2016-06-11

kathmandupostthe Temperature: Max: 29.0°c Min: 19.5°c Coldest: Jomsom: 11.7°c Hottest: Nepalgunj: 37.5°c kathmandupost.ekantipur.com saturdaycapital edition l printed simultaneously in kathmandu, biratnagar, bharatpur and nepalgunj NEPAL’S LARGEST SELLING ENGLISH DAILY Stand Price rs 5.00Vol XXIV No 114 | 12+4 Pages Saturday,June 11, 2016 (29-o2-2073) page 5 page 6 page 7 money Features The arts Expression Sebon halts share Setting up theatres in KaloPothi is a real testament What goes up, must trading of Nepal Life Kathmandu has been to director Bham’s skill and eventually come down, a costly gamble conscience one way or anotherThapa, Swaraj dwell New study finds air pollutionon politics in Nepal major contributor to stroke AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE fy the world’s stroke burden findings PARIS, June 10 in terms of healthy years lost due to people becoming n Air pollution, both inside from cooking fires andAgree to hold Joint Commission meeting in New Delhi in August Air pollution was fingered sick, disabled, or dying outside from traffic fumes, ranks among the top for the first time as a major because of stroke. ten causes of stroke, along with better known contributor to death and dis- risks such as smoking, high blood pressure andKAMAL DEV BHATTARAI ability caused by stroke, About 15 million people obesityNEW DELHI, JUNE 10 Indiaasks especially in developing worldwide suffer strokes about every year, of which nearly n Ambient pollution placed seventh and householdDeputy Prime Minister and nations, in a health review six million die and five mil- air pollution from solid fuels in eighth as majorMinister for Foreign Affairs cancelled published on Friday. lion are left disabled— contributor to strokeKamal Thapa and India’s visit of Prez Air pollution, both inside including loss of vision orMinister for External Affairs from cooking fires and out- speech, paralysis and confu- n About 15 million people worldwide suffer strokesSushma Swaraj on Friday dis- side from traffic fumes, sion. Globally, though with every year, of which nearly six million die and fivecussed Nepal’s political situa- ranked among the top ten huge differences between million are left disabled—including loss of visiontion, protests by the Madhes- causes of stroke, along with countries and regions, the or speech, paralysis and confusionbased parties and other bilat- better known risks such as top risk factors were higheral issues. smoking, high blood pres- blood pressure, a diet low in n The study lists air pollution as a ‘modifiable fac- fruit, being overweight, eat- tor’, meaning that people or governments can do DPM and Minister for ing too much salt, smoking, something to change itForeign Affairs Thapa arrived and not eating enough vege-in New Delhi on Friday to NEW DELHI: India on sure and obesity. tables, said the team. heart disease, these choicesparticipate in the convocation Friday formally An international research result in. Controlling life- sure to air pollution shouldceremony of the South Asia expressed its displeasure team analysed data from a Ambient pollution came style factors, which played a be one of the main prioritiesUniversity to be held on DPM and Foreign Minister Kamal Thapa and India’s External Affairs at the cancellation of swathe of other studies, in seventh place and house- much larger role in rich to reduce stroke burden inSaturday. Minister Sushma Swaraj hold talks in New Delhi on Friday. President Bidhya Devi reports and official statistics hold air pollution from solid countries than poor ones, these countries,” the team Bhandari’s visit to the to create a mathematical fuels in eighth. “could prevent about wrote in The Lancet This is Thapa’s fourth visit decided to cancel President based parties come to the southern neighbour in model estimating stroke risk three-quarters of strokes Neurology.to the southern neighbour Bhandari’s scheduled visit. negotiating table. “There is an May. During a meeting for 188 countries from 1990 to A diet low in whole grains worldwide,” said Feigin.since he assumed office in understanding among parties between Deputy Prime 2013. “A striking finding of and high blood sugar com- In low- and middle-incomeOctober. Even during PM Oli’s visit, in Nepal that remaining Minister and Minister our study is the unexpected- plete the top ten. The The study also listed air nations in Asia and Africa, New Delhi had expressed its issues related to demarcation for Foreign Affairs ly high proportion of stroke researchers found that 90.5 pollution as a “modifiable almost a fifth of stroke bur- “Nothing specific was dis- concern about Madhes and should be resolved through Kamal Thapa and Indian burden attributable to envi- percent of the stroke burden factor”, meaning that people den was attributed to house-cussed regarding Madhes and boundary demarcation, say- political consensus,” he said. External Affairs ronmental air pollution, was attributable to “modifia- or governments can do some- hold air pollution, while a[boundary] demarcation,” ing they were “outstanding Minister Sushma Swaraj, especially in developing ble factors”—mainly behav- thing to change it. similar percentage wassaid Thapa, adding that the issues”. During the meeting the latter, enquired about countries,” said study co-au- iours such as smoking, eat- blamed on ambient air pollu-meeting dwelt on overall polit- between Thapa and Swaraj on the reasons behind the thor Valery Feigin of New ing too much sugar and not “Air pollution has emerged tion in China and India.ical situation [in Nepal]. According to sources, India Friday, Nepal and India cancellation of President Zealand’s Auckland exercising enough, as well as as a significant contributor did not raise boundary demar- agreed to hold the meeting of Bhandari’s visit. “I University of Technology. the associated health prob- to global stroke burden, espe- Air pollution may boost Ties between Nepal and cation issue because “there is the Nepal-India Joint informed the Indian side The authors said theirs lems, such as diabetes and cially in low-income and stroke risk by raising bloodIndia that went off track after no hope that the incumbent Commission (JC), the highest that President Bhandari’s was the first study to quanti- middle-income countries, pressure, hardening bloodthe promulgation of the con- government is serious about level mechanism between the visit will be fixed at the and therefore reducing expo- vessels or causing them tostitution are yet to return to addressing it”. two countries in mid-August. become blocked.normalcy, but whatever “It is a major achievement,”improvement was seen follow- “The priority of the Indian said Thapa. earliest possible date,”ing Prime Minister KP government this time is just Thapa told the Post afterSharma Oli’s visit to New to keep the bilateral relations The last JC meeting was his meeting with Swaraj.Delhi in February faced a normal,” a source told the held in Kathmandu on July “The visit was cancelledmajor setback in May again Post. 25-27 in 2014 following which due to internal politicalafter the Oli government Indian Prime Minister situation and not because Speaking to the Post, Thapa Narendra Modi had visited of any other reason.” (PR) said issues related to bounda- Nepal. ry demarcation will be resolved once the Madhes-UN chiefslams on maiden visitSaudi arabiaUNITED NATIONS: UNSecretary-General BanKi-moon has criticised SaudiArabia and its allies forresorting to “undue pressure”to remove the Saudi-led coali-tion fighting in Yemen from aUN blacklist by threatening tocut off funding. Ban’s deci-sion to take the coalition offthe list of child rights viola-tors triggered a storm of pro-test from rights groups whosay the UN chief caved in toSaudi pressure and damagedUN’s credibility. In his firstpublic remarks about theuproar, Ban said he took the“painful and difficult” deci-sion when he faced the “veryreal prospect” that millions ofchildren would suffer if coun-tries de-funded programmes.“It’s unacceptable for mem- n Vice President Nanda Bahadur Pun waves as he leaves for a weeklong official visit to Kunming,ber-states to exert undue pres- China, at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu on Friday.  Post Photo: angad dhakalsure,” Ban said. (AFP)Parties say national unity govt amust, disagree on way forwardPOST REPORT Different takes Nepali Congress CPN (Maoist Centre)KATHMANDU, JUNE 10 The largest party says there’s a The key coalition partner in the CPN-UML need to reach a fresh deal on government is for leading unityA national consensus govern- The governing party argues that power sharing to address issues government if consensus can bement has become the leitmo- the Nepali Congress should hon- like constitution implementation, forged on its Chairman Pushpatif of three major parties of our the 16-point deal reached in expediting reconstruction and Kamal Dahal, or else it is ready tolate, but with all of them wish- June last year and support the resolving Madhes crisis explore other alternativesing to lead it, things have incumbent government to makebecome but complicated. it national unity one tion promulgation to pave the But NC leaders say there way for the UML to lead the should be a fresh agreement The governing CPN-UML into national unity govern- government. “The UML has on power sharing and to dealand its key coalition partner, ment based on the 16-point always stood in favour of with the crisis facing thethe CPN (Maoist Centre), have deal the major parties had national consensus. country. NC Centralbeen wrangling over govern- reached on June 8 last year. Committee member Rameshment leadership for the past But national consensus Lekhak said though all par-couple of weeks, while the The UML leadership argues does not mean replacing this ties agree on consensus idea,Nepali Congress, the largest that the NC should honour the political equation with a new an agreement on national con-party in Parliament, has made 16-point deal and support the one,” UML General Secretary sensus government continuesa pitch for a new deal on incumbent government. The Ishwor Pokharel said during to elude them for the differentpower sharing to address the major parties in June last an interaction with media in positions they have taken. Thepressing issues facing the year, two months after the the Capital. “A national con- Maoist Centre is for leadingcountry, including implemen- earthquakes devastated the sensus government should be the government if “nationaltation of the constitution, country, had reached the formed on the basis of the consensus can be forged inexpediting reconstruction 16-point deal on power shar- political agreement that was favour of party Chairmanwork and most importantly ing in order to expedite the reached among major parties Pushpa Kamal Dahal”.resolving the Madhes crisis. constitution-drafting process, before statute promulgation.” as per which the NC was to The governing UML is say- step down after the constitu-ing that the incumbent gov-ernment should be converted CMY K

Saturday, June 11, 2016 news thekathmandupost 02 Three policemen die in 10th ECAN educationseparate road accidents Post report The car driver, Bibek Singh, fair kicks off in Capital BARA, June 10 was injured in the accident. He was taken to a hospital in POST REPORT Three security personnel died Simara for treatment, said KATHMANDU, JUNE 10 in separate road accidents in Deputy Superintendent of Bara and Bajhang districts on Police Binod Sharma. The 10th Education Friday. Consultancy Association Similarly, police constable (ECAN) Education Fair In Bara, police constables Dan Bahadur Bista, 28, died in kicked off in the Capital on Pawan Mishra, 28, and Kumar a motorcycle crash at Kachali Friday. Tamang, 33, died when their Khola in Bajhang district, the motorcycle was hit by a car at District Police Office said. The four-day event, under- Piluwa Chowk in Gadhimai-16 Bista was on a traffic duty in way at Exhibition Hall in along the East-West Highway. the highway area Bhrikutimandap, was inaugu- rated by Minister for Tourism and Civil Aviation Anand n Visitors at the 10th ECAN Education Fair in Bhrikutimandap, Kathmandu, on Friday. POST PHOTO: Hemanta Shrestha Pokharel. US and the UK. tise. Education Secretary ECAN affiliated. Representatives from 70 for- In his inauguration speech, Bishwo Prakash Pandit ECAN President Prakash eign academic institutions sought the support of ECAN and several local education Minister Pokharel said ECAN to make the education consul- Pandey said the ECAN fair is consultancies are participat- should also look to it that the tancy sector more systematic. the best platform for students ing in this year’s fair to help students who go abroad for to gather the latest informa- students find best colleges studies return so that the There are around 1,500 edu- tion about different education around the world and advise country could benefit from cation consultancies in the opportunities available them how to apply to the col- their knowledge and exper- country; only 350 of them are around the world. lege of their choice. ECAN has set up 225 stalls and 17, each representing a team of educational consultants from various colleges. Students can take advan- tage of the fair to collect infor- mation about the education system, college tuition, schol- arship opportunities and visa policies for colleges in coun- tries like India, Bangladesh, South Korea, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, Germany, the Sithi Nakha observed in Valley by cleaning traditional wells, spouts POST REPORT drinking water shortage water sources. Manandhar, one of the partic- KATHMANDU, June 10 inside the Kathmandu Valley, “We have received favoura- ipants from Patandhoka, the local communities have Lalitpur. After witnessing prolonged come together to revive the ble pre-monsoon rains in the dry spell that aggravated the wells and water spouts. past few weeks. And with the Liwali Ganesh Earthquake monsoon rains expected to be Affected Support Committee On Friday, local communi- normal, this clean-up cam- in Bhaktapur also organised a ties in different parts of paign will help recharge the clean-up campaign on the the Valley observed Sithi underground sources as well occasion of Sithi Nakha. Nakha, a Newari festival dedi- as contribute to rainwater cated to cleaning up tradition- harvesting practiced in some Narayan Khaitu, the com- al wells, water spouts and places of Lalitpur,” said Rabin mittee chairperson, said they are also installing a large- scale rainwater harvesting system with the assistance of Water Alliance International to deal with the perennial problem of water scarcity in the area. According to a study con- ducted by the NGO, Forum for Urban Water and Sanitation, in 2008, there are 389 stone spouts inside the Valley; 96 of them are in Kathmandu. The study also found that 113 stone spouts are not functioning. Similarly, a research con- ducted by Govinda Poudel, which was published in the journal of the Institute of Engineering in 2011, states that stone spouts in Lalitpur can fulfil 27 percent of the daily water demand in the dis- trict, if preserved and man- aged properly. Seven HELD FOR ‘proselytising’ school kids POST REPORT DOLAKHA, JUNE 10 Seven people, including two school headmasters, have been arrested by Dolakha police on charge of “coercing children into joining Christian faith”. Prakash Pradhan, the head- master of Mount Valley Boarding School, Bimal Shahi, the headmaster of Modern Nepal School, Banita Dangol, who is working for the Christian organisation Teach Nepal, Bal Krishna Rai, Philip Tamang, Kiran Dahal, and Bhim Bahadur Tamang were taken into custody on Thursday. Deputy Superintendent of Police Bel Bahadur Pandey said they are accused of dis- tributing Christian literature to the school children with the intention of converting them into Christains. Police had raided the two schools following complaints from some parents. The Federation of National Christian, Nepal, has strongly condemned the arrest. CMY K

03 thekathmandupost news Saturday, June 11, 2016SC objects Plaints against 2 Valley CIAA directs govt toto comments district police chiefs seize land above ceilingover cases POST REPORT 2001 on the suspicion of Human Rights Commission with my father, to give a POST REPORT implement the report pre- (MDS) across the country. ThePOST REPORT LALITPUR, JUNE 10 being a Maoist sympathiser. has also indicted Adhikari. statement,” said Bhandari. KATHMANDU, JUNE 10 pared by the commission led CIAA on Wednesday saidKATHMANDU, JUNE 10 He was never seen again. The government promoted “The question is how ethical by Ram Bahadur Rawal, 48 bigha, 12 kattha and 8 dhur A complaint has been filed “I am not so hopeful about him despite his record of and legal it is to keep pro- The Commission for which suggested that huge land in Dulari VDC of MorangThe Supreme Court (SC) has against Lalitpur police chief justice from this politically rights violation and a case moting the official indicted Investigation of Abuse of chucks of land including in in the name of Aushadhalayaobjected to the comments of SSP Pitambar Adhikari at controlled transitional jus- pending against him. by national and internation- Authority has directed the the Valley were taken by and 53 ropani, 13 ana and 3top politicians over its priori- the Commission of tice process,” said his son Adhikari was not brought al rights bodies.” government to seize land numerous persons. paisa land in Niguradintisation of cases saying that it Investigation on Enforced Ram Bhandari. “However, it to justice as Nepal has not owned by individuals, breach- VDC of Taplejung districtwas an internal matter. Disappeared Persons. is important to lodge a com- criminalised enforced disap- Two days ago, a complaint ing the land ceiling. The anti- The Rawal Commission bought by Kamal Mani Dixit was filed against police chief graft body asked the Ministry formed in 1995-96 had pointed in the name of JDA and MDS Bishworaj Paudel, depu- The case registered on transitional justice of Kathmandu district SSP of Land Reform and that as much as 1,800 ropani were transferred to the com-ty-spokesman for the SC, stat- Friday claims that SSP Bikram Singh Thapa in case Management to implement of land was encroached upon pany registered on April 17,ed on Friday that the com- Adhikari is responsible for plaint for official record.” pearances. A bill to punish of Bipin Bhandari, a student the directives immediately. in the Kathmandu 2014. Changing the status ofment of a political leader was extrajudicial arrest, torture This is one of the nine torture and disappearance activist. Bhandari, then 22, Metropolitan City alone. the charitable organisationagainst the principle of inde- and enforced disappearance was submitted by the CIEDP was arrested in 2001 from Issuing a statement on to a company was againstpendent judiciary. The state- of Tej Bahadur Bhandari, a cases taken up by the UN to the government months Kathmandu along with four Friday, the CIAA said its As per the Land Reform the spirit and objective ofment came in response to the retired teacher and social Human Rights Committee, ago. It is yet to be endorsed. other students. probe had found that huge Act, a person can hold up to 10 the JDA and MDS, theremarks by Nepali Congress activist in Lamjung district. which had asked Nepal gov- chunks of land are in posses- bigha land in Tarai and inner CIAA claimed.chief Sher Bahadur Deuba, Adhikari, then, was the dis- ernment to probe the case Then chief district officer His father Ekraj Bhandari, sion of individuals, breaching Tarai. The ceiling forwho had publicly criticised trict head of Nepal Police. and provide justice. But the Shiva Nepal and then Major an advocate and former law- the ceiling set by the Nepal Kathmandu Valley is 25 The CIAA also said it hadthe apex court for postponing government never replied to Santosh Singh Thakur also maker, filed a case against Land Reform Act-1964. ropanis, while it is 70 ropanis written to the government onhearing in a case against the Bhandari, 56 at the time of the UN body. face charges. “We have a wit- Thapa. He was one of the It said that a total of 5,223 elsewhere in the Hills. May 29 to take necessarynomination of 11 SC justices. the arrest, was caught from ness, who was detained along drafters of the Transitional bighas in Tarai and 6,265 action against Kanak ManiThe court said cases are prior- Beshisahar in December Besides, the National Justice Act. ropanis in the Hills were pos- The directives were issued Dixit and Kunda Dixit foritised as per their seriousness. sessed illegally. The constitu- a day after the CIAA asked the “concealing” 17 ropanis and tional body also directed the government to attach proper- 13 ana land that was above “With around 22,000 cases government to immediately ty owned by Jagadamba the ceiling.pending, it’s natural that all Databya Aushadhalaya (JDA)types of cases and applica- and Madan Dhara Samititions cannot be decided imme-diately,” said the statement.Crime partner killed ingreed of Rs 10,000 lootPOST REPORT Fraudster arrestedKATHMANDU, JUNE 10 KATHMANDU: Six students Later, when the studentsPolice on Thursday arrested a were duped by a person realised that they had fallenperson who had killed his claiming to be an officer at prey to a fraudster, theyfriend last year following a the American Embassy, lodged a complaint at thedispute over splitting Rs10,000 Kathmandu. Sidhartha Metropolitan Police Crimethey had looted. Karki of Thuche, Lalitpur, Division, Teku. SP Sahakul had taken a total of Thapa, spokesperson for Bal Ram Jyoti, 28 of Rs278,000 from the students the MPCD, said they arrest-Sindhupalchok was held in promising them visa under ed Karki from Mulpani,connection with the murder “earthquake-affected” Kathmandu. A case hasof Lakpa Tamang, 24 of the quota. He went out of con- been filed against him onsame district on the night of tact after taking the money. fraud charges. (PR)May 3, 2015. returned to their room intoxi- for the MPCD. While return- An investigation by the cated. As Jit Bahadur fell ing to their room, Jyoti fatallyMetropolitan Police Crime asleep, the duo had left for attacked his friend with aDivision revealed that robbery. piece of rod at Aarubari.Tamang and Jyoti were child- Following the incident, Jyotihood friends staying together “They could not rob any had been hiding in variousin Tinchuli, Kathmandu. Both house that night. On their way places outside Kathmandu.of them were involved in rob- back, they found a personbery of houses in the area sleeping by the roadside. They Tamang was arrested onalthough Tamang had planned seized Rs10,000 that they June 9 from Dakshin Dhoka,to go abroad soon. found in his pocket,” said SP Kathmandu. A case will be Sahakul Thapa, spokesperson filed against him, said police. On May 3, Tamang, Jyotiand their other friend JitBahadur Tamang had goneout for a drink. The trio CMY K

