INDEX BUSINESS | Page 1 QATAR 2-4,12 COMMENT 10 QATAR | Page 3 ARAB WORLD 4 BUSINESS 1-8 Qatar’s cost of INTERNATIONAL 5-9, 11 SPORTS 1-8 Ashghal starts living declines DOW JONES QE NYMEX the Roads and 3.41% year-on- Infrastructure 27,931.02 9,602.49 42.16 Project in Al Ebb year in July +34.30 +49.39 -0.08 +0.12% +0.52% -0.19% and Leabaib Latest Figures (Package 4) published in QATAR since 1978

SATURDAY Vol. XXXXI No. 11641 August 15, 2020 Dhul-Hijjah 25, 1441 AH

GULF TIMES www. gulf-times.com 2 Riyals

Amir, Tunisian leader discuss bilateral ties His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani Second Qatari held yesterday a telephone conversation with Tunisian President Kais Saied. During the call, they discussed the close bilateral relations between the fi eld hospital two brotherly countries and the prospects for strengthening them, besides regional and international developments of common concern. inaugurated Amir sends greetings to Pakistan president His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani and His in Beirut Highness the Deputy Amir Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad al-Thani sent yesterday cables of congratulations QNA diffi cult conditions faced by the health to Pakistan President Dr Arif Alvi Beirut sector in Lebanon due to the Beirut on the anniversary of his country’s Port explosion and the full or partial Independence Day. HE the Prime closure of several hospitals in addition Minister and Minister of Interior n the implementation of the di- to tackling the Covid-19 pandemic. Sheikh Khalid bin Khalifa bin rectives of His Highness the Amir Director Manager at the Lebanese Abdulaziz al-Thani also sent a similar ISheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Tha- Hospital Geitaoui Dr Pierre Yared also cable to Prime Minister Imran Khan. ni, the second Qatari fi eld hospital was thanked Qatar for providing the second The Health Minister in the Lebanese caretaker government, Dr Hamad Hassan; Qatar’s ambassador to Lebanon, Mohamed inaugurated yesterday at Lebanese fi eld hospital, praising the Qatari aid to Hassan Jaber al-Jaber; representative of the Lebanese Army Commander General Elias Shamiya; Director Manager of the Hospital Geitaoui in Beirut, as part of Lebanon in light of the diffi culties it Lebanese Hospital Geitaoui Dr Pierre Yared; the Qatari logistical and medical delegation that constructed the hospital; and the medical aid and supplies provided faces on the health front. several diplomats attended the inauguration of the second Qatari field hospital in Beirut yesterday. by Qatar to support Lebanon. Qatar’s ambassador to Lebanon af- The Health Minister in the Leba- fi rmed that Qatar, with all its offi cial, nese caretaker government, Dr Hamad people, and residents, stands by Leba- Hassan; Qatar’s ambassador to Leba- non. non, Mohamed Hassan Jaber al-Jaber; He pointed out that the Qatar Red representative of the Lebanese Army Crescent Society and Qatar Charity Commander General Elias Shamiya; have begun aid and relief campaigns in Palestinians warn Israel-UAE Director Manager of the Lebanese Lebanon, stressing that the Qatari aid Hospital Geitaoui Dr Pierre Yared; the will not be limited to food and medi- Qatari logistical and medical delega- cal aid, but will include other aspects deal imperils Al Aqsa mosque tion that constructed the hospital; and in co-ordination with the relevant au- The Ministry of Interior tweeted several diplomats attended the inau- thorities in Lebanon. yesterday that it is not allowed to guration. The 500-bed hospital includes a have more than four persons in Reuters The Health Minister in the Lebanese pharmacy equipped with medicines, a vehicle including the driver as Jerusalem caretaker government thanked Qatar an operating room, an intensive care part of safety and precautionary for its aid and constant support for room, and a cancer treatment depart- measures against coronavirus. Lebanon, praising the depth of Qatari- ment, upon the hospital’s request. Families are exempted. Wearing a ngry Palestinians in Jerusalem Lebanese relations. The fi rst Qatari fi eld hospital was in- face mask is compulsory. accused the United Arab Emir- He pointed out that the second Qa- augurated in Beirut on August 11 at Al Aates of collaborating with Isra- tari fi eld hospital is both a “fi eld and Roum Hospital, as part of the aid and Massage ban for el and endangering Al Aqsa mosque, emergency” hospital and contains an medical supplies provided by Qatar to as they gathered for prayers yesterday operating room, stressing the impor- help victims of the Beirut Port explo- beauty salons the day after the Gulf state’s deal with tance of this hospital in light of the sion. Page 4 The Ministry of Commerce Israel. and Industry (MoCI) reminded Under an agreement brokered by yesterday that decision No 4 for US President Donald Trump, Israel 2020 regarding stopping massage and the UAE announced on Thursday inside beauty salons and massage that they will normalise diplomatic shops, alongside Moroccan bath ties, brought together by a confl uence Hard-hit countries step up services and the related home of interests against Iran. services is still applicable until The deal also envisions giving further notice. “We urge all to abide Muslims greater access to Jerusalem’s virus steps as cases mount by the issued circulars, regulations Al Aqsa mosque by allowing them Palestinians take part in a protest against the United Arab Emirates’ deal with and decisions to avoid any to directly fl y from Abu Dhabi to Tel Israel to normalise relations, in Nablus in the occupied West Bank, yesterday. involved legal prosecutions and Aviv’s Ben Gurion Airport. AFP Meanwhile Britain added France to liabilities,” a MoCI tweet said. This was greeted with dismay by have looked to Arab nations to defend Palestinian President Mahmoud Ab- London its list of countries hit with a mandato- Palestinian worshippers fi ling into that stance. bas, whose spokesman on Thursday ry two-week quarantine for returning India announces air the tree-lined hilltop compound in If they normalise ties with Israel, read out a statement from the lead- holidaymakers from Saturday, as Paris Jerusalem’s walled Old City known as Palestinians fear losing any chance ership on Palestinian television call- ountries among the hardest hit confronts a resurgent second wave of bubble with Qatar Al-Haram al-Sharif (Noble Sanctu- of future sovereignty in the city and ing the deal a “betrayal of Jerusalem, by the coronavirus pandemic un- infections. Confi rmed cases in France India’s Ministry of Civil Aviation ary). guaranteed access to Al Aqsa mosque. Al Aqsa and the Palestinian cause”. Cveiled further measures yesterday reached levels not seen since May on yesterday announced creation of “Our brothers in the Emirates put The top Islamic offi cial in Jeru- Palestinians across Gaza and the oc- to battle rising infections, as the number Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, at air bubble with Qatar from August our blessed mosque in the grip of salem, Sheikh Abdul-Azim Salhab cupied West Bank rallied yesterday of cases worldwide passed 21mn. over 2,500 new cases per day. 18 to 31 for flights to and from either death,” said Kamal Attoun, 60, an of the Islamic Waqf, told Reuters he against the deal. The US Department of Homeland The rising threat prompted Paris police side, as agreed by the Civil Aviation East Jerusalem Palestinian and Old does “not accept the blessed Al Aqsa Protesters in the city of Nablus Security said it was extending a ban to announce yesterday that compulsory Authority of Qatar. Instructions City merchant. mosque to be the subject of political burned effi gies of Trump, Israeli on non-essential travel through bor- mask-wearing outside would be extend- in this regard have been issued Palestinians have long sought East bickering. It is higher than this tug- Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu der crossings with Canada and Mexico ed to more areas of the French capital, in a letter by the ministry’s under Jerusalem, where the Old City is lo- of-war.” and Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh throughout most of September “to including the famed Louvre museum and secretary Anup Pant to Director cated, as capital of a future state and Condemnation also came from Mohamed bin Zayed. Page 4 slow the spread” of the disease. Champs-Elysee avenue. Page 8 General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) Amit Gupta and Indian carriers. Page 2 Bayern beat Barca 8-2 to reach semis Expat Pakistanis mark Independence Day with solemnity German champions Bayern Munich utterly humiliated Barcelona with a stunning 8-2 victory in Lisbon By Kamran Rehmat The spacious new consular hall can stan’s progress and development. He yesterday that sent them through Doha accommodate up to 300 persons at a expressed the confi dence that the Pa- into the semi-finals of the Champions time. It has dedicated counters under kistani community, which is a living League in an extraordinarily one roof with reduced waiting time for bridge between Pakistan and Qatar, emphatic manner. Thomas Mueller akistanis all over the world cel- services sought. in their practices and dealings would scored twice for a rampant Bayern, ebrated the country’s 74th In- The inauguration of the new em- present the true image of Pakistan in who led 4-1 after 31 astonishing Pdependence Day with solemnity bassy took place in February this year, keeping with the true spirit of the ide- minutes, as Lionel Messi and his yesterday. A function to mark the oc- but because of the situation arising als and teachings of Quaid-e-Azam teammates were condemned to a casion was held early morning on the out of the coronavirus outbreak, the Muhammad Ali Jinnah and Allama thrashing that felt like the end of an premises of the new embassy of Paki- shifting of consular services had to be Muhammad Iqbal in their true spirit. era for the illustrious Catalan club. stan in Doha that saw a restricted at- halted. The ambassador expressed grati- tendance in compliance with the local Now, these services have been shift- tude to His Highness the Amir Shiekh guidelines. ed to the new premises and will be Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani and the Ambassador of Pakistan Syed Ahsan available from Sunday, August 16. leadership of Qatar for hosting the Raza hoisted crescent-and-star Pa- The ambassador felicitated fel- Pakistani community in Qatar and kistan fl ag and later cut a celebratory low Pakistanis on the occasion stating providing them with excellent em- cake. that the day refreshes the enthusiasm ployment opportunities and living The ambassador, accompanied by and rejuvenates the nation’s resolve to conditions. children, also planted a sapling. This work for the progress and prosperity He highlighted that strong bonds follows Prime Minister Imran Khan’s of the motherland. He said the day in- of fraternal relations between Pa- initiative of the largest tree-plantation spired all Pakistanis to serve the coun- kistan and Qatar based on historical drive in Pakistan’s history last Sunday, try with greater dedication in order to bonds of a shared faith, heritage and with 3.5mn saplings being planted in a carry the national fl ag, which symbol- culture. The visits by His Highness single day, a national record. ises nation’s hopes and aspirations, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani At the end of the event, members of even higher. to Pakistan in June 2019 and by Prime the media were shown around the new He praised the Pakistani community Minister Imran Khan to Qatar in Jan- building of the embassy and briefed in Qatar, which he said was imbibed uary 2019 and February 2020 have Pakistan ambassador Syed Ahsan Raza (right), hoisting the national flag to mark about the state-of-the-art facilities with the love of the country and fi lled further strengthened these relations. the Independence Day of Pakistan yesterday on the new embassy premises. being provided at the consular section. with the zeal to participate in Paki- To Page 12 PICTURE: Shemeer Rasheed Gulf Times 2 Saturday, August 15, 2020 QATAR MoPH reports 111,258 total recoveries

QNA medical care they need. India-Qatar Doha „Protecting the elderly and those with chronic diseases. The MoPH said even though he Ministry of Public restrictions are being lifted, and Health (MoPH) reported numbers are declining, this does Tyesterday 251 new con- not mean that the Covid-19 pan- fi rmed cases of coronavirus demic is over in Qatar as people travel bubble (Covid-19) and 301 recover- continue to be admitted with ies from the virus in the last 24 moderate to severe Covid-19 hours, bringing the total number symptoms. of people who have recovered so “Unless we follow all precau- far in Qatar to 111,258. All new tionary measures, we may expe- cases have been transferred into rience a second wave of the virus isolation and are receiving nec- and see numbers increasing there announced essary healthcare, the MoPH said are already signs of this happen- in a statement on Covid-19 de- ing in other countries around the ndia’s Ministry of Civil Avia- with application for the fl ights,” travel restriction for Indian na- velopments in the country. world,” the ministry said. tion yesterday announced the letter explains. tionals to enter Qatar with the It said measures to tackle Cov- It has urged people to avoid Ithe creation of a travel bub- “The fl ights from Qatar to In- particular visa category before id-19 in Qatar have succeeded in close contact with others, ble (temporary air travel between dia will carry the following pas- issue of ticket/boarding pass to fl attening the curve and limiting crowded places and confi ned two countries) with Qatar from sengers: Indian nationals strand- the Indian passenger. the spread of the virus and the closed spaces where other people August 18 to 31 for fl ights to and ed in Qatar; all Overseas Citizen “Traffi c carried from India to number of new daily cases and congregate. from either side, as agreed by the of India (OCI) cardholders hold- Qatar will comprise passengers hospital admissions is continu- “Now more than ever, we must Civil Aviation Authority of Qatar. ing Qatari passports, and Qatari destined for Qatar only. ing to decline each week. be careful and protect the most Instructions in this regard nationals (including diplomats) “The designated airlines of Qatar’s proactive and exten- vulnerable,” the ministry said. have been issued in a letter by holding valid visa issued by an both sides will be permitted to sive testing of suspected cases While the restrictions of Cov- the Indian ministry’s under sec- Indian mission in any category sell tickets between India and has enabled the health ministry id-19 are gradually being lifted in retary Anup Pant to Director- covered under Ministry of Home Qatar in each direction through to identify positive cases in the Qatar, it is important for every- General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) Aff airs (MHA) guidelines dated their websites, sales agents and community. one to play their role in control- Amit Gupta and Indian carriers. June 30, 2020. Global Distribution Systems. Qatar has one of the low- ling the virus by following pre- “DGCA may clear the fl ights of “The fl ights from India to Qa- “The operations will be sub- est Covid-19 death rates in the cautionary measures: Qatar Airways and Indian carri- tar will carry the following pas- ject to strict adherence to the world. This is due to: „Adherence to physical dis- medical conditions. health centres to undergo the ers on a weekly basis in an equi- sengers: Qatari nationals; any Standard Operating Procedure „ Very high quality of care tancing. „When spending time at home necessary checks in Muaither, table manner (based on compa- Indian national holding any type (SOP) issued by the Ministry of provided thorough the public „Avoid close contact with with elderly family members or Rawdat Al Khail, Umm Slal, or rable number of seats) provided of valid Qatar visa and destined Civil Aviation on May 26, 2020 healthcare sector for Covid-19 others, crowded places and con- those with chronic diseases, en- Al Gharafa. This is important as they submit clearances from the for Qatar only. and other Covid-19-related patients fi ned closed spaces where other sure you wash your hands regu- the earlier the disease is detected concerned state government and “It would be for the airlines guidelines issued by the MHA „Qatar’s young population people congregate. larly, wear a mask and maintain the easier it will be to receive the the Indian mission in Qatar along concerned to ensure there is no and MoH&FW.” „Proactive testing to identify „Wearing a face mask. social and physical distancing. right treatment and recover from cases early „Washing hands regularly. Anyone suff ering from Cov- it. „Expanding hospital capac- „Most importantly, it is vital id-19 symptoms should either The MoPH urged people to ity, especially intensive care, to that we continue to protect the contact 16000 helpline or go di- visit its website for regular up- ensure all patients receive the elderly and those with chronic rectly to one of the designated dates and new information. Driving schools see spike in number of new learners

By Joey Aguilar New and old student drivers started attending their Staff Reporter lessons after classes resumed early this month as part of the government’s directives to gradually lift restrictions, while n increasing number of new learners, who are eli- complying with strict precautionary measures to prevent Agible to secure a driving licence, have been registering the spread of Covid-19 with driving schools following the recent reopening of these es- fore the onset of the Covid-19 mind learners to follow Covid-19 pened on August 3 while oth- tablishments in Qatar. “We have pandemic. health and safety guidelines dur- ers, including Karwa Driving been very busy since we reo- New and old student drivers ing regular classes and practical School, started accepting new pened on August 3 and it seems started attending their lessons sessions such as wearing face registrations on August 9 as this will continue in the coming after classes resumed early this masks (better if they have face announced on their social me- weeks and months. month as part of the Qatar gov- shields/goggles) and gloves, in dia pages. The Ministry of Interior reminded Qatar residents through a tweet yesterday to keep Ehteraz app A lot of people are register- ernment’s directives to gradually addition to showing the ‘green’ However, a number of learn- activated to benefit from multiple services to enhance the Covid-19 prevention measures and limit its ing,” an instructor at a leading lift Covid-19 restrictions in the code on the Ehteraz app, regu- ers, especially those who regis- spread. driving school in Doha told Gulf country, while complying with lar hand sanitation and avoid- tered in early January and now Times. strict precautionary measures to ing physical contact with others, want to continue their training, He noted that his work sched- prevent the spread of Covid-19. among others. took to social media their dis- ule indicates that the demand is Earlier this year, the authori- It is learnt that all vehicles appointment saying the driving growing again. Apart from the ties had temporarily stopped the used for road activities are also school where they enrolled was newly registered and eligible operations of several business regularly cleaned and sanitised yet to notify them. candidates, the instructor said establishments and institutions, to ensure the safety of both the Driving schools should, he Aspetar fetes staff for they also have to accommodate including driving schools, to instructor and student. stressed, inform learners about and continue the training of old curb the spread of the virus. Some driving schools such their schedule of classes or ses- eff orts in Covid ghtfi students who had registered be- The instructor said they re- as Dalla Driving Academy reo- sions.

