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In House panel, home minister denies co-op fraud charges

Nepal Police chief says the absence of extradition treaty with Malaysia is hampering efforts to bring back GB Rai.
- Post Report

Kathmandu,
As pressure mounts from the main opposition Nepali Congress for a parliamentary investigation into Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister Rabi Lamichhane into his alleged involvement in misusing cooperative funds, he appeared before the State Affairs Committee of the House of Representatives on Wednesday to address lawmakers’ questions.
Along with Lamichhane, Home Secretary Ek Narayan Aryal, and Inspector General of Nepal Police Basanta Kunwar, among other senior officials, attended the meeting.
Committee members asked questions ranging from the allegations against Home Minister Lamichhane for embezzling the fund of a Kaski-based cooperative; the police failure to arrest Gitendra Babu Rai (GB Rai), the prime suspect in the embezzlement of funds of several cooperatives who has been evading arrest for months, and possession of personal weapons by the controversial medical entrepreneur Durga Prasai, among other issues.
The International Criminal Police Organisation (Interpol) in January issued a diffusion notice against Rai, the founding chairman of Pokhara Suryadarshan Savings and Credit Cooperatives. Rai, who has been accused of embezzling over Rs1 billion, has been on the run.
The police had obtained an arrest warrant from Kaski District Court against Rai, among others accused in the case, last year.
At the start of the meeting, Nepali Congress lawmaker Dilendra Prasad Badu asked the home minister not to hold the post until the investigation against him is over. A complaint has been filed against the home minister accusing him of illegally borrowing Rs10 million from a Kaski-based cooperative that was later declared as crisis-ridden, said Badu, “so it is advised that you better give up [ministerial] responsibilities until the investigations are over.”
Badu also expressed his displeasure at the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) of Nepal Police interrogating industrialist Binod Chaudhary, a Congress lawmaker, over the Bansbari Leather and Shoe Factory land scam. “The way the CIB wrote to the Speaker about the ongoing investigation on Chaudhary was against parliamentary practices,” he said.
Badu was of the view that the police should inform the Speaker only when they have to arrest a lawmaker.
However, in Chaudhary’s case, police wrote to the Speaker and informed him that they were investigating Chaudhary’s alleged involvement in converting a Bansbari-based public land plot into private property.
Krishna Gopal Shrestha of the CPN-UML asked whether the government allows individuals to carry sophisticated weapons like medical entrepreneur Prasai does. Recently, the Supreme Court also urged the government to probe the matter and asked whether Prasai’s bodyguards had permission from the authorities to carry the weapons.
Lamichhane defended himself against allegations of embezzling cooperative funds.
“I was not involved in the said case,” he told the State Affairs Committee. “Yes, my name has been dragged into the case, but there is no evidence to prove my involvement.”
The main opposition Nepali Congress has been demanding a parliamentary probe into the charges against Lamichhane.
“There is no evidence to prove my involvement in the cooperative fraud case. I will not influence the investigation. The complaints against me were registered when the Nepali Congress was in government, but there is no evidence against me…There is no signature, no thumbprint and no KYC document…A case has been filed in the court but I have not been named as a defendant,” the minister said.
Inspector General of Nepal Police Kunwar told the parliamentary committee that police have not found any evidence of Lamichhane’s involvement in the alleged funds embezzlement.
Kunwar also said Rai, the prime suspect, is believed to be staying in Malaysia and a diffusion notice has been issued against him. According to him, 15 suspects in the case of misusing cooperatives funds are absconding and five are in judicial custody.
He claimed that as Nepal and
Malaysia don’t have an extradition treaty, it has been difficult for them to repatriate Rai.
“The government of Malaysia has asked us to send a draft of extradition and deportation [papers]. We sent both drafts to the Malaysian government via the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. We cannot bring Rai back until the Malaysian government hands him over to us. Our home minister, former home minister, and foreign minister are working on it,” said Kunwar.
The police chief also defended Lamichhane’s case and stated that just one ‘symbolic’ complaint was registered against Lamichhane with the Kaski Police, and there is no proof of his involvement in financial embezzlement.
The Nepali Congress has been demanding an in-depth investigation against Lamichanne and questions his eligibility to lead the home ministry citing a conflict of interest.
Meanwhile, defending the government ban on political gatherings and protests in some places in Kathmandu and Lalitpur districts, Home Secretary Aryal said the move was necessary for maintaining law and order.
Regarding the police interrogation of industrialist and lawmaker Chaudhary, Home Minister Lamichhane told the committee that there was no political bias or prejudice against the Nepali Congress lawmaker.
“The government is only following law and order,” he said, adding, “I will not engage in political vendettas.”
On the issue of medical entrepreneur Prasai possessing weapons, Lamichhane clarified that Prasai has been in possession of more weapons than was allowed by the law, and the government is investigating the matter.

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Government rejects rights commission’s secretary pick citing lack of transparency

Constitutional rights body asserts autonomy, claims that executive can’t demand confidential documents.
- BINOD GHIMIRE

KATHMANDU,
The government has refused to appoint Murari Kharel as secretary of the National Human Rights Commission, alleging that the selection process was not transparent.
The Prime Minister’s Office rejected Kharel’s recommendation on Tuesday following the reluctance of the constitutional human rights watchdog to provide the original marking files of the candidates competing for the position. Along with Kharel, acting secretary at the commission, Yagya Adhikari and Tika Ram Pokharel, joint secretaries, were in the race for the topmost administrative position at the commission.
“The commission’s recommendation couldn’t be approved,” Lila Devi Gadtaula, secretary at the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), told the Post. “We have sent back the recommendation with some remarks.”
The decision was taken after the commission failed to comply with the PMO’s request to send the original documents with the marks the three candidates received in various categories. The letter from the Pushpa Kamal Dahal administration said Kharel’s nomination was rejected, questioning the impartiality and transparency of the selection process.
“Upon review, it has been found that the selection process was not fully transparent and free of controversy,” states the PMO’s letter. “Only nominations made through a transparent selection process and in line with the existing law will be entertained.”
Based on the scores given by a three-member selection committee led by its member Surya Dhungel, four of the five commissioners, including chief commissioner Top Bahadur Magar, on October 30 recommended Kharel for promotion to the post of secretary. Kashi Raj Dahal, former chief of the Administrative Court, and professor Kusum Shakya were the members of the selection committee.
The Dhungel-led committee had given equal marks to both Kharel and Yagya Adhikari, a joint-secretary at the commission. They received 67.3 each. But Kharel was picked for the position citing his better performance during an interview and a presentation. Mihir Thakur, a commissioner, had objected to the decision.
Three days later, on November 3, he wrote a separate letter to Prime Minister Dahal, asking him to refrain from appointing Kharel as secretary, accusing him of misusing resources and engaging in irregularities at the commission.
The commissioner wrote several posts on Facebook against the recommendation and has even demanded that Kharel be sacked as he had protected an official accused of sexual harassment.
Thakur has been claiming that as Kharel and Adhikari got equal marks, Adhikari should be appointed to the post due to Kharel’s involvement in controversies.
Adhikari and Tikaram Pokharel, another contender for the position, also wrote to the Prime Minister’s Office on November 6, raising questions over the pick. As a result, the Dahal administration sought the original marking files of the three candidates. The commission, however, provided only the marks each candidate obtained and a copy of the minutes that recommended Kharel for the position.
The Prime Minister’s Office again wrote to the commission seeking the document but the requested document was never provided. Gadtaula expressed surprise at the commission’s reluctance to produce the documents if the selection was done by following due process.
Adhikari and Pokharel allege that Kharel was “favoured” in the interview. “We have been raising questions over the transparency and credibility of the selection process. It is good if the authorities concerned have addressed our issues,” Adhikari told the Post.
The commission’s leadership, however, says being a constitutional body, the executive cannot ask them to disclose confidential documents. They claim that legally the government has to implement its recommendations and can request reconsideration if there are some issues. The executive cannot reject their recommendations, they claim.
Multiple attempts to get a response from Magar and Dhungel failed.
However, those who have long experiences at the commission do not buy the argument.
“Yes, the executive has to implement the commission’s recommendations if they are related to human rights issues. It is wrong to say the government cannot ask questions in administrative issues like the selection of officials,” Bed Bhattarai, a former secretary at the commission, told the Post. “The commission should have made the entire selection
process public for transparency. It can still do that.”

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British royal family learns: If you don’t fill an information vacuum, someone else will

‘The royals’ mantra is never complain, never explain. That doesn’t work in a digital age.’
- DAVID BAUDER,ASSOCIATED PRESS

