UNIST in South Korea. success of Tesla. makers as well as Hyundai. on a manufacturing partner. “But I’m not sure whether it is a The South Korean company, which In a regulatory filing issued later, “We continue to strongly believe good strategy for automakers to be sources batteries from SK Innovation the automaker said it was “getting Apple ultimately announces an EV like the Foxconn of Apple as automak- Co Ltd and LG Chem Ltd and others, is requests for cooperation on joint strategic partnership in 2021 that lays ers face risks of losing control to tech expected to launch its first car based development of autonomous electric the groundwork to enter the burgeon- firms,” he added, referring to the on a dedicated electric car platform REUTERS vehicles from various companies”, ing EV space,” Wedbush analysts said Taiwanese contract chip manufactur- known as E-GMP early this year. A general view of al-Zubair oil field near Basra, Iraq.

C M Y K SATURDAY, JANUARY 09, 2021 | 06 SPORTS | MEDLEY BRIEFING Smith finally fires but India hold firm Milan clubs look to Amad Diallo completes get back on track Having managed just 10 runs in the first and second Test, his worst run of Test scores of his career, the former Australia AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE Manchester United move MILAN, JAN 8 MANCHESTER: Manchester United have skipper finally hits 131 to drive the hosts to 338 all out but India start strong with 96-2 to leave the third Test in balance. signed winger Amad Diallo from Reeling after midweek defeats, both Italian side Atalanta, with the effusive in his celebration than usual Milan clubs look to get back on track 18-year-old Ivorian putting pen to reflecting the relief at having scored in this weekend to hold off paper on a contract until June 2025, his first century in 15 innings span- their rivals as champions Juventus the club said on ning four series. Smith’s eighth 100 and Roma close the gap on the Thursday. Financial details of the against India and was the first against leaders. transfer were not disclosed but India in a home Test since David AC Milan remain one point ahead British media reported United agreed Warner’s quickfire century at the SCG of second-placed Inter despite to pay a base fee of 21 million euros in 2015. It was also Smith’s first centu- Juventus ending their 27-match ($25.77 million) with 20 million euros ry in Australia since December 2017 in unbeaten league run with Inter’s in add-ons. United said an agreement a drawn Test against England at the eight-match winning streak ending at had been reached between the clubs Melbourne Cricket Ground. Sampdoria. on the last day of the summer trans- Starc scored 24 off 30 balls, includ- Stefano Pioli’s Milan have a chance fer window in October, with personal ing two boundaries and a six, before to consolidate their lead at home terms and his work permit now final- holing out from debutant Saini (2-65). against 17th-placed Torino on ised for a visa application. “As a club, Nathan Lyon was also out for a duck, Saturday, a day before Inter face a we have followed Amad for a number trapped by Jadeja to reduce the hosts tricky trip to Roma, who are three of years and having watched him to 315-9. Smith’s was the last wicket to points behind their opponents in myself, I believe he is one of the most fall, run out spectacularly by Jadeja third. exciting young prospects in the with a direct hit from deep square leg, Both Milan clubs have injury wor- game,” United boss Ole Gunnar as he was chasing quick runs with ries. Star striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic Solskjaer said. “It will take time for Josh Hazelwood. remains sidelined for a ninth consecu- him to adapt but his speed, vision and India opened their innings briskly tive league game with fantastic dribbling ability will stand with second-gamer Gill especially Hakan Calhanoglu joining the him in good stead to make the transi- looking comfortable at the crease. growing Milan injury list with tion. Diallo said finally being able to Hazlewood made the lone break- an ankle problem. Matteo Gabbia, complete a move to United after through for the hosts in the 27th over Ismael Bennacer and Alexis terms were agreed months ago to remove Sharma caught and bowled Saelemaekers are also out injured was a “dream come true”. for 26, leaving India at 70-1. Gill with midfielder Rade Krunic and for- reached his maiden half-century off ward Ante Rebic sidelined with 100 balls, with eight boundaries, coronavirus. West Ham’s Haller joins Ajax before Cummins found the opener’s Antonio Conte’s Inter are hopeful of AMSTERDAM: Ajax Amsterdam have edge and had Gill caught by Green at forward Romelu Lukaku’s return to paid a club record 22.5 million euros gully the next ball. full fitness after a leg muscle problem to sign striker Sebastien Haller from AP/RSS Pujara and Rahane both survived limited him to half an hour’s play West Ham United on a four-and-a- Steve Smith’s hundred in Sydney was his first century since the 2019 Ashes in England, and also Australia’s first in this four-match series. some near misses in the final overs as against Sampdoria, during which half-year contract, the Dutch league Australia bowled a perilous line and defender