WITHOUT F EAR OR FAVOUR

Nepal’s largest selling English daily Vol XXVIII No. 215 | 8 pages | Rs.5 O O Printed simultaneously in Kathmandu, Biratnagar, Bharatpur and Nepalgunj 34.4 C 12.0 C Sunday, September 27, 2020 | 11-06-2077 Nepalgunj Jomsom

In fighting the pandemic, the government has ignored other deadly health issues Failure to envision the possible risks not only pushed the country many years back but also lost hard won achievements, experts say.

ARJUN POUDEL to health services has been severely KATHMANDU, SEPT 26 affected by the Covid-19 pandemic. “We have not only lost the hard won Detection of new tuberculosis cases achievements made in the health sec- has declined by 50 percent across the tor but also pushed the country many country since the nationwide lock- years back,” Dr Kiran Regmi, former down was enforced on March 24. secretary at the Health and Population Doctors say undetected and untreated Ministry, told the Post. “Failure to tuberculosis cases could lead to a major envision the possible risks has also spike in new infections and deaths. exposed our [lack of] contingency plan “If not treated, one TB patient can and working style.” transmit the disease to 10 others,” Dr There is more. Kedar Nursing KC, a senior chest phy- Agencies under the Health Ministry sician and tuberculosis expert, told said that mental health patients have the Post. “If such a huge number of been deprived of medication, suicide people infected with TB are not being rate has gone up, non-Covid patients diagnosed, it will lead to a public are deprived of treatment, malnutri- health disaster.” tion cases have increased in several In the six months since lockdown, districts, immunisation rate has 102 women died of pregnancy related declined, outbreaks of measles have complications on the way to hospital been reported in several districts or after reaching the hospital. The including in Kathmandu Valley, insti- comparative figures were 98 women in tutional delivery rate has declined, fiscal year 2018-19 and 95 in 2017-18. and antenatal and postnatal visits Besides, 748 neonatal deaths were have declined manifold. recorded in the fiscal year 2019-20, com- Lockdowns, prohibitory orders and pared to 680 in the fiscal year 2018-19. restriction in public transportation to “Both maternal and neonatal deaths check the spread of coronavirus are POST PHOTO: KESHAV THAPA have increased,” Dr Punya considered responsible for the set- Young women stage a symbolic protest against the murder of a 12-year-old girl in Bajhang. Police suspect that the resident of Masta Rural Poudel, chief of Safe Motherhood backs in the health indicators. Fear of Municipality in the district was murdered after being raped on Wednesday evening. Programme at the family Welfare infection, halt to services in several Division under the Department health facilities and the government of Health Services, told the Post. decision to focus on Covid-19 made “Fear of coronavirus infection, things worse, according to public lockdowns, and a halt in public health experts. transportation are some of the “We already have many other prob- factors for the rise in death rate.” lems--maternal deaths, neonatal Fearing backlash, provinces Meanwhile, 85,492 women deaths, nutrition TB and HIV,” Dr received safe abortion services in Sarad Onta, former assistant dean at the fiscal year 2019-20, compared the Tribhuvan University Institute of to 95,673 in the previous. Medicine, told the Post. other than Province 2 are not This clearly shows that access >> Continued on page 2 fighting for their rights They must follow the example of Province 2 and demand the authority guaranteed by the constitution, or else it will be a historical failure on their part, analysts say.

Affairs to complete the adjustment of Nepal Police personnel and authorise his ministry to mobilise the police within his province in seven days. Yadav asked federal Home Minister Ram Bahadur Thapa to devolve the authority on the security as pre- scribed by Nepal Police and Province Police (Functions, Operation, Supervision and Coordination) Act and Police Adjustment Act. President Bidya Devi Bhandari signed these two Acts into law in February. The Acts authorise provin- cial governments to manage the internal security of their provinces POST FILE PHOTO but remain unimplemented because The Province 2 Assembly in Janakpur. of the reluctance of the federal gov- ernment. BINOD GHIMIRE “We expect the federal government Schedule 6 (1) of the Constitution of KATHMANDU, SEPT 26 to work as designated by the Acts Nepal says the provincial govern- and in line with the spirit of the con- ments have the authority to maintain Province 2 has so far filed three peti- stitution,” said Gyanendra Yadav, internal security. tions against the federal government. minister for Internal Affairs and Law Yadav said if the federal government It is planning to file three more. from Province 2. does not act on implementing these Its gripe: the federal government is On Friday, he issued an ultimatum laws, he will move the Supreme Court. going against the spirit of federalism. to the federal Ministry of Home >> Continued on page 2 Convoluted court judgments often leave even lawyers scratching their heads Legal experts stress the need to simplify the language in court orders, which are so wordy and long-winded that even they struggle to decipher them, let alone the general public.

TIKA R PRADHAN National Assembly member, the digi- KATHMANDU, SEPT 26 tal news portal reported. Kantipur, the Post’s sister paper, on On Wednesday the Supreme Court its Thursday edition carried an issued an interim order in response to explanatory report on the court order. a writ against the nomination of According to the report, the order Nepal Communist Party’s vice-chair meant Gautam could not become a Bamdev Gautam to the National minister at least until September 30 Assembly. but it did not stop him from being A single bench of Justice Ananda appointed a member of any commit- Mohan Bhattarai, in the three-page tee under the Assembly. order, concluded that the issue needed The Post, too, ran a report on the a serious constitutional explanation, order, saying the Supreme Court that Gautam should not be given addi- SHUTTERSTOCK blocked Gautam’s way to the Cabinet, tional constitutional responsibilities Lawyers say court orders should be clear for now. and hence “it should be put on hold” and unambiguous so that everyone sees According to the petitioner, the until the next interim order. The what they mean without difficulty. order, however, meant Gautam cannot bench ordered that both the parties— work even as a member of the National the petitioner and defendants—be in its judgment, there was confusion Assembly. But defence lawyers said informed about the next hearing on whether he can perform his duties as the court has only barred him from September 30. an Upper House member or not. becoming a minister. One interpretation almost everyone Setopati late on Wednesday night Legal experts and observers say made was that the bench blocked ran a report saying there were differ- most of the court orders are often full Gautam’s way to the Cabinet. However, ent interpretations of the interim of legalese, at times making it diffi- since Gautam has already taken the order. While some say the order stops cult for even lawyers to decipher the oath as a member of the National Gautam from becoming a minister, judgments. Assembly, which the bench also noted others say he cannot work even as the >> Continued on page 2

C M Y K SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2020 | 02 NATIONAL Floods wreak havoc in Rupandehi Four died in monsoon-induced disasters in Rupandehi and Makwanpur in last two days.