NEW YORK,
A media frenzy was born on February 27, when the hashtag #WhereIsKate exploded online with speculation about the whereabouts of Britain’s Princess of Wales. It opened a rabbit hole of amateur detective work, memes, bizarre theories and jokes— mixed with genuine concern about Kate’s health—into which thousands of people descended until her announcement last week that she was recovering from cancer.
The episode offered the royal family—and everyone else—a lesson in the modern world of online media: If your silence leaves an information vacuum, others will rush to fill it. And the results may be messy.
“The royal family’s mantra is never complain, never explain,” said Ellie Hall, a journalist who specialises in covering Britain’s king and his court. “That really doesn’t work in a digital age. It doesn’t take much to get the crazy things going.”
It was, in part, entertainment for some people with too much time on their hands. Except it involved real people with real lives — and, it turns out, real medical challenges.
Anatomy of an information vacuumOn January 17, Kensington Palace announced that Kate was in the hospital recovering from a planned abdominal surgery and would not be doing any public events until after Easter. There was relatively little online chatter, or official updates, until it was announced on February 27 that her husband, Prince William, would not be attending his godfather’s memorial service due to a “personal matter”.
That’s when the theorising really began, noted Ryan Broderick, who writes the Garbage Day newsletter about the online environment.
Where was Kate? Was she seriously ill — in a coma, perhaps? Did she travel abroad to undergo plastic surgery? Had she been replaced by a body double? Was there trouble in her marriage? Did she leave William? Had she been abused? Unsubstantiated rumours made it all the way to American talk show host Stephen Colbert. Memes appeared that included putting Kate’s picture on the face of an actress in “Gone Girl,” a 2014 film about a missing wife.
After two decades in which people have uploaded their lives to a system of platforms run by algorithms that make money off our worst impulses, “we have wondered what the world might look like when we crossed the threshold into a fully online world,” Broderick wrote on Garbage Day. “Well, we did. We crossed it.”
“Conspiracy is the Internet’s favourite sport,” Sarah Frier, author of “No Filter: The Inside Story of Instagram,” posted on X, formerly Twitter. “It starts here and becomes mainstream. At one point last week, MOST of the content on my [X] feed was about her. None of it was right. This is just what people do for fun and followers now.”
Then came the grand, unforced error — the palace releasing a photo on March 10 of Kate and her children that it later admitted had been digitally manipulated, without leaving clear exactly what was done.
Even before that, a ham-fisted public relations strategy by the royal family’s handlers had lost control of the narrative, said Peter Mancusi, a journalism professor at Northeastern University and a lawyer with his own business in crisis counselling.
Providing some proof of life, some morsels of information — even a staged shot of Kate waving from a balcony — would have filled the vacuum, he said. Mancusi contrasted the strategy with that surrounding King Charles, where it was quickly announced around the same time that he was fighting cancer. It has never been made clear exactly what kind of cancer the king has, but people are inclined to grant some degree of privacy with that diagnosis, Mancusi said.
Mancusi frequently deals with clients who resist releasing damaging or uncomfortable information that usually winds up getting out anyway. Best to be pro-active or, as Hall said, “feed the beast.”
“It’s just human nature, and it’s the nature of a lot of companies when bad news hits, to go into a defensive crouch,” Mancusi said. “But hope isn’t a strategy anymore.”
Clear and verifiable information can help mattersDespite the temptation to ignore rumours and conspiracy theories, it’s best to respond quickly with clear and verifiable information, said Daniel Allington, a social scientist at King’s College in London who studies disinformation.
“Once people start speculating that you are lying to them,” Allington said, “it’s very hard to get them back on board.”
In an article published on vulture.com 12 days before Kate announced she had cancer, author Kathryn VanArendonk seemed to anticipate that truth in a discussion about how the monarchy is not built for the modern information era.
“Catherine may be going through some private experiences she does not want to share widely,” she wrote, “and the internet has broken everyone’s ability to assess what’s a supervillain-level coverup and what’s more likely to be something sad and mundane.”
Cancer is something too many people can relate to. They understand how hard it is to speak those words to loved ones, much less the entire world. Kate’s video was a candid, emotional and effective way of sharing very personal information, said Matthew Hitzik, a veteran in crisis communications from New York.

Page 2
NATIONAL

Logs worth millions of rupees are rotting in community forests, but locals can’t buy them due to legal hurdles

The prohibition on felling shorea robusta trees has complicated the sale process, even for those toppled by wind, old age, or other disasters.
- BIPLAB MAHARJAN

SALYAN,
Suresh Gaha Magar, a resident of Damdawali in ward 5 of Kalimati Rural Municipality, and a member of the consumer committee of the Triveni Community Forest of the rural municipality, completed construction of his house a couple of months ago. However, he faced difficulty finding timber for his new house.
“Even though there are nine community forests in the rural municipality, I had to buy timber from neighboring Dang district to build my house. The high transportation cost compelled me to use steel in several parts of the house, such as the windows and doors. Steel was expensive but not as expensive as timber,” said Magar.
Kalimati Rural Municipality is a remote rural municipality with minimal development, surrounded by forests and hills with difficult topography. The majority of the trees in the forests and hills are sal (shorea robusta) and saj (terminalia tomentosa).
Logs worth millions of rupees are rotting in the community forests of Kalimati Rural Municipality. The community forests collect fallen trees and pile them up and sell them. But owing to the long bureaucratic process of selling the logs and disputes between community forest user groups and contractors, the precious logs are rotting in the piles. Millions in revenue are being lost every year as the community forests are unable to sell the timber.
According to the rural municipality, most of the logs were from old fallen trees and the trees that were felled while carrying out development activities including roads.
There are seven wards and 65 community forests in the rural municipality. The total area of these forests is about 3,000 hectares with hardwood trees, mostly sal and saj. Around 10,000 logs have been piled up in nine different community forests in wards 4, 5, 6, 7 and 9.
According to Purshottam Bhattarai, Salyan chief of the Federation of Community Forestry Users Nepal, they have started a tender process to sell just around 4,000-5000 cubic feet of logs that have been piled in the national forests.
“After the government passed a law prohibiting the cutting down of sal trees and the sale of fallen trees in disasters, even the community forests have not been able to sell fallen sal trees. The government has implemented strict action against those who buy and sell sal trees,” said Bhattarai.
According to Chandra Bahadur Gaha, chairman of Triveni Community Forest in the rural municipality, 5,500 cubic feet of sal and saj logs, which are lying in the forest, are rotting because they cannot be sold due to bureaucratic and legal hurdles.
“The forests of the whole rural municipality are covered with mostly sal trees, and due to the ban on buying and selling timber, we have not been able to sell the logs to the locals, despite having a quota for selling a certain number of logs at discounted prices. Because there are mostly sal trees, we face problems selling the other trees, such as saj, due to which there is very low revenue generation,” said Gaha.
“Due to low revenue, we haven’t been able to improve and secure the forest, as well as control human-animal conflicts. We rely completely on the government budget for essential tasks, such as planting saplings and providing compensation to families affected by wildlife in the forest,” Gaha added.
It is not like the trees were illegally cut down. Most of them fell due to natural causes like wind, old age, and collapsed during natural disasters. The community forests never have enough budget to control forest fires during the dry season, said Gaha.
According to Tekraj Pulami, chairman of ward 6 of Kalimati Rural Municipality, the locals should have priority access to the forest materials, but as most of the logs are from sal trees, locals are unable to obtain quotas for buying logs at lower prices.
“Legal hurdles make it difficult for consumers to obtain timber even for building houses. Also we cannot get any timber for building suspension bridges or wooden bridges. We cannot even use collapsed and fallen sal trees for development work,” said  Pulami.
Dan Bahadur Khatri, chairman of Kalimati Rural Municipality, said that despite efforts by the rural municipal office to obtain permissions from the district, province, and center to sell the logs, they have been unsuccessful every time due to the years-long approval process.
“After facing multiple rejections from the provincial and federal levels, we have given up efforts to convince the higher authorities to allow us to use the trees or sell them. The cost of a 10-foot door is Rs16,000 and a 5-foot window is Rs10,000,” added Khatri.
Jitendra Mahat, chief of the Division Forest Office, Salyan, said despite being surrounded by sal
forests, local residents are unable to benefit from them due to the government rules that bar felling and selling of sal.
“To sell any sal tree, we have to obtain permissions from the provincial and the federal governments and this takes a year. Due to the lengthy process we have not been able to benefit from the nine community forests,” Mahat added.

NATIONAL

Nagarik Unmukti Party to pull plug on Sudurpaschim government

- ARJUN SHAH

Dhangadhi,
The Nagarik Unmukti Party on Wednesday decided to withdraw its support to the Nepali Congress-led government in Sudurpaschim Province.
Central member of the party Damodar Pandit said a meeting held in Tikapur on Wednesday chaired by party chief Ranjita Shrestha decided to withdraw the support to the government led by Kamal Bahadur Shah of Nepali Congress.
But some central members boycotted the meeting expressing their dissatisfaction with the proposal to quit the present government in the province, party sources said. Pandit claimed the decision was made with the presence of the majority members in the 21-member central committee.
“The party has decided to support the same alliance both at the central as well as provincial levels,” said Pandit. Chief Minister Shah on March 5 sacked three ministers representing the Maoist Centre. He removed Social Development Minister Jhapat Saud, Minister for Industry, Tourism, Forest and Environment Ramesh Dhami and state minister of the same ministry Gita Mal from their positions.
He took the action against Maoist ministers after Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal on March 4 broke the alliance with Nepali Congress and joined hands with the CPN-UML. The ministers representing the Nagarik Unmukti Party and CPN (Unified Socialist) are still in the Shah Cabinet.
Nepali Congress provincial assembly leader Shah was appointed Sudurpaschim chief minister in February last year. In the 53-member assembly, the Congress has 19 members, the Unified Socialist three and there is one independent lawmaker. The CPN-UML has nine members, the Maoist Centre 10, the Nagarik Unmukti Party seven, and the Rastriya Prajatantra Party has one lawmaker.
The formation of a five-party coalition in Kathmandu shook up provincial coalitions throughout the country. The changed dynamics at Singha Durbar has left the fate of provincial governments, particularly those governed by the former ruling partner Nepali Congress, uncertain.

NATIONAL

Two killed in jeep crash

District Digest

MUGU: At least two people died and four others were injured in a jeep accident in Soru Rural Municipality of Mugu district on Wednesday. Chief District Officer Topendra KC confirmed that the jeep driver and a woman lost their lives in the accident. The identity of the woman has yet to be ascertained. The accident occurred at Kachche in the rural municipality while the jeep was en route to Soru Tarapani from the district headquarters Gamgadhi. “The jeep carrying six passengers veered off the road and fell some 100 meters down at around 4pm,” he said.

NATIONAL

Elderly dies in house fire

District Digest

DOLAKHA: An elderly man died in a house fire in Bigu Rural Municipality-8 of Dolakha district on Wednesday morning. According to the District Police Office, 84-year-old Khadka Bahadur Shrestha died after his tin-roofe shop caught on fire at around 3am on Wednesday. He had been living alone in the shop. The inferno engulfed the store and destroyed properties worth Rs 400,000. The cause of the fire is yet to be ascertained, police said.