Danilo D’Ambrosio picked leaders announced on Friday. The ASSOCIATED PRESS India spinner Ravi Jadeja taking 4-62 balls, and shared a century stand with length searching for a late wicket to up knee ligament damage. A fourth 26-year-old returns to the Dutch SYDNEY, JAN 8 and completing a spectacular run out Smith to see Australia past 200 runs tilt the match in their favour going consecutive league win for Roma league, where he scored 51 goals for to dismiss Smith and end the innings. for the first time in five innings this into the third day. On Thursday, Will would allow the capital side to move Utrecht between 2014 and 2017, and Steve Smith scored his first century India made a good start to their series, before he edged impressive Pucovski set the tone with a flourish- level on points with Inter. revives his relationship with Ajax in Australia in over three years innings reaching 70 without loss Jadeja to Ajinkya Rahane at slip with ing 62 on debut, before Labuschagne Juventus are fourth, seven points coach Erik ten Hag, in charge of but India’s bowlers sparked another before Australia’s pace attack respond- Australia at 206-3. Jadeja then had and Smith took over as Australia’s off top spot, and on Sunday also face Utrecht when the French-born striker batting collapse for the hosts before ed by removing both openers in the Matthew Wade (13) playing a poor shot batting lineup finally clicked against a tough tie at home against Sassuolo, played there. Haller, who scored on their batsmen made a solid start to final session. At stumps, captain to be caught in the deep, before Jasprit India on opening day. one point behind the champions his full international debut for the reach 96-2 by the end of the second day Ajinkya Rahane was unbeaten on five Bumrah (2-66) trapped Cameron Green The four-match series is level at 1-1. in fifth. However, Andrea Pirlo has Ivory Coast in November, joined West of the third cricket Test at the Sydney with Cheteshwar Pujara on nine, trail- lbw with the last ball before lunch. Holders India are hoping to secure it a larger squad to rotate even without Ham from Eintracht Frankfurt in Cricket Ground. ing Australia by 242 runs with eight After lunch, captain Tim Paine (1) with a victory in Sydney and Australia Covid-hit Alex Sandro and Juan 2019. He scored 13 goals in 41 appear- Smith’s 131, his first century since first-innings wickets remaining. and Pat Cummins (0) were both bowled needing to win the series to reclaim it. Cuadrado, and forward Federico ances for the London outfit, three of the 2019 Ashes and Australia’s first Having resumed Friday at 166-2, cheaply leaving Australia at 278-7. Australia won the opening day- Chiesa a doubt with a niggling hip them this season. Haller will be avail- this series, helped lift the hosts to 338 Australia were well-placed to take a Smith then reached his 27th hundred night match in Adelaide by eight problem following his double against able to debut for Ajax when they host but Australia will be disappointed to stranglehold on the match after they in 76 Tests with a leg glance for three wickets and India responded with Milan. PSV Eindhoven in a top of the table have not scored more given their final had won the toss and elected to bat. runs off Navdeep Saini in the 98th an eight-wicket win in Melbourne last “In terms of my choices, I’m lucky clash on Sunday. eight wickets fell for 130 runs with Marnus Labuschagne made 91 off 196 over. The former captain was far more week. enough to be able to select the team game after game based on what we’re trying to achieve and how the opposi- Parma sack coach Liverani tion play,” said Pirlo. MILAN: Italian club Parma have Sixth-placed Napoli travel to sacked coach Fabio Liverani, the Udinese to keep their European push Serie A strugglers confirmed on Serena, Barty to spearhead Australian Open warm-ups on track after a shocking error-strewn Thursday. Parma dropped to 18th defeat to newcomers Spezia, with position into the relegation zone after AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE before two WTA 500 and two ATP 250 events are held The leading men’s stars, including Novak Djokovic Atalanta, equal on points just behind their fourth consecutive defeat, 3-0 MELBOURNE, JAN 8 alongside the ATP Cup, all at Melbourne Park. and Rafael Nadal, will compete in the 12-team the southerners at mid-table against Atalanta in the midweek. Organisers have branded it the Melbourne Summer ATP Cup, which will be run at the same time and at Benevento. “Parma Calcio 1913 can confirm that World number one Ashleigh Barty and 23-time Series and named each tournament after areas of the same venue. Those that didn’t qualify will play in Eighth-placed Lazio are away to Fabio Liverani has been relieved of Grand Slam champion Serena Williams will Victoria state. two ATP 250 tournaments—the Great Ocean Road Parma, the latter hoping for a change his duties as coach of the first team,” spearhead the two WTA tournaments in Melbourne That will see the women play the Gippsland Open and Murray River Open, featuring top names in fortunes with the return of coach a club statement read. According to ahead of the Australian Open, with the top 32-ranked Trophy and Yarra Valley Classic from January including David Goffin, Stan Wawrinka, Grigor Roberto D’Aversa in place of Fabio Italian media, the club are set to reap- women split evenly across the simultaneous events, 31-February 6, marking Barty’s first appearance in Dimitrov and Nick Kyrgios. Liverani, dismissed after the point Roberto D’Aversa, the former organisers said Thursday. 