QNA petar medical staff have been telemedicine service providing QF alumna on project of creating Doha working across HMC facilities virtual consultations for patients to boost the healthcare sector’s requiring rehabilitation and ex- clinical workforce. ercise programmes,” added Dr spetar, the orthopaedic During his introductory al-Kuwari. masks from scraps, recycled fabric and sports medicine hos- speech at the ceremony, Act- During the pandemic Aspetar Apital, organised a cere- ing Chief Executive Offi cer in has launched a Covid-19 Evi- mony for its staff for their eff orts Aspetar Dr Abdulaziz Jaham dence for Athletes Service which Qatar Foundation alumna celebration of a global phenome- during the ongoing Covid-19 al-Kuwari said: “I would like to is the fi rst of its kind aimed spe- is on a project of making non through the vibrant upcycled pandemic. Every person associ- thank all of you, your dedica- cifi cally at athletes, their health- Aface masks out of scraps scraps stitched together to form ated with the organisation rose to tion in times of adversity. It is care teams, coaches and the and recycled fabric to refl ect on those masks.” She described. the occasion, embracing the mis- important that everyone works broader sports community, it human solidarity amid the cur- Morell’s three framed portraits sion promise as a health delivery together to achieve a common provides them with easy access rent pandemic of Covid-19. are all made of 100% cotton and system. goal and I am proud of the role to relevant and reliable informa- For Lauren Morell, a gradu- upcycled linen — scraps of fab- The ceremony witnessed pres- that the team here at Aspetar has tion based on the latest scientifi c ate of the Class of 2020 with a ric that she had scrambled up to ence of Aspetar senior manage- played in supporting the Minis- evidence. Moreover, the hospital Bachelor degree in Fine Arts from make the masks. Each of them will ment and attended by the Asp- try of Public Health throughout produced updated guidelines and Virginia Commonwealth Univer- contain a slogan. The fi rst refl ects etar medical staff who have been the Covid-19 pandemic”. pathways for the safe return to sity School of the Arts in Qatar ‘Equality’, the second ‘We Come working across Hamad Medical “In addition to converting our sports training and competition (VCUarts Qatar) — a Qatar Foun- in Style’, and the third is a por- Corp (HMC) to boost the health- inpatient ward in readiness to during Covid-19. dation partner university — the trait of the fabric scraps bundled care workforce fi ghting against receive Covid-19 patients and A collaboration between practice of wearing face masks up together in the context of “we Covid-19. seconding staff to support HMC MoPH, HMC and Aspetar; sparked the inspiration behind are one, we are all in this together”. Aspetar is one of the world’s clinical teams, we have also run Covid-19 testing conducted on her three-piece art. Morell has been living in Qatar for leading specialised orthopaedic many Covid-19 education and Qatari athletes aims to reduce “People are turning this harsh nine years. She expresses herself and sports medicine hospitals awareness campaigns for both and control the risk of the virus event into a time of refl ection, to as a “third-culture kid”, who lived and has played a vital role in Qa- general public and sportspeo- spreading between team mem- reach out with help, to make bet- a nomadic lifestyle, jumping from tar’s Covid-19 response. Aspetar ple. To ensure we continue to bers and players, as they return ter choices for a better tomorrow. city to city and never actually is one of the hospitals on standby safely provide services to our to training and action. Aspetar is With that being done, they are Lauren Morell wears a face mask she made. having a place to call home. And to receive Covid-19 patients, regular patients throughout the now the offi cial medical partner committed to wearing face masks, this has left a big impression on should the need arise, and As- pandemic we also launched a of Qatar Stars League. making a solid statement about Morell maintains that the mixture her beliefs. equality — that we are all in this “Growing up, culture, diversity, together, and we will walk out of of emotions she faced through the and equality have always been my all this together,” Morell noted. pandemic could have brought her main inspiration, and continue to Morell, who is a Latin Ameri- be so,” she explains. “This means can from Los Angeles is currently down, but she didn’t allow those I have never been disconnected working on three frames for face thoughts and feelings to get to her from global and local events. Car- masks. Each of them holds a ing for the community has always statement that refl ects her feel- been something I pursued, and ings and the message she wants that despite all the anxiety, stress, ings to get to her. “I decided to use what we are witnessing in the to send out to the world through and depression people are expe- my skills in honing those feelings world today strengthens my faith her art. riencing everywhere since the into an artwork that speaks my in caring for the society and even “To me, fashion has always beginning of the pandemic, they heart and mind. I started work- for global issues such as protect- been my enabling tool,” she says. are choosing every day to fi ght ing on ‘framed’ portraits of face ing the environment.” “It isn’t just tailored garments back in their own ways,” Morell masks, for its resemblance of hu- Aside from her art project, she you see on runways. To me, fash- explained. man solidarity and responsibility is intending to make reusable, ion stands for communication Morell maintains that the in the light of this global crisis. I washable, and breathable masks and self-refl ection.” mixture of emotions she faced started gathering all the upcycled from leftover fabric, that will be “The name, ‘We Come in Style’ through the pandemic could have fabric I’ve had left over around my 100% cotton, to make sure her which I chose for my three-piece brought her down, but she didn’t studio and decided to communi- community is staying safe every Aspetar staff have been working across HMC facilities to boost healthcare sector’s clinical workforce. artwork, was inspired by the fact allow those thoughts and feel- cate an emotion of happiness and day. Gulf Times Saturday, August 15, 2020 3 QATAR Ashghal launches ‘Roads and Infrastructure Project’ in Al Ebb, Leabaib areas

he Public Works Author- ity (Ashghal) yesterday an- z Local materials and manufacturers will be relied on for most Tnounced the commence- of the project’s work in line with Ashghal’s Ta’heel initiative ment of the QR587mn Roads and Infrastructure Project in Al Ebb and Leabaib (Package 4). According to an offi cial state- Big Ben and Houses of parliament in London. ment, the project is implement- ed at the east of Al Shamal Road at Al Kheesa Interchange and the west of Street 245. The project’s geographical Qatar Airways’ daily fl ights to scope covers part of Al Ebb and Leabaib Area on the south of Al Kheesa Road as well as a part of Jeryan Jenaihat Area to its north. London Gatwick from Aug 20 The project is aimed at devel- Engineer Ali Mohamed al-Kaabi oping internal and main streets atar Airways will in the area such as Al Kheesa equipped with road safety fea- resume daily fl ights to Road and providing pedestrian tures and street lighting as well QLondon Gatwick from and cycle paths. Besides, the as road signs and marking. The August 20, thus expanding the project will develop facilities project also features a 64km- airline’s UK operations to 45 including stormwater and foul pedestrian and cycle lanes and weekly fl ights to four gateways sewer drainage networks to re- will provide approximately 5,750 in the UK. spond to residents’ needs. parking slots,” al-Kaabi said. The fl ights will be operated Engineer Ali Mohamed al- The project has a 29km-long by the airline’s modern fuel- Kaabi, Al Ebb and Leabaib Area foul sewer network and 28km effi cient Boeing 787 Dreamliner projects manager at the North- surface and groundwater drain- off ering 22 seats in the business ern Areas Section in Ashghal’s age network along with a 17km class and 232 seats in the econ- Roads Projects Department, said Treated Sewage Effl uent (TSE) omy class. that the project provides serv- network. In addition, new sew- “We are very pleased to ices for 1,049 residential plots in age pipelines along with a new the full completion of the project crete, rebar and prefabricated resume fl ights to London Gat- Al Ebb and Leabaib areas. system to ensure the fl ow distri- is scheduled for the third quarter manholes. The local Qatari com- wick, further cementing our Infrastructure services will be bution will be provided and con- of 2024. ponent that will be used on the position as the leading inter- developed while local streets will nected with Qatar’s main sewage Al-Kaabi explained that lo- project is planned to reach 85%. national carrier providing con- be enhanced in order to provide network with increased capacity cal materials and manufacturers The Roads and Infrastructure nectivity to the UK,” said Qatar connectivity to the main road in a bid to provide proper pro- will be relied on for most of the in Al Ebb and Leabib Project is be- Airways Group Chief Execu- Big Ben and red double-decker bus, London. network. Public facilities such tection for the entire area against project’s work in line with Ash- ing implemented by Quality Based tive, HE Akbar al-Baker. as schools, mosques and com- fl ooding and excess rainfall. ghal’s Ta’heel initiative. These Structures. It’s implemented as Besides daily fl ights to Gat- Gatwick, which is helping to build its global network. mercial complexes will be also The upgrading works are di- materials include gabbro, light- part of Ashghal’s Local Areas In- wick, the national carrier will rebuild public confi dence in air By optimising its mix of air- developed. vided into four geographical ing poles and luminaires, direc- frastructure Programme for Ar- have three weekly fl ights to Ed- travel. craft and grounding its A380 “The project’s scope of works zones which will be carried out tional signs in addition to sew- eas and includes a number of road inburgh, three daily fl ights to Qatar Airways Cargo cur- fl eet, the airline continues to fl y involves developing a road net- successively. The duration of age, surface water and rainwater and infrastructure development Heathrow and two daily fl ights rently operates eight freight- only the right sized aircraft on work with a total length of 32km each phase will be one year while drainage pipes, asphalt, con- projects across Qatar. to Manchester. ers per week to London Hea- all routes to the UK, reducing The UK passengers can con- throw and London Stansted in its environmental impact by nect seamlessly and safely via the UK. During the pandemic, off ering sensible and responsi- Doha, which is the best airport the cargo carrier operated a ble capacity to meet both pas- in the Middle East, to more large number of charters and senger and cargo demand. than 40 destinations across freight-only passenger aircraft According to the latest IATA Africa, Asia-Pacifi c, the Mid- to the UK to support British ex- data, since April Qatar Airways VCUarts Qatar researchers get dle East and South Asia. porters and transport essential has become the largest inter- Terming the UK as a very medical supplies and PPE to national carrier, helping take important strategic market for the region. home over 2mn people on over Qatar Airways, al-Baker said With the resumption of pas- 20,000 fl ights. the resumption of London Gat- senger fl ights to London Gat- Passengers fl ying business grant for VR-based project wick services is a signifi cant wick, Qatar Airways Cargo will class on Qsuite equipped air- indicator of the resilience of operate 74 weekly fl ights to the craft can enjoy full privacy, proposal submitted by study will serve as a proof-of- the UK travel market. UK, providing more than 1,400 including sliding privacy par- three researchers from concept. The outcome of this “We look forward to resum- tonnes of weekly cargo capacity titions and fully closing doors. AVirginia Commonwealth project will be a web-based ing more of our UK destina- each way. They can also opt to use the ‘Do University School of the Arts in resource that will explain how tions to support the recovery The airline’s mix of mod- Not Disturb (DND)’ indicator Qatar (VCUarts Qatar) – a Qa- the VR model can be adopted of tourism and trade in the re- ern fuel-efficient aircraft has in their private suite, if they tar Foundation partner univer- by the wider education com- gion,” he said. meant its network has never wish to limit their interactions sity – to develop an innovative munity within Qatar.” Gatwick Airport chief ex- fallen below 30 destinations with the cabin crew. pedagogical model that employs VCUarts Qatar’s research ecutive Stewart Wingate said throughout this crisis. With Qsuite continues to be avail- virtual reality technology as a proposal comes at a water- it has implemented a number one of the youngest long-haul able on fl ights to more than 30 medium of instruction, has been shed moment in the history of of extra measures to keep both fleets, the airline has been destinations including Lon- awarded a grant by QF’s Hamad education. Karawia notes how passengers and staff as safe able to adapt its plans and don, Sydney, Singapore and Bin Khalifa University (HBKU). the recent transition to online as possible travelling through quickly resume routes to re- Kuala Lumpur. The VR-based project – titled classrooms – brought on by the ‘Reimagining Education Beyond ongoing Covid-19 pandemic – Covid-19 With Virtual Em- amplified the current educa- bodiment’ – addresses the main tional challenges. challenges in the global educa- “The limitations of tradi- tion system, and can be adapted tional education forced the to both hybrid and remote learn- A screenshot of the proposed research experiment. conversation upon educators Staying healthy while ing environments within Qatar. and policy-makers across the The draft proposal was submit- in education. One of the main approach is intended to improve globe,” she says. ted in response to a Rapid Re- drivers of the project is to help student engagement, construc- “The sheer number of we- sponse Innovation Call by HBKU education leadership and fac- tivist learning, as well as build binars and online-discussions keeping Covid-19 at bay for investigating innovative ulty overcome the challenges of 21st century skills such as em- on the topic – hosted by vari- methods to address expected using cutting-edge technology pathy, critical thinking, and in- ous stakeholders such as the changes beyond the Covid-19 and software in classroom set- novation, to name but a few. In Unesco, through CNN, to indi- he operators of gymna- pandemic and its repercussions tings. “To allow for the project short, education is re-imagined vidual governments – since the siums are wooing poten- on the economy, society, trade outcomes to be easily replicated, to be more forward-looking, and start of the pandemic, vouch Ttial customers with at- and international relations. we will use VR-based collabora- resolve the challenges brought for this. tractive packages while strictly All three researchers – Sherin tion tools that have already been on by traditional teaching meth- “HE Sheikha Hind bint Ha- following the precautionary Karawia, assistant instructor, adopted in the industry, and odologies. mad al-Thani, vice chairperson and preventive measures laid VCUarts Qatar; Mona Kassem, evaluate these within the con- “The investigation itself will and CEO of Qatar Foundation, down by the health authorities. instructional technologist and text of education,” says Rafehi. be carried out as a collabora- addressed the issue in a talk ti- They are also trying to retain IT analyst, VCUarts Qatar; and “What is unique about our tion between VCUarts Qatar tled ‘New Schools of Thought’ existing customers and en- Mariam Rafehi, adjunct faculty approach is the use of virtual and NU-Q; the innovative ped- on QF’s Instagram channel last couraging them to renew their at both Northwestern University embodiment to promote resil- agogical model will be tested on month, where she spoke about memberships with these pack- in Qatar (NU-Q) and VCUarts ience, innovative problem-solv- student cohorts at both univer- re-imagining our global edu- ages, it is learnt. Qatar – have previously worked ing, and optimism among learn- sities over the fall semester,” cation system and the oppor- Gymnasiums around the on various projects that explore ers on a local or global scale.” explains Kassem. tunity for its change within the country resumed operations the applications of technology This novel cross-disciplinary “The results generated in the context of Covid-19.” recently with the launch of Phase 3 of the lifting of Cov- Gymnasiums around the country resumed operations recently id-19 restrictions. with the launch of Phase 3 of the lifting of Covid-19 restrictions. They are allowed to oper- ate with a maximum of 50% of months, QR800 for six months Roger, a trainer, said their their capacity at any time to al- and QR1,500 for a year. gym had made all preparations Students from Qatar shine at global contest low for more physical distanc- The prices vary from place ahead of the reopening and the ing among customers. Besides, to place and some gyms off er equipment were rearranged they strictly implement all even lower prices, according to around the premises to pro- QNA event in which achievements of herence project, developed by in accordance with the terms of preventive and precautionary sources. Hiring personal train- vide more distance among the Doha young people in the fi eld of science students Ghanem Abdullah al- the international competition: measures, such as measuring ers costs more. trainees. and innovation are showcased. Marri and Yousef Moaz Ibrahim „ The Application of Ther- the body temperature of both Sayyid Ahmed, a trainee, In addition, the rooms for It aims at enhancing science and under the supervision of Profes- moelectric Generators Using customers and staff and having told the daily that since the re- changing clothes are closed as tudents from the Qa- technology learning, providing a sor Derar Mallah, won second “Sandwich” Method project that to show the ‘green’ healthy sta- sumption of operations, he has customers are only allowed to tar School of Science and platform for the world’s youth to place among the participating was developed by students Fahd tus on the Ehteraz app, before observed strict implementa- come in their training suits and STechnology have won the develop their creativity and scien- teams in the fi eld of physics and Ali al-Hajri and Ahmed Khalid being allowed in. tion of all the preventive meas- cannot change their clothes second and third positions in tifi c orientations, and facilitating engineering. al-Zaman, under the supervi- In addition, exercising ures and recommendations of inside the gym. Besides, every- the Global Youth Science and the exchange of scientifi c ideas, The Smart School Bus project, sion of Professor Zokir Abdura- equipment are arranged in such the Ministry of Public Health thing is sanitised frequently to Technology Bowl (GYSTB2020) interests and capabilities among developed by students Hamad khmanov. a manner that adequate physi- in this regard, which are aimed ensure the safety of both cus- which was held online in Hong young scientists around the world. Abdulaziz al-Hur, Mohamed „ The Using Hydrogels for cal distance can be maintained at guaranteeing the health and tomers and staff . Kong on August 1. Some 93 research projects Abdulrahman al-Seqatri and Agriculture and Flood Defence among customers. Also, all of safety of all. Anil, a reception employee This was announced by the were submitted for the competi- Abdullah Abdulrahman Mah- project that was implemented these are sanitised frequently He said all trainees have to at a gym, said the top prior- Ministry of Education and High- tion from across the world. moud under the supervision of by Jassim Sultan and Jassim Mo- along with all other surfaces bring their own personal hy- ity of any gymnasium now is er Education yesterday. Three of The competition is divided Professor Issa Sweidan, won the hamed Abdullah under the su- and fl oors. giene items, such as a towel, to protect and guarantee the the participating Qatari projects into two categories: the phys- third place among the partici- pervision of Professor Suleiman Local Arabic daily Arrayah bottle of drinking water, sani- health and safety of all. The also received certifi cates of ap- ics and engineering category in pating teams in the fi eld of phys- Mia. recently reported that gyms tiser and other related things. turnout of customers has been preciation for their ideas and which 46 projects participated, ics and engineering. „The Portable Fridge project were off ering attractive rates This, along with the other encouraging since the reopen- designs, after fi ve projects from and the biology and chemistry The following three projects by students Saud Abdulrahman to woo and retain customers. measures in place, allows them ing, he added, stressing that the Qatar Science and Technol- category, in which 47 projects received a certifi cate of appre- al-Malik and Abdulaziz Ali al- These include packages costing to work out in peace – knowing the prices are attractive in a bid ogy Secondary School for Boys participated. ciation for eff orts exerted in de- Tamimi under the supervision QR200 for a month, QR320 for that their health and safety are to encourage more customers qualifi ed for the fi nal rounds. The Medicine Tracker Device signing and presenting projects of Professor Nabil Salah al-Din two months, QR500 for three taken care of. to come and work out. The competition is a global for Improving Medication Ad- at the prestigious scientifi c level, Ayoub. Gulf Times 4 Saturday, August 15, 2020 QATAR/REGION/ARAB WORLD/AFRICA