NATIONAL

Health directorate extends application deadline for nurses

District Digest

HETAUDA: The Bagmati Province Health Directorate has extended the application deadline for the recruitment of nurses for infirmaries of community schools by a week citing fewer applications. According to Dipak Prasad Tiwari, director of the Bagmati Province Health Directorate, his office had initially published an advertisement for recruiting 457 nurses for school infirmaries on March 7, with the deadline set for March 27, but by Monday they received only 400 applications, so the deadline was extended to April 2. This is a new programme of the directorate called ‘One school, one nurse’ aims to provide public school students with essential medical care in cases of urgency and every day need. The notice for the extension of the application deadline was issued on Monday night, said Tiwari.

Page 4
OPINION

Bhutan’s regional push

The country needs greater regional connectivity to employ its people and stop the exodus of its youth.
- SMRUTI S PATTANAIK

Bhutan has recently seen high-profile visits from its neighbours. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi made a two-day visit to the country on March 22-23. Newly elected Bhutanese Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay paid his first official visit to India on March 14-18. The Bhutanese king is currently touring Bangladesh. Within the Bhutan-Bangladesh-India-Nepal (BBIN) framework, these visits would further subregional cooperation, though Bhutan has yet to ratify the BBIN-Motor Vehicle Agreement (MVA). Attempts are being made to get Bhutan into the framework, as subregionalism has recently been boosted while the subcontinental grouping, SAARC, remains defunct.
There were speculations over the purpose of Modi’s visit, as India has already announced its general election, and a hectic campaign is likely to follow. Yet these two visits signify the enduring ties between the two countries that are not limited to regimes in power. The Bhutan King conferred the “Order of the Druk Gyalpo”--the kingdom’s highest honour—to Modi. The recognition is also the first of its kind bestowed upon any foreign leader. Modi also inaugurated the Gyaltsuen Jetsun Pema Wangchuck Mother and Child Hospital, a state-of-the-art facility in Thimphu fully funded by India. Modi has made “neighbourhood first” as a lynchpin of his foreign policy, marked by frequent high-level contacts. India’s neighbourhood receives the largest funding under its Development Partnership Programme. Around 50 percent of India’s global soft lending goes to its immediate neighbours, and Bhutan received the highest allocation of Rs20.68 billion.

India and Bhutan
The delegation of ministers who accompanied Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay’s visit to India indicated the priority that Bhutan gives to some of the issues in bilateral relations. It needs to be pointed out that the political parties that participated in the first round emphasised economic development, investment and employment. Tobgay’s own party had said it would look towards India for support in its 13th five-year plan. Therefore, it was not surprising that Tobgay was accompanied by Lyonpo DN Dhungyel, Bhutan’s minister for foreign affairs and external trade; Lyonpo Gem Tshering, minister for energy and natural resources; and Lyonpo Namgyal Dorji, minister for industry, commerce and employment. As expected, during his visit to Bhutan, Modi agreed to finance Bhutan’s 13th five-year plan with INR10,000 crores. During Prime Minister Tobgay’s India visit, both countries had also discussed railway projects and cooperation in generating electricity.
The two sides also signed an MoU under which India would provide concessionary financing of INR1,500 crores for Gyalsung, Bhutan’s National Service Programme, initiated by the King of Bhutan. The King inaugurated the 1,000 square kilometre Gelephu Mindfulness City Project last year, which will be the first city to invite non-polluting companies to invest.
The project, also known as the Gelephu Special Administrative Region (SAR), is envisioned as a special economic zone that Tobgay’s government prioritises as a development initiative. It will connect India’s Assam state and the North East, further extending to Myanmar and Southeast Asia. Bhutan’s King made a visit to Assam last year and also travelled to Mumbai to meet the business community, apart from meeting Modi in Delhi. This project aims to address the large-scale migration of young Bhutanese to Western countries, especially Australia, in search of better opportunities. The migration issue was highlighted by all political parties that contested the National Assembly election in Bhutan.
India had agreed to commission a railway track to facilitate greater connectivity between the two countries. Reportedly, the railway link, known as the Nehru Golden Jubilee, was announced by India’s 13th prime minister, Manmohan Singh, in 2008. However, the work had not started due to various reasons. Following the recent high-level visits, India’s Foreign Secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra announced the detailed project report for two railway lines—the 60-kilometre Gelephu-Kokrajhar line and the 18-kilometre Samtse-Banarhat stretch—in southern Bhutan.
Commissioning of Bhutan’s 1,020 MW Punatsangchhu-II Hydro-electric Project is scheduled for later this year, as energy cooperation remains one of the key features of bilateral cooperation. The Druk Green Power Corporation imported 367 million units of electricity from November 2022 to April 2023 at a cost of Nu1.75 billion, whereas India imported Rs2,448 crore worth of electricity in 2022.
In 2018, Bhutan hosted Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Kong Xuanyou, who was on a three-day visit to Thimpu. On October 24, 2023, Vice President Han Zheng met with the foreign minister of Bhutan, Dr Tandi Dorji, in Beijing. The boundary talk between Bhutan and China is guided by the guiding principles agreed upon in 1988 and the 1998 Agreement on the Maintenance of Peace and Tranquillity in the Bhutan-China Border Areas. India closely watches the border talks that China has with Bhutan. New Delhi has reminded Beijing that the tri-junction shared by the three countries has to be resolved as per the 2012 agreement even though Bhutan expressed its desire to resolve the border issue and establish diplomatic ties with China.

Regional push
The King of Bhutan, Jigme Keshar Namgyel Wangchuck, has embarked on a 4-day state visit to Bangladesh. During this visit, three MoUs were signed—the most significant being Bhutan’s Special Economic Zone in Kurigram on 190 acres of land. Several Bhutanese students go to Bangladesh to study medicine. The immediate past prime minister of Bhutan also studied medicine in Bangladesh. Bangladesh has agreed to increase the number of seats for Bhutanese students to 30 from 22.
While Bangladesh has agreed to invest $1 billion in Bhutan’s 1,125-megawatt Dorjilung hydro-electricity project, Bangladesh and Bhutan signed the Agreement on the Movement of Traffic-in-Transit and its Protocol in March 2023, which would allow Bhutan to use Mongla, Payra and Chittagong ports to conduct trade with other countries through the 15 transit points provided by Bangladesh. Aricha, Chilmari and Sirajganj ports are also on offer. These developments suggest that Bhutan’s regional push for economic development is going to add to the subregionalism that is already in progress. There is already a tripartite agreement between Bhutan-India and Bangladesh which will allow Bhutan to export 1500 MW of electricity to Bangladesh using Indian transmission lines. However, the modalities between Bhutan and Bangladesh must be agreed upon, as Bangladesh repeated its request to India to facilitate this transmission.
On March 7, a joint secretary-level meeting to discuss details of the draft protocol for the movement of cargo vehicles under the BBIN-MVA was held. It is also reported that Bhutan has expressed interest in joining the BBIN. In 2017, Bhutan’s upper house refused to ratify the agreement that Bhutan had signed earlier and raised some concerns, especially the environmental impact of the MVA on Bhutan. While the roadways may have an environmental impact, Bhutan must consider using waterways and railways for BBIN connectivity as Dhubri in Assam and Narayanganj in Bangladesh become the riverine routes for Bhutan’s trade with Bangladesh. This connectivity would be through National Waterways-2, which was inaugurated in 2019.
Bhutan is no longer the shy country that was extremely cautious about its outreach to foreign countries. It has realised that its economic potential cannot be leveraged without greater regional connectivity through regional and subregional cooperation. This will also help Bhutan address its massive unemployment problem and the outmigration of young Bhutanese.

OPINION

Instability only constant in Nepali politics

Our coalition politics is no closer to finding common ground for the nation’s good.
- MEENA BHATTA

Plot twister events are synonymous with Nepali politics. In a surprising turn, the 15-month-long partnership between the Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist Centre) and the Nepali Congress (NC) headed by Pushpa Kamal Dahal collapsed. A new coalition government was formed, yet again, under his premiership. Dahal has also expanded the Council of Ministers to 20 members, including three Home Ministers. However, the government will have to test the floor within a month, which looks challenging.  
The new coalition has four political parties on board, the Maoist Centre, the CPN-UML, the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) and the Janata Samajwadi Party (JSP). With this, PM Dahal has changed the shoulder of power twice since in position. Earlier, he became premier with the support of UML
after betraying the then-electoral alliance. Some predictable incidents occurred in Nepali politics, resulting in the current fate.
Mistrust between the ruling congress and the Maoist Centre had been brewing for quite some time. Dahal wanted to replace some ministers due to the question in their performance, to which, according to Dahal, Deuba paid no heed. The rift between them had further extended over the Chair of the National Assembly. Dahal had plans to appoint his party’s member to the key post, which could not materialise. In addition, in the Mahasamiti (General Assembly) meeting of the Nepali Congress, the NC leaders passed a proposal not to form electoral alliances. A political document presented in the meeting about Maoist insurgency and its negative repercussions on the country’s economy fueled the fire.
Making and breaking political coalitions have become a norm in Nepali politics, resulting in political instability, fragmentation and unstable governments and governance. Governments formed since 2008 have followed suit. No coalition governments have stood intact for the entire term. Yet, there
has always been reshuffling of the same cards to bring out the same person, making no effort to address the looming economic crisis and governance issues. So, why has coalition politics repeatedly failed in Nepal and who is to blame for the collapse? In this regard, we analyse a few factors here.  