11 months after opting out of the US and European “There’s no doubt this will be an historic club dropped into the relegation zone. Lecce and Genoa coach who Liverani The onslaught of Covid-19 has forced a swing last year over coronavirus fears. week of tennis, and is the biggest-ever Australian Fiorentina, in 14th, host Cagliari, replaced last August. D’Aversa, 45, radical change to how the early 2021 tennis season As well as Williams, the likes of world number two Open lead-in week we have seen,” said Tennis just behind them, with forward was sacked after falling out with the will look, with the Australian Open pushed Simona Halep, defending Australian Open champion Australia’s major events chief Cameron Pearson. Franck Ribery doubtful after twisting club’s previous owners after winning back three weeks to 8 February. Sofia Kenin and previous Australian Open winners “While we know the circumstances are unique his right knee in their midweek just four of 13 games after the corona- Players will arrive in Australia from 15 January Naomi Osaka, Victoria Azarenka and Angelique this year, it is a huge coup to secure such strong play- loss to Lazio, although the Tuscany virus lockdown. (AGENCIES) and undergo a mandatory two-week quarantine Kerber will take part. ing fields.” club ruled out ligament damage. HOROSCOPE ARIES (March 21-April 19) **** CANCER (June 22-July 22) *** LIBRA (September 23-October 22) *** CAPRICORN (December 22-January 19) **** A group effort can be a magical thing. But a group Cleaning up around your house might be more chal- Have you been holding back about what you truly Explore a more concrete way of thinking right now, effort can also be a quagmire of conflicting egos and lenging than you thought. Getting rid of your feel for someone? You simply have to spill it. It’s time and you’ll reach important answers. Find facts and battling agendas. Today, keep that in mind and be on unwanted possessions will take longer than expect- to communicate what you’re angry about, worried figures that offer objective information. You have to the lookout for members of your group who are only ed, mostly because you’ll be easily distracted by the about, or even happy about. This person isn’t going find the clarity you need to flesh things out and make out for themselves. meaning behind the material. to be annoyed by what you have to say. the things that confuse you more understandable.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20) *** LEO (July 23-August 22) *** SCORPIO (October 23-November 21) *** AQUARIUS (January 20-February 18) *** You and your companions could have very different Resist the urge to get too deep into your own thoughts Keep your wits about you now and pay attention! You You might be wishing that you could escape the head- energy levels now, but you all know each other so and muck about too much in your own subconscious could find yourself smack in the middle of a juicy aches in your life right now, but even if you could fly well that it shouldn’t be much of an issue. When one right now. Being introverted isn’t going to help you situation, and you’ll need to follow the action closely. away like a bird, you’d have to come back down to person slows down, the others will help them keep feel more content, but helping others may. Do the It shouldn’t be too difficult, though, because things earth eventually, and these issues would be right pace. wise thing. are going to be pretty entertaining! there waiting for you.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21) **** VIRGO (August 23-September 22) **** SAGITTARIUS (November 22-December 21) *** PISCES (February 19-March 20) *** Everyone makes mistakes once in a while, so don’t be Today is a great day to talk with a troubled friend Use all the authority you have now. You’re in a good The universe can give you whatever you need, but too rough on yourself. You can’t possibly stay on top and cheer them up. There has been a lot of drama in phase where your confidence is concerned, and you you have to have the courage to ask for it first. of every little detail. If you forgot someone’s birthday their life recently, and you can provide the normalcy have already had a taste of power. Build on your Vocalise your plans to as many people as you can, or did some other equally embarrassing thing, don’t that they need so badly. Schedule something fun but reputation by making the tough decisions. Don’t pull and find out who’s willing to join you in your quest worry about it. mellow that the two of you can do together. any power trips. that could make all the difference. CROSSWORD SUDOKU

YESTERDAY’S SOLUTION

C M Y K 07 | SATURDAY, JANUARY 09, 2021 CULTURE & LIFESTYLE An outsider’s view of the dreams and realities of the people of Karnali The book, a collection of pictures and notes, shows the many facets of the Karnali region—ethnic diversity, its diverse landscape and cultural heritage.