SANJU PAUDEL & AMRITA ANMOL Khadga Bahadur Khatri, the spokes- Marchawari, Kotihima and Lumbini RUPANDEHI, SEPT 26 person at the District Police Office in Sanskritik and inundated hectares of Rupandehi, said the injured were paddy fields in the area. According to Floods triggered by heavy rains in the receiving treatment at Bhim Hospital Jitendra Nath Shukla, chairman of past few days have wreaked havoc in in Bhairahawa. Similarly, a woman Sammarimai Rural Municipality, various parts of the country. was injured when her house collapsed wards 3, 5 and 7 were hardest hit by At least four people died, 17 houses in Lumbini Sanskritik the floods. were swept away and dozens of houses Municipality-13. She was taken to a “Around 40 families have been dis- were waterlogged in separate inci- neighbouring Indian town for treat- placed by the floods. They are now dents of monsoon-induced disasters ment. taking shelter in the houses of their in Rupandehi and Makwanpur dis- Similarly, the flooded Tinau river relatives and neighbours,” said tricts on Friday night and Saturday. entered a settlement in Butwal-17 and Shukla, adding that the local body The rain-swollen Rapti river entered swept away six houses. As many as 36 would distribute reliefs to the flood Durganagar in Butwal Sub-metropolis families have been displaced by the victims on Sunday. Ward No. 12 and swept away 40-year- inundation. Chief District Officer Pitambar old Bishnu Rai on Friday night, said In Butwal-4, the floodwaters from Ghimire, who is also the chairman of Deputy Superintendent of Police Chure hill swept away three houses in the District Disaster Management Pratit Singh Rathaur. Gairiguan and displaced 16 house- Committee, said several settlements “Her body was recovered at holds. were affected, as the floods damaged Chankipur in Butwal-15 on Saturday Likewise, the flooded Sukhaura many houses and paddy fields. morning,” he said. stream swept away four houses in “We will assess the damage soon According to the Area Police Office Tilottama Municipality of and provide relief to the victims,” in Butwal, the floods in Tinau, Danab Rupandehi. According to the District Ghimire said. and other rivers in Rupandehi swept Police Office, the floods damaged 15 In Makwanpur, three persons were away 17 houses and damaged 24 others houses in Marchawari Rural swept away in separate incidents of in the past 24 hours. Six people sus- Municipality, five houses each in floods on Saturday. According to POST PHOTO: HEMANTA SHRESTHA tained injuries while around 100 hous- Omsatiya Rural Municipality and Deputy Superintendent of Police Water stored in the reservoir of the Melamchi Drinking Water Project in Sundarijal, Kathmandu. The long-awaited project is expected to supply es were inundated in the disaster. Lumbini Sanskritik Municipality and Sushil Singh Rathour, Priyanka Soni 170 million litres of water to Kathmandu every day. Police said five persons were injured four houses in Mayadevi Rural of Birgunj was swept away by the when the floods in the Danab river Municipality. Trikhandi stream in Bhimphedi. destroyed the house of Prabhawati The flooded Tinau and Danab rivers Likewise, the flooded Chaukitar Mallaha in Debandi settlement of have wreaked havoc in several settle- stream in Kailash and Jyamire stream Fearing backlash, provinces other than Sammarimai Rural Municipality. ments of Sammarimai, Mayadevi, in Hetauda swept away two persons. Province 2 are not fighting for their rights Convoluted court judgments often leave ... >> Continued from page 1 and judges in dilemma in other parts not be ambiguous and complex. >> Continued from page 1 against their political masters in have now started talking about how “I was totally confused when I read of the world too. Legalese is not every- However, we continue to see compli- The province has already filed three Kathmandu. the provinces are being deprived of reports on different media on the one’s cup of tea, anyway, and experts cated court orders.” writs in the Supreme Court demand- “The other provinces can not open- their authority. court order with regard to Gautam’s say since law itself is a technical sub- Sanjiv Raj Regmi, spokesperson for ing its intervention against the move ly fight for their authority as they fear “We expect the federal government nomination,” said P Kharel, a profes- ject consisting of arcane theories, the Office of Attorney General, said of the federal government to encroach the top leadership,” said senior advo- to use its conscience,” Naresh sor of journalism and mass communi- court orders are often quite difficult to he, during his decades of career deal- upon its authority. cate Chandra Kanta Gyawali, who spe- Bhandari, minister for internal affairs cation at Tribhuvan University. “I fathom. ing with legal matters, has come One is against the nullification of cialises in constitutional law. and law of Karnali Province, told the could not figure out what exactly the Officials at the Supreme Court across many judgements that are cir- the Forest Act by the federal govern- “Provincial ministers are dissatis- Post. “It has a larger role towards the status of the ruling party’s vice-chair admit the need to simplify the lan- cumlocutory, meandering and unintel- ment which it claims curtails the fied, but they are hesitant to challenge implementation of the constitution.” is after the interim order.” guage in court orders. ligible. authority of the provincial govern- the federal government, as they think Political scientists say that the fed- Court orders in Nepal have tradi- “We have also felt the need for prop- He recalled one judgment on transi- ment in using forests. The second one challenging the leadership in eral government is very conservative tionally been found to be long-winded, er dissemination of judgments in a tional justice (Suman Adhikari Vs is against the federal government’s Kathmandu could harm their political in delegating the authority to the pro- sometimes one single sentence run- simplified form,” said Bhadrakali government, February 2015) as quite decision to merge the Sagarnath careers.” vincial and local governments. Such ning an entire paragraph. Some judg- Pokhrel, spokesperson of the Supreme complicated to understand. “I have Forest Development Project with the acts are against the spirit of the con- es tend to use sparkling prose, while Court. “We are studying ways to read the 85-page judgment multiple Timber Corporation. The third is stitution, according to them. others use a language that is obscure address that concern.” times, and I think I will find some- against the federal government’s deci- Federal government “Provincial and local governments and verbose. Sentences punctuated by Court orders in a simple and plain thing new in it every time I read it,” sion to readjust civil servants that are independent entities, and if the Articles and court rules, which the language can also help authorities Regmi told the Post. “I too have strug- were already adjusted in provinces is seen conservative federal government fails to recognise lawyers then decipher, are so compli- implement them in a more effective gled to fully comprehend it.” and local governments, claiming that this fact, they have to fight for their cated at times that the judgments w a y. Jurists say that since Supreme transferring civil servants who have in delegating power authority as guaranteed by the consti- make no sense to normal people. An official at the Office of the Court judgments are also treated as already been adjusted from one prov- tution,” said Meena Baidhya Malla, a “Forget ordinary people and jour- Attorney General said there have law in the common legal system, such ince to another or one local govern- to provinces. retired professor of political science. nalists, some judgements are extreme- been many instances when govern- orders should be unambiguous and ment to another would affect stability. “I believe the federal government will ly difficult even for lawyers to under- ment authorities have approached clear—for immediate implementation According to Deependra Jha, chief be under pressure if all the provinces stand,” said Chandra Kanta Gyawali, the Office to help decipher court as well as for further references. attorney of Province 2, one of the Some of the leaders from provinces, collaborate in the legal fight for their a senior advocate who is also a mem- judgments. Shambhu Thapa, also a senior three new petitions they are planning who belong to the Nepal Communist authority.” ber of the Nepal Bar Council, an inde- “Sometimes, they ask us if we can advocate, stressed the need for keep- to file against the federal government Party, have come out to express Experts say it would be counted as pendent legal institution that pro- help make it clear what exactly the ing the language in court judgments is to demand that the province be their dissatisfaction at the federal the failure of provincial governments motes, protects and regulates the order says,” the official, who did not as simple as possible for everyone to allowed to investigate criminal cases government. if they fail to set up the foundation for activities of law practitioners in a wish to be named, told the Post. make sense. as well, not only civil offences. Shalikram Jamarkattel, minister federalism before their five-year ten- professional manner. “Sometimes, “We frequently receive calls from dif- “Different judges have their own The province also wants an order to for internal affairs and law of Bagmati ure completes. lawyers tend to make their own inter- ferent government authorities that styles of writing judgments,” Thapa the federal government to stop fre- Province, said they have been raising “I would expect other provincial pretations of the judgements.” are asked by the court to implement told the Post. “It’s in everyone’s larger quent transfers of secretaries of the their voices aggressively during the governments to leave their legacy,” According to Kharel, the mass com- the orders.” interest if justices avoid using too provincial ministries. “The third is meetings with the prime minister and said Gyawali. munication professor, for journalists Once judges are appointed in Nepal, many words and state their points related to the mobilisation of the other ministers. Representatives of the Nepal working for English media, court they undergo a training programme, clearly. The shorter the sentences, the police,” Jha told the Post. “We want to “We are waiting so far because we Communist Party-led provincial gov- orders are even more challenging, as for about two months, on several easier it is to apprehend what the exercise the authority that is guaran- don’t want to confront the federal gov- ernments, meanwhile, are pinning judgments written in Nepali already aspects of their profession, and one of order means.” teed to us by the constitution.” ernment,” Jamarkatel told the Post. hopes on the prime minister. are so complicated, and reporters have the topics is “judgement drafting”. Ram Krishna Timalsena, former The seven provincial governments “This, however, doesn’t mean we will Hari Bahadur Chuman, minister to be extra cautious so as to ensure “During the training, we discuss registrar at the Supreme Court, have already completed half of their continue to keep quiet. I support the for internal affairs and law of Gandaki accurate translation. ways to make judgements short and shared his own observations on why five-year terms, but they are yet to move by Province 2 which represents Province, said that during the provin- Lawyers and former justices admit simple and to the point so that at least judgments are sometimes complicat- enjoy the basic constitutional authori- our concerns as well.” cial ministers’ meeting on July 29, that there is a need to bring some both the parties can understand ed, wordy and incomprehensible. ties like forming their own police Gyawali feels that other provinces Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli had changes when it comes to writing them,” said former Supreme Court “There is this perception in Nepal… force and hiring their own bureau- should follow Province 2 in challeng- assured that adjustment of the Nepal judgments without being wordy. Justice Top Bahadur Magar, executive if you write a difficult language, you crats. Province 2 is the only province ing the federal government’s uncon- Police would be done immediately. “We have talented justices in the director of the National Judicial are a better person… that you would where the Nepal Communist Party stitutional moves. “Yes, two months have passed and Supreme Court who are extremely Academy, a government undertaking earn more respect,” Timalsena, who (NCP), which leads the federal govern- “Staying silent on the federal gov- nothing has happened,” said Chuman. well-versed on legal matters,” said that provides training to judges, gov- holds a PhD on Constitutional Law, ment, does not have its government. ernment’s move to breach the consti- “But you have to trust your prime Balaram KC, a former Supreme Court ernment attorneys, government legal told the Post. Constitutional and political experts tutional provision is an indirect sup- minister. We hope he walks the talk. justice. “They can bring a new trend officers, judicial officers, private law “It’s not that judgments cannot be say the other provinces aren’t raising port towards disrespecting the consti- Seeking legal remedy now will look of writing short and succinct judg- practitioners, and others who are written in a simple and plain lan- their voice against the federal govern- tution,” said Gyawali. like we do not have faith in our own ments. Brevity and clarity should be directly involved in the administra- guage. Everyone has the freedom to ment because they do not want to go Ministers from other provinces too prime minister.” the key.” tion of justice in Nepal. put their linguistic dexterity on dis- Convoluted court orders, however, “The basic ingredient of the judge- play, but how will the judgment serve put ordinary people and even lawyers ment should be that its language must the purpose if it is indecipherable.” In fighting the pandemic, the government ... >> Continued from page 1 Department of Health Services, said “The Nepal government can com- “Coronavirus is an additional bur- that contingency plan or Plan B is municate better on some of the cohe- den when we have to deal with other required when the original plan does sive policies like how we can continue problems. But we are forgetting all not work but the lack of vision in the to strengthen the health system but other existing problems to focus on leadership and their advisers is also support economic aspects,” said Covid-19, which is a mistake.” responsible for the setbacks in James Ginting vice, chair of the asso- The surge in death rate and new achievement made by the rigorous ciation. infections of Covid-19 show whatever investment of time and money over Doctors say that the impact of the the achievements or plannings the the years. ongoing pandemic will remain for government made, the country is “Ministers may not know years. always at risk of losing it if it does not everything but their advisers should Usha Jha, the National Planning have contingency plans. present visions for a way out,” Sherpa Commission member who looks after When the second Covid-19 case was told the Post. “How can we expect health, said that maternal health and detected on March 23, the government more, when instead of experts and other non-Covid ailments became enforced a nation-wide lockdown experienced professionals, people neglected issues as all are focussed on the next day, which barred thousands close to the party are appointed as Covid-19. of people from getting health care advisers?” “Yes, ongoing maternal, neonatal services. But it is not only the political lead- deaths and other health issues show As of Saturday, 71,821 have been ership and bureaucracy that have that we are not prepared to handle a infected and 467 have died of the virus been found wanting. pandemic like Covid-19,” Jha told the across the country. International non-governmental Post. “This pandemic is something The Ministry of Health and organisations and national non-gov- that demands much more than what Population had directed ernmental organisations working in we are capable of. We have not envi- agencies under it to focus on the the health care sector have failed to sioned this kind of emergency.” Covid-19 early on. fill the gap left by the government Authorities concerned could not Most of the programmes of health, agencies. make immediate action plans in the including immunisation and out-pa- “Had those agencies worked seri- changed context. tient department services at health ously, we could have avoided so many “We have realised that we need facilities, were halted. deaths,” added Sherpa. short-, mid- and long-term planning “Due to the fear of infection Jitram Lama, president of the NGO along with contingency plans to deal and halt in public transportation, Federation of Nepal, concedes that with possible emergencies,” Jha immunisation services were disrupt- due to the restriction in public trans- added. “We have already started dis- ed for some time,” Dr Jhalak Sharma, portation and fear of infection, NGO cussions to address the implications chief of the immunisation section at workers could not continue their work caused by the pandemic for health the Family Welfare division, told the after the government enforced the care sectors.” Post. nationwide lockdown. Former chief secretary Bimal “We have provided safety gear--per- “We all know that this is an abnor- Koirala said that lack of planning and sonal protective equipment--and mal situation,” said Lama. “In the the will of the political leadership to resumed the services throughout the initial stage, we could not continue mitigate risks is responsible for the country now.” the work, but later we resumed doing increased number of deaths and the But the damage seems to have been our best to address the problems.” worsening plight of people. done if the outbreaks of measles are The Association of INGOs on their “We do not lack resources, what is any indication. part said they too have been focussed lacking is the will in the government Dr Mingmar Gyelgen Sherpa, for- on fighting the pandemic but are to address the suffering of people,” mer director general at the ready to help in other ways. said Koirala.

C M Y K 03 | SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2020 NATIONAL Local governments must take its advice on roads, Roads Department says Unnecessary and haphazard feeder roads destroy natural drainage, and trigger landslides, experts say.