Coalitions for power
With the formation of every coalition government, the question that hovers over is not how the coalition will run the country and what its development agendas will be but calculations of
how long the coalition will last. Such discussions have already surfaced over the formation of a new four-party alliance as well. Having said this, it would be no wrong to say that homework for the collapse of a coalition is carried out from the very day of its formation.
Political leaders start ploughing plots to quench their thirst to remain in power at any cost, putting the basic political culture and the essence of the coalition at the helm. The idea of survival in politics at the behest of power is deeply ingrained in every political leader in Nepal. The so-called alternative forces also fall into the same category. The newly formed alliance is already in hot soup as it was finding it hard to strike a power-sharing deal to distribute the key ministerial portfolios. This squabble over ministerial portfolios extended to the newbies, including the RSP and Janamat Party, which makes the so-called alternative force no different than the conventional political actors.
This common chase of power between the old and the new substantiates a famous saying in Nepali, Jun jogi aye ni kanai chireko, thus marring basic political morality and dharma. The aftershocks of this change have also started reaching the provinces, and the formation of a new government in some provinces is complicated as the current alliance comprising CPN-Maoist, CPN-UML, RSP and JSP lacks representation in all provinces. No doubt, such internal mismanagement also makes fertile ground for geopolitical manoeuvring.

Build coalition culture  
The literal meaning of coalition is to grow together. A coalition government should represent diverse perspectives and address the grievances of diverse strata of society as well as entail tolerance, flexibility, cooperation and collaboration. Nepal’s coalition politics is no closer to this culture of ‘growing together’ and ‘coming together’ for the good of the nation. Coalition partners in Nepal seem to have no standard policy and programme, as the partnership is just to fulfil their vested interest in power. For a sound coalition, political parties must agree on a boundary that they will not cross while agreeing to form a coalition. Over everything else, they should be honest, and for the sustainability of coalitions, the political forces must ally only on the planks of the nation’s betterment.
Another essential element of a lasting partnership is building trust and communication among coalition members and across the broader political spectrum. It would also be necessary to be mindful of how responsibilities are divided among coalition members. If this does not go right, the coalition could develop hidden enemies within itself. This is perhaps one of the reasons why cracks develop in the Nepali government.
Nepal is currently in a complex vortex of deepening economic crisis; its bulging youth population is migrating en masse in search of work opportunities, while people are dying in countries like Russia and Ukraine, the country neither has an idea of the significant number of Nepalis serving in Ukraine and Russian military nor has any plans for compensation to the families of deceased. Conversely, the leaders have sidelined all these issues and are busy bargaining for power. We are in a situation of constant political instability and unpredictability. It is high time political parties develop a modicum of political culture and come together for the nation’s development and better governance.


Bhatta is a faculty member at the Department of Conflict, Peace and Development Studies at Tribhuvan University.

OUR VIEW

BRI: What’s the plan?

More than a specific initiative, this is a question of how Nepal balances its strategic interests.

Seven years after Nepal signed up to Chinese President Xi Jinping’s signature Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), there is still no clarity on what being its part means for Nepal. Most recently, meeting in Beijing, Foreign Minister Narayan Kaji Shrestha and his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi agreed to ‘very soon’ sign the ‘BRI implementation plan’. Chinese officials say signing it is a prerequisite for economic cooperation with Nepal as well as for executing the projects China has already committed to. As the plan is yet to be made public, it is hard to make definite comments on it. Some believe there is no need for a separate plan for execution of agreed and planned projects. The best course of action would be to take the 2017 BRI framework agreement as well as the recent implementation plan to the sovereign Parliament, and let it settle them once and for all. This was also what happened with the Millennium Challenge Corporation-Nepal compact in 2022 after it attracted much controversy.
A cloud of secrecy also engulfs the modality of Nepal’s cooperation with China. For instance, on the eve of his ongoing China visit, many top government officials reportedly advised Foreign Minister Shrestha not to involve China in power projects, as such a cooperation is already being pursued with India. Why invite unnecessary conflict of interest, they advised. But the question is: Can Nepal afford to completely rely on a single country for the development and consumption of hydropower, its most important strategic asset? Or do these officials know what we don’t? Before blaming the Chinese, it would also be worthwhile to recall that it was Nepal that proposed a whopping 35 projects to be undertaken in Nepal under the BRI. The number was later whittled down to nine. Why were we so keen to pursue so many projects without even understanding the modality for their execution? And what now explains the apathy on BRI execution?
If Nepal and China are to pursue meaningful cooperation under the BRI, it is vital to bring transparency to the process. The government is reportedly not interested in pursuing BRI projects with high-interest loans. If this is Nepal’s position, how have the Chinese responded? Have they been putting Nepali officials under pressure to sign up for such loans? On the other hand, Chinese officials and delegates who come to Nepal often complain that Nepali officials don’t understand the BRI. They too seem frustrated with lack of progress. It almost seems like the two sides are talking past each other.
More than the BRI, this is a question of how Nepal balances its strategic interests, at least in relation to big powers like India, China and the US. The goal is to ensure that the country does not have to heavily rely on any one country as it pursues its development and infrastructure goals. It is vital to quickly clear the air on the BRI so that bottlenecks can be removed and an atmosphere of trust built with Beijing. Land-locked Nepal just cannot afford to have bad relations with any of its two neighbours. Hopefully, Foreign Minister Shrestha’s China visit will help give the process of cooperation under the BRI framework more clarity—as well as some much-needed momentum. 

THEIR VIEW

UK’s success

Britons have shown a remarkable willingness to embrace diversity.

In an era marked by divisive rhetoric and contentious policies surrounding immigration, Britain stands out as a beacon of success in navigating the complexities of cultural integration. Despite initial scepticism and political turmoil, the nation has emerged as a prime example of how embracing diversity can lead to economic prosperity and social cohesion. At the heart of Britain’s immigration success story lies its pragmatic approach to labour market flexibility. By streamlining the hiring and firing process, the country has created an environment where immigrants can readily find employment opportunities, regardless of their background or qualifications. This emphasis on economic integration not only empowers newcomers to contribute to society but also dismantles xenophobic barriers that often hinder their progress in other parts of Europe. Moreover, Britain’s attitude towards immigration reflects a spirit of openness and tolerance.
Unlike some European counterparts, where anti-immigrant sentiment runs rampant, Britons have shown a remarkable willingness to embrace diversity. With just a mere 5 per cent expressing objections to living next to immigrants, the country’s welcoming stance underscores its commitment to inclusivity and multiculturalism. Crucially, this welcoming attitude is complemented by high expectations for immigrants to integrate fully into British society. From learning the language to obtaining qualifications and ultimately becoming citizens, the emphasis is placed on active participation and engagement. This expectation not only empowers immigrants to thrive but also fosters a sense of belonging and community cohesion. Furthermore, Britain’s success in immigrant assimilaion is underscored by its ability to dispel myths of segregation and ghettoization. Contrary to popular belief, ethnic groups in Britain have consistently become less segregated over the years, with foreign-born populations thriving in diverse communities across the country. This debunking of stereotypes highlights the power of inclusive policies and social cohesion in fostering a sense of belonging for all residents. Of course, Britain’s immigration journey has not been without its challenges. From imported prejudices to bureaucratic hurdles, the path to integration is not always smooth.
However, these obstacles pale in comparison to the overarching narrative of success and resilience that defines Britain’s immigration story. As the world grapples with the complexities of migration and cultural diversity, Britain’s example serves as a potent reminder of the transformative power of inclusivity and tolerance. By embracing diversity, fostering economic integration, and upholding high expectations for immigrant participation, Britain has set a precedent that other nations would be wise to emulate. In an age of rising nationalism and xenophobia, Britain stands as a shining example of how embracing diversity can enrich society and drive progress. As the global community continues to navigate the complexities of migration, let us look to Britain not only as a model of success but also as a beacon of hope for a more inclusive and harmonious future.

— The Statesman (India)/ANN

Page 5
NATIONAL

Kathmandu metropolis plans running fair price pharmacies

Officials say the pharmacies will provide medicines at a cheaper rate than MRP.
- Post Report

KATHMANDU,
In a bid to provide relief to the ailing, the Kathmandu Metropolitan City is preparing to set up fair-price pharmacies that sell medicines at rates less than the maximum retail price.
Officials at the metropolis’s health department said that at least one pharmacy will be established in the current fiscal year, and four more will open later.
“We are in the final stage of finalising the working procedure and guidelines for the fair-price pharmacies,” said Sajina Maharjan, an official at the metropolis’s health department. “One pharmacy will be set up within this fiscal year, and others will be established afterwards.”
Setting up fair-price pharmacies is among the measures the City office is taking to provide relief to the metropolis’s residents. Officials said that the city office will first set up a fair-price pharmacy in the Babarmahal area, and then in other wards of the metropolis later on.
Officials said that the pharmacy will be self-sustained but will provide relief to the ailing people through the benefits it gets from drug companies. Pharmacies of some state-run hospitals, such as Manmohan Cardiothoracic Vascular and Transplant Centre and the Paropakar Maternity and Women’s Hospital, have been running fair-price pharmacies for years.
Those pharmacies sell medicines up to five times less than the maximum retail price marked on the medicines.
Even after selling medicines for heavily subsidised prices, those hospitals are not incurring losses. In fact, even at these discounted rates, the hospitals’ doctors admit they still make a profit of around 20 percent.
This is largely because pharmaceutical companies, like most other companies, are allowed to set their own MRP, which leads them to mark up their products at exorbitant prices. They provide medicines to hospitals and pharmacies at a fraction of the listed price and most hospitals and pharmacies sell drugs at the inflated MRP.
This fraudulent pricing of medicines is just one example of the deep-seated collusion among drug manufacturing companies, hospitals and pharmacies, and doctors themselves. Whether it has to do with pricing or prescribing medicines, the patients are the only ones at a disadvantage, officials at the Department of Drug Administration said.
According to officials, when a drug manufacturer comes up with a new drug, they are legally required to register the product with the Department of Drug Administration. The manufacturer proposes their own MRP, which the department then endorses. Since there are no rules in the drug act regarding determining the prices of medicines, companies collect the price of similar medicines produced by other national and international companies and set their own prices. While doing so, they can either inflate the price or keep prices down. But most companies sell their medicines through promotional activities—either by offering incentives to doctors or providing huge margins to wholesalers and retailers.