SAROJ GC region. The main content dovetails 325 schooling and conducive school premises photographs: of them, 95, the largest still hold the hope for the future, the writ- changing, modern econo- chunk of photographs, are under the KARNALI: PEOPLE AND PLACES ers claim. Last but not the least, the long- my, increasing availability theme of food and agriculture, followed by standing social rites and dead habits have of ready-made goods, a gov- people (42), schooling (39), and so on. But Author: Teeka Bhattarai and also added to the slow progress of the life ernment that cracks down even with this wide coverage, the book is Samrat Katuwal of Karnali. on the hashish trade—such selective in its presentation and spatial Publication: Mandala Book Point, For example, one photograph alludes to factors threatened and coverage seems to have been determined Kathmandu the stark and dehumanising aspect of deterioratedA the traditional but independ- by the nature and theme of the mission in Price: Rs 2, 200 Chhaupadi rites perennial in the far-west- ent economic system of Karnali. Then, which the authors were participating in Pages: 242 ern region of Nepal. Similarly, in con- with time, the population multiplied, and their various travels in the region. trasting frames and lenses, the writers subsequent scarcities—such as energy, Enriched with succinct notes and com- show child marriage, caste system, une- transportation, modern infrastructure, ments, the photographs transcend what the Karnali region. Similarly, capitalising qual gender relations, women’s workload, schools, health institutions, et cetera— the readers’ eyes see and help the readers on wool and woodwork, bamboo weaving, and reproduction could be the severe enervated Karnali’s capacity to adjust to to traverse through objects, people, and demonstrate sincere optimism. Their nuts, timber, and herbs would greatly obstacles to the bulging optimism. changing times. Development projects too places, other diverse assets of the Karnali observation is anthropological, sociologi- complement the mission of making Karnali, one of the most affected areas did little to impart much tangible break- region. They range from general informa- cal, and geographical. Karnali independent again. What the during the second People’s War, stirred a through in changing life in the region. tion to sociological, anthropological, cul- And unlike the literature and docu- place needs is the noble will from inside great political upheaval across the coun- Consequently, the once historically tural, geographical—even scientific and ments in the past on Karnali, the book Karnali and outside it. try. For its own fate, it could not see much prosperous Karnali region received an medicinal information in the case of does not try to stereotype the image of the Though change and optimism is the more structural and sustainable change image of underdevelopment. However, herbs, nuts, and foods. The writers region as an underdeveloped, exotic, out- major contention of the book, the authors except some gratuity in the form of hap- the region still contains prolific venues of observe transhumance—the agro-pasto- landish and remote zone. This book is not do not hesitate to pinpoint the dark and hazard road construction. And the writ- hopes and ways to make itself a self-suffi- ral system and consequent semi-nomadic snivelling. The pages are fitted in with gloomy aspects of the society too. The ers contend that very few efforts have cient dwelling place once again, argue the lifestyle—as a common practice among cheerful and beaming faces of people, writers poignantly underscore three cru- been made to utilise and mobilise its local writers—Teeka Bhattarai and Samrat the people of the Karnali. shots of sundry facets of nature, fresh cial obstacles to the promise of prosperi- resources for its sustenance. Not only Katuwal—in Karnali: People and Places. Seasonal migration is also a major and astonishing bunches and seeds of ty. First, so-called development projects this, Karnalites live with more grave par- The book, a collection of pictures and mode of lifestyle in many parts of grain, pieces of herbs and nuts, and have merely increased dependence; devel- adoxes—poverty amidst plenty, school notes, foregrounds the many facets of the Karnali. The Karnalites live by nourish- frames of architecture and designs. opment has become too ritualistic in the versus work, change versus superstition, Karnali region—ethnic diversity, its ing grains such as chino, finger millet, The authors provide a rich collection region. Though some amount of infra- schooling without teachers, issue of sani- diversity of landscape, agriculture prod- red rice, foxtail millet, Jumli marsi; drink of photographs as evidence to portend structural development has paved the tation and cooking environment, and so ucts, and cultural heritage. It walks the home-distilled liquor; get nurtured with that if sincere attention is paid, the cur- way, it has prioritised makeshift living on. However, the objective of the book is readers through nine broad themes: natu- tropical beans, vegetables, a variety of rent retrogressive image of Karnali can instead of empowering the dwellers clear: Karnali needs to change and it can. ral features, people, transportation and apricots, apples, walnuts, and Himalayan easily be changed. towards sustainability and independence. Except a few grammatical glitches in communication, housing and architec- chillies; get cured with Yarsagumba, a If policies are implemented with a self- The development in the region, for the the notes and some inconsistencies in ture, health and hygiene, food and agri- summer plant, and