Saturday, June 11, 2016 variety thekathmandu post 04AstralReflections B i ARIES [March 21-April 19] g Sunday’s easy, nothing special and good for routine chores. If you’re single, travel and talk heighten relationship prospects. At S work and elsewhere, forming new associations, spying fresh horizons and opportunities are also favoured. Delve deeply into c mysteries, secrets and ‘privileged data’. Be careful how you deal with VIPs, government, institutional workers and higher-ups. r Not a time to gamble, although an investment, or a risky sexual escapade sure look tempting. e 1 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: TAURUS [April 20-May 20] Out of the Shadows Continue to chase money, buy/sell, seek clients, ask for a pay e raise, etc. This week is easy and smooth, but it has a couple of minor bumps, and one very significant, almost undetectable n 2 X-Men: Apocalypse influence lasting all week.This one hints that deep deception (or self-illusion) might underlie sexual and financial urges, invest- T 3 Me Before You ments, friendship hopes, social invitations and future plans. Try to avoid all these presently. Sunday’s easy, romantic and beau- o 4 Alice Through the Looking ty-filled, but not productive of much. Glass GEMINI [May 21-June 20] S p 5 The Angry Birds Movie Your cred, your style, your presence and energy remain at an T annual high, Gemini. You could fall in love during this R p 6 Captain America 3: Civil War easy, smooth week. But sexual intimacy, and/or mating/marry- I ing will tend to be undermined by 1) your wonder, suspicion, P e 7 Neigbors 2: Sorority Rising worry; or 2) by an authority figure, whether outside you (eg, a S parent, boss or judge) or inside you (your anticipation that this r 8 Popstar: Never Stop Never romance could hurt your public or worldly standing). This Stopping uncertainty or “shifting ground” lasts all week, and culminates s 9 The Jungle Book Friday night and Saturday, just as you have to make a decision about a relationship. 10 The Nice Guys CANCER [June 21-July 22] This is another mostly easy, smooth week, Cancer—which helps (Source: IMDb) you do what’s best: rest, contemplate, follow spiritual and char- itable urges, and stay out of the limelight. Usually this would K 5:00 Shuvprabhat 12:00 Kantipur 9:30 Pariwartan K 00:00 Non – Stop Songs 09:10 Traffic Update 16:00 Quick Fix A also be a good time to examine your entire situation and make +Bhaktisur Samachar 10:30 Kantipur News A 01:00 Non – Stop Hindi 09:15 Basi Biyalo 17:00 Kantipur Diary plans—however, a wonky influence, lasting all week and climax- A 5:30 Kundali+ Aatma 11:00 Kantipur N 10:00 Kantipur Diary 17:05 Health i ing Fri/Sat, will bring potential pitfalls, deceptions, and misty Gyan 12:30 Music Mela Songs 10:05 Pepsodent Games thinking—not a good atmosphere in which to form plans. Be N 6:30 Jyotish+ 1:00 Headline News Samachar 02:00 Non – Stop Nepali Hot Line r particularly careful with your health and employment: stay 1:05 Ditha Sab 11:30 Countdown T Pop/Adhunik middle-of-the-road. T Manthan 1:30 Frame By Frame People Play 18:00 Maitiko Sandesh w LEO [July 23-August 22] 2:00 Movie Kantipur (Pop) Wishes can come true, Leo, particularly during a smooth, easy I 6:40 Sky Shop 5:00 HeadlineNews 12:00 Call Kantipur I Songs 11:00 Kantipur Diary (Maiti Nepal) a week like this one. You’re light-hearted, popular; you flirt and 7:00 Kantipur 5:05 Call Kantipur laugh; entertainment and friendly feelings buoy you. However, P Samachar REPEATED P 04:00 Bhajan 11:05 Hit List 18:30 Kantipur Diary v the entire week needs caution in two slightly different areas: Reloaded 1:00 Kantipur News U 05:00 Bhakti Anusthan 12:00 Kantipur Diary 18:55 Khoj e 1 One Dance, by Drake ft WizKid deep, heavy romance (infatuation) sex, and large finances. U 8:00 Kantipur News 6:00 Kantipur News R 06:30 Kantipur Diary 12:10 Celebraty Hour 19:00 Nep-Hop Don’t spy: you’ll get caught, or misinterpret what you see/hear. 8:30 Rise N 6:30 Countdown Repeated F 07:00 Bihani 13:00 Kantipur Diary 20:00 Kantipur Diary and Kyla In everything involving sex, finances, health issues, romance R Shine 1:30 Countdown 07:30 Ica Door 13:05 Century 20:05 Abhimat The and beauty, an atmosphere of confusion and/or deception 9:00 Headline News Kantipur (Pop) T 2 Panda, by Desiigner raises the risk of a fiasco—and perhaps an expensive one. T 9:05 Quiz Mania 3 7:00 Kantipur Kantipur (Pop) M Sikchha Top Ten Vertic o 3 Can’t Stop The Feeling!, by VIRGO [August 23-September 22] 2:00 Kantipur p Justin Timberlake An easy, smooth week, Virgo, freeing you to take giant steps in V 10:00 Kantipur Samachar 08:00 Kantipur Diary 14:00 Kantipur Diary 21:00 Kantipur Diary your career or other practical ambitious areas. However, a sub- Samachar 7:30 Infoplus Samachar Repeat 4 Work From Home, by Fifth Har- tle, hard-to-put-your-finger-on influence drifts through the 8:00 Kantipur 2:30 Uddhyam 08:05 Bigyan Prabidhi 14:05 Postmortem 21:30 Rum Pum Hello whole week, culminating Fri/Sat. This influence advises you not 10:30 Score Board 3:00 Kantipur p mony Featuring Ty Dolla $ign to pursue (and certainly not to make any commitments in) Samachar 08:30 Cyber Time 15:00 Kantipur Diary Mithila e 5 Don’t Let Me Down, by The business partnerships, contracts/negotiations, romance, mar- 11:00 Headline News 9:00 Uddhyam Samachar Repeat r Chainsmokers featuring Daya riage, relocation, public appearances, teaching/raising children, 3:30 Pariwartan creative or speculative projects, and real estate. Put another 4:30 Feature 6 7 Years, by Lukas Graham way, realism and fantasy clash, making it hard to distinguish. Your energy and charismas shine Sunday. But little gets done. s 7 I Took A Pill In Ibiza, by Mike LIBRA [September 23-October 22] A broadminded mood continues, as does a mellow outlook. This Posner is an easy, smooth week, Libra. It favours legal, travel, interna- 8 Needed Me, by Rihanna tional, cultural, intellectual and scholastic concerns—and love. 9 This Is What I Came For, by However, one subtle but important influence will prevent suc- cess, even promote failure in errands, addresses, figures, appli- Calvin Harris featuring Rihanna cations, travel, your domestic situation, and in dealings with 10 Just Like Fire, by P!nk co-workers or employees. Health-wise, be alert for signs of worry, calcification, or viral diseases. Be slow to speak, commu- (Source: Billboard) nicate, travel, or embrace a new person. SCORPIO [October 23-November 21] 11:05 Samakon 2 09:00 Kantipur Diary 15:15 The Game Show 23:00 Rock Machine The main accent lies on secrets, hidden information, research, detective work, medical diagnoses, heightened intuition and GAJALU subconscious promptings. Your sexual and financial urges intensify, and can yield significant rewards. But in all this, there QFX LABIM Mall: 8:30/11:30/14:00/20:00 is a subtle distinction, and getting on the wrong side of it can QFX Civil Mall: 8:30/11:45/16:45/19:00 lead you into confusion and loss. On the good, productive side are depths and commitment, investment or debt reduction, QFX Jai Nepal: 8:30/15:00 deep, meaningful sex, deep lifestyle changes, therapy, surgery QFX Kumari: 11:15/19:45 and investigation. Sagittarius [November 22-December 21] … What might be confusing or misleading to others is old hat to you—so no warning is needed for this week (which generally is F THE CONJURING 2 easy, smooth). However, because the main accent is on relation- QFX Civil Mall: 8:15/11:00/13:45/16:15/19:45 ships, you can find that your spouse, business partner or pro- QFX LABIM Mall: 8:15/11:15/17:15/19:30 spective mate (or good friend) is worried about his/her worldly standing and career as you are about your home and family. If I QFX Kumari: 8:30/14:15/20:00 the two can combine somehow, then the partnership thrives. … Be careful with water, plumbing, children and home matters. L KALO POTHI (THE BLACK HEN) CAPRICORN [December 22-January 19] QFX Civil Mall: 8:45/11:30/ 14:00 This is your last week of work, Cap. June 20 brings fresh hori- QFX Kumari: 8:45/11:30/17:15 zons and new opportunities. But all this week, your obligations QFX LABIM Mall: 14:30/16:45/ 19:00 and/or unfinished work might seem huge—or you might think M … your duties are over, when they aren’t. The government is deceptive, and messages in general need an interpreter. That HOUSEFULL 3 said, this week is quite easy. Sunday’s mellow, thoughtful, but S QFX LABIM Mall: 8:00/11:00/17:00 contains little result. Be ambitious. Enjoy popularity, flirtations QFX Jai Nepal: 11:45/18:30 and entertainment, and a hopeful, bright view of the future. QFX Civil Mall: 15:00/18:45 AQUARIUS [January 20-February 18] QFX Kumari: 14:00 One last week of romance, creative self-expression, and pleas- … ure—if you’re still looking, Aquarius, better get busy! This week is smooth, and you’re in the winner’s chariot. However, a subtle DO LAFZON KI KAHANI warning exists throughout the week, culminating Fri/Sat. This influence creates a confusing, negative connection between QFX LABIM Mall: 14:15 money and possessions on one hand, and your hopes/plans, or QFX Kumari: 17:30 social desires on the other. Avoid spending to impress, promis- ing to pay for a group outing, paying the taxman without examining for exemptions. PISCES [February 19-March 20] This is your last week of being ‘close to home’, Pisces. Next week, you’ll burst into a powerful romantic phase—and if you’re single, that phase can also spell marriage, prosperous, cheerful marriage. If you’re married, the next three months bring great business, relocation, fame or ‘partner’ openings. This makes your last week of relative rest and recuperation important, for the more you rest now, the more energy you’ll have to pursue love and business. Savour the cardamom and saffron spice, Dip yourself at probably the best pool in the Weekends brunch @ Hyatt Regency—treat Sandwich and Crepes: Taste the sandwich- Enjoy live DJ nights, on every Sunday chill out/ slow-cooked kebabs and kormas at Indian town at Park Village Resort. Rate: Rs. 1500 yourself with a lavish buffet lunch, splash by es and crepes at The Lounge from 11 am to 6 ambient, Wednesday tech/ funk house & Friday restaurant serving Awadhi cuisine. for adults & 1300 for children and includes the swimming pool or laze around outdoor, pm everyday. 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onsaturdaykathmandupost.ekantipur.com page 5 | SATURDAY, JUNE 11, 2016 (29-02-2073)Theatre Village and the citySetting up theatres in Kathmandu—a citygetting more expensive by theyear—has been a costly gambleShiva RijalWhen the actors appeared on stage for the final perfor- mance of a Nepali rendi- tion of Hamlet on May 7, it felt like a curtain call to an era. Just like how the char-acters exited the stage after the rau-cous round of applause, Bimal Subediand Jibesh Rayamajhi, artists andproprietors of Theatre Village, werereadying to pack up their props andaccoutrements and leave. The stage, ahub for Kathmandu’s theatre renais-sance, was to be torn down. Theatre Village, a simple structureerected with bamboos, was namedafter Satyamohan Joshi, a pioneerplaywright and historian. Establishedin 2004, it had played a pivotal role inshaping Nepali theatre to what it isThe fate that awaited TheatreVillage was unavoidable. And,sad as it is to admit, it is not theonly theatre in the Capital thatis under threattoday. For those of us who were pres- most creative theatre directors in was housed in a prime and conven- the time round the year, despite beingent there that evening, amid the con- South Asia. Both the directors’ con- ient location at Uttardhoka. To be located in convenient hubs in thefusion and despair, we nostalgically tribution to contemporary theatre in able to keep the space, however, the Capital. The government allocates aremembered what had transpired Nepal has been exemplary. Yet that is theatre needed to make in excess of significant amount of money to thesefour years ago when Arohan Gurukul, of little solace in the face of the innu- Rs 300,000 every month—a tall order centres for upkeep. Yet, what goodanother landmark theatre in merable obstacles they are facing to for the 200-seater hall charging rates are empty theatres when those thatKathmandu, suffered a similar fate— navigate through to keep Nepali thea- ranging from Rs 200 to Rs 500. To stay stage play regularly are being drivenclosing down abruptly without plans tres buzzing with humour and swoon- afloat, regular shows needed to be put out of business?for immediate relocation. Sunil ing to romance. up, often at the cost of quality andPokharel, the artistic director of the overworking actors. To supplement The government’s lack of farsight-then Arohan Gurukul, is still labour- Anup Baral, another graduate their income, Theatre Village ran edness with theatres discourages art-ing, with little luck, to find a new from NSD, has been running Actor’s short-term courses on acting for ists to do better work, from pushingspace to reboot the project. Studio for the past 12 years. He too aspiring artists. They also occasion- their artistic limits. Unless there is a doesn’t have a space to call his own. ally provided the hall on rent. shift in the attitude with how inde- Proprietors Subedi and Rayamajhi Despite producing a number of Ghimire Yubaraj, Rajan Khatiwada, pendent theatre artists are lookedtoo have plans for relocating the young theatre talents, he too has been Dayahang Rai, and Kedar Shrestha, upon and until theatre gets themuch loved and respected Theatre scavenging for a suitable space for 15 who have been running their own respect it deserves, the future forVillage, but the prospects of procur- years—working where and with what theatre centres in the country, too Nepali theatre remains bleak.ing a space to call their own quickly he can in the meantime. have been working in a similar fash-is, understandably, bleak. ion. Besides financial restraints, the Despite putting out plays that Setting up theatres in lack of proper art and cultural policy broke the audience down into sobs or With the closing of the iconic Kathmandu—a city which is getting of the government has been another had them cheering in jubilation, thetheatre, enthusiasts have once again more expensive by the year—has drawback in letting this sector from fate that awaited Theatre Village wasbegun questioning as to why, been a costly gamble for Nepali thea- truly flourishing. Government-run unavoidable. And, sad as it is todespite being such a powerhouse of tres. Theatre Village, for instance, theatre halls like the Naachghar, admit, it is not the only theatre in thetalent, did the theatre shut its Nepal Academy and Nepal Music and Capital that is under threat.gates. And furthermore, why do the Drama Academy remain idle most ofcountry’s theatres have to struggle to Rijal, teaches at the Centralstay afloat. Department of English,TU, Kirtipur Sunil Pokharel and Bimal Subedi,both graduates of the NationalSchool of Drama (NSD), India, haveproved their mettle as two of the At Siru Bari, a quaint The waiting game to high tension lines that pass hamlet in Nuwakot through the village.ravaged by last year’s Dan Bahadur worries. To add to Some aid came through the quakes, patience is their woes, the unpredictable many NGOs and INGOs that came As we move inside the kitchen to pre-monsoon patterns this year left in like seasonal flu. But that too have dinner, Maya pours a glass of wearing thin Siru Bari’s residents veritably slowed down into a trickle before local rice whiskey for me and Dan alarmed. If the rains do not come on Bahadur, and serves us a generousDibesh Karmacharya time, the village’s food source is disappearing altogether and humble meal of rice, potato nipped in the bud, further jeopardis- curry and lentil soup. I had met themT ucked away in the lap of the ing this already vulnerable settle- and have them checked out, but the for the first time earlier that day, yet Langtang valley in the Nuwakot ment. Just like Dan Bahadur, Ramesh last time she did that, the doctors their hospitality and kindness made district, Siru Bari is a small Tamang too looks upon the skies came up with an inconclusive diagno- it seem like I had known them for village with 63 households dot- every day. He uses his two oxen to sis. She has since decided she would ages. The wrinkles in their faces told ted across many rolling hills. prepare his field to sow corn. The “wait and see”, and ambles in and out stories of the struggles they hadHere, the red of the tin-roof houses dark rain-soaked clouds have been of her kitchen gritting her teeth. endured, yet it did not limit theirreflect brightly against the backdrop circling around their heads, promis- hospitality or kindness.of surrounding green forests and the ing some rain—a promise that has Despite being a town that is not tooHimalayas beyond. Quiet, verdant kept farmers like Dan Bahadur and far away from the Capital, this village After dinner, as I converse with theand unassuming, you’d be forgiven Ramesh sticking around, despite the is miles behind in terms of develop- residents, I realise that, despite thefor thinking that if a heaven existed, many challenges. ment. The village is yet to connect odds, not all is gloomy at Siru Bari.it would look like this. water pipes to a spring source, forc- Along with usual stories of local In the evening, as we sit in Dan ing residents to walk 40 minutes just youth heading out abroad for jobs, Last April, Dan Bahadur Tamang Bahadur’s already dilapidated to procure water. Electricity too has there were proud disclosures abouthad just turned 73. Like most of the two-storey house, Maya brings in a only recently reached their village some recent high school graduatesother locals, he too had just headed out warm glass of tea from the kitchen. from a hydropower plant in Trishuli. who were also sticking around andfor a long afternoon in the fields tilling We sit on a straw mat and talk about Most of the households, however, busying themselves with a range ofthe earth, when that very earth began life, its hardships and the couple’s continue to dangerously hook wires entrepreneurial work. Laxmanto buckle under his feet. His wife, Maya failing health. Maya is almost 66, and Tamang just finished his SchoolTamang, was inside their two-storey is plagued by a persistent knee prob- Leaving Certificate, and unlike mosthouse. She fled the crumbling mud and lem. She could descend to Kathmandu of his friends, he has decided not tobrick house and rushed out into the go to Kathmandu or the Middle-East.field just in the nick of time. He wants to stick around. With some support from his family, he has estab- Like so many other similar lished a chicken farm with an initialsettlements, in just a few moments flock of a 1,000 birds. He already hastheir whole world, as the Tamangs plans to increase that number toknew it, came crashing down. Nearly 5,000; his persistence is slowly, butall the other houses in the area faced surely, paying off.similar fates. Now a year later, few ofthe residents have been able to put Eventually, I go back to Danpieces of their shattered lives back Bahadur’s house to settle for thetogether. Many are still waiting night. Maya and Dan Bahadur lay outfor help—help that seems to elude a straw mat on the red mud floor andthem time and again. I take out my sleeping bag to call it a night. As I try to fall asleep, replaying Left without even a roof over their the sounds, sights and taste of thisheads, Dan Bahadur and his family journey, I hear the clouds grindingstarted erecting structures with cor- against each other and thunder roll-rugated sheets as rooftops, sourcing ing from one end of the sky to thethe walls with whatever resources other. I hear rain drops hitting thethey could scrap from the carnage roof and cool air frantically whoosh-the quakes left behind. Some aid ing through this quaint hamlet. I sighcame through the many NGOs and with relief. The rain has come.INGOs that came in like seasonal flu. Tomorrow they may be able to sowBut that too would slow down into a their corn.trickle before disappearing altogeth-er. News that the government would Siru Bari wants to rebuild andbe sending in relief materials and move on, but they have been left wait-cash still arrests the villagers with ing a while. And like the clouds preg-hope. That waiting game, however, nant with foreboding, looming largecontinues to drag on. over the hamlet, their patience too is about to break. Karmacharya is Executive Director at Centre for Molecular Dynamics-Nepal CMY K