HEALTH Oman ends ban on Second Qatari field hospital night movement starting today Diplomatic fl urry in inaugurated in Beirut Oman will end the ban on night movement starting from today at 5:00am local time (GMT +4), Oman’s supreme committee for dealing with Covid-19 announced on Twitter, Reuters reported. blast-hit Lebanon as Oman has recorded 82,743 coronavirus cases, including 557 deaths and 77,427 recoveries. KUWAIT SEES 699 NEW CASES The Kuwait Health Ministry aid eff ort expands reported 699 new coronavirus (Covid-19) cases and five deaths during the past 24 hours, bring- AFP national community for a re- The Iranian foreign minis- lingering economic crisis. ing the total number of cases Beirut form-oriented government ter echoed Lebanese offi cials Hale and Parly met Presi- to 75,185, and the death toll to that would co-ordinate aid in rejecting an international dent Michel Aoun separately 494, QNA reported. Dr Abdullah fl ooding into the crisis-hit probe into the blast, say- yesterday and held talks with al-Sanad, a spokesman for the Ku- op diplomats country after the resignation ing “Lebanon, as an inde- civil society representatives. The second Qatari field hospital was inaugurated yesterday at Lebanese wait Ministry of Health, said that criss-crossed Beirut of Prime Minister Hassan pendent country, must be in Both insisted that the new Hospital Geitaoui in Beirut, as part of the medical aid and supplies the new cases included those in Tyesterday to super- Diab’s cabinet on Monday. charge of the investigation”. government should refl ect provided by Qatar to support Lebanon. The Health Minister in the contact with previously confirmed vise growing aid eff orts “For the longer run, we Protesters fi lled the streets the will of the people and Lebanese caretaker government, Dr Hamad Hassan; Qatar’s ambassador cases, and others under investiga- and weigh in on Lebanon’s cannot accept more empty and clashed with security implement reform. to Lebanon, Mohamed Hassan Jaber al-Jaber; representative of the tion for the source of infection. political future, follow- promises and more dysfunc- forces in the days after the A new government must Lebanese Army Commander General Elias Shamiya; Director Manager of Earlier yesterday, the Kuwait ing a deadly port explosion tional governance,” said Hale August 4 explosion, blam- have a “mission” and “for a the Lebanese Hospital Geitaoui Dr Pierre Yared; the Qatari logistical and Ministry of Health announced the blamed on state corruption. after meeting the head of the ing their political leaders for limited period of time, be in medical delegation that constructed the hospital; and several diplomats recovery of 641 people during the Foreign Minister Moham- Maronite Church, Patriarch the negligence they say led charge of carrying out far- attended the inauguration. past 24 hours, bringing the total ed Javad Zarif of Iran met Beshara Rai. to the disaster that killed 171 reaching reforms”, said Parly recoveries to 66,740 cases. offi cials in the capital ahead “America is ready to sup- people and wounded at least who oversaw the distribu- of a speech by the powerful port a Lebanese government 6,500. tion of aid from the French Shia movement’s chief Has- that refl ects and responds The tragedy came as a helicopter carrier Tonnerre. APPEAL san Nasrallah calling for the to the will of the people and huge stock of hazardous She said she urged Aoun UN chief urges formation of a national unity genuinely commits to and materials stored for several to speed up the process of government. acts for real change.” years in a warehouse in the forming a government. Houthis to grant Zarif’s visit coincided Zarif said it was for the heart of Beirut exploded, de- The UN’s Special Co-or- access to oil tanker with those of the top career Lebanese to decide what spite repeated warnings of dinator for Lebanon Jan Ku- diplomat of Iran’s arch-foe government they wanted. the dangers it posed. bis agreed, saying: “Time is UN Secretary-General Antonio the United States, David “Others should not condi- The mega-blast revived of the essence.” Guterres urged Yemen’s Houthi Hale, and French Defence tion their aid on any change a street protest movement “People are suff ering and group to allow an assessment Minister Florence Parly. in Lebanon during this that had fi rst erupted in Oc- can’t wait for endless de- team to travel to a decaying oil Both Hale and Parly have emergency situation,” he tober last year against gov- liberations,” he added after tanker that is threatening to spill joined calls from the inter- said. ernment corruption and a meeting the patriarch. 1.1mn barrels of crude oil off the war-torn country’s coast. More then a month ago Houthi off icials said they would agree to allow a UN mission to conduct a technical assessment and whatever initial French troops arrive in Turkey and Iran criticise UAE-Israel deal repairs might be feasible on the Safer tanker. But the United Nations is still waiting for formal Beirut as Iran warns DPA sovereignty of the Israeli state. authorisation. Guterres is “deeply Istanbul Turkey may suspend diplomatic ties: Erdogan Tehran has threatened the concerned” about the condition destruction of Israel several of the oil tanker, UN spokesman West against meddling Turkey is considering suspend- back” to their cause. “The move times. Reaction from Europe Stephane Dujarric said yesterday. urkey and Iran have ing diplomatic ties with the against Palestine is not a step was more positive, with Euro- The United Nations has warned slammed the United Arab United Arab Emirates and that can be stomached. pean Commission spokesper- that the Safer could spill four DPA Its aftermath prompted the TEmirates (UAE) for nor- withdrawing its ambassador Now, Palestine is either closing son Nabila Massrali saying “the times as much oil as the 1989 Beirut Lebanese government of Has- malising relations with Israel, over the Gulf state’s accord or withdrawing its embassy. normalisation will be at the Exxon Valdez disaster off Alaska. san Diab to resign on Monday with Ankara calling it a betrayal to normalise ties with Israel, The same thing is valid for us benefi t for both. It is important amid calls by street protesters of the Palestinians and Tehran President Tayyip Erdogan said now,” Erdogan said, adding for both, and for the regional ore than 700 French to hold those responsible ac- labelling it “a strategic stupid- yesterday. he gave orders to his foreign stability.” LEGAL troops have arrived countable. ity.” The Turkish foreign ministry minister. German Foreign Minister Ireland to return Malong with a helicop- On Thursday, Hale said the “The history and conscience said history would never “I told him we may also take Heiko Maas said he had con- ter carrier to Beirut to partici- United States Federal Bureau of of the people in the region will forgive the UAE’s “hypocritical a step in the direction of sus- gratulated his Israeli coun- 5.5mn euros Abacha pate in recovery operations in Investigation (FBI) would join not forget and will never for- behaviour” in agreeing such a pending diplomatic ties with terpart on the “historic step.” loot to Nigeria the aftermath of the August 4 the probe into the blast that has give such a hypocritical act by deal, which recasts the order of the Abu Dhabi leadership or France welcomed the deal, say- port explosion, visiting French devastated large parts of the the UAE,” the Turkish Foreign Middle East politics. pulling back our ambassador,” ing that both countries were Ireland has reached a deal to Defence Minister Florence city. According to the Lebanese Ministry said in a statement Palestinian leaders have he told reporters after prayers “essential partners for it in the give back to Nigeria 5.5mn euros Parly said yesterday. television LBCI, FBI investiga- yesterday. denounced it as a “stab in the yesterday. region.” ($6.5mn) looted by former military “The toll is shocking,” Parly tors are due in Beirut tomorrow. The UAE acted for “its own Israel’s planned annexation dictator Sani Abacha, Nigeria’s said. “This tragedy has reso- After meeting with his Leba- narrow interests” to support a of parts of the Palestinian West justice minister said in a statement. nated greatly in my country. nese counterpart Charbel We- “stillborn and invalid US plan,” criminal regime of Israel,” the UAE for undermining peace Bank, suspended as part of the The money is the latest Abacha- Lebanon has a special place hbe, the Iranian foreign minis- it added. ISNA news agency cited the talks in the Middle East and deal, should be permanently linked cash reclaimed by Nigeria. in our hearts.” ter said the Iranian government “That was a strategic stu- ministry as saying. added the UAE has “no author- cancelled, Corruption watchdog Transparency The French troops include and private sector companies pidity that will ultimately only The deal, orchestrated by US ity” to negotiate with Israel in French Foreign Minister International estimates that Abacha, rescuers, military engineers, were eager to support Lebanon. strengthen the anti-Israeli President Donald Trump’s ad- the name of Palestinians. Jean-Yves Le Drian said. who ruled Africa’s biggest oil specialists in building and re- Zarif added that no one resistance front,” the Iranian ministration, makes the UAE “Surely, the defeat of those Sweden welcomed the deal producer from 1993 until his death pair, as well as divers. should intervene in Lebanon’s Foreign Ministry said in a press the fi rst Arab country in nearly who betrayed the Palestinian as a possible step for talks be- in 1998, stole as much as $5bn of The French troop arrival decision-making or take ad- release yesterday. 26 years to recognise the major- people and cause will go down tween Israeli and Palestinian public money during that time. He came as US Undersecretary vantage of the devastating The government in Abu ity-Jewish state. in history,” President Recep leaders. was never charged with corruption of State for Political Aff airs blast to infl uence the country’s Dhabi had deceived the Pales- The Palestinians slammed Tayyip Erdogan’s spokesman “Welcome step. Hope op- in his lifetime. “The return of these David Hale and Iran’s Foreign decisions. tinian people with this “shame- the announcement and recalled Ibrahim Kalin tweeted. portunity for meaningful ne- assets will be the first time that Minister Mohamed Javad Zarif The Iranian offi cial in an ful, illegitimate and at the same their ambassador to the UAE. The majority of countries gotiations between Israel and Ireland has taken such action and separately met with Lebanese interview late yesterday with time dangerous” decision to es- Following the deal, Israel in the Middle East maintain Palestine leading to a two-state will be a concrete demonstration of offi cials in Beirut. the Lebanese broadcaster Al tablish full diplomatic ties with suspended its push to extend a boycott of Israel since the solution. And that annexation Ireland’s commitment to interna- The massive blast killed 178 Mayadeen warned of the pres- Israel. sovereignty over parts of the country was founded in 1948. now shelved,” Swedish Foreign tional co-operation in the fight and wounded 6,000 others, ence of foreign warship at the “The Palestinians will never occupied West Bank. Since the Revolution of 1979, Minister Ann Linde wrote on against corruption,” Helen McEntee, according to offi cial fi gures. Lebanese coast after the blast. forgive this agreement with the Ankara further criticised the Iran has not recognised the Twitter. Ireland’s Minister for Justice and Equality, said in a statement.

UNREST Bus torched in Angolan court sentences former Senior Mali offi cials Ivory Coast amid poll tensions leader’s son to fi ve years for fraud obstructing peace Protesters in Ivory Coast set fire to a bus in the commercial eff orts: UN experts capital Abidjan yesterday after AFP money laundering during her deadly protests earlier in the week Luanda stewardship of the state-run against the president’s decision oil giant Sonangol. Lourenco AFP country have “threatened and to seek a third term. At least five has mainly targeted the family Paris delayed” a key peace deal which people have been killed during ngola’s top court yes- members of his predecessor, many view as one of the few es- demonstrations in recent days, terday sentenced the who appointed relatives and cape routes from Mali’s cycle of with tensions running high since Ason of ex-president friends to key positions dur- nited Nations experts violence. Brokered in Algiers President Alassane Ouattara an- Jose Eduardo dos Santos to fi ve ing his 38-year rule — leaving have accused senior army in 2015 between several armed nounced last week he would run years in prison for diverting a legacy of poverty and nepo- Uand intelligence offi cials groups and Mali’s government, in the Oct 31 vote. Opponents said oil revenues, making him the tism. in Mali of deliberately obstruct- the deal provided for rebels join- the move violates a constitutional highest-profi le fi gure in the Isabel was ousted as So- ing a shaky 2015 peace accord, ing the national army again, two-term limit. In Abidjan’s Yopou- former regime to face jail for nangol chair just months after originally designed to reduce among other measures. pon district smoke drifted from graft. Lourenco took power. violence in the war-torn West Its implementation has the blackened shell of a passenger Jose Filomeno dos Santos, She has vehemently de- African country. dragged on for years, however, bus that had been set alight. 42, was summoned before the nied the accusations against The revelations appear in an despite international pressure “Youths attacked the bus by Supreme Court in December her and denounced Luanda’s expert report delivered to the for it to be fully applied. throwing stones and burned it this over allegations he tried to actions as a politically-mo- UN Security Council on August The report pointed to “mis- morning,” roadside trader Ben- embezzle up to $1.5bn (1.3bn tivated “witch-hunt”. Only a 7, which AFP has obtained, and trust, burden and confusion” edicte Yomakan told Reuters. euros) from Angola’s sovereign small elite have benefi ted from which come during a festering caused by the discrepancy be- wealth fund, which he oversaw Angola’s vast oil and mineral political crisis in the Sahel state. tween the government’s state- from 2013 to 2018. Jose Filomeno dos Santos gestures to journalists in Luanda, yesterday. reserves. Mali is currently in the grip of ments and actions. TRAGEDY Nicknamed “Zenu”, dos The southwest African coun- a deep political impasse between UN experts named former Plane carrying four Santos was charged with steal- infl uence peddling. All four til told AFP there was “no evi- try has been slow to recover President Ibrahim Boubacar army chief of staff , Keba San- ing $500mn from the fund and were acquitted of money- dence” his client had diverted from a 1975-2002 civil war. Keita and a strident opposition gare, as one of the men respon- crashes in Congo transferring it to a Swiss bank laundering charges.They had funds into personal accounts. Large pockets of the population movement insisting on his res- sible for frustrating the deal, account. previously denied any wrong- Zenu is the fi rst member of live in poverty with limited ac- ignation. notably for “questionable de- A plane carrying four passengers “For the crime of fraud... doing. the former presidential fam- cess to basic services. But much of the popular anger cision-making” during a long- crashed late on Thursday in dense and for the crime of peddling Both Zenu and da Silva’s ily to be prosecuted as part an Most of the ex-president’s in the impoverished country can planned troop redeployment. forest in eastern Democratic infl uence...the legal cumulus lawyers told reporters they anti-graft campaign led by family have moved abroad be attributed to its brutal eight- The Algiers accord provided Republic of Congo, authorities said. condemns him to a single sen- would appeal. President Joao Lourenco, who since he stepped down, and year confl ict, which fi rst broke for Malian troops reoccupy- The plane, thought to be one of tence of fi ve years in prison,” “I do not agree with the sen- came to power in 2017. jet between homes in London, out in its restive north. ing northern cities to be formed two small cargo planes owned by Supreme Court judge Joao da tence,” said Sergio Raimundo, In February, Angolan in- Dubai and Portugal. Ethnic Tuareg rebels captured into mixed battalions of army Agefreco, went down during a flight Cruz Pitra said. whose client da Silva was vestigators froze the assets of Dos Santos’ second daugh- much of the region in 2012, trig- regulars, former rebels, and pro- from Kalima in Maniema province Three co-defendants, in- handed the longest eight-year Zenu’s billionaire half-sister ter Welwitschia was suspend- gering a war that has since been government militiamen. to Bukavu in South Kivu province, cluding the former governor jail sentence. Isabel dos Santos, dubbed ed from parliament last year taken over by militants and But in the buildup to the said Theo Kasi, governor of South of the national bank of Angola “We will argue our techni- Africa’s richest woman by — where she had served since spread to central Mali, killing process last year, some former Kivu. “The investigation will deter- (BNA) Valter Filipe da Silva, cal and legal allegations, and if Forbes magazine. She is being 2008 — after lawmakers voted thousands of civilians and sol- rebels were not assigned units, mine the cause of the accident. I were sentenced to between we do not succeed here we will probed for a long list of crimes that her extended absence diers along the way. and others were mistakenly as- off er my deepest condolences,” fi ve and eight years in prison turn to other institutions.” in Angola, including misman- amounted to unjust enrich- But according to the UN re- signed units in the south, caus- Kasi said on Twitter. for fraud, embezzlement and Zenu’s lawyer Antonio Gen- agement, embezzlement and ment. port, top security offi cials in the ing months-long delays. Gulf Times Saturday, August 15, 2020 5 AMERICAS President promotes birther theory about Kamala Harris USPS warns of

