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FRIDAY-SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 12-13, 2021 / RAJAB 1-2, 1442 AH emergency number 112 NO. 17612 16 PAGES 150 FILS MoH LAUNCHES FIVE COVID VACCINATION CENTERS Kuwait lists 1,048 new cases, 5 deaths

Variant versions in works Rewards eyed Newswatch Kuwait inflation up by 2.95 pct in December AstraZeneca expects autumn vaccine update KUWAIT CITY, Feb 11, (Agencies): Kuwait said 1,048 KUWAIT CITY: His Highness LONDON, Feb 11, (AP): AstraZeneca said Thurs- fended the company’s efforts to develop and ramp the Amir Sheikh Nawaf Al- KUWAIT CITY, Feb 11, (KUNA): Kuwait’s in- people were tested positive for Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah on flation rate in December, last year, rose by 2.95 day it expects to have a new version of its COVID-19 up production of the shot amid criticism from the Wednesday sent a cable of con- percent on a year-on-year basis, the Central Sta- vaccine ready for use by this autumn as drugmakers European Union and a preliminary study that raised coronavirus with five related gratulations to chairman of Sakhr tistics Bureau (CSB) said on Thursday. respond to concerns about emerging variants of the concerns about the vaccine’s ability to combat a deaths reported on Thursday Software Company Mohammad In its monthly consumer prices index (CPI) re- disease that may be more transmissible or resistant variant of COVID-19 first discovered in South Af- taking the total cases up to Al-Sharekh on winning the 2021 port, CSB noted that the monthly rate rose by 0.34 to existing vaccines. rica. King Faisal Prize. percent in December compared with a month prior. The Anglo-Swedish company, which makes a While rollout of the vaccine hasn’t been perfect, 175,031 as deaths rose to 985 Al-Sharekh won the award, On the scale of individual sectors, there were vaccine developed by the University of Oxford, said regulators in a number of countries have found the respectively, according to the given by King Faisal Foundation, significant rises for food and beverages (9.81 per- it is working with the university’s scientists to adapt vaccine to be safe and effective, and AstraZeneca health ministry. for his efforts in Arabicizing and cent), culture and recreation (7.23 percent), com- the shot to combat new variants. Researchers began will produce 100 million doses this month, Soriot producing computer programs, modities and miscellaneous goods and services this work months ago when the variants were first said. Only a handful of vaccines have been autho- The number of people hospital- and his contribution to enriching (5.73) and telecommunications (5.3 percent). detected, said Mene Pangalos, head of biopharma- rized for widespread use out of hundreds that began ised with the virus currently stands Arab and Islamic culture. Other sector rises were witnessed in home fur- ceuticals research for AstraZeneca. development a year ago, he noted. at 10,150, with 114 of them in inten- His Highness the Amir wished “We’re moving fast and we’ve got a number of “One hundred million doses in February means sive care units, according to ministry Al-Sharekh success to raise the nishings and household maintenance (4.18 per- cent), transport (3.34 percent), cigarettes and to- variant versions in the works that we will be picking 100 million vaccinations, which means hundreds of spokesman Dr Abdullah Al-Sanad, country’s fl ag in all regional and from as we move into the clinic,” Pangalos said on a thousands of severe infections that are avoided, and international arenas. bacco (2.43 percent), clothing and footwear (2.19 who revealed that some 10,659 swab percent) and healthcare (1.73 percent). conference call with reporters. it also means thousands of deaths that are avoided,” His Highness the Crown The comments came as CEO Pascal Soriot de- Soriot said. tests were conducted over the last day Prince Sheikh Mishal Al-Ah- out of a total of 1,640,047. mad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and He went on to urge nationals and expa- His Highness the Prime Minister triates alike that abiding by health precau- Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Ham- tions, mainly, following social distancing ad Al-Sabah sent similar cables. rules, is the only way to halt the spread (KUNA) Fitch downgrades ratings of Kuwaiti banks of the virus. ❑ ❑ ❑ — Details Page 5 — The ministry had earlier reported that KUWAIT CITY: Naser Al- some 631 more people had been cured of Omari of Kuwait has won the the virus over the past day, raising the to- 2021 Sony World Photography tal of those to have overcome the disease Awards’ national awards catego- to 163,895. ry for his captivating depiction of Kuwait’s Ministry of Health an- a fl ock of fl amingos in northern nounced Thursday the launch of five Kuwait. additional COVID-19 vaccination The image, titled ‘The Queen’ centers, bringing the total number to taken in the Jadailiyat area, 15 centers, in addition to two halls at northeast of Kuwait, was one of Kuwait International Fairs Ground in 54 national and regional winners Mishref Area. selected by a jury out of more The new vaccination centers are lo- than 330,000 photos from around the world, Al-Omari told KUNA. cated in South Khaitan Health Center in The shot is distinguished by the Farwaniya Health District, the Ab- the stagnation of one of the birds dulrahman Al-Zaid Health Center in the in the middle of a surrounding Hawally Health District, the Northwest mobile fl ock, giving the image a Sulaibikhat Health Center in the Capital greater aesthetic due to the timing Health District, and the Sabah Al-Ahmad of its capture, he said. Health Center in Al-Ahmadi Health Dis- The photographer said he trict and Al-Nahdha Health Center in was delighted at this achieve- Al-Jahra Health District, added ministry ment, which he dedicated to the statement. Kuwaiti leadership and people. Earlier in the week, the Ministry an- (KUNA) nounced the launch of COVID-19 vac- ❑ ❑ ❑ cination center at Al-Masayel Health KUWAIT CITY: Kuwait’s For- Centers, Al-Naseem Health Center, Me- eign Ministry on Wednesday teb Obaid Al-Shalahi Health Centers, deplored in the strongest terms and Al-Siddeeq Health Center, Hamad the continued “terrorist” attacks Al-Humaidhi and Sheikha Al-Sadirawi launched by Yemeni Houthi mi- Health Center. litias towards Saudi Arabia. Vaccinations are also offered in North- The militias targeted Saudi ern Ardhiya Health Center, Salwa Spe- Abha International Airport with a cialist center, Hamad Al-Saleh Health booby-trapped drone on Wednes- center, East Ahmadi Health Center and day. Jaber Al-Ahmad center. Continuing terrorist acts confi rms danger to security Situation and stability in the region, and An annual report on developments in poses a fl agrant challenge to the epidemiological situation in Kuwait international humanitarian law and the Gulf Cooperation Council coun- through targeting civilians and Iranians ride past missiles on their motorcycle during a rally marking the 42nd anniversary of the Islamic Revolution, at Azadi (Freedom) Square in Tehran, tries since the beginning of the Corona civil areas, the ministry said in on Feb 10. Iranians Wednesday began a vehicle-only rallies in cities and towns across the country to mark the anniversary of its 1979 Islamic Revolution. pandemic until the end of 2020 showed a statement. The decision for replacing traditional rallies and demonstrations by vehicle-only move came as a measure to prevent spread of the coronavirus as the country Kuwait ranks second in the Gulf in terms The ministry stressed the ne- struggles to stem the worst outbreak of the pandemic in the Middle East with death toll nearing 59,000 and some 1.48 million confirmed cases of the virus. cessity that the international The country on Tuesday launched a coronavirus vaccination campaign. (AP) of the death rate, with 217 deaths per community represented in the million people, and third rank in terms Security Council assumes its role infection rate with 35,004 cases, and to deter these acts as they pose a fifth (penultimate) in terms of the num- blatant threaten to international Control at airport urged ber of PCR swabs, with 291,695 per mil- peace and security, it noted. lion people. (KUNA) The report, a copy of which has been ❑ ❑ ❑ obtained by the Al-Seyassah daily, con- firms that the epidemiological curve of SANAA: Heavy fi ghting between MPs focus on compensation for closures the State of Kuwait until the end Dec government forces and Houthi 31, 2020 is 150,584 recorded new cases rebels has killed more than two By Saeed Mahmoud Saleh sions continue, the government should of corona, at a rate of 35,004 per million dozen people in the past three compensate all those who suffered from days in the central Marib prov- Arab Times Staff people, in addition to 934 deaths, a rate of damages, he narrated. 217 cases per million people. ince, Yemeni offi cials and tribal The lawmaker went on to say that the leaders said Tuesday. Iran starts producing KUWAIT CITY, Feb 11: The Budgets The report also showed a clear increase committee called for postponing the col- The war in Yemen erupted in and Final Accounts Committee in the Na- in infections during May last year, then 2014, when Iran-allied Houthi tional Assembly discussed the budget of lection of payments for loans that the a significant decrease while maintaining rebels seized the capital and the Education and Higher Education Min- citizens obtained either from the National this decline until mid-November, noting much of the country’s north. A istry for fiscal 2019/2020 on Thursday. Fund for Small and Medium Enterprises the success of preventive measures in the uranium metal: IAEA or the banks. In case the government Saudi-led coalition, determined Committee Chairman MP Badr Al- State of Kuwait helped greatly in reduc- decides to continue closing commercial to restore the authority of Presi- BERLIN, Feb 11, (AP): The United enough enriched uranium to make a Mullah disclosed the committee listened ing the number of cases. dent Abed Rabbo Mansour to the comments of the State Audit Bu- establishments without compensating the Regarding the rate of cases per million Nations’ atomic watchdog agency bomb, but nowhere near the amount owners, the Assembly will ratify a law Hadi’s government, launched a said Wednesday its inspectors have it had before the nuclear deal was reau (SAB) and Financial Controllers Bu- people in other Gulf Cooperation Coun- sweeping military intervention that obligates its executive counterpart to confirmed that Iran has begun the signed. reau (FCB) on the budget of the ministry, cil (GCC) countries, the report indicated months later. (AP) pointing out that its total expenditures grant such compensation, he concluded. Bahrain tops the GCC countries with a ❑ ❑ ❑ production of uranium metal – an- The latest move by Tehran fur- In another development, MP Osama other violation of the 2015 landmark ther complicates the efforts of the reached KD 541 million – 94 percent of rate of 53,413 cases, followed by Qatar the amount allocated for the eighth item Al-Menawer said it seems the new gov- with a 51,226 cases, Kuwait with 35,004, CAIRO: The Arab League Sec- nuclear deal with world powers. other member nations to entice the ernment will not be formed within the retary-General Ahmad Aboul- International Atomic Energy US to return to the deal – something (other expenditures and transportation). Oman with 24,924 in fourth place and the Gheit, on Wednesday, congratu- He said the ministry conducted 68 trans- specified period. He explained that he UAE in fifth place with 20,887, and fi- Agency head Rafael Grossi told President Joe Biden has indicated he requested for a special parliamentary ses- lated the UAE on the fruitful member nations that his inspectors would be open to. fers of allocations from one item to anoth- nally the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia which sion to discuss the plan of the interim gov- ranks sixth and last with an average of mission of the Hope Probe, which had confirmed Feb 8 that a small er, revealing this practice made the com- When Iran announced its plans in ernment to deal with the second wave of 10,340 cases per million people. entered successfully into Mars amount of uranium metal, 3.6 grams, January to produce uranium metal, mittee more persistent in preventing such orbit. transfers in the budgets for the next years. coronavirus, clarifying he did not specify With regard to the comparison between In a statement, Aboul-Gheit had been produced at Iran’s Isfahan the German, French and British for- the date of the session to give HH Prime the numbers of PCR swabs per million plant, the Vienna-based organization eign ministries issued a joint state- He added the committee discussed the said that this achievement was Private Universities Higher Council’s fail- Minister Sheikh Sabah Al-Khalid enough people in the GCC, Kuwait ranked fifth a culmination of an educational said. ment saying they were “deeply con- ure to provide SAB with the documents time to form the new government. He with 291,695 swabs, followed by Oman and scientifi c renaissance spon- Uranium metal can also be used for cerned.” related to constitutional accreditation, in- pointed out that HH the Prime Minister with 110,527, the UAE ranked first with sored by the UAE government a nuclear bomb and research on its “Iran has no credible civilian use dicating the committee affirmed the right has been given until next Thursday to an- 2,099,587 swabs, followed by Bahrain and leadership over years and production is specifically prohibited for uranium metal,” the nations said, of SAB to obtain such documents which nounce the new government; otherwise, with 1,361,140 swabs in second place, decades. (KUNA) under the nuclear deal - the so-called urging Iran to halt the activity. “The are needed to carry out its tasks properly. the agenda of the session allotted for the Qatar ranked third with 442,127 swabs, ❑ ❑ ❑ Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action production of uranium metal has po- Meanwhile, the Health, Social and oath taking of new ministers will include and Saudi Arabia ranked fourth with – that Tehran signed with Germany, tentially grave military implications.” Labor Affairs Committee had a meeting a grilling motion consisting of one com- 313,844 swabs. DUBAI: One of Saudi Arabia’s France, Britain, China, Russia and Although uranium metal in theory most prominent political activ- with Ministry of Health Undersecretary prehensive item which will end the politi- On the death rate in the Gulf Coop- ists was released from prison the United States in 2015. can be geared toward generating elec- Dr Mustafa Reda and other senior offi- cal career of the premier. eration Council Oman ranked first with Wednesday, her family said, af- Iran had previously announced the tricity, experiments with metal alloys cials in the ministry on Thursday. On the other hand, MP Saleh Ziab Al- 290 deaths, Kuwait was second with 217 ter serving nearly three years on move, saying its plans to conduct re- are prohibited under the nuclear deal Chairman of the committee MP Saa- Mutairi submitted a bill on amending law deaths, followed by Bahrain 203 deaths charges that sparked an interna- search and development on uranium because uranium metal is a key mate- doun Hammad said they discussed the number 15 /1979 to increase by 150 per- then came in Saudi Arabia with 177, tional uproar over the kingdom’s metal production were part of its rial in the making of nuclear weap- proposal to amend law number 8/ 1969 cent the periodic bonus granted to public Qatar 87, and finally the UAE with 67 human rights record. “declared aim to design an improved ons. The process involves converting on the prevention of infectious diseases, sector employees to help them cope with deaths. Loujain al-Hathloul, who type of fuel,” according to the IAEA. high-enriched uranium gas into metal recent steps taken in the fight against the rising prices. He said there has been The Minister of Oil, Minister of Elec- pushed to end a ban on women Since the unilateral American that provides the cladding, or outer coronavirus, and alleged shortage of Pfiz- no increase in the bonus since the law was tricity and Water, Dr Muhammad Al- driving in Saudi Arabia, was ar- withdrawal from the deal in 2018, the covering, for the fuel rods that power er vaccine. ratified in 1979. Faris, has asked the Undersecretary of rested in 2018 and sentenced to other members have been working a nuclear reaction. Hammad revealed the committee asked The lawmaker also proposed coordi- the Ministry of Electricity and Water to almost six years in prison last to try and preserve the accord. Teh- Iran’s paramilitary Revolution- the officials if the recent decisions are nating with the concerned authorities in commission Eng Jassem Al-Nouri and December under a broad counter- ran has been using violations of the ary Guard Thursday began a ground Saudi Arabia to allow the entry of Saudi other senior officials of the ministry, to terrorism law. based on certain studies. The committee deal to put pressure on the other sig- forces drill near Iraqi border, state told the officials that the most important women married to Kuwaitis and Saudi study the Civil Service Commission letter Held for 1001 days, with time natories to provide more incentives TV reported. in pre-trial detention and solitary step now is to control Kuwait Interna- citizens residing in Kuwait. He explained about rewards to front row workers from confi nement, she was accused to Iran to offset crippling American The report said the annual exercise tional Airport. All arriving passengers the objective of his proposal is to reunite all aspects. of crimes such as agitating for sanctions re-imposed after the US dubbed the “great prophet” is ongo- must undergo PCR test at the airport and the families of these Saudi citizens. Minister Al-Faris said in a press state- change, using the internet to pullout. ing in southwest of the country and they do should not be allowed to leave MP Badr Al-Humaidi proposed the ment yesterday he is keen to protect the cause disorder and pursuing a The ultimate goal of the deal is has aimed at readiness and assess- the airport until the test results are out. formation of a five-member committee rights of employees who worked on the foreign agenda — charges that to prevent Iran from developing a ment of forces. Lockdown and closure decisions should that will take the necessary steps to re- frontlines during the pandemic in line rights groups describe as politi- nuclear bomb, something it insists Drones, helicopters will be used in be cancelled as the authorities must focus cover stolen public funds inside and out- with laws and regulations governing the cally motivated. (AP) it does not want to do. Iran now has the drill, too. on monitoring the airport. If such deci- side Kuwait. issue of bonuses. ARAB TIMES, FRIDAY-SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 12-13, 2021 2