Saturday, June 11, 2016 the arts thekathmandu post 06 Birds of scapesa feather An ocean ofnAmoghasiddhi. n Vajrapani.Kalo Pothi is beautiful to look at, features some stellar performances, and enlightenmentis anchored by the kind of powerful, truthful storytelling that proves a real Samundra Man Singh’s imbibed the richness of these artistic practices testament to director Min Bahadur Bham’s skill and conscience ability to embody his first hand. Samundra was also fortunate to have works with the essence of been adopted into the tradition of Newar paub-PREENA SHRESTHA power, beauty and purity ha painting very early on, at the age of 14, is a feat that only a true trained by Prem Man Chitrakar, a master paub-Y ou have to remind yourself every master can execute ha painter himself. now and then, when watching the newly-released Kalo Pothi, that this The Newar tradition of paubha painting is isn’t a documentary, that these are rigorous, it requires knowledge of the all the actors brought together by a cast- many, various deities, the iconography associat- ing team and that they are reading ed with each of them, learning the iconometrics,out lines from a script. Otherwise, so utter- which are the classical proportions for depictingly uncontrived are the conversations and these figures, and of course, a natural ease withgeneral proceedings here that it’s easy to fine draughtsmanship as an essential base.believe you’ve just stumbled upon this Sophia L Pande Having mastered these techniques, the young,little village on your own by accident, and W hat is genius? A complicated, loaded curious, precocious even, Samundra embarkedbecome privy to these people’s lives. The term that is rarely heard these days in on an exploratory path, moving away from thefilm, directed and co-written by Min the self-conscious art world, the word prescribed (they are not always used due toBahadur Bham, is set in a remote corner genius is usually reserved for the old cost and lack of availability) mineral basedof Karnali and tells the story of a young paints used for traditional paubha painting toboy and his best friend—and the titular masters with centuries of authentic experiment with oils. He found that thehen, of course—who are trying to find approval from art historians to back the bestow- medium of oil painting allowed him to bettersome semblance of hope and control in a al of this now rarely used adjective. achieve his now signature style of hyper-realismworld reduced to chaos by a brutal war However, genius was on show these two which is augmented by an exceptional ability towaged for reasons beyond their compre- past weeks with Embodied Enlightenment, an create dynamic movement—as if his subjects,hension. Kalo Pothi is beautiful to look at, exhibition at the Nepal Art Council in Babar the gods and goddesses of Hinduism andfeatures some stellar performances, par- Mahal (it wrapped up on June 9), highlighting Buddhism, are vibrating with life, animatedticularly on the part of the young leads, untarnished way of seeing the world that Shah have also been generous with the work of painter Samundra Man Singh by the painter’s brush, and in some casesand is anchored by the kind of powerful, is the luxury of kids can be eye-opening in humour. The interactions between the two Shrestha with a painstakingly assembled seeming almost about to leap from the frames. Itruthful storytelling that proves a real tes- terms of allowing us some perspective on boys comprise some of the film’s most retrospective that highlights a career’s worth of believe that these extraordinary painterlytament to Bham’s skill and conscience. such adult preoccupations as social status amusing bits, and there are other cheeky groundbreaking work. effects directly co-relate to the number of and war. And it can also be painful to touches to be discovered, such as referenc- Conceived on the heels of 2011’s Jewels of people who throng to see his work. It’s 2001, smack in the middle of the watch them gradually absorbing these es to the Rajesh Hamal-starrer Saathi, and Newar Art at the Siddhartha Art Gallery, curat- Personally speaking, I have never been to aMaoist insurgency, at a time when a tenu- toxic ideas through exposure, going on to a running gag involving a lovelorn math ed by Sangeeta Thapa and organised by art col- show where I have seen so many excited people,ous peace has just been forged in the hos- reproduce them without even realising it: teacher. lectors Purna and Anjana Shakya, Samundra’s young and old, devout or not, rapt in admirationtilities between the warring parties. Until We see it in the way Kiran brings up solo show became a mission of great importance at not just the fierce Vajrapani but also thenow, the village of Gamgadhi in Muguhad Prakash’s lowly standing whenever he’s Kalo Pothi’s effectiveness also owes a once the Shakyas were told, to their dismay, by dreamy Shiva Shakti; the delicate, poeticmanaged to stay relatively untouched by angry at his friend—while caste is never great deal to the efforts of director of pho- the artist himself, that most Padmapani Lokeshvara; histhe conflict, but that’s soon about to an issue between the two on good days, it tography Aziz Zhambakiyev who has of his now iconic works were gorgeous, epic Vishnu aschange: the Maoists have been organising still rears its ugly head on occasion. tuned down the clichéd high-altitude pano- residing outside of Nepal, Dhanvantari, detailed unique-recruitment programmes in the area of rama shots that tend to dominate films set bought by Asian collectors ly with sophisticated symbol-late and making fervent promises to bring What comes through here is a familiari- in such locations for rather more unex- who had the cash and taste ism relating to and subtlyrevolutionary change to the people’s ty and genuine attachment on the part of pected subjects and compositions. There for collecting that is yet to hit evoking the mythical conno-circumstances, and these activities are Bham—who previously directed the quiet- are also many points where the camera the mainstream in Nepal. tations of the subject, and onebeing keenly observed by the security forc- ly moving Bansuli in 2012—to the setting, lingers for a moment longer than you’d As a result of Shakya’s of personal favourites, thees posted there. expect, allowing you to take in details you efforts, five years later, 60 of sublime Amoghasiddhi—a reel run would’ve otherwise missed, and letting Samundra’s works were work that shows the master Of course, such happenings are initially these scenes breathe. This slowing of pace made available for 13 days to hand of the artist by juxtapos-of little concern to young Prakash 3.5/5 has been exaggerated even more in the public eye, bringing in an ing the living three dimen-(Khadka Raj Nepali), who belongs to a low- Prakash’s dream sequences, sublime little astonishing 5,300 plus visi- sional Amoghasiddhi, thecaste Damai family in the village and who Kalo Pothi interludes that offer a glimpse into his tors in an unprecedentedly Buddha of the North, in hissimply wants to be able to put together innermost fears and desires. And these popular gallery show that green, enlightened form,enough money to buy tickets to go see a Director: Min Bahadur Bham make up only a small portion of the kind captured the imagination of standing against an exquisite-film with his best friend Kiran (Sukra Raj Actors: Khadka Raj Nepali,Sukra Raj Rokaya of evocative imagery that has been scat- Kathmandu residents who ly rendered two dimensionalRokaya), the grandson of the village head. tered throughout the film, not least of swarmed around these backdrop painting of the veryTo help him do this, Prakash’s sister Bijuli Genre: Drama which is a latter shot of the two boys, powerful paintings in awe, same; the deity seems embod-(Hansha Khadka) discreetly picks out one divested of all clothing, staring out as they looking slightly dazed by the ied, brought to life by theof the chickens from their father’s flock There is wonderful nuance in the way stand knee-deep in the turquoise waters of sheer beauty on view. hand of the painter.and hands it over to the little boy as a gift. Bham lays bare the lives of the a lake—a powerful, poignant moment. So what is it about n Padmapani This exhibition is an eventFrom that point on, “Karishma”, as she is Complementing the visuals is the terrific Lokesvara.soon christened, becomes the repository characters—something that could only sound design and score that work to create Samundra’s art that excites made possible by the visionfor all of Prakash’s dreams—he and Kiran come of truly knowing the place and a very persuasive and authentic sense of so much excitement and and commitment of the col-talk endlessly about selling the eggs that its people—enabling us to empathise, time and place. admiration? Summarising The Newar tradition of paubha lectors, the Shakyas, whoshe will lay, and the various uses they the words of Dr Dina Bangdel, have worked long and hard tocould put the money to. but never letting us pity them Speaking of authenticity, the young the daughter of the famed painting is rigorous, it requires meet with collectors abroad, Nepali surpasses all expectations as the artist and art historian Lain knowledge of the all the many, establish relationships, buy Unfortunately, reality quickly throws a understandable given that he is from the lead, a performance that is so uninhibited Singh Bangdel and a back key pieces, simultaneous-spanner in the works. Bijuli decides to join area himself and the story is based partly and organic that you can’t imagine he renowned scholar of the various deities, the iconography ly learning all the while aboutthe Maoists and disappears, the truce is on his own experiences as a child. Indeed, could be anyone else but this character inincreasingly strained and approaching there is wonderful nuance in the way he real life; you’d very much like to think him Himalayan arts herself, who associated with each of them the paintings themselves, andbreaking point, and Karishma—the only lays bare the lives of the characters— an actual fixture of that village—he just curated the show, Samundra’s employing the skills of peopleremaining link Prakash has to his beloved something that could only come of really, belongs. And although there are a number work is a combination of the like Dr Bangdel to curate andsister—has been sold by his father to an truly knowing the place and its people— of stiff performers in the extended cast, tradition of devotional Newar paubha painting write the text for the beautiful book, titledold man who lives a long way off in anoth- enabling us to empathise, but never letting for the most part, they remain believable, infused with Samundra’s own brand of virtuosi- Embodied Enlightenment after the exhibition,er village. Prakash and Kiran determine us pity them. And although playing off of interacting with an ease that hints at a ty which brings the paintings firmly into the that is a by-product of this landmark show.that they must go and bring her back, such heavy themes as the propa- shared history. now; making them highly original works of Think what you may of Samundra Manwhatever the cost, and so begin a perilous ganda and promises of the Maoist creative genius that have a glowing, pop art-like Singh’s work, he has been critiqued for being toojourney that will take them right into the movement, the senseless brutality Kalo Pothi does have a few rough aesthetic that makes them particularly appeal- ‘pop’, for aping Western masters from thecrosshairs of the insurgency where they of conflict in general and the suf- patches, of course. The bond between ing to the Nepali and Asian palette. Renaissance (think Michelangelo or Raphaelwill encounter horrors of the sort they fering inflicted by the stubborn Prakash and his sister—though meant to The now famous oil painting of Vajrapani who, too, bring legendary, mythical, and divinecould never have imagined. labels of caste, Bham and co-writ- be a major emotional touchstone in the started the commotion over Samundra’s work figures to life in their now priceless paintings), film—doesn’t register all that well, and the when it was exhibited at the Jewel’s of Newar and for breaking from tradition, an accusation Having a story told through the point-of- er Avinash Bikram film could’ve done with a bit more fine-tun- Art show. Priced at the time at an astonishing that Dina Bangdel defends eloquently in herview of children, as is the case in Kalo ing when it comes to some parts that 15 lakh rupees, Samundra’s reputation as introductory essay for the exhibition in the are rather too sluggish. Overall, though, something of a phenom was cemented by the aforementioned book, but this artist’s ability to Pothi, can offer unique then astronomical price placed upon what is embody his works with the essence, if you will, insights into circum- Kalo Pothi manages to incorporate now regarded as one of his most powerful, inno- of the power, beauty, and purity that we imagine stances. That blank- both visual sophistication and weighty vative, and riveting works. our gods can emanate, is a feat that only a true slate, relatively commentary in what proves Born in 1980, Samundra is only 36 years old master can execute. a captivating exercise in and yet his oeuvre to date is large. The 60 odd I leave you with an anecdote: both times that I storytelling. v works on display in this past show, augmented went to the exhibition I came across some with contributions from some private collec- remarkable behaviour. The first time I was told tions, only represent about 50 percent of his by a woman that I know that she had come to see work, a commentary on Nepal’s inability to keep Samundra’s show because she was his ‘fan’. I its higher valued contemporary, or otherwise, found myself smiling and nodding, even while artworks within its borders. The artist’s most (internally) noting that I had never, till then, significant works, by his personal count, are heard of people being fans of painters. abroad, sold by middlemen and dealers to clients The second time, walking around the show willing to pay the sums demanded for these now with Samundra himself, a young woman walked extremely valuable paintings. up to us, asking for a picture with the painter. Samundra started painting young and was Samundra, always humble and compassionate, already prodigious, even when he was a young, went along. The woman eagerly took pictures untrained artist in school. Born to a middle class with him, I gently suggested that maybe they Hindu, Newar family, Dina Bangdel writes that should move in front of one of the paintings and while Samundra did not have the centuries old have it in the background (for posterity, I thought artistic traditions of the Chitrakars to back his to myself). After the photo she kept him talking creative leanings, he did have the benefit of hav- for a few minutes then left reluctantly. ing grown up in Raktakali at the heart of I think it is safe to say, from these two inci- Kathmandu’s unique rituals where Hindu and dents, and the amount of people that have Buddhist traditions intersect. Surrounded by attended the show, that the cult of the artist has such abundance of stimuli, the budding painter begun; never has it been more deserving. v CMY K

07 thekathmandu post expression Saturday, June 11, 2016 aTghaeirne,abnadrbeaclyk Text and Photos: Kiran Panday Not too long ago, visiting Rara Lake meant taking on a daunt- ing 15 day trek through ardu- ous and treacherous terrain. It was only after Talcha Airport came into operation that the trip became relatively easier, if expensive. Then in 2006, when the Karnali Highway opened up, the won- ders of Rara became accessible by road as well, although the highway— peppered with narrow lanes and ver- tigo-inducing drops—did not lend itself to easy commutes. In May, in line with the spirit of Ghumphir Barsa 2073, NASA Bullet Club along with the Trooper Club of Pokhara decided to take on what no one had done before: Riding to the illusive lake on 26 Bullet bikes. Having had done several biking tours to promote biking tourism in Nepal, including one to Mustang in 2014, riders were confident about pulling off this trip without a glitch as well. That optimism, however, would be short lived. Challenging right from the get go, we left Surkhet amid a savage down- pour. Once the black-topped highway trailed off at Nagma, Kalikot, the 93 km of off-road trails to Rara were treacherous—with frequent land- slides leaving the highway muddy and hard to navigate. Negotiating hairpin turns and precipitous drops, we were never able to push the throt- tle beyond 40 km/hr. We had aimed to reach Sinja Valley in Jumla, but we were only able to reach Dahi Khola in Kalikot, where we were stuck in a landslide, strand- ed for four hours. The locals warned that if the downpour continued there would be more landslips along the way. This prompted us to chance crossing the landslide, carrying the bikes physically. We ended up having to stop overnight at Manma in Kalikot—three hours short of our destination. It was well after mid- night that we called it a day and got some sleep, soothing our tired bodies and our calloused hands. The next day, at Sinja, we distribut- ed educational material at a local school. The locals were so excited and welcoming upon seeing us, we felt compelled to stop over for a night. We would reach Rara only the next day. “People who spend millions to t ravel abroad are not aware about exotic destinations like Rara that is right here in our backyard. Once you visit Rara, you will be tempted to return time and again,” said Mohan Biswakarma, Chief Conservation Officer of Rara National Park, “Locals need to work towards its development so that it can emerge as a top tourism destination, not just in Nepal but all over the world.” Although monsoon wasn’t the best season for us to take on the land- slide-prone remote trail, we had it set on our minds on getting to Rara—one way or the other. And regardless of how arduous the road was, once we saw Rara, in all its serenity, all the stress disappeared (even without a spa treatment, someone commented). Yet all the while, in the back of our minds, we were all mortified about how we would ever make it back. The terrain would not change nor would the incessant rain let up and yet, all that goes up must eventually come down, one way or another. v [email protected] CMY K