winter insect; and less will, Karnali, until recently discon- writers, has just been short-term glee. patterning and designing of the photos, culture, education, and off-farm activi- entertain with their festivities including certed from the rest of Nepal, will witness Similarly, the poor learning environ- the book is an important historical docu- ties. The themes include sub-themes too, Dashain, archery, deuda dance, and other in the very near future a rapid change. ment caused by both adverse climate and ment of Karnali’s thoroughfare and urges and a total of 70 topics are covered under shamanic traditions. The writers reckon trading the local prod- poor management of learning resources every thoughtful reader to see life with different themes. Though the writers do not claim to be ucts in towns and trails, tourism, the has been a major detriment to the qualita- both mind and eyes. The sub-themes are more revealing and professional photographers, the photo- great Himalayan trail, construction and tive progress in the education sector: nuanced. They take the audiences to the graphs in the book are marked by varie- utilisation of trailside stay hold a larger schools lack trained teachers and resourc- GC is a Lecturer of English Studies untrodden nooks and corners of the gated and pleasing observations and share of the promise of its prosperity of es. Culturally rooted, locally adapted based in Kathmandu. BEST-SELLERS | NEW RELEASES

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Non-Fiction No Rules Rules More Than a Woman Sanskrit Non-Translatable Author: Reed Hastings, Erin Author: Caitlin Moran Author: Rajiv Molhotra, 1. Hidden Hand: Exposing How the Meyer Publication: Harper Perennial Satyanarayana Chinese Communist Party is Reshaping Publication: Random House Large Price: Rs 1,118 Dasa Babaji the World by Clive Hamilton, Mareike Print Publication: Amaryllis Price: Rs 1,278 Caitlin Moran returns with another Price: Rs 720 2. Too Small to Fail by R James Breiding eccentric memoir that redefines the 3. Shameless by Taslima Nasreen The bestselling authors of ‘The Culture view of feminism and patriarchy. The Sanskrit is considered one of the old- 4. The Battle of Belonging by Shashi Map’ discuss the revolution Netflix book is a take on the life of the mod- est languages in the world and Molhtra Tharoor brought to the entertainment industry. ern woman and Moran is brutally and Dasa Babaji attempt to discuss the 5. Death: An Inside Story by Sadguru The writers bring information together honest and funny as she reflects on argument that many words in Sanskrit from hundreds of interviews with parenting, middle-age, marriage, and are not translatable. The book also Netflix’s current and past employees and the existential crisis. touches upon the efforts of many to tell the story behind one of the world’s translate the language into English, most successful companies. rendering its use redundant.

Neil Sheehan, Pentagon Papers reporter, Vietnam author, dies His account of the Vietnam War, ‘A Bright Shining Lie: John Paul Vann and America in Vietnam,’ which won him the Pulitzer, took him 15 years to write.

WILL LESTER detail at the decisions and strategies of The Washington Post resumed publish- WASHINGTON the war. And they told how involvement ing their stories. was built up steadily by political leaders The coverage won the Times the eil Sheehan, a reporter and top military brass who were overcon- Pulitzer Prize for public service. and Pulitzer Prize- fident about US prospects and deceptive After the publication of the Pentagon winning author who about the accomplishments against the Papers stories, Sheehan became increas- broke the story of the North Vietnamese. ingly interested in trying to capture the Pentagon Papers for The Sheehan revealed in a 2015 interview essence of the complex and contradicto- New York Times and who with the Times, which first appeared ry war, so he set out to write a book. Nchronicled the deception at the heart of Thursday because Sheehan asked that it “The desire I had is that this book will the Vietnam War in his epic book about not be published until after his death, help people come to grips with this war,” the conflict, died Thursday. He was 84. that Ellsberg did not give him the he said in a 1988 interview that aired on Sheehan died of complications from Pentagon Papers as is widely believed. C-SPAN. “Vietnam will be a war in vain Parkinson’s disease, said his daughter, He had actually deceived his source and only if we don’t draw wisdom from it.” Catherine Sheehan Bruno. taken them after Ellsberg told him he Neil Sheehan was born Oct. 27, 1936, in His account of the Vietnam War, “A could look at the papers but not have Holyoke, Massachusetts, and grew up on Bright Shining Lie: John Paul Vann and them. a dairy farm. He graduated from Harvard, America in Vietnam,” took him 15 years Made “really quite angry” by what the and worked as an Army journalist before to write. The 1988 book won the Pulitzer papers revealed, Sheehan made up his joining UPI. Prize for nonfiction. mind “that this material is never again After Sheehan left Vietnam, he worked Sheehan served as a war correspond- going in a government safe.” for the Times in Washington as a ent for United Press International and Sheehan smuggled the documents out Pentagon reporter and later at the White then the Times in the early days of US of the Massachusetts apartment where House, before leaving the paper to write involvement in the Vietnam War in the Ellsberg had stashed them, and illicitly his book. 1960s. It was there that he developed a copied thousands of pages and took them Early in the research for “A