AFP but her parents might not have Constitutional law expert Er- Washington been permanent residents at the win Chemerinsky told CBS News time. the claim about Harris “is a truly Trump appeared to be refer- silly argument”. resident Donald Trump ring to a Newsweek op-ed by “Under section 1 of the 14th has said that he had heard a conservative law professor Amendment, anyone born in the PDemocratic vice-presi- wrongly claiming the California United States is a United States ‘signifi cant risk’ dential running mate Kamala senator was not eligible to serve citizen. The Supreme Court has Harris was not eligible to serve, as vice-president or president held this since the 1890s. Kamala stoking a false claim echoing the because of the immigration sta- Harris was born in the United baseless “birther” theory he pro- tus of her parents when she was States,” the dean of UC Berkeley moted about Barack Obama. born. School of Law said in an e-mail At a White House news con- Harris was born in Oakland, to CBS. ference, Trump was asked about California in 1964 to a father “Some conservatives, such “claims circulating on social me- from Jamaica and a mother from as John Eastman, think that is of late ballots dia” that Harris was not eligible India. wrong and being born in the and whether he could say she met Trump earned national politi- country is not enough,” he said. Reuters Postal union endorses Biden candidacy as ‘survival’ of USPS at stake the legal requirements for vice- cal prominence by promoting the “(They’re) clearly wrong under Washington president. “birther” lie that Obama, Ameri- the language of the 14th Amend- The 300,000-member National Association of Letter postal service and its role in ensuring the integrity “I heard it today that she ca’s fi rst black president, was not ment and under Supreme Court Carriers said yesterday that the union’s executive of the 2020 election,” House Speaker Nancy Pelosi doesn’t meet the requirements. born in the United States. precedent.” head of a presidential council had endorsed Democrat Joe Biden for presi- and Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer said And, by the way, the lawyer that He grudgingly acknowledged Eastman’s op-ed was pub- election that could see dent, warning “the very survival” of the US Postal yesterday. wrote that piece is a very highly late in his 2016 presidential cam- lished a day after Democratic Aup to half of US voters Service (USPS) is at stake. They cited Trump’s comments on Thursday to Fox qualifi ed, very talented lawyer. paign that Obama was born in challenger Joe Biden announced cast their ballots by mail, the US The union criticised Republican President Donald Business Network opposing funding for the USPS. I have no idea if that’s right,” the United States. Harris as his running mate, the Postal Service (USPS) is warn- Trump and his administration for refusing “to provide “They want $25bn for the post off ice. Now, they need Trump said. “I would have as- In his Newsweek op-ed, Chap- fi rst woman of colour tapped by ing some states that they need the necessary financial relief that would strengthen that money in order to have the post off ice work so it sumed the Democrats would man University law professor a major party for the post. to provide more time for those the agency during this pandemic”. can take all of these millions and millions of ballots,” have checked that out before she John Eastman claimed some Laurence H Tribe, a professor votes to be counted. Trump’s campaign did not immediately comment. Trump said. “But if they don’t get those two items, gets chosen to run for vice-pres- “commentators” said that Har- of constitutional law at Harvard The USPS has told at least The union called Biden “a fierce ally and defender” of that means you can’t have universal mail-in voting ident.” ris was ineligible as she was not Law School, told the New York four states – Michigan, Penn- the postal service. because they’re not equipped to have it.” “But that’s a very serious – a “natural born citizen” as her Times that Eastman’s idea was sylvania, California and Wash- The union also said Senator Kamala Harris, Biden’s Pelosi and Schumer said Trump “made plain that he you’re saying that – they’re parents were not naturalised US “total B.S.”. ington – there is “signifi - vice-presidential pick, has “staunchly defended main- will manipulate the operations of the Post Off ice to saying that she doesn’t qualify citizens at the time of her birth. “I hadn’t wanted to comment cant risk” voters will not have taining a healthy, financially stable” postal service. deny eligible voters the ballot in pursuit of his own because she wasn’t born in this According to the Constitution, on this because it’s such an idi- enough time to complete their Democrats have seized on changes made by new re-election. country.” any natural born US citizen over otic theory,” Tribe told the news- ballots and return them on time Postmaster General Louis DeJoy, a Trump supporter, “The president’s own words confirm: he needs to The reporter replied that Har- the age of 35 is eligible to be pres- paper. under current state laws, ac- that they say has led to a dramatic increase in de- cheat to win.” ris was born in the United States ident or vice-president. “There is nothing to it.” cording to correspondence seen layed and undelivered mail. Yesterday Trump said that he would support $25bn by Reuters. “The president, his cronies and Republicans in Con- for the postal service if he won other priorities in a The Washington Post re- gress continue to wage their all-out assault on the coronavirus relief bill. ported that the postal service has warned a total of 46 of the New Jersey to mail ballots to everyone in November election Hotspot 50 states and the District of Co- lumbia. New Jersey will mail a ballot to every voter in the “We’re going to have more presence of secure drop The letters highlight the state for November’s elections, as well as hold in- boxes, make sure there is that physical in-voting possibility that a meaningful person voting amid the coronavirus pandemic, the capacity,” he said, referring to in-person voting. number of mail votes in the No- state’s Democratic governor said yesterday. Residents who opt to go to their local polling places vember 3 presidential election Governor Phil Murphy’s announcement came as on November 3 will do so in “provisional voting”, might go uncounted if they are Republican President Donald Trump stepped up meaning they must use paper ballots, not voting ma- returned too late. his attacks on voting by mail, which is expected chines, so that off icials can guard against duplicate “State and local election of- to increase dramatically this fall because of the voting, Murphy said. fi cials must understand and take coronavirus. The process is “a little bit more cumbersome but it into account our operational Trump and his wife, nonetheless, requested absentee works”, he said. standards and recommended ballots for next Tuesday’s primary election in their Asked about potential voter fraud by using such a timelines,” USPS spokeswoman adopted home state of Florida. hybrid model, Murphy said: “I’m pretty sure that we Martha Johnson said. Trump has said that the voting method is susceptible have a higher probability of being hit by lightning She did not respond to a to large-scale fraud, though experts say voter fraud than we do uncovering voter fraud.” question about how many states of any kind is extremely rare in the United States. He said the July vote was a resounding success, in total got warning letters. New Jersey will use methods similar to what it em- convincing off icials that was the way to go. Election offi cials are bracing ployed for its primary vote in July, Murphy told CNN New Jersey will join eight other states, including for a deluge of mail ballots as in an interview, with improvements based on lessons California and Nevada, that will off er universal mail-in Americans avoid public gath- learned then. balloting. erings due to the coronavirus pandemic, which has prompted many states to make it easier to the ballot, mail it to the voter counted if they are received up to the US Election Assistance vote by mail. and have it returned. to three days after the Novem- Commission. The USPS itself has gotten “There is signifi cant risk that ber 3 election, rather than on Problems with mail ballots pulled into a political fi ght, with the voter will not have suffi cient Election Day. have marred many primary Firefighters observe smoke and flames rising yesterday from the Ranch fire in the San Gabriel Republican President Donald time to complete and mail the Marshall also encouraged elections this year. mountains above Azusa, 25 miles east of Los Angeles. The Los Angeles County Fire Department was Trump saying on Thursday that completed ballot back to elec- election offi cials to use its fi rst- Voters in Georgia reported alerted to the brush fire at 2.45pm on Thursday. By Friday morning, the blaze was still at 0% he objected to providing funds tion offi cials in time for it to ar- class mail service to ensure not getting requested mail bal- containment. for the struggling service or mail rive by the state’s return dead- prompt delivery, rather than the lots, while in New York a judge voting. line,” Postal Service General cheaper and slower bulk-mail ordered poll offi cials to count Trump, who is trailing Demo- Counsel Thomas Marshall wrote rate. thousands of ballots they had cratic rival Joe Biden in opinion in a July 29 letter to Michigan’s In past elections the postal rejected for missing that state’s polls, has railed against wide- top election offi cial seen by Reu- service has given priority to all deadline. spread mail voting, saying with- ters. political and election mail, no The issue has taken on add- out evidence that it could lead to Half of the states allow vot- matter the postage rate, accord- ed urgency in recent weeks, as Chile lifts US, Canada, Mexico fraud. ers to request an absentee ballot ing to workers and the service’s cost-cutting measures put in Biden and other Democrats within seven days of an election. internal watchdog. place by Trump’s new postmas- have accused Trump of trying to The USPS recommends that “If this letter aims to back- ter general, Louis DeJoy, have lockdown extend travel ban discourage mail voting in order mail ballots should be com- track on that collaboration or led to widespread mail delays. to boost his re-election chances. pleted and in the mail back to the promise of prioritisation “They’re not moving as fast Election experts say mail election offi ces by that point, of election mail, that would be as they normally would, and I on central AFP/Reuters than 5.2mn infections, has voting is as secure as any other according to Marshall’s letter. very concerning,” said Tracy think we know that,” Ohio Sec- Washington/Ottawa more than any other country in method. Ohio, Michigan and other Wimmer, a spokeswoman for retary of State Frank LaRose the world. The USPS has warned some states with tight deadlines have the Michigan Department of said at a news conference on Santiago The month-long ban does states that allowing voters to so far not pushed them back. State, which oversees elections. Wednesday. he US Department of not cover trade or travel by air. request ballots less than a week Pennsylvania’s secretary of Roughly 0.25% of mail ballots He urged voters to complete Reuters Homeland Security said The current range of restric- before the election does not state asked the state Supreme were rejected in 2016 because their ballots as quickly as pos- Santiago Tyesterday that a coro- tions runs out on August 21. leave enough time to print up Court to allow ballots to be they arrived too late, according sible. navirus ban on non-essential The premiers of several ma- travel through border crossings jor Canadian provinces say hile will lift one of the with Canada and Mexico is be- they want to keep out US tour- world’s longest quaran- ing extended until September ists until there is clear evidence Ctines on Monday, mov- 21. that the coronavirus outbreak ing the capital Santiago’s central The highly-contagious south of the border is under Top US appointments improper: watchdog business district and adjoining coronavirus causes the Cov- control. Central Station to a “transition- id-19 respiratory disease. A July 17 poll by Ipsos-Reid al” stage under a “Step by Step” The reciprocal travel ban said 85% of Canadians think Reuters of Homeland Security, did not enforcement, relying on many lenging Trump immigration reopening. aimed at slowing the spread of the land border should stay Washington follow processes outlined in offi cials in a temporary “acting” policies and potentially make “This is a very important an- coronavirus was fi rst imposed closed until at least the end of federal law. status. the policies easier to reverse if nouncement for us and one in March and has been extend- 2020. The GAO, which provides Nathaniel Madden, a DHS his Democratic opponent Joe that gives us great satisfaction,” ed several times since then. Last month Canada tight- he appointments of two non-partisan information to spokesman, said the depart- Biden wins the November 3 Health Minister Enrique Paris “We continue to work with ened its rules for foreign trav- top Homeland security Congress and cannot force the ment disagreed “wholeheart- election. told a press conference in San- our Canadian and Mexican ellers who must transit to get to Toffi cials in the Trump executive branch to take action, edly” with the GAO and would In a federal court hearing in tiago on Wednesday. partners to slow the spread of Alaska after several US citizens administration were improper, referred the issue to the inspec- issue a formal response shortly. Maryland yesterday over new Chile has faced one of Latin #COVID19,” acting US Home- were fi ned for making detours a US government watchdog tor-general for the US Depart- In a 12-page decision, the Trump rules that make it harder America’s fi ercest coronavirus land Security Secretary Chad to sightsee. said yesterday in a decision that ment of Homeland Security GAO found that the department for asylum-seekers to obtain outbreaks, but case and fatality Wolf said on Twitter. “Accord- The United States and Mex- could complicate the adminis- (DHS), another watchdog. did not follow the proper chain work permits, US District Judge rates have declined steadily over ingly, we have agreed to extend ico agreed to similar clamp tration’s eff orts to defend immi- Republican President Donald of succession following the de- Paula Xinis said that if the GAO the last two months. the limitation of non-essential down on the border. gration policies in court. Trump made a crackdown on parture of Senate-confi rmed fi ndings were correct, the rules Santiago Mayor Felipe Ales- travel at our shared land ports Mexico has told the US The US Government Ac- immigration a major focus of his secretary Kirstjen Nielsen in should be invalidated. sandri said the reopening did of entry through September government that it supports countability Offi ce (GAO) found fi rst four-year term in offi ce and 2019, making the subsequent Top Democrats, including not give “carte blanche” to citi- 21.” extending restrictions for that the appointments of Chad campaign for re-election. appointments of Wolf and Cuc- Senate Minority Leader Chuck zens, who should remain indoors The United States has ex- an additional month, Mexi- Wolf, acting secretary of Home- At the same time, he has cy- cinelli improper. Schumer, called on both Wolf whenever possible, wear masks perienced a recent surge in can Foreign Minister Marcelo land Security, and Ken Cuc- cled through leaders at DHS, The decision could provide and Cuccinelli to step down in in public and wash their hands. Covid-19 cases and, with more Ebrard said on Thursday. cinelli, acting deputy secretary which oversees immigration legal fi repower for parties chal- light of the report. People may leave their homes on weekdays without the previ- ously required police permis- sions, and meet in small groups, while businesses can gradually reopen. Bolsonaro’s popularity surges to high despite pandemic The centre of Santiago has a large, multicultural and fl oat- ing population and contains the AFP despite the carnage the coro- 2019, four months into his presi- toll worldwide, after the United Bolsonaro, 65, continues to of the coronavirus pandemic. presidential palace, government Rio de Janeiro navirus pandemic has caused in dency, that Bolsonaro’s approval States – and fuelled the loss of downplay Covid-19, the respi- The former army captain had ministries, many businesses and Brazil. rating outstripped his disap- 8.9mn jobs last quarter. ratory disease is caused by the an approval rating of 42% among transport hubs. The far-right leader’s approv- proval rating in the Datafolha Bolsonaro’s presidency has coronavirus. stimulus payment recipients. It has been under strict lock- razilian President Jair al rating surged fi ve points from poll. been marked by a constant string Datafolha found that the Datafolha carried out the poll down for 143 days since March Bolsonaro received the June, to 37%, while his disap- The strong numbers came of controversies, most recently president was performing well on August 11 and 12 via phone 26, shortly after Chile’s fi rst Bbest approval rating of his proval rating plunged 10 points despite the fact that the new his handling of the pandemic. among poor Brazilians who have interviews with 2,065 respond- coronavirus case was confi rmed. term yesterday, boosted by his to 34%, the leading polling fi rm coronavirus has killed more Even after catching the virus been receiving monthly stimu- ents. Central Station followed a popularity among recipients of Datafolha reported. than 105,000 people in Bra- himself last month, putting him lus payments of 600 reals (about The margin of error was two month later. coronavirus stimulus payments It was the fi rst time since April zil – the second-highest death in quarantine for three weeks, $110) to off set the economic pain percentage points. Gulf Times 6 Saturday, August 15, 2020 ASIA/AUSTRALASIA

Philippines delays start of school year as coronavirus surges

AFP scheduled to begin on October 5, will do “blended learning” that modules were found to be littered Manila the education department said, involves a mix of online, televi- with grammar errors. The educa- blaming the latest lockdown in sion and radio classes. tion department blamed an en- Chicken imports from Brazil banned the capital Manila and four sur- But preparations have been coding glitch. Half of the class- he Philippines delayed rounding provinces for “logisti- plagued by problems and there rooms in Manila – nearly 18,000 The Philippines imposed a than 3.2mn cases and more unlisted, said it had not been yesterday the start of the cal limitations” in preparing for are concerns that many children – have been made available to the temporary ban on poultry meat than 105,000 deaths since the formally notified by the Chinese Tschool year by another six remote schooling. Authorities from poor families with no or health department to use as iso- imports from Brazil yesterday pandemic began. “With the authorities of the alleged weeks to October as the coun- have largely ruled out face-to- limited Internet access will be lation centres for Covid-19 pa- after two cities in China found recent reports from China and contamination. The company try battles surging coronavirus face classes for the rest of 2020 disadvantaged. tients, Briones said yesterday. It traces of the new coronavirus in in compliance with the country’s said it takes all possible infections and prepares to turn after Duterte said students would Education Secretary Leonor comes as authorities force peo- cargoes of imported frozen food, Food Safety Act to regulate measures to prevent the spread classrooms into quarantine fa- have to stay home until a virus Briones urged parents to use ple who have tested positive for including chicken wings from food business operators and of the coronavirus and there is cilities. vaccine was available. online modules provided by the the virus and cannot self-isolate the South American country. safeguard Filipino consumers, no evidence it is spread through Schools across the archipelago The Philippines is due to start government to home-school at home to stay in government- Shenzhen city authorities the temporary ban on the import food. Brazil’s agriculture ministry have been shut since mid-March large-scale human testing of a their children during the extend- run facilities to slow community identified the chicken as of chicken meat is imposed,” the said it was seeking clarification when President Rodrigo Du- Russian vaccine in October with ed break. “It is to your advantage transmission of the illness. originating from a plant owned Department of Agriculture said from Chinese authorities. The terte’s government imposed a regulatory approval of the drug if you already start teaching your The Philippines has the most by Aurora, Brazil’s third-largest in a statement. It did not say how Philippines’ Department of month-long lockdown in a bid expected in April, according to own children,” Briones said. “We infections in Southeast Asia, poultry and meat exporter. Brazil long the ban would be enforced. Agriculture assured the public, to slow the fast-spreading con- the government’s timeline re- will be more than ready by Octo- with more than 153,000 con- has the world’s second-worst Brazil accounts for around however, that chicken products tagion. The academic year usu- leased yesterday. In the mean- ber.” fi rmed cases, including 2,442 Covid-19 outbreak after the 20% of the Philippines’ poultry currently in the local market ally starts in June but was pushed time, more than 20mn students But there was uproar on social deaths. United States, recording more meat imports. Aurora, which is were safe to eat. back to August 24. It is now enrolled for the new school year media this week after some of the

North Korea lifts lockdown in town after suspected coronavirus case

South Korean North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has lifted a three-week lockdown in the city of Kaesong after a suspected case of the novel coronavirus there, state media reported yesterday, without saying if it had been confirmed doctors strike or was a false alarm. North Korea has not reported any cases of the coronavirus and Kim told a ruling party politburo meeting on Thursday the country had to be vigilant and decline any off er of foreign aid to battle flooding over training to keep the virus at bay. “The worsening global situation on Reuters the capital Seoul, the KMA said. 31, the Korea Centers for Disease the malignant virus requires us Seoul At least 10,584 of the country’s Control and Prevention (KCDC) not to allow any outside aid for 33,836 medical facilities, in- said. The new cases bring the the flood damage but shut the cluding private clinics, staged a country’s tally to 14,873 infec- border tighter and carry out strict ore than a quarter of walkout, a health ministry offi - tions, with 305 deaths, as of anti-epidemic work,” Kim said in South Korea’s medical cial told Reuters. KMA deemed midnight Thursday. comments carried by the KCNA. Mclinics closed yesterday the government’s unilateral de- The latest infections were Authorities locked down Kaesong, for a one-day strike in protest at cision “backstabbing” to physi- clustered around churches, on the border with South Korea, government plans to train new cians dealing with Covid-19. where many engaged in high- and declared an emergency in doctors, as the country reported “Faced with the Covid-19 risk activities such as choir, the area last month after a North the highest number of domestic in February, we – the doctors sharing meals and not prop- Korean who had defected to the coronavirus cases since the end – have devoted ourselves with erly wearing masks, KCDC chief South slipped back into the town. of March. the single sense of duty to pro- Jeong Eun-kyeong told a brief- State media said the man had The government plans to tect lives and the safety of the ing. shown coronavirus symptoms. increase the number of medi- citizens,” KMA President Choi Authorities said they were The World Health Organisation cal students by 4,000 over the Dae-zip said at a rally outside reviewing whether to resume said later test results on him next 10 years, which it says is the parliament. tighter social distancing meas- were inconclusive. Kim told necessary to be better prepared “The number of physicians ures, which could include re- the politburo that coronavirus for public health crises like the per 1,000 people has increased stricting gatherings to 50 people prevention measures had coronavirus pandemic. by 3.1% annually for the past 10 indoors and 100 outside. stabilised the risk in the area But the Korean Medical As- years, which is 6 times greater South Korea used invasive but the border had to remain sociation (KMA), which helped than the OECD average,” KMA tracing and widespread testing shut to any help in response to organise the protest, says the said in a statement. to contain its fi rst outbreak of hardships brought by unusually country already has more than The strike comes as South Ko- the novel coronavirus, but Asia’s long monsoon rains. Floods have enough physicians. rea yesterday reported 103 new fourth-largest economy has ex- inundated or destroyed 16,680 Some 28,000 doctors and coronavirus cases, of which 85 perienced persistent outbreaks Doctors, medical students and healthcare professionals wearing face masks and protective equipment as houses and 630 public buildings, trainees protested nationwide were domestic, the most locally in recent weeks, mostly in the part of preventative measures against the novel coronavirus attend a rally calling for the government to and damaged bridges, railroads on Friday, 20,000 of them in transmitted cases since March densely populated capital area. increase its annual intake of medical students, in the Yeouido district of Seoul yesterday. and power plants, KCNA said.