PRITHVI MAN SHRESTHA Rajak, a focal person at Kanti Highway KATHMANDU, SEPT 26 Project, which connects Kathmandu with Hetauda. Nine members of a single family died “Geological condition along the at Tamadi area of Waling Municipality road itself is weak and the haphazard in Syangja on Thursday as landslides road construction has weakened it coming from a newly widened road further.” just above buried the house. Provincial and local governments “One of the reasons behind the are at the forefront of constructing landslide in the area could be the wid- connecting roads. The Public Road ening of the road just above the buried Act (2074) necessitates approval from house although incessant rainfall has the Department of Roads for con- caused landslides even in places structing auxiliary roads linking the where there is no fresh road construc- national highways. As per Section tion,” said Ganga Bahadur Chhetri, 19 of the Act, no person shall build the chief district officer in Syangja. an access road joined to the public A day after the death of nine people, road without permission from the two other nearby houses were also department. buried in another bigger landslide But the law has rarely been followed early Friday morning. A disaster was as the local governments, which are averted by evacuating the families heavily empowered under the new from the two houses, said Chhetri. constitution, seek to develop new POST PHOTO: DEEPAK KC According to Chhetri, 366 families roads to deliver development. Labourers working on building a road along the Manohara river in Kathmandu Valley play volleyball during their free time on Saturday. in around a dozen settlements in the “We have been sending letters to the district are in urgent need of resettle- local administrations and the local ment due to landslides either below or governments to follow the law,” Rajak above these settlements. said. While risk to the human settle- The Bharatpur Road Division also ments is apparent from haphazard said it has written to all local govern- construction of connecting roads, the ments along the Prithvi Highway, urg- Having suffered heavy losses, national national highways have also become ing them to follow the law and remind- victims of such constructions. ing them about the dangers of haphaz- Incessant rainfall across the coun- ard construction of such roads. try in the last few days caused several landslides on the Prithvi Highway, one parks hope to make up with reopening of the busiest national highways Local governments where over 8,000 vehicles ply in a day With onset of autumn, they are ready to welcome visitors and are banking on domestic tourists in the festival holidays. in normal times. say they face Krishna Raj Adhikari, chief of the CHANDAN KUMAR MANDAL Road Division, Bharatpur, said the pressure from KATHMANDU, SEPT 26 road was blocked at 50 to 60 places due to landslides caused by the rains in people to build roads. After more than six-months of recent days with half a dozen major remaining shut for tourists, protected landslides along the Naubise- areas in the country are all set to Narayangadh section. The highway However, officer bearers of the local welcome visitors once again as the was blocked at several locations due to governments say they face strong country prepares for the new tourism over 150 landslides in July too, accord- pressure to connect every village with season. ing to the Department of Roads. a road network. The country’s protected areas have “One of the main reasons behind “We face pressure to connect even a been reopened following the govern- the landslides on the highway is hap- single house with a road network. ment’s decision to resume services by hazard construction of feeder roads Once a road is constructed, landslides maintaining health and safety proto- linking it,” said Adhikari. cause much damage and we face the cols, said Haribhadra Acharya, Officials and experts say that con- blame of causing the landslides,” said spokesperson for the Department of struction of feeder roads destroyed Hom Narayan Shrestha, president of National Parks and Wildlife the natural drainage system which is the National Association of Rural Conservation. scattered for the land to withstand. Municipalities. “The government did not pass a “What feeder roads did is connect The landslide at Jugal Rural specific decision to reopen protected the numerous natural drains spread- Municipality in Sindhupalchok in parks for outsiders. But the govern- ing over wider geography which were August had killed 37 people while two ment has decided to allow sectors such stable into one, leading to increased are still missing. Shrestha, who is also as hotels and transport, by maintain- flow of water on the newly construct- the chairperson of the rural munici- ing health protocols,” Acharya told ed roads and this caused landslides,” pality, said building road without con- the Post. “Based on the same decision, said Madhukar Upadhya, an expert on ducting environmental assessment the parks were reopened. Whether watershed management. and drainage results in landslides. tourists come immediately or not is Even before feeder roads were con- “There is demand for road network another matter.” structed rapidly, the country saw land- but the budget is limited. So building All the 12 national parks, six conser- POST FILE PHOTO slides. “But frequency and number of roads with the drainage has not got vation areas, one hunting reserve and Visitors to protected areas in the country are a major source of revenue for conservation activities. landslides have increased manifold as priority,” he said. one wildlife reserve have remained the roads were constructed in a hap- “Now, people are increasingly real- shut down for outsiders since mid- the spring tourist season in which on the upcoming autumn season and people visiting the parks as Covid-19 hazard manner by cutting both rockey ising that good roads should be built March as the government introduced they could have generated revenue domestic tourists. While the arrival concerns still persist, and people hav- and fragile slopes in equal measures even if road networks could not be several measures to contain the required for their programmes. of foreign tourists is to open only from en’t been able to come out of their without considering the geological increased as targeted.” spread of coronavirus in the country. Ananath Baral, chief conservation October 17, the movement of domes- homes freely.” condition of the area,” said Upadhya. In the past, a concept of green road The monthslong lockdown has officer at Chitwan National Park— tic tourists has come as a sign of hope. During 2018-19, all these protected As a result, landslides have emerged was introduced where people con- dried up significant revenue for these home of the one-horned rhinos and Protected areas, which remain a areas generated around Rs765 million as a major threat to settlements as structed the road without using areas, where huge sums are being Royal Bengal tigers—the park raises a major tourist destination for both out- as revenues from various tourism well to the national highways. machines in hilly regions. “People spent on conservation activities. substantial fraction of its revenue siders and domestic tourists, expect a activities. In the same period, a total “Landslides occurred at a number used to build one lane in the first year, The department said that all the from visitors. surge in visitors in the upcoming sea- of 706,148 tourists, including foreigner of places including Kurintar, second lane in the second year and parks will also abide by prescribed The park raised over Rs294 million son. As per government records, over and domestic, visited the country’s Jogimara and Ichchhakamana areas third lane in the next year. This could protocols for keeping the visitors safe in 2018-19. But the figure slumped to 60 percent of total tourists coming to protected areas. of the Prithvi Highway due to con- reduce the chance of landslides,” said and not to reduce the risk of transmis- around Rs 190 million during the last Nepal visit a protected area of the Last fiscal year, the revenues from necting roads above the highway,” Upadhya. sion of the viral disease. fiscal year due to the pandemic. In country. all these parks have recorded a drop- said Adhikari. “Now there is an increased focus on With the reopening of the parks, 2018-19, the Chitwan park welcomed a In 2018, when the country welcomed down to around Rs400 million, accord- Not only Prithvi Highway, other the use of excavators. Even on the visitors will be asked to maintain record number of 187,109 tourists. a record 1.1 million tourists, over ing to Acharya, who further added, highways too are victims of landslides roads where the use of excavators physical distance and mandatorily “Tourist arrivals and income gener- 700,000 had visited the protected there has been nominal arrival of caused by haphazard construction of have been prohibited, they are being wear masks while waiting at ticket ation are not only essential for wild- parks, according to Acharya. tourists since parks reopened. feeder roads. Incessant rainfall in the used. Many politicians at the local counters, added Acharya. life conservation and park manage- But the initial signs have not been “The tourism season has already last few days caused around two dozen level own excavators and they want to “Bottles of sanitizer bottles, water ment, but also for the upliftment of encouraging. Chitwan National Park, begun. Foreign tourists start with visa landslides along the Kanti Highway. reap benefits.” and soaps will be available at the tick- community forests and their activi- which opened on Wednesday, has not processing by this time for visiting “The landslides that occured at Service delivery and trade also get et counters,” said Acharya. “But we ties,” said Baral. “Likewise, hoteliers seen a single visitor until now. during September-October followed Thapeli area of Bagmati Rural affected if landslides continue to have not set a limit on the number of and other tourism entrepreneurs also “No tourist has entered the park by a slump in November-December. It Municipality in Lalitpur and several obstruct the road. Nepal-China trade visitors per day.” rely on tourists.” since we opened,” said Baral. “We picks up again in February-March,” locations of Makawanpur district is often obstructed due to landslides The autumn season is significant Nepal’s tourism sector, devastated opened to send out a message. We said Acharya. “But this year, the num- along the highway are due to haphaz- that occur on roads connecting for all the protected parks as they lost by months of lockdown, is counting aren’t expecting an instant surge in ber will be lower than in the years.” ard road construction,” said Dipesh Rasuwagadhi and Tatopani. Weeks to go for Dashain, but bus operators yet to start pre-booking tickets Around two million people left the Valley during the festival last year, this year the number is expected to drop to less than 700,000, according to Metropolitan Traffic Police Division. ANUP OJHA new infections between Friday and Saturday. down when I am out of the Valley? What if I KATHMANDU, SEPT 26 Of them, 583 were confirmed in Kathmandu, 78 am stuck there?” said Neupane, who is from in Lalitpur and 63 in Bhaktapur districts. Chitwan. With less than three week to go for As of Saturday, the number of cases in the Gogan Hamal, director general at the Ghatasthapana, which marks the start of Valley has reached 20,698. A total of 18,200 Department of Transport Department, said Dashain, bus operators are still reluctant to cases were detected after the three the department does not know anything on the start taking reservation orders fearing that district administration offices in the Valley issue. fewer passengers will leave Kathmandu for the imposed prohibitory orders starting August 19 Meanwhile, the Metropolitan Traffic Police festivities than during the pre-Covid days. midnight. Division said less than 700,000 people are The rapid spike of Covid-19 in Kathmandu Until last year, a festive mood would grip expected to leave Kathmandu to celebrate has kept the public in a constant fear for their Kathmandu weeks before Dashain with people Dashain this year compared to over two mil- free movements even in the prior to the festive going out in large numbers for shopping, and lion last year. season. bus operators adding buses to their fleet to take According to the division’s report, over “We are still not sure whether to start passengers out of the Valley. Bus counters at 500,000 people left the Valley two weeks preced- pre-booking of tickets,” said Yogendra Naya Bus Park, Kalanki, Gaushala, Koteshwor, ing the first lockdown that was enforced from Karmacharya, president of Federation of Sundhara and Balkhu would also be brimming March 24. Tens of thousands of working class Nepalese National Transport Entrepreneurs. with people. people also left the Valley on foot. “We are thinking of waiting for one more But this year, most people have chosen to “Only 10 percet of them might have returned week to see if passengers want to get out of stay home due to the pandemic. to Kathmandu,” said SP Rameshwor Yadav, town. I think that this time, we won’t need to “If you go to your village, there is a risk of also the spokesperson for the division. have pre-bookings as many people are unwill- transmission of the disease. There are rumors Ever since the government reopened long- ing to go out due to the Covid-19 pandemic,” that the government will impose a lockdown haul buses on September 18, only 102,500 peo- added Karmacharya. during the festival,” said Sushila Neupane, 37, ple have left the Valley. “This is a small num- According to the Ministry of Health and who runs a grocery shop in Lagankhel. POST FILE PHOTO ber, which is unlikely to grow during Dashain Population, Kathmandu Valley recorded 724 “What if the government imposed the lock- Until last year, passengers queued up in front of counters to get their tickets to go home during Dashain. this time,” said Yadav.

C M Y K SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2020 | 04 OPINION Remembering Kapila Vatsyayan