Dozens of events over 5 days UAE launches Festival of Human Fraternity

is Excellency Sheikh Nahayan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Cabinet Member dom and leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Na- ■ Launching the Human Fraternity Week in the Football Pro League Hand Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence launched the first edition of hyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the (Round 15 of the League will be held under the name of “Human Frater- the Festival of Human Fraternity. UAE Armed Forces, who has exerted great efforts in creating and launching nity”) Organized by the Ministry of Tolerance and Coexistence and in collabora- this historic document from the beloved land of the UAE in the presence of ■ Human fraternity lesson in Moral Education — Schools Program, in co- tion with the Higher Committee of Human Fraternity, the festival held annu- His Holiness Pope Francis of the Catholic Church and His Eminence Sheikh ordination with the Ministry of Education. ally on February 4, marking the United Nations’ recently declared ‘Interna- Ahmed El-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar. ■ Reading session for children “Document on Human Fraternity”- Schools tional Day of Human Fraternity’. Festival’s most important activities and programs Program, which is a program open for all. Proclaimed recently, the UN made the declaration in honor of the Abu The festival included dozens of initiatives and events carried out over a ■ Broadcasting TV program for celebrating the human fraternity “Road to Dhabi Document on Human Fraternity signed on February 4, 2019, which period of five days, which vary between governmental, international, youth, February 4” was considered as a great global achievement at the time, for the efforts of sports and intellectual participations and programs related to women, fami- ■ Fraternity Little Champion Program the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, and an lies, children, people of determination, and other groups in society, includ- ■ Dialogue and knowing one another sessions assertion of UAE’s effective role on the international arena. ing: ■ Me and You — University Program His Excellency stated that the festival witnessed the participation of promi- ■ Global virtual forum for human fraternity with the participation of a ■ Forum; Fraternity in Youth Eyes nent international and Arab speakers including the active involvement of fed- group of international thinkers and experts and from the Arab world. ■ Forum of Mechanisms of Promoting Human Fraternity Principles in eral entities in the country. ■ Launching the celebrations of more than 41 government agencies of the Governmental Work Under the theme “Human Fraternity in Action”, the festival celebrated the International Day of Human Fraternity, with the cooperation between the ■ Human Fraternity Champions Program Abu Dhabi Document on Human Fraternity, which embodies the astute wis- Ministry and tolerance committees in all state institutions. ■ Event of launch “Volunteering - a real embodiment of Human Fraternity”

Main picture and inset: Laborers work on The Museum of the Future, a museum of innovation and design currently under construction in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, on Feb. 2, 2021. (AP)

Social incubator and accelerator help solve the biggest challenges MA’AN partners with social entrepreneurs

n partnership with Environment Agency — Abu Dhabi (EAD), the Au- Dhabi and the panellists for taking the time to join me in the ‘Join The Con- management and conserving biodiversity and eco-tourism as part of this sig- Ithority of Social Contribution — Ma’an was joined by leading experts in versation’ virtual discussion and highlight the importance of the environment nificant panel. the UAE to discuss the importance of Abu Dhabi’s environment and the sig- and what it means to people and the whole of Abu Dhabi. We are all committed to the conservation of the environment in Abu Dhabi, nificant roles social entrepreneurs can play in helping protect the Emirate’s “Events like the ‘Join The Conversation’ is incredibly important as it brings and this partnership embodies this commitment as we all strive to ensure that wildlife and nature. key stakeholders together, providing an opportunity to listen to their expert everyone in the emirate can inhabit within a city which values sustainability To mark the latest cycle of the ‘Ma’an Social Incubator’ (MSI), the ‘Join opinions and views while also exploring ways of how social innovation can be and a healthy environment for all. For this to be achieved it is vital that gov- The Conversation’ virtual event saw leaders from EAD, Ma’an and other or- the solution to addressing the challenges that are being faced today. ernment, non-government organisations, the private sector and all types of ganisations focus on key topics that are affecting the environment and why “As a government entity, we at Ma’an are excited to be working with our entrepreneurs join forces towards the common goal of conserving our natural sustainable products and social entrepreneurship may offer solutions to these government colleagues at the Environment Agency — Abu Dhabi, which has resources and creating a community that is dedicated to environmental pres- challenges. been playing a vital role in preserving our environment for many years. We ervation. With more social entrepreneurs signing up for the ‘Ma’an Social Among the topics that were highlighted during the panel discussion were both share the vision of creating a better tomorrow for Abu Dhabi and by tak- Incubator and Accelerator’ and pioneering innovative ideas and solutions to how to minimise waste and single use plastics as well as promoting sustain- ing a pro-active approach and working hand-in-hand, we strongly believe that help create a sustainable future, whilst placing the environment at the top of able ecotourism within the emirate. It also saw the panellists engage on how social enterprises can make that positive difference on our environment and their agendas, I am confident that Abu Dhabi can be one of the best cities for a better environment can help boost the economic sectors and human health. more importantly help make the city a much better place to work and live in.” anyone living in the emirate. Teaming up with Ma’an is just the beginning of The session started in the presence of H.E. Salama Al Ameemi the Director “We see a big opportunity for budding and aspiring social entrepreneurs a long line of projects and initiatives that we plan to undertake in the future.” General of Ma’an, H.E. Dr. Shaikha Salem Al Dhaheri the Secretary General to step forward and be part of the Ma’an Social Incubator so they can create The ‘Join the Conversation’ virtual panel was created by Ma’an as part of of the Environment Agency — Abu Dhabi (EAD), and leaders of the social innovative products or services that will help protect our beautiful nature and a regular series of initiatives to bring together stakeholders from across the sector, as well as Ahmed Al Hashmi, Acting Executive Director of Terrestrial shape the future of Abu Dhabi. This is why I encourage social entrepreneurs public, private and third sector to advance the agenda of creating collaborative and Marine Biodiversity at EAD, Salem Mubarak Al Braiki. Director — En- who have a sustainable idea that can be turned into a product or service to communities. vironment Quality Policy & Regulations, Engineer Abdulla Mohammed Al register for the Social Incubator and be part of a unique experience that can The MSIA is a combined programme that offers budding social entrepre- Remeithi, Environment Expert in the National Experts Program and Acting make a difference.” neurs with the resources and support they need in order to grow and thrive. It Director of Environment Policy and Planning at the Environment Agency — HE Dr. Shaikha Salem Al Dhaheri, EAD’s Secretary General said: “It is an helps encourage innovation and develop solutions to address social, cultural Abu Dhabi, Nour Mezher, Climate and Energy Project Manager, Emirates honour for us at EAD to collaborate with the Authority of Social Contribu- or environmental challenges while the Accelerator also elevates the impact of Nature WWF, who presented their supportive vision for environmental de- tion — Ma’an, who have demonstrated remarkable social work, especially established social enterprises by supporting their efforts to scale their opera- velopment. during the Covid-19 pandemic. Ma’an continue to be a beacon of hope for all tions both locally and regionally. The environment theme has been identified as a pressing social priority by types of social entrepreneurship projects. They are an organisation who are The shortlisted teams will be offered seed funding and a stipend, learning the Abu Dhabi Department of Community Development. According to the at the forefront of progress within the emirate of Abu Dhabi, having chosen and development workshops, mentorship session, as well as networking op- Environment Agency — Abu Dhabi, a reported 13 million tonnes of plastic the environment to be the main topic of the latest cycle of the ‘Ma’an Social portunities, as they develop their innovative and original solutions into strong enters the oceans every year while there are 9.8 million tonnes of solid waste Incubator and Accelerator’ (MSIA), ‘Join The Conversation’ virtual event. business ventures. found in the emirate. We are incredibly proud to be a part of such an important event. The topics To register for the Ma’an Social Incubator ahead of the 13th February dead- Her Excellency Salama Al Ameemi, Director General of Ma’an, said: “I which have been selected for the event are extremely relevant and our team line or for more information, please visit https://maan.gov.ae/maan-social- would like to thank our strategic partners at Environment Agency — Abu will be sharing their expertise and knowledge on single use plastic, waste incubator/.

editor’s choice ARAB TIMES, FRIDAY-SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 12-13, 2021 3 Weather Expected weather for the next to moderate north westerly wind Jahra 28 13 Prayer Timings 24 hours: with speeds of 08-28 km/h and Failaka Island - - By Day: Warm with light to some high clouds will appear. Fajr ...... 05:10 Asr ...... 15:11 moderate north westerly wind to Salmiyah 25 17 Sunrise .. 06:30 Maghrib .. 17:34 light variable wind with speeds of Station Max Exp Min Rec Ahmadi 24 18 Zohr ...... 12:02 Isha ...... 18:52 Kuwait City 28 16 08-32 km/h and some high clouds Nuwaisib 27 14 will appear. Kuwait Airport 27 09 By Night: Rather cold to cold Abdaly 28 12 Wafra 27 11 with light variable wind to light Bubyan 19 17 Salmy 25 10 VACCINE REGISTRATION WEBSITE: https://cov19vaccine.moh.gov.kw/SPCMS/CVD_19_Vaccine_Registration.aspx

Mabanee Co sheds 23 fi ls, Humansoft Holding gains Kuwait market wraps up week with downtick, volume retreats By John Mathews ued to top the volume with over 42 mil- Arab Times Staff lion shares. Refl ecting the day’s tame closing, KUWAIT CITY, Feb 11: Kuwait stocks the market spread was even. 59 stocks ticked marginally lower on Thursday to advanced and same number of equities wind up the week on a lackluster note. closed lower. Of the 138 counters active The All Shares Index fell 5.66 pts to on Thursday 20 closed fl at. 11,351 deals 5,695.63 points in a volatile session even worth KD 45.83 million were transacted as the overall mood remained mixed. during the session. The Premier Market slipped 8.81 In the Banking Sector, National Bank points to 6,210.77 points taking the of Kuwait was unchanged at 838 fi ls after month’s losses to 97 points while Main pushing 9.4 million shares while Burgan Market was little changed at 4,682.56 pts. Bank dialed down 2 fi ls with a volume The volume turnover meanwhile dipped of 9.5 million shares. Kuwait Finance below the 400 million mark following House took in 1 fi l before settling at 720 Wednesday’s surge. Over 341 million fi ls and Gulf Bank followed suit with shares changed hands – down 19 pct from brisk trading. the day before. Ahli United Bank BSC took in 1 fi l on The sectors closed mixed. Insurance back of 7.2 million shares whereas Warba outshone the rest with 1.66 percent gain Bank and Al Ahli Bank tripped 1 fi l each whereas Technology skidded 10.94 per- to close at 233 fi ls and 203 fi ls respec- cent, the biggest loser of the day. Volume tively. Ahli United Bank Kuwait was up wise Financial Services topped with 149 2 fi ls at 301 fi ls. million shares while Banking Sector was Investment conglomerate KIPCO was ahead in value with KD 19.6 million. unchanged at 174 fi ls after moving over In the individual shares, Boubyan 2 million shares while KAMCO ticked Bank slipped 7 fi ls to 551 fi ls after push- 0.4 fi l higher to 79.9 fi ls. Kuwait Invest- ing 1.2 million shares while Burgan Bank ment Co and Aayan Investment added 1 dialed down 2 fi ls. Mabanee Co slid 23 fi l each to close at 127 fi ls and 111 fi ls fi ls to 661 fi ls whereas Commercial Bank respectively and International Financial was up 5 fi ls. United Projects Co shed 15 Advisors followed suit on back of 14.9 fi ls and Gulf Insurance Group jumped 38 million shares. fi ls to 689 fi ls. National Investment Co rose 3 fi ls to 44 Zain rose 2 fi ls to 630 fi ls after mov- fi ls on back of 7.3 million shares whereas ing 1.4 million shares while Ooredoo Kuwait Financial Centre (Markaz) ticked slumped 32 fi ls to 656 fi ls. stc inched 1 fi l 0.5 fi l into green. KMEFIC slipped 8 fi ls KUNA photo higher to 930 fi ls whereas logistics major to 140 fi ls and Bayan Investment eased Agility tripped 1 fi l before ending at 749 1 fi l to 40 fi ls. KFIC trimmed 0.1 fi l and Graduation ceremony under sponsorship and with presence of Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense Sheikh Hamad Jaber Al-Ali Al-Sabah. fi ls. Humansoft Holding scaled 13 fi ls Unicap added 1.5 fi ls. while Boursa Kuwait Securities gave up 2 fi ls. YIACO dipped 17 fi ls. Noor Financial Investment gained 2 The market opened gap down and fi ls whereas Tamdeen Investment gave 228 offi cers graduate at slipped into red in early trade before up 8 fi ls to close at 235 fi ls. Al Imtiaz pulling higher. The main index retreated Investment scaled 3 fi ls and Kuwait In- again amid selling in some of the blue surance Co stood pat at 405 fi ls. Warba Kuwait military academy chips to plumb the day’s lowest level of Insurance Co dialed down 1 fi l. 5,684 points almost an hour into the ses- Uptick ‘No hotel, KUWAIT CITY, Feb 11, Salah Al-Hamdan. sion. It headed north thereafter to peak at National Industries Group recouped (KUNA): Under sponsorship The activity proceeded with 5,709 pts in the fi nal minutes before giv- last session’s drop with a 2 fi ls uptick and with presence of Deputy the defense minister distributing ing up its gains to close slightly below the Prime Minister and Minister of awards to the top cadets of the opening mark. whereas 2 fi ls to 196 fi ls after pushing 5.4 million shares while Mezzan Holding Defense Sheikh Hamad Jaber batch 47. Top gainer of the day, Burgan Com- Al-Ali Al-Sabah a graduation Addressing the ceremony, pany For Well Drilling soared 10.97 pct slipped 4 fi ls to 582 fi ls. Boubyan Petro- to 172 fi ls while KBT sprinted 10.3 pct to chemical Co partly erased Wednesday’s ceremony for 228 commis- Sheikh Hamad Jaber Al-Ali stand close behind. Automated Systems losses with a 16 fi ls drop to 703 fi ls. In- sioned offi cers of Batch 47 was conveyed greetings from His Co skidded 10.94 percent, the steepest tegrated Holding was fl at at 410 fi ls after held on Tuesday at Ali Al-Sa- Highness the Amir, Supreme no travel’ decliner of the day while ALOLA contin- trading 3.8 million shares while Aznour bah Military Academy. Commander of the Armed tripped 1 fi l. At kickoff of the activity, Brig- Forces, His Highness the Crown Jazeera Airways fell 2 fi ls to 619 fi ls adier General Khaled Al-Otaibi Prince and His Highness the Money not refundable ■ UUS$/KDS$/KD 0.30225/350.30225/35 and ALAFCO paused at 211 fi ls. Com- addressed attendees, including Prime Minister on the army of- bined Group Contracting Co and KCPC Kuwait Army Chief of Staff fi cers’ graduation. Ministry of Information and the Ku- ▲ Euro/KD KUWAIT CITY, Feb 11: 0.3670 took in 1 fi l each whereas KPPC eased 1 Lieutenant General Khaled Al- He urged them to serve Ku- The spokesperson for the Di- wait Hotels Company - hotels which fi l to 42.5 fi ls. The Gulf Petroleum In- Sabah, noting that the graduation wait devoutly and demonstrate are part of the institutional quarantine ■ Yen/KD 0.0029 vestment trimmed 0.3 fi l whereas IFA of the new batch of troops came affection toward the homeland rector-General of Civil Avia- according to specifi c health require- Hotels and Resorts added 2 fi ls. Gulf amid critical local tasks and rapid with deeds, rather than words. tion (DGCA), Saad Al-Otai- ments. ▲ British £/KD 0.4183 Franchising Holding gained 5.9 fi ls. events in the Gulf region. Sheikh Hamad has urged for bi, said constant meetings Regarding the most important re- Kuwait Cement Co fell 3 fi ls to 227 fi ls bringing into recollections, on are held with the concerned quirements in hotels, Al-Otaibi stated ■ Indian Rs/KD 0.0041 whereas Gulf Cable and Kuwait Foundry Policy the national days, the great sac- the application of health requirements Co tripped 1 fi l each. Kuwait Portland The academy adopts a policy rifi ces of the armed forces for parties to implement the will be the responsibility of the ho- ■ Philippines Peso/KD 0.0063 Cement shed 16 fi ls erasing last ses- of seriousness, fair fi rmness, defending Kuwait. Cabinet’s decision regard- tels, as special fl oors will be allocated sion’s modest gains whereas Metal and non-harsh discipline and non- Following his address, the ing institutional quarantine in each hotel for incoming travelers, Recycling Co and Independent Petroleum arbitrary commitment, Brig. and meals will be provided to them in ▲ FTSE troops carried out a military pa- for seven days at local hotels +4.36 pts at closing Feb 11 Group was unchanged at 499 fi ls. Gen. Al-Otaibi said, affi rming rade, then the National Anthem for all passengers who arrive closed boxes to prevent the transmis- Kuwait and Gulf Links Transport Co Kuwait’s security, stability, resounded across the parade sion of the coronavirus. eased 1.8 fi ls to 53 fi ls and Educational honor and sovereignty cannot into the country at their own Regarding hotel prices and their ▲ Nikkei +57 pts at closing Feb 11 compound, then the minister Holding Co gave up 4 fi ls. ACICO Indus- be compromised. was awarded a commemorative expense, as of February 21, costs, Al-Otaibi said no specifi c price tries inched 0.3 fi ls up to 87.7 fi ls and The ceremony included swap present on the occasion, reports Al-Qabas daily. has been agreed upon. Rather, the traveler can choose the hotel and the ▼ Gold 1843.45 per oz (London) Mashaer Holding took in 0.5 fi l. Oula of the academy fl ag between Senior commanders and of- The daily added, the incoming Fuel added 2 fi ls whereas Soor Fuel batch 47 and 48, then com- price that corresponds to his fi nancial fi cers of the army, the Military passenger will have to register capabilities in the institutional quaran- paused at 123 fi ls. mander of human resources at Defense Council, the Ministry with the Kuwait Traveler plat- ▼ NYMEX crude $58.26 per barrel The market was mixed during the tine, as 3, 4 and 5-star hotels will be the academy, Colonel Faisal of Interior and the National form, and complete the prescribed available for all arrivals to the country. week. The main index closed lower in Dashti read the Amiri Decree, ▼ Brent crude Guard attended the ceremony. 7 or more days quarantine period $61.04 per barrel three of the fi ve sessions easing 1 points followed by a declaration of The batch number 47 com- Quarantine week-on-week. It has shed 85 points so at home. LIBOR rate 0.20088% the fi nal results of the batch of prises up to 228 graduates, in- In a statement to Al-Qabas daily Al-Otaibi listed 10 controls for in- far during the month and is up 149 points the commissioned offi cers, ad- cluding 201 for the army, 26 for year-to-date. Al-Otaibi announced the most signifi - stitutional quarantine in hotels - Insti- dressed by the assistant com- the National Guard and a single cant perception raised regarding insti- tutional quarantine for all citizens and mander of the academy Col. military graduate from Yemen. tutional quarantine is that no citizen residents; Airlines must verify travel- Call to intensify efforts or resident travels outside the country ers’ reservations in hotels; The traveler except after booking and selecting the has the freedom to choose the hotel institutional quarantine site in a hotel according to his capabilities; Provid- and paying the costs in full, saying, ing the opportunity for all hotels in the “the money is not refundable. The country to benefi t from the institutional Governor directs authorities traveler will pay it before travel, so that quarantine; Each hotel will allocate it includes the institutional quarantine fl oors for quarantine for a week. period set for 7 continuous days.” This is in addition to after the in- to beautify, clean the capital “On how to deal with people com- stitutional quarantine period ends, ing to the country for the fi rst time,” the person completes the quarantine KUWAIT CITY, Feb 11: The Gov- tor at the Directorate-General of Fire Al-Otaibi said: “First-time arrivals period at home; The hotel will ensure ernor of the Capital, Sheikh Talal Department (DGFD), Major General must book a hotel through the Kuwait that packed meals are provided to Al-Khaled, called on the Ministry of Khaled Abdullah Fahd, and the Director Traveler platform before their ar- the quarantined to prevent infection State for Municipal Affairs to inten- of the Audit and Follow-up Department rival.” He pointed out that the airlines with the virus; Hotel charges are not sify periodic public cleaning efforts in Engineer Yusef Al-Bathali, the director will be entrusted with making sure refundable, and the traveler will pay all regions of the governorate, and also of the Capital Governorate’s roads and that travel requirements are met for them before travel; Civil Aviation called on the Ministry of Public Works networks maintenance department at those coming to the country, whether coordinates with the “media” repre- in relation to conducting a PCR ex- sented by the tourism sector and the to organize what he called care and the Ministry of Public Works, Engineer amination or adopting institutional Kuwait Hotels Company and appli- periodic maintenance of all bridges, Ayed Abdullah Al-Azmi, in addition KUNA photo quarantine in hotels. cation of health requirements of the roads and sidewalks, and what is re- to the Director of the Inspection and Part of the graduation ceremony. Al-Otaibi this is done in coordi- quarantined people will be the respon- quired to be done in this regard includ- Control Department at the Environment nation with the tourism sector of the sibility of hotels. ing maintenance and painting of sign- Public Authority, Nada Dabbashi. boards, ground signs, and all types of Al-Khaled called on Public Author- tunnels and bridges, to give a new look ity for Agricultural Affairs and Fish for the landscape, reports Al-Seyassah Resources (PAAAFR) to make more daily. efforts at greenery and afforestation This came in a press statement on the and to pay attention to green patches sidelines of the fourth social coordina- by watering them throughout the year, tion meeting which he chaired at the especially during the summer season Governorate’s General Offi ce head- using modern and advanced irrigation quarters, in the presence of the Direc- methods and stressed on the need to tor General of the Public Authority for address the problem of neglected com- Industry, Abdul Karim Taqi. mercial advertisements along the streets The meeting was also attended by the “because of their negative effects on the Vice-President of the Prevention Sec- general appearance”, he said.