New Zealand extends lockdown Prominent Thai democracy activist arrested

AFP to stamp out Covid-19 outbreak Bangkok

Reuters hai police yesterday ar- Wellington rested a prominent de- Tmocracy activist follow- ing his participation in protests ew Zealand Prime Min- calling for government reforms, ister Jacinda Ardern ex- a new constitution and an over- Ntended a lockdown in the haul of a law shielding the pow- country’s biggest city yesterday erful monarchy. in response to the fi rst national Thailand has seen near-daily coronavirus outbreak in months, demonstrations in recent weeks sticking with a “go early, go hard” by student-led groups angry at approach she said has proven ef- the government of former mili- fective. tary chief Prime Minister Prayut Ardern said genomic testing Chan-O-Cha. has shown the latest outbreak is The arrest of Parit Chiwarak, a diff erent strain to the original broadcast live on Facebook by a outbreak in New Zealand earlier A cafe forced to close under restrictions places mannequins at the friend, saw police read out sev- in the year, suggesting it was new tables to mimic customers in Auckland yesterday. eral charges against him before to the country. he was bundled into a waiting The New Zealand leader said or managed quarantine facili- and level 2 restrictions for the rest car, shouting: “Long live democ- lockdown measures in Auckland, ties. She said genome sequencing of the country, are not as severe as racy!”. home to about 1.7mn people, and disproved the theory from some the fi ve-week level 4 shutdown “I can confi rm that Parit Chi- social distancing measures across health experts that the virus could she imposed earlier in the year. warak has been arrested... The Thai activist Parit Chirawak (centre) with his mother inside Samanrat police station in Bangkok yesterday. the country that were imposed on have been quietly moving through “I would characterise our ap- charges relate to the demonstra- Wednesday would remain in place community since the original proach as a ‘short but precaution- tion on July 18,” Police Major groups, Free Youth Movement, Thailand has been locked charge. The super-rich royal for another 12 days. Her swift ac- outbreak. “This suggests this is ary hold’ in an ongoing investiga- General Somprasong Yentaum released a statement demanding in a cycle of coups and family, which commands an es- tion followed the discovery on not a case of the virus being dor- tion that will stamp out the virus,” told AFP, referring to one of the authorities stop what it called street protests for decades, timated fortune of up to $60bn, Tuesday of the country’s fi rst mant or of a burning ember in our she said of the current measures, largest rallies so far. the “intimidation of political ex- with the latest putsch in sits at the apex of Thai power, Covid-19 infections in 102 days, community,” she said. “It appears which will last a total of 14 days, The detention of Chiwarak — pression” and inviting people to 2014 staged by Prayut. supported by a powerful military in a family in Auckland. Since to be new to New Zealand.” the known incubation period for also known as “Penguin” — is the attend a rally on Sunday in Bang- and the country’s elite billionaire then, offi cials have identifi ed a Health Minister Chris Hipkins the virus. The opposition Na- third in a week after two other kok. an anger fuelled by coronavirus class. total of 29 cases, all linked to the said earlier that genome testing tional Party has been pressuring protesters were arrested last Fri- Thailand has been locked in lockdowns that have seen the na- Even though the use of the lese same cluster. suggested the new virus out- Ardern to delay the Sept 19 elec- day on the same charges, which a cycle of coups and street pro- tion enter a downward economic majeste law has ceased in recent “As we have said from the break had originated in Britain tion, arguing their inability to include sedition and breaking tests for decades, with the latest spiral. years, legal observers say the start, our overall Covid-19 strat- or Australia. Ardern cautioned campaign because of restrictions coronavirus regulations. They putsch in 2014 staged by Prayut. Prayut on Thursday called for government is turning to other egy remains elimination,” Ardern that more cases were likely in gave her government an unfair were subsequently released on At least eight activists who unity and urged the kingdom to legislation to silence dissent, said in a televised media confer- the coming days but said she was advantage. Ardern said on Friday bail. fl ed the kingdom since the 2014 “say no to the politics of hate” in such as the Computer Crimes ence. “Together, we have got rid confi dent offi cials would suc- she would make a decision in the The protesters, partly inspired coup have disappeared in the a televised address. The 66-year- Act and sedition laws. of Covid before. We have kept it cessfully identify the “perimeter” next 48 hours. by the Hong Kong democracy past two years, according to Hu- old also poured scorn on the pro- More than 140 university lec- out for 102 days, longer than any of the cluster — if not its source — New Zealanders celebrated movement, have tried to remain man Rights Watch. testers’ demands, saying they turers from across the kingdom other country. We can do all of allowing them to isolate cases and when Ardern appeared to elimi- leaderless, relying on social me- Demonstrators are now call- were without support from much this week signed a petition to that again.” remove restrictions. nate community transmission of dia campaigns to spread news ing for a rewrite of the military- of the country and warning them show their support for the pro- Ardern is under pressure ahead The earliest case authorities the coronavirus with the earlier about their rallies. On Friday scripted 2017 constitution, their demands were “risky”. test movement. of a upcoming general election, have identifi ed to date is a worker hard lockdown that forced almost #SaveParit started trending on which they say tipped the scales On Monday, one rally saw sev- Analyst Thitinan Pongsu- with the main opposition Nation- at an Auckland-based cool store everyone to stay at home. There Thai Twitter within hours of the in favour of Prayut’s military- eral thousand listening to speak- dhirak of Chulalongkorn Univer- al Party accusing the government owned US-based Americold Re- were concerns a repeat of that activist’s arrest. aligned party in last year’s elec- ers calling for a frank discussion sity said authorities were taking of failing to secure quarantine fa- alty Trust, who became ill around process would come with a huge Hundreds also gathered at tion. of the royal family’s role and an a gamble cracking down on the cilities and withholding informa- July 31. Almost a dozen other in- economic cost and Ardern on Fri- Chulalongkorn University at a Many protesters support the end to a law protecting the unas- protesters, warning it could em- tion. Ardern said contact tracing fections have been directly linked day announced the extension of a pre-planned rally, many holding opposition Future Forward Party, sailable institution. bolden them to do more. “The and genomic testing had found no to the facility. The current Level 3 wage subsidy scheme and mort- up hands in the three-fi ngered whose leaders were banned in The notorious “112” law can key is whether the student pro- links with the current outbreak to restrictions in Auckland requiring gage deferral programme to sup- salute from The Hunger Games February from politics. The move see those convicted sentenced testers can widen their base.” the country’s border entry points people to mostly remain at home, port businesses and protect jobs. fi lms. One of the main protest sparked fl ash mob protests and to up to 15 years in jail for each Gulf Times Saturday, August 15, 2020 7

BRITAIN Government quietly drops 1.3mn Covid tests from tally

Guardian News and Media “An adjustment of -1,308,071 has The changes were made after it post. Justin Madders, the shadow ously been reprimanded for mis- The Liberal Democrat health, systematically.” The revised test London been made to the historic data for was discovered fewer in-person health minister, said the data on leading the public with its testing well-being and social care count comes after up to 750,000 the ‘tests made available’ metric. pillar 2 tests had been carried out testing had been “shambolic” for fi gures. spokesperson, Munira Wilson, unused coronavirus testing kits “The adjustments have been than originally reported, while months. Concerns were raised after a said: “With so many families torn manufactured by the diagnostics he government has quietly made as a result of more accu- more tests had been sent to NHS “To now retrospectively adjust target of 100,000 tests per day apart by this pandemic, the gov- company Randox were recalled removed 1.3mn coronavi- rate data collection and reporting trusts and care homes. the testing fi gures by 1.3mn over- was met by adding thousands of ernment must recognise the fall from care homes and individuals Trus tests from its data be- processes recently being adopted The problem was acknowl- night – without explanation – is mail-out tests to the country’s in public trust in their handling because of concerns about safety cause of double counting, raising within pillar 2.” edged by the DHSC on July 6 but the latest in a long line of chaotic testing capacity fi gures at the end of the crisis. standards. fresh questions about the accu- The department for health the tests were removed from the failings by the government on of April. “To avoid questions of fi ddling The recall was ordered by racy of the testing fi gures. and social care (DHSC) said the data on August 12. testing,” he said. In a letter to the Health Sec- the numbers, they must be ex- the Medicines and Healthcare In the government’s daily changes aff ected data reported Pillar 2 tests involve all testing “How can we be confi dent that retary, Matt Hancock, in June, plicitly transparent in how they products Regulatory Agency coronavirus update on Wednes- between May 14 and August 12. done outside hospitals through testing and tracing is working the head of the UK Statistics Au- have changed the data and how (MHRA) and the government day, it announced it had lowered It said there had been “a dou- commercial companies. properly when basic data on the thority, Sir David Norgrove, said: they will rapidly build testing ca- instructed care homes and the fi gure for “tests made avail- ble-counting of test kits that had For example, swab tests carried number of tests is obviously so “The aim seems to be to show the pacity. members of the public to im- able” by about 10% and discon- been dispatched”, “which had out at satellite testing centres, fl awed? Ministers need to get a grip largest possible number of tests, “Ultimately, we need an im- mediately stop using Randox tinued the metric. not been removed from the lab’s such as care homes, and home of this as a matter of urgency.” even at the expense of under- mediate independent inquiry testing kits in mid-July amid An update on the page read: processed data”. swab testing kits delivered by The government has previ- standing.” so lessons can be learned more concerns over their sterility. Brits rush back from France to beat new quarantine rules

Reuters have to cancel yet more fl ights, London meaning fresh fi nancial pain and denying them the August recov- ery for which they’d hoped. ritons rushed home from Airline and travel shares tum- summer holidays in France bled. Byesterday after their gov- British Airways-owner IAG ernment said it would soon im- was down 6% and easyJet, which pose a 14-day quarantine on said it would operate its full travellers from across the Chan- schedule for the coming days, nel due to rising coronavirus in- fell 7%. fections there. When Europe fi rst went into Britain’s government an- lockdown in March, Britain was nounced it would impose a quar- criticised for not restricting ar- antine from 0300GMT today on rivals from abroad. arrivals from France, giving an But since June, it has intro- estimated 160,000 UK holiday- duced strict quarantine rules makers there just over 24 hours for arrivals from countries with to get home to avoid having to infection rates above a certain self-isolate once back. level. The sudden rule change dealt The tightening quarantine for a fresh blow to tourists, airlines foreign travel, however, contrasts and tour operators all hoping with the easing of rules at home, Students and other demonstrators hold placards as they protest outside the department for education in central London yesterday against the downgrading of A-level results. for holidays after the pandem- where Prime Minister Boris ic, which has left many travel Johnson has ordered the gradual groups cash-strapped and facing reopening of the economy to an uncertain future. resume, weeks after pausing it. Many British tourists headed Shapps denied that the poli- towards the French port of Calais cies were contradictory, saying hoping to catch a ferry or a shut- that the aim was to keep the re- Williamson under pressure to tle train home in time. production rate of infection be- “We’ve changed our plans when low one. we heard the news. We decided “Being able to open up some of to head back home a day early to those things but having to close miss the quarantine,” one British down travel corridors elsewhere woman at a service station on the is all part of the same thing,” he quit over A-level results ‘fi asco’ motorway to Calais said after her told BBC Radio. week in southern France. Shapps said he sympathised Guardian News and Media ignored teachers’ advice”, and ately benefi ted while pupils from ment to scrap Ofqual’s “fatally “We need to end this fi asco.” In Calais, queues of cars built with travellers but that they London she also cited previous blunders disadvantaged backgrounds were fl awed” system. He accused the Schools Min- up yesterday afternoon. should not be entirely surprised, over free school meals and IT treated more harshly, prompting “Across the last 24 hours we ister, Nick Gibb, of “grossly mis- Ferry companies were adding given the fl uid situation around provision during the lockdown. the Equalities and Human Rights have heard heartbreaking sto- leading” students after he prom- extra crossings to help more peo- the pandemic. avin Williamson is facing “Gavin Williamson is an edu- Commission to publicly inter- ries and the scale of the injustice ised that any downgrades would ple get home before the deadline, “Where we see countries increasing pressure over cation secretary out of his depth vene. caused by the fatally fl awed results be “by just one grade”. Figures Jean-Marc Puissesseau, head of breach a certain level of cases... Gthe education depart- and out of excuses,” she said. “He Students reported losing system has become clear,” he said. from Ofqual showed that around the Port of Calais, told Reuters. then we have no real choice but ment’s mishandling of this sum- must take responsibility for his places at universities, while a ““The unprecedented and 24,000 results were lowered by The new quarantine rules ap- to act,” he told Sky News. mer’s exam results in England, mistakes and step down with im- string of college principals and chaotic circumstances created by more than one grade. ply to France, the second-most He ruled out any special as- with the Liberal Democrats call- mediate eff ect. Our young people headteachers reported results the government’s mishandling of Tory MPs also criticised Wil- popular holiday destination for sistance for holidaymakers, say- ing on him to resign and Labour and our country cannot aff ord dramatically lower than past education during recent months liamson’s handling of the con- Britons, the Netherlands and ing they knew the risks before demanding that the results be these blunders to continue into exam performance. mean that a return to teacher as- troversy and his abrupt an- the Mediterranean island of travelling, with a possible quar- replaced by teacher assessments. September ahead of a potential Williamson has ruled out fol- sessments is now the best option nouncement that students could Malta, Transport Minister Grant antine to France having been ru- Layla Moran, the LibDems’ second wave.” lowing the example of Scotland available. use results from mock exams to Shapps said. moured for weeks. education spokesperson, said Ofqual, the exam regulator for which on Tuesday scrapped the “No young person should be at appeal. Spain, the favourite holiday Airlines UK, an industry body Williamson should go because England, designed the grades results produced by its statisti- a detriment due to government One MP told the Daily Tele- destination for Britons, came representing BA, easyJet and Ry- of the disruption caused when system around schools’ previous cal model and said it would use incompetence. Time is running graph: “He’s clearly seen the chaos under government quarantine anair, called on Britain to imple- thousands of students were given results, resulting in nearly 40% teacher assessments to replace out. We need action in days, not in Scotland and is trying to move to rules on July 26. ment more targeted quarantines lower grades than expected on of grades assessed by teachers the exams cancelled during the weeks. That also means an urgent prevent that scenario. Instead he’s France warned it would re- on the regions with the highest Thursday. being downgraded by the statis- coronavirus lockdown. technical review of the stand- just made himself look panicky ciprocate, causing further head- infection rates and to bring in a She said Williamson had tical model. The Labour leader, Keir ardisation model ahead of GCSE and incompetent. In short, he’s aches for airlines which might testing regime. “pushed ahead with plans which Private schools disproportion- Starmer, called on the govern- results next week. justifying his own sacking.” England resumes Government expands lockdown easing