component at the postgraduate Happily, sharing between level at the Central Department of English. Some years later, when I was the creative writers and the Chair of the Department of English, we developed a syllabus academics of South Asia that included South Asian Studies as one component. Learned colleagues continues to grow. and brilliant students who had just graduated with their MAs, senior pro- fessors now, worked very seriously to ABHI SUBEDI develop that. Vatsyayan’s works were very much there for the follow- Words & ing reasons. Echoes Kapila Vatsyayan, who was also a linguist and historian, saw the inte- gration and reinterpretation of the cultural past as a valid subject that should be studied in the present and I was shocked by the news of the death should prepare a vision of interdisci- of the eminent Indian scholar Kapila plinary studies for the future. For that Vatsyayan, at the age of 91, in Delhi on reason, her writings and her percep- September 16. I immediately shared tions can be relevant components in that news with a few academics and the corpus of academic studies. We my erstwhile students who had known have continued to include her articles her and read her works. I quickly in the graduate studies about perfor- browsed through the news sites and mance and cultural studies. She pre- came across these words said by prom- sented a keynote speech at the invita- inent Hindi writer, courageous crea- tion of the Nepali Folklore Society in tor and friend Ashok Vajpayee quoted 2003. Other than addressing our by PTI, ‘I deeply mourn the passing International Folklore Congress, she away of Kapila Vatsyayan, a great met students and scholars, gave a scholar, a sharp mind, a creative per- speech on theatre and launched a play. son and a great institution-builder. That speaks about the nature of our The world of culture in India loses a relations with her. doyen, a tireless promoter and a In the end, I must mention one very bridge-maker amongst the arts, important seminar that she had thought and imagination. Also a per- organised as President of India sonal loss to many like me’. International Centre in Delhi from Vajpayee’s words present a picture March 24-26, 2014. The title of the sem- of Vatsyayan. He was referring to her inar was ‘Traditional Cultures: Study role in the establishment of Lalit Kala in Continuity and Fluidity’. She had Akademi, Sangeet Natak Akademi, personally chosen that very eloquent Sahitya Akademi among others. title. This seminar of writers and aca- When I first met her in Delhi I had demics from different countries was some idea about her blazing trails. I the reflection of her scholarship, per- forgot the exact date and year of the sonality and worldwide contacts. They meeting that happened in the 80s. The ranged from novelists from Egypt, a occasion was a seminar at the young Confucian scholar from China, Indira Gandhi National Centre dissident writers from African coun- for the Arts of which Vatsyayan was tries and authors and cultural experts the first director. I was introduced to from South America, Europe and nat- her by the Nepali Cultural Attaché in urally writers from South Asian coun- Delhi, poet Tulasi Diwasa, and his tries. Diwasa and I were also invited to friend the prominent Hindi poet, nov- that conference where we presented elist and a Jawaharlal Nehru papers. When I saw the compiled book University Professor Ganga Prasad of those papers after getting the news Vimal. He has written a novel based SHUTTERSTOCK of her demise, I was struck by the plu- on Garhwal where he came from by because she had become a member of a deep sense of theatricality and Waste Land’. What she commented on I had discovered Kapila Vatsyayan, rality of her connections, her human- alluding to the historical connections the Upper House of the Indian power of performative culture and that paper changed my perspective of alias Kapilaji, while working towards ity, secularism and the sheer strength of the conquering Gorkhali soldiers Parliament in 2006. Meeting her was traditions. As one dedicated to the aridity in theatre. She said, a play- creating a system of South Asian of this great scholar who always whose actions are mentioned in folk- like getting inspired to do something study of performance studies, I find wright should turn the wasteland into Studies through some of her major embraced diversity, tolerance and lore and memories, all of which are towards developing a system of her interpretations of dance, of which a theatre, which means he or she gives interventions. Her major publications freedom of academic and artistic not pleasant. As Vimal’s tragic death approach to the studies of performa- she was a great scholar, art and sculp- life to the aridity through perfor- like ‘Traditional Indian Theatre: quests. occurred during a trip to southern tive, folkloristic and epistemological ture as well as music, explainable mance. I mentioned to her about a Multiple Streams’, ‘Classical Indian We should write more about the India, I sadly missed that chance of nature. It was very easy to talk to her productively only in terms of per- student of mine named Shiva Rijal Dance in Literature and the Arts’, and nature of sharing with the Indian sending him my reactions after read- because she was a scholar of English formativity. who was doing a PhD on cross-cultur- ‘Traditions of Indian Folk Dance’ in scholars of calibre and height like her ing the novel. literature, and inter-art subjects I met her at the International al theatre under my tutelage. I got that addition to a great body of her articles and with other writers of South Asian I met Vatsyayan a number of times including theatre, which was, and is, Theatre Symposium, on ‘Theatre in dissertation sent to her as an external and papers contribute to that. We were countries. Happily, such sharing with after the above incident. Every time I my principal passion. She was a the World Today: Individual and examiner in 2005. She sent a long looking for an alternate system of the creative writers and academics of went to Delhi to attend some literary literary critic who has written about Collective Visions’, at the Golden review and approval of the thesis, explaining the South Asian cultural South Asia continues to grow. We seminars or on personal visits I man- literary works by making a very Jubilee Theatre Festival in Delhi from which reads like an article. I recall heritage, achievements, and some aca- become more aware of that at this aged to meet her. On one occasion I unique blend of her knowledge of the October 9-12, 2003. She attended my that with a sense of pride because that demic perspective while working moment when we are paying tribute to could meet her with great difficulty Western and Indic traditions. She had presentation on ‘Playwright in the was my first PhD supervision. towards developing a South Asian Dr Kapila Vatsyayan.

Turning villages into tourist hotspots

A shift towards rural destinations holds the key to post-lockdown tourism revival.

SUNIL SHARMA

The tourism industry is lining up des- tinations which earlier had few tak- ers, but now have the potential to become the rage due to trend changes prompted by Covid-19. After being cooped up at home for months follow- ing the virus lockdown, and the need to maintain social distance still very relevant with the outbreak showing no signs of abating, thrill-seekers will want to be away from crowds and close to nature in open spaces. They will want to venture into nature and engage in activities that promise a lifetime experience in rural areas in particular. So both hosts and guests are trying to explore new areas. Once the travel industry resumes opera- tions, this trend will not only acceler- ate but also emerge stronger. Every year, the World Tourism Organisation announces a theme for World Tourism Day which occurs on September 27 that matches contempo- rary issues. This year, the theme is SHUTTERSTOCK ‘Tourism and Rural Development’. Pacific Asia Travel Association Gold Chitwan, Rupandehi (Lumbini) and ing towards society, and this is pull them out from low-value subsist- The Ministry of Culture, Tourism ‘Nature and biodiversity are deeply Awards; and in 2008, Ghalegaun was Dolpa. Its main goal was to contribute undoubtedly a great way of connect- ence farming. and Civil Aviation has carefully and linked to World Tourism Day 2020, a declared a SAARC model village in to poverty alleviation in Nepal by ing with locals. Technologies such as artificial meticulously drafted a standard oper- day dedicated to harness the power of recognition of its cultural richness. mainstreaming pro-poor sustainable Technology-based innovations are a intelligence can be utilised to provide ating procedure including the selec- tourism to generate better opportuni- These successes were not achieved tourism policies and developing strat- necessary tool for rural development, crop intelligence as well as grading to tion criteria for selecting tourism vil- ties in rural communities, where liv- overnight. People from the villages egies and innovative models that are especially for those that have consid- help farmers. Himalayan herbs can be lages. Various elements have been ing in harmony with nature is crucial received basic training in cooking, pro-women, pro-environment and erable human and physical capital used for wellness retreats in remote carefully identified and tested for the for development’, the World Tourism serving and cleaning. pro-communities. embedded in them. Local spring water areas. An enabling environment needs selection of tourism villages, and it Organisation said. This year’s theme Ghalegaun conducted a study tour The Tourism for Rural Poverty can be turned into mineral and alka- to be created to help value-addition has asked for public feedback. Tourism clearly emphasises a shift from ‘glo- of Sirubari and replicated its pro- Alleviation Programme applied both line water that can be supplied to and develop backward linkages. It is and rural development are interlinked cal’ to ‘local’ that holds the key to gramme. In 2001, the Tourism for top-down and bottom-up approaches: hotels and restaurants. This will have fair to say that farmers will gain real with each other and can play a post-lockdown tourism industry reviv- Rural Poverty Alleviation Programme Policy, plan and budgets were designed spill-over effects that will further benefits only when they have access to meaningful and responsible role only al. was launched with the aim of improv- by a steering committee while the pro- drive non-farm job creation. Avocado, information and the entire agricultur- when the tourism sector can generate Nepal has rich rural development ing the livelihood of the people by grammes were devised at the kiwi and pumpkin seeds are in high al produce trade is digitised, giving opportunities to pull rural people out experiences in the tourism sector and harnessing their participation in community level and executed by the demand in the cities, and with value much emphasis to backward linkages. of abject poverty and provide them has many success stories to share tourism development activities. The local level. The institutional addition, can be sold at premium pric- With high priorities and an integrated sustainable livelihoods through with the world. Homestays at Sirubari Tourism for Rural Poverty Alleviation modality was unique in its approach es. This requires access to on-farm approach, and drawing on Nepal’s employment or business entrepre- and Ghalegaun villages have won Programme was launched in six dis- and clearly lived to the spirit of inclu- knowledge on ‘how to grow’ high-val- many sources of strength, it can gain neurship. international accolades for their cul- tricts of Nepal, namely Taplejung sion where communities were fully ue crops through public-private tech much-needed momentum for rural tural richness. In 2001, Sirubari (Kangchenjunga), Solukhumbu empowered. By venturing into rural platforms that address the knowledge development through contributions Sharma is a senior manager at Nepal Village Tourism was awarded the (Everest), Rasuwa (Langtang), areas, people will focus on contribut- and marketing needs of farmers to from tourism. Tourism Board.