Saturday, June 11, 2016 as it is thekathmandu post 08 A crisis of care Why is Nepal’s education system so tattered?voices Niranjan Kunwar enslavement and civil rights move- ues of education. Nepal is far from ment. He urges teachers to partici- this scenario. Apart from the Why go to school? What does pate in this historic struggle by, first- kind of qualified capacity needed to ed by the National Center for teachers or administrators accounta- and the allocated education budget teaching and learning real- ly, embracing notions of equality and build this system, the country is still Educational Development. But a ble for this. As for the private schools, was wasted. The situation has not ly involve? What place does cultural development. mired with internal socio-political Gatlang teacher mentioned that these a large number of their graduates go improved much in the last thirty-six a school have in an individ- problems. trainings rarely provided the kind of abroad for further studies. Most of years. The government, as well as ual life as well as in a com- These notions have direct links support and knowledge that he could those who leave do not return. Over Tribhuvan University, Nepal’s cen- munity? I ask these ques- with Nepal’s traditional education When I worked with government use directly at his school. For exam- the last two decades, discouraged by tral institution of higher education, tions for ideological reasons as well system, a system that got taken over school teachers in Nawalparasi’s ple, he had been introduced to peda- Nepal’s unstable politics and a lack continue to get embroiled in politics as a way to reflect on the dismal state by politicians before it could Pithauli village, I came across some gogical jargons such as “integrated of diverse job opportunities, many and haven’t been able to improve the of Nepal’s education system. fully emerge out of the shadows of these problems. The principal, an approach” and “project-based learn- young Nepalis have settled in devel- public education system. Malla of the Rana regime and the Panchayat alcoholic, rarely showed up at the ing” but since the trainings didn’t oped Western countries. laments the intangible loss the uni- The tradition of teaching and system. school. The vice-principal was caught involve classroom demonstrations, versity suffered during the seventies. learning was prevalent in ancient up in traditional belief-systems. he could not translate these vague I am going to end by referring to “What it has lost is hardly recovera- civilisations across several cultures. Since teaching is a highly demand- He took long lunch breaks because ideas into his daily practice. After Kamal P Malla’s article, Hard Plan in ble—its credibility as an academic But the purpose was usually reli- ing profession without adequate he only ate at his personal kitchen, observing my colleagues working a Soft State, in which he, while dis- institution,” he wrote. I wonder gious and students came from select- social or financial rewards, every insisting on the importance of with students in Gatlang, he became cussing the fate of the National whether his fatalistic statement ed families. Modern systems of edu- teacher has to, first of all, care deeply purity. Besides, the teachers com- enthusiastic when he noticed the way Education System Plan, laments the turned out to be a prophecy that cast cation originated in the High Middle plained that he treated them in a they prepared and planned activities way Tribhuvan University became a a dark shadow over Nepal’s educa- Ages (11th - 13th centuries) when the Most schools do demeaning way, often yelling at them that engaged students. hotbed of political protests, ultimate- tional landscape. idea of public education first germi- not have a culture of in front of students and dictating ly coming out damaged and nated. As governments evolved, professional development rules without consulting them It is no surprise then that govern- scarred. “The final say had almost It’s a problem worth mulling over. schools became an efficient model that pushes teachers’ properly. The Brahmin men who ran ment schools have a massive dropout always been of political considera- Are we going to recover? Is it possible that trained and managed large thinking and exposes the school viewed themselves as rate. A majority of students in these tions rather than of the academic to recover? v groups of students. This model was them to new ideas “high caste” people serving the “low schools opt out of secondary and norms, values, and standards,” he successfully adopted by the British caste” Tharu community, hence pos- higher education in order to pursue concludes. As an example, he men- Kunwar is an Assistant Editor Empire in need of a labour force that about these values. But a bulk of a ing an obstacle to the creation of menial jobs in urban centres or go tions the 1979/1980 academic of La.lit and an could be disciplined. teacher’s energy is spent on tertiary nurturing and collaborative relation- abroad as manual labourers. There year when most TU campuses tasks—managing classrooms and ships that are imperative for a are no state mechanisms that hold could not conduct serious teaching educational consultant. He can be This idea of a school as a training grading papers—instead of on high- healthy school culture. A healthy reached at [email protected] centre is very different from ideas er-order thinking and planning that school culture is necessary for quali- presented by progressive educators. target student growth. Additionally, a tative instruction that facilitates rig- In an essay titled Letter to a Young lot of teachers in Nepal do not have orous learning habits. Teacher, Joseph Featherstone wrote, appropriate college education. “Education is in the end a movement There was a similar disconnect in of the spirit,...the stuff that lights up School leaders, accordingly, ought Rasuwa’s Gatlang village. While the the soul”. He was referring to the to support teachers by providing con- student population exclusively potential of a good education that structive feedback. Most schools do belonged to the Tamang community, develops thought, builds character, not have a culture of professional teachers were mostly “high-caste hill and in doing so, transforms one’s development that pushes teachers’ people”. They viewed their jobs as ways of thinking and being. thinking and exposes them to new temporary government placements. ideas. Administrators are more con- They were eager to leave this Featherstone discussed numerous cerned about superficial aspects such remote village, hoping to be trans- other values that are intrinsic to as exam results and discipline. ferred to a more amenable location. proper democratic education, values Difficult to create a vibrant school that are necessary for individual Policy-makers and administrators culture if teachers view students as growth as well as social change. “Too who have a long-term vision need to “the other” and are not invested in many of our schools have not believed be intellectually invested in the val- the community. in educating all of the people,” Featherstone wrote, describing the Some of these teachers had gone United States’ bitter history of through the regular trainings provid- heads and tales The lost decade While half the country thinks Krazy Pompous Oli has gone mad, the other half wants to believe in him The road Guffadi agreement, they pledged to resolve the to Paris problems related with class, ethnicity, It’s been almost a decade since our region and gender differences. Well, it’s As 24 nations battle it out for the ultimate European footballing glory, it is Seven Party Alliance (SPA) and our easy to pledge things but difficult to deliv- anyone’s guess who will come out on top Maoists (M) signed the comprehensive er. We should have been another peace agreement, but so far our SPAM Singapore or Switzerland by now but sovoices Sailendra Adhikari lowing their astounding victory at the World Alcantara, Andres Iniesta and Alvaro all hit- wallahs have only divided the loot far our netas have failed to deliver any- Cup two years ago. ting top form for their respective clubs, they among themselves while we have yet to thing. Our top comedian Krazy Pompous T he quadrennial European football gala look primed to claim a record hat-trick of experience any peace or freedom in this Oli has pledged everything that comes to kicked off last night. Second fiddle only Even though influential winger Marco Reus European championships. land. This is what happens when our his ingenious mind. While half of the to the Fifa World Cup, this year’s will miss out due to injury, the potential title netas don’t use the Oxford English country thinks the man has gone mad, the European Championship, will see 24 contenders have plenty of arsenal in every Italy (Fifa ranking 12): Remember Mario Dictionary to find out the real meaning of other half wants to believe his crazy nations contest for a month in, 10 differ- department. Senior figures in the squad like Balotelli and his heroics against Germany in the words that come out of their mouths promises. Our descendants can all ent venues, with the bragging rights of becom- Manuel Neuer, Mats Hummels, Toni Kroos, the 2012 championship? Well, a lot of water but leave all the homework for shady remember Oli then and pay homage to the ing the continental champions of Europe at Mesut Ozil and Thomas Muller will all be look- was flown under the bridge since then. The deals to their personal aides (PAs). If you man who at least had the guts to dream stake. The European Championship, or Euros, ing to add another famed medal to their recent Italian side played the final of the 2012 tourna- really have a get-rich-quick scheme that even if he never fulfilled his vision. is contested among national teams of mem- World Cup scalp. ment but created an unwanted record of being will drain the state treasury and not bene- Aren’t our netas just lucky to have such bers of the Union of European Football the country to lose by biggest margin in a fit the public then get a hold of the PAs passive populace to rule over? Associations (UEFA). The inaugural champi- England (Fifa ranking 11): England are final. Italy has not tasted much international instead of the mantris. onship held in France in 1960 was contested by interestingly always considered a favourite for success after their World Cup triumph in 2006 Our netas talk about bringing peace four teams, with Soviet Union edging out any major tournament, even though they but such is their footballing pedigree that even A mantri is just another ignorant son and prosperity in this land. They tell us Yugoslavia 2-1 in the finals in Paris. Now, with invariably always fail to live up to the hype. if they are not tagged as favourites, it would or daughter of a seedless cucumber. that the country will experience progres- a star-studded cast and some of the best young Despite always having some of the world’s not do justice to undermine them. They have no idea how their ministries sive social and economic transformation. footballing prospects on display, this year’s major stars in their line-up, England have not work. They have no vision to make this European Championship is going to be an had a taste of glory since winning the World Portugal (Fifa ranking 8): Cristiano country great. Their only aim is to make Our government claims that we will be egg absolute cracker. Cup back in 1966. Ronaldo, the biggest footballing name along- as much dough as possible while in power. sufficient in a year or two. Maybe that’s why our Contenders and pretenders side Lionel Messi, will have France’s Michael If a mantri makes 10 karods in kickbacks, egg wallahs have jacked up the egg prices by In the lead up to the tourney, the French Pundits consider the current English team Platini’s goal record in sight when he leads his he or she will share half with the party more than 20 percent since last month national side have been tipped as hot favour- to be one of the best they’ve had in recent country. Ronaldo has six goals in Euro and keep half for near and dear ones. ites to win the tournament. They, however, Championships, three behind Platini. Having That’s how our politicians work and But the only transformation has been of face stiff competition from world champions In the lead up to the tourney, the French won major multiple titles for his club, the so far, nothing has changed in the last our netas, civil servants and contractors Germany, title defenders Spain, and the likes national side have been tipped as hot Portuguese will be hoping to guide his country decade. Well, when it comes to while the common folks have neither good of England, Italy, Belgium and Portugal. to its first major title. Ronaldo is undoubtedly corruption, things are the same as it health nor enough wealth because this favourites to win the tournament the biggest asset Portugal have, but rivals will was in the 90s. Back then, only the country is run by sick people who get free France (Fifa ranking 17): No other team be well aware that Portugal is more than just Kangaroos enjoyed the loot. Now, it’s just medical treatment abroad at the expense has a bigger desire to win this year’s years. With a squad boasting several young Ronaldo. Joao Moutinho, Renato Sanches and everyone’s turn to make some money as of the taxpayers. We have seen the man- Championship. For a country that is still talents in Dele Alli, Harry Kane and newcom- Joao Mario are other emerging names in they play musical chairs when it daleys, the morons, the Maoists and also recovering from the deadly attacks in its capi- er Marcus Rashford, captian Wayne Rooney world football and look set to make their mark comes to forming a new government our Madhesi netas. What can ‘New Power’ tal Paris this year, the tournament has been will have his hands itching to lift the title this in this year’s championship. every other year. deliver when others have failed? perceived as a national morale booster for year. Having already surrendered the out-and- Who will win it? France, and winning it in front of their home out striker in the national squad to Harry Trying to predict a winner for the Euros can Our government claims that we will be What this country does not need is fans would be the crowning glory. Kane, it could well be Rooney’s last shot at be tricky business. European football is highly egg sufficient in a year or two. Maybe another communist or socialist party. We winning a major trophy for England. The unpredictable—proven by Greece’s sensation- that’s why our egg wallahs have jacked up all just want to make another extra rupee. With the likes of Paul Pogba, Blaise Matuidi, inclusion of Jack Wilshere, who hardly played al triumph at Euro 2004 and most recently the the egg prices by more than 20 percent Maybe somebody should open a capitalist N’Golo Kante and Kingsley Coman, who all for his club this season and Jordan Henderson, Premier League champions Leicester City. since last month. They have to make the party and we can become like India have won the league titles for their respective who isn’t considered fully match fit following Countries like Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s Sweden, money now, for if we are egg sufficient and China someday, rather than continue clubs this season, and with an attacking line his recent injury, instead of Danny Drinkwater, Eden Hazard and his Belgian side, the Polish then prices will definitely go down. Even to be ruled by a bunch of extortionist that includes Antoine Griezmann, Anthony has had a lot of fans and critics confused over team with Robert Lewandowski, Gareth Bale ice-cream prices are up by 20 percent scumbags. Martial and Dimitri Payet, France are right up coach Roy Hodgson’s intentions. England will with his Wales squad will undoubtedly have a since last week. It seems that our experts there to win it. Critics, however, are quick to remain this tournament’s surprise package. say on how the tourney pans out. buy their daily essentials directly from Guffadi is a grumpy old man who blogs warn that since they have not had to play the the wholesaler since their figure is always at guffadi.blogspot.com. You may contact qualifying rounds, it will be difficult to predict Spain (Fifa ranking 6): Spain is the first With world class players gearing up for the half of what the reality is. their performance. country to win consecutive Euro big stage, young players desperate to make him at [email protected] Championships having repeated the feat in their mark and aging superstars hunting their We have a Constituent Assembly for the Germany (Fifa ranking 4): Germany are 2012 after previously claiming the top prize in one last glory, this European championship is second time and we also have the world’s the current world champions and three-time 2008. They also won a World Cup in between. bound to be one promising mouth-watering greatest constitution. We are wasting bil- European cup holders. It is natural that they Spain are also the only country to match extravaganza. So grab your jerseys and your lions of rupees each year to feed our are looking to double their achievement fol- Germany’s three European Championship friends, and may the best team win! v greedy loafers and once we are done with scalps. With players like David de Gea, Thiago our provinces some day, we will need bil- lions more to feed the lazy bums who become state lawmakers. We had a six- month long blockade and it didn’t really have any effect on the lives of our netas. We were the ones who suffered and it seems that we will continue to suffer hap- pily for another decade or so. This week, we also have to thank Biplab dai and his cadres for showing us all that we will continue to have bandas in this land. And protesters can vandalise both public and private property and get away with it during them. Our police wal- lahs are on the streets as mute spectators and provide security to the protesters instead of the public. When our SPAM signed the peace CMY K

09 thekathmandu post books Saturday, June 11, 2016NEW BOOKS End of Watch In I Almost Forgot About You, Dr The House of Secrets Author: Stephen King Georgia Young’s wonderful life— Author: Brad Meltzer, Tod Goldberg Publisher: Scribner great friends, family, and successful Publisher: Grand Central Publishing Retired police detective Bill Hodges, the career—aren’t enough to keep her When Hazel Nash was six years old, her unlikely hero of Mr Mercedes and Finders from feeling stuck and restless. When father taught her: mysteries need to be Keepers, now runs an investigation agency she decides to make some major solved. He should know. Hazel’s father is with his partner, Holly Gibney—the woman changes in her life, including Jack Nash, the host of America’s favourite who delivered the blow to Hartsfield’s head quitting her job as an optometrist conspiracy TV show, The House of Secrets. that put him on the brain injury ward. and moving house, she finds herself Even as a child, she loved hearing her dad’s When Bill and Holly are called to a suicide on a wild journey that may or may tall tales, especially the one about a leather scene with ties to the Mercedes Massacre, not include a second chance at love. book belonging to Benedict Arnold that they find themselves pulled into their most Georgia’s bravery reminds us that was hidden in a corpse. Now, years later, dangerous case yet, one that will put their it’s never too late to become the Hazel wakes up in the hospital and remem- lives at risk, as well as those of Bill’s heroic person you want to be, and that bers nothing, not even her own name. She’s young friend Jerome Robinson and his taking chances, with your life and told she’s been in a car accident that killed teenage sister, Barbara. Brady Hartsfield is your heart, are always worthwhile. her father and injured her brother. But she back, and planning revenge not just on I Almost Forgot About You can’t remember any of it, because of her Hodges and his friends, but on an entire city. Author: Terry McMillan own traumatic brain injury. Publisher: Crown/Archetype Inside the prisoner’s world Charles Allen’s book on Brian Hodgson, the multi-lingual, polymath Orientalist, ethnographer and naturalist, delves deep into the life of the British resident in Nepal to explore the times he lived in Abhinawa Devkota dictable attitude, Hodgson found the prisoner of Thapa clan and in one bizarre solace in studying different facets kathmandu: brian instance, he was forced to witness Amolly-cuddled boy of 17, of the country. hodgson in nepal an ugly slugfest between the then Brian Houghton Hodgson king Rajendra and his heir, the travelled to India as a writer One of his early intellectual flir- Charles Allen unruly prince Surendra. in the British East India tations, which eventually turned Haus Publishing Company. It was a hard-won into a lifelong hobby, involved the Subsequently, a disagreement opportunity for the young beasts and birds of the Himalayan Prinsep’s discovery not only with the new Governor General of man who had distinguished himself kingdom. As Allen notes, Hodgson opened the door for the study of India Edward Law forced him out of at Haileybury, a specialised school overcame his boredom by hunting pre-Muslim India, it also contribut- the post. He left Kathmandu, meant to train civil servants for the and visiting the royal menagerie. ed to the study of Buddhism. But if sailed to Europe for a sojourn, met Company. (He would prove his geni- But his keen eyes and curious mind he was the Columbus in search of with his relatives and ended up us again, this time at Fort William meant that he also started studying uncharted territory, Hodgson was coming back to the hills. This College in Calcutta, where he would the fauna that inhabited the region. his man Friday, providing time, he found a new abode in complete the coursework that nor- This became easier after he became context and interpretation to the Darjeeling and named it Brianstone. mally required two years of study the British resident in Kathmandu, newly legible lines. The latter’s Here he turned his attention to the in nine months and stand at the top when he turned his home into an work on Buddhism, primarily the ethnographic study of hill tribes in of his class.) But more than that, the artist’s workshop cum library Vajrayana sect, was already recog- the region, which became his last job gave the Hodgsons an opportuni- where a number of artists worked nised by then; his fame cemented by major work. ty to redeem their economic status, on the sketches of animals that works such as Sketche of Buddhism which had been on a tailspin ever caught his fancy (all paid by and Notices. Allen not only presents Hodgson since a bad financial decision made Hodgson himself), and eventually as an indefatigable scholar, hopping by Hodgson senior, for the Company led to him being credited with the The charting of Hodgson’s intel- from one discipline to another and discovery of 22 new species of lectual growth in the book does not leaving his mark in all, but portrays Allen not only presents Himalayan mammals. come at the cost of missing out on him as a humanist who stood for the Hodgson as an indefatigable the polymath’s life in Nepal. He took people he was sent to govern. This scholar, hopping from one The restless young intellect was a Muslim wife in Kathmandu and becomes evident in Hodgson’s disa- not to limit itself in dissecting and had two children from her (both of greement with the English discipline to another and drawing dead carcasses though. them died young). He found a close Education Act of 1835 (popularly leaving his mark in all, but Hodgson was living in times often friend in Pandit Amritananda (a known as Macaulay’s Minute), portrays him as a humanist considered the Golden Age of Newar Buddhist priest), who helped which formally established English who stood for the people Orientalism, when young, bright- him in understanding Buddhism, as a medium of instruction in eyed Europeans full of intellectual and Raj Man Singh, his head paint- Indian academic institutions and he was sent to govern vigour and curiosity struck out on er. While a resident, he nearly encouraged Indians to study their own into the territory of colo- became a victim of an assassination in the language of the British job was the best paid in the world. nised countries, especially in Asia plot for his perceived liking of the Empire, his love for native words The young Brian Hodgson, it seems, and Africa, trying to decipher the which he used in naming new spe- understood this rather well. past of those places. And his next cies and his respect for native schol- great contribution was to be in the ars and artists like Amritananda Given his ill health and frail con- field of Buddhism. and Raj Man Singh. stitution, which barred him from working in the scorching heat of the The efforts of these amateur Though the book is a light read as plains of north India, Hodgson European scholars had already led compared to some of Allen’s other started out as an assistant commis- to some sensational discoveries. In works (here I have in my mind sioner in the recently annexed 1822, French scholar and philologist Ashoka: The Search for India’s Lost Kumaon region. Within a span of Jean-François Champollion had Emperor and God’s Terrorists: The five years, he became assistant resi- finally cracked hieroglyph after Wahhabi Cult and the Hidden Roots dent in Kathmandu (finally, in decoding the Rosetta Stone. A little of Modern Jihad), it is an intimate January 1833, he became the British more than a decade later, Sir Henry and honest tribute to a great scholar resident in Kathmandu). Rawlinson, an officer to the British who often found himself in the East India Company army assigned shadows of his peers and whose Thus began the intellectual jour- to the Shah of Iran, scaled the steep achievements were largely played ney of a man who started out as a cliff at Mount Behistun to copy the down and neglected even in his life- family breadwinner but went on to inscriptions left by Darius the time, except by those who truly become the pioneer of Himalayan Great, which contributed to under- understood his importance. For studies. Hemmed in by hostile polit- standing the cuneiform script. At them Hodgson was not just a schol- ical forces in Kathmandu, which around the same time when ar of Buddhism but a Buddhist him- still eyed the British with extreme Rawlinson was busy decoding self, not by birth but by deed. And suspicion, and troubled by Bhimsen cuneiform, James Prinsep, an assay Max Muller’s letter to Hodgson pret- Thapa’s vacillating, often unpre- master at the mint in Benares and a ty much sums up his life: “Karma = scholar of Indian coinage systems, work done, which is, after all, the was busy unfolding the world of the real satisfaction of life—everything Buddha and Ashoka to the delight else is like the foam on the sea—so of his peers in India and abroad. the Buddhists say”. v Do money woes spur creativity or stifle it? Best-seller List For writers, money woes are the world outside tugging on us, yanking at the tails we have buried Hardcover fiction deep in our throats, reminding us that the world within is an illusion.And we resent this 1 The City of Mirrors, byex libris Mohsin Hamid eyes are often blind when I walk in from my writing to a meeting, to Billions of human beings Justin Cronin the sunlight. change a nappy, to eat my dinner, to can’t afford medicine, or clean M oney woes represent relight a boiler. drinking water, or education for 2 The Girl on the Train, powerful pressures. And like For writers, money woes their children, or the rent of a by Paula Hawkins all pressures, they have are the world outside tug- And yet I am grateful for these— home. And the money woes of a different effects on different ging on us, yanking at interruptions. writer are no less real, no less 3 15th Affair, by James people. Some respond by the tails we have buried potentially destructive, than Patterson and Maxine cracking, others by creating, deep in our throats, Money woes are real concerns. Paetro others still by both cracking and reminding us that the world Billions of human beings can’t the money woes of any creating. The great Sufi poets of old within is an illusion. And we other woman or man 4 The Weekenders, by often embraced poverty; the great resent this. We possess the afford medicine, or clean drinking Mary Kay Andrews Sufi poets of old were often regarded knowledge that the water, or education for their always writing fiction by the mone- as mad. world outside is children, or the rent of a home. tary demands of the outer world, to 5 The Last Mile, by David an illusion too. And the money woes of a stumble blearily from one’s desk to Baldacci To write is to be a serpent eating We long, without writer are no less real, no earn some cash, to encounter there- its own tail. To write is to stare at quite admitting it, less potentially destruc- by one’s two-year-old son as he gazes Hardcover nonFiction the sun. Directing one’s gaze within, to disappear inside tive, than the money woes in wonder upon a snorting hydraulic for hours a day, is a kind of insanity. ourselves. We long of any other woman or excavator in a deep pit in the plot of 1 The Gene, by Sid- The longer one does it, the more to create. We resist man. But money woes land next door, to witness him point dhartha Mukherjee insane one becomes. When I am in being created. For can also rescue a dream- and say, “Dinosaur!”—well, that can the middle of a novel, three or four that which is creat- er from dreaming him- feel real indeed, and it is worth a 2 Grit, by Angela Duck- years in, lost and waking before ed is also self out of existence. great deal. v worth dawn to rush to my desk and write, destroyed Money woes can unbathed, unfed, with teeth one day. make a writer Hamid is the author of three 3 Hamilton: The Revo- unbrushed, I sometimes feel that But that look for a novels: Moth Smoke, a finalist for the lution, by Lin-Manuel this is what I was created by the which cre- tether. Miranda and Jeremy universe to do. And yet, much of the ates...  This is PEN/Hemingway Award; The McCarter time, it does not bring me happiness. no bad Reluctant Fundamentalist, a New My happiness is intermittent, I have thing. I love 4 When Breath fleeting. It is akin to the happiness been a part- some of the York Times best seller that was Becomes Air, by Paul of drug use, of sex. A drug addict, a time writer. I tethers I have shortlisted for the Man Booker Prize Kalanithi sex addict, thinks of the object of have been a full- been compelled to find, and adapted for film; and How to Get her addiction constantly. Euphoria is time writer. Or rath- my bonds to the world out- Filthy Rich in Rising Asia, a winner 5 Tribe, by Sebastian rare, brief—but luminous. er, I have written while of the Terzani Prize. His latest book Junger having other jobs, and I side my skin. I love them as much is an essay collection, Discontent and I walk every day for an hour or have written while not as I do my writing. A few of them For the week ending June 10 two. I pass trees, buildings, dogs, having other jobs; I don’t perhaps even more. its Civilizations people. I do not always notice them. I know if writing is ever truly To be a writer of fiction is to con- CMY K am lost in thought. I am lost in practiced full time. I have written front the fact that consensus reali- —©2016The New York Times myself. I have spent years staring at with debt. I have written with sav- ties are themselves fictions: our the suns of my manuscripts, and my ings. I have hated being summoned nations, selves, laws, beliefs are but stories we tell and try, for a while, to abide in. Yet to be forced out of