Covid vaccine supplies Reuters they have missed,” he said. London Most businesses are now al- lowed to operate, albeit within Reuters opment for Covid-19, as Britain northern England. strict guidelines. London seeks to hedge its bets should one Alex Harris, head of global rime Minister Boris John- Yesterday’s announcement or more of the technologies prove policy at the Wellcome Trust son yesterday ordered the means trials of crowds at sport- ineff ective. health charity, said the deals put Preopening of the economy ing events can also go ahead and he government will buy “The government’s strategy the Britain in a strong position, in England to resume as data indoor theatre, music and per- potential Covid-19 vac- to build a portfolio of promising and urged the government to ex- showed a recent rise in Covid-19 formances can resume with so- Tcines from US drugmakers vaccine candidates will ensure plain how it will now ensure fair infections had now levelled off . cially distanced audiences. Johnson & Johnson and Novavax, we have the best chance possible and equitable access to vaccines The move highlights the gov- The Office for National Sta- the companies said yesterday, of fi nding one that works,” Busi- for poorer countries too. ernment’s delicate balance be- tistics said a small increase in boosting the number of deals it ness Minister Alok Sharma said “Without this...the risk in- tween protecting the economy the percentage of people test- has with drugmakers as the glo- in a statement. creases that other rich countries and preventing the virus’s ing positive for Covid-19 in July bal vaccine race rages on. Johnson & Johnson said its will seek to strike similar bilateral spread, coming at the same time had now levelled off, although Britain and the US are in the Janssen Pharmaceutica unit will deals, potentially...leaving insuf- as the announcement of quaran- some said this was not the pri- lead with six vaccine deals with supply Britain with its candidate, fi cient volumes of vaccine for the tine on arrivals from France and mary driver for the lockdown drugmakers each, as companies known as Ad26.COV2.S, with rest of the world,” Harris said in a tougher penalties for those re- easing. and governments worldwide an initial sale of 30mn doses on statement. fusing to wear masks. “I don’t think it’s really work overtime to fi nd a vaccine a not-for-profi t basis for emer- The Janssen vaccine uses an Last month, amid rising case been taken on epidemiological against the pandemic disease. gency pandemic use. adenovirus technique to ferry numbers, Johnson said there was grounds, I think it’s really been The latest agreements bring The advance purchase agree- coronavirus proteins into cells in “a warning light on the dash- taken primarily for economic Britain’s total number of doses ment will also provide an option the body, while the Novavax shot board” and paused the reopen- reasons,” John Edmunds, one of secured to 362mn for a popula- for an additional purchase of up uses a technology known as re- ing of casinos, bowling alleys and the scientists advising the gov- tion of 66mn, and Britain said to a 22mn doses, it said. combinant nanoparticle to pro- skating rinks. ernment on its pandemic re- both vaccines could be available Separately, Novavax said Brit- duce antigens — molecules that Yesterday he said that phase of sponse told BBC radio. by the middle of next year for ain would buy 60mn doses of are designed to spur the immune his reopening plan could now go Johnson also announced in- priority groups, such as frontline its vaccine candidate, NVX- system into action. ahead. creased fi nes of up to £3,200 for health and social care workers, CoV2373. Recent studies show the odds “Today, we are able to an- those who repeatedly refuse to ethnic minorities, adults with Novavax will manufacture of an experimental vaccine mak- An NHS Covid-19 testing staff member collects a sample from a nounce some further changes wear a face mask where they are serious diseases, and the elderly. some of the vaccine using Fuji- ing it from early testing in people person in a car, across the road from the Greencore sandwich which will allow more people to required to do so, and cautioned The deals cover a wide range of fi lm Diosynth Biotechnologies to regulatory approval are rough- factory, amid the spread of the coronavirus disease, in Northampton, return to work and the public to that he would halt the lockdown vaccine types currently in devel- facilities in Stockton-on-Tees, ly one in three. yesterday. get back to more of the things easing again if required. Gulf Times 8 Saturday, August 15, 2020 EUROPE

Greek PM calls on France’s new Covid-19 youths to help rein cases stay above 2,500 in virus Germany declares most of This went beyond the 2,000 groups but especially 25 to 35- cases we’re witnessing”. The latest version of the RKI’s tough lockdown seven weeks ago. spread Spain a virus risk region threshold for the fi rst time since year olds. The daily death toll increased list on its website said the whole Yesterday’s near-3,000 new April 20, when France was in the Because that age group is less by 18 to 30,406 on yesterday of mainland Spain and the Bal- cases, little changed from Thurs- Reuters middle of one of Europe’s strict- likely to need hospital care – versus 17 a day over the last two earic islands were risk regions. day but about double the aver- AFP Paris/Berlin est lockdowns. around the world the coronavirus days. Designations as risk regions age of the fi rst 12 days of August, Athens Despite the rise in cases, has overwhelmingly killed eld- Meanwhile, Germany has de- are typically followed by the Ger- brought the cumulative total to which prompted Britain to re- erly people – France’s hospital clared nearly all of Spain, includ- man foreign ministry warning 342,813 – the highest in Western rance has declared its capi- move France from its list of safe system is holding up. ing the tourist island of Mallorca, against tourist travel to those Europe. reek Prime Minister tal Paris and the port city of travel destinations, the number The number of people in in- a coronavirus-risk region fol- areas and mean people returning But the Balearics have some Kyriakos Mitsotakis has FMarseille high-risk zones of people hospitalised due to the tensive care units (ICUs) for the lowing a spike in cases there. from there face a coronavirus test of the lowest daily infections in Gwarned the country’s for coronavirus, as the govern- disease continued to fall, hav- disease has fallen to 367, a new The move deals a blow to hopes or two weeks’ compulsory quar- Spain. young people to rein in reckless ment reported more than 2,500 ing dipped below 5,000 for the low since mid-March and a level for a swift revival of mass tourism antine. After peaking at around 80 behaviour seen as a key contrib- new infections for the third day fi rst time since mid-March on almost 20 times lower than a after months of lockdown all but The German government con- cases in July, they have come uting factor to a spike in Cov- in a row. Wednesday. 7,148 peak reached on April 8. wiped out this year’s high season siders regions within the Eu- down to 9 as reported by the id-19 cases. The coronavirus causes the The total offi cial tally of cases Speaking on BFM TV, Levy- in Europe. ropean Union high-risk once health ministry on Friday. The Covid-19 respiratory dis- Covid-19 respiratory disease. now stands at 212,211. Bruhl explained that while the The Bild daily had reported the number of new coronavirus Spanish authorities earlier or- ease is caused by the coronavi- The seven-day moving aver- Health ministry epidemiolo- authorities are not “presently earlier that Mallorca had been infections exceeds 50 cases per dered the closure of nightclubs, rus. age of new infections, which gist Daniel Levy-Bruhl described worried by the hospital situation added to the list of high-risk re- 100,000 people over the course banned drinking in outdoor pub- “I want to make a special ap- smoothes out reporting irregu- the situation as “worrying”, , we are worried of how this situ- gions published by the Robert of seven days. lic areas and all but outlawed peal to our youth. I too have chil- larities, increased to 2,041, dou- stressing the number of new ation could evolve if measures are Koch Institute (RKI), Germany’s Infections in Spain have spiked smoking to try to stem the virus dren of that age,” Mitsotakis said bling over the last two weeks. cases was up sharply in all age not taken to stop the increase of public health agency. in recent days after it ended a resurgence. ahead of additional curfew re- strictions announced for Athens and other areas. “Please ... take care of your- selves, you are not immune, and your parents and grandparents are especially not immune,” said Protests continue to swell in Belarus the prime minister, a father of three. Yesterday the civil protection Reuters what it depicted as attempts by authority extended to the greater Raggi: became Rome’s first Minsk external forces to destabilise Athens area a night curfew for woman mayor in 2016. Belarus. restaurants and bars that had Russia’s General Prosecutor’s been originally announced on elarusian leader Alex- Offi ce said yesterday that Bela- Monday for over a dozen parts of ander Lukashenko has rus had returned a group of 32 the country, including some of Bordered people to stay at Russian nationals after detain- Greece’s leading tourist destina- Italy’s home to avoid becoming “can- ing them and accusing them of tions. non fodder” for what he said being mercenaries out to desta- Until August 24, eateries and were foreign-backed revolu- bilise Belarus. bars will close from midnight to M5S tionaries after huge crowds Lukashenko, a 65-year-old 0700 in greater Athens in ad- took to the streets for a sixth who once ran a Soviet collec- dition to the previous areas, consecutive day to demand he tive farm, has faced increasing which include Thessaloniki and changes step down. anger over his handling of the the popular islands of Mykonos, Lukashenko, whose claimed coronavirus pandemic as well Santorini, Corfu, Rhodes and landslide re-election victory as a sluggish economy and civil Crete. rules to last Sunday has been branded rights. Greece has so far recorded a fraud by protesters, has failed The offi cial election result over 6,600 infections, includ- to quell days of street demon- handed him a landslide vic- ing 254 cases yesterday, and 223 let Rome strations against him despite tory with 80% of the vote, deaths. security forces tough response compared to around 10% for “We know the spread of the against demonstrators. Tsikhanouskaya. virus is linked to younger ages. mayor Opposition politician Svi- Washington said the vote And we also know that these atlana Tsikhanouskaya, who “was not free and fair”. people will return from holiday earlier this week fl ed to neigh- Thousands of workers pro- destinations in coming days and run again bouring Lithuania under severe tested yesterday at the Minsk weeks,” Mitsotakis said. pressure, called yesterday for Automobile Plant (MAZ), which “So we are making a very more protests and an election A Belarus law enforcement off icer, with flowers left by protesters at his feet, stands guard in front of a makes trucks and buses, strong recommendation,” he Reuters recount. government building during a rally in Minsk against police violence. chanting “Shame on you!” and added. Rome That heaped more pressure “Go!”, echoing the unrest seen “Whoever returns from a hol- on the authoritarian leader as nouskaya asked her supporters manding that Lukashenko step from detention. at several major factories this iday destination must be careful he faces the biggest challenge in to demand an offi cial investi- down. Several bore heavy bruises week. for a week ... wear a mask wher- embers of Italy’s rul- his 26 years in power. gation into allegations that Lu- Protesters were joined by and complained of beatings, Tsikhanouskaya, a 37-year- ever possible and keep a distance ing 5-Star Movement He showed no signs of back- kashenko had rigged the presi- workers at some of the state- cramped conditions and star- old former English teacher, from vulnerable and elderly peo- M(M5S) voted through ing down. dential election. owned industrial plants that vation rations inside the cells. emerged from obscurity a few ple at home.” changes in its internal rules yes- “Don’t throw yourselves “Belarusians will never again are the centrepiece of his Sovi- The government denied weeks ago to take her husband’s The prime minister warned terday which will allow its mayor onto the streets. You must un- want to live with the old au- et-style economic model. abusing detainees. place in the election campaign that “more drastic measures that of Rome to run for a second term. derstand that you are being thorities,” she said. “Let’s de- As the crowd converged on European Commission Pres- after he was jailed. will doubtlessly have economic In another policy shift, mem- used, and our children are be- fend our choice. Don’t stay on the parliament building on In- ident Ursula von der Leyen She has now led some of repercussions” would be taken bers also approved a proposal to ing used, like cannon fodder,” the sidelines. Our voices need dependence Square in Minsk, called for sanctions on those the biggest protests against if the spread of the virus is not allow the movement to form al- Lukashenko said in televised to be heard.” at least two helmeted secu- “who violated democratic val- Lukashenko since he came to halted. liances with other parties at up- remarks. At least two protesters were rity offi cers lowered their riot ues or abused human rights in power with the fall of the Soviet The government has so far coming mayoral elections, pav- “Today people have come killed and thousands detained shields, prompting women to Belarus”. Union. ruled out a general lockdown ing the way for deals at the local from Poland, the Netherlands, in this week’s crackdown. run forward to hug them and Belarus Foreign Minister Shortly after the election, after gradually reopening the level with the centre-left Demo- Ukraine and from Russia. Ag- Yesterday the European Un- off er fl owers. Vladimir Makei told his Swiss she fl ed to Lithuania, saying economy in May and starting to cratic Party (PD). gression against our country ion took its fi rst step towards In a carnival atmosphere, counterpart in a call that Minsk that it was for the sake of her accept foreign arrivals in June to Virginia Raggi, 42, became the has already begun,” he said, imposing new sanctions on Be- marchers held up balloons, was ready for “constructive and children. salvage part of the tourism sea- Eternal City’s fi rst woman mayor suggesting anti-Kremlin ac- larus, with a diplomatic source fl ags and placards saying “we objective dialogue with foreign Yesterday she called for the son which is vital to the econo- when elected in 2016, in a break- tivists were trying to whip up saying that member states had will not forget, we will not for- partners” about issues related international community to fa- my. through for M5S which went on trouble. agreed to task its foreign policy give”.Horns from passing cars to the election, the state news cilitate talks with the authori- Authorities are also anxious to victory at national elections He had earlier joked that unit with preparing a list of in- blared in solidarity. agency BelTA reported. ties and said she wanted to set to keep crowds from gather- two years later and now governs he was alive and had not fl ed dividuals to be blacklisted. In a rare climbdown, the gov- Russia, which has nudged up a council to enable a transfer ing in churches today for the the country in coalition with the abroad. Tens of thousands of people ernment had earlier apologised Lukashenko into accepting of power, a proposal that was Dormition of the Virgin, one of PD. In a video posted on so- took to the streets for a sixth for the use of force as it freed closer political and economic swiftly endorsed by the presi- Greece’s main religious celebra- Raggi announced this week cial media yesterday, Tsikha- consecutive day yesterday, de- more than 2,000 protesters ties, has expressed concern over dent of Lithuania. tions. she wanted to bid for re-election in 2021, but this ran afoul of a long-standing M5S rule forbid- ding members to hold elected offi ce – even in diff erent posts – for more than two terms. German coal plant Bulgarian PM calls for constitution overhaul Raggi is already in her second elected position, having served as a city councillor before be- targeted by protests Reuters makers approved his call for been rallying in central Sofi a possible only after the resigna- coming mayor. Sofia the election of a grand national since early July to demand the tions sought by the society and M5S’s top brass, which had assembly tasked with vot- resignation of Borisov and Chief fair, early elections,” said Radev, long considered amending the DPA trolled energy group Fortum’s ing on a new constitution that Prosecutor Ivan Geshev. who will have to appoint an in- two-term rule, announced after Berlin headquarters in Espoo, west of ulgarian Prime Minis- should improve the effi ciency “It is time not only to change terim government if there are Raggi’s decision that it would be Helsinki. ter Boyko Borisov has of the much-criticised judiciary the political system but to re- snap polls. put to a vote of members on the Greenpeace Finland posted Bcalled for an overhaul of among other changes. start the country,” Borisov, 61, The protesters accuse Bori- party’s Internet platform. rotests were taking place photos of the protest, includ- the constitution in an apparent However, protesters as well as leader of the centre-right GERB sov of eroding state institutions The proposal that a fi rst term against a German coal- ing of a protester with a placard eff ort to defuse weeks of anti- opposition left- and right-wing party, said in a televised address. to serve the interests of private as a town councillor should not Ppowered plant yester- that read “Money or life, For- government protests by mostly parties who support them, dis- In a separate address to Bul- business interests and say Ge- count for the purposes of the day, with climate activists in tum?” and “Stop Fossil [Fuel] younger Bulgarians weary of missed the proposal as a ploy garians on Friday, President shev has failed to wage a genuine rule was backed by 80% to 20%. Finland also taking aim at the Burning”. endemic corruption in the Eu- by Borisov, who has dominated Rumen Radev, a vocal critic of war on high-level graft. The second proposal, allowing government’s involvement in German conservation- ropean Union member state. Bulgarian politics since 2009, to Borisov, slammed his proposal. Transparency International for pre-election pacts with other the controversial site. ist organisation BUND ear- Three-times premier Bori- win time and stay in power. “A debate on the constitution ranks Bulgaria as the most cor- parties at mayoral elections, was The Finnish state holds lier handed over a list signed sov promised to resign if law- Thousands of Bulgarians have and the future of the country is rupt country in the EU. approved by 60% to 40%. a majority share in Fortum, by more than 40,000 people to Foreign Minister Luigi Di whose subsidiary Uniper oper- the Finnish embassy in Berlin, Maio, M5S former leader and ates the Datteln 4 power plant urging Finnish Prime Minister still its most infl uential fi gure, in the western German state of Sanna Marin to quickly move said that the votes marked “a North Rhine Westphalia. to decommission the plant. new era” for the movement, The plant went online in late In Datteln itself, police said Italy marks Genoa bridge collapse aniversary which normally struggles in lo- May, despite Germany’s plans activists coasted past the plant cal ballots against centre-left to phase out coal by 2038. in around 20 canoes on the ad- and centre-right alliances. In the Finnish capital Hel- jacent Dortmund-Ems canal. DPA Relatives of the victims stood Conte said during a speech at committee for the victims’ rela- “Good luck to Virginia Raggi sinki, about 40 activists Representatives of the Genoa hugging in silence, with only the ceremony. tives. for her re-election and to all our from the Extinction Rebel- movement “Fridays for Fu- church bells ringing, at the exact He emphasised the impor- The relatives were suff er- mayoral candidates who will lion movement temporarily ture” Finland also issued an time of the accident, 11.36am tance of holding those respon- ing doubly because they were be at the head of coalitions,” Di blocked a street in front of the letter urging the Marin govern- taly commemorated yes- (0936 GMT). sible accountable, referring to “waiting for justice that may Maio posted on Facebook. Finnish parliament. ment to take “urgent action”, terday the collapse of a mo- A memorial with 43 trees was an ongoing legal investigation never come”, she added. The M5S has shed support Helsinki police later tweet- and close the Datteln 4 plant. Itorway bridge in Genoa that inaugurated earlier under the by the Genoa public prosecutor The Morandi bridge collapsed over the last two years and is now ed that traffi c was running as Germany is heavily reliant killed 43 people two years ago, new San Giorgio bridge, which into the collapse. on August 14, 2018, as cars and polling at around 16%, com- usual. on coal, which accounts for with speeches and a minute of opened on August 3. “It is no longer acceptable lorries plummeted and hun- pared with the 32% it won at the Protesters also assembled around one-third of the coun- silence near the newly built re- “We will never be able to for- that these processes take dec- dreds living below the bridge 2018 election. in front of Finnish state-con- try’s energy needs. placement bridge. get,” Prime Minister Giuseppe ades,” said Egle Possetti of the were made homeless. Gulf Times Saturday, August 15, 2020 9 INDIA