NATIONAL

Police arrest man convicted of attacking TU teacher Chalaune

- Post Report

KATHMANDU,
Police have arrested a man convicted of attacking Prem Chalaune, a sociology teacher at Tribhuvan University.
Senior Superintendent of Police Bhupendra Khatri, the head of Kathmandu District Police Range, confirmed that Rabin Kumar Lama, a resident of Siraha, was apprehended from Tokha on Tuesday.
On November 23 last year, the Kathmandu District Court convicted six student leaders affiliated with the ruling Nepali Congress of attacking the lecturer.
A single bench of judge Binod Khatiwada sentenced Hari Acharya, Yogendra Rawal, Rupesh Sah, Nabin Kumar Lama, Niraj Ranamagar and Sayuj Shrestha to two years in jail and slapped fines of Rs20,000 each. They were convicted as per clause 192(5) of the Criminal Code.
Chalaune, who teaches sociology at the university campus in Kirtipur, was brutally assaulted on the campus premises on October 6, 2020, by a gang including Acharya, TU chapter president of the Nepali Congress-affiliated Nepal Students Union (NSU); Rawal, secretary of the same organisation, along with other members of the union.
Chalaune had sustained serious injuries on his head, chest and thighs, and spent a month in hospital. As the assailants enjoyed close ties with the ruling party of that time, the Pushpa Kamal Dahal-led Cabinet on June 13 last year decided to withdraw the cases against them even as a case of attempted murder against the assailants was sub judice at the district court.
The decision was widely criticised but Dahal’s ministers at the time defended it saying that Chalaune had provoked the students. The Supreme Court ordered the government not to implement its decision to withdraw the cases.

NATIONAL

Lingden raises concern about reports of atheism promotion in Nepal

American envoy Thompson denies claims, clarifying that the US assistance was instead focused on support of marginalised communities.
- Post Report

KATHMANDU,
American envoy to Nepal Dean R Thompson called on Rastriya Prajatantra Party chair Rajendra Lingden at the party’s Dhumbarahi-based central office in Kathmandu on Wednesday and discussed various bilateral issues of mutual concern.
During the meeting, Lingden raised concerns about American politician Brian Mast’s claim that the Biden administration had spent half a million US dollars to promote atheism in Nepal, according to a press note issued by the RPP.
Republican congressman Mast had recently said that the Biden Administration was sending half a million dollars of the tax dollars to promote atheism in Nepal.
However, Ambassador Thompson denied the claims saying that the US agencies were not involved in such activities and his government had no policy of that sort. He also added that US assistance was focused on the upliftment of the marginalised communities, the RPP said.
The American envoy also said the US was mindful of Nepal’s religious harmony and unity. According to the party, Thompson added that the US intended to return to Nepal the idols that had reached the States after being stolen from the country at various times in the past and to help their re-establishment in the respective temples and monasteries.
RPP chief Lingden also informed Thompson about the party’s preparations for Kathmandu-centric protests, about which the party had earlier in February submitted a 40-point demand to the government.
The party has been holding protests across the country, putting forth various demands including restoration of the monarchy and Hindu state. The party also stands against the present form of federal system.
Lingden also informed the US envoy that his party was in favour of investigating the properties of high-ranking political and administrative officials who held public or important administrative positions following the 1990 people’s movement that ended the 30-year-long partyless Panchayat system and reinstated multi-party democracy in the country.

Page 6
MONEY

‘We know how to address customers’ needs’

The US-based MetLife has developed and empowered a network of more than 45,000 skilled workers in the insurance sector in the last two decades. MetLife is a branch of MetLife, Inc. operating in Nepal since December 2001. To support the growing needs of Nepal, it has launched the ‘Agency of the Future’, a programme which provides training and digital tools for people aspiring to become a better agent. In a brief interview with the Post, Young Ho Han, vice president, and head of Asia Distribution, at Metlife Asia talked about the market competition, a career as an insurance agent, and the use of technology in the insurance sector. Excerpts:

In this competitive market, what makes MetLife stand out as an attractive choice for individuals considering a career as an insurance agent?
Our professionalism makes us different from other competitors. We are trying to make our agents more professional compared with other regular agents. We have a 156-year history of running as an agency. This shows that we have many years of experience. We are developing and deploying those years of experience in the market. By doing that, as an agent, we have well-defined training programmes and they know how to address customers’ needs and deliver customer services better. We have the most advanced digital technology to support agent activity and satisfy customer needs.

How will MetLife’s ‘Agency of the Future’ initiative change the landscape of a career as an insurance agent?
Our ‘Agency of the Future’ model, as mentioned earlier, is professionalism. What we mean by professionalism is that we provide proper compensation, career opportunities, and recognition. This is a complete job from an agent’s perspective. So, with a job, an agent should be able to earn good money based on their performance and at the same time they should have good career aspirations to grow within the organisation. So, we are trying to make this thing complete through the design. And lastly, we want them to feel the power of the organisation and to feel recognised for doing their jobs. These are the areas we are focusing on and this can differentiate us from the other’s existing models.  

How does the company support new agents in building a successful career path?
There are many things we can do to support our agents. First, we need to make them prepared. So, we don’t send our agent people into the field without any preparations. We help them to be prepared 100 percent. We give them the right mindset of the agent’s spirit and we also provide the right technology so that they can deliver better services to the customer. Second, when they do their business, and build their performance, we systematically design career opportunities so that they can move up in the hierarchy step-by-step which makes them feel that they are growing in terms of status.     

How has technology been integrated into the agency model? What role does it play in shaping the future of insurance agent careers at MetLife?
Regarding technology, we try to cover every part of the agent’s sales process. So, from the moment they join our company recruiting, we digitise the recruiting process with no analogue process. From the moment they join the company, we provide new prospective customer leads to the agent through the digital system so that they can do sales activity for the new customers. Next is the submission application fulfilment system, we normally call names by ‘kite’—Keep In Touch Ever. In this programme, when our agency does product analysis for the customer at the time of submitting applications, everything is digitised. So, the customer does not need to do any paperwork and it goes to the system directly. This enables agents and customers to experience much more efficiently. Lastly, we have an online training platform which gives access to 24 hours so that they constantly update their knowledge and experience. This is our digital ecosystem in digital technology for our agents.

What aspects of MetLife’s agency model are uniquely tailored to meet the needs of the Nepali market?
We are developing as professional agents. The core of a professional agency is they can instantly tailor their services to meet customer needs. We developed a professional agent for our internal well-defined training system. During the curriculum and management process, they develop flexibility in handling different customer needs based on the situation. The agents themselves are the core of this model and quickly adapt their style depending on the customer.

MONEY

Yen hits 34-year low, Asian markets mixed ahead of key US data

- AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE

HONG KONG, 
The yen plunged Wednesday to a 34-year low against the dollar after a top Bank of Japan official indicated it would press ahead with a loose monetary policy, even after this month hiking interest rates for the first time since the global financial crisis.
The fall raised speculation that authorities would step into markets to support the currency after officials warned in recent days against speculation. The yen dropped to 151.97 to the dollar—the lowest point since 1990—before strengthening slightly.
Earlier in the day, Bank of Japan board member Naoki Tamura said officials would not embark on a speedy programme of monetary tightening as they try to nurture an economic recovery while keeping a lid on inflation.
“The handling of monetary policy is extremely important from here on for slow but steady progress in normalisation to fold back the extraordinarily large-scale monetary easing,” he said, according to Bloomberg News.
Finance Minister Shunichi Suzuki said the government was watching the situation closely.
“We’re monitoring market movements with a high sense of urgency. We will take resolute action against excessive moves, without ruling out any options,” he told reporters. The weaker yen helped spur a rally in the Nikkei as exporters benefited, making the index the region’s best performer. “Given recent history a breach of 152 could instigate intervention,” National Australia Bank’s Rodrigo Catril said. “The break of (the) previous high has accelerated the move.”
Other markets were mixed ahead of key US data releases this week, including the Federal Reserve’s preferred gauge of inflation, and the looming corporate earnings season.
Hong Kong, Shanghai, Seoul, Jakarta and Wellington were down, while Sydney, Singapore, Taipei, Mumbai, Bangkok and Manila rose.
The tepid performance followed another soft day on Wall Street with observers warning the latest equities rally may have run out of steam as traders assess the outlook for Federal Reserve interest rates.
While the US central bank last week indicated it would cut borrowing costs three times this year, some investors fear that recent indicators and comments from decision-makers have put that in doubt. Figures released Tuesday on February’s durable goods sales suggested the world’s top economy remained healthy and consumer confidence had picked up, though less so about the future.
Jobless claims and economic growth readings are due over the next few days, before the crucial personal consumption expenditures (PCE) index on Friday.
While that is expected to show a slight pick-up from January, analysts said that would not likely spook markets too much, though a big miss to the upside could cause concern.