Saturday, June 11, 2016 world thekathmandu post 10sCtOo2nteuirnnIecdelianntdoRadical new technique promises a cheaper andmore secure method of burying CO2 emissionsunderground instead of storing it as a gasDamian Carrington back CCS was the lack of action from basalt deposits in the Deccan Traps. nasty-smelling hydrogen sulphide. be able to turn CO2 into rock even based CCS does not require this. politicians, such as putting a price on One potential challenge for the The researchers re-injected 230 better than basalt. In conventional However, Matter said there wouldC arbon dioxide has been carbon emissions: “The engineering CCS, the CO2 is stored as a gas in still be a role for conventional CCS in pumped underground and and technology of CCS is ready to new technique is that it requires tonnes of the gas, which was dis- sedimentary rocks such as exhausted places where power plants are close turned rapidly into stone, be deployed. So why do we not see large amounts of water: 25 tonnes for solved in water to prevent it oil fields under the North Sea. Unlike to good reservoirs. demonstrating a radical new hundreds of these projects? There is each tonne of CO2 buried. But Matter escaping, down into the basalt to a basalt, these rocks lack the minerals way to tackle climate change. no incentive to do it.” said seawater could be used, which depth of 400-500m. They used tracer needed to convert CO2 into stone. Stuart Haszeldine, professor of The unique project promis- would be in plentiful supply at chemicals to show that over 95 Such sedimentary reservoirs could CCS at the UK’s University ofes a cheaper and more secure The Iceland project has already coastal sites. Another is that subter- percent of CO2 was turned into leak and therefore have to be moni- Edinburgh and not involved in theway of burying CO2 from fossil fuel been increased in scale to bury ranean microbes might break down stone within two years, “amazingly tored, which adds to costs. They have new research, said it was promising:burning underground, where it can- 10,000 tonnes of CO2 a year and the carbonate to methane, a powerful fast” according to Matter. Edda also raised concerns from the public “This is terrific. It may well provide anot warm the planet. Such carbon basalt rocks used are common greenhouse gas, but this was not seen Aradottir, who heads the project for and projects in the Netherlands and low-cost and very secure remedy forcapture and storage (CCS) is thought around the world, forming the floor in the Iceland research. Reykjavik Energy, said: “It was a very Germany have been halted as a parts of the world where the suitableto be essential to halting global of all the oceans and parts of the welcome surprise.” result. “In Europe you can forget rocks exist. [But] this needs to bewarming, but existing projects store land too. “In the future, we could The research, called the Carbfix about onshore CCS,” said Matter. used as well as all the existing propo-the CO2 as a gas and concerns think of using this for power project, took place at Iceland’s The Iceland project has now begun sitions, because the problem to beabout costs and potential leakage plants in places where there’s a lot of Hellisheidi power plant, the world’s scaling up to bury 10,000 tonnes of Conventional CCS also requires solved of thousands of million tonneshave halted some plans. basalt and there are many such plac- largest geothermal facility. The plant CO2 a year, plus the hydrogen the CO2 to be separated from of CO2 emissions per year in the es,” said Martin Stute, at Columbia pumps up volcanically heated water sulphide which also turns into min- the mix of gases emitted by power world is immense and no single rem- The new research pumped CO2 University in the US and part of the to run electricity-generating turbines erals. The Columbia University stations and industrial plants, edy is anywhere near big enough orinto the volcanic rock under Iceland research team. but this also brings up volcanic group are also investigating another which is expensive. But the basalt- fast enough.”and sped up a natural process where gases, including carbon dioxide and rock type, found in Oman, which maythe basalts react with the gas to form Testing has taken place in the The UN’s Intergovernmental Panelcarbonate minerals, which make up Columbia River Basalts, extensive on Climate Change has concludedlimestone. The researchers were deposits in Washington and Oregon that CCS is hugely important to tack-amazed by how fast all the gas turned in the US. India, which has many ling climate change in the mostinto a solid in just two years, com- polluting coal power plants, has huge cost-effective way. Without CCS, thepared to the hundreds or thousands costs of halting global warmingof years that had been predicted. The research pumped CO2 into would double, the IPCC said, an the volcanic rock under Iceland assessment with which the UK gov- “We need to deal with rising and sped up a natural process ernment’s advisers, the Committeecarbon emissions and this is the ulti- where the basalts react with the on Climate Change, agrees.mate permanent storage—turn them gas to form carbonate minerals,back to stone,” said Juerg Matter, at However, the UK government can-the University of Southampton in the which make up limestone celled a pioneering £1bn CCS compe-UK, who led the research published tition in November. Globally, CCS hason Thursday in the journal Science. not developed as quickly as hoped, although some companies are using Matter said the only thing holding CO2 injection to drive more oil and gas from older fields. Haszeldine said there have been over 100 injections of CO2 gas in different countries world- wide since 1972, none of which are known to have leaked. Other innovative approaches to CCS are being explored, including an ExxonMobil-backed project using fuel cells to make capturing CO2 cheaper and one from Ford which uses CO2 to make foam for use in their vehicles. Groups are also working on chemical advances to capture CO2 more easily. v —©2016The Guardian‘Muhammad Ali was my pen pal for 30 years’Stephanie Meade weeks from the date of my letter, Ifrom Seattle, received a handwritten letter fromWashington first The Champ.wrote toMuhammad Ali It reads: “Dear Stephanie, thankswhen she was 10 for the sweet letter, one day I hopeyears old. More to meet you also. Tell all my fans Ithan 30 years later, said, ‘Hello,’ from me. Kiss Motherthey were still and Daddy for me and wish themcorresponding my love. May Allah always bless you and guide you. Love fromBBC Muhammad Ali.’T o the world, he was an incredi- I didn’t have an ordinary ble athlete and humanitari- childhood. an—but, to me, he was just my friend Ali. My father became disabled when I He has been the single was four, and so, when most children greatest impact on my life. were out playing, I was sitting at When I was 10, I wrote a letter to home watching TV with him. WeMuhammad Ali. Everyone told me would watch videotapes of Ali’sthat he would never write back— fights. By the time I was six, I couldbut, three tell you details of every fight that Ali had ever appeared in. When I went to school, my friends talked about Superman—but I always thought they were silly because I had Ali. He was my own personal super- hero. I sent him my report cards and told him my deepest secrets. Without fail, Muhammad Ali replied to every single letter, and I used to send him a new one at least once a month. I would always tell him about how I really wanted to meet him, and he would always sign off his cards with: “I hope to meet n Ali hugs Stephanie at their final face-to-face meeting in 2014. you also, please tell Mummy and “Ali writes to me” and begged them to When I went to school, my loved him, and, although he was una- Daddy I said hello and God keep you show him my letters. friends talked about Superman— ble to speak, his eyes were alive and and God bless you,” before finishing but I always thought they were he squeezed my hand and hugged me. with one of his famous boxing The next thing I knew, I was being silly because I had Ali. He was my quotes. This pen pal relationship escorted to the seat next to Yes, Muhammad Ali loved me continued for years until Muhammad Ali, right after Ali asked own personal superhero back. I cannot put into words what Parkinson’s robbed him of his abil- Mike Tyson to vacate his seat for me. that felt like. Lonnie asked me to keep ity to write, but I still kept sending someone type up what he wanted to writing, as, she said, she would read him cards and letters. I finally got to meet my hero. say, or his wife, Lonnie, would reply my letters to Ali, and said that she In 1992, when I was a struggling He was just every good thing you on his behalf. knew they made him happy. college student, I heard that he could imagine him to be. was going to be honoured By that point, his speech was In 2014, he was kind enough to The world has lost the greatest in nearby Seattle, and I realised slurred—but it was still incredible. invite my whole family to visit him at athlete, champion, and humanitari- this would finally be my chance And it turned out that during our gap his home, which was also very spe- an. I have lost the best friend I ever to see him. in correspondence he had moved cial as it meant my disabled father had. It’s true what he said—he was letters to Ali, with a handwritten reply. I turned up outside the hotel house, but he wrote his new address could finally meet his hero. the the ‘Greatest of All Time’. But he down on an envelope and told me to was an even greater man.” One of Stephanie’s where he was staying and told keep writing. I was telling him how very much I some of the security guards that I sent him a card or letter about Stephanie will travel from hern once a month, and he would have home in Seattle to Louisville to attend Muhammad Ali’s memorial. v CMY K

11 the kathmandu post kathmandupost.ekantipur.com Saturday, June 11, 2016 Fixtures Draw looms in England-Russia game Group A Reuters Wayne Rooney, the captain Albania vs Switzerland MARSEILLE, June 10 and most experienced squad member, should get a starting (1845 NST, Saturday) England and Russia are the berth, leaving the coach big beasts of Group ‘B’ and, experimenting with his Group B though each would love a win- attacking options right up to Wales vs Slovakia ning start when they meet on the last minute. At least he is Saturday, the fear of losing picking from strength in that (2145 NST, Saturday) could well become all-pervad- ing and lead to a cagey regard as his, England vs Russia encounter. and With games against (0045 NST, Sunday) Wales and Slovakia England’s to come, and the more pressing concern is inhistory beckons potential for three central defence where anyfor Wales, Bale teams to qualify combination of Gary Cahill, with two guaran- Chris Smalling and JohnAgence France-Presse teed, a point at Stones has looked vulnerableBORDEAUX, June 10 the Velodrome and remains England’s might look a Achilles heel.Gareth Bale and Wales will very usefulplay their inaugural Euro result in a couple England have not lost in 90game on Saturday mixing the of weeks. England, or 120 minutes in 22 Eurojoy of a special day with on the back of win- matches in finals and qualifi-nerves over whether they can ning all 10 qualifiers, ers, going back to a 3-2 defeatget back to winning ways. not to mention a rare by Croatia in November 2007. victory in Germany in a The impressive statistics are The Group B game against friendly, start favourites and skewed, however, as they lostSlovakia will be the first time will expect to make the run- on penalties to Italy in thethat a Wales team has ning in front of a 60,000 crowd 2012 quarter-finals and failedappeared at a major tourna- that will be predominantly to qualify in 2008.ment since June 19, 1958 in behind them.Gothenburg, Sweden, when a However, despite that great Russia reached the semi-fi-17-year-old Pele settled a run of form, England are any-World Cup quarter-final in thing but a settled side as RoyBrazil’s favour and consigned Hodgson struggles with thethe Welsh to the international question of how to shoe-hornwilderness. his form players into an estab- lished system. Strikers Jamie n England players during a training session in Chantilly, France on Friday ahead of their Euro 2016 Group ‘B’ match against Russia.  The years in between have Vardy, fresh from leading REUTERSbrought a succession of Leicester City to the most nals that year with a side full of their seats. They are, how- from Fabio Capello last and, after last week’s 1-1 drawfailed managerial regimes unlikely Premier League title, of passion and pace but they ever, a well-organised and August. with Serbia, Igor Denisov out risks on Saturday, leaving itand agonising near-misses, and Harry Kane, the Premier were disappointing in 2012 technically adept squad and of the tournament. With that up to England to decidebut come kick off, the call League’s top scorer, seemingly and in the 2014 World Cup and coach Leonid Slutsky has He has, however, been to deal with and winnable whether to open up in all-outof the country’s long-suffer- demand selection. the current crop are not a quickly developed a strong forced to change his plans games on the horizon, Russia pursuit of victory or indulgeing football fans will finally But Hodgson is adamant group to have fans on the edge team spirit since taking over somewhat after injuries ruled are unlikely to take too many in 90 minutes of cautiousbe answered. “It has been midfielders Alan Dzagoev chess.a bit surreal being here,especially with Wales havingnot been there so long,”Bale said at the team’sDinard base in Brittanyon Thursday. Xherdan Shaqiri Marek Hamsik (Switzerland) (Slovakia) Shaqiri is the antithesis of his Hamsik is a technically adept, home country. He’s explosive and versatile midfielder. He can fun to watch. He’s profoundly drive into the opponent’s inefficient. Powerful and low to defense. He can distribute from the ground, he’s one of the few deep. He will, one hopes, be players who can take over a game wearing some variation of his and leave everyone spellbound trademark mohawk. Hamsik like his hat trick against was Slovakia’s top scorer in Honduras in 2014. That does not qualifying. He will provide the mean he will do that. But, the impetus for any success at Euro important thing is he can. 2016. Brothers to cross swords Agence france-presse LENS, June 10 Switzerland may get a taste of n Animal oracle Astrid juggles a ball with the flag of Ukraine to keeper Jens Krause on Friday after the 17-year-old Californian sea lion oracled the their own medicine on Euro 2016 victory of Ukraine over Germany on Sunday at the zoo of Cologne in Germany.  Saturday when they meet an REUTERS Albania side featuring several players who benefited from the highly-acclaimed Swiss youth set-up. Loyalties will be divided in a fascinating Group A clash which, for the first time in the Euro, will have brothers on opposing sides in Granit and Taulant Xhaka. Both are of Albanian herit- age and were born in Basel but Granit will line up for Switzerland and older brother Taulant, provided he recovers from a thigh injury, for their opponents. In all, nine members of Albania’s 23-man squad had the right to play for Switzerland, and six members of the Swiss squad could have opted for Albania. Switzerland accepted tens of thousands of Kosovar Albanians, who fled the Balkan wars in the 1990s fol- lowing the breakup of the for- mer Yugoslavia.n Iceland’s Arnor Ingvi Traustason (right) with fans after a training session in Goalkeeper Neuer ready to play mentor’s roleAnnecy-le-Vieux, France on Friday.  REUTERSNo giant TV screens on terraces Reuters this, neither to me personally preparation and training is Evian, June 10 nor in front of the team,” needed, but the best thing isAssociated Press fewer people will gather out- off on Friday. Neuer told the Uefa website. The World champions are up games, including a 3-1 when the matches start. ThePARIS, June 10 side official fan zones if out- Fan zones are typically set Germany goalkeeper Manuel “It doesn’t really matter to us one among the favourites for defeat by Slovakia, Neuer said mood within the team is very door screens are banned. Neuer is ready to play the who wears the armband if the 24-team tournament in that the players were keen to good and we can hardly waitBar and restaurants owners France has been under a state up in squares or parks near mentor’s role irrespective of Bastian doesn’t start.” France this month, and will get onto the pitch. to take to the pitch.”won’t be allowed to set up of emergency since last the center of cities. Extra who leads the team in their be eyeing their first continen-giant screens outside their November’s coordinated security measures have been Euro 2016 opener against Neuer hoped his experience tal title since 1996. After “We are excited that the Germany kept their firstbusinesses during the attacks which killed 130 peo- added to secure the fan zones. Ukraine on Sunday. would be invaluable to the mixed results in their warm- tournament is about to clean sheet for nearly a yearEuropean Championship. ple at a rock concert, on the Junior minister for sports youngsters, such as Leory begin,” he said. “Obviously, in their 2-0 win against terraces of bars and restau- Thierry Braillard said on With skipper Bastian Sane and Julian Weigl, in the Hungary in their warm-up The move is aimed at rants and outside the Stade de Thursday that the official fan Schweinsteiger, returning squad. “As a goalkeeper, I talk friendly on Saturday, but theimproving security during the France, the stadium where the zones are the only outdoor from a knee injury, unlikely to a lot to my fellow players on their defence has been furthermonth-long tournament, with football tournament kicked public spaces where big start at Stade Pierre-Mauroy, and off the pitch,” the 30-year- questioned after injury to cen-French authorities expecting screens will be installed. Neuer might be asked to depu- old added. “For a few years tre-back Mats Hummels, tise and the Bayern Munich now I have seen myself as a while Antonio Ruediger has goalkeeper played down the leader and I particularly try to been ruled out. Poland and importance of the role. “The help the young players who Northern Ireland are the coach has not spoken about come into the squad.” other teams in Group C. CMY K