LEGAL OPINION PEOPLE VIOLENCE COMMENT Court extends status quo Pilot philosophical over S P Balasubrahmanyam Legislator’s nephew ‘admits’ Goa CM dismisses protest on Andhra capitals issue seating row change on life support system posting derogatory remark over Mollem projects

The Andhra Pradesh High Court yesterday Former Rajasthan deputy chief minister Sachin Noted playback singer S P Balasubrahmanyam Karnataka Congress legislator’s nephew P Naveen Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant has extended, till August 27, the status quo on three Pilot yesterday said it doesn’t matter who sits where (SPB) is on life support system and in a critical has admitted to the posting of the derogatory questioned the logic of NRIs residing in Russia, capital issue. A three-judge bench directed the inside the Assembly, what matters is who holds condition after testing positive for Covid-19, remark on Facebook, which triggered riots in Africa and England protesting against the state government to maintain the status quo place in people’s minds and hearts. Pilot’s seating MGM Healthcare, a private hospital, said. In a the city’s eastern suburb on August 11, police proposed deforestation of reserved forests in the for two more weeks, rejecting its appeal to arrangement was changed in the House when the statement issued here the hospital said, SPB’s said yesterday. “In the course of questioning, state to make way for three central government vacate the interim order passed on August 4. special Assembly session of the Rajasthan Assembly condition deteriorated and based on advice of Naveen admitted to have posted the derogatory projects related to power, rail and road expansion. The court on Friday took up hearing of nearly 55 commenced yesterday. He was moved to the the expert medical team attending to him, he has remark after denying it earlier and claiming that Sawant said the projects were necessary for the petitions filed to challenge the Andhra Pradesh second row from the first row after being stripped been moved to the intensive care unit (ICU). The his Facebook account was hacked, when he was state’s development, adding that drawing of a Decentralisation and Inclusive Development of of his portfolios as deputy chief minister and state hospital said SPB is on life support system and his arrested on August 12,” a police off icer said. Naveen, power line through the forested areas in Mollem All Regions Act, 2020 and the Capital Region minister for PWD and Panchayati Raj. Pilot had condition remains critical. He is currently under the 26, is a nephew of Congress legislator Akhanda in South Goa would help create a more broad- Development Authority (CRDA) Repeat Act, revolted against the Ashok Gehlot-led Rajasthan observation of a team of experts from critical care Srinivas Murthy from Pulakeshinagar (reserve) based power infrastructure for the state. “The 2020. Counsel for the petitioners argued that government and had returned to Jaipur only three and his haemodynamic and clinical parameters segment in the city’s north-eastern suburb. The opposition is coming from (people in) Africa, the three capital move was violation of Andhra days back to bury his diff erences with the chief are being closely monitored, a bulletin released by Congress party claimed that “inordinate delay” England and Russia. Those who have not seen Pradesh Reorganisation Act, 2014 as it talks of minister, thus marking an end to the over a month- MGM Healthcare said. He was admitted to MGM in acting against Naveen by the police led to the Goa or Mollem are now commenting about it only one state capital. long political uncertainty in the state. Healthcare on August 5 with Covid-19 symptoms. protests and subsequent mob violence. from foreign countries,” Sawant said. Chinese fi rms ‘hit by new import hurdles’

Reuters stalled approvals for even brand- New Delhi ed Chinese companies’ hoping to step up sales, one Indian in- dustry source said. hinese fi rms like Xiaomi “The products are not getting are facing delays getting clearance as quality standards Capprovals from India’s are being upgraded because of quality control agency for their which many product lines could goods, fi ve industry sources said, be aff ected,” said the offi cial, as the business environment de- who declined to be identifi ed. teriorates after a clash on their Chinese smartphone brands, Himalayan border. including Oppo and Xiaomi, Greater scrutiny of Chinese account for eight of every 10 imports follows calls for boycotts smartphones sold in India. from Indian nationalist groups While the two companies as- linked to Prime Minister Naren- semble most of their models in dra Modi’s ruling party, angered India, several components are by the killing of 20 Indian soldiers imported from China. in the border clash in June. Modi has in recent weeks The Bureau of Indian Stand- called for a “self-reliant In- ards (BIS) has in recent weeks dia”, urging industry to focus on delayed approvals for mobile boosting domestic production. phone components and televi- Under the BIS’s registration sions, jeopardising the plans of scheme, certain electronic goods fi rms such as Xiaomi as well as — whether imported or locally Oppo, industry sources in India made — need to meet India’s The Chatrapati Shivaji Railway Terminus (CST) is lit up with India’s national flag colours on the eve of the country’s 74th Independence Day in Mumbai yesterday. and China said. standards. BIS director general Pramod After companies get their Kumar Tiwari did not respond to products tested in a certifi ed requests for comment. laboratory, BIS approves the ap- China’s commerce ministry plications. and the foreign ministry did not A source briefed at a smart- immediately respond. phone maker in China, which President hails health workers Xiaomi declined to comment, has been aff ected by delays, said while Oppo did not respond. BIS applications were typically The most serious border ten- processed within 15 days but had sion in decades between the now “been left in limbo”. Asian giants has hurt already As of Friday, 643 applications on eve of Independence Day hurt their economic ties and In- were pending for registration, dian offi cials expect the damage with 394 pending for more than to get worse. 20 days, the BIS website said. IANS roes,” said President Kovind. dhi. “We are fortunate that dom fi ghters who made count- The annual Independence “The relationship has gone It did not say how many were New Delhi He also praised the govern- Mahatma Gandhi became the less sacrifi ces to build an inde- Day celebration at New Delhi’s south dramatically,” said one of- from Chinese companies. ment’s role in providing free guiding light of our freedom pendent nation and to secure a iconic Red Fort is scheduled to fi cial, adding India was unlikely The CP-UP Certifi cation ration to crores of people dur- movement. His quest for equal- bright future for it. take place today amid tight se- to immediately approve sev- Technology Service Co, an agen- he Covid-19 pandemic ing the pandemic, besides laud- ity and justice is the mantra for “Let us also remember with curity and with social distanc- eral investments proposals from cy based in China’s Guangzhou dominated President ing the initiative to bring back our Republic. I am glad to see gratitude the martyred heroes ing brought on by the Covid-19 Chinese companies. city which helps clients with TRam Nath Kovind’s ad- scores of Indians stuck on for- the younger generations re-dis- of our struggle for independ- pandemic. Prime Minister “We cannot do business as such clearances, told its custom- dress to the nation on the eve eign shores owing to the Covid- cover Gandhi,” he said. ence who laid down their lives Narendra Modi will unfurl the usual.” ers in an August 4 notice that BIS of the 74th Independence Day induced lockdown. Meanwhile, Vice-President for the cause of freedom. The tricolour and address the nation India had mandated the had stopped processing applica- yesterday. The president hailed the gov- M Venkaiah Naidu, yesterday most meaningful tribute we can from the ramparts of the fort, screening of investment fl ows tions from “non-Indian manu- The president praised the role ernment’s role in helping thou- urged all citizens to renew their pay to these patriots is to build but the large group of school- from China in April but the gov- facturers” from July 23 “due to of the corona warriors while sands of migrants reach their commitment towards building a an India they aspired for.” children who add cheer to the ernment has been slow in ap- the trade war between China saying that an “invisible virus respective hometowns. united, strong, prosperous, in- “On this Independence Day, annual event will be missing, proving any since the clash. and India”. It was not immedi- has changed our lives”. “By introducing the ‘Pradhan clusive and peaceful nation. let us renew our commitment to- Delhi Police and defence minis- The trade ministry did not re- ately clear whether imports from “The nation is indebted to Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana’, The vice-president urged all wards building a united, strong, try offi cials said yesterday. spond to a request for comment. countries other than China were the doctors, nurses and other the government has enabled to take this pledge while greeting prosperous, inclusive and peace- Invitees to the event – diplo- A senior offi cial said the gov- also being held up. health workers who have been millions of people to earn their people on the Independence Day. ful nation where a billion plus mats, offi cials, members of the ernment was working on a new A BIS offi cial, speaking on continuously at the forefront livelihood, and mitigate the im- Conveying his good wishes dreams fi nd expression and ful- government, media and public standards policy — likely to be an- condition of anonymity, said ad- of our fi ght against Covid-19. pact of job-loss, dislocation and to the people on the joyous oc- fi lment.” – are to be seated at a manda- nounced by the end of August — in ditional checks were being made Unfortunately, many of them disruption caused by the pan- casion, Naidu said: “Today, we “May this Independence Day tory distance of around two a bid to target low-quality prod- in consultation with several have lost their lives battling the demic,” said the president. celebrate the 74th Independ- bring amity, harmony and pros- metres from each other and are ucts from China and elsewhere. ministries before clearing any pandemic. Kovind began his speech by ence Day of our country. I pay perity in our country,” Naidu to undergo thermal screening But those deliberations have applications. “They are our national he- remembering Mahatma Gan- my tributes to those brave free- added. before entering the venue. Bhushan guilty of Covid cases cross 40,000 in Kerala contempt: top court IANS positive are local infectees and Thiruvananthapuram Thiruvananthapuram district saw 310 positive patients. There IANS authority of the institution of blackest era in the history of In- are 1,55,025 people under obser- New Delhi Supreme Court in general and dian democracy.” he Covid situation in vation in various places, which the offi ce of the Chief Justice of The bench said that “the im- Kerala is taking a turn for includes 12,734 people in hos- India in particular, in the eyes of pression which the tweet tends to Tthe worse with the daily pitals. There are 555 hot spots in he Supreme Court yes- public at large,” said the court in give to an ordinary citizen is that number of positive cases in- the state,” said Shailaja. terday held advocate its order. when the historians in future look creasing and the state yesterday New cases were yesterday re- TPrashant Bhushan guilty The Supreme Court initiated back, the impression they will get recorded its highest one-day ported among the inmates of of contempt of court for his suo motu contempt proceedings is that in the last six years the tally with 1,569 cases, taking the Thiruvananthapuram Central tweets criticising chief justice S against Bhushan for allegedly democracy has been destroyed total to 41,090. Jail with 164 of the 975 inmates A Bobde and the judiciary. The making derogatory comments in India without even a formal Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi found positive. order was passed by a bench of against the top court on June Emergency and that the Supreme Vijayan and seven of his Cabinet Meanwhile, the country’s Cov- justices Arun Mishra, B R Gavai, 27 in a tweet that alleged that Court had a particular role in the colleagues also went into self- id-19 tally crossed the 2.4mn mark and Krishna Murari. the last four chief justices had said destruction and the last four isolation after Malappuram dis- yesterday with 64,553 new cases The apex court is yet to decide played a role in the “destruction CJIs had more particular role in trict collector K Gopalakrishnan in 24 hours, while the toll climbed on the quantum of punishment, of democracy” during unde- the said destruction”. turned Covid positive. to 48,040 with 1,007 more fatali- and the hearing on the sentence clared “emergency” for the last The court said that the attack Gopalakrishnan was the co- ties, said the health ministry. is scheduled on August 20. six years. on judiciary has to be dealt with ordinator when the ill-fated Out of the total 2,461,190 On July 22, the apex court had Another tweet on June 29 al- “requisite degree of fi rmness”, as Air India Express fl ight crashed cases, recoveries have surged issued notice to Bhushan on the leged that the “present chief it “may aff ect the national hon- into a gorge on August 7 and the to 1,751,555 with a record 55,573 alleged contemptuous remarks justice” rode a bike in Nagpur our and prestige in the comity of next day Vijayan and his Cabi- more people recuperating in the on Twitter. The top court also “while keeping the apex court in nations.” “Fearless and impartial net colleagues had reached the past 24 hours, taking the recov- asked the attorney general to as- lockdown and denying citizens courts of justice are the bulwarks airport accident site, where ery rate to nearly 71.17%. sist it on the matter. The apex their right to access to justice”. of a healthy democracy and the Gopalakrishnan was also present. The actual caseload of the court had asked Bhushan and The Supreme Court pointed confi dence in them cannot be In a statement issued here, country is the active cases, which Twitter to fi le a reply by August 5. out that the Emergency period permitted to be impaired by ma- state Health Minister K K currently stands at 6,61,595. “We are, prima facie, of the is considered the blackest in the licious attacks upon them.” Shailaja, who has also gone into Notably, the fatality rate, view that the aforesaid state- history of Indian democracy. The court further observed isolation, said at present 14,094 which is the proportion of peo- ments on Twitter have brought In a 108-page judgment, that the “tweets based on dis- A health worker in personal protective equipment waits at a local people are Covid positive, while ple who die from the disease the administration of justice a bench said: “It is common torted facts, in our considered health centre for the next person to be tested for the coronavirus 26,996 have been cured of the among individuals diagnosed, in disrepute and are capable of knowledge that the Emergency view, amount to committing of disease, amid the spread of the disease, in the old quarters of disease. has dropped to 1.96%, the min- undermining the dignity and era has been considered as the criminal contempt”. Delhi yesterday. “1,354 of those who turned istry said. Gulf Times 10 Saturday, August 15, 2020 COMMENT

CHAIRMAN Abdullah bin Khalifa al-Attiyah EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Faisal Abdulhameed al-Mudahka Deputy Managing Editor K T Chacko Production Editor Amjad Khan

P.O.Box 2888, Doha, Qatar [email protected] 44350478 (News), 44466404 (Sport), 44466636 (Home delivery) 44350474 facebook.com/gulftimes twitter.com/gulftimes_Qatar GULF TIMES Mr President, for perfect hair you have to turn the knob

Excuse us, Mr President, but are you having trouble working the shower? We ask because your comments make us wonder whether you’re doing it right. Your Department of Energy released a proposed rule on Wednesday that would roll back showerhead standards to allow a virtual Niagara Falls to cascade onto their users’ heads, down the drain China’s great wall of water and into the sewer. And that brought back your comments from last month, when you said that no water comes out not only to avoid a repeat of 1998, but 700,000 people. The fl ood struck a small measure to his own propaganda of water-effi cient showerheads. By Giulio Boccaletti also to generate enough hydropower country that, like China today, had eff orts). A year later, Hoover parlayed “You take a shower,” you said, “the water doesn’t come London to sustain industrialisation. As a developed an unshakeable faith in its this support into clinching the out. You want to wash your hands, the water doesn’t result, water fl owing in the Yangtze ability to control nature. Republican nomination for the come out. So what do you do? You just stand there longer he East Asian monsoon River today encounters a globally Beyond the immediate devastation, presidency, which he went on to win. or you take a shower longer? Because my hair – I don’t is pummelling China this unprecedented cascade of dams and the Great Mississippi Flood had But, in the meantime, fi erce summer. As of late July, fl ood infrastructure. three long-lasting eff ects. First, it discontent among farmers in the know about you, but it has to be perfect. Perfect.” alerts had been issued for The crown jewel of this system is the demonstrated that river control is an lower Mississippi basin grew more See, some showers have handles, and some have knobs, T Three Gorges Dam – the largest in the illusion; rivers can be managed, but intense following a drought in the 433 rivers, thousands of homes and but in any case you have to turn them. The water comes businesses had been destroyed, and world – which is designed precisely to never totally controlled. Investments Great Plains. This political ferment right out. It’s easily enough to get you soaking wet, and millions of people were on the verge of smooth the impact of a peak fl ood. In in expensive fi xed assets like dams unleashed a wave of populism and you don’t have to stand there any longer with an effi cient becoming homeless. The water level of 2010, an unusually strong La Niña cycle must be accompanied by a thoughtful protectionism that culminated in the Poyang Lake, China’s largest freshwa- in the eastern Pacifi c subjected the approach to managing a live river infamous 1930 Smoot-Hawley Tariff showerhead than with a wasteful one. ter lake, has risen to a record-breaking newly commissioned dam to its fi rst system. Cement cannot be the only Act, designed to shield US agricultural And we know, because 22.6m (74ft), prompting authorities big test. In July of that year, its reservoir tool. Floodplains, insurance, and land- products. The implementation of the here in LA, our hair is in the eastern province of Jiangxi accommodated an onrush of 70,000 use policies also have an important tariff quickly spiraled into one of the Effi cient showers perfect. We get it wet, (population: 45mn) to issue “wartime” cubic metres of water per second. The role to play. most destructive trade wars of the we use a little shampoo, measures. Chinese citizens have not reservoir’s water level rose by four Second, successful fl ood twentieth century, deepening the work just fi ne been threatened with devastation on metres, but it held, averting a disaster. management requires that all local Great Depression even further. The some conditioner, rinse, this scale in more than 20 years, and The message was that China could stakeholders’ voices be heard. Almost eff ects of the Mississippi flood were everywhere, and we’re good to go – this is likely just the beginning. now sleep soundly in the belief that the a century after the Great Mississippi internationalised along the trade to the offi ce, to the set, Destructive fl oods are not new to Yangtze had been tamed. Flood, US offi cials still conduct boat routes of the global economy. including, we’re to the hiking trail, to a China, which has been reckoning with But water management is always trips and listening tours through It is far from clear how things will socially distanced dinner its powerful rivers for thousands of provisional, because the risks are communities on the lower Mississippi. play out in China. As Chinese offi cials quite sure, at the years. Historically, political stability never eliminated. The reservoir behind In this exercise of real-time navigate the crisis, even a near-miss party. has often depended on governments’ the Three Gorges Dam is once again democracy, even the most powerful should prompt a reconsideration White House And we save enormous ability to tame them. The last time dangerously full, and the government institutions are obligated by statute to of their current approach to water- amounts of water. Los China was crippled by catastrophic has mobilised the military to reinforce hear, acknowledge, and consider local resources management. The lessons of Angeles’ population grew by 600,000 people since 1990 fl oods, in 1998, more than 3,000 levees that stand as the last line concerns. the twentieth century are clear. Rivers – that’s like adding the entire populations of Palm Beach, people died, 15mn were left homeless, of defense for communities and Finally, the fl ood generated can be managed, but they are not and economic losses reached $24bn. businesses downstream. Although the enormous political energy just when amenable to control, and they are sure Fort Lauderdale and Miami – yet our total water use Refl ecting the fl oods’ political Yangtze’s fl ood-control systems are the global balance of power was to grow more unwieldy as a result of stayed fl at. That’s mostly because we started requiring importance, the Chinese government unlikely to fail completely, Chinese shifting. The British Empire, the climate change. effi cient toilets before other cities did, but it’s also rushed to implement new measures offi cials are rightly worried. Beyond largest economy in the world, was in The rest of the world should pay because of water-wise showerheads. So even if people are – from infrastructure investment to the immediate physical eff ects, a the throes of a fi scal crisis, whereas close attention to what is happening signifi cant failure would have severe, the United States had grown to in the Yangtze River Basin. Riparian taking longer showers (and by the way, they’re not), the land-use reforms – to prevent such a disaster from recurring. far-reaching political consequences. become an economic powerhouse. crises have a proven tendency to regulations have saved an enormous amount of water and China has since emerged as the An edifying historical parallel to America was increasingly becoming fuel social tensions and political have been a lifesaver for LA. world’s second-largest economy, China’s current situation is the Great the world’s leading producer of instability. And the impact of a truly We’ve been through a series of droughts, and there’s owing to its pursuit of modernisation Mississippi Flood of 1927, the worst grains, which meant that its farms catastrophic fl ood in China would not a good chance we’re in the midst of a multi-decade and advanced industrialisation. One in US history. Following months of and factories were at the root of its aff ect that country alone. – Project heavy rains that began in the summer economic success. Syndicate megadrought, but we’re doing OK. Our thirst is quenched of the principal factors in its success has been its extraordinary stock of of 1926, the Mississippi River’s The immediate response to the and our showers are either cozy or refreshing. And our river infrastructure. Over the last 20 tributaries had reached capacity, and crisis was led by then-Secretary of O Giulio Boccaletti is Chief Strategy hair looks good. Perfect, in fact. years, China’s river systems have been the levees broke. Water inundated Commerce Herbert Hoover, who Offi cer and Global Ambassador of Effi cient showers work just fi ne everywhere, including, manipulated in unprecedented ways 27,000 square miles of land, displacing enjoyed broad support (owing in no Water at The Nature Conservancy. we’re quite sure, at the White House. We were thinking that this might be a little like the situation with the masks, which you opposed, but then said were OK and that you would even wear one because it makes you look like the Lone Ranger. But here’s the thing – these kinds of masks go over the mouth and nose, not the eyes. You weren’t doing it right. And the water comes out of water-effi cient showerheads when you turn the handle or the knob. Comes right out, and not just a trickle, either. So we don’t need to return to wasteful gushers in the shower any more than we need energy-draining old- school lightbulbs or household appliances that suck up electricity like a vacuum cleaner from 1958. Your nostalgia for waste is silly. And don’t get us started on your hair. (Los Angeles Times) – Tribune News Service