MONEY

Sweden aims to boost plastic recycling with giant plant

- AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE

MOTALA (Sweden),
Discarded crisp bags, ketchup bottles and Tupperware containers speed along conveyer belts at a massive high-tech sorting plant dubbed “Site Zero”, which Sweden hopes will revolutionise its plastic recycling.
Infrared lights, lasers, cameras and even artificial intelligence are used to sort the piles of plastic waste, Mattias Philipsson, CEO of Swedish Plastic Recycling, a non-profit organisation owned by the plastic industry, explains as he gives a tour of the plant. Located outside the town of Motala, some 200 kilometres (124 miles) southwest of Stockholm, the site has been in operation since late 2023 and is described by the organisation as “the world’s largest and most modern facility for plastic recycling”.
Capable of processing 200,000 tonnes of waste a year, the fully automated plant can isolate 12 different types of plastic, compared to only four in conventional facilities. Its operator hopes upcoming EU legislation requiring new packaging to include a certain amount of recycled plastic will give a boost to the recycling industry.
“We receive all the collected plastic packaging which people have sorted in Swedish households,” Philipsson told AFP at the site, adding that they “have the capacity to handle the equivalent of all of Sweden’s plastic waste.”
Thousands of plastic items make their way through an intricate maze of different machines which identify and separate the items into distinct categories, called “fractions.”
On one of the conveyor belts, infrared light is used to scan the packaging as it zooms past, and a strong blast of air whooshes the pieces in different directions depending on the type of plastic.
Among other things, the facility is able to sort out PVC and polystyrene, two fractions that have not previously been able to be reused in new products as such. “The idea is to be part of a circular economy and to reduce the use of fossil fuels,” Philipsson says. “With our old sorting plant, over 50 percent of the plastic packaging was eventually incinerated because it couldn’t be sorted. Now it’s less than five percent,” he adds.
The Scandinavian country is not at the top of the class when it comes to plastic recycling. In 2022, only 35 percent of plastic waste was recycled, according to the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), under the EU average of 40 percent.
The incineration of plastic waste, which is used to produce both heat and electricity, accounts for about seven percent of Sweden’s greenhouse gas emissions, according to the agency.
“Swedes are good at recycling in general—metals, paper and glass—because we have been doing this for a long time and have an industry that wants the paper for example,” EPA expert Asa Stenmarck told AFP. But “when it comes to plastics we are not so good,” she added. “A lot is not even sorted, which is a big problem and this goes for both households and businesses. So we really need to work on sorting.”
Recycled plastic is still struggling to be widely adopted, as it is on average 35 percent more expensive than newly produced plastic.
Stenmarck noted that some of the fractions sorted by Site Zero are still unusual on the recycling market. “So in a sense, it’s kind of brave since there probably aren’t customers yet,” she explained.
Stenmarck said one way of speeding up its adoption is to legislate, and noted this was underway in Europe with the new Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR).
The 27 EU member states agreed on March 4 that plastic packaging must contain between 10 and 35 percent recycled content, depending on whether it is used for food, by 2030.
“It will be a welcome game-changer for the market,” Philipsson told AFP, adding that “the only way to achieve that is through efficient sorting.”
Still, the OECD anticipates that the amount of plastic packaging will triple by 2060.
Some environmentalists argue that increased recycling does not address the root problem.
“We have the feeling that this talk of an improvement in the technical performance reinforces the idea that we can continue (making plastic), that there is nothing to worry about,” Henri Bourgeois-Costa, a plastic waste expert at the Tara Ocean Foundation, told AFP.

MONEY

In Uzbekistan, economic reforms spark modern-day gold rush

- AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE

SOYKECHAR (Uzbekistan),
Sifting through a greyish mixture of sand and pebble in the steppe of Uzbekistan, Khislat Ochilov was searching for gold.
He is one of hundreds of new prospectors trying to strike it rich in a modern-day gold rush in the Central Asian country, chock-full of the precious metal.
A right once preserved for state mining firms, recent regulatory changes designed to boost the economy mean anyone can now hunt for gold. Ochilov scanned the shiny
flakes that appeared on his panning mat, submerged in a pool of water. Finally, he spotted a piece the size of a grain of rice.
“Not bad. Though my record is seven grams,” the 25-year-old told AFP while out in the Uzbek steppe, near the southwestern village of Soykechar.
Nearby, Sardor Mardiyev, 28, was hard at work digging through the earth in the vast Navoi region, a district larger than Portugal.
He drives his excavator 12 hours a day, six days a week as part of a frenzy for the metal that officials hope will boost Uzbekistan’s output.
Last year, the country produced 110.8 tonnes of gold, putting it tenth place globally, and its central bank was the second largest net seller in the world at around 25 tonnes, behind only Kazakhstan, according to the World Gold Council. For Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev—who sees himself as a reformer opening up and liberalising his country’s economy after years of isolation and centralisation—it is not enough.
He has ordered gold production to be increased by 50 percent by 2030.
The potential is there—only 20 percent of Uzbekistan’s subsoil has been explored to date.
Mirziyoyev, in power since 2016, has also called for gold bars weighing up to one kilogramme to be sold in the hopes of drawing more tourists to his landlocked Central Asian nation. Zahit Khudaberdiyev, in his 30s, is among hundreds of entrepreneurs who have decided to try their luck since the regulation change. To join the gold rush he acquired the rights to a plot of land for three years at auction.
“Before 2019, we didn’t have the right to mine gold. Some did it anyway at the risk of death—it was dangerous,” Khudaberdiyev said. His competition includes Kazakh and Chinese prospectors who secured neighbouring plots. If this one doesn’t prove bountiful, he said he’d look further afield.
Behind Khudaberdiyev, trucks and diggers bustle with activity. He said they churn up tonnes of rubble and can help scourers unearth “a daily average of 12 to 15 grams.” As he spoke, he had one eye glued to his phone, monitoring global gold prices.
In March they climbed to a record high of $2,200 per troy ounce (31.1 grams). “The government decided to issue such plots for gold mining to provide work for the population,” he said.
The prospecting rush is providing an unexpected employment boon for a country where 20 percent of workers are forced to go abroad for work, mainly to Russia. Khudaberdiyev gave the example of his young employees, locals Ochilov and Mardiyev. Before he hired them, one was unemployed, the other a farm hand.
“Now they earn three to four million som (240 to 360 euros) on average” each month, Khudaberdiyev said—a decent salary for the region.
The new wave of gold miners are not allowed to do as they please with the gold they dig up. All of it must be funnelled through the Uzbek central bank, which trades it for dollars on the global market.
The country’s growing economy depends on injections of foreign currency to support the national currency. The Uzbek som has one of the lowest face values in the world, with $1 worth 12,500 som.
In Soykechar, where farming remains a vital sector, not everyone is thrilled about the gold rush.
“Prospectors dig where we graze our cattle,” said Erkin Karshiev, a leading farmer in the region, located some 500 kilometres southwest of the capital Tashkent.

MONEY

China’s Xi meets US business representatives in Beijing

Bizline

BEIJING: Chinese President Xi Jinping met Wednesday with representatives of US businesses, state media reported, as Beijing seeks to woo foreign investment and reassure American firms in the face of a slowing economy. “On the morning of March 27, President Xi Jinping met with representatives from the US business community... at (Beijing’s) Great Hall of the People,” state broadcaster CCTV said. “Before the meeting began,
Xi Jinping took a group photograph with them,” it said. State media did not name who was at the meeting, which it said was also attended by representatives of academia. (AFP)

MONEY

Hyundai to invest more than $50 billion in South Korea in major EV push

Bizline

SEOUL: Hyundai on Wednesday revealed plans to invest more than $50 billion in South Korea by 2026, with a huge chunk dedicated to boosting the development and production of electric vehicles. Along with its affiliate Kia, Hyundai is the world’s third-largest automaker by sales, but the South Korean giant lags in the EV sector behind Elon Musk’s Tesla and Chinese firm BYD. Hyundai is keen to break into the global EV top three, saying last year that it was aiming to boost electric car production to more than 3.6 million units by 2030. With the 68 trillion won ($50.5 billion) investment announced Wednesday, Hyundai Motor Group said it wants to “secure future growth engines in an uncertain business environment through constant change and innovation”. (AFP)

MONEY

Japan to unveil next-generation passenger plane project

Bizline

TOKYO: Japan is expected to announce plans to develop a next-generation passenger jet following a government committee meeting on Wednesday, a year after the last struggling attempt was scrapped. The public-private project, which could use hydrogen fuel in a bid to cut emissions, will cost around five trillion yen ($33 billion), Japanese media reported, citing unnamed sources. An official announcement is expected later on Wednesday after a closed-door meeting of politicians, experts and businesspeople to discuss a new aviation industry strategy. (AFP)

MONEY

Sri Lanka PM says China to develop strategic infrastructure

Bizline

COLOMBO: Sri Lanka’s prime minister said Wednesday that China has pledged to develop the island nation’s strategic deep sea port and the capital’s airport after talks with his counterpart in Beijing. Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena said China—the island’s biggest bilateral creditor—would “assist” Sri Lanka’s restructuring of external debt, a key condition to maintaining a $2.9 billion IMF bailout. Beijing’s position on debt restructuring has not been made public, but Sri Lankan officials have said China was reluctant to take a haircut on its loans but could extend the tenure and adjust interest rates. (AFP)

Page 8
SPORTS

Nepal continues to disappoint under coach Annese

The Gorkhalis crash out of the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers after a 3-0 second leg defeat against Bahrain leaves them without a win in four matches.
- Sports Bureau

KATHMANDU,
Nepal’s hopes to progress into the third round of the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers and secure an automatic berth to the 2027 AFC Asian Cup ended after they suffered a 3-0 defeat against Bahrain in their second leg match at the Bahrain National Stadium on Wednesday.
A fourth defeat in as many matches puts Vincenzo Alberto Annese’s men miserably at the bottom of Group H and without a point, thanks to another sloppy performance in Riffa that sent them packing from the second round without playing their remaining two fixtures. Nepal have never progressed beyond the second round in the World Cup qualifiers.
Perfect United Arab Emirates qualified for the third round and Asian Cup from Group H after a 3-0 victory against Yemen gave them 12 points from four games. Bahrain have nine points from three matches and are in a strong position to advance as they are six points away from third place Yemen.
A series of disappointing results—including a 5-0 first leg mauling by Bahrain on Friday and also defeats against UAE (4-0) and Yemen (2-0)—will now put Annese’s method under lenses.
The Italian coach arrived in Nepal in March last year but things have never clicked into gear for the Gorkhalis under him.
Nepal almost suffered their first ever defeat against South Asian minnows Bhutan during the Three Nations Cup the same month. Nepal also struggled against Laos in the first round of World Cup qualifiers and had to scrape a hard fought 2-1 aggregate victory to progress further. They also had a pitiful campaign at the 2023 SAFF Championship last year.
The Italian coach had travelled to Bahrain with a squad that was missing key players Rohit Chand, Ayush Ghalan and Arik Bista and their absence was clearly felt on Wednesday as well.
The coach made four changes from the squad that was humiliated by Bahrain in the reverse fixture but Bahrain proved too hot to handle again.
The Pearl Divers took the lead in the seventh minute taking advantage of a mistake from Laken Limbu, whose poor handling of the ball inside his own penalty box allowed Sayed Baqer to deflect the ball past Nepal captain, the goalkeeper Kiran Kumar Limbu.
Nepal fell further behind in the 16th minute through Abdulla Yusuf Helal’s penalty kick that was awarded to Bahrain after goalkeeper Limbu fouled Mohamed Marhoon.
Al Aswad then added the third in the 36th minute finishing off a swift counter attack, adding salt to Nepal’s wounds.
Nepal prevented Bahrain from scoring further but the defeat summed up another disappointing campaign for Nepal again.
It was Nepal’s 10th defeat in 13 matches under Annese. Two wins came against less fancied Laos and one against Pakistan during the SAFF Championship. Nepal have now conceded 14 goals without scoring one in the Qualifiers.
Nepal play against the UAE and Yemen in the reverse fixtures in June.
Despite a disappointing World Cup qualifier campaign, Nepal can still look for a light at the end of the tunnel as they still have hopes to qualify for the Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia.
Nepal will now play in the Asian Cup Qualification playoffs (third round) in March next year.
But the Nepal team will need a reset if they are to silence the critics and qualify for their maiden Asian Cup.
Australia, Iraq, Iran, Uzbekistan, Qatar have also qualified for the third round and Asian Cup along with hosts Saudi Arabia.