sportskthae thmandupost (C.R.P.D.) - 3/052/053 PG 12 Saturday,June11,2016 kathmandupost.ekantipur.com Fred joins Atletico Mineiro Nadal pulls out of Wimbledon Everton extend Gibson’s contract Veteran Brazil striker Fred has agreed a transfer deal Rafael Nadal will miss Wimbledon after failing to recover Midfielder Darron Gibson has signed a contract from Fluminense to Atletico Mineiro, the two Brazilian from the wrist injury which also forced his early with- extension with Everton that will keep him at Goodison clubs confirmed on Thursday. Fred joined Fluminense drawal from the French Open, the Spanish star Park until 2018, the Premier League club announced in March 2009 from French club Lyon, where he won announced on his Facebook page. The 14-time Grand on Thursday. Injuries restricted the 28-year-old the Ligue 1 title three times—2006, 2007, 2008. Slam title winner was Wimbledon champion in 2008 and Ireland international to 11 appearances in all competi- Capped 59 times for Brazil, Fred won the Copa 2010. He pulled out of the French Open after injuring a tions for Everton last season, and he has also missed America in 2007 and Confederations Cup in 2013. tendon in his left wrist having played just two rounds. out on representing his country at the Euro.sports digest Venezuela knock out Uruguay Federer in StuttgartNSJF overcome semi-finalsGorkha Brewery Agence France-Presse Results ReutersKATHMANDU: Nepal PHILADELPHIA, June 10 Stuttgart, June 10Sports Journalist Forum Venezuela 1-0 Uruguay(NSJF) eased to a 4-2 vic- Uruguay were sent crashing Roger Federer turned on thetory over Gorkha out of the Copa America Mexico 2-0 Jamaica style to win 10 of the last 11Brewery in a friendly Centenario on Thursday as points in a 7-6(2) 7-6(1) defeatmatch at the Nepal APF Venezuela and Mexico Group c standings of Germany’s Florian MayerHeadquarters in marched into quarer-finals. and reach the semi-finals ofHalchowk on Friday. Teams P W D L GF GA Pts the Stuttgart ATP grass-courtSubas Humagain scored Uruguay, the record 15-time Mexico 2 2 0 0 5 1 6* game here on Friday.twice for NSJF with Copa America champions, Venezuela 2 2 0 0 2 0 6*Adarsha Dhakal and were eliminated in the group Jamaica 2 0 0 2 0 3 0 World No 226 Mayer hadAyush Khadka also net- phase for the first time since Uruguay 2 0 0 2 1 4 0 three set points in the secondting one each. Nirbhik 1997 after slumping to a shock set when Federer served at 5-6Pradhan and Shikhar 1-0 loss to Venezuela in (Note: * Denotes teams qualified for quarter-finals) but the Swiss 17-times GrandShrestha replied for Philadelphia. That result com- Slam champion found anotherGorkha Brewery. The bined with Mexico’s 2-0 Group n Uruguay’s Diego Godin (left) vies with Venezuela’s Salomon Rondon during their Copa America match in Philadelphia on Thursday. AP Venezuela will now face gear to finish the job inmatch was organised to C win over Jamaica in Mexico in their final first straight sets.mark the opening of 2016 Pasadena left the 2011 champi- out wall. copa america centenario World Cup; Uruguay are on round game to determine whoEuropean Championship. ons struggling to digest a Tabarez defended his deci- top of the standings. finish top of Group C. “Two matches in a row, it’sGorkha Brewery are the humiliating early exit. on 36 minutes, when midfield- Salomon Rondon bundled in beautiful right now,” Federer,authorised distributors sion not to name Suarez in the er Alejandro Guerra cleverly the rebound. “To beat the ‘Maestro’ Mexico, who had beaten who pulled out of the Frenchof soft drink Carlsberg “We never found the game matchday squad. “The player spotted Uruguay goalkeeper Tabarez is a privilege,” Uruguay 3-1 in their opening Open with a back injury, saidwhich is the official beer we wanted and that cost us,” is not fit to play. It’s a matter Fernando Muslera off his Venezuela’s advance to the Venezuela coach Rafael game, meanwhile proved too of his grasscourt buildupof Euro. (PR) Uruguay’s revered coach of numbers. I will not select a line. Guerra unleashed a long- last eight is the biggest shock Dudamel said. “For me it powerful for Caribbean min- ahead of this month’s Oscar Tabarez said, adding player who is not 100 percent. range effort from near the of the tournament so far. The means a lot. He’s one of the nows Jamaica. Mexico took Wimbledon.Sanepa, Khalibari that the ill-fated campaign Was he angry? I am not aware. halfway line which the Venezuelans are currently best coaches in the world, in the lead on 18 minutes whenregister win should serve as a warning to To me he told me nothing,” back-pedalling Muslera could bottom of South America’s history. This win will moti- former Manchester United The 34-year-old seven-times his team as they now look Tabarez said. only parry onto the bar before 10-team round robin qualify- vate us to keep winning and and Real Madrid striker Wimbledon champion willLALITPUR: Sanepa Club ahead to the resumption of ing competition for the 2018 growing as a team,” he added. Javier Hernandez nodded in now play rising Austrianand Khalibari Youth 2018 World Cup qualifiers. Venezuela’s winner came his 45th international goal. Dominic Thiem in the semi-fi-Club won their respec- “It’s been a very different nals. Federer looked to betive matches of the Copa America. I’ve never Jamaica were denied what moving well on the slick grassMartyrys Memorial ‘C’ experienced something like looked like a clear-cut penalty and his serve clicked through-Division League football this before. We knew it was in the second half after strik- out apart from when he wastournament on Friday. going to be difficult but this er Clayton Donaldson broken by Mayer early in theSanepa defeated Group should be a wake-up call appeared to have been fouled second set.‘A’ bottom Nava Jyoti before the World Cup qualifi- in the area. The drama cameYuwa Pariwar 3-2. ers,” Tabarez added. in the 60th minute when He battled back from 15-40Khalibari, meanwhile, Donaldson rounded his mark- in the 12th game of the secondovercame Sano Uruguay’s defeat also er before being cut down by set and then saved another setGaucharan 3-1 in Group capped a miserable tourna- Yasser Corona. Replays point with an unreturnable‘B’. All four teams are ment for Barcelona superstar showed the defender didn’t get serve. Federer was immacu-already out of the Super Luis Suarez. Suarez, nursing a touch on the ball. late in the tiebreak, treatingLeague competition. Top a hamstring injury when he the crowd to some glorioustwo teams from each joined up with the squad, has Jamaica’s misery was winners as he strolled into agroup will qualify for the so far not played a single min- sealed when Mexico’s Hirving 6-0 lead. He claimed victorySuper League. Shree ute. Suarez appeared in the Lozano picked out Hector with a clean winner on hisBhagwati (10) and dugout and looked visibly Herrera in the area and the second match point—movingSwoyambu (nine) are frustrated at his failure to get midfielder nudged the ball on ahead of Ivan Lendl into sec-leading Group ‘A’ with on the pitch, at one point for substitute Oribe Peralta to ond place on the all-time listMahohara United (12) appearing to punch the dug- stroke the ball first time for ATP career match winsand Birgunj (10) in the inside the right hand upright with 1,072.top two of Group ‘B’. (PR) on the 81st minute.Pescara win Serie De Gea keeps faith on Mourinho Schippers fires warning shotA promotion Agence france-presse these conditions is very spe- Dentarius Locke (10.12). Reuters Mourinho is the right move.” n David de Gea can return United to the top,” OSLO, June 10 cial for me,” said the Asbel Kiprop, triple worldROME: Pescara won pro- MADRID, June 10 Spaniard De Gea moved to Gea said United had to be he said. Dutchwoman who set themotion to the Italian top challenging for the top prizes. Flying Dutchwoman Dafne Beijing World Championships champion, 2008 Olympicflight on Thursday after Jose Mourinho’s arrival at United from Atletico Madrid “I arrived at United to win Mourinho won three Schippers fired a warning alight last year with victory in champion and current worldcompleting a 3-1 home Manchester United will put in 2011 and won the Premier titles; it’s true that in the past Premier League titles in two shot at potential Olympic a third-fastest time ever of lead in the 1,500m, producedand away playoff victory the 20-times English champi- League in the 2012-13 cam- two years we haven’t been at spells at Chelsea and also won rivals with a crushing win in 21.63sec. the goods to kick out on hisover Trapani to join sec- ons back where they belong, paign, Alex Ferguson’s last the level that this club league titles at Porto, Inter the 200m at the Diamond own to win a fifth fabledond division champions goalkeeper David de Gea says. season in charge before he deserves, but we hope that Milan and Real Madrid as well League meeting in Oslo on Canada’s Andre De Grasse Dream Mile title in 3:51.48.Crotone and runners-up retired. Successor David with the coaching change, we as the Champions League Thursday. was almost handed a shock in Kiprop, who was awarded theCagliari in Serie A next The Portuguese coach Moyes lasted just 10 months with Inter. De Gea came close the 100m by 40-year-old Kim Olympic gold for the 1,500mseason. Having last fea- replaced Louis van Gaal last before he was sacked while to joining Real Madrid last The world champion ran a Collins, who blasted out of the after the original winner,tured in Serie A in the month after United finished Van Gaal enjoyed more suc- summer, but the Spaniard fast bend and hit the back blocks and was leading Moroccan-born Bahraini2012-2013 season, Pescara fifth in the Premier League to cess in his two seasons, quali- says he is happy at Old straight ahead of in-form through 60 metres before pull- Rashid Ramzi, tested positivefinished fourth before miss out on Champions fying once for the Champions Trafford now. Jamaican Elaine Thompson, ing up in agony with a left for doping, finished ahead ofthe play-off for the final League football for the second League and winning the FA in her outside lane at Bislett hamstring injury. De Grasse, current world No 2 and worldpromotion place. The time in three seasons. “I think Cup last month against “I have three years left at Stadium. Schippers, the 2014 world bronze medallist last silver medallist, fellow coun-club are coached by United needed a coach like Crystal Palace. Manchester, a club that has European double sprint cham- year in Beijing, powered past tryman, Elijah MotoneiItaly’s 2006 World Cup him—a winning coach with given me everything,” the pion, clocked 21.93 seconds, the stranded St Kitts and Manangoi, while currentwinning player Massimo personality,” De Gea told Yet there was general dis- 25-year-old said. “This is a with world silver medallist Nevis veteran to win in Olympic 1,500m championOddo, who also won 2007 Spain’s Cadena Ser radio. content at Old Trafford with very big club, that gives me a Thompson second in 22.64sec. 10.07sec ahead of Americans Taoufik Makhloufi of AlgeriaChampions League with “United’s decision to sign their style of play and failure lot of affection each day. I’m “To run under 22 seconds in Michael Rodgers (10.09) and rounded out the podium.AC Milan. (AFP) to mount a title challenge. De very grateful to United.”england-sri lanka testBairstow ton putsEngland on topAgence France-PresseLONDON, June 10England were dismissed for n Bairstow416 in their first innings onthe second day of the third SummaryTest against Sri Lanka atLord’s on Friday. England 416 (J Bairstow 167*, A Cook 85, C Woakes 66; R Herath 4-81, S Jonny Bairstow’s Test-best Lakmal 3-90) against Sri Lankascore of 167 not out strength- before Tea on second dayened England’s grip. England,already 2-0 up in the three- resounding boundary.match series, were 384-7 at Another four off Eranga sawlunch. Bairstow shared a sev- Woakes to a fifty in 102 ballsenth-wicket stand of 144 with with seven boundaries.Chris Woakes, whose 66 was Woakes proved just howhis maiden Test fifty. docile conditions were on a pitch where the early seam England resumed on 279-6 movement had now evaporat-with Bairstow 107 not out and ed by comfortably pulling aWoakes unbeaten on 23. long-hop from Eranga—oneBairstow’s second century of of several persevering butthe series, following his 140 on rarely threatening Sri Lankahis Headingley home ground quicks—in front of square forduring an innings and 88-run four. But just when it seemedvictory in the first Test, England would get throughhelped rescue England from the session without losing athe depths of 84-4 on a first wicket, the advancing Woakesday where captain Alastair was caught and bowled byCook’s 85 was the only other Herath off a chipped drive.major innings. Left-arm spinner Rangana Herath led Sri Lanka’s attack Woakes, recalled for with 4-81.England’s series-clinchingnine-wicket win in the secondTest in Durham after fellowallrounder Ben Stokes wasinjured, then produced anoth-er shot straight out of thetextbook when he cover-droveShaminda Eranga for aPublished and Printed by Kantipur Publications Pvt. Ltd. Kantipur Complex, Subidhanagar, Kathmandu, Nepal, P. B. No. 8559, Phone: 5135000, Fax: 977-1-5135057, e-mail: [email protected], Regd. No. 32/048/049, Chairman & Managing Director : Kailash Sirohiya, Director : Swastika Sirohiya, Editor-in-Chief : Akhilesh Upadhyay

moneykthae thmandupost cross currency F ORE X finance&economy USD EUR JPY GBP CHF CAD AUD INR NR US Dollar 107.23 SATURDAY,JUNE11,2016 (29-02-2073) kathmandupost.ekantipur.com NR 107.2300 121.1200 10.0300 154.9000 111.1600 84.1200 79.3500 1.6015 Euro 121.12 INR 66.7817 75.555 0.6254 96.259 69.404 52.4033 49.718 0.6244 Pound Sterling 154.90 GBP 0.6937 0.7847 0.0065 0.7205 0.5459 0.5114 0.0104 0.0065 Japanese Yen 10.03 JPY 106.8 120.87 157.2500 111.06 84.28 79.8800 1.5990 0.0997 Chinese Yuan 16.34 EUR 0.8847 0.0080 1.2646 0.918 0.6977 0.6560 75.6170 0.0083 Qatari Riyal 29.46 USD 1.1374 0.0091 1.4385 1.0391 0.7844 0.7472 0.0132 0.0093 Australian Dollar 79.35 Malaysian Ringit 26.36 How to read the table Saudi Arab Riyal 28.59 The chart shows the rates of nine world currencies. Move across the table to find rates of exchange between any two currencies. One unit of the currency mentioned vertically is worth that amount in the currency mentioned horizontally. Exchange rates fixed by Nepal Rastra BankSaudi opens up to push economic plan Page III Pushed by international advisers and concerned about its image, conservative Saudi Arabia is engaged in an unusual display of openness to promote a wide-ranging economic transformation plan.Inside removal of key provisions Sebon halts share tradingGovt moves to revive Questions over revised of Nepal Lifeplan to make biodiesel Bafia’s significanceThe government has formed a com- PRITHVI MAN SHRESTHA not identifiable, how could NRB PRAHLAD RIJALmittee to study the possibility of mak- KATHMANDU, JUNE 10 be held responsible for any future KATHMANDU, JUNE 10ing biodiesel from jatropha seeds. consequences.”Jatropha oil, which is extracted from As the bill on Banks and Financial Nepal Life Insurance’s plansthe seeds of the plant known locally Institutions Act (Bafia) awaits He said it may also have severe for a Further Public Offeringas sajiban or kadam, is superior to the Parliament’s endorsement, impact on the country considering (FPO) of 3.96 million scriptsother oils. The plant has a short gesta- serious questions have been international developments related has landed in controversytion period, is easy to handle and raised over its significance after to anti-money laundering. after Securities Board ofyields a large quantity of oil which key provisions included in initial Nepal (Sebon) on directedcan be converted into high quality draft to ensure good corporate gov- Experts said the passage of the Nepal Stock Exchange (Nepse)biodiesel to power diesel engines. The ernance were removed under the bill, which is likely to create trou- to temporarily halt company’sMinistry of Supplies has formed a influence of lawmakers who are bles in the financial sector instead share trading, effective fromsix-member panel to examine the pos- also bank promoters. of improving it, will have no mean- June 10. ations which can put investorssibility of producing biodiesel from ing. They suggested that the either at risk.”jatropha seeds to mix with regular Former governors and senior the concerns be addressed throughdiesel, Joint Secretary Uttam Prasad officials of Nepal Rastra Bank the full House or the revised bill be According to Giri, transac-Nagila said. The team led by Nagila (NRB) termed the amended bill returned to the government. tion of Nepal Life’s shares hasincludes representatives from Science “regressive” which could lead the been halted until further deci-and Technology, Population and banking sector to another crisis According to Bharat Raj Gautam, sion and also to warn otherEnvironment ministries and Alter- after Nepal Development Bank was spokesperson for the Parliament listed companies to refrainnative Energy Promotion Centre. Pg: II sent to liquidition seven years ago. Secretariat, the government can from making sensitive withdraw the bill from the announcements on their own. The Parliamentary Finance Parliament by taking its approval. Sebon said the company “To prevent such acts, the Committee, which is also made public its FPO plans board is mulling imposingTV sales soar as Euro represented by a few chairmen “If a bill is under discussion, without obtaining its permis- regulations that require com-Cup fever grips valley of banks and financial institutions the speaker can decide on sion. “The company has panies to take approval from (BFIs), has sent the revised bill to sending back the bill to the govern- announced its decision to float Nepse and the board at theTelevision sales have increased sharp- the full House. ment after holding discussions additional shares at a premi- same time,” he said, addingly in the Kathmandu Valley in the with political parties in case the Sebon has sought justificationpast few weeks as Euro Cup 2016 fever In the revised bill, provisions government makes a request with um without Sebon permis- from the company and neces- that limit terms of bank chairmen reasonable arguments,” he said. sion. The announcement can sary actions will be takengrips football enthusiasts. The much and directors, require NRB permis- “In the case of a registered bill, the create price fluctuations,” the after an analysis.awaited month-long European tourna- sion to offload a significant portion government can take it back byment starts on Saturday. Major TV of promoter shares, restrict indi- sending a request to the board said in a statement. The company on Thursday viduals holding constitutional Parliamentary Secretariat.” The Securities Registration announced its decision to floatbrands like Sony, Hisense, LG and oth- posts from becoming bank direc- undermine the central bank’s to their competitors. and Issue Regulations of 2008 3.96 million shares at Rs2,951.ers have reported a 40 percent rise in tors, and separate bankers and power, leading the banking sector Former NRB Deputy Governor Gautam said the parliament The company plans tosales compared to previous years. The businessmen have been removed. to another disaster.” could also send back the bill to the requires a company to fulfil a decrease promoter sharehold- Maha Prasad Adhikari said the Parliamentary committee for resolution related to the new ing to 70 percent from 80 per-TV business was badly affected by last “The provisions were included The provision of term limits for revised bill is “regressive” as it reconsideration. Given the Bafia issue (further public issue) cent through the FPO. A boardyear’s earthquake after recording in the initial draft to establish a directors, chairmen and chief exec- steps back from existing provisions bill has already reached the full meeting of the company onboom sales during the 2014 FIFA system as the directive issued by utive officers was adopted given when it comes to ensuring a sound house after clause-wise discussion passed by the general meeting. Wednesday had decided the the central bank could be compro- incidents in which prolonged stay banking sector. He expressed fears at the Parliamentary committee, it The laws further state if the FPO, subject to approval fromWorld Cup. Traders are optimistic mised based on political pressure,” resulted in executives covering up the proposed changes on dilution will be difficult to return it back to price of the proposed issue is the Sebon. The company’sthat the Euro Cup will help them to said Former NRB Governor their wrongdoings. of promoters’ stake to public shares the government, according to offi- shares were trading at Rs4,888recover lost ground. Navin Dipendra Bahadur Kshetry. “If the might produce a good amount of cials. A senior official of Law to be fixed higher than the on Thursday. revised bill is passed by the The provision of barring gains to individual promoters, but Ministry told the Post the best face value, the methodology ofDistributors, authorised dealer for Parliament as it is, it will seriously individuals holding more than could lead to inclusion of anybody option would be improving the bill fixation of price and basis andHisense, one of the global sponsors of 50 percent share in any in the bank board. by the Parliament itself.UEFA EURO 2016, said there had been company from becoming bank justification of the premium directors was put in place to “In the name of diluting promot- must be provided by the issu-a 35 percent growth in demand. “The separate bankers and business- er shares to public, the promoters ing company.growth can be attributed to the part- men, given events of businessmen, might sell a large number theirnership between the Hisense group who also held top BFI posts, shares to anybody without restric- “The company took the misusing their position to take tion from the central bank as per decision on its own goingand UEFA and a growing preference loans for themselves by creating the revised bill,” said Adhikari. “If against the securities regula-for products from Hisense,” said fake borrowers and denying loans the ultimate owner of the bank isAshish Tibrewala, director of Navin tions,” said Sebon Spokesperson Niraj Giri.Distributors. Pg: IV “Such acts resemble foul plays intended to create price fluctu-Oil price off 2016 highs festive travel rushon stronger dollarREUTERS should help to keep prices in May, the highest monthly n Vehicles queue to pass a toll gate on a highway in Xingtai, north China’s Hebei Province, on Friday. During the holiday of Duanwu Festival, or Dragon Boat Festival, traffic onSINGAPORE/LONDON, JUNE 10 from falling deeper. level recorded since it started many sections of the highway were slow as the number of travellers on highways increased in Hebei Province.  tracking disruptions in XinhuaOil prices fell on Friday, as a Crude prices have almost January 2011.stronger dollar pulled crude doubled since touching theiroff 2016 highs hit this week, lowest in more than a decade On Friday, the Niger Deltaalthough strong refinery in early 2016 as strong demand Avengers militant groupdemand and global supply dis- and supply disruptions erode said it had blown up theruptions lent support. a glut that pulled down prices Obi Obi Brass trunk line by as much as 70 percent from operated by ENI. On the Brent oil futures were trad- a mid-2014 peak. demand side, global refininging at $51.15 per barrel at 5.10 activity is expected to hit aa.m. ET, down 80 cents while Declines in US shale oil record high just as crude sup-US West Texas Intermediate output are being compounded ply disruptions around the(WTI) futures were down 85 by steep falls in Nigerian world tighten the market.cents at $49.71 a barrel. production due to attacksAnalysts said that a rebound by militants and in Canada Available global refiningin the dollar had dented oil due to forest fires. capacity will reach 101.8 mil-prices by making fuel imports lion bpd in August, its highestfor countries using other cur- The US government said on on record, and up from aroundrencies more expensive. Thursday unplanned global 97.25 million bpd in March, oil supply disruptions aver- data on Thomson Reuters The dollar index was up 0.28 aged more than 3.6 million bpd Eikon shows. Investment bankpercent adding to Thursday’s Jefferies said on Friday thatgains as jittery global finan- US refinery utilizationcial markets sent investors reached 90.9 percent in thetoward safe haven currencies. first week of June. “Oil prices eased back from Consultancy JBC Energya near 12-month high as the said it had increased its 2016dollar reversed its recent oil demand growth outlook totrend,” ANZ bank said on above 1.4 million barrels perFriday adding that supply dis- day, largely on increased USruptions around the world gasoline consumption. robust growth For India’s surging economy, small is beautifulREUTERS free and relies mainly on internal central bank survey showed. India has over 45 million SMEs, als, chemical, auto and defence nies. Steel Strips Wheels, for sheets of some bigger listedNEW DELHI/MUMBAI, JUNE 10 resources to fund capacity expan- Sales at listed big companies accounting for nearly 40pc of sectors, saw 25 percent growth in example, reported a 55 percent firms. sion. A survey from the Reserve rose 1.4 percent over the same GDP. Most are unlisted, and its order book in the fiscal year jump in earnings per share in theFor Rohan Sharma, business Bank of India shows he is not period. Operating profit of the ending in March. “We can cus- fiscal year that ended in March. Corporate earnings at listedhas never been better. Sales at alone. The annual study of nearly unlisted firms grew an annual their earnings growth has tomise different paint shades for non-financial firms in the Marchhis autoparts company in 240,000 unlisted small- and medi- 16.6 percent in the year, three outpaced listed firms clients, unlike big paint compa- The company, which supplies quarter grew 18 percent, theGujarat are booming and the um-sized enterprises (SMEs) times the pace at listed compa- nies which can only provide spe- wheel rims to major automakers, strongest in the past two years,order book has almost doubled found they are saving their way nies, and they increased their ply, is often lacking. That led to a cific paint shades,” he said. has seen a big leap in capacity raising hopes of an improvementin the past year. to growth, helping transform gross savings. contraction in capital spending in utilization. Its commercial vehi- in their debt-laden balance India into the world’s fast- the January-March quarter. Capacity utilisation at his cles wheel plant is now using 95 sheets. Nonetheless, the recovery His Bhagirath Coach & Metal est-growing large economy in the While higher expenses halved Despite that, strong consumer Gujarat-based factory shot up to percent of capacity from little in investment is patchy. ThermaxFabricators has just invested past two years. net profit growth at private firms, spending helped power economic 80 percent from 50 percent in over 35 percent in 2013-14. “Today Ltd, an engineering company,nearly $120,000 in new machinery they still grew at double-digit growth of 7.9 percent, the fastest 2014-15. Now, Patel is buying new our order book is more than our reported a 15 percent drop in itsand plans to spend up to $1.2 mil- India has more than 45 million pace. In contrast, listed compa- rate among the world’s major machines, hiring workers and execution capacity,” chief finan- order book in the last quarterlion this year to expand capacity. SMEs, accounting for nearly nies struggled with shrinking economies. spending more on marketing. cial officer Naveen Sorot said. from a year ago.That’s an encouraging sign for 40 percent of gross domestic profits. Debt-laden big listed Helping power smaller firms has “So we are planning to expandAsia’s third-largest economy, product. Most are unlisted, and firms, meanwhile, are still reluc- “Being a small-scale company been Prime Minister Narendra our production capacity”. With banks increasingly takingwhere stressed balance sheets at their earnings growth has out- tant to undertake new invest- has helped us in getting more Modi’s plan to build 10,000 km of action against corporations thatbig firms and heavy reliance on paced listed companies for the ments, and foreign firms can find orders,” said Pramod Patel, man- new national highways and For India to consistently grow default on loans, a senior govern-bank credit, which has dried up past three years. “We never India’s labyrinthine regulations aging partner at Reliable Paints. upgrade another 50,000 km as at or above 8 percent that it tar- ment official said companies arefollowing a surge in troubled allowed exuberance to get the bet- overwhelming. part of $32 billion infrastructure gets to generate jobs for a rapidly likely to keep a lid on capital out-loans, have stymied efforts to ter of hard business logic,” Patel’s company, which sup- spending this fiscal year. expanding workforce, major list- lays unless they see visiblerevive private investment. Sharma said. Also, infrastructure and plies industrial paint to the met- ed enterprises will have to come returns on new investments. resources needed for complex This has boosted sales of heavy to the party. Encouragingly, the “Until then, government spend- Sharma does not face such con- Sales at smaller private firms manufacturing, like roads, skilled commercial vehicles and, by infrastructure push has begun to ing will have to do the heavy lift-straints. He says his firm is debt- grew 12 percent in 2014-15, the labour and consistent power sup- extension, auto ancillary compa- feed through to the balance ing,” the official said. CM Y K