C M Y K 05 | SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2020 MONEY With Dashain approaching, Tea farmers and traders sceptical beleaguered automobile dealers about trademark implementation Stakeholders highlight the system of getting organic tea certified, which costs more hopeful business will pick up than Rs 500,000, as a major obstacle to widespread adoption of the new brand. BIPLAV BHATTARAI hefty amount for farmers. Similarly, produced in the hilly areas including ILLAM, SEPT 26 many of the farmers who get the logo Ilam. Bishnu Bhattarai, executive The sector is expecting to hit the bulk of their yearly sales target—around 40 percent— now have not clearly understood the director of the tea board, said they Radha Rai, a tea entrepreneur from importance of it, which could pose are trying to make enough from the during the festive season, says Nepal Automobile Dealers’ Association. Suryodaya Municipality, Buddha problems. given chance. Dham, was happy to see Nepali ortho- Farmers, who have not been able to Stakeholders, who have been active- KRISHANA PRASAIN dox teas receive a trademark on feel much relief from the policies ly lobbying for years on the tea trade- KATHMANDU, SEPT 26 Tuesday. However, despite receiving introduced to make the National mark, said that this is the right way to the certificate from the Ministry for Tea and Coffee Development Board make a good profit from tea benefiting With the lifting of the lockdown, new Agriculture and Livestock effective, do not seem to be very confi- the tea stakeholders and the nation. A product launches and Dashain and Development, Rai is doubtful about dent with the Board’s work this time right track has been opened to make Tihar schemes and offers, automobile how this new development will be fol- as well. Nepali tea competitive in the interna- dealers have become hopeful sales will lowed through. There is no clear coordination tional market, said Udaye Chapagain, pick up with the festive season. Rai, who operates Green and among the government bodies for the a tea entrepreneur. But if the given Krishna Prasad Dulal, president Speciality Tea Industry, supplies her implementation of the trademark, say achievement is politicised then not of Nepal Automobile Dealers’ produce to the domestic and interna- farmers. Stating that there are many only will the people dependent on tea Association (NADA), said that the sec- tional market. And while she acknowl- errors in the process of implementa- lose out on an opportunity to tap into tor is expecting to hit the bulk of their edges the trademark is a welcome tion of the logo, Rana Bahadur Rai, the international market but so will yearly sales target—around 40 per- move that will help Nepali orthodox mayor of Suryodaya Municipality, has the nation, he added. cent—during the festival time, with tea establish itself more firmly in the requested the tea board to make While inaugurating the trademark hopes that this will introduce a gradu- international market, there are a lot amendments within six months and logo, titled ‘Nepal Quality from the al pick up in sales. of questions in her mind about the come up with prohibitions that reflect Himalayas’, Minister Bhushal also With the lockdown in place, automo- hassles and costly organic certifica- the realities of tea-producing farmers directed the tea board to simplify the bile import had declined by around 60 tion that one has to go through to get and labourers. The government sup- costly organic certification process by percent in the first two months of the the trademark. port is a must for every process to revising age-old, impractical tea poli- current fiscal year, he said. But with Not only Rai, all the 12 people who meet the standards for quality includ- cies. Nepali orthodox tea has been the lift in restriction orders, the sector got the certificate also have similar ing the speciality of tea produced in gaining popularity in the internation- is looking for a positive start, he said. POST FILE PHOTO questions. A major one being: what the hills, he said. al market because of its quality, In the past few months, the sales Auto dealers are introducing new products and schemes ahead of the festive season. type of policies will the government However, stakeholders suggest that aroma, taste and aftertaste. Nepal pro- growth of two-wheelers has risen in bring with the implementation of the the trademark implementation should duces around 6,097 tonnes of orthodox comparison to four-wheelers. But the not impacted the sale of two-wheelers Around 3,000 automobiles used to trademark to facilitate tea exports in be given high priority to increase the tea annually in the hills. It also pro- highest sales has been of development too much. In terms of four-wheelers, it get booked during NADA Auto Show the international market? export of orthodox tea, which has a duces 19,108 tonnes of crush-tear-curl and infrastructure development auto- is still a tough time for sales despite but there is no such situation this On Tuesday, Minister for market share of only 10 percent in the (CTC) tea, known for its strong and mobiles, he said. offers and schemes. The medium-lev- year, said a sector insider.The compa- Agriculture and Livestock western market. Out of which, 6 mil- bright appearance, in the lowlands of Demand for four-wheelers is yet to els cars are doing good business com- ny has been receiving around 150 que- Development Ghanashyam Bhushal lion kg of ready-made orthodox tea is the Tarai. pick up because the Covid-19 pandem- pared to the expensive ones, he said. ries digitally for four-wheelers regu- announced the formal implementa- ic has affected customer’s income and People thinking of buying four-wheel- larly, but only 2-3 percent of them have tion of the trademark by providing thus their buying capacity. Financing ers are still waiting out the storm due turned into purchases. trademarks to 12 entrepreneurs dur- services are also not flexible currently to the coronavirus’s uncertain impact To boost sales, most of the auto ing a programme organised in Fikkal because of months of economic stand- on the economy, he said. dealers are offering cash discounts in of Suryodaya Municipality, Ilam. still, and as a result it will be tough for Customer inquiries in mid-sized vehicles as generally festive buyers Nepal’s orthodox tea received its the sector to make average business, SUV is as good as before the pandem- eye on cash discounts offers and trademark after 157 years after the he added. It is estimated that it will ic, especially when compared to schemes rather than others, said country started growing it. take at least a year for the sector to entry-level cars and premium cars. A Danekhu. “The offers and schemes But the effective implementation of revive business, he added. Ramesh gradual pick up in overall business is have supported our sales,” he said. the logo does not seem to be an easy Danekhu, marketing communications expected if the government does not Automobile dealers said that despite task, because of the provisions and manager at Morang Auto Works, the impose further lockdown or restric- business not doing well they have costly system that have to be fulfilled authorised distributor of Yamaha tion order, said an automobile dealer been providing offers and schemes to get the trademark, say tea entrepre- two-wheelers in Nepal, said that the in condition of anonymity. with a hope to boost sales. neurs and farmers. two-wheeler segment has started to Sipradi Trading, the sole distribu- For new model launches, automo- “It will take investment and hard bounce back with new product launch- tor of Tata Motors in Nepal, said that bile dealers are doing virtual product work for tea farmers and entrepre- es and Dashain offers. The number of their sales have declined by more than launches while following safety meas- neurs to get their tea trademarked,” enquiry and footfall is high in the 50 percent in the festive season com- ures. But they say customers prefer said Rabin Rai, secretary of the two-wheeler segment and sales are pared to past years. The NADA Auto visiting the showroom to buy vehicles Central Tea Cooperatives Association. starting to pick up. Show, the country’s biggest annual rather than making the decision In order to obtain a trademark, tea With people still fearful of using auto fair, helped boost sales every year online and this too has affected sales. must be certified organic in full com- public vehicles with the rising num- but this year, as the auto show got The new models come with new pliance with the code of conduct. But ber of Covid-19 cases, two-wheelers postponed, the sales will not be as prices. “The prices have increased tea farmers and entrepreneurs have to are doing good business, he said. The much as expected with Covid-19 with the arrival of the 2020 models,” spend more than Rs500,000 annually to AP/RSS slow-down in economic activities has impacting the market. said Danekhu. get the organic certificate, which is a Women pick tea leaves at a tea garden in Kanyam, Ilam.

FOREX Discounts narrow in top hubs as gold Sri Lanka seeks fresh US Dollar 117.48 Euro 136.94 Pound Sterling 150.06 price dip attracts some interest $1 billion currency swap Japanese Yen 11.14 Chinese Yuan 17.23 REUTERS after local prices fell to an over BENGALURU/MUMBAI, SEPT 26 two-month low. facility from India Qatari Riyal 32.26 “As prices are falling, retail buyers Australian Dollar 83.11 Physical gold demand limped higher are postponing purchases anticipating REUTERS said the officials. Sri Lanka, located off Malaysian Ringit 28.19 in top Asian hubs this week, with deal- an even bigger correction,” said MUMBAI, SEPT 26 the southern tip of India, has become an Saudi Arab Riyal 31.32 ers in India easing discounts to the Ashok Jain, proprietor of Mumbai- arena of competing influence between lowest level in six weeks, as a drop in based gold wholesaler Chenaji Sri Lankan Prime Minister Mahinda India and China, which has built ports, Exchange rates fixed by Nepal Rastra Bank prices saw a little interest return in Narsinghji. Rajapaksa sought an additional curren- power stations and highways as part of the precious metal. Singapore premiums remained cy swap facility and deferment of debt President Xi Jinping’s signature “Belt PRICE PER TOLA Indian dealers offered discounts of around $0.80-$1.50 an ounce over the payments from India during an online and Road Initiative”, designed to boost BULLION up to $5 an ounce this week over offi- benchmark prices. bilateral summit with Prime Minister trade and transport links across Asia. cial domestic prices, inclusive of 12.5 “On the retail side, we are seeing a Narendra Modi on Saturday, Indian offi- But the terms of some of these pro- Fine Gold Rs 93,900 percent import and 3 percent sales lot more clients coming in and buying cials said. jects have drawn domestic criticism in levies, down from last week’s $23. gold because they are still bullish on Sri Lanka owes about $960 million to Sri Lanka and opened the way for coun- Silver Rs 1,160 The correction just before the gold, so every time there is correction India and earlier this year India agreed tries such as India, the United States festival season could encourage jewel- REUTERS or pullback many clients are buying,” to a $400 million currency swap facility and Japan to rebuild ties in the Indian SOURCE: FENEGOSIDA lers to build up inventory, said a A salesperson arranges 24K gold bracelets said Brian Lan, managing director at for Sri Lanka until November 2022. Ocean country that lies near key ship- Mumbai-based dealer with a bullion at a jewellery store in Hong Kong, China. dealer GoldSilver Central in “An additional request for a bilateral ping lanes. importing bank. Singapore. currency swap arrangement worth Rajapaksa, who won a general elec- GASOLINE WATCH In China, the biggest consumer of chief dealer, Lee Cheong Gold Dealers In Japan, premiums rose to $0.50- around $1 billion by the Sri Lankan side tion last year after promising to pull the bullion, discounts narrowed to $40-$45 in Hong Kong. $0.75 compared with $0.30-$0.50 remains under discussion,” said the country out of its deepest economic an ounce from last week’s $44-$48. Spot gold prices hit an over two- last week. Indian foreign ministry in a statement. slump, has to service mounting external “We saw a little bit of buying inter- month low of $1,847.57 an ounce on In Bangladesh, domestic rates were Modi told his Sri Lankan counterpart debt amidst the coronavirus pandemic. est when prices dipped to around Thursday and are down about 4.7 per- slashed with the best quality gold that under the country’s He told Modi that the Sri Lankan gov- $1,850-$1,860, but mostly on the invest- cent on a weekly basis. priced at 74,008 taka ($874.49) per “Neighbourhood First” policy, India ernment’s policies will facilitate deeper ment side. The retail side is a bit bet- In India, the second-largest gold Bhori, or 11.664 grams, tracking global will continue to “give special priority to economic and strategic cooperation ter but still quiet,” said Ronald Leung, consumer, discounts narrowed prices amid weak demand. relations between the two countries”, between the two countries. Wealthy Britons step up citizenship shopping to thwart Brexit

REUTERS “This isn’t about tourists. This is Caribbean citizenship applications— LONDON, SEPT 26 the UK high net worth community which is likely to give them better that have a constant need to travel to travel access to the EU than Britain— The number of British entrepreneurs and spend significant time in the but which have a lower minimum looking to “buy” citizenship from EU,” said Henley & Partners director investment and a quicker approval countries offering visa-free access to Paddy Blewer. process. Saint Lucia citizenship, the European Union has risen sharply, “This is investment migration as a offering visa-free travel to 146 coun- investment migration firms say, as volatility hedge and a component in a tries, can be obtained in around four prospects of a post-Brexit trade deal high net worth portfolio value defence months for a minimum investment between Britain and the bloc darken. strategy,” he said, adding that vol- of 76,152 pounds, data supplied by Investment immigration firm umes of client engagement were high- Astons showed. Astons said it had seen a 50 percent er now than immediately after the For less than 40,000 pounds more, and 30 percent year-on-year increase 2016 Brexit vote. investors can obtain citizenship of St. US Justice Department in interest from clients seeking Interest in additional citizenships is Kitts & Nevis—and visa-free travel to Cypriot or Greek citizenship respec- rising even as the European 156 countries—in around 60 days. tively this quarter, less than four Commission examines possible steps In contrast, Malta offers citizenship seeks ban on WeChat months before UK passport-holders to curb EU states selling passports and in exchange for around 1 million are likely to lose their rights to free- visas to wealthy foreigners, due to pounds of investment, but the process ASSOCIATED PRESS dom of movement across the EU. concerns it can help organised crime takes up to 14 months. NEW YORK, SEPT 26 Henley & Partners also reported a groups. Portugal, meanwhile, typically pro- rise in requests for advice on invest- Cypriot residency can be secured in cesses investment migration applica- The Justice Department is seeking an ment migration applications to Malta, two months with a 300,000 euro REUTERS tions in three months but only grants immediate ban on downloads of Portugal, Austria and several ($351,870) property purchase. Securing A view of Cap St Georges Beach Resort in Paphos, Cyprus. Cypriot residency can be secured EU residency to investors and visa- WeChat in Apple and Google app Caribbean islands, which offer a range citizenship takes six months and in two months with a 300,000 euro ($351,870) property purchase. free travel to just 26 countries. stores, saying the Chinese-owned mes- of residency rights, visa-free travel to requires a minimum property invest- “With HNWIs, time is often more saging service is a threat to the securi- the EU and citizenship to investors in ment of 2 million euros. ... primarily driven by high-net-worth first quarter of 2020 versus Q1 2019, important than what is essentially a ty of the United States. local business or property. In December, Reuters reported that individuals (HNWIs) from the UK before flattening during the Covid-19 small fluctuation in cost and many are Last week the US Commerce Citizens of certain Caribbean sover- Cyprus government documents who have an eye on the future and life lockdown in Q2. looking to secure additional citizen- Department moved to ban WeChat eign states including St Lucia and St showed several donors to Britain’s after Brexit,” said Astons spokesman But interest has rallied since July 1, ship as fast as possible in the pandem- from US app stores but on Saturday, Kitts & Nevis also enjoy preferred ruling Conservative Party donors had Konstantin Kaminskiy. with a 15 percent year-on-year increase ic landscape,” Arthur Sarkisian, man- Magistrate Judge Laurel Beeler in access to the EU, thanks to close ties sought citizenship of the island since Henley & Partners said its volume in engagement to Sept. 10, as the end aging director of Astons, said. California agreed to delay US restric- with EU members as a result of histor- the 2016 Brexit referendum. of engagement with clients seeking of the Brexit transition phase nears. EU authorities are under pressure tions, saying they would affect users’ ic, diplomatic and modern trade “Both Cypriot and Caribbean alternative citizenship or residence by Henley & Partners’ Blewer said cli- to clamp down on investment migra- First Amendment rights. agreements. investments are proving very popular investment climbed 40 percent in the ents were increasingly drawn to tion programmes by member states.