Bright, fascination with what he would call “our to the Times. Shining Lie,” Sheehan was involved in a first war in vain” where “people were Ellsberg would be blindsided when near head-on car crash that broke multi- dying for nothing.” excerpts of the papers were published ple bones and put him out of action for As a national writer for the Times verbatim. But Sheehan said he feared months, but writer friends urged him to based in Washington, Sheehan was the that Ellsberg’s recklessness would ruin continue his book project. first to obtain the Pentagon Papers, a the project. He and his wife, Susan, a writer for massive history of US involvement in “You had to do what I did,” Sheehan The New Yorker who would later win a Vietnam ordered up by the Defense said. “I had decided: ‘This guy is just Pulitzer Prize, sometimes struggled to Department. Daniel Ellsberg, a former impossible. You can’t leave it in his make enough money to pay the family’s consultant to the Defense Department hands. It’s too important and it’s too dan- bills while he was working on the book. who had previously leaked Vietnam- gerous.’” He combined fellowships with occasional related documents to Sheehan, had Soon after the initial stories were pub- advances from his publisher to get by. allowed the reporter to see them. lished, the Nixon administration got an Once Sheehan launched into the pro- The Times’ reports, which began in injunction arguing national security was ject, the intense and driven writer found June 1971, exposed widespread govern- at stake, and publication was stopped. it dominated his life. ment deception about US prospects for The action started a heated debate about “I was less obsessed than I was trapped victory. Soon, The Washington Post also the First Amendment that quickly moved in it,” he told The Harvard Crimson in began publishing stories about the up to the Supreme Court. On June 30, 2008. “I felt a great sense of being about Vietnam, but none with the ambi- about the men who developed the inter- Pentagon Papers. 1971, the court ruled 6-3 in favour of trapped.” tious sweep of “A Bright Shining Lie.” He continental ballistic missile system. The documents looked in excruciating allowing publication, and the Times and Sheehan wrote several other books also wrote “A Fiery Peace in a Cold War” — Associated Press

C M Y K SATURDAY, JANUARY 09, 2021 | 08 CULTURE & LIFESTYLE (C.R.P.D.) - 3/052/053 When the past meets the present Tsherin Sherpa, through Print Exhibition on display at Wind Horse Gallery, masterfully depicts his calibre as a fine artist.

ANKIT KHADGI passion, which here the deities represent, KATHMANDU can bring stability in our chaotic lives. Another thing that is visible is that n the first floor of most of his artworks are tied with a com- Windhorse Gallery, there mon thread: he uses many pop-culture is currently a striking art- references infusing it with the traditional work on display that grabs Tibetan iconography which makes his the eyeballs, demanding artwork relevant and palatable to the cur- visitors to walk towards it. rent generation. OIn the piece, we see a Buddhist deity, For instance, in his artwork ‘We’re All holding up its index and middle fingers in In This Together’, we can see a Buddhist both hands. Titled as ‘Peace’, in the paint- deity standing with his arms on his waist. ing, the V-sign symbolises the yearning The deity is wearing bright blue under- of peace in our chaotic world, which is wear while blowing a bubble gum. And represented by dark shades and motifs of his body is covered in various traditional war-like scenes in the artwork. iconographies, making him look like a Creating such artworks that resonates superhero. universally, Tsherin Sherpa, through his Likewise another artwork, ‘Dancing latest exhibition titled ‘Print Exhibition’, Yama’, also features the use of pop-cul- held at Wind Horse Gallery, masterfully ture motifs. In the artwork, we can see depicts his calibre as an artist and his Yama, the Lord of Death, performing the talent of infusing contemporary and tra- hook-step of Gangnam style, a widely ditional art forms to create pieces that popular Korean song. speak not only for himself but also for his In the background is a silver leaf paper, community and society at large. which emits the darkness and horror Trained in a traditional Tibetan art Yama personifies. form, Sherpa makes art that is heavily This constant use of contemporary and influenced by Tibetan Buddhist iconogra- pop-culture motifs makes his work stand- phies that have religious and cultural out. His artwork isn’t only relevant and value. However, as an artist, his artworks intriguing, it is also a confluence of tradi- aren’t only filled with iconographies that tional Tibetan art form and contempo- retell a religious tale or embody the rary art which functions as a repository essence of Buddhist philosophies. He that preserves and promotes the tradi- rather mixes the traditional with the con- tional Tibetan art form as well. temporary, making the artworks relevant Meanwhile, the gallery also deserves to all so that many people can decipher applause for exhibiting his artwork. his work and resonate with them. Making the best use of the available For instance, in ‘The Butterfly Effect’, space, they exhibit Sherpa’s brilliant which is one of the most prominent and works in a manner that is approachable thoughtful artworks among the 13 exhib- for people of different backgrounds— ited works, he uses traditional Tibetan they don’t overwhelm the space with iconographies to make a commentary on many artworks, which for the beginners the capitalist system of the world that is POST PHOTOS: SRIZU BAJRACHARYA