Saturday, June 11, 2016 | the kathmandu post economy money IIGovt moves to trial runrevive plan tomake biodieselPOST REPORTKATHMANDU, JUNE 10The government has formed a The Ministry of Supplies This is not the first time n Cargo ship Baroque crosses the Agua Clara Locks during the first test of this Panama Canal lock flowing into the Atlantic Ocean, near Colon, 90km from Panama City, oncommittee to study the possi- has formed a six-member that the government has Thursday. bility of making biodiesel panel to examine possibility moved to conduct such stud- AFP/RSSfrom jatropha seeds ies. Earlier, Nepal Oil of producing biodiesel Corporation (NOC) had on MoneyGram, Chaudhary rebuild schools Jatropha oil, which is from jatropha seeds two occasions formed teamsextracted from the seeds of to study the feasibility of POST REPORT ation provided a grant More than 30,000 school reshaping Nepal regardless of ted 55,000 children.the plant known locally as had formed the study team mixing ethanol with petrole- KATHMANDU, JUNE 10 of $80,000 (Rs8.5 million) buildings were destroyed by the massive tremor that hit Moon Lee, vice-president ofsajiban or kadam, is superior after holding preliminary um products. the massive tremor, forcing the nation.”to other oils. The plant has a talks with farmers. According Global money transfer for the reconstruction 4 million students to attend the Chaudhary Group, saidshort gestation period, is easy to him, jatropha farming is Similarly, the government project, the Chaudhary Group More than 30,000 school the group always welcomedto handle and yields a large done in a number of districts had talked about using oil company MoneyGram said Friday. classes in the open air buildings were destroyed by and assisted anyone wishingquantity of oil which can be in the Mid-Western Region extracted from plants in its Foundation and the “The rebuilding of 10 the massive tremor, forcing 4 to support Nepal.converted into high quality like Salyan, Jajarkot and budget statement two years Chaudhary Foundation, a schools is a small step against the Chaudhary Group will million students to attendbiodiesel to power diesel Surkhet. “As jatropha can ago to slash the country’s soar- philanthropic arm of the how much we want to reach on bring encouragement to the classes in the open air. “Joining hands withengines. grow on land that has no ing gasoline import bill. Chaudhary Group, have com- building the schools,” said students to contribute to MoneyGram has added big access to irrigation, there is a pleted rebuilding 10 primary Sheshagiri Malliah, The money transfer value to our work,” he said. The Ministry of Supplies possibility of cultivating it Previously, a taskforce schools in areas devastated MoneyGram’s regional direc- agency has been working inhas formed a six-member even on barren land,” he said. formed by the National by last year’s earthquake. tor for South Asia. the field of children’s educa- He added that althoughpanel to examine the possibili- Planning Commission had The MoneyGram Found- “We hope our initiative with tion since 2012 in 22 countries the earthquake was devastat-ty of producing biodiesel from A study conducted by the also suggested granting around the world and benefit- ing, it also opened opportuni-jatropha seeds to mix with reg- AEPC has also shown that subsidies to farmers to ties for rebuilding Nepal.ular diesel, Joint Secretary there is a high potential encourage commercial culti-Uttam Prasad Nagila said. for commercial farming of vation of jatropha besides the plant in Dhangadhi, establishing a separate entity The team led by Nagila Palpa, Siraha, Chitwan, to promote biofuel.includes representatives Okhaldhunga, Morang, Barafrom the Science and and Parsa districts. According to figuresTechnology, Population and released by the Trade andEnvironment ministries and Giving an instance of inter- Export Promotion Centre,the Alternative Energy national practices, Nagila said Nepal spent Rs112.16 billionPromotion Centre (AEPC). the government was consider- on importing petroleum prod- ing mixing up to 20 percent ucts last year, equivalent to According to experts, over biodiesel with regular diesel. almost 15 percent of the coun-500,000 hectares of unused “Apart from reducing carbon try’s total import bill.land in Nepal can be used to emission, it will also help cutgrow jatropha to produce bio- the country’s petroleum According to an NOC offi-diesel and reduce dependency import bill,” Nagila added. cial, there is a need to developon imported fossil fuels. the necessary infrastructure if the government is to Jatropha is highly resistant achieve success in producingto drought, thrives in arid biodiesel.areas and requires as little as30 litres of water monthly dur-ing the dry season. Animals donot eat this plant so it is safefrom them. The plant produces oil-bear-ing seeds within six months ofplanting and can last over 30years without replacementwhen managed properly. Itsseeds contain 30 percent moreoil which can be easilyexpelled and extracted. Thefuel produced from jatropha isless polluting compared to fos-sil fuels, experts said. Nagila said the ministry CMY K

III money world thekathmandupost | Saturday, June 11, 2016news digest Tight-lipped Saudi opens Labour comes up to push economic plan out fightingFresh oil attack against Brexitin Nigeria Agence France-Presse pening, too,” said the report JEDDAH, June 10 which is available on the Agence France-Presse with opinion pollsLAGOS: A Niger delta mil- Internet. McKinsey was also LONDON, June 10 showing the race for theitant group on Friday Pushed by international among firms contracted by June 23 referendum is neckclaimed a fresh attack on advisers and concerned about the government to advise on After weeks on the sidelines, and neck, senior Laboura pipeline operated by its image, conservative Saudi the kingdom’s economic senior figures in the opposi- figures are now stepping upthe Nigerian subsidiary Arabia is engaged in an unu- future, Bloomberg News tion Labour party came outof Italy’s Eni in the res- sual display of openness to reported. “They’ve been guid- fighting for Britain to stay in leader Nigel Farage, of “try-tive oil-producing south. promote a wide-ranging eco- ed definitely, very, very strong- the EU on Friday amid fears ing to perpetrate a fraud onThe Niger Delta nomic transformation plan. ly by McKinsey”, including in their failure to get out the left- Labour voters”. “They want toAvengers (NDA) said on the emphasis on transparency, wing vote may result in a get out of the European Unionits Twitter account: “3:00 Over four nights this week, said Patrick Dennis, lead Brexit. not to improve workers’ rightsam (0200 GMT) of Friday 16 government ministers took Middle East economist at Labour leader Jeremy but to sweep them away,” said@NDAvengers blow up the stage at a cramped state British-based advisory firm Corbyn is officially backing Miliband, who stepped downthe Obi Obi Brass trunk television studio in the humid Oxford Economics. the “Remain” campaign but after losing last year’s generalline belonging to Agip Red Sea city of Jeddah to field has been keeping a low pro- election. Labour deputy partyEni.” “It is Agip’s major questions from local and for- Government openness is file, leaving members of leader Tom Watson was due tocrude oil line in Bayelsa eign reporters. Press confer- needed for effective deci- Prime Minister David release predictions on FridayState,” it said, without ences are traditionally rare in sion-making, proper function- Cameron’s Conservatives to of how Britain might look out-giving details. There was the kingdom, whose top offi- ing of the market, and to avoid fight it out between them- side the EU, on the premiseno immediate confirma- cials are unelected. This corruption which typically selves. But with opinion polls that Cameron would be oustedtion of the attack from week’s sessions, which began leads to lower growth, he told showing the race for the June in favour of a more right-wingEni. On Thursday, mili- on the first day of the Muslim n Saudi Arabia’s Deputy Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (centre) chairs a meeting for the Council of AFP. Transparency, however, 23 referendum is neck and Conservative government.tants also bombed a pipe- holy month of Ramadan, were Economic and Development Affairs, in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on June 5. is “something that will come neck, raising the real possibil-line operated by the unprecedented. REUTERS later over time”, Dennis said. The economic turbulencestate-run oil firm the of a Brexit would create “aNigerian National But officials say “transpar- Jason Tuvey, of the London- ity that Britain could become massive black hole in the pub-Petroleum Corporation ency”—a word they use fre- Minister of Economy and not claim that the initiatives based research firm Capital the first country to leave the lic finances, and an unfair(NNPC) at Ogidigben in quently these days—is essen- Planning Adel al-Fakieh said Over four nights this week, in this programme are final,” Economics, said officials are EU, senior Labour figures are Tory government that willDelta state. Industry tial to the success of the during Wednesday night’s tel- 16 government ministers he said, calling for construc- now emphasising openness now stepping up. Ahead of a make ordinary families paysources said the attack National Transformation evised press conference. took the stage at a cramped tive public criticism to help it “because they need to improve speech in London on Friday, for it through further cuts andhappened at 7:40 pm Programme (NTP). The 112- state TV studio to field succeed. Fakieh downplayed their reputation” in that area. former party leader Ed tax rises”, he said, accordingalong the Chanomi cre- page document, a tool to Questions also came from questions from reporters the input of foreign experts. “If they are not more trans- Miliband acknowledged in a to the Daily Mirror tabloid.ek. No group has claimed implement the over-arching citizens on Twitter. By setting “We realise that it’s only us parent with their policies, it BBC interview: “Some Labourresponsibility. (AFP) Vision 2030 plan, sets five-year benchmarks, the NTP allows increasing the efficiency of understanding our own local will only raise further ques- voters don’t know where we A YouGov poll for The targets for transforming for accountability, which will government subsidies. At the context that can really make tion marks over their ability stand at the moment.” Times this week found publicAir NZ sells the oil-dependent economy be reinforced by a special centre of the reform effort is a the best use of this interna- to deal with the fallout from Corbyn has refused to share opinion evenly split betweenVirgin Aus stake following a slump in crude body to monitor the perfor- plan to float less than five per- tional expertise,” he said. lower oil prices,” he told AFP. a platform with Cameron and leaving or staying in the EU, prices.The reform drive is led mance of government agen- cent of oil giant Saudi Aramco there are concerns some but Labour voters favouredWELLINGTON: Air New by King Salman’s 30-year-old cies, Fakieh said. The system on the stock market, with the Last December the This year’s budget Labour voters will abstain or “Remain” by 61 percent to 26Zealand said on Friday it son Prince Mohammed bin makes it possible that “we will proceeds to help form what McKinsey Global Institute, announcement had already back a Brexit to give the percent, with the remainderwill sell the bulk of its Salman, who has risen to be see a breakthrough leap in the will become the world’s larg- the research arm of McKinsey helped make clear to investors Conservative leader a bloody either not voting or undecid-stake in Virgin Australia among Saudi Arabia’s most performance of the govern- est state investment fund, & Co consultancy, published a that, rather than a currency nose. Miliband urged them ed. But Labour voters wereto Nanshan Group, mak- influential figures since being ment.” Fakieh’s ministry is with around $2 trillion in 156-page report on “Saudi devaluation, fiscal policy not to, saying: “This is not a also less likely to say theying the Shandong-based named second-in-line to the one of 24 government agen- assets. Fakieh said the NTP is Arabia Beyond Oil: The would be relied upon to deal mid-term protest... This is a would definitely vote. Andyconglomerate the air- throne last year. cies given initial targets the result of input from about Investment and Productivity with the oil price slump. But once-in-a-generation decision Burnham, Labour’s homeline’s second Chinese under the NTP. In his case, the 10 consulting firms and more Transformation.” Tuvey said Saudi transparen- which will shape our country affairs spokesman, admittedinvestor in as many Prince Mohammed set an economy and planning minis- than 600 Saudi officials who cy will have its limits. “I for decades to come.” the campaign had not focusedweeks. Nanshan will pay example in April when he try will be judged on its han- attended months of discus- That document talks of a would never expect the He accused the “Leave” on its traditional base.Aus0.33 cents a share for stood before reporters and, dling of objectives at the heart sions and workshops. “We do need for “greater accountabil- authorities to provide highly campaign, also backed by thea 19.98 percent stake in seeming relaxed, answered of the Vision: diversifying ity, coordination, and perfor- detailed information and anti-immigration UKVirgin Australia, valuing questions about the Vision for gross domestic product, grow- mance management” by gov- policies, such as you get from Independence Party (UKIP)it at about Aus$230 mil- almost one hour. “There is an ing the private sector, and ernment. “The public should policymakers in advancedlion (US$170 million), Air element of transparency,” know more about what is hap- economies.”NZ said. “The sale willallow Air New Zealand to holiday tourism Bidders offerfocus on its own growth ‘more thanopportunities, while still n Tourists visit the Crescent Spring and Singing Sand Dune scenic area in Dunhuang, northwest China’s Gansu Province, on Friday. During the holiday of Duanwu Festival, or Dragon Boat Festival, many tourists came $5b’ for Yahoocontinuing its long-sta- to visit desert scenery in Dunhuang. nding alliance with Xinhua Agence France-PresseVirgin Australia on the SAN FRANCISCO, June 10trans-Tasman network,”chairman Tony Carter Several suitors are bidding $5said. The Kiwi flag carri- billion or more for the coreer was Virgin Australia’s business of strugglinglargest shareholder, with Internet pioneer Yahoo, CNBCa 25.89 percent stake reported on Thursday.built up as the airlinesforged an alliance aga- CNBC, citing unnamedinst rival Qantas. Carter sources close to the situation,said the deal needed said Yahoo’s board of direc-approval from Chinese tors will meet Friday toregulators, adding that review offers ahead of a finalAir NZ was considering round of bidding expected toits options regarding the lead to a decision by mid-July.rest of its Virgin US telecom titan Verizon wasAustralia shares. (AFP) among low bidders, offering more than $3.5 billion forValeant unit Yahoo, according to CNBC.to pay $54m The pool of bidders is believed to include private equityWASHINGTON: Embattled firms. California-based YahooCanadian drugmaker declined to comment. YahooValeant will pay $54 mil- shares were up slightly morelion to settle charges its than a percent to $37.42 as theSalix unit paid kickbacks close of trading neared on theto doctors to promote its Nasdaq exchange.drugs, the JusticeDepartment said Yahoo, which has beenThursday. Salix eclipsed by rivals such asPharmaceuticals, the Google and Facebook, is stud-company Valeant paid ying the possibility of a sale$15.8 billion for a year as it pursues efforts to reviveago, used what the growth, focusing on mobileJustice Department users. Yahoo chief executivecalled “sham speaker Marissa Mayer has failed toprograms” to reward revive the company since tak-doctors with cash and ing the helm in 2012. Mayergifts to encourage them has been working to reviveto promote and prescribe growth and made priorities ofits gastrointestinal what she refers to as “Mav-drugs. Doctors could ens”—mobile, video, nativeearn up to $4,500 for each advertising and social media.event attended, and doz- In Feb, Yahoo announced itens racked up more than was cutting 15 percent of its$50,000 in total payments, workforce and narrowing itsand several more than focus as it explored “strategic$100,000, according to the alternatives” that includedcharges. “For years, selling itself.Salix Pharmaceuticalsunlawfully sought toincrease prescriptionsof its products by usingits ‘speaker programs’ asa vehicle to pay kick-backs to doctors,” saidManhattan US AttorneyPreet Bharara. (AFP) poachingWanted: Oil traders who know China, with good heads for liquorREUTERS world’s No.2 oil consumer. Awarding crude import quotas Chinese independent oil said. “Our traders are very popu- drink too much,” said a Chinese trading firm COFCO Corp.BEIJING/SINGAPORE, JUNE 10 Already, in the first five months of up to 1.2 million barrels per firms, commodity houses and lar,” said a source from one of the trader who buys crude on behalf Cui said his team trades Brent of 2016—the first full year of a day (bpd) to China’s teapots has global companies have been state oil trading companies. of one of the teapots.Chinese independent oil compa- dozen of them being granted started a tussle for talent as the raiding state giants such as “Most of those who moved from futures to hedge Chambroad’snies are luring traders, marketers crude import licences—they have refiners—and the oil majors and Sinochem and CNPC for staff our company are going to trading At Shandong Chambroad four million tonnes of annualand risk managers away from captured about 10 percent of the trading houses that aim to supply houses and majors because the Petrochemicals Co, however, crude imports as well as itsdominant state behemoths, offer- inbound shipments. them—dive into an activity previ- noting that offers often beat perks are definitely better.” teetotallers would have the exports of refined fuel. “It’s aing better pay and perks in a hir- ously restricted to state-owned SOE employment, particularly edge as the company has a small pool when you nail it downing spree triggered by the freeing Shandong Dongming enterprises (SOEs). at smaller firms. “Certainly “We are looking for people strict no-drinking policy that to trade experience plus marketup of China’s crude import trade. Petrochemical Group, China’s we’re going to see more talent who have systematic training, bans alcohol at work and knowledge,” said the global trad- largest independent refiner, has This year, use of the quotas outflows as the teapots have good relationship skills, and peo- discourages its consumption ing house executive. Global oil firms and built a Singapore-based trading has made up most of a 16 percent just begun hiring,” the senior ple who understand how China even at personal events.commodity houses have also team of 11 to handle this new or around 1 million bpd rise in trader said. markets work,” said a Beijing- For state enterprises, the lossbeen raiding state giants such business, including trading and China’s crude imports, even with based executive with a global Chambroad, the first Chinese of roughly 10 percent of the trad-as Sinochem and CNPC for staff shipping managers hired from several underused and more Most of the hires are in their trading house. independent to become a Saudi ing teams at some companies isto help handle up to $50 million a CNPC Fuel Oil Company and the awaiting approval. mid-thirties, having honed their Aramco client, hired a crude viewed as inevitable. So far theday in new crude flowing into CNOOC group. craft at Chinese state companies Also, with teapots concentrated trader at its Singapore unit impact has been minimal, butChina this year, and the cher- Those angling for a slice of such as Sinochem Corp, China mostly in the eastern province of Sunshine Oil last year from a that could change as the newcom-ry-picking of talent is likely “A team of this size is far from this market have already hired National Offshore Oil Corp Shandong, an ability on plant vis- trading outfit for China State ers take more of the market.just getting started. enough for our scale of 10 million more than 40 traders and others, (CNOOC) and China National its to withstand drinking bouts Shipbuilding Corp. tonnes a year (200,000 bpd) crude mostly from state companies, say Petroleum Corp (CNPC), sources could also be critical as official at Most companies—including China’s independent “teapot” demand,” said Zhang Liu Cheng, colleagues and acquaintances of some refineries there are This year Chambroad set up a BP, Royal Dutch Shell andrefiners, so called due to their vice president of Shandong people who have moved jobs. renowned for their large capaci- Shanghai-based derivatives team Glencore—declined to commentsmall size, could be processing by Dongming. “We’ll need more to ties for alcohol. of 10 professionals, headed by on their staff movements.the end of this year as much as a cover products, chemicals and “We have a big but not totally Harry Cui, a former senior traderfifth of the crude imports of the market analysis,” Zhang said. motivated team,” said a senior “Sometimes I’m scared to visit and head of futures research for New hirees also declined to trader with a state oil company, our refinery in Shandong as they state-owned grain processor and comment due to the sensitivity of the matter. CMY K