Governor Sheikh Talal Al-Khaled presiding over the fourth coordination meeting. ARAB TIMES, FRIDAY-SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 12-13, 2021 LOCAL 4

Regulations play significant role in defining degree of impact Several global trends infl uencing banking sector in Kuwait

By Consultancy and Research 5.1.2 More on the Cloud in the Department, GCC Banking Sector This section will highlight the status Institute of Banking Studies — of cloud adoption in the global bank- Kuwait ing sector. It will focus on trends and Authors: Dr Thalaya Alfozan and regulatory status. Ghaleb Aoude In his article published on February 4, 2020 in ITP.net, entitled “Why GCC This is the third part of ‘Cloud Banks are looking to the Cloud24”, Computing and its Impact on Ku- Serge Tohme states: “The tipping wait’s Banking Sector’ research point for migration to the cloud for organizations has now been reached.” — Editor Key findings of Tohme’s article are: ❑ ❑ ❑ ■ Banks in GCC countries are fac- 4.8.7 Keeping Multiple Copies of ing tough competition. According to Data Bloomberg, 70 listed banks in GCC Information and data are the real serve 51 million people, while around 12 banks in the UK serve 65 million. assets of any organization. In a Cloud ■ environment, the Cloud vendor can GCC clients are digitally sophisti- compensate swiftly and cheaply for cated. 78% of GCC banking customers system or devices failures. However, will shift to a better digital experience, according to a recent EY. study. the availability of data is a crucial fac- ■ tor for business resilience and conti- The shift to Cloud is the obvious nuity. Therefore, organizations must route to survive and thrive in such a highly competitive market. make sure that they always have extra ■ up-to-date copies of their data in case The ever-improving IT security ser- of any disaster. They may arrange for Comments Comments vices, which in many cases outperform this with their cloud vendor, another Most banks depend on their own efforts by talking to cloud vendors and/ IT Department initiative triggered cloud projects in three banks only. in-house security services, have paved or issue RFP documents to procure cloud services. Banks are not enthusi- Only one board-level initiatives is identified. the way to broader cloud adoption. cloud vendor, or at their datacenters. ■ 4.8.8 Other Information Security astic about using industry consultants to set their cloud strategies. Technology factors represent a significant trigger. Establishing GCC-based cloud Considerations datacenters by the technology giants Organizations should discuss all will help banks comply with local gov- technical and procedural matters re- ernance requirements such as data sov- lated to information security internally ereignty that is related to data storage locations. and with their potential Cloud vendor. ■ This includes how the cloud vendor IDC is predicting that the Middle ensures the security, safety, and priva- East & Africa will witness “an an- cy of their data. Cloud data centers are nual growth rate of 24% for the cloud not located within the premises of the market, which will reach $5 billion by 2022.” organization, and the SLA controls the ■ relationship between the organization The Cloud will make sense by and the vendor. Organizations should helping banks reduce their CAPEX make sure that the cloud vendor: and OPEX expenditure. ■ Provides a BYOK option should 5.1.3 Global Cloud Perspective that become a requirement either by This section provides a view of what the client or by the governance orga- sort of competition is facing the regu- nizations. lated banking sector globally. It might ■ Cannot have access to user cli- not be the case in Kuwait yet. How- ents’ data. ever, this does not mean that this situa- ■ Ensures governance of IT Security tion might not change. Even regulators and operations (segregation of duties, might find themselves under pressure policies, procedures, etc.) to the SLA. to force local banks to deliver innova- ■ Conforms to user’s applicable IT tive and competitive services or open security standards. the door for global service providers. ■ Is capable of providing clients This section is intended to shine a light with audit reports (such as SOC1 Soc2 on what may be coming so banks and Soc3, CSA STAR attestation, etc.) regulators can be ready. ■ Commits to paying significant Comments Comments Deloitte also published its report, penalties to clients if their data is There are many applications that are attractive for cloud implementation. The trend is to either use an external cybersecurity consultant or use the “Getting cloud right - How can banks hacked or breached while within the Banks are trying to avoid applications that deal with client data. cloud vendor’s cybersecurity services. There is a low tendency to depend stay ahead of the curve?25, in 2019. cloud vendor boundaries. No bank has planned cloud for its core banking. only on the bank’s cybersecurity services. Deloitte started its report by stating: To conclude this section, we have “Cloud is not the future or an emerg- ing trend anymore: it is the present to point out that cybersecurity will workloads in the public Cloud and The shared services capabilities em- results in significant environmental im- Cloud service providers run massive continue to be one of the primary and it constitutes a critical tool for asked them about their experiences powered by virtualization technologies pact on a worldwide basis. This section data centers with enormous energy re- financial institutions to stay competi- considerations and challenges for the used by cloud data centers and the re- will handle the environmental impact quirements. Their energy consumption computing industry, not for the Cloud with cloud security. The survey cov- tive in today’s challenging business ered 26 countries and more than 10 duction of computing equipment foot- of the Cloud from two different angles. bills, accordingly, are equally signifi- environment. Success with process re- alone. In its report on THE STATE OF One is related to businesses, and the cant. Shifting to renewable energy is an CLOUD SECURITY 202043, Sophos business sectors. The report concluded print installed at clients’ data centers engineering and efforts at digitaliza- with valuable recommendations to result in significant power savings. The other is related to cloud vendors. obvious choice to reduce their energy tion with emerging technologies such states that a cyberattack has hit 70% 4.9.1 Environmental Impact of bill and help protect the environment. of organizations. This finding resulted business and IT leaders. Cloud allows more efficient use of com- as artificial intelligence is dependent Cloud from the Customer’s Perspec- Solar, geothermal, hydropower resourc- on cloud computing.” This statement from a survey that included 3,521 IT 4.9 Environmental Impact of puting resources among a large number tive es and wind are familiar sources of re- managers currently hosting data and Cloud Computing of clients through virtualization. This positions the Cloud as an essential Many elements affect the environ- newable energy. As an example, Agile element of growth, even survival, for ment positively from a customer’s per- IT collaborated with Arcadia Power the financial industry. The report lists spective. A study conducted by Micro- to power its headquarters and network several benefits of the Cloud, such as soft in partnership with WSP USA18, operations center with wind power. Re- improving business agility, helping in- listed many factors that contribute to newable energy is an obvious choice in novation through the consumption of the environmentally friendly features the age of global warming and climate external services, leveraging industry- of cloud computing: change, especially for the massive data specific solutions, and triggering a a. Reduction of Energy Use centers of global cloud vendors. Howev- paradigm shift in IT spending. Each Data centers represent a significant er, not all cloud vendors are equal when of these benefits empowers banks to source of energy consumption. Server, it comes to implementing renewable en- increase efficiency, rationalize costs, storage, and communications equip- ergy solutions. Greenpeace, in its 2017 innovate in service offerings, move to ment, as well as cooling, require pow- Click-Clean report22, states that Apple, service-oriented business models, etc. er continuously. The amount of power Google, and Facebook are the three big Deloitte’s report mentions several consumption is proportionate to the players. They shone in their renewable success stories where giant interna- size of equipment. When adopting the energy implementations while Netflix, tional banks managed to transfer criti- Cloud, businesses will get rid of their Amazon Web Services (AWS), and cal operations to the Cloud. Capital data center equipment either entirely Samsung particularly poor performers. One is using Amazon’s AWS to run or partially, hence reducing their pow- The reduced energy consumption of their core banking services. Deutsche er consumption and carbon footprint. organizations on a worldwide basis and Bank Luxembourg partnered with Research funded by Google and con- the renewable energy moves of cloud Avaloq Banking Suite to migrate its ducted by Lawrence Berkeley National vendors will have a positive impact on various business services. Citigroup Laboratory, in conjunction with North- the environment. reduced the 45-day wait time for in- western University, revealed that tran- 5 Section-2: Impact of Cloud frastructure resources to less than 20 sitioning typical software applications Computing on Kuwait’s Banking minutes by using IBM Cloud, hence to the Cloud would cut energy use by Sector achieving a drastic reduction in time 87%. The study further affirmed that This section outlines how Kuwaiti to value. data center energy consumption would banks reacted to the cloud-computing Deloitte’s report states that Cloud/ drop by 31% between 2010 and 2020 phenomenon. This study depends on a Technology vendors are competing as more and more organizations shift survey that has been conducted by the with the traditional financial industry by to cloud computing helping businesses authors to get an accurate picture of the offering innovative financial services. save 60-85% in energy costs. It is also status and plans of cloud adoption by The report lists several examples. Ama- useful to mention that adopting cloud Kuwait’s commercial banking sector. zon offers cash services, credit cards, services will significantly reduce the e- 5.1 Cloud Trends in Banking and other basic financial products, in- waste caused by equipment renovation Several trends are driving the evo- cluding Amazon Pay. Alibaba, with its or disposal plans in the long run. lution of the banking industry today. spin-off AliPay, services over 900 mil- b. Decrease of Green House Gas These trends are global, and they are lion customers, far more than the largest Emissions influencing the banking sector in Ku- US bank. Deloitte predicts that devices Throughout the life cycle of com- wait. Regulations play a significant such as Alexa, Siri, or Google Home puting equipment, power is consumed, role in defining the degree of impact. will be the future of banking since these starting from producing raw materials 5.1.1 Migration to the Cloud – A smart AI bots will act as a financial as- for equipment manufacturing, assembly, Regional Perspective sistant in everyday life. transportation to the on-site data center, In a Computer Weekly article pub- 5.1.4 Adoption of Artificial Intel- use, and finally, disposing of them. The lished on December 09, 2019, entitled, ligence (AI) study suggests that the Cloud can reduce “Cloud computing surges in the UAE Financial Institutions have always carbon emissions by 30%, reaching 90% in 201923,” Alicia Buller described been known as leading adopters of new for small businesses. The study states that the momentum that cloud comput- technologies. They have the resources in 2010, Salesforce reduced its carbon ing has been witnessing over the past to spend and the client base that is footprint by 170,900 tons of carbon. This few years. The article listed the cloud ready to utilize new services that can figure is equivalent to eliminating 37,000 vendors that have launched their cloud save time and offer choice. Artificial cars on the road. Let us remember this is data centers in UAE such as Alibaba Intelligence (AI) is a perfect example related to one cloud-based application. Cloud, SAP, Microsoft, and Oracle, a of such a tool that is reshaping clients’ c. Dematerialization momentum will encourage businesses interactions with their service provid- Dematerialization refers to the re- in the entire region to move on with ers in both the retail and B2B business. placement of high-carbon physical their cloud adoption plans. The cloud is a significant enabler products with virtual equivalents. Amazon, on the other hand, built of AI. Machine learning is a core en- Moving to the Cloud allows organiza- their datacenter in neighboring Bah- gine for AI applications that depend on tions to use less computing equipment rain. SAP is serving its clients through handling large amounts of data. The with much lower energy bills. Other its cloud data centers in Dubai, Ri- Cloud is the optimum infrastructure electronic services that are powered by yadh, and Dammam. Oracle’s first that delivers the necessary scalability, the Cloud can reduce the consumption data center was built in Abu Dhabi in diversity, geographic coverage, and of carbon. Examples are using cloud- 2019 and is planning two more in the capacity required by AI. based storage services such as Drop- UAE and another two in Saudi Arabia Among the various complex models box, SharePoint, and Google Drive to in 2020. that AI tackles, let us talk about the Next exchange documents. Using electronic The article states that “According to in Sequence, a machine learning imple- signature services such as DocuSign a recent YouGov survey of more than mentation, which helps in predicting eliminates the need to print docu- 500 IT decision-makers in the UAE, future client requirements, such as future ments and sign them physically, send 88% planned to increase cloud spend in sales26. This crucial feature helps the re- them, store them, and possibly dispose 2019, 83% are running partially or com- tail industry implement next-generation of them by the end of their lifecycle. pletely in the cloud in 2019, and nearly Customer Relationship Management Another dematerialization feature is 90% expect cost savings on the cloud.” (CRM) tools that meet the ever-chang- the use of video conferencing that re- On the regional level, the article ing psychology of customers. Fraudu- sults in the slashing of business travel. refers to data from the research firm lent card detection is another significant Many international companies use Statista that predicts that the public threat that AI is helping to solve for the video conferencing for their sales and cloud services market in the Middle banking sector, retail industry, and all business meetings or events, leading East and North Africa (MENA) is pro- other payment card services. to a considerable saving in travel costs jected to grow to $1.9bn (AED7.97bn) AI is playing other vital roles in the and carbon emissions. There are many by 2020, double what it was in 2016. industry today. It is enough to mention examples where technology, especial- According to Buller, Microsoft computer vision that is helping in im- ly cloud-based, can reduce the carbon launched its direct cloud presence in age classification, car accident man- footprint of organizations, countries, the Middle East in June 2019 by open- agement, an image segmentation that and the whole world. ing one data center in Dubai and an- has a crucial role in developing self- 4.9.2 Environmental Impact of the other in Abu Dhabi. Alibaba has had driving cars. Cloud from the Cloud Vendor Per- its datacenter operational in Dubai spective since 2016. To be continued ARAB TIMES, FRIDAY-SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 12-13, 2021 LOCAL 5 REMEMBER WHEN

Photograph courtesy of The Center for Re- search and Studies on Kuwait and the work of Dr Yacoub Al- Hijji in the book Old- Kuwait: Memories in Photographs fi rst published in 1996.