or even those who are learning and appre- responsible for the sufferings of the Trained in traditional Tibetan art form, Sherpa makes art that is heavily influenced by Tibetan Buddhist iconographies that have religious and cultural value. ciating art can be difficult to comprehend underprivileged. at once. In the artwork, we see a plump, giant their head, their whole body is covered this unity can create, as by coming togeth- ing iconographies building interest and But there are no free brochures man painted in blue. Here the colour blue up, which symbolises their suffocation. er, their energy will produce a storm that curiosity for the onlookers. In the art- that can help the audience to symbolises the coldness and indifference With the help of these motifs, Sherpa can burn the giant, eventually leading to work, he juxtaposes a child along with understand the artwork more effectively people in power have, who have no clue paints the reality of the bourgeoisie, who its destruction. two significant Buddhist goddesses, and this can diminish the impact since if how their actions and privileges affect control all the social and economical cap- And this is the beauty of Sherpa’s art- White and Green Tara, in the background. the artist isn’t present in the gallery, the others. Then, on the left side of the arm ital in the world, forcing the underprivi- works. Each artwork is unique, conveys However, the deities are placed in such a visitors might be deprived of getting of the man is a resting vulture, which leged people to live constrained lives and an idea, and makes people reflect on way that they are disjointed and are sepa- answers to their queries related to his indicates the nature of a capitalist socie- with little means to survive on. themselves as they get lost in the tradi- rated by square boxes. artwork. ty, always hungry for more. However, this artwork can be interpret- tional iconographies of the artwork that While it’s understandable for the artist But this shouldn’t stop anyone from Likewise, the man is also engulfed in ed in a different way as well. Around the reflect contemporary issues. to use the child and the two deities in visiting the gallery, as Sherpa’s effort and fire, which again depicts the rage of the three individuals, there are butterflies As an artist, he does not spoon-feed to the painting as they symbolise compas- artworks should be appreciated. Through powerful people, who are so lost in their flying and moving around. the audience what he intends to convey sion, the squaring of the figures of deities his artistic expression, he successfully quest for power that they are unaware of Since the artwork is titled as ‘The through his art. Rather he thoughtfully is intriguing. It might just be a style or conveys his emotions and philosophies as the disaster they are responsible for. Butterfly Effect’, it can also be interpret- creates and uses his art in such a way that it might also symbolise something deep well as makes effort in preserving tradi- To represent ordinary people, who face ed that these people are united and are one starts to invest and imagine what is and spiritual. tional art--with a modern twist. the wrath of the capitalist system, we see using their force to resist the system. But presented in front of them. A square could signify stability, bal- three figures who have raised their hands the capitalist giant, who is covered in fire, For instance, in his artwork ‘Seeds of ance, and order, and by boxing the deities, The exhibition will be held until February up--as if surrendering--and except for is so aloof that he has no idea the impact Compassion,’ he juxtaposes two intrigu- the artist might want to convey that com- 14 at Windhorse Gallery, Ekantakuna. Vanessa Kirby is raw, dynamic Late-night hosts react with shock, in ‘Pieces of a Woman’ anger to Capitol attack Stephen Colbert’s 14-minute monologue was the most scathing, calling out LINDSEY BAHR Martha not as a wilting flower but as a kind of steely, determined robot alternating between utterly Trump’s most outspoken supporters for sowing the seeds for violence. ieces of a Woman begins with a detached and aggressively angry. It is fiercely tragedy. Martha (Vanessa Kirby) is unguarded. expecting her first child with her If the gutting discomfort feels more authentic than partner Sean (Shia LaBeouf). For a you’re used to, it’s because the story is personal for few minutes, we see them in the the writer and director couple. Kata Wéber wrote the final stages of preparation for life script based on her own experience losing a child “Pwith a baby: She’s saying farewell to her co-workers with director Kornél Mundruczó during pregnancy. and packing up her things; Her mother is signing the And “Pieces of a Woman” goes places that many papers on a practical minivan; And they’re hanging films wouldn’t dare. the final photos up in the well-stocked and tastefully The first half hour will likely get most of the atten- neutral nursery. tion but there are a few other jaw-dropping scenes of Then, suddenly, Martha is in labour and for almost grief and anger that you must see to believe includ- 30 minutes the audience is given a front row seat to ing a late film argument between Martha and her the most realistic and graphic depiction of a home mother, who is played by Ellen Burstyn. birth ever put on film. It’s a difficult labour--Martha Aside from the revelatory moments, however, the is almost drunk with pain--and it’s made even more film unravels a bit as it goes on. The focus turns too stressful by the fact that their midwife is unavailable often to Sean, a construction worker whose relation- and a replacement is sent. Then