SPORTS

Acharya takes sole lead

The amateur golfer opens up one-stroke lead overnight joint leader Bhuvan Nagarkoti after the third round.
- Sports Bureau

KATHMANDU,
Nepal number one amateur golfer Sadbhav Acharya opened up one-stroke lead over pro Bhuvan Nagarkoti after the third round of the Surya Nepal NPGA Tour Championship, the sixth event under the Surya Nepal Golf Tour 2023-24, at the par-72 Gokarna Golf Club on Wednesday.
The national team golfer Acharya carded 2-under 70 for the 54-hole total score of 11-under 205.
Overnight joint leader Nagarkoti carded 1-under 71 and slipped to second at 10-under 206. Pro Dinesh Prajapati and amateur Vijay Shrestha Einhaus shared the third position at 3-under 213. Prajapati carded 4-under 68 and Einhaus played 1-over 73 in the third round.
Pro Niraj Tamang moved to fifth at 2-under 214 after he carded 1-under 71, while amateur Rahul Bishwakarma carded 3-under 69 to go up to seventh with the total score of 1-over 217. Amateur Tashi Tsering (71) and pro Sanjay Lama (72) shared the seventh position at 2-over 218, while Yuvaraj Bhujel and Rabi Khadka are tied for ninth at 3-over 219.
Amateur Acharya, who was tied with pro Nagarkoti after the second round, carded 2-under 34 on the front nine and played even-par 36 on the back nine. He carded birdies on the third and sixth on the bogey-free front nine. After taking the turn, he carded a birdie on the 14th hole and faced a bogey on the 17th hole.
Nagarkoti was one-stroke ahead of Acharya after carding 3-under 33 on the front nine but he faltered to 2-over 38 on the back nine. After dropping a shot on the second hole, Nagarkoti carded four birdies on the fourth, sixth, seventh and ninth holes. On the back nine, he faced bogeys on the 15th and 17th holes.
Pro Prajapati carded 2-under 34 on both holes on his way to producing the best card of the day. He carded three birdies on the third, seventh and eighth holes and faced a lone bogey on the fourth hole. After taking the turn, he carded birdies on the 10th and 11th holes.
Amateur Einhaus carded even-par 36 on the front nine and played 1-over 37 on the back nine. He carded birdies on the third and seventh holes against bogeys on the fifth and sixth holes. After taking the turn, he carded three straight birdies on the 10th, 11th and 12th holes before suffering a triple bogey on the 14th hole and a bogey on the 17th hole.
A total of 44 golfers—32 pros and 12 amateurs—are taking part in the tournament that carries a cash purse of Rs840,000. The winner of the event will bag Rs140,000, the runner-up will earn Rs96,000 and the third placed pro will get Rs72,000. Other pros in top 21 will earn prize money.

MEDLEY

Horoscope

ARIES (March 21-April 19)
The comic climate grants permission to lay low, opening up only to those you trust. Pleasant surprises could find you and you should keep your eyes peeled for small blessings and beautiful moments. Consider how investments can help you grow financially.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20)
Social breakthroughs could find you, dearest Taurus, helping you climb toward notoriety. Luck stirs, especially when it comes to matters of the heart. Just try not to give away your heart too quickly, as it would be easy to get caught up.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21)
Your hard work won't go unnoticed, helping you make a good impression at work. Don't be afraid to test conventions and find rewards when innovation is followed. Organisation will serve you, reminding you to tackle big dreams one step at a time.

CANCER (June 22-July 22)
You'll feel supported and in control when you put faith in yourself and the universe, darling Cancer. Good vibes flow, widening your social net with chance encounters and friendly breakthroughs amongst peers. Try not to over-invest in your online presence.

LEO (July 23-August 22)
Setting boundaries will give you space to reset and emotionally release, dear Leo. An expansive energy blesses your home and career, nudging you to nurture long-term goals. Just be mindful not to overshoot, understanding that success needs time to marinate.

VIRGO (August 23-September 22)
Your ideas will take shape this morning. Demonstrate to others how stable, intelligent and thoughtful you can be to make headway within matters of love and success. The stars offer blessings, so be sure to keep your eyes peeled for opportunities and guidance.

LIBRA (September 23-October 22)
Focus on building strong foundations this morning, dear Libra. Remember to show your body some love, cultivating the energy needed to tackle whatever tasks lie ahead. You'll sense yourself changing as good habits are embraced, helping you establish new routines.

SCORPIO (October 23-November 21)
The energy encourages you to be your most gracious and authentic self, finding support amongst true friends. Your allure multiplies this afternoon, making it easy to win the hearts of many. Just try not to fall for love at first sight.

SAGITTARIUS (November 22-December 21)
Take time to process where you are and what you need before opening yourself up to vulnerable situations. You'll feel elevated when health and wellness are made a priority. Manage your expectations and try to keep things simple.

CAPRICORN (December 22-January 19)
People will hear what you have to say this morning, dear Capricorn. Your social media feeds could benefit from unexpected growth, though you should be mindful not to over-invest in going viral or gaining followers. Use technology to reconnect with friends.

AQUARIUS (January 20-February 18)
Your hard work reaps the rewards, dear Aquarius, allowing you to manifest long-term goals. Consider where new structures need to be applied within your professional and private lives once Jupiter stirs. Take care not to balk against change.

PISCES (February 19-March 20)
Use the energy to take a firm stance on what you want, unafraid to break through barriers. Brilliant ideas could lead to your next manifestation adventure, so be sure to follow your heart. This energy also aids relationships when playful conversations are embraced.

Page 9
CULTURE & LIFESTYLE

Female writers need more support

Writer Manisha Gauchan discusses how people she meets in real life influence her characters and her work as a creative freelancer.

Manisha Gauchan is the author of four books; ‘Prativahan’ (2023), ‘Walliko Diary’ (2006), ‘Whitecane’ (2014) and a poetry collection ‘Phoolharuko Rang Chaina’ (2003). She also works as a freelancer in fields relating to writing and research.
Her writings are generally about social justice issues from the perspective of many individuals, their struggles and personal stories. She has also worked as a television journalist at Avenues Television and as a senior radio playwright for Antenna Foundation Nepal.
In this interview with the Post’s Anish Ghimire, Gauchan discusses reading, the books she authored and working as a creative freelancer.

You work as a freelancer in fields related to research, writing and dog rescue, but you said your main focus has always been writing. What made you choose writing as something you want to devote most of your time to?
Writing has become like living in a new world for me—a world filled with different lives, where I can embody any character. Through writing, I can live the life of a teenage girl, an elderly person, or a regular human being.
A motherless childhood exposed me to many characters—some sweet, some disturbing, and others hurtful. As I grew older and began to understand society, I saw the value of these characters not only in my psyche but also in poems, stories, and novels. My emotional sensitivity towards society led me down the path of becoming a writer.
Being a writer brings me happiness in many ways, but more than that, I am mindful of the impact my writing can have. I often wonder if my writing can contribute significantly to social change. I believe that writing may be a hobby for many, but to be a writer, one must reach the minds of readers through their writing skills. This requires continual learning and exploration of new ideas and knowledge.
My journey isn’t just that of a writer; it’s also one of a perpetual learner and explorer, unfolding with each new experience.

You mentioned that your childhood experiences birthed many characters found in your books. Does a writer’s background significantly shape their storytelling?
Absolutely. I remember back in fifth grade, I penned a poem titled ‘My School and My Aim’, which ended up winning the first prize. That ignited my passion for writing. From then on, I actively participated in literary competitions, growing increasingly enamoured with literature.
I wrote a play titled ‘Aama ko Trishna’ during my school years, which my teachers later brought to life on stage. Seeing tears streaming down the audience’s faces as they watched the play made me realise the power of storytelling. That play was a story born from the absence of a mother, drawing from my own life experiences.
While sometimes my personal life and experiences serve as inspiration for my writing, more often, it’s encounters with characters in our society and events unfolding around us that fuel my creative drive.

What’s the book you find yourself returning to time and again?
There are a few books that draw me in so deeply that I find myself returning to them time and again. Currently, one such book on my shelf is ‘The Holy Monk and the Spirit Woman’ by Chinese author Xue-mo.  Every time I open its pages, I’m drawn into the quest for truth and enlightenment depicted by the author.
One particular chapter that resonates with me tells the enchanting love story between the Holy Monk Khyungpo and a renounced female spirit, Devi, from Nepal. This tale touched my heart with its depth and emotional resonance.
I read the Nepali translation of this book translated by Sarwottam Shrestha, which beautifully captures the essence of the original.