© N.M.M. Courtesy of The Center for Research and Studies on Kuwait DEFENDING KUWAIT During the battle of 1920, all along the city wall of Kuwait There was no question of their sincerity and devotion. (From soldiers gathered ready to defend their city. Those who guard- the book ‘Old Kuwait: Memories in Photographs’) ed the wall during the day were replaced by others at night. diwaniya A DIGEST OF PUBLIC OPINION Bid for govt-parliament consensus seen expensive “SOME media use the word ‘resolving’ when they comment on the news about the public money, there is a great debate surrounding it, as the issue of the Ma- governance in achieving national stability and security system. the meeting between HH the Prime Minister and the ‘Bloc of Sixteen Deputies’ laysian Fund has been in the drawers for nearly four years, and had it not been “In light of these facts and challenges, the phenomenon of the contradiction which resulted in the formation of a government committee and deputies to for the serious move of the US Treasury Department, our rational government between public administration and individual freedom emerged. Will the citi- study proposals that many MPs consider an initiative of the government repre- would not have moved, and we all know the reasons. zen sacrifi ce part of the permitted freedoms in exchange for ensuring stability sented by His Highness the Prime Minister to facilitate dealing with him in the “Recovering the money that has been embezzled by those who have fl ed the and national security? And to what extent can the government convince its next stage,” columnist Qais Al-Osta wrote for Al-Jarida daily. country after committing the crime seems a distant reality and dropping loans citizens of this approach?” “In this regard, any parliamentary-government consensus will ultimately or their interest will be hindered by the state’s fi nancial situation, leaving us ❑ ❑ ❑ lead to the interest of the citizens, but the parliamentary bloc, through negotia- to amend electoral districts to fi ve and give every voter two votes, and this tions with His Highness the Prime Minister, implicitly approved precedents that could have been done without meeting with His Highness the designated prime “Because minds, conscience, public interests, and the future of Kuwait are were not supposed to be approved. minister and establishing a political precedent that we may pay a heavy price still absent in what is transpiring in the local arena, and because murmuring is “His Highness resigned after more than thirty-fi ve in the future.” no longer useful, we therefore cry out of necessity “Economy fi rst” and hope it MPs declared they will not cooperate with him, and this will gain everyone’s attention”, columnist Sami Abdullatif Al-Nisf wrote for negotiation means every incoming Prime Minister can Also: Al-Nahar daily. anticipate any intention to declare non-cooperation with “For any observer it is crystal clear that there are dangers looming from all “The slogan “Economy First” is based on our choice because if we do nothing him by resigning, so that he returns after two weeks to sides. Add to this the interests of the industrialized world in the region and the amid the noise of confl ict, the dinar will collapse in a few years, just like the cur- turn the page according to his perspective and form a ambitions of the neighboring countries are becoming more severe and fero- rencies of other countries in the region that have wealth that we do not possess. new government. cious,” columnist Mohammed Al-Duwaihis wrote for Al-Shahed daily. “Economy fi rst ... because we are in dire need of an economic government. “I realize here that the constitutional text is ambigu- “This is because the phenomenon of terrorism is increasing and violence is Many of our ministers are creative youth from the private sector who can save ous, but the constitutional harmonization requires the witnessed just near our borders, our regional waters as the political sectarian billions from the wasted budgets, and free the ministries from destructive bu- bloc not to meet with His Highness the Prime Minister. practices increase and religious and sectarian confl icts increase with the pas- reaucracy. The other matter is that the bloc implicitly approved, af- sage of time. “Economy fi rst ... because if the economy collapses, it will quickly turn into ter not objecting to His Highness, his intention to delay “The feelings of the enemies encourage the haters and the envious interfere suffocating political crises and accompanying security disasters. forming the government which means not to hold Parlia- Qais Al-Osta in the internal affairs and threaten the security and stability of the state and try “Economy fi rst ... because of the madness and stupidity we saw in the past due ment sessions that approve laws that could benefi t many to stir up all kinds of discord. to the behavior of some parties in the political game, as one side’s thefts and ex- citizens, which is a matter inconsistent with the spirit of the Constitution that “Likewise, the GCC system and its location and fi nancial and petroleum cesses appeared during the accumulation of major fi nancial defi cits, and the other was put in place to serve the country and its people. wealth are considered a point of convergence and collision between the major side witnessed more defi cits, and more endless populist and fi nancial demands. “Some MPs or even political commentators may speak on the grounds that powers, and the region is in a state of continuous movement and change. “Economy fi rst ... because taking care of the economy is no longer a choice the Prime Minister’s meeting with the 16-MP Bloc may contribute to some is- “Therefore, the matter requires interaction with these developments with a but has become the only option, as its alternative is the tsunami. sues to vent the increasing tension in the street, and this is what everyone hopes, strategic vision and thinking that places the security and stability of the state “I lived in the countries of the Far East, where the economies of the economic but the events of the past few years have proven that the government’s ability to above all considerations, with respect for human and universal values, adher- tigers of Asia, as it is called, collapsed in the late nineties. I say as an eyewit- have infl uence on these issues is very limited. ence to laws, regulations and international agreements, and an attempt to re- ness that it is not like someone who heard about it. The economic collapse will “The pardon, according to the words of His Highness the Prime Minister, is formulate laws and agreements in line with the developments and changes to be more severe for us than Saddam’s treacherous invasion, which unifi ed us to not in his hand and the ministerial formation is drawn by family balances, social ensure the continuity and stability of national security. quickly end it within six months. The difference is that the Asian Tigers had a requirements, and meeting the demands of parliamentary leaders that will make “The imbalance in the demographics, the lack of strategic depth and reliance real economy of agriculture and industry, unlike us ...!” His Highness’ ability to maneuver in the formation limited. on oil as the only and main source of income increases the importance of politi- “As for the government’s promises to hold accountable those who embezzled cal maturity and the importance and role of effective management and good — Compiled by Ahmed Al-Shazli mp profile getting to know you MoH fi nalizes list to bring in Voting Record

■ Law on addressing the lop- sided demographic structure in 2020 – approved Mubarak Haif Al-Hajraf ■ Handicapped Affairs Law stranded medical, tech staff Sunni number 73/ 2020 in 2020 – ap- Fourth Constituency proved ■ Law on supporting busi- Plan to delay 2nd dose of Oxford shot to three months nesses that suffered damages MUBARAK HAIF AL-HAJRAF because of coronavirus in 2020 – was born in 1971. He rejected KUWAIT CITY, Feb 11: completed his master’s ■ Proposal to add an ar- The Ministry of Health degree in Law at Kuwait ticle to National Assembly is currently fi nalizing the University and Diploma Law number 12/ 1963 in Fitch drops ratings of Kuwait in Law at Paris University. 2020 – rejected list of non-Kuwaiti medi- ■ Competition Protec- cal, technical and nursing He is a member of Kuwait tion Law number 72/ 2020 Lawyers Society. in 2020 – absent staff who are outside the He contested the par- ■ Law number 68/ 2020 country in preparation for banks from stable to negative liamentary elections for on transforming Kuwait their exemption from the KUWAIT CITY, Feb 11: In a clear banks are National Bank of Ku- of assets. the first time in 2016 and Airways Corporation into a decision that the Council of ranked fourth in the Fourth shareholding company in refl ection of the “domino” theory, wait, Kuwait Finance House, Bur- The basic non-oil sectors in the Al-Hajraf 2020 – absent Ministers issued recently to and as a continuation of the series gan Bank, Al-Ahli Bank, Boubyan region are exposed to great pres- Constituency. He also won ■ Amendment of the in the 2020 elections with ban the entry of foreigners of declining economic perfor- Bank, Gulf Bank, Commercial sures, especially the real estate Private Sector Law in 2020 – ap- mance, the negative repercussions Bank of Kuwait, Al-Ahli United sector. This is particularly seen in 4,422 votes which put him in 10th proved as one way of curbing the place in his constituency. ■ Printing and Publishing Law spread of coronavirus, re- of the COVID-19 pandemic have (Kuwait), Kuwait International the UAE and Qatar, as real estate number 17/ 2020 in 2020 – ap- ports Al-Anba daily. cast their shadows on the Kuwait Bank, Warba Bank, and Kuwait prices have fallen by 30 percent Statement banking sector, which has always Industrial Bank. since the drop in oil prices, which proved The ministry had earlier in- Al-Hajraf commented on the per- ■ Law number 16/ 2020 on fam- been described as fi nancially ro- The report indicated that the greatly affects the performance of formance of the government, dur- ily violence in 2020 – approved structed the health districts to bust. This has happened after Fitch Kuwaiti authorities would support banks. ing which he was quoted as saying: ■ Law on tackling the negative prepare lists of their medical, Ratings downgraded the credit rat- the banks - if necessary - similar The banks in the Gulf have “Believe or not, this weak govern- consequences of coronavirus in technical and nursing staff who ing of 11 local banks from “stable to a previous experience when the proven their effi ciency in manag- 2020 – rejected are outside the country; includ- ment is being asked to combat cor- ■ “ to “negative” about a week after Central Bank moved quickly to ing costs despite the low interest Kuwait Firefighting Force Law ing the relevant information ruption and implement economic in 2020 – approved the agency downgraded Kuwait’s support a local bank. that puts pressure on their profi t- reform. Funny enough, every time ■ Social Security Law number such as civil ID number, job ti- fi nancial condition from “stable” On February 2, the agency had ability. The issuance of sovereign a grilling motion is submitted; we 7/ 2020 (salary advance) in 2020 tle, workplace, passport number, to “negative.” warned of near-term liquidity risks debt and the continuation of sav- hear voices echoing the crisis-mak- – approved nationality, country of origin, In a report issued yesterday, the associated with the State Treasury ing during the pandemic period ers.” and expiry of residence permit. agency said banks will face more Fund. boosted liquidity in the banking Meanwhile, the Ministry of Health challenges as the economy of Ku- In his part, Head of Middle East sector”. intends to postpone administering the wait continues to fall under pres- Bank Ratings in Fitch Ratings Ramsdale said he expected the second dose of the Oxford vaccine sure in light of “a large proportion Redmond Ramsdale said, “The oil acquisitions and mergers in small Al-Ghanim congratulates Sakher Co Chief to those who received the first dose of fi nancing in the banking sector prices and the effects of the pan- banks would increase due to the for a period of three months in a bid linked to the government.” demic are refl ected on the profi ta- limited capital and the surplus in Al-Sharekh on winning King Faisal Award to increase the number of segments Fitch revealed that the eleven bility of Gulf banks and the quality the number of banks in the region. covered by the vaccination program, KUWAIT CITY, Feb 11, (KUNA): Na- ment is an extension to many honorable Ku- reports Al-Qabas daily. tional Assembly Speaker Marzouq Ali waiti works that serve Islam and Arabic cul- Health sector officials explained delay. corona infection, as well as provide They added the study revealed Al-Ghanim sent Thursday a cable of con- ture, Al-Ghanim said, wishing Al-Sharekh to the daily that this delay is in view They said the booked appoint- strong immunity for three months that protection remained at 76 per- ments for the second dose of Ox- after receiving only one dose; indi- cent within three months following gratulation to chairman of Sakher Software more achievements and success. of the publication of medical stud- ies confirming the vaccine is more ford vaccine will be rescheduled to cating that postponing the second the first dose of Oxford vaccine, Company Mohammad Al-Sharekh on win- Meanwhile, Kuwait’s Ambassador to 12 weeks after receiving the first dose of the vaccine for about three while the rate increased to 82 per- ning the 2021 King Faisal Prize. Qatar Hafeedh Al-Ajmi held a luncheon effective if the second dose is de- layed. dose, not four weeks as they were months will pave way for adminis- cent after the second dose. They Al-Sharekh won the award, given by on Thursday in honor of Kuwait’s National They also clarified that those who informed through messages sent to tering the first dose to larger groups pointed out the effectiveness of the King Faisal Foundation, for his efforts in Assembly Speaker Marzouq Al-Ghanim, received the first dose of Pfizer vac- their phones. until the new order of vaccines ar- vaccine for those who received a Arabicizing and producing computer pro- who is visiting Doha in response to an of- cine will receive the second dose According to these officials, re- rives – both Oxford or Pfizer, or the single dose is from the 22nd to the grams, and his contribution to enriching fi cial invitation from Qatar’s Shura Council as scheduled – after a period rang- cent studies have shown that the Ox- vaccines that will be officially ap- 90th day, while protection gradually Arab and Islamic culture. This accomplish- Speaker Ahmad Al-Mahmoud. ing from 21 to 28 days without any ford vaccine may reduce the risk of proved in the coming period. recedes after three months. ARAB TIMES, FRIDAY-SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 12-13, 2021 LOCAL 6

Delay rate in project as of January exceeds 46 percent Huge delay seen in executing maternity hospital project KUWAIT CITY, Feb 11: A recent October 2016 and work commenced in 1,300 and 1,600 workers per day sons for the delay also include slow which had not yet been decided upon. thousand cars, a building for central report revealed that there is a signifi- January 2017. It was supposed to be compared to about 3,600 workers customs release procedures, slow The ministry had warned the contrac- services, and bridges to connect all cant delay in the maternity hospital completed in July 2021 according to before the COVID-19 crisis. approval procedures for government tor for the first time to withdraw the buildings in the project. project being executed by the Ministry contract, but the actual completion rate In this context, the report stated that agencies such as issuing an amended project on September 21. The project is an essential part of of Public Works for the Ministry of is currently estimated at only 30 per- the pandemic conditions also caused building permit, issuing licenses for The project, which is located on an the state’s strategic plan to develop Health at a cost of more than KD 220 cent. the cancellation of previously issued new storage sites, and renewing office area of 60 thousand square meters, and increase the efficiency of the million in the Sabah Health Zone, The COVID-19 crisis has work permits, the failure to issue new licenses, and the Ministry of consists of a main building with a medical sector services with the reports Al-Qabas daily. increased the problems of the con- work permits to bring in workers from Electricity’s failure to start imple- basement and a podium of six floors application of the latest global sys- According to the report, the delay tract, and contributed to the exacer- abroad, the non-return of workers menting the power plant to feed the dedicated to operating rooms, three tems, especially since the existing rate in the project as of January bation of its crisis due to the unavail- stranded abroad since March 2020, project. main towers with a capacity of 780 hospital was established for a long exceeded 46 percent after more than ability of skilled workers. The num- and the delay in the arrival of materials Also, the report explained that the beds, and a building for outpatient time and no longer accommodates the 70 percent of the contractual period ber of workers on the site has from abroad. contractor had previously submitted a clinics, lecture halls, a multi-storey increase caused by the population had passed. The contract was signed in reduced by half, reaching between The report highlighted that the rea- request for an extension of 243 days, parking building with a capacity of 5 growth. Ministry of Electricity to build ‘power station’ in Subiya area Municipality to form new committee