C M Y K SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2020 | 06 WORLD Global Covid-19 toll could hit 2 million before vaccine in wide use, says WHO The number of deaths nine months since the novel coronavirus was discovered in China is nearing 1 million.

REUTERS “We’re in discussions with China GENEVA/ ZURICH, SEPT 26 about the role they may play as we go forward,” said Bruce Aylward, WHO The global death toll from Covid-19 senior adviser and head of the ACT- could double to 2 million before a suc- Accelerator programme to back vac- cessful vaccine is widely used and cines, treatments and diagnostics could be even higher without concert- against Covid-19. ed action to curb the pandemic, an He confirmed that Taiwan has official at the World Health signed up to the scheme, even though Organization said. it is not a WHO member, bringing the “Unless we do it all, [2 million total to 159 participants. Some 34 are deaths] ... is not only imaginable, still deciding. Talks with China also but sadly very likely,” Mike include discussion of the world’s sec- Ryan, head of the UN agency’s emer- ond-largest economy potentially sup- gencies programme, told a briefing plying vaccines to the scheme, he said. on Friday. AP/RSS The number of deaths about nine An Indian policeman inhales steam outside the office of the Commissioner of Police as a precautionary measure against coronavirus in Ahmedabad, on Saturday. months since the novel coronavirus WHO has published was discovered in China is nearing 1 million. a draft criteria for “We are not out of the woods any- where, we are not out of the woods in assessment of Africa,” said Ryan. BRIEFING At UN, Pakistani leader Khan says He said young people should not be emergency use of blamed for a recent increase in infec- tions despite growing concerns that Covid-19 vaccines. Rouhani accuses US of savagery they are driving its spread after India sponsors anti-Muslim hate restrictions and lockdowns were eased TEHRAN: Iranian President Hassan Rouhani accused the United States on around the world. The UN agency published on Saturday of “savagery” after ASSOCIATED PRESS to Hindus and others are not equal have been common at recent UN “I really hope we don’t get into fin- Friday draft criteria for the assess- Washington imposed new sanctions ISLAMABAD, SEPT 26 citizens,” he said in a prerecorded General Assembly meetings. ger wagging: it’s all because of the ment of emergency use of Covid-19 on Tehran, and said Iranians should speech to the UN General Assembly, Khan has frequently criticised the youth,” said Ryan. “The last thing a vaccines to help guide drugmakers direct their anger at the White House. Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan which is being held virtually amid the August 2019 decision by the govern- young person needs is an old person as vaccine trials reach advanced “The Americans have inflicted tens on Friday assailed India’s Hindu coronavirus pandemic. ment of Prime Minister Narendra pontificating and wagging the finger.” stages, said WHO assistant direc- of millions of dollars of damage on nationalist government and its moves India responded by calling Khan’s Modi to strip Jammu and Kashmir’s Rather, indoor gatherings of people tor-general, Mariangela Simao. Iran,” Rouhani said in televised to cement control of Muslim-majority remarks “a new low” in diplomacy. statehood, scrap its separate constitu- of all ages were driving the epidemic, The document will be available for remarks, his voice shaking with Kashmir, calling India a state sponsor “We saw lies, misinformation, war- tion and remove inherited protections he said. public comment until October 8, anger. “We haven’t such an extent of of hatred and prejudice against the mongering and malice spread through on land and jobs. The WHO is continuing talks with she said. savagery ... The address for Iranian religion of Islam. this assembly,” Mijito Vinito, a diplo- Indian diplomat Mijito Vinito China about its possible involvement Earlier on Friday, a Chinese health people’s curses and hatred is the Khan said at the annual UN gather- mat with India’s UN mission, said as retorted later: “The leader of Pakistan in the COVAX financing scheme official said the WHO had given its White House.” Tensions between ing of world leaders that Islamophobia the two countries traded barbed today called for those who incite hate designed to guarantee fast and equita- support for the country to start admin- Washington and Tehran have soared rules India and threatens the nearly rebuttals in the assembly hall Friday and violence to be outlawed. But, as he ble access globally to Covid-19 vac- istering experimental coronavirus since US President Donald Trump 200 million Muslims who live there. night. Such exchanges between the went on, we were left wondering, was cines, a week after the deadline for vaccines to people even while clinical unilaterally withdrew in 2018 from “They believe that India is exclusive two nuclear-armed neighbours he referring to himself ?” committing passed. trials were still underway. the Iran nuclear deal struck by his predecessor and began reimposing sanctions that had been eased under the accord.

Russia, China block release Nobel Prizes to go ahead India’s vaccine-production capacity of UN report on Libya UNITED NATIONS: Russia and China despite Covid-19 pandemic blocked the official release of a report will help ‘all humanity’, Modi pledges by UN experts on Libya that accused REUTERS The awards were cancelled during its warring parties and their interna- STOCKHOLM, SEPT 26 parts of World War One and World REUTERS tional backers—including Russia—of War Two. Some prizes have not been NEW YORK, SEPT 26 violating a UN arms embargo on the The winners of this year’s Nobel given in individual years, with the conflict-wracked country, UN diplo- Prizes will miss out on a swanky gala most recent example being the post- Indian Prime Minister Narendra mats said on Friday. Germany’s depu- in Stockholm surrounded by royalty ponement of the Literature prize in Modi pledged at the United Nations on ty UN ambassador, Günter Sautter, and Sweden’s glitterati, but 2020 will 2018 over a sex scandal. Saturday that his country’s vaccine said he brought the issue to the at least not be added to the war years The awards attract huge attention production capacity would be Security Council after the two coun- when no awards were given. every year, shining a light, if only made available globally to fight the tries blocked the report’s release by Yet as the coronavirus pandemic briefly, on scientists who work mostly Covid-19 crisis. the committee monitoring sanctions rapidly enveloped much of the world in academic obscurity, while burnish- “As the largest vaccine-producing on Libya, which Germany heads. earlier this year, that was far from ing the reputations of often bet- country of the world, I want to give certain. ter-known authors who receive the one more assurance to the global com- “When we were thinking about this Literature award. munity today,” Modi said in a pre-re- Lebanese premier resigns in March and April this year, we were But the Covid-19 pandemic, which corded speech to the UN General BEIRUT: Lebanon’s prime minister-des- worried that it wouldn’t be possible to has claimed almost a million lives Assembly. “India’s vaccine production ignate resigned Saturday amid a award any prizes at all,” Lars globally, has meant that the Nobels and delivery capacity will be used political impasse over government Heikensten, head of the Nobel will have a lower profile this year to help all humanity in fighting formation, dealing a blow to French Foundation that administers the priz- with many of the traditional celebra- this crisis.” President Emmanuel Macron’s efforts es founded by dynamite inventor tions postponed or re-jigged as Modi said India was moving ahead to break a dangerous stalemate in the Alfred Nobel, told Reuters. digital events. with Phase 3 clinical trials, the large- AP/RSS crisis-hit country. The announcement While Sweden has not imposed a The foundation has cancelled the scale trials considered the gold stand- In this screen-grab from UNTV, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi speaks in a pre-recorded by Moustapha Adib nearly a month rigid lockdown like many European banquet, highlight of the celebrations ard for determining safety and effica- message which was played during the 75th session of the UN General Assembly, on Saturday. after he was appointed to the job fur- countries, Heikensten said the com- that takes place every December, and cy, and would help all countries ther delays the prospect of getting the mittees that decide the various prizes the traditional prize-giving ceremony enhance their cold chain and storage some countries were “reportedly mak- must share it.” foreign economic assistance needed had to switch to working digitally to in Stockholm’s Concert Hall will be capacities for the delivery of vaccines. ing side deals exclusively for their “Some might see short- term advan- to rescue the country from collapse. make the selection process work. replaced by a televised event where Modi said in August that India was own populations.” tage, or even profit,” Morrison said. Adib told reporters he was stepping But the foundation was determined winners receive their prizes in their ready to mass produce Covid-19 vac- “Such ‘vaccinationalism’ is not only “But I assure you to anyone who may down after it became clear that the that the awards—worth 10 million home nations. cines when scientists gave the unfair, it is self-defeating. None of us think along those lines, humanity will kind of Cabinet he wished to form Swedish crowns ($1.1 million) this This year’s first prize, for Physiology go-ahead. is safe until all of us are safe. have a very long memory and be a was “bound to fail.” The French lead- year—go ahead. or Medicine, will be announced on Oct United Nations chief Antonio Everybody knows that,” he told the very, very severe judge. er has been pressing Lebanese politi- “We thought it was particularly 5. Heikensten said if restrictions Guterres has been pushing for a “peo- General Assembly “Australia’s pledge is clear: if we cians to form a Cabinet made up of important in a year like this, when the allowed by the end of next year, the ple’s vaccine” that is available Australian Prime Minister Scott find the vaccine we will share it. non-partisan specialists that can importance of science is so obvious,” 2020 winners would be invited to cele- and affordable everywhere and Morrison told the General Assembly That’s the pledge we all must make,” work on urgent reforms. (AGENCIES) Heikensten said. brate alongside the 2021 laureates. expressed concern on Tuesday that on Friday: “Whoever finds the vaccine Morrison said. China pushes emergency use of Covid vaccine despite concerns

ASSOCIATED PRESS offered some clues. State-owned “front-line” organisations have said access, he said. He declined to provide BEIJING, SEPT 26 Sinopharm subsidiary CNBG has on social media that their workplaces exact numbers. “In China’s case, the given the vaccine to 350,000 people have offered vaccinations for about pressure in preventing imported After the first shot, he had no outside its clinical trials, which have 1,000 yuan ($150). They declined to infections and domestic resurgence is reaction. But Kan Chai felt woozy fol- about 40,000 people enrolled, a top comment, saying they would need per- still huge,” Zheng said. lowing the second dose of a Covid-19 CNBG executive said recently. mission from their organizations. But Diego Silva, a lecturer in bio- vaccine approved for emergency use Another company, Sinovac Biotech In an established but limited prac- ethics at the University of Sydney, in China. Ltd, has injected 90 percent of its tice, experimental medications have said that giving vaccines to hundreds “When I was driving on the road, I employees and family members, or been approved historically for use of thousands outside of clinical trials suddenly felt a bit dizzy, as if I was about 3,000 people, most under the when they are still in the third and doesn’t have “scientific merit” in driving drunk,” the popular writer emergency-use provision, CEO Yin last phase of human trials. Chinese China, where there are currently very and columnist recounted in a webinar Weidong said. It has also provided companies have four vaccines in few locally transmitted cases, and earlier this month. “So I specially tens of thousands of rounds of its phase 3—two from Sinopharm, and incoming arrivals are quarantined found a place to stop the car, rest a bit CoronaVac to the Beijing city govern- one each from Sinovac and CanSino. centrally. and then I felt better.” ment. Separately, the Chinese military The Chinese government refer- “If it’s in the US where the virus is His is a rare account from the hun- has approved the use of a vaccine it enced the World Health Organization’s still raging that’s a bit different, but in dreds of thousands of people who developed with CanSino Biologics Inc, emergency-use principles to create its a country like China it doesn’t seem to have been given Chinese vaccines, a biopharmaceutical company, in mil- own through a strict process, National make sense to me,” he said. “Because before final regulatory approval for itary personnel. Health Commission official Zheng there’s not enough of the virus in general use. It’s an unusual move “The first people to have priority in Zhongwei said at a news conference China locally to deduce anything, that raises ethical and safety emergency use are the vaccine on Friday. you’re introducing a whole host of questions, as companies and govern- AP/RSS researchers and the vaccine manufac- He said there have been no serious others factors” by injecting people ments worldwide race to develop a An employee of SinoVac works in a lab at a factory producing its vaccine for Covid-19 named turers because when the pandemic side effects in the clinical trials. outside of trials. vaccine that will stop the spread of CoronaVac in Beijing on Thursday. comes, if these people are infected “We’ve made it very clear that the Zheng said that all those injected the coronavirus. then there’s no way to produce the Covid-19 vaccine we put into emergen- under emergency use are being close- Chinese companies earlier drew emergency use designation approved But one outside expert questioned the vaccine,” Yin said. cy use are safe,” Zheng said. “Their ly tracked for any adverse health attention for giving the vaccine to in June, and that number appears need for emergency use when the Now, large Chinese firms including safety can be ensured but their effica- effects. Kan Chai, the columnist, wrote their top executives and leading poised to rise. virus is no longer spreading in the telecom giant Huawei and broadcaster cy is yet to be determined.” in an article posted online in researchers before human trials to A Chinese health official said on country where it was first detected. Phoenix TV have announced they’re Under the emergency rule, high- September that despite initial hesita- test their safety and efficacy had even Friday that China, which has largely It’s unclear exactly who and how working with Sinopharm to get the risk personnel such as medical and tion, he decided to sign up after he begun. In recent months, they have eradicated the disease, needs to take many people have been injected so far, vaccine for their employees. customs workers and those who have heard a state-owned company was injected a far larger number under an steps to prevent it from coming back. but Chinese vaccine makers have Several people who say they work in to work overseas are given priority looking for volunteers.