What inspired you to write your recent book ‘Pratiwahan’? What message do the stories in the book convey?
‘Pratiwahan’ mainly consists of dark stories, some dating back a decade ago while others are entirely new. Discrimination is rampant in our society, fueled by prejudices based on gender, caste, economic status and social position. Moreover, there exists a particularly insidious form of discrimination based on physical and mental abilities, where people with disabilities often endure mistreatment not only in society but also within their own families.
I wrote these stories to give voice to these marginalised characters, shedding light on their struggles. Many of my stories delve into the psychology of characters who experience a profound sense of emptiness on various levels. Despite appearing socially and economically “normal” on the surface, they grapple with different forms of poverty, with the most significant being the lack of happiness itself.
These tales feature the sorrowful faces of individuals grappling with their inner turmoil, serving as a reminder of the complexities of human existence.

As a female writer, has your gender influenced the themes you write about or the way you write?
I’ve encountered the same struggles that many others face in their journey to become writers. Patriarchy runs deep and affects female writers all over the world. Virginia Woolf eloquently highlighted these obstacles in her essay, ‘A Room of One’s Own’, emphasising the necessity for women to have their own space and financial independence to pursue writing.
The situation for Nepali female writers reflects this reality. Despite possessing the talent and capability to write, many women find themselves confined to the role of homemakers due to the lack of conducive environments for reading and writing at home. Even if they manage to publish a book, they often struggle to receive adequate support in terms of promotion, honest feedback, and media coverage, rendering them at a disadvantage compared to their male counterparts. Our social structure dictates that women must juggle multiple roles, leaving little time for artistic pursuits. For many of us, the time dedicated to creating art is stolen time, squeezed in between household chores and employment.
I wrote my first novel, ‘Valliko Diary’, predominantly at night, as daytime was consumed by domestic responsibilities and work obligations. Similarly, my subsequent books were written during spare moments after work. As a full-time freelance writer, finding time can be challenging, but creating an environment conducive to writing is essential.

Do you think this scenario is changing anytime soon?
I feel the scenario is changing, albeit slowly. Alongside the ongoing social transformation, women have been increasingly asserting themselves as writers, both in terms of numbers and quality of work. There has been a noticeable shift in the perception of women writers, leading to a growing trust in their literary abilities.
National and international literary programmes are recognising the importance of female voices in literature, providing them with platforms and opportunities for exposure. Moreover, there has been a surge in positive media coverage of female writers.
Female writers today are eager to explore new ideas and perspectives, reflected in the diversity of themes and narratives in their books. Some publication houses are actively seeking out talented female writers, recognising their potential and value in the literary world.

Many people are drawn to the idea of working as a freelance writer. In your experience, how lucrative do you think the job is?
For individuals with good skills and connections, freelance writing can be a lucrative pursuit. Some organisations offer competitive compensation as well, although persuading them can be time-consuming. In our society, there is often a lack of awareness regarding creative endeavours, with many undervaluing them and hesitating to invest.
Writing is not just about sitting in one place and completing pages; it demands significant time and effort. While it’s encouraging to know that some writers succeed in film writing, but this alone isn’t enough to sustain you financially. Numerous writers are actively seeking opportunities, highlighting the need for strong investment in the creative sectors.


Manisha Gauchan’s book recommendations

Nirbandha
Author:    Banira Giri
Publisher:     Sajha Prakashan
Year:     1985

‘Nirbandh’ explores the intricacies of female psychology in response to the cruel actions of a male character, rooted in the authority bestowed upon him by society. It is a thought-provoking and rebellious piece of work that challenges patriarchal norms.


Beloved
Author:     Tony Morrison
Publisher:     Alfred A Knopf
Year:     1987

‘Beloved’ delves into the physical, emotional and spiritual devastation caused by slavery, which persist even after the characters have gained their freedom. Sethe, a mother in the story, tragically takes her daughter’s life to prevent her from being enslaved again.


Never Go Back
Author:     Lee Child
Publisher:     Bantam Press (UK)
Year:     2013

This is an enthralling detective tale with a hint of romance. It follows detective Jack Richard as he gets entangled with a woman. The novel offers insights into the protocols of the American Army and the obstacles commanders encounter on covert missions abroad.


The Holy Monk and the Spirit Woman
Author:     Xue-Mo
Publisher:     Encyclopedia of China Publishing House
Year:     2018

This novel immerses readers in the realms of fantasy, mystery and symbolism as it follows the journey of the protagonist, the Tibetan Holy Monk Khyungpo Naljor. Through various experiences along his journey, Khyungpo Naljor seeks the truth and ultimately attains spiritual enlightenment.


Laltinko Ujyaloma
Author:     Saraswati Gyawali
Publisher:     Akshar Creation
Year:     2018

This is an autobiographical book on a mother’s journey with her disabled daughter, showcasing love that knows no bounds. The story also touches upon the sacrifices made by the wife to support her husband’s political ambitions. It’s a tale of women’s sacrifice, resilience and familial love.

CULTURE & LIFESTYLE

Miss Nepal 2024 applications open

- Post Report

Kathmandu,
The Hidden Treasure announced the opening of applications for Miss Nepal 2024 on Wednesday through a press conference at Hotel Himalaya in Kupondole Height, Lalitpur.
Nepali women, between the ages of 18 and 27, and above 5’3” in height can apply for the competition. Applications close on May 14.
The Miss Nepal 2024 grand finale is scheduled to be held at the Sunrise Convention Centre in Godawari on August 3. Broadcasting live on Kantipur Television and Kantipur Cineplex, the event will crown three winners: Miss Nepal World, Miss Nepal Earth, and Miss Nepal International, who will represent Nepal globally.
At the press conference, Miss Nepal representatives from Miss Nepal 2023 highlighting the past successes, urged all the Nepali women to apply for Miss Nepal 2024.
Priyanka Rani Joshi, who excelled at the Miss World competition, securing a position in the Top 40 and winning the ‘Beauty with a Purpose Project’ from the Asia and Oceania region, said, “Everyone should give Miss Nepal 2024 a chance as it is more than just a crown, it is about empowerment within and for others.”
The final audition is slated for May 18 in Kathmandu, and the selected contestants will undergo training and grooming in preparation for the grand finale.
The search for the next Miss Nepal will span across various cities, with auditions to be held in Birtamod, Itahari, Birgunj, Chitwan, Bhairahawa, Nepalgunj, Pokhara, Surkhet, and Kathmandu.

CULTURE & LIFESTYLE

‘Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire’ clears a low bar

It’s a movie that feels almost more like a high production-value TV pilot for an appealing sitcom.
- JAKE COYLE

Forty years after ‘Ghostbusters’ and following a string of sequels that never measured up to the 1984 original—beginning all the way back with 1989’s ‘Ghostbusters II’—it’s fair to wonder, well, who else ought we to call? It may be time to, if not give up the ghost entirely, at least give a flip through the ol’ rolodex.
But as the lacklustre 2021 instalment, ‘Ghostbusters: Afterlife’ showed, the half-life of most film franchises today is an ever-lengthening long tail of diminishing returns. Still, it’s not quite as simple as that. I’m glad for the female-led 2016 ‘Ghostbusters’. Aside from prompting a minor culture war, it assembled the best comic ensemble since the original with Melissa McCarthy, Kristen Wiig, Kate McKinnon, Leslie Jones and, yes, Chris Hemsworth.
And as easy as it might be to label the new one, ‘Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire’, another half-hashed retread—which it is, a little bit—it’s also a significant upgrade from ‘Afterlife’, which relocated the action to Oklahoma and forgot to pack any comedy. ‘Frozen Empire’, back, thankfully, in New York, is a breezier, more serviceable sequel that has a modest charm as an ’80-tinged family adventure.
The innate appeal of ‘Ghostbusters’ had to do with its brash mixing of genres—adult-edged comedy with sci-fi toys—that summoned the spirit of “Abbott of Costello Meet Frankenstein.” When the sequels have gone astray, it’s usually because they get bogged down with solemnity or special effects when all they really need is the it’s-the-end-of-the-world-and-I-feel-fine smirk of Bill Murray. I’d forgive bad visual effects a lot sooner than I would bland comic interplay.
‘Frozen Empire’, though, is organised less around a group of funny people wearing proton packs than it is around a family. The movie more or less opens with the Ectomobile racing down Fifth Avenue with Gary (Paul Rudd) at the wheel, Callie (Carrie Coon) riding shotgun and her kids—Trevor (Finn Wolfhard) and Phoebe (Mckenna Grace)—in the back, all in bickering pursuit of a “sewer dragon” apparition.
The cast is much the same as ‘Afterlife’, but the behind-the-scenes talent has been rejiggered. After Jason Reitman took over directing from his father, Ivan Reitman, he here is credited as a producer and writer. Gil Kenan, who co-wrote ‘Afterlife’, directs ‘Frozen Empire’, which is dedicated to the elder Reitman, who died in 2022.
More than before, you can feel the growing distance from the original ‘Ghostbusters’. Harold Ramis died in 2014 and while Murray, Dan Aykroyd and Ernie Hudson all return, they no longer feel like the axis to this cinematic universe. (Aykroyd, though, gives the movie some soulful quirk as Dr Raymond Stantz and Ernie Hudson may be more a potent presence than ever.)
Familiar-faced ghosts return, too, in ‘Frozen Empire’, which, like its predecessor, doesn’t skimp on the fan service. That instinct to cater to ‘Ghostbusters’ diehards (a kind of ridiculous kind of diehard, if we’re being honest)
continues to diminish a franchise that recoiled defensively after the 2016 ‘Ghostbusters’.
But if you accept the low-bar aspirations of ‘Frozen Empire’, you may get a pleasant-enough experience out of it. It’s a movie that feels almost more like a high production-value TV pilot for an appealing sitcom, with Rudd as the stepfather, than it does a big-screen event on par with the original.
‘Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire’, a Sony Pictures release, is rated PG-13 by the Motion Picture Association for supernatural action/violence, language and suggestive references. Running time: 115 minutes. Two and a half stars out of four.

– Associated Press