KUWAIT CITY, Feb 11: According to a report in the ity of 750 MW and converting an existing open-cycle 250 MW plant to a Middle East Economic Digest (MEED) magazine, the combined cycle plant. Alghanim International had completed work in 2019 for a simple cycle power Ministry of Electricity and Water is planning to build a plant, and in 2020, it completed work for the combined cycle power plant at the power station to supply electricity in Subiya area. It is Subiya Power Complex. KKMA webinar poster It should be noted that the State Audit Bureau recently agreed to award a trans- planning to float a tender in accordance with the engi- action advisory contract for the North Al-Zour 2 and 3 projects and the Khairan 1 neering, supply and construction system, and its genera- independent power and water generation project to a consortium led by the British tion capacity will reach 1,000 megawatts, reports Al-Anba company Ernst & Young (EY). ‘Think before you click’ The North Al-Zour project will have the capacity to generate 2,700 megawatts daily. and desalinate 165 million imperial gallons per day. The Khairan 1 plant will have The magazine quoted informed sources as saying the contract will the capacity to generate 1,800 MW of electricity and 125 million imperial gallons include building a combined-cycle gas turbine power plant with a capac- of water per day. KKMA organizes webinar Also: KUWAIT CITY, Feb 11: In this Here it is, KKMA the largest KUWAIT CITY: Director General of era of technology especially of organization which always tak- Kuwait Municipality Engr Ahmad digital platforms, We can’t think ing lead for social changes for a Al-Manfouhi issued a decision to about a smart phone, or multiple better society, organizes a cyber form a committee to follow up the variant of gadgets. A recent implementation of the recommenda- webinar titled THINK BEFORE study reports that an ordinary YOU CLICK to show the front tions of the Supreme Committee for person spends 3-4 hours of his Planning headed by the Director of and behind the scenes of digital Ahmadi Municipality Saud time with smart devises, rather spaces. This event will be taking Al-Dabbous, reports Al-Anba daily. than time with his family mem- place on Friday, 12th February According to a statement issued by bers. 6:30 pm remotely as you can the Municipality, the committee will We are seeing that people are attend either by ZOOM meeting specialize in carrying out preparatory keen to own every latest devises, or in Facebook Live. As the title work for the meetings of the Supreme however it is in doubt how many denotes THINK BEFORE YOU Committee for Planning, providing of us are empowered with the CLICK, Webinar takes you into proper knowledge in secure administrative requirements for it, a journey in one and half hours recording the minutes of the meetings, practices of this digital revolu- and confirming the recommendations tion. about the best practices in cyber issued in this regard. We read daily, number of care. M. Ameer, renowned It will also be in charge of receiving internet frauds, or smart steal- expert in cyber security matters, all responses for the topics to be pre- ing, cyber threat, blackmailing will shed light on various feature sented. The members will need to send happening around the corner of of cyber platforms. to the committee chairman any topics our digital living space. We Everyone with superlative they wish to bring up for discussion at become concerned only when it interest and eagerness to learn the meeting of the Supreme Committee touches us personally or our can attend this session. To Join for Planning and Coordination at least family. No, never will it be our by Zoom Meeting ID: 895 7289 ten working days before the meeting. culture in digital spaces, rather 5506 Passcode kkma2021, To The committee will also be prepar- watch live on facebook: https:// ing the meeting agenda in coordination we must be very careful of the with the Director General, and it will DOs and DON’Ts in our digital www.facebook.com/kkma. be informing the members about the practices. news. meeting dates, providing them with KUNA photo the agenda and all topics to be pre- Part of the signing of the cooperation agreement between the Environment Public Authority and the Kuwait Air sented, and also preparing meeting Sampling to undergo tests Sports Club. minutes, numbering and saving them. In addition to that, the committee will be preparing periodic reports for Club undertakes several environmental initiatives presentation to the Supreme Environmental team tests rain Committee indicating the actions taken by the members in implementing the recommendations, and also carry- water outlets in four locations EPA, Kuwait Air Sports Club ink agreement ing out tasks based on recommenda- The Ministry of Public Works said KUWAIT CITY, Feb 11, (KUNA): ing with reports through air monitor- to remove these tires within six tions of the Supreme Committee. By Muhammad Ghanem The members of the committee Al-Seyassah Staff in a press statement the mobile labora- The Environment Public Authority ing. months, either transferring it to tory was used to conduct the required (EPA) and the Kuwait Air Sports The agreement, lasting for five Al-Salmi Area or exporting it outside include Rapporteur in Ahmadi Municipality Amal Abdul-Rahman KUWAIT CITY, Feb 11: The joint laboratory tests by the Laboratory and Club signed a cooperation agree- years and can be renewed, during the country. environmental team comprising mem- ment, Thursday, to monitor the neg- which environmental projects will be For his part, the Kuwaiti Air Sports Abdullah Al-Kandari, Rasheed Environmental Studies Department of ative effects on the wild environ- financed if they require support from Club Head, Sami Al-Shemmeri, said Abdulrahman Al-Bader from Office of bers from the Ministry of Public the Environmental Affairs Department ment. the Environmental Fund to develop the that the agreement was to consecrate the Director General of Kuwait Works and the Environment Public in the Sanitary Engineering Sector of In a press release, the EPA Board environmental monitoring system in the principle of continuous coopera- Municipality, and Sarah Habib Hassan Authority carried out a field tour of the the Ministry of Works. Chairman and Director-General the country and contribute to increas- tion between the club and the Authority Sadiq also from the office of Director rainwater exits in the Hawalli and The ministry added the joint team Sheikh Abdullah Ahmad Al-Sabah ing environmental awareness, he through a number of initiatives. General of Kuwait Municipality. Mubarak Al-Kabeer Governorates, undertook a sampling process to con- said that the agreement stipulates that added. Al-Shemmeri pointed out that The Third Article of the decision stip- which included inspecting the exits duct the required laboratory tests, with the club undertakes several environ- Regarding Ryayya tires’ dumping through this agreement, members of ulates that the financial allocations com- near Dar Salwa and the ‘Radisson SAS an assurance that in the event there mental initiatives, including protecting site, he noted that the plan is moving in the club will make air tours over desert mittee is disbursed according to Civil Blue’, as well as in the Abu Al was an increase in the percentage of a preserved area in Nuwaiseeb, enrich- the right direction after intensive meet- areas to monitor negative phenomena Service Council Resolution No. 41/2016 Hassaniya area and inside the National pollutants, a field survey will be made ing the wild environment there and ings with the Cabinet and the and inform the authority of the matter regarding the allowance for attending Guard Officers Club in Mubarak for the entire network to find out the cooperating with the authority in deal- Parliament, stressing full commitment to take the necessary action. sessions in government agencies. Al-Kabeer. cause of pollution. Rights protected: MoE List of employees for promotion gets okay KUWAIT CITY, Feb 11: The Personnel Affairs Committee at the Ministry of Education has approved the list of employees up for promotion by selection for the year 2020, reports Al-Jarida daily. Acting Undersecretary Faisal Al-Maqsid chaired the committee meeting recently, with Assistant Undersecretary for Administrative Sector Rajaa Bouarki, Assistant Undersecretary for Public Education Sector Osama Al-Sultan, Assistant Undersecretary for Curricula and Research Sector Salah Dabsha, and Assistant Undersecretary for Educational Establishments Engr Yassin Al-Yaseen in attendance. Sources told the daily that the committee reviewed the files of the above-mentioned employees, indicating 10 percent of the total of number of employees being considered for promotion met the conditions in this regard. Sources disclosed the concerned employees’ job grades will be raised retroactively starting from April 2020 when their promotion was supposed to take effect, but was delayed due to the total and partial curfew imposed earlier to curb the spread of corona. Sources stressed that the financial rights of these employees are protected and the corresponding amount will be paid along with their salaries for next month. Sources added the ministry is committed to imple- menting the instructions of the Civil Service Commission (CSC) which specified the promotion of 10 percent of the total number of eligible employees - around 6,000 to 7,000; hence, about 600 to 700 are promoted as per the regulations set by CSC including seniority in obtaining the job degree and seniority in obtaining the academic qualification. In another development, sources confirmed the min- istry will soon issue a decision on the distance educa- tion mechanism for the second semester of the current academic year - 2020/2021. ARAB TIMES, FRIDAY-SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 12-13, 2021

7

Artist breaks boundaries with his music Rahat to spread message of love in a virtual live concert By Chaitali B. Roy will experience the energy of a state ing what I was doing.” But that soon try has also been badly impacted. “It Special to the Arab Times of the art live concert from the safety changed, and by the age of fi fteen, has been challenging especially for of their homes. Rahat was an integral part of his un- the live event industry and musicians, usic speaks the universal lan- “says the artist who has appeared in Legends cle’s renowned qawali group, with Mguage of love. It provides ref- which he toured the UK in 1985. four seasons of Coke Studio. “People uge in a world shadowed by fear, Rahat Fateh Ali was born in Pa- Although there was a fi rm adherence have struggled a lot, and I hope this suspicion, growing nationalism and kistan, into a family of musical leg- to classical music in his family tradi- gets over sooner than later.” When acrimony. A living legend known ends that goes back 600 years. The tion, his uncle incorporated modern asked if online events are here to stay, for his transcendental music, Ustad nephew of Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali instrumentation in traditional Sufi he shares, “ We have done smaller Rahat Fateh Ali Khan’s appeal is Khan, son of Farukh Fateh Ali Khan, music to synergise it with the times. private virtual shows, this the fi rst universal, and bridges divide. One and the grandson of Fateh Ali Khan, “Innovation and change have their public virtual show. The impact of of the most profound performers of Rahat became the torchbearer of initial struggle every time,” explains a live audience is unique, and I love Qawalli, a musical genre rooted in his family, after the untimely death the artist. “Qawali music is the same. that experience. I hope things get bet- South Asian Sufi sm, the maestro has of his uncle, who was described as Khan Sahib created a new genre of ter so that we can enjoy face to face transcended barriers and carved out the 4th greatest singer of all time by fusion Qawali to introduce our tradi- interaction with our audience. I am a niche as a musical giant. On Feb LA Weekly in 2016. Music is in the tional music to the global audience.” not sure of the future of this form of 14, the artist will spread the message DNA of this artist who began learn- performance, but there is great po- of love in a worldwide virtual live ing music from his uncle at the age Audience tential considering the technological concert titled ‘Worldwide Virtual of three. Did he ever think of doing The music from Ustad Rahat Fateh growth and individual usage of smart Live Concert with Rahat Fateh Ali anything else? “My family has been Ali Khan’s family is unlike any other. devices.” The artist commended the Khan’ at 8 pm. Indian Cultural Soci- performing qawali for 600 years. The sound is heavy and powerful Rahat Fateh Ali Khan to perform a live concert on Feb 14, at 8:00 pm. Indian Cultural Society on their work ety (ICS), an organisation known for Music is in my blood and gene. I with textured timbres, and it rever- and said he looks forward to spread- setting standards in live entertain- never thought otherwise,” he said to berates creating electrifying energy. industry, he says, “Bollywood has he became the fi rst Pakistani per- ing the message of peace, love and ment in Kuwait, will present a live Arab Times. Recalling his experi- “Some of this style is the signature of been the most effective instrument former to perform at the Nobel Peace spiritualism. “I have come to know concert by Ustad Rahat Fateh Ali ence of being trained by his uncle, he our ‘qawal bacha gharana’, and some to carry my voice to the global audi- Prize. In 2016, he was honoured with of the ICS and its contributions to the Khan, in collaboration with PME. says, “It has been one of my great- of it is individual style as well,” the ence.” Since 2003, Ustad Rahat Fateh Lifetime Achievement Award by the cultural activities of the community. ICS has a sterling track for block- est blessings. To have Khan sahib as artist observes. Rahat’s brilliant talent Ali Khan has given some of Bolly- Music Faculty of Oxford University. I must say its commendable. These buster shows featuring great enter- an Ustad, mentor, father fi gure and broke boundaries, and he became a wood’s biggest hits including ‘O Re In 2019, Oxford further honoured efforts have kept the ‘Des alive in tainers such as Adnan Sami, Amit performer was the best one could colossus in South Asia. Music has no Piya’, ‘Jag Soona’ ‘Sajda’ ‘Dagabaz him with an Honorary Doctorate in Pardes’. I will specially mention Ash- Kumar, Papon, Harshdeep Kaur, wish for.” After six years of rigorous boundaries. Our message is love and Re’ and many others. Over the years, Music. faq Bhai for his efforts and support Hariharan, Mohit Chauhan, Meet training, young Rahat gave his fi rst peace for the world,” says the artist he has released over 50 albums, sung COVID-19 has had a devastating for this project. Thank you, Kuwait!” Brothers, Himesh Reshammiya, performance at the age of nine. “I who made his debut in Bollywood in more than 100 fi lm songs, performed impact on the arts and creative sec- For information on Rahat Fateh Ali Daler Mehendi, Shreya Ghosal and was just spewing out what I learned 2003 with the movie ‘Paap’. Speak- in concerts worldwide and worked on tors, with millions losing out on their Khan’s Feb 14 show, check out www. many others. Fans in 40 countries and practised without actually realis- ing of his work in the Hindi fi lm international collaborations. In 2014, livelihoods. The performance indus- icskuwait.org. Area 19 Annual Speech Contest on Feb 12 MaceSprings conducts ‘Battle of the Titans’