it ends in death. ship with Martha, an educated professional from a It is a brutal and harrowing start to a film that is wealthy family, never makes a lot of sense. His committed to telling the ugly truth about a loss so descent is a bundle of clichés and distracts from the AP/RSS devastating that it’s almost taboo. And it’s just one of uniqueness of Martha’s story. He also has a moment This combination photo shows late night talk show hosts (from left) Stephen Colbert, Jimmy Fallon, Seth Meyers and Jimmy many deeply unpleasant occurrences to come. Like of sexual aggression with Martha that is even made Kimmel addressing the violence at the US Capitol during their monologues on Wednesday. Martha and Sean, you are left somewhat paralysed and even more troublesome to watch in light of the recent drained after the events of the beginning and have no allegations against LaBeouf. MARK KENNEDY “After five years of coddling this president’s fascist choice but to continue this emotionally wrenching and But it doesn’t detract from Kirby’s achievement NEW YORK rhetoric, guess whose followers want to burn down hauntingly visceral journey with them. here. Hers is an unforgettably vulnerable perfor- the Reichstag?” he said. “Who could have seen this Martha attempts to go about her life but is con- mance that deserves attention and consideration this ate-night TV show hosts expressed anger coming? Everyone. This is the most shocking, most stantly being reminded of what happened, whether awards season. The same also goes for Burstyn in a and frustration at the violence at the US tragic, least surprising thing I’ve ever seen.” it’s seeing children out in the wild, running into her difficult supporting role that she commands. Capitol, offering sombre monologues that “The Daily Show” was on vacation Wednesday night mother’s friend at the grocery store or all the physi- This movie will not be for everyone, but it is impor- pleaded for unity even as some aimed but tweeted out a combo photo of the Capitol under cal postpartum changes that one’s body endures tant not least because it continues to advance the pointed barbs at those they held responsi- siege and an image of dinosaurs running amok from regardless of whether or not the child has survived. discourse around miscarriages which is a trauma ble for the mobs’ actions. “Jurassic Park,” with the caption: “Same energy.” She’s also navigating her own family’s grief, argu- that couples, but mainly women, have been expected L“It was a terrible day in the history of this coun- ments over burials and epitaphs and a legal battle to shoulder in secret for far too long. try,” said Jimmy Kimmel on his ABC show Wednesday. against the substitute midwife (Molly Parker), which The ending won’t be satisfying either, but that’s Over on CBS, Stephen Colbert called it “a horrifying is thankfully relegated to the backdrop. probably the point. There is often no satisfying end to day that will go down in US history, however much Several hosts wryly Kirby, the English actor who portrayed Princess tragic loss, just survival. longer that is.” Margaret in the first seasons of “The Crown,” plays — Associated Press They were reacting to footage several hours earlier noted the relatively of a violent mob loyal to President Donald Trump restrained reaction storming the Senate and forcing lawmakers into hid- ing. Tear gas was used in the Rotunda. from authorities. “If my grandfather were alive today and saw what was happening in the country that he fought for, he’d be disgusted,” said Jimmy Fallon on NBC. “People walking around with the flag upside down Several hosts wryly noted the relatively restrained thinking they’re patriotic. Today was not patriotism. reaction from authorities and compared that to the Today was terrorism.” way Black protesters have been treated. James Corden, who grew up in England, used the “I wouldn’t even want to imagine his treatment or perspective of an outsider to view the events, saying response to those people if they had been wearing he always looked to the United States as a beacon of Black Lives Matter hats instead of red MAGA ones,” light and possibility. Corden said. “Today, people across the world would have Many hosts noted with optimism that the nation is looked at these pictures from Washington weeks away from a new administration and that the and they would have wondered what on earth has same steps where the mob battled police will welcome happened to this great country,” Corden said on CBS. a new batch of lawmakers. But he added “the America that they admire still “It’s important to remember that this is not who we exists.” are. I assure you there are more good people than Kimmel ridiculed some members of the mob, there are bad, and good will prevail,” Fallon said. including one dressed as a Viking. “It was like a psy- Seth Meyers was live on NBC and didn’t try to joke chotic “Price is Right” audience forcibly taking con- about the events, filling his monologue with terms trol of the Plinko wheel,” Kimmel said. He con- like “armed insurrection” and “stunning scenes of demned those who “lit these fires.” violence and sedition.” Colbert’s 14-minute monologue was the most scath- “We are going to try our best tonight to process ing, calling out Trump’s most outspoken GOP sup- what happened and I promise, I promise, if you come AP/RSS porters in Congress and the Senate for what he back tomorrow we will have jokes,” he said. This image released by Netflix shows Shia LeBeouf (left) and Vanessa Kirby in a scene from Pieces of a Woman. alleged were years of sowing the seeds for violence. — Associated Press

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