C M Y K 07 | SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2020 SPORTS | MEDLEY BRIEFING Manchester United grab dramatic victory Dhoni unhappy Forward Gabriel Jesus out of with his batting and Brazil World Cup qualifiers Red Devils ride their luck to bag first league win as they score from the penalty spot after the full time whistle. bowling units after LONDON: Brazil forward Gabriel Jesus minutes as from a fiercely driven will be sidelined for next month’s Fernandes free-kick, Nemanja Matic World Cup qualifiers after being turned the ball back across goal and second defeat injured in Manchester City’s Premier Lewis Dunk turned the ball into his League match at Wolverhampton own net. AGENCIES Wanderers, the Brazilian football fed- VAR came to the rescue of both DUBAI, SEPT 26 eration (CBF) said Friday. The CBF sides within the first 10 minutes of the said in a statement that Jesus, who second half. United had already con- Chennai Super Kings captain will be out for at least three weeks, ceded a penalty in consecutive games Mahendra Singh Dhoni is not happy would be replaced by Hertha Berlin’s for the first time in 11 years in the with the performance of both his bat- Matheus Cunha for the matches Premier League and thought they had ting and bowling units after his side against Bolivia and Peru. Brazil are given away a second spot-kick of the suffered their second consecutive loss due to host Bolivia in Sao Paulo on match when Paul Pogba was penalised in the Indian Premier League. October 9 and visit Peru in Lima for pulling back Aaron Connolly. After Chennai’s 44-run defeat at the four days later as the 2022 World Cup However, Kavanagh overturned his hands of Delhi Capitals on Friday, qualifiers get under way in South initial decision when he saw a replay Dhoni said his batting unit was lack- America. of the incident. At the other end, ing ‘a bit of steam’ while the spinners United’s front three was beginning to were ‘yet to come to the party’. It was click as Rashford swept home Chennai’s third match and second Eintracht beat Hertha Berlin to Greenwood’s low cross but this time defeat after beating defending champi- claim first Bundesliga win VAR ruled against United with the ons Mumbai Indians in the tourna- BERLIN: Eintracht Frankfurt brought goalscorer marginally offside. ment opener. Hertha Berlin back down to earth on There were no stopping Rashford “I don’t think it was a good game for Friday, beating them 3-1 at the moments later when he raced onto us. There was no dew, but the wicket Olympic Stadium to claim their first Fernandes’s ball over the top and left did slow down. We are lacking a bit of Bundesliga win of the season. Hertha Ben White trailing on the ground steam in the batting and that hurts. began their campaign with a 4-1 win before his deflected effort found the The run rate keeps on mounting after at Werder Bremen but were out- top corner. such slow starts and adds pressure, we classed in the first half as Frankfurt AP/RSS Brighton’s bad luck continued when need to figure that out,” Dhoni said raced into a 2-0 lead in a meeting of VAR rescues Manchester United as Bruno Fernandes (left) scores the decisive goal in their Premier League match against Brighton on Saturday. March became the next player to hit after the match against Delhi. two sides who finished in mid-table the woodwork as his low shot across “We need to come back with a clear- last season. Andre Silva opened the AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE Chris Kavanagh after he had blown It took United 33 minutes to muster De Gea came back off the inside of the er picture, looking at the combination. scoring on the half hour after he BRIGHTON, SEPT 26 for full-time and Fernandes converted a flowing move involving the front far post before Trossard smashed Maybe, the team balance will get bet- was tripped by Hertha captain from the spot in the 100th minute. three of Marcus Rashford, Anthony against the bar with just the Spanish ter once Rayudu comes back in the Dedryck Boyata in the area and Bruno Fernandes scored a penalty, Pre-season hopes that United could Martial, and Mason Greenwood, who number one to beat. next game.” Dhoni was referring to he got up to convert the penalty awarded on a VAR review after the mount a title challenge to their biggest found the net but the goal was ruled The Seagulls seemed to finally have Ambati Rayudu who struck a brilliant himself. Bas Dost increased final whistle had blown, as Manchester rivals Liverpool and Manchester City out for offside against Rashford. their reward when March ghosted in 48-ball 71 in Chennai’s five-wicket win Eintracht’s lead with the simplest United rode their luck to register their dissipated after a dire display in los- Brighton finally got their reward at the back post to head home Alireza over Mumbai before suffering a ham- of goals six minutes later, and first Premier League points of the ing 3-1 to Crystal Palace last weekend. when the tireless Tariq Lamptey burst Jahanbakash’s cross. But in a chaotic string injury. Sebastian Rode made it three season with a thrilling 3-2 win at Ole Gunnar Solskjaer resisted the into the box from right wing-back and finale, Harry Maguire’s header from a The Chennai captain expressed curling a left-foot shot in off the Brighton on Saturday. temptation to make wholesale chang- was clipped by Fernandes. The United corner struck Maupay’s arm and to hope that Rayudu will be available in foot of the post after he was left The Seagulls hit the woodwork five es and got more of the same for the midfielder was lucky to escape a sec- Brighton’s dismay, a penalty was their next game, which according to unmarked on the edge of the times and thought they had earned a first 45 minutes as Brighton controlled ond yellow card, but Maupay ensured awarded. Fernandes has never missed him will provide the much-needed bal- area in the 71st minute. Hertha deserved point when Solly March the game. Leandro Trossard hit both they did pay the penalty with a cheeky a top-flight penalty and stayed cool ance to the side. “That will give us the finally got on the scoresheet headed home to equalise in the 95th posts with shots from outside the box, chip down the middle of the goal as under the pressure to ensure room to experiment with an extra thanks to Eintracht defender minute. However, Neal Maupay’s while Adam Webster’s looping header David de Gea dived to his left. Solskjaer’s men escaped with all three bowler perhaps. There are quite a few Martin Hinteregger, who turned handball was penalised by referee came back off the crossbar. However, the lead lasted just three points. things we can think about. We are one Jordan Torunarigha’s cross batter extra to start off, so the players into his own net. need to step up.” Dhoni also asked his bowlers to pull up their socks after two ordinary Unbeaten Lille down Nantes outings. “We need to get better with Former champion Halep clear favourite at French Open our lengths, lines and pace. I think 2-0 in French League the spinners have not come to the PARIS: Unbeaten Lille comfortably AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE from the final with a thigh injury after dropping the top 10 players skipped the event, with the return of party yet. We are bowling good beat Nantes 2-0 on Friday thanks to PARIS, SEPT 26 first set to Halep, who extended her winning run to Halep, Elina Svitolina and Kiki Bertens. Belinda deliveries, but we are giving away the an own goal and a late penalty on 14 matches after capturing a second consecutive title Bencic was a late scratch with an arm injury. The boundary deliveries bit too often,” Friday. Defender Nicolas Pallois Former champion Simona Halep arrives at the coming out of lockdown. Romanian holds a 20-2 record this season and is he said. deflected a Mehmet Celik strike into rescheduled French Open as the player to beat in a “I’m honoured to hear that I am the favourite, peo- unbeaten since January—her only losses came to Barring some fielding lapses, Delhi his own net and Burak Yilmaz con- women’s draw missing title holder Ashleigh Barty ple thinking that I’m the favourite. But I don’t look in Aryna Sabalenka in Adelaide and Muguruza in the captain Shreyas Iyer is happy with the verted a second-half spot kick, put- and recent US Open winner Naomi Osaka, two of the that direction,” said Halep, who plays Spain’s Sara Australian Open semi-finals. performance of his side so far. ting Lille on 11 points from five world’s top three. Sorribes Tormo in round one. “To play Roland As for Williams, who turns 39 on Saturday, she has “I am really happy with the perfor- games. Lille dominated possession Serena Williams can never be discounted as she Garros in September, end of September, it’s a little not added to her Grand Slam haul since winning the mance. I would give them the benefit but Nantes were well organised in a launches another bid for a record-equalling 24th bit weird,” she added. “But it’s nice that we have the 2017 Australian Open while pregnant. The window of doubt, is tough to catch in these solid 4-4-2 and kept the hosts at bay Grand Slam singles crown, but Roland Garros is the chance to play at this tournament.” of opportunity is closing for her to finally match conditions. You misjudge the ball, until they cracked as a result of American’s least successful major despite her wins No woman has successfully defended the French Margaret Court’s total, with an unmistakeable sense really don’t know how to pace your- Pallois’s unfortunate deflection in the in 2002, 2013 and 2015. Garbine Muguruza, who Open title since Justine Henin won three times in a of an opportunity gone begging after her semi-final self,” he said. 43rd minute. The visitors failed to defeated Williams in the 2016 final, is another con- row between 2005 and 2007, a trend set to continue exit at Flushing Meadows. “In the team meeting we decided move up a gear after the interval tender while fellow former world number one with Barty pulling out over the coronavirus fears Williams withdrew from last week’s Rome event that we are going to assess the batting and grew more nervous towards Victoria Azarenka is hoping to take the momentum that also prompted her to skip the US Open. with an Achilles strain, meaning she will arrive in conditions early and then play accord- the end, with Dennis Appiah from her run to the US Open final into the clay A sore hamstring has sidelined three-time Grand the French capital without having played on clay ingly. The way the openers started fouling Yilmaz in the box three swing. Slam champion Osaka, while Bianca Andreescu, the this year. She is set to face fellow American Kristie gave us a lot of confidence and the minutes from time. The Turkish Last year’s runner-up Marketa Vondrousova will 2019 US Open winner, will miss the tournament as Ahn in a rematch of their first round encounter at finish was good too. I am lucky to have striker got up to coolly convert again target a deep run in Paris having rediscovered well. The Canadian hasn’t played since hurting her the US Open. She could meet old rival and close KG (Kagiso Rabada) and Nortje in the the penalty and secure some form at last week’s Italian Open, where she knee last October at the WTA Finals. friend Victoria Azarenka in the last 16, just weeks team. It’s important to stick together Lille’s third victory of made the semi-finals before losing to compatriot Despite the notable absentees, the field here is after the Belarusian star won their last-four clash at as a team and we need to enjoy each the season. (AGENCIES) Karolina Pliskova. The fourth-ranked Czech retired stronger than the US Open where six of the world’s Flushing Meadows. French Open begins on Sunday. other’s success.” HOROSCOPE ARIES (March 21-April 19) ***** CANCER (June 22-July 22) **** LIBRA (September 23-October 22) **** CAPRICORN (December 22-January 19) *** If you have been bored lately, have no fear. Sure, cel- As you get friendlier with coworkers, you will obvi- Who knew that someone’s absence could make you It is one thing to hold on to your principles, but it is ebrations have become a bit of a foreign concept to ously start to enjoy your work life more. But just be feel so good? Don’t be ashamed to breathe a sigh of quite another to hold on to idealistic notions about you, but that is about to end today, when some very careful that you don’t get too friendly with one of relief when someone is not on the scene today. It’s how people should behave. The world is not a friend- good news comes your way. It might be about you, or them! It does not follow that the friendlier you are not like you don’t wish them well, it’s just that they ly place sometimes, and that’s a fact. You have to it might be about a close friend. with someone at work the better work will be. add way too much stress to your life. admit it and factor it into your plans today.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20) *** LEO (July 23-August 22) **** SCORPIO (October 23-November 21) *** AQUARIUS (January 20-February 18) **** Follow the example of a friend who’s started tighten- Things are drastically changing in the life of some- If you are starting to feel like you are powerless in Even though you won’t be moving into any new terri- ing their financial belt. Even if your current money one you deeply care about, and it’s still not quite your current situation at work, it will be easy for you tory today, you most certainly will not be bored! A situation is just fine and dandy, it certainly wouldn’t clear whether these will be good changes or bad— to regain some control, today. If you want things to spirit of commonality will be present all day long, do you any harm to put a lock on your wallet for a they are feeling stressed, and it’s affecting you too. slow down, you can slow them down. And if you since you’ll be with people who have the same values while. Instead of getting upset with them, help them. want to accelerate them, you can. you do.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21) **** VIRGO (August 23-September 22) *** SAGITTARIUS (November 22-December 21) *** PISCES (February 19-March 20) *** Today you will either meet or reconnect with You need to push things a little more in one of your A foe’s surprising victory over you has thrown you It’s okay if you’re feeling a little bit more sensitive someone who will change your opinion about an relationships—you’ve been patient long enough, for quite a loop—and your confidence may be shak- than usual today. Don’t be self conscious about it. It’s issue that you never thought you’d budge on! Your waiting for them to wake up to what is possible. And en. But things like this happen in waves, and you to be expected, what with everything that has been mind is open, and you are intellectually curious, so since they show little if any sign of doing so, it’s up should just tell yourself that they were overdue for a going on, so don’t beat yourself up if you snap at the timing is perfect. to you to show them the light. win after all their losses. someone’s innocent comment. CROSSWORD SUDOKU