KUWAIT CITY, Feb 11: When such an event as the Annual Speech Club Contest of MaceSprings Toastmasters Club takes place, the quotes on team- work, professionalism, perfection etc. are one too many. On Jan 15, 2021, from 3pm onwards, when most tend to enjoy their afternoon nap, the Toastmasters Fraternity in and outside Kuwait, were wide awake and excited to be in front of their comput- er screens as they didn’t want to miss the opportunity to witness the much awaited ‘Battle of the Titans’ the an- nual speech contest of MaceSprings Toastmasters Club, to be held for the Dr. Shareefa Al-Adwani with His Excellency Ambassador Abdulaziz Al- fi rst time virtually. The members who Sharekh, Director-General of the Kuwait Diplomatic Institute at the Kuwait fondly call themselves the Maceans Diplomatic Institute. were all excited to cheer their fellow A Zoom photo from the event. members who were all set to compete with all zeal, fun and enthusiasm. Dr Shareefa enjoys shared discourse The contestants TM Rahul Di- nodia, TM Tabassum Ali, DTM Alka Kumra,TM Kapil Kumra,TM AUK’s CGS director conducts one-week Murugaiyan Subbaraylu,TM Ele- na Rezuchova and TM Srinivasan Gandhi proved it with their ter- course at Kuwait Diplomatic Institute rifi c performances that they were powerful,unique and gifted in their KUWAIT CITY, Feb 11: AUK di- diplomat-scholars, such as condens- own way. To ensure the contest fl ows rector of the Center for Gulf Studies, ing the material to fi t within a week, smoothly and effi ciently, a bunch of Dr. Shareefa Al-Adwani offered a presenting the material through his- talented toastmasters from various short course titled Kuwait Foreign torical, pragmatic, and diplomatic renowned Clubs in Kuwait stole the Policy at the Sheikh Saud Nasser lenses, and adjusting the material for show by their meticulous planning, Al-Sabah Kuwait Diplomatic Insti- a post-graduate level audience. organization and leadership skills. Chief Judge at the Annual Speech Club Contest of MaceSprings Toastmasters Club. tute. The course was at the invita- Commenting on her experience The powerful team for the contest tion of His Excellency Ambassador teaching the course, Dr. Shareefa starting from the chief judge and his are empowered to develop their com- test and they did marvelously well. nodia-Winner of MaceSprings Toast- Abdulaziz Al-Sharekh, Director said, “The diplomat trainees are panel of judges, the contest chairs and munication and leadership skills that Well done! Khalid Abdulla, DTM, masters Club (who will represent the General of the Kuwait Diplomatic some of our best and brightest post- the role players made this contest one results in greater self-confi dence and District 20 Club Growth Director club for International Speech, Humor- Institute. graduate youths in Kuwait. They of the most memorable, superb, scin- personal growth. It was the fi rst time I was partici- ous Speech, Evaluation Speech and The one-week distance-learning tillating and superlative online club Feedback from our guests: pating in the club level contest, I had Table Topics Speech Contests) for the are passionate and pragmatic about contests witnessed so far that the au- course involved eight lectures, a re- Kuwait’s foreign policy, and would As a beginner in toastmasters, it mixed feelings but the people around Area 19 Annual Speech Contest “En- view, and an exam. Among the stu- diences will cherish and reminiscence engage in high-level discussions for years to come. was wonderful to witness such a con- me were very supportive especially rich and Empower” to be held online dents in the class were 39 diplomat during the course’s sessions. The ex- test. I learnt a lot from both the role the club president! They had more (Zoom) on Friday, Feb 12, @1.30pm students — including 7 AUK alum- Toastmasters is all about ‘empow- perience of teaching the course and ering’ individuals in the art of public players and the contestants faith in me than I had on myself! I just Zoom ID: 973 7211 9113, Passcode: ni. The main course objective is for TM Mathew Kulathhooran, Mem- wanted to give my best and just did A19 contest. You all are welcome! the participants to understand, ana- discussing concepts, approaches, speaking, communication and leader- and ideas was very exciting and I en- ship skills and this marvelous event ber- Aim High Toastmasters Club that! Thanks to the Almighty I won MaceSprings Toastmasters lyze, and evaluate Kuwait’s interna- I witnessed a high level of deter- in all four categories and now look- Club: VPMembership TM Abdula- tional tools, strategies, and policies joyed the shared discourse through- proved, that a Toastmasters Club pro- out the course’s sessions.” vides a supportive and positive learn- mination from MaceSprings family ing forward to represent the club in zeez-98842591, President TM Hazel within the dynamic and interactive ing environment wherein members members in their annual speech con- the Area level contest! TM Rahul Di- D’Souza-66345604 globalized environment over time. This course is a single course Similar to the undergraduate upper- among many that the diplomat train- level course that Dr. Shareefa teach- ees receive at the KDI. The training Are you hip? Fun and talented? Then you may be the one es at AUK, several key areas were duration is several months long after addressed in the course, including which the diplomat trainees will be Kuwait’s security threats, trade, alli- assigned to various offi ces within the ances, organizational memberships, Kuwait Ministry of Foreign Affairs. and diplomatic strategies and tools. Within any of those offi ces, it is criti- Pinoy Arabia ME launches ‘DJ Quest 2021’ contest However, there were several adjust- cal for all members of MoFA to be ments made to the course for the experts on Kuwait’s foreign policy. KUWAIT CITY, Feb 11: Pinoy will have his/her own weekly pro- Arabia ME, the most listened to gram on Pinoy Arabia ME. Runners Filipino community service online up will receive valuable consolation radio in Kuwait powered by Marina prizes. FM has launched the Pinoy Arabia Pinoy Arabia ME powered by Ma- ME “DJ Quest 2021” as it marks its rina FM now on its 6thyear continues 6th year. The competition is open to to sizzle and conquer the airwaves all Filipino nationals or of Filipino with its new programme offerings to descent, 19 years old and above, its listeners and more than 300,000 with good moral standing who want organic followers on Facebook. to showcase their talent on the ra- Broadcasting live from the Marina dio. The audition is open from Jan FM studio in Kuwait, Pinoy Arabia 31, 2021 to February 28, 2021. The ME, since its launch on Oct 30, 2014 would-be participants can email has generated a sensational follow- their ONE-MINUTE AUDITION ing and a great number of listeners VIDEO in landscape orientation not only in Kuwait but in the GCC via WeTransfer to pinoyarabiafm@ countries and beyond. Pinoy Arabia gmail.com together with their full ME fully supported by the Philip- name, age, occupatio, address and pine Embassy in Kuwait and Filipino contact details. community organizations plays Fili- Audition videos will be posted on pino and English current and old hits Pinoy Arabia ME YouTube Chan- nel. Pinoy Arabia will select 20 24 hours with regular guests from qualifi ers and will be trained by DJ the Philippine Embassy and other Mentors. The 20 qualifi ers will be visiting Philippine government of- announced on March 1, 2021 and fi cials. It caters to Filipino commu- will be reduced to Top 10 in the pro- nity events and other vital announce- cess of elimination based on this cri- ments especially at the time of the teria: 50% — number of video views COVID-19 pandemic. Pinoy Arabia & likes & 50% — jurors’ ratings FM has become a reliable source of (Performance, Voice Quality, X- information for Overseas Filipinos Factor, Audience Connection). The and a venue of pure entertainment. top 10 Finalists will be announced The Pinoy Arabia ME team is com- A fl yer of the event. on March 31, 2021. posed of Maxxy Santiago, Ben Gar- The 10 fi nalists will be on board cia, DJ Red, DJ Spark DJ Kris and PSA to hold Blood Donation Camp once a week with their assigned DJ Campus DJs — DJ Liaah, DJ Erika mentor. Weekly video performances and DJ Berto. Pakistan Sports Association (PSA) Days, dedicated to Founder of Pa- will be posted online and the top 3 “If you’ve got what it takes to be Kuwait will hold 6th Annual Blood kistan Quaid e Azam Muhammad fi nalists will be selected and an- Pinoy Arabia ME ‘DJ Quest 2021’ poster. a DJ, then this is your time to shine. Donation Camp on Feb 12, at Cen- Ali Jinnah and Late Amir of Kuwait nounced on April 30,.2021. New Show your talent and have fun while tral Blood Bank, Jabriya, Kuwait, Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmed Al Sabah. video performances of the top 3 will The Pinoy Arabia DJ Quest 2021 grabs would be KD 500 cash and one connecting with people,” stated DJ to mark the auspicious occasion Everyone is invited to come for- be posted on Pinoy Arabia ME You- grand winner will be announced on round trip ticket to Manila for plus Liaah, the Pinoy Arabia Campus DJ of Kuwait and Pakistan National ward and donate blood. Tube Channel. May 14, 2021. The prizes up for the DJ Quest 2021 Grand Winner Quest grand winner in 2019. Shell says its oil output peaked, speeds up emission cuts

Global energy company Shell pany’s oil production peaked blamed for global warming The company plans to in- said it plans to eliminate seven in 2019 and is expected to de- amid a United Nations drive to crease its network of electric refineries and reduce produc- cline by 1% to 2% annually. limit temperature increases to vehicle charging stations to tion of gasoline and diesel fuel “Our accelerated strategy no more than 1.5 degrees Cel- about 500,000 by 2025 from This fi le photo shows the by 55% over the next decade will drive down carbon emis- sius (2.7 degrees Fahrenheit) 60,000 today and double elec- Shell logo on pumps at a pet- as it unveiled new plans for sions and will deliver value over pre-industrial levels. tricity sales to retail and busi- rol station in London. (AP) reaching its goal of being car- for our shareholders, our Shell said it plans to increase ness customers. Shell also bon neutral by 2050. customers and wider socie- production of liquefied natural said it will invest $100 million Royal Dutch Shell, which ty,” Chief Executive Ben van gas, low-carbon fuels such as annually in “nature-based solu- built its brand exploring for oil Beurden said in a statement. bioethanol and hydrogen as it tions” that protect or redevelop and natural gas in Africa, South Critics say energy compa- seeks to eliminate all carbon forests, wetlands and grass- America and the North Sea, nies like Shell are moving too emissions from the company’s lands that take carbon out of said Thursday that the com- slowly to cut carbon emissions operations and products it sells. the atmosphere. (AP)

Market Movements 11-02-2021 Change Closing pts Change Closing pts JAPAN - Nikkei +57.00 29,562.93 AUSTRALIA - All Ordinaries -11.73 7,122.10 GERMANY - DAX +107.94 14,040.91 PHILIPPINES - PSEi -91.14 6,991.01 EUROPE - Euro Stoxx 50 +23.31 3,671.68 PAKISTAN - KSE 100 -588.77 46,052.09 S. KOREA - KRX 100 +36.98 6,700.66 FRANCE - CAC 40 -0.98 5,669.82 INDIA - Sensex +222.13 51,531.52 CHINA - Shanghai SE +51.60 3,655.09 Business Board recommends distribution of 5% bonus shares Al Ahli Bank of Kuwait reports financial results for 2020 KUWAIT CITY, Feb 11: Al Ahli Bank of Kuwait (ABK) announced its financial results for the year ended 2020. The Total Operating Income was KD141.5 Million, an 18 percent drop compared to the same period in 2019. US jobless claims fall slightly The COVID-19 pandemic has great- ly disrupted the business of global and local companies and led to almost a halt in commercial and economic ac- tivities locally and internationally, causing massive effects on social, to 793,000 with ‘layoffs’ high commercial and economic levels. As a result of the Board of Directors’ resolution to take prudent and proactive measures to mitigate potential credit Budget deficit totals record $735.7bn through Jan losses resulting from some customers affected by the economic crisis caused by the Coronavirus pandemic, and es- WASHINGTON, Feb 11, pecially taking into account that the Talal Behbehani, Chairman of ABK (AP): The number of Ameri- pandemic has not yet ended, and still represents risks to business continu- cans seeking unemployment ity, the Bank has conservatively taken benefits fell slightly last week provisions amounting to KD 136.5 Mil- to 793,000, evidence that job lion, resulting in a Net Loss of KD 69.7 Million for the year ended 2020. The cuts remain high despite a Capital Adequacy Ratio stood at 17.26 substantial decline in new vi- percent while the Non-Performing ral infections. Loan (NPL) ratio was 1.57 percent and NPL coverage was 339 percent. Last week’s total declined from Loans and advances decreased by 812,000 the previous week, the 3 percent compared to 2019, to reach Labor Department said Thursday. KD 3.1 Billion while customer depos- That figure was revised higher its increased by 5 percent to reach KD from the previously-reported figure 3.5 Billion compared to KD 3.3 Billion of 779,000. Before the virus erupt- in 2019. Sharehold-ers’ Equity stood at ed in the United States in March, KD 499 Million. weekly applications for jobless aid The Board of Directors has recom- mended the distribution of 5 percent had never topped 700,000, even bonus shares to registered Sharehold- during the Great Recession. ers. This recommendation is subject to George Richani, Group CEO The job market’s improvement slowed approval at the Bank’s Annual General through the fall and in the past two Meeting. vestment in digital technologies en- months has essentially stalled. Over the Talal Mohammed Reza Behbehani, abled it to switch quickly to remote past two months combined, employers Chairman of ABK, said: “2020 was a working and maintain the level of our have cut 178,000 jobs. Nearly 10 million landmark year of unprecedented chal- services. Our customer-facing technol- jobs remain lost to the pandemic. lenges that tested the ability and flex- ogy ensured customers were able to Though the unemployment rate fell ibility of governments, large and small swiftly execute banking via our various in January to 6.3% from 6.7%, that companies, in addition to the banking electronic channels. We will continue was mainly because many people who and financial system, in dealing with adopting technology-powered process- had lost jobs stopped looking for one. The government doesn’t count people A passer-by walks past an employment hiring sign while entering a Target store location, Tuesday, Feb 9, 2021, in the impact of the Coronavirus pandemic es and realign our operating model with Westwood, Massachusetts. Fewer American sought unemployment benefits last week, lowering jobless claims to in general. With the continuation of the a focus on efficient centralization and as unemployed unless they’re actively 793,000, evidence that job cuts remain high despite a substantial decline in new viral infections. Last week’s total health measures taken by the govern- embedding synergies in our processes.” seeking work. fell from 812,000 the previous week, the Labor Department said Thursday, Feb. 11. (AP) ment, including partial and total cur- “The robustness of our business and All told, 20.4 million people were fews, closure of land and sea borders, the resilience of our strategy means we receiving unemployment benefi ts in the impending expiration of the ex- of New York, the Fed chair also high- trillion compared to the same period in addition to stopping air traffic to and are well positioned to embark on the the week that ended Jan 23, the latest tended jobless benefi ts in barely more lighted the uneven nature of the layoffs last year, while government tax reve- from the State of Kuwait, and numerous recovery and growth journey in 2021.” period for which data are available. than a month. More than 11 million in this pandemic. Job losses among the nues were down 0.8% to $1.19 trillion. other obstacles, many businesses have ABK has maintained strong invest- That’s up from 17.8 million from the people would lose benefi ts as a result, highest-earning one-quarter of Ameri- For January, the defi cit totaled a re- had to find ways to absorb losses. ABK, ment grade ratings of A+ from Fitch week before. according to a report by the Century cans have been just 4%, while job loss- cord for the month of $182.8 billion. in coordination with the Central Bank and A2 from Moody’s, which re-flects The job market’s persistent weak- Foundation. Unlike the previous expi- es among the poorest one-quarter have One of the big spending categories of Kuwait and Kuwait Banking Asso- the Bank’s strong fundamentals, in- ness is fueling President Joe Biden’s ration of extended unemployment aid, been “a staggering 17%,” Powell said. last month included $139 billion for ciation, from the onset of the pandemic, cluding its capital position, resilient push for a $1.9 trillion economic res- which occurred on Dec 26, the cut-off Layoffs have also fallen dispropor- another round of individual economic supported all initiatives set out to assist earnings capacity, stable funding, and cue package. Biden’s proposal would would be phased in between March 14 tionately on Black workers. In Decem- relief payments authorized by the $900 our clients through these extremely dif- diversification of liquidity sources. extend, through August, two federal and April 11. ber, 18% of people who sought unem- billion relief measure Congress passed ficult times, which included a six month The Bank remains unwavering in its unemployment benefi t programs that The job market won’t likely be close ployment aid were black, even though in late December. moratorium to corporate clients, and a commitment to human capital devel- are set to expire in mid-March. His to fully recovered by then. Many econ- African Americans make up 13.5% of President Joe Biden is pushing for six month repayment holiday on retail opment, and was able to facili-tate em- proposal would also raise the federal omists expect a burst of growth and the workforce, according to the Federal Congress to approve anothe9 trillion loans and interests thereof, including ployee training uninterrupted through- unemployment benefi t to $400 a week hiring later this year after vaccines are Reserve Bank of Atlanta. By contrast, relief measure that would provide a credit card repayments. out the year, whilst ensuring adherence from the current $300. more widely administered, especially nearly 50% of the applicants were white, round of $1,400 payments. The De- “We will continue to move forward to social distancing. Towards the end Some economists, including former if Congress provides signifi cantly even though 77% of workers are white. cember measure included individual with strong determination. We will of 2020, the Bank hosted a virtual Treasury Secretary Larry Summers, more aid to households, small busi- Meanwhile, the US government’s payments of $600. focus on growth, adding sus-tainable graduation ceremony for its 29th batch have raised concerns that such a huge nesses and states and cities. But that budget defi cit hit $735.7 billion Republicans are resisting the propos- Shareholder value, and making de- of ABK Academy students. ABK re- spending package would risk igniting isn’t likely for many months. through the fi rst four months of the al, saying it is too expensive and is com- cisions that protect the operational mains strongly committed to enriching infl ation by fueling a burst of consum- Once vaccinations become more budget year – an all-time high for the ing at a time when the economy has be- performance of our business and the Kuwait’s knowledge economy by hir- er spending later this year as the virus widely distributed and administered in period – as a pandemic-induced reces- gun to recover. Biden has insisted that long-term viability of the Bank. I have ing and developing Kuwaiti nationals is gradually brought under control. the coming months, economists expect sion cut into tax revenues while spend- the bigger danger is doing too little, and full confidence in the Bank’s executive and offering them fulfilling careers in Yet on Wednesday, Federal Reserve growth and hiring to pick up, particu- ing on COVID relief measures sent Democrats have begun a process that team to achieve this.” the banking sector. Chair Jerome Powell highlighted the larly if Congress provides signifi cantly outlays soaring. will allow them to pass the $1.9 trillion George Richani, Group CEO, ABK, ABK continued its financial contri- struggling job market and said he thought more fi nancial aid to households, small The Treasury Department reported package without Republican support. said, “While the negative impact of the butions to various causes throughout that any worrisome surge in infl ation businesses and states and cities. Wednesday that the defi cit so far for All the spending for COVID relief COVID-19 pandemic on the Bank’s the year as part of the Bank’s social would be unlikely. If it did arise, Pow- For now, the job market is sputter- the budget year that began Oct 1 is 89% sent the budget defi cit for the 2020 fi s- earnings is clear, ABK remains a well- responsibility, including but not lim- ell said, the Fed has the fi nancial tools it ing. About 4 million people who are higher than the $389.2 billion defi cit run cal year that ended Sept. 30 to a record capitalized, well-managed institution, ited to donations towards the National needs to quell infl ation. For now, infl a- out of work have stopped searching for up in the same period a year ago. Last $3.1 trillion. That was more than three that can withstand any future impacts. Fund to fight COVID-19, Kuwait Fight tion remains below the Fed’s target rate. jobs and so aren’t counted as unem- year’s defi cit through January had not yet times the 2019 budget defi cit of $984.4 The management of repayment risk in Corona Fund, Kuwait Association “We are still very far from a strong ployed. Powell said that if these people been impacted by the pandemic, which billion, a shortfall that was elevated by this current environment is both pru- for the Care of Children in Hospitals labor market whose benefi ts are broad- were counted among the offi cially job- began hitting the US in February. the higher spending on domestic pro- dent and necessary. (KAACH), Kuwait Public Authority ly shared,” Powell said. less, the unemployment rate would be The report showed that spending grams and the military and the costs of “Our International operations, es- for Disability Affairs National Cam- A driving force behind the Biden nearly 10%. through the fi rst four months of this then-President Donald Trump’s 2017 pecially Egypt, contributed positively paign and LOYAC. The Bank also led administration’s push for more aid is In his remarks to the Economic Club budget year was up 22.7% to $1.92 tax cuts. to the Group’s total operating income, numerous internal and external cam- witnessing a 15 percent increase in paigns to re-emphasize the importance spite of the challenging circumstanc- of adhering to health & safety mea- European Commission expresses cautious optimism es of COVID-19. Our DIFC branch sures set out by the Ministry of Health continued to focus on developing its & the World Health Organization. offshore banking capabilities making For more information about ABK a valuable contribution to the Bank’s please visit eahli.com or contact an EU economy expected to grow by 3.7% this year operating revenues. ABK customer service agent via ‘Ah- “During 2020, the Bank’s prior in- lan Ahli’ at 1899899. BRUSSELS, Feb 11, (AP): Despite In its winter interim economic fore- 3.9% in 2022 following last year’s crisis. In 2022, GDP in the EU and the deep uncertainty over a surge in coro- casts, the European Union’s executive 6.3% slide. euro-area will remain about 4% below navirus cases and the impact of new body predicts that growth in the 19 na- The forecasts hinge on the assump- what pre-pandemic forecasts had pro- Small electric air taxis will zip variants of the disease, senior Europe- tions using the euro will reach 3.8% tion that coronavirus restrictions will jected,” he said. an Commission offi cials on Thursday this year and next after a 6.8% drop in remain tight for most of the fi rst half of He also noted that much would de- expressed cautious optimism that Eu- 2020. this year but ease in late Spring, when pend on the way the coronavirus is people to airport, says United ropean economies will rebound later Growth in the wider 27-nation EU most vulnerable people around Europe handled. If restrictions are prolonged, this year and in 2022. is predicted to hit 3.7% this year and like the elderly and those with other ill- the risk posed by new variants rises CHICAGO, Feb 11, (AP): United Air- Atlas shares up 22%. nesses are expected to have been vac- and confi dence is subdued, “growth lines said Wednesday it will buy up to Archer’s aircraft are designed to fl y cinated. in 2021 would remain limited to 2%.” 200 small electric air taxis to help cus- under battery power for up to 60 miles Economy Commissioner Paolo But if vaccines are distributed earlier tomers in urban areas get to the airport. (97 kilometers) at speeds of up to 150 Gentiloni said that “there is, at last, than expected and halt the spread of The airline said it will help electric- mph (240 kph). light at the end of the tunnel.” COVID-19 then growth might increase aircraft startup Archer develop an The company plans to launch service Commission Vice-President Valdis by a further 1% of GDP. aircraft capable of helicopter-style, in congested areas close to airports. Unit- Dombrovskis said the prediction “pro- Despite the slightly upbeat nature of vertical takeoffs and landings. Archer ed estimated the air taxis could shuttle vides real hope at a time of great un- the new forecasts, the eurozone coun- hopes to deliver its fi rst aircraft in people from Hollywood to Los Angeles certainty for us all. The solid expected tries are predicted to lag China and the 2024, if it wins certifi cation from the International Airport at about half the pick-up of growth in the second half of U.S. in bouncing back from the worst Federal Aviation Administration. carbon emissions per passenger. this year shows very clearly that we are of the pandemic. United said once the aircraft are fl y- Cowen analyst Helane Becker said turning the corner in overcoming this A winter wave of coronavirus infec- ing, it and partner Mesa Airlines will United could use Archer’s aircraft could crisis.” tions around Europe has meant new acquire up to 200 that would be oper- operate between New York City and But Dombrovskis warned that “a restrictions on travel and business ated by another company. United’s hub operation at Newark Liber- strong European response will be cru- activity, although companies in some According to an Archer presentation to ty Airport in New Jersey, or from down- cial to tackle issues such as job losses, sectors such as manufacturing have investors, the orders are worth $1 billion town Chicago to O’Hare Airport, allow- a weakened corporate sector and rising been better able to adjust than services with an option for $500 million more. ing airline customers to avoid traffi c. inequalities. We will still have a great businesses like hotels and restaurants. Privately held Archer, which is Chicago-based United portrayed the deal to do to contain the wider socio- On the impact of Britain’s departure based in Palo Alto, California, an- move as part of a broader plan to invest economic fallout.” from the EU with a limited trade agree- nounced separately that it has agreed in technology behind cleaner modes of Gentiloni conceded though that the ment, Gentiloni noted that it “implies to merge with Atlas Crest Investment air travel. CEO Scott Kirby said Archer’s virus is posing major economic and an output loss of around 0.5 percentage Corp. and form a new publicly traded design “has the clear potential to change European Commissioner for Economy Paolo Gentiloni removes his protec- social challenges. “None of the mem- points of GDP until the end of 2022 for company. Archer and Atlas put a $3.8 how people commute within major met- tive face mask during an online news conference at the European Commis- ber states is expected return in 2022 to the EU, and some 2.2 percentage point billion value on the deal, which sent ropolitan cities all over the world.” sion headquarters in Brussels, on Feb 11. (AP) the growth path projected before the loss for the U.K. in the same period.” ARAB TIMES, FRIDAY-SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 12-13, 2021 BUSINESS 9