Saturday, June 11, 2016 | thekathmandupost bazaar money IVbizline TV sales soar as Euro market watch Cup fever grips valleySLanka to abolish forex restrictions RETAIL PRICECOLOMBO: Sri Lanka on Thursday announced plans to lift Vegetables Unit Price (Rs)six-decade-old restrictions on foreign exchange flows andallow free transfer of money in and out of the island, to Red Potato Kg Rs55encourage investment in the struggling economy. Theisland tightly controls foreign currency transactions White Potato Kg Rs45under a 1953 law that does not allow the free repatriationof capital, in an effort to protect its modest foreign Onion (Indian) Kg Rs35reserves. Under the present strict rules, exporters mustbring back their foreign earnings within a short period Tomato Small Kg Rs65of time or face penalties. Analysts say the policy detersinvestors. Last week, Sri Lanka received the first tranche POST REPORT at CG Electronics. He expects Carrot Kg Rs65of a $1.5 billion bailout from the International Monetary KATHMANDU, JUNE 10 growth to reach around 40 percentFund (IMF) to shore up the island’s economy, left reeling this football season. “During the Tomato Big Kg Rs65after a spending spree by the new government. (AFP) Television sales have increased last World Cup, our sales sur- sharply in the Kathmandu Valley passed expectations. The Euro Squash Kg Rs45Turkey economy grows 4.8 percent in the past few weeks as Euro Cup impact is expected to be the same.” 2016 fever grips football enthusi- Cabbage Kg Rs45ISTANBUL: Turkey’s economy grew 4.8 percent in the first asts. The much awaited month- The promotional scheme willquarter of this year, continuing its resilient performance long European tournament starts last for one month. CG Electronics Brinjal Long kg Rs45from 2015, the statistics office said on Friday. The strong on Saturday. is currently offering discounts ongrowth rate was helped by a 6.9 percent increase in Smart, Ultra HD and LED TVs of Fruits Unit Price (Rs)household consumption, which has been the main driver Major TV brands like Sony, sizes ranging from 32 to 65 inches. Apple Kg Rs115of the country’s growth over the last months. Consumers Hisense, LG and others havein Turkey -- which imports almost all its energy resourc- reported a 40 percent rise in sales Similarly, Nepa Hima Trade Pomegranate Kg Rs215es -- have been benefitting from low oil prices which have compared to previous years. The Link, the authorised distributorpushed up real incomes. The 4.8 percent growth in the TV business was badly affected by of Sony television, has reported a Water Melon Kg Rs23first quarter from the same period last year was down last year’s earthquake after rise in customer queries followingslightly on the very strong figure of 5.7 percent recorded recording boom sales during the the launch of promotional Sweet Orange Kg Rs165in the fourth quarter. The economy had grown by a solid 2014 FIFA World Cup. Traders are schemes for this year’s Euro Cup.4.0 percent in 2015, in a relief for the government of optimistic that the Euro Cup will Mango kg Rs65President Recep Tayyip Erdogan after fears it could be help them to recover lost ground. The company has announcedexposed to jitters on emerging markets. (AFP) cash-back scheme of up to 15 per- Pineapple 1Pc Rs115 Navin Distributors, authorised cent of the listed price of its LED,Sensex posts first weekly loss in three dealer for Hisense, one of the glob- smart and Android televisions of Cucumber Kg Rs65 al sponsors of UEFA EURO 2016, sizes ranging from 32 inches to 65MUMBAI: Indian shares edged down on Friday and were said there had been a 35 percent inches. Prices of Sony televisions Pear Kg Rs135headed for their first weekly loss in three, as caution pre- growth in demand. range from Rs48,500 to Rs795,000.vailed ahead of the US Federal Reserve meeting next swell 40 percent during the Euro has launched promotional Papaya Kg Rs93week and Britain’s referendum on European Union mem- “The growth can be attributed Cup frenzy.” schemes like special prizes and “Sales soar around 50 percentbership on June 23. Global factors are likely to be the to the partnership between the discounts of up to Rs116,000 to during football tournaments,” Banana Doz Rs85main drivers of Indian stock markets for the rest of the Hisense group and UEFA and a Hisense offers regular, smart, boost sales. “We normally experi- said Subash Shrestha, marketingmonth, after they hit their highest levels since late growing preference for products LED and curved TVs of up to 58 ence a 40 percent growth in sales manager of the company, “As Lime 100 Pcs Rs475October this week on hopes of an improving economy. from Hisense,” said Ashish inches in size with prices ranging during major football tourna- far as TV sales are concerned,Fed officials meet next Tuesday and Wednesday, and the Tibrewala, director of Navin from Rs20,000 to Rs750,000. ments compared to normal times,” football tournaments and daily commoditiesUS central bank is expected to leave rates unchanged. Distributors. “We expect sales to said Niraj Baniya, brand manager festivals are the major drivers ofThe broader Nifty was down 0.16 percent at 8,190.7 as of Likewise, CG Electronics, business growth.”0825 GMT, heading for a 0.4 percent weekly loss. The authorised distributor for LG TV,Sensex was 0.4 percent lower at 26,653.05, on track for a0.7 percent weekly loss. (REUTERS) Co-founder of disney resort Commodities Unit Price (Rs) Google fuels Pokhreli Rice Kg Rs65India plans 25pc tax on sugar exports flying car lab Jeera Masino Rice Kg Rs70NEW DELHI: India plans to introduce a 25 percent tax onsugar exports to maintain local supplies, the government Indian Basmati Rice Kg Rs100said on Thursday, a move that could further push upglobal prices of the sweetener and boost shipments from Mansuli Rice Kg Rs55Thailand. Sugar output in India, the world’s no. 2 produc-er behind Brazil, is expected to decline this year due to a Sona Rice Kg Rs50drought in major growing regions, while global priceshave risen to two-and-a-half year highs. Food minister Beaten Rice (Taichin) Kg Rs120Ram Vilas Paswan said the levy was aimed at curbingthe country’s exports and would help keep local prices Beaten Rice Kg Rs55under control in the world’s top consumer of sugar.“There is an increasing trend in the price of sugar in the Big Mas Kg Rs290international market. Traders may increase the exportof sugar to make profit,” Paswan tweeted. (REUTERS) Agence France-Presse Small Mas Kg Rs260 SAN FRANCISCO, June 10Britain to shed a quarter of its oil jobs Google co-founder Larry Page Big Mung Kg Rs220LONDON: As many as 120,000 oil workers will have lost has secretly poured more thantheir jobs in Britain by the end of the year compared to $100 million into building fly- Musuro (No 1) Kg Rs170mid-2014 when oil prices started declining and unleashed ing cars, Bloomberg reportedsector-wide cost cuts, the industry’s lobby group said on on Thursday. Musuro (No 2) Kg Rs160Friday. Britain’s oil industry and indirectly related jobslike supply chain and services are estimated to fall to Page has backed Zee.Aero Rahar Kg Rs250330,000 by the end of the year, down from 450,000 in 2014, while striving to keep hisOil and Gas UK said in a report. Major British oil indus- involvement hidden, accord- Chana (Big) Kg Rs160try employers like Royal Dutch Shell, BP and Chevron ing to the report that citedhave all announced substantial job cuts in order to rein unnamed sources described Chana (Small) Kg Rs150in costs as revenues have been hit hard by weak oil pric- as having intimate knowledgees. Shell announced an additional 475 job cuts in its UK of the flying car startup n Larry Page Chilli Powder Kg Rs350and Ireland upstream business two weeks ago, part of a launched in 2010.global drive to shed 12,500 roles between 2015 and the end Page is pursuing a flying gasoline watchof 2016. (REUTERS) “Based in the heart of car dream on his own, Silicon Valley, Zee is develop- not as part of Alphabet’s bullion Price Per tolaMitsubishi Motors to hire auditor ing a revolutionary new form of transportation,” the start- investments n A night view of the Shanghai Disney Resort in Shanghai, east China, on Hallmark Gold Rs55900TOKYO: Japanese automaker Mitsubishi Motors plans to up said on its website, which Thursday. Shanghai Disney Resort has received more than 500,000 touristbring in an outside auditor to monitor its technology invited people with engineer- ments in “moonshots” such as trips since its test operation in May. The resort, the sixth in the world, will Tejabi Gold Rs55650division, blamed for at least three high-profile cheating ing skills to apply for jobs. Zee self-driving cars, Bloomberg officially open on June 16. scandals, two people familiar with the thinking of the is “working at the intersection said. Google announced plans Xinhua Silver Rs785company’s leadership said. The move, not yet formalized, of aerodynamics, advanced last month to open a Detroit-would see a third-party auditor oversee major research manufacturing, and electric area technology center for its Source: FENEGOSIDAand development and engineering processes and deci- propulsion,” it said. self-driving car program.sions at the company, they said. This would partly be aresponse to the company’s recent admission that it cheat- As part of a bid for secrecy, The new center in Novi,ed on fuel economy tests for some models, and would be a Zee.Aero employees referred Michigan, will house engi-way to “modernize” the division at a time of increasing to Page as “GUS,” a play on neers and others testing vehi-competitive pressures in the auto industry. “We lag “Guy UpStairs” since, for a cles provided by Fiat Chryslerbehind in modernizing our tech unit,” said one insider. time, the Google co-founder Automobiles, according to an“We’ve not been able to put in place a system that could had a private hideaway on the Alphabet statement. Googleprevent cheating and irregularities.” (REUTERS) second floor of their facility, added 100 new 2017 Chrysler according to Bloomberg. Pacifica hybrid vehicles to itsSeoul prosecutors raid Lotte Group fleet of self-driving vehicles in It said Zee.Aero has a major expansion earlier inSEOUL: South Korean prosecutors raided the offices of nearly 150 employees and May. The collaboration withLotte Group, the country’s fifth-largest conglomerate, expanded operations to an air- Fiat Chrysler marked the firstand several affiliates on Friday, dealing a further blow to port hangar a little more than time the California-basedits hotel unit’s planned IPO, billed as the world’s biggest an hour’s drive from Alphabet- Internet giant has workedthis year. Hotel Lotte, one of the affiliates raided, cut the owned Google’s headquarters directly with an automaker tosize of the deal to a maximum $4.5 billion on Tuesday in the California city of build self-driving vehicles.and pushed back the listing to July after prosecutors Mountain View.launched a bribery investigation into a director. About Google has said it would not200 investigators searched 17 locations including group Page has spent more than license its autonomous carheadquarters in central Seoul and the homes of $100 million on Zee.Aero, technology nor sell theChairman Shin Dong-bin and other key executives, local according to Bloomberg. It self-driving minivans.news agency Yonhap reported, citing the Seoul Central also reported that Page wasProsecutor’s office. The raids mark a fresh bout of turbu- backing a second flying car The tech titan began testinglence for Lotte, one of the best-known of the big fami- startup, Kitty Hawk, that its autonomous driving tech-ly-run conglomerates, after it was rocked by a bitter began operating last year not nology in 2009 using asuccession feud last year. (REUTERS) far from Zee.Aero and is tak- Toyota Prius equipped with ing a different design Google equipment. It now approach. Neither Zee.Aero has some 70 vehicles, includ- nor Alphabet responded to ing Lexus cars, adapted by AFP requests for comment. Google in addition to its in-house designed cars Page is pursuing a flying unveiled in 2014. car dream on his own, not as part of Alphabet’s invest- Keen ly-await ed p roducts Int’l marketLenovo looks beyond computers with slick new phones Energy Price (US$)%ChangeAgence France-Presse ly, a great price,” said Tango gy by Lenovo to look beyond “They are really catching up Brent Crude Futr (Bbl) 52.98 0.32SAN FRANCISCO, June 10 director Johnny Lee. personal computers, where it is as a late-comer to the market, a market powerhouse, to a but they are already successful,” Gas Oil Fut (Ice) (Mt) 488.75 0.91Chinese computer titan Lenovo In what Lenovo chief execu- future of nearly everything Kitagawa said. “I am prettyshowcased a series of new tive Yang Yuanqing billed as being smart and connected to happy about the innovations Gasoline Rbob Fut (Gal) 183.01 0.84smartphones Thursday, includ- perhaps the most important the Internet, according to Yang. I saw today.”ing a keenly-awaited Tango announcement at the event, “Devices will become entry Natural Gas Futr (Mmbtu) 2.48 0.28handset and new Moto Z models Lenovo also unveiled new Moto points for diverse content and Lenovo innovations includedthat can be transformed into Z smartphones that can be cus- services,” he said. a smartphone with a shatter- Agriculture Price (US$)%Changevideo projectors or powerful tomized with “mods”—special- proof screen, which Kutcherspeakers. ized pieces of hardware that Lenovo’s core business will demonstrated by dropping a Cocoa Future (Mt) 3,092.00 0.82 snap into place magnetically to remain personal computers, but handset from high above the A market-ready PHAB2 Pro give handsets added capabili- it wants to use its expertise to stage. “Customers drop phones Coffee ‘C’ Future (Lb) 139.85 5.84smartphone imbued with ties. For example, one mod let a combine hardware and cloud a lot,” Lenovo chief technologyGoogle-created Tango augment- Moto Z project video on walls or capabilities to help devices “lis- officer Peter Hortensius said Corn Future (Bu) 429.5 -0.41ed reality technology was given ceilings at sizes as large as a ten, see, sense and understand during the demonstration. “Thisstar treatment at a Lenovo Tech 70-inch television screen. the world,” according to Yang. gave us an idea. What about a Cotton No. 2 Futr (Lb) 85.88 -0.45World gathering in San Franc- Another mod turned Moto Z screen that won’t break?”isco. PHAB2 can sense and map handsets into powerful speak- Lenovo’s innovative offerings Rough Rice (Cbot) (Cwt) 11.38 1.30its surroundings, enabling holo- ers. “This phone can transform showed that the company is Hortensius provided a peek atgrams to be overlaid on real itself,” said Hollywood star and committed to smartphones even work Lenovo is doing on smart- Soybean Future (Bu) 1148.25 -0.17world settings for anything from Lenovo spokesman Ashton though it only broke into the phones and tablets that can be-game play to figuring out which Kutcher. “This is actually a full- market with the purchase of nd. YouTube star Meghan McC- Soybean Meal Futr (T) 418 -0.28size sofa would fit in a room. blown game-changer.” Motorola, according to Gartner arthy wrapped a prototype sma- principal research analyst rtphone around one wrist like a Soybean Oil Futr (Lb) 32.98 0.27 The big-screen gadget will be Lenovo also launched a Mikako Kitagawa. bracelet and folded a tablet inavailable globally in September smartphone mod program for n Lenovo CEO Yang Yuanqing introduces the company’s new products in half while watching a cat video. Sugar #11 (World) (Lb) 19.18 0.95for $499. “It is a pretty incredi- developers, enticing them with Gartner ranked Lenovo as the “This isn’t a product yet, but itble piece of technology for, real- a million-dollar prize for a mod San Francisco on Thursday.  Xinhua seventh biggest player in the is a sign of things to come.” Wheat Future (Cbt) (Bu) 517.5 -0.38 smartphone market last quarter. Industrial Metals Price (US$) %Change that best integrates handsets according to Lenovo. Pricing Copper Future (Lb) 208.2 0.99 with services hosted in the was not disclosed. Internet cloud. Moto Z will be Precious Metals Price (US$)%Change available in the United States in Moto Z is made by Motorola, coming months through carrier which Lenovo bought from Gold 100 Oz Futr (T Oz) 1,284.00 0.13 Verizon, with models debuting Google in early 2014 in a deal Silver Future (T Oz) 17.19 1.21 globally later in the year, valued at $2.91 billion. The acquisition was part of a strate- CMY K