YESTERDAY’S SOLUTION

C M Y K SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2020 | 08 BLACKBOARD (C.R.P.D.) - 3/052/053 My first love My morning From someone who was scared of darkness to someone who now knows its value, I understand PRITAM KOIRALA the essence of life and it wouldn’t have been possible without my mom. These sweet morning dreams of

BIBEK GAUTAM swimming in the depths of the sea and

ll of a sudden there were gliding over the highest clouds have stopped. tears in my eyes. It was not that I was sad or depressed My eyes have started waking me up or was being bullied or any- thing, it was because I saw before the sun rises, someone crying, that some- before the flowers wake up. oneA being my mother. The child me couldn’t hold any tears. If someone called me names Not because I want to, I would have cried, if someone tried to scare me I would have cried but there was but because these dreams had stopped coming. always this one person whose warm embrace helped me calm down, but today I wake up remembering the many yesterdays I spent. for the first time in my life I saw my mother crying, sobbing in front of me. I come out of my room A child cannot see his mother in pain, and I believe that no human child is void of and look at the blue sky. this instinctive behaviour and I wasn’t an exception either. I very well remember that I see myself, gliding along the clouds, just wandering. the little demon inside of me was infuriat- Then the red lights start to cover the sky before the sun rises. ed. I was boiling, and I could have killed the largest of the snakes if that was what was The flowers start waking up. hurting her even though I am scared of the tiniest of insects. Also, I was not just angry, Then with a big breath I inhale I was sad, I wanted to cry with her, I wanted to hug her and calm her down but I could the colour of victory and the beauty of flowers. not do anything but watch, watch with eyes full of tears. Then a very new sensation arises in my body, The 10-year-old me always wanted super- powers, and this was the moment I wanted giving me goosebumps on every part of my body. them the most, not to kill any imaginary Then my soul wakes up, ghosts, not to finish off villains of my car- toons, but to drain those tears in her eyes. and sees a rising sun. All parents basically want their children to grow up in a happy family. They try their best to deceive their children, ensure them SHUTTERSTOCK that everything is fine. Most of them are happy family but there are days that are needed it the most, she made me under- Koirala is a class 12 student at Koshi St James School, Itahari. successful in doing so but some fail in hid- kind of opposite. But yes there was a time stand why darkness doesn’t last long, she ing their pain. My mom however was partly when I was afraid of these gloomy days, made sure that I would never face those successful, maybe completely successful afraid that this sadness would never end situations in my life and hence she fought till I was 10. Then, maybe I became more and darkness would always rule my family. even when she had little fight left in her. mature, but she could no longer show that However, as a grown-up, I have come to From someone who was scared of dark- fake happiness and honestly I don’t think I realise that we often face disappointments ness to someone who knows the value of was ready to see her that way, but some- in life. Our life is not always what we darkness, I have come to understand the where I knew this was bound to come, I imagine it to be but this type of acceptance essence of life and it wouldn’t have been could feel her tears rolling down my cheeks and understanding only comes with age. possible without my mom, her struggles, in the darkest of hours. Yet the 10-year-old Only with age can one understand and her contributions. From someone who me always thought of this as a nightmare, that humans need both light and dark to was scared to talk with strangers to some- but that nightmare had come true this survive, but children are so naïve that one who confidently delivers a speech afternoon and I could not play the hero for they believe by closing their eyes their in-front of hundreds, I surely have learnt a I was scared, scared to death. world has plunged into darkness and there lot and this wouldn’t have been possible if Eight years after that incident and I still is no way out. my mother was not there clapping when don’t know what made her cry that day but Motherhood never comes with an others were laughing at my first speech. I sure have seen her in tears many times instruction manual and I believe that at For any kid, success means nothing but after and every time it’s the same. I can feel some point every mother sure is confused. making his mother proud. He doesn’t care the same emotions running through my Mothers are humans and mistakes are about competition, he doesn’t care how his veins every time she is in pain. Emotions inevitable but when it comes to her child art went, and all that matters is how he can sure are constant but things have changed a she never commits any. Every mother in make his mom happy. For me, my mom was lot. Now, I know the things that she once this sense bears a superpower and my mom always there smiling and clapping no mat- used to hide from me and my sister, she can sure is a superhero for me. She smiled even ter what was killing her from inside and I comfortably share it with us now, even when she lost all the hopes, even when her believe my success is what has healed her when she’s crying. confidence was shattered to pieces, and scars and my victories shall always be hers. A lot has changed over the years and I even when she knew that the scars inside have seen my family go through a lot of ups of her can now never be healed. She gave Gautam is a class 12 student at CCRC,

and downs. Most of the time we are a me strength when she was the one who Kathmandu. SHUTTERSTOCK FICTION PARK End of an era As the birds would come back to their nests, Nancy and her Amma would sit under the banyan tree. And Amma would tell her the story of a myna bird.

SUGAM GAUTAM also thought fit to add. “So, you will cut things when they grow arimaya would spend old?” Nancy asked surprisingly, with a hours sitting on the balco- hint of annoyance, who had come back, ny of her bungalow. It was leaving Aama in the room. the view of her beautiful “What will we do of the old tree? At garden from her balcony least, if we cut, we’ll have good furni- that she cherished. When ture,” Maniram said. Hshe was young, she had cared for her gar- “Grandma told me that she had planted den in the best way. Now, she was too old. that tree 50 years ago. I will not allow you The garden was grown by her husband. to cut it,” Nancy announced as she stood He was in love with plants and flower up to leave, grabbing her dear doll. beds in the little lawn they owned. Post-dinner, further chit-chat in the Shree would come from his office, and dining room kept on going. The night after his noon meal, he would look after passed, and days followed, but the rou- his garden. During this time, Harimaya’s tine of Harimaya never changed. With duty was to accompany her husband, time, her respiratory problem developed bring him buckets of water and help him into severe asthma. She needed care, but carry his tools. She used to do this happi- her family members hardly had time to ly, for all these activities gave her time to look after old Harimaya. Reema always enjoy the company of her husband. He insisted that she should take her medi- would take care of the plants as he chat- cines regularly. It was a topic of argument ted about his work with his beloved. almost routinely. But no one separated Harimaya would rest her back on the big, time to give her the meds. strong trunk of the banyan tree and look “Aama hasn’t come for dinner, today?”, at the smiling face of Shree while he Hari asked on the dining table. “I haven’t drank his evening tea. seen her since I came back from shop- Then time changed. Shriram’s acciden- ping.” tal death at the age of 60 had compelled “You know that I’ve just come back Harimaya to live a barren old age. Her from the office. It was the last day to sub- other family members are not interested mit the reports for the closing contract in her life either. In the past two years, with the client. So, it took a lot of time. I Harimaya had felt empty and alone with also haven’t seen her,” Reema said, stuff- her husband passing away. How cruel fate ing the last piece of chicken. “Ok, I’ve to has been to take away only her husband, check Nancy’s weekly academic report. but not her. She missed him every single Please go checkup on Aama,” she request- minute of the day. ed Hariram. After her husband passed away, “Ok, I will see Aama,” he replied while Harimaya was alone. For 62-year-old putting some soup into the bowl to take to Harimaya, life was getting a burden with Aama’s room. As he was making his way no one to care for her. Maniram, her only SHUTTERSTOCK towards the main door of the hallway, the son, was an engineer by profession, and Nancy would put her logic. “Yes, they things. Go and rest,” Maniram said as he “See Aama, it’s because you’re working phone rang. He put the plate on the bowl he could hardly manage time for his mom don’t reply. But when they wave their passed by the garden. much these days. Please rest, and don’t and stopped to attend the phone call. It due to his office work. Reema, the wife of heads, they tell me that they listen to me.” “If I don’t, who will take care of this you worry about the garden,” Maniram was about the urgent submission of the Maniram, too had little time to look after Then, as the birds would start to come garden? You big man have no time to look said. “We will bring a gardener.” down payment of his new property. He her mother-in-law, balancing work at a back to their nests by sunset, Nancy and after your home,” Harimaya replied. Harimaya didn’t reply to him. She forgot all about Amma, and the bowl of bank and family life. her Amma would sit under the banyan Maniram stood by as his mother was instead preferred to retreat to her bed- soup. Nancy, Harimaya’s granddaughter, was tree. And Harimaya would tell her the busy gardening. room asking Nancy to hold her hand to The following morning when Nancy quite close to her grandma. Every day, story of myna bird, who had a beautiful “Let these things be. If you don’t want support her weak steps. reached her grandma’s room to greet, Nancy would greet her grandma before nest on a big banyan tree. This had Shankar to come to our bungalow, we will Although Reema lacked time, she had Nancy saw her grandma lying prostrate leaving for her school. And Harimaya, in become a daily ritual for Harimaya. bring another gardener to look after always been a kind daughter-in-law. on the bed. her trembling voice, would always greet The only way she could cope with her this,” he said. He thought that Aama Looking at the disappearing figure of “Good morning, Aama,” Nancy her back, and offer a piece of chocolate or loneliness