Toyota to add electric, plug-in hybrid vehicles next year Toyota corporate Toyota says it will roll out two new battery- and possibly the administration of President creates pollution, Toyota said. logo appears on electric vehicles and one plug-in gas-electric Joe Biden - in calling for a diversity of elec- “We believe the fastest way to lower a screen as a hybrid in the U.S. this year as the parade of trified vehicles to reduce carbon emissions, greenhouse gases in the transportation sec- visitor watches a new EVs continues. rather than putting policies in place that tor is to offer drivers lower carbon choices video showing The company gave few specifics on the require those powered solely by batteries. that meet their needs,” said Gill Pratt, chief the assembly line vehicles during a presentation Wednesday, The company, which pioneered the gas- scientist for Toyota. procedures of a but said one electric vehicle would be an electric hybrid, said its research shows that Pratt said it doesn’t make sense to have a Toyota Motor SUV. Toyota said it has a goal of having plug-in hybrids can be as clean, and less huge battery that can take a vehicle 300 Corp.’s plant at 40% of its new vehicle sales be electrified costly than full battery-electric vehicles, miles (480 kilometers) when the average the automaker’s by 2025 and nearly 70% by 2035. It also is depending on the cleanliness of electric- U.S. round-trip commute is 32 miles (52 exhibition hall in developing dedicated underpinnings to be power generation in a particular region. kilometers). Toyota, central used in future electric vehicles. Also, metals such as lithium must be mined “You end up carrying around a lot of extra Japan. (AP) Toyota broke from other automakers - for use in batteries, and the mining process battery mass,” he said. (AP)

Kuwait Financial Centre achieves net profit of KD 4.3 million for Q4 ending Dec 2020 Markaz reduces net loss to KD 1.72 million for 2020 KUWAIT CITY, Feb 11: Kuwait Financial Centre “Markaz” (KSE: PlugPower market value shot from less than $6 billion in Oct to more than $33 bn Markaz, Reuters: MARKZ.KW, Bloomberg: MARKAZ:KK) report- ed its financial performance with a net profit of KD 4.3 million for the quarter ending December 31, 2020, Small stocks roar after years of getting trampled reducing the net loss attributable to NEW YORK, Feb 11, (AP): Small shareholders for the year 2020 to stocks are delivering the biggest punch KD 1.72 million, as compared to a on Wall Street. OPEC ‘int’l’ oil net profit of KD 6.96 million for Over the last three months, an index 2019.The Earnings per Share (EPS) that tracks 2,000 of the smallest stocks was accordingly negative 4 fils for Diraar Yusuf Alghanim, Chairman in the U.S. market has more than tri- prices up 10% the year 2020 as compared to 15 fils pled the gains of the big-cap S&P 500. VIENNA, Feb 11, (KUNA): for 2019. The rally for the Russell 2000 got International oil prices rose firmly Diraar Yusuf Alghanim, Chairman going Nov. 9 as a swell of optimism in January, rising by ten percent stated: “2020 was clearly the most for the economy rose after Pfizer month-on-month due to a drop in challenging period in recent history reported resoundingly encouraging crude oil offer and oil reserves, said data for its coronavirus vaccine and with the onset of the global health cri- OPEC in its monthly report on sis. The primary focus of Markaz in Joe Biden’s White House victory sparked hopes for more stimulus for Thursday. the first half of 2020 was to maintain It noted that the price of OPEC’s the business stability and continuity, the economy. It marks at least a temporary return Reference Basket went up USD 5.21 ensuring its clients’ objectives are (10.6 percent), reaching USD 54.38 being achieved, while protecting the- to form for smaller stocks, which have historically provided bigger returns per barrel (pb). health and safety of all its employees. Meanwhile, ICE Brent’s price rose “The second half recovery started than large-cap stocks over the long term. USD 5.10 (10.2 percent), to reach with the removal of the initial lock- The Russell 2000 currently includes USD 55.32 pb, and West Texas crude down restrictions, even as the GCC Ali H. Khalil, CEO stocks like Bank7, a community bank A street sign is displayed at the New York Stock Exchange in New York. rose USD 5.03 (10.7 percent) to reach continued to feel the impact of lower based in Oklahoma with a market Small stocks are delivering the biggest punch on Wall Street. Over the last USD 52.10 pb. oil prices and demand. With this Investment Banking fees for 2020 value earlier this week of about $150 three months, an index that tracks 2,000 of the smallest stocks in the US As for the performance of the global economic and market backdrop, were KD 0.61million, a growth of million, and fuel-cell maker market has more than tripled the gains of the big-cap S&P 500. (AP) economy, OPEC said that with last month’s percentage of 4.1, it expects a Markaz was still able to deliver 5.9 % y-o-y and a reflection of PlugPower, whose market value shot gradual improvement during the percentage of 4.8 for 2021 with new Markaz’s commitment to providing from less than $6 billion in October to Amazon, Facebook and Google’s par- lapsing under a weak economy, but year on both operational and finan- more than $33 billion earlier this ent company - made up 22% of the their growth can also surge higher in a US stimulus measures and rapid incomparable investment banking recovery of Asian economy. cial performance indicators.” week. The median company in the S&P 500’s entire market value, healthy one. services.” Moreover, percentage of US econo- Mr. Ali H. Khalil, Chief Executive large-cap S&P 500 has a market value according to S&P Dow Jones Indices. Other small caps, like GameStop Officer stated: “In December 2020, He pointed out: “Revenues for of about $26 billion. my growth rose from 3.4 last month to Ten years ago, the top five companies and AMC Entertainment, have become 4.2, while Euro’s GDP went up from Markaz successfully closed its KD 2020 were supported by the positive In recent years, smaller stocks had accounted for less than half of that. household names after getting caught 35 million 5-year bond issue through results of Markaz real estate activi- been mostly lagging further and fur- 3.7 to 4.1. With the global economy likely to up in a frenzy of buying that lifted OPEC also said international private placement. The bonds were ties. On the other side, the annual ther behind Apple and other Big Tech rebound this year from 2020’s slump, some stocks to prices way above what businesses. Those behemoths were demand on oil will increase by 5.8 mil- oversubscribed, which supports the performance was offset by the loss some of the best small-cap performers analysts thought justified. But enthusi- lion barrels to 96.1 million barrels per financial plan for the company on among the few to deliver reliably big from financial assets at a fair value profit growth despite rolling economic in recent months are companies that asm for smaller stocks extends beyond day (bpd) in 2021. the mid and long terms.” of KD (2.08) million out of which crises around the world. would benefit greatly if customers these “meme stocks.” Non-OPEC supply is expected to He added: “Markaz reported KD (0.26) were actually realized. Last year, that gulf widened further start heading outside again. Casino Small-cap stocks have historically rise by 0.2 million bpd to show an Asset Management fees of KD Markaz also recognized an impair- when the pandemic tilted conditions operator Bally’s, restaurant and video- provided bigger returns than large-cap increase of 0.7 million bpd to average 7.52million in 2020, a decline of even more in Big Tech’s favor. The new game arcade chain Dave & Buster’s stocks over the long term, as have so- 63.3 million bpd. Last year it was 62.7 7.3% y-o-y, which were most ment of properties of KD (2.07) mil- and Revlon have all more than dou- called “value stocks.” lion due to subdued real estate mar- stay-at-home economy meant consum- million bpd. impacted in Q2 2020 as a direct ers and businesses spent more time and bled since Nov. 6. Rich Weiss, a senior portfolio man- The report also said that OPEC’s result of equity market volatility. ket conditions. Markaz AUM at the money online, and investors flocked to a Smaller stocks are generally more ager at American Century investments, production of crude oil increased 0.18 However, Asset Management fees end of the year closed at KD 979 narrow group of behemoths positioned reactive than big stocks to economic remembers discussing the academic million bpd to an average of 25.50 mil- recovered sequentially in Q3 and Q4 million as compared to KD 1,143 to take advantage of that. expectations, partly because they tend research showing this during his busi- lion bpd, after it was 22.5 bpd, less by 2020 to pre-pandemic levels. million at the end of 2019.” By the end of last year, just five to have smaller financial cushions. ness-school days at the University of 7.1 million bpd in 2019. companies - Apple, Microsoft, That means they’re more at risk of col- Chicago. US equities edge lower

World shares mostly gain

NEW YORK, Feb 11, (AP): nies and crimping their financial results. Molson Coors fell 11.2% Stocks edged lower on Wall after its profits fell short of expecta- Street as investors remain tions because business shutdowns in cautiously optimistic about Europe hurt sales. prospects for a new round Wall Street is still looking for more government aid to help bolster the of government aid as the struggling economy as vaccine distri- economic recovery seem- bution progresses and the number of ingly stalls. new virus cases continues falling. Wall Street continued to digest Democrats in Congress are working solid corporate earnings and on a potential $1.9 trillion relief updates on a decline of new virus package that would include direct payments to people and more jobless cases. The latest government aid as unemployment remains stub- report on jobless claims, though, bornly high. reaffirmed that employment The number of Americans seeking remains a weak spot in the econo- unemployment benefits fell slightly my as vaccine distribution ramps last week to 793,000. The job market up in the hopes of eventually end- had shown tentative improvement ing the pandemic and its impact. last summer but slowed through the This photo provided by the New York Stock Exchange, traders work on the floor during the Signify Health IPO, on Feb 11. (AP) The S&P 500 index fell 0.3% after fall and in the past two months. making small gains earlier, marking Nearly 10 million jobs still remain another wobbly day of trading. The lost to the pandemic. Lost a job or income? Dow Jones Industrial Average fell World stock indexes were mostly 122 points, or 0.4%, to 31.315 as of higher on Thursday . 12:35 p.m. Eastern after setting a new Many markets in Asia were closed record high on Wednesday. The for the Lunar New Year and other Nasdaq fell 0.2%. holidays. Benchmarks in Paris, Don’t lose access to valuable tax credits Technology stocks were the only Frankfurt and Hong Kong, rose, WASHINGTON, Feb 11, (AP): However, some people were poten- child. families impacted,” said Timothy companies making gains after two while London was flat. US futures Americans who lost their job or some tially facing a smaller credit or no “It is certainly true that as the econ- Flacke, co-founder and executive relatively weak days. Most other sec- edged higher. of their income in 2020 should pay credit because of job loss or reduced omy is struggling, it is undesirable for director of Commonwealth, a nonprof- tors of the market were edging lower. With much of Asia celebrating the attention to a new, one-time provision income in 2020. That can mean the a person to be hit with not just an earn- it organization that aims to build finan- The yield on 10-year Treasury note traditional start of the Year of the Ox, that ensures they don’t lose access to difference between a refund, which is ings loss but also an EITC or CTC cial security for vulnerable groups. held at 1.15% after being as high as there is little in the way of fresh mar- valuable tax credits as well. a financial lifeline in many house- loss,” Maag said. “Efforts to offset this Flacke worries some families may 1.20% earlier this week. ket driving news likely for the rest of The “lookback” rule allows taxpay- holds, or even owing taxes. are commendable and will hopefully be unaware of the lookback provision President Joe Biden held his first the week from the region. ers to use either their 2019 or 2020 That is because people need some not end up creating additional com- or have difficulty seeking help with conversation with Chinese leader Xi Germany’s DAX edged 0.77% income, whichever is most beneficial, earned income to claim the credits and plexities for people who already have filing as they avoid meeting with peo- Jinping. Although there wasn’t any higher to 14,040.91 while the CAC in order to get the most out of the money from unemployment benefits is complex tax returns.” ple face-to-face. That could lead to indication of a major change in U.S. 40 in Paris fell 0.02% to 5,669.82. Earned Income Tax Credit and the not considered earned income in the It is important for taxpayers to be fewer or smaller refunds, which trade policy, businesses are hoping Britain’s FTSE 100 gained 0.07% to Child Tax Credit. These are consid- eyes of the IRS. careful when preparing their taxes. Commonwealth said would be “yet for a less combative approach to 6,528.72. ered the two most valuable tax credits So lawmakers, as part of a relief The are different calculations for the another financial shock for low- trade policy between the world’s two Hong Kong’s Hang Seng gained for low- and moderate-income work- package passed in December, decided EITC and the CTC. And the IRS keeps income families following a year biggest economies than during the 0.5% to 30,173.57 and the Sensex in ing families. taxpayers could “lookback” to their a close watch on those who claim already defined by its unpredictabili- Trump administration. Technology India edged 0.2% higher to 51,382.86. Together, they lift more working- 2019 income to claim these credits. these credits in an effort to avoid ty.” companies were among some of the In Australia, the S&P/ASX 200 age people out of poverty than any While it is unclear exactly how fraud. Families tell Flacke’s organization hardest hit companies by tough trade slipped 0.1% to 6,850.10. Markets other government program, said Elaine many people stand to gain from this “Unfortunately...it is a high audit that they often “hold their breath” until policies during the previous adminis- were closed in Tokyo, Taiwan, Seoul Maag, a principal research associate at new rule, the bulk of the job losses area,” said Arnold van Dyk, director of their refund arrives, using it as a way tration. and Shanghai. the Tax Policy Center. were among lower income workers, Tax Service for Tax Audit. “Make sure to catch up on bills, pay down debt, Companies continued reporting In other trading Thursday, US Taxpayers qualify and receive cred- who benefit the most from these cred- you can substantiate it even if you do boost their savings, or pay for medical mostly solid earnings, adding to a benchmark crude oil lost 39 cents to its based on their income and number its. qualify and it is your own children.” procedures or other expenses they surprisingly good earnings season. $58.29 per barrel in electronic trading of dependents. In general, the less you The Earned Income Tax Credit is Tax software should walk you have delayed. Kraft Heinz jumped 5.1% and Zillow on the New York Mercantile earn, the larger the credit. And they are worth $538 to $6,660 depending on through all the steps to determine if Congressional Democrats are work- Group rose 14.4% after beating Wall Exchange. It picked up 32 cents to refundable tax credits, which are par- income and number of children. you qualify, as should a qualified tax ing on a plan, as part of President Joe Street’s fourth-quarter profit fore- $58.68 on Wednesday. Brent crude, ticularly beneficial because they can People without children can claim the professional. There is also a wealth of Biden’s $1.9 trillion coronavirus relief casts. the international standard for pricing, reduce the amount of tax someone EITC, although its value is much information on both credits on the IRS plan, that would temporarily raise the The pandemic and business shut- declined 39 cents to $61.08 per bar- owes to zero or potentially yield a lower. The Child Tax Credit offers up website. child tax credit to as much as $3,600 downs are still hurting many compa- rel. refund. to $2,000 per qualifying dependent “There is so much at stake for the per child annually. Uber’s Q4 loss narrows, raising hopes for pandemic recovery