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© 2020 Gulf Times. All rights reserved Three Gorges Dam – the largest in the world – is designed to smooth the impact of a peak flood. Gulf Times Saturday, August 15, 2020 11 PAKISTAN

Nation has overcome various challenges since independence: President

Internews being witnessed in various areas. nation received during the last now want to replicate Pakistan’s He said that education was tered Kashmir, particularly after On the Afghan issue, the pres- Islamabad He said that Pakistan is trans- two years, the president said an policies vis-a-vis the coronavi- also continued to be imparted August 5 last year, the president ident said the peace agreement forming, with the strength and eff ective campaign was launched rus pandemic. to students at homes during the reaffi rmed Pakistan’s support to between Afghanistan and the resilience to become a great na- against corruption, which re- The president paid tribute to pandemic. the cause of the Kashmiris. United States will lead to peace resident Dr Arif Alvi has tion. fl ected the vision of Prime Min- the prime minister for his vision Alvi said the government is He stressed that Pakistan and stability in Afghanistan. said that the nation has Highlighting the nation’s past ister Imran Khan. and lauded role of the Ulema and also preparing a uniform curricu- would not abandon Kashmiris. He said that Pakistan is the Psurmounted multiple chal- achievements, President Alvi He said that Pakistan has the media as well as services of lum, which will further strength- Alvi said that the Kashmir is- second largest benefi ciary of lenges since independence, tak- said the country has overcome largely controlled the coronavi- doctors and paramedics for com- en national unity and upgrade the sue has been debated at the UN peace in Afghanistan. ing the country to a brighter fu- the menaces of terrorism and ex- rus pandemic as a result of its ef- bating the pandemic. standard of education. Security Council four times in He also touched upon Pa- ture. tremism. fective smart lockdown strategy. The president said under the The president said that Paki- the past year, which is a big suc- kistan’s relations with China, He was addressing the main He pointed out that while oth- Alvi said that unlike some Ehsaas Programme, cash as- stan’s economy has also shown cess of Pakistan’s foreign policy. saying that the China-Pakistan fl ag-hoisting ceremony of Inde- er countries avoid hosting refu- other countries, Prime Minister sistance was distributed among positive signs despite the nega- He said Pakistan has also re- Economic Corridor (CPEC) is not pendence Day at Aiwan-e-Sadr gees, Pakistan generously hosted Khan did not resort to a complete 16.9mn needy people. tive impact of the pandemic, and leased its political map, refl ect- merely a project between Paki- in Islamabad yesterday. 3.5mn Afghan refugees for dec- lockdown, realising that doing so The country’s health facilities the Moody’s ratings agency has ing true aspirations of its people stan and China, but it will con- The president said that the ades, with 2.7mn of them are still would have badly impacted daily have proven more than suffi cient recognised this. as well as that of Kashmiris. tribute to promoting transit trade country has reached the tipping living in Pakistan. wagers. during the pandemic, the presi- Expressing solidarity with He said the map shows Paki- in Central Asia and help in estab- point where improvements are Referring to the good news the He said that several countries dent stated. Kashmiris in Indian-adminis- stan’s stance on the issue. lishing peace. Anti-graft chief says Pakistanis turn out for focus is on logical 74th Independence Day conclusion Prime Minister Khan vows to of major ensure rule of law to achieve founder’s vision cases DPA/Internews Islamabad Internews Islamabad he nation celebrated its 74th Independence Day Tyesterday with a renewed ational Accountability pledge to work with the spirit of Bureau (NAB) chairman the Pakistan Movement to make NJustice (retired) Javed the country a true Islamic wel- Iqbal has said that the bureau’s fare state. focus is on ensuring logical con- Prayers were off ered for the clusion of all mega corruption security and progress of Paki- cases. stan and well-being of the peo- In a statement, he said that ple. since its inception, the NAB had The national fl ag was hoisted recovered Rs466bn, describing at all important public and pri- it as a great achievement. vate buildings. He said the NAB had received Public and private buildings as 53,643 complaints. well as streets, bazaars and mar- Of these, he said, the bu- kets have been profusely illu- reau processed 42,760 last year, minated and decorated with the Members of a family rides on bike along a street in Islamabad whereas complaints registered national fl ag, portraits of found- during Pakistan’s Independence Day celebrations. in 2018 were 48,591, of which ing fathers, and posters. 41,414 were processed. Tech giant Google, following Last year, the NAB proc- its tradition, marked Pakistan’s A Pakistan Navy off icer salutes essed 1,308 complaint verifi ca- Independence Day by dedicating at the mausoleum of founder tions, 1,686 inquiries, and 609 a doodle on its homepage. Mohamed Ali Jinnah during the investigations, and recovered The doodle is green in colour Independence Day celebrations Rs141.542bn from corrupt ele- and shows the historic Khojak in Karachi. ments. Tunnel in Baluchistan. Iqbal said that the NAB’s ob- In the past, Google’s doodles Right: Children dressed with jective is a corruption-free Pa- have drawn inspiration from the garments and face paint in the kistan, and to achieve this objec- Lahore Fort, Khyber Pass, and colours of Pakistan’s national tive, an anti-corruption strategy the Indus Valley Civilization. flag ride on a bike with their for the creation of awareness, A special ceremony was held father along a street in Quetta. prevention, and enforcement in connection with Independ- had been made. ence Day at Hazoori Bagh in Left: A child wearing a colourful He said that the NAB is com- Lahore yesterday, where Punjab wig holds a Pakistani national mitted to eradicating corruption Chief Minister Sardar Usman flag during the Independence by utilising resources in all forms Buzdar hoisted the national fl ag. Day celebrations in Karachi. and manifestations. The day dawned with a 21- Iqbal said that the NAB had gun salute in the provincial me- the stock market, exports, rev- introduced a new concept of a tropolis, followed by a change enues as well as sales of cement combined investigation team to of guard ceremony at Mazar-e- and car, are up. benefi t from the experience and Iqbal. Khan also congratulated the collective wisdom of senior su- A change of guard ceremony nation for fi xing the “damaged” pervisory offi cers. was also held at mausoleum of structure the government inher- He also said that the account- Dr Allama Mohamed Iqbal in ited in power sector. ability agency had established connection with the Independ- The day dawned in the pro- Indian-administered Kashmir. He said that after long nego- a state-of-the-art forensic sci- ence Day. vincial capital with 21-gun sa- Flag hoisting ceremonies tiations, the government has ence laboratory at its Rawalpindi A contingent of the Pakistan lutes, while special prayers were were also held at Divisional and signed new agreement with IPPs bureau offi ce. Army assumed the guard duties off ered at mosques for the coun- District Administration offi ces (independent power produc- In 2019, the NAB chief said, at the Mazar-e-Iqbal. try’s safety prosperity and de- across the province. ers), which will bring down cost 15,747 documents and 300 In Karachi, the change of velopment. Earlier in the morning, a 21- of power generation and reduce thumb impressions had been guard ceremony took place at In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the gun salute was held in Peshawar Google’s doodle to mark Pakistan’s Independence Day. circular debt. analysed in 50 cases, and foren- Mazar of Quaid-e-Azam Mo- main function in connection to mark the Independence Day. He said that the next reform sic analysis carried out on 74 hamed Ali Jinnah. with 74th Independence Day In Quetta, the main fl ag hoist- wards Quaid-e-Azam’s Pakistan Khan said that the poor peo- target is the power distribution digital devices. A contingent of 64 cadets of was held at Peshawar’s Police ing ceremony was held at the has begun for rule of law and to- ple are protected through cash system. the Pakistan Navy assumed the Lines. lawn of Baluchistan Assembly in wards an Islamic welfare state, support and smart lockdowns. In his message to Kashmiri honorary guard duties at the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) the morning, with Baluchistan premised on compassion. He said the country’s cur- brethren, the prime minister Citizens’ portal an mausoleum. Chief Minister Mahmood Khan Chief Minister Jam Kamal Khan In a series of tweets yesterday, rent account and fi scal defi cits said that Pakistan stands united Sindh Governor Imran Ismail, hoisted the national fl ag at the hoisting the national fl ag. he congratulated the nation on are down, and the construction with them in their struggle to eff ective voice of Sindh Chief Minister Syed Mu- ceremony. The day began with a 21-gun successfully tackling the coro- industry is taking off because of self-determination. Pakistanis abroad, rad Ali Shah, cabinet members Collective prayers were made salute in the provincial capital. navirus pandemic and upturn- the government’s special incen- He said Pakistan will provide and other high rankings offi cials for development and prosperity Prime Minister Imran Khan ing the economy after two years tives. them with all the support at all says PM Off ice attended the ceremony. of the country and liberation of has said that the journey to- of struggle. The prime minister said that levels. The Prime Minister Off ice has said that Pakistan Citizen’s Portal (PCP) has become an eff ective voice of Overseas Pakistanis, and that 107,555 complaints have Pakistan to reopen 360 new Covid-19 cases emerge in Sindh been addressed so far out of the total 161,680 complaints lodged. The Prime Minister Off ice has Kartarpur Corridor Internews The deadly Covid-19 respi- 125,289 cases, found positive. from Korangi, Central 17, Malir released statistics of the portal Karachi ratory disease is caused by the According to Shah, currently 14, and West 11. and stated that the number of highly-contagious novel coro- 4,058 patients are under treat- He added that Badin has 23 registered citizens on Pakistan Internews ridor on the eve of the 550th navirus. ment: 3,666 in home isolation, new cases, Dadu and Ghotki Citizen’s Portal has reached Islamabad Birth Anniversary of Baba s many as 10 more pa- The Sindh chief minister said eight at isolation centres, and 12 each, Shikarpur and Thatta 2.8mn. Guru Nanak fulfi lled the long- tients of Covid-19 have that the 10 patients died over- 384 at various hospitals. 10 each, eight each from Jam- According to the monthly awaited desire of Sikh devotees Adied, raising the death night, lifting the death toll to He added that the condition shoro, Khairpur, Mirpurkhas statistics released by the Prime akistan has decided to all over the world. toll to 2,307, and 360 new cases 2,307, constituting a 1.8% death of 242 patients was stated to be and Sanghar, seven each from Minister Off ice, 1.5mn people reopen Kartarpur Cor- The Kartarpur Corridor is a emerged when 10,754 samples rate. critical, including 40 have been Larkana, Hyderabad and Umer- commented on the portal, with Pridor for all the Sikh pil- true symbol of peace and reli- were tested, raising the tally to He added that the 360 new shifted to ventilators. kot, three each from Kashmore, millions of people confirmed grims. gious harmony. 125,289. cases constituted a 3% current Shah said that out of the 360 Naushehrofe-roze and Sujawal, getting relief to their grievances In a tweet, Foreign Minister This landmark initiative by This was stated by Sindh detection rate. new cases, 185 have been de- two each from Jacobabad and through portal. Shah Mahmood Qureshi said the government has been im- Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali So far 863,329 tests have tected from Karachi: 70 from Shaheed Benazirabad, and one Out of 2.3mn complaints that Pakistan has conveyed its mensely appreciated by the Shah in a statement. been conducted, with 14.5% or District South, 52 from East, 21 from Tando Mohamed Khan. registered on the portal, 2.2mn readiness to the Indian side to Sikh community all over the complaints stand resolved. reopen the Kartarpur Corridor world, including India. Province-wise data released on the occasion of the death The fi rst Guru of Sikhism, Three Pakistani nationals die in Barcelona fire, say police authorities showed the number of anniversary of Maharaja Ran- Baba Guru Nanak Saheb, spent complaints that have been jeet Singh. the last 18 years of his life in Three Pakistan nationals died in a fire district of the city, killing three men, “all The authorities are looking into the cause of addressed: 976,482 from The Kartarpur Corridor was Kartarpur. yesterday in the northeastern Spanish city Pakistani nationals”, a police spokesman told the fire. Punjab, 781,094 from the inaugurated on November 9 The Kartarpur Corridor was of Barcelona, which left another four people AFP. Barcelona is the economic centre of the federation, 266,276 from last year by Prime Minister Im- closed on March 16 this year injured, police said. Of the four people who were injured in the Catalonia region. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, 149,898 ran Khan. due to the coronavirus pan- The fire broke out early morning in the fire, one was in serious condition, the mayor’s It is home to a large number of immigrants, from Sindh, and 20,031 from The opening of the cor- demic. basement of a building in the Barceloneta off ice said. including from Pakistan. Baluchistan. Gulf Times 12 Saturday, August 15, 2020 QATAR Pakistanis in Qatar mark Independence Day with solemnity From Page 1 tained a balance (between lives rent Independence Day was and livelihood) as eff ectively as being celebrated in extraordi- In his message to the nation Pakistan and that consequent narily diffi cult times as the en- on Pakistan’s Independence Day, to the government’s decision of tire world was aff ected by the Prime Minister Imran Khan said smart lockdown, the coronavi- coronavirus pandemic that had that despite Covid-19 pandemic, rus cases were on decline and adversely impacted all sectors of the country’s economic indica- the economy in revival. life, including economy, health tors were improving to herald “The war (against coronavi- and education. a better time ahead and paving rus) is not yet over. The chal- He felt the pandemic brought way for an industrial Pakistan. lenges still persists,” the pre- enormous challenges for Paki- He spoke of improved eco- mier said, advising people to stan, but thanks to a resilient nomic indicators like surging keep adhering to precautions of nation that followed the gov- exports, revenue and stock mar- social distancing to avert the re- ernment’s eff ective strategy of ket besides a historic agreement surgence of the virus. smart lockdown, the country with power producers to bring Felicitating the nation on the was seen as an international down the generation cost. Independence Day, President success story. “Despite coronavirus, our tax Dr Arif Alvi called upon the Pa- He paid tribute to doctors, Pakistan ambassador cutting the Independence Day cake. collection in July is above the set kistanis to stand fi rm and work nurses and healthcare workers, target. I foresee an even better sit- for the progress and prosperity who saved the lives of people by uation,” the prime minister said. of country. putting their own lives at risk He felt no country had main- The president said the cur- during the pandemic.

The ambassador planting a sapling following Pakistan’s largest plantation drive launched back home last Sunday. PICTURES: Shemeer Rasheed

A view of the new embassy of Pakistan.

Ambassador Syed Ahsan Raza with Deputy Head of Mission Masood Gul, right, and Head of Chancery Sarwar Hussain. A view of the spacious new hall for consular services. Entrance of the Consular Services section.

Off icials of the Pakistan embassy gathered on the occasion.