Uber’s whittled its losses at cover from a staggering blow forts, which included a $2.65 quarterly revenue that fell the end of a topsy-turvy year delivered last March, when billion acquisition of Post- slightly below the estimates that forced the ride-hailing efforts to contain the novel mates last year, have ena- of analysts polled by FactSet. The logo for Uber appears service to rely more heavily coronavirus shut down much bled the food-delivery service Uber lost $968 million, or above a trading post on the on its food-delivery business of the economy and upended to bring in nearly as much 54 cents per share, in the Oc- floor of the New York Stock after the pandemic dramati- its ride-hailing service. revenue Uber’s ride-hailing tober-December period, nar- Exchange. (AP) cally reduced the number of The upheaval accelerated business. rowing from a loss of nearly people willing to hop into a Uber CEO Dara Khosrow- Uber’s shares dipped by $1.1 billion, or 64 cents per car driven by a stranger. shahi’s plans to expand the about 3% in Wednesday’s share, at the same time in The fourth-quarter results company’s food-delivery op- extended trading after the the prior year. The latest loss announced Wednesday drew eration as part of an effort to quarterly numbers came out. also marked an improvement a picture of a company mak- build a more versatile trans- The decline may have reflect- from the quarters earlier in ing strides in its attempt to re- portation service. Those ef- ed mild disappointment with the pandemic. (AP) Business PPluslus Chicago’s parishes, schools and ministries accumulated at least $77mn Sitting on billions, Catholic dioceses amassed taxpayer aid

fi nances is among the most compre- hensive to date. It draws largely from audited fi nancial statements posted by the central offi ces of 112 of the country’s nearly 200 dioceses. A majority of these dioceses reported enough money on hand to cover at least six months of operat- ing expenses, even without any new income, at the start of the fi scal year that included the pandemic’s arrival. Yet AP’s investigation found the Roman Catholic Church was perhaps the biggest benefi ciary of the small business program. By using a special exemption that the church lobbied to include, Catholic entities across the nearly 200 dioceses amassed at least $3 billion. That was roughly the same, AP found, as the combined total of other faith- based recipients that rounded out the top fi ve: Baptist, Lutheran, Methodist and Jewish. Catholic institutions also received many times more than other major nonprofi ts with charitable missions and national reach, such as the United Way and Boys & Girls Clubs of America. Overall, Catholic recipients got roughly twice as much as 40 of the largest charities in America combined. In their fi nancial statements, the 112 dioceses acknowledged having at least $4.5 billion in liquid or other- wise available assets. To reach its $10 billion total, AP included funding that dioceses opted to designate for special projects instead of general expenses; excess cash parishes and their af- fi liates deposit with their diocese’s savings and loan; and lines of credit, typically with outside banks. Some church officials said AP was misreading their finances and therefore overstating available assets. They insisted that money diocesan leaders set aside for spe- cial projects couldn’t be repurposed during an emergency, though finan- cial statements posted by multiple dioceses stated the opposite. This file photo shows the Cathedral of the Holy Cross in Boston. According to the Boston Archdiocese’s website, its central ministries office received about $3 million, while its parishes and For its analysis, AP consulted schools collected about $32 million more from the federal government’s small business emergency relief program in 2020. (AP) experts in church law and fi nance. One was the Rev. James Connell, an By Reese Dunklin and Michael or West, North or South. “more than expected,” according AP’s analysis focused on available accountant before joining the priest- Rezendes In Kentucky, funds available to the to the independent ratings agency assets because federal offi cials tied hood and becoming an administrator Archdiocese of Louisville, its parishes Moody’s Investors Service. Chicago’s those metrics to program eligibil- in the Milwaukee Archdiocese. Con- cores of Roman Catholic dioceses and other organizations grew from parishes, schools and ministries ac- ity. Therefore, the $10 billion AP nell, also an expert in church law who Sin the U.S. had more than $10 bil- at least $153 million to at least $157 cumulated at least $77 million. identifi ed doesn’t count important is now retired from his position with lion in cash and other readily available million during the fi scal year that Archdiocesan offi cials said the fi nancial pillars of the church in the the archdiocese, said AP’s fi ndings funds when they received at least $1.5 ended in June, AP found. Those same money was needed to cover substan- U.S., including its real estate holdings convinced him that Catholic entities billion from the nation’s emergency offi ces and organizations received tial expenses while parishioner dona- and an estimated $9.5 billion held by did not need government aid. relief program for small businesses at least $17 million in paycheck aid. tions slumped when lockdowns forced charitable foundations created to help AP found other internal skeptics. A We didn’t need it, and I slammed by the coronavirus, an As- “The Archdiocese’s operations have the cancellation of Masses. Without dioceses. church pastor in a Western state said sociated Press investigation has found. not been signifi cantly impacted by the paycheck support, “parishes and Church officials have said their he refused to apply even after dioc- ‘ intentionally wanted to Taxpayer-backed aid from the Covid-19 outbreak,” according to its schools would have been forced to cut employees were as worthy of esan offi cials pressed him, with one Paycheck Protection Program was fi nancial statement. many jobs” because the archdiocese paycheck program help as workers questioning why he was “leaving free supposed to help recipients that lacked In North Carolina, the Raleigh couldn’t have made up the difference at Main Street businesses, and that money on the table.” He requested leave the money for the kind of fi nancial safety net that Diocese and its churches and schools given its own expenses, spokeswoman without it they would have had to anonymity because of his diocese’s cash and short-term assets provide. collected at least $11 million. Yet Paula Waters wrote. curtail their charitable mission as policy against talking to reporters and those small business While dioceses, their churches and during the church’s 2020 fi scal year, The fi nancial resources of several demand for food pantries and social concerns about retaliation. schools went into the pandemic with overall offerings were down just 5% dioceses rivaled or exceeded those services spiked. They point out the When the pandemic hit, the pas- owners who did billions, the cash catastrophe church and assets available to the diocese, available to publicly traded companies program’s rules didn’t require them tor used parish savings and trimmed leaders feared did not materialize, AP its parishes and schools increased by - like Shake Shack and Ruth’s Chris to exhaust cash or reserves. expenses. He said he felt a “sound ’ found. New fi nancial statements that about $21 million to more than $170 Steak House - whose participation in The United States Conference of moral conviction” that the federal several dozen dioceses have posted million, AP found. Raleigh offi cials the paycheck program triggered out- Catholic Bishops did not directly an- funds were meant for shops and for 2020 show available resources im- did not answer direct questions. rage last spring. The two joined others swer questions. Presented with AP’s restaurants that, without it, might proved despite the pandemic’s hard, In Illinois, the Archdiocese of companies in returning the money. fi ndings, spokeswoman Chieko Nogu- close forever. early months - the same time they Chicago had more than $1 billion in On top of good fi nancial planning, chi responded that paycheck support “We didn’t need it,” the pastor said, sought paycheck protection aid. cash and investments in its headquar- dioceses benefi ted when U.S. stock was “designed to protect the jobs of “and intentionally wanted to leave the The pattern held whether a diocese ters and cemetery division as of May, markets rebounded and parishioners Americans from all walks of life.” money for those small business own- was big or small, urban or rural, East while the faithful continued to donate found ways to continue donating. The AP’s assessment of church ers who did.” (AP) Beware: Your taxes just got more complicated What gig workers need to know about taxes

By Liz Weston deductions. your income taxes. You may be required to send out You also can deduct retirement plan NerdWallet 1099s if you paid $600 or more to any contributions. While it’s generally f you became a gig worker during person or company as part of your too late to set up a solo 401(k) or a Ithe pandemic, beware: Your taxes business. The deadline to fi le those SIMPLE for 2020, you can open and just got more complicated. was Feb. 1. contribute to a SEP IRA until your tax Gig work - Uber driving, Instac- You’re also going to owe self- fi ling due date: April 15 plus exten- art shopping, Amazon Flex delivery employment tax. Employees typically sions. and so on - is on-demand, freelance pay 6.2% of their income in Social Avoiding penalties Don’t let the fear of work that’s typically taxed as self- Security taxes and 1.45% in Medicare You’ll typically avoid underpay- employment. Instead of having an taxes, while their employers pay an ment penalties if you end up owing owing‘ money keep you employer withhold money from equal amount. But if you’re your own the IRS less than $1,000. You’ll also your paycheck, you’re an independ- employer, you typically pay both be penalty-proof if your 2020 tax ent contractor who is expected to halves of those taxes: 12.4% to Social payments are at least 90% of what you from filing, however. pay taxes on your gig income as Security and 2.9% to Medicare, for a ultimately owe for the year, or 100% you earn it. You’ll also owe a larger total of 15.3%. of what you paid in 2019, which- The IRS has payment share of your pay to Social Security What you can deduct ever is smaller. (But if your adjusted and Medicare taxes. Internet, phone service, transporta- gross income in 2019 was more than plans, and its penalties On the plus side, you may have This file photo shows part of a 1040 federal tax form printed from the Inter- tion, health insurance, a home offi ce $150,000 - or $75,000 for married more opportunities to deduct your nal Revenue Service website, in Zelienople, Pennsylvania. Tax filing sea- - all these and more are potentially fi ling a separate return - that threshold for failing to pay on expenses and save for retirement than son will start a bit later and look a bit different this year. That’s because the deductible, at least in part, if they are rises to 110% of what you paid in you do as a W-2 employee. pandemic that defined 2020 has seeped into tax time as well. (AP) “ordinary and necessary” parts of run- 2019.) time are far less than Self-employment taxes are a mys- ning your business. “Don’t let the fear of owing money tery to many freelanced in the previous 12 January from their employers showing But you can go too far. You may keep you from fi ling, however. The those for failing to file a About half of U.S. adults say they months. But COVID-19 lockdowns how much they earned the previous need cell service for the app-based IRS has payment plans, and its penal- don’t have a good understanding of led to big changes in the composi- year and how much was withheld in driving or delivery work you do, for ties for failing to pay on time are far the tax implications of freelance or gig tion of the freelance fleet. Millions taxes. The self-employed, by contrast, example, but you can’t deduct 100% less than those for failing to fi le a return on time work, according to a recent NerdWal- had to quit during the pandemic, of- may get tax forms known as 1099s of the cost - only the portion that’s return on time.” ’ let survey. Yet this type of work was ten because of lack of work or fear showing how much a company paid related to your gig work. If 25% of Tax software can guide you through a growing part of the U.S. economy of contracting the virus. At the same them. Even if you don’t get a 1099, your phone use can be attributed to the process, but consider hiring a even before the pandemic upended time, massive unemployment and a though, you’re expected to fi le a tax your gig, then you can deduct 25% of tax professional to help you if this is people’s work lives. surge in demand for home delivery return and report all your self-em- the cost. the fi rst time you’ve fi led as self- A survey last summer by Up- led millions of others to seek out ployment income if your net earnings The 15.3% self-employment tax employed. There are enough gray work, a freelance job platform, freelance work for the first time. are $400 or more. Net earnings is mentioned above is also deductible. areas and complications to gig work found 59 million Americans - or Gig work tax basics basically the income you earn from You can deduct half of what you pay taxation that having help from a pro 36% of the U.S. labor force - had Regular employees get W-2s in your self-employment minus allowed in self-employment tax when fi guring can pay for itself. (AP) ARAB TIMES, FRIDAY-SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 12-13, 2021 SCIENCE 11

Coronavirus

‘Safety not compromised’ A third of US adults skeptical of ‘shots’ NEW YORK, Feb 11, (AP): About 1 in 3 Americans say they defi nitely or probably won’t get the COVID-19 vaccine, ac- cording to a new poll that some experts say is discouraging news if the US hopes to achieve herd immunity and vanquish the outbreak. The poll from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Pub- lic Affairs Research found that while 67% of Americans plan to get vaccinated or have already done so, 15% are certain they won’t and 17% say probably not. Many expressed doubts about the vaccine’s safety and effectiveness. The poll suggests that substantial skepticism persists more than a month and a half into a US vaccination drive that has en- countered few if any serious side effects. Resistance was found to run higher among younger people, people without college degrees, Black Americans and Republicans. Dr. Anthony Fauci, the govern- ment’s leading infectious-disease sci- entist, has estimated that somewhere between 70% and 85% of the US population needs to get inoculated to stop the scourge that has killed close to 470,000 Americans. More recently, he said the spread of more contagious variants of the virus increases the need for more people to get their shots - and quickly. So is 67% of Americans enough? “No. No, no, no, no,” said William Fauci Hanage, a Harvard University expert on disease dynamics. He added: “You’re going to need to get quite large proportions of the population vaccinated before A health worker prepares a dose of the AstraZeneca vaccine to be administered at a vaccination center set up in Fiumicino, near Rome’s international airport, Feb you see a real effect.” 11. AstraZeneca is one of the three vaccines authorized by the European Medicines Agency for use in the 27-nation bloc, the other two are Pfi zer-BioNtech and Nearly 33 million Americans, or about 10% of the popula- Moderna. (AP) tion, have received at least one dose, and 9.8 million have been fully vaccinated, according to the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention. The poll of 1,055 adults, taken Jan. 28 through Feb. 1, pro- Coronavirus vides insight into the skepticism. Of those who said they defi nitely will not get the vaccine, 65% cited worries about side effects, despite the shots’ safety record over the past months. About the same percentage said How are experts tracking virus variants they don’t trust COVID-19 vaccines. And 38% said they don’t believe they need a vaccine, with a similar share saying that they don’t know if a COVID-19 vaccine will work and that they don’t trust the government. WHO group recommends AZ shot Concerned Of those who probably will not get the vaccine but have not GENEVA, Feb 11, (AP): Independ- ruled it out completely, 63% said they are waiting to see if it ent experts advising the World Health is safe, and 60% said they are concerned about possible side Organization about immunization on Government investigating massive effects. Wednesday recommended the use of “I don’t trust pharmaceuticals. I really don’t. And it doesn’t AstraZeneca’s (AZ) vaccine even in counterfeit N95 mask scam in US sound like it’s going to be safe,” said Debra Nanez, a 67-year- countries that turned up worrying cor- old retired nurse from Tucson, Arizona. onavirus variants in their populations. WASHINGTON, Feb 11, (AP): Fed- packaging or faulty trademarks. Nanez said she has gotten fl u and pneumonia shots but is The WHO experts’ advice is used eral authorities are investigating “These products are not tested concerned about rumors about what’s in the coronavirus vac- by health care offi cials worldwide, a massive counterfeit N95 mask to see if they make the N95 stand- cine, and her friends have the same hesitation. but doesn’t amount to a green light for operation in which fake 3M masks ards,” he said “They’re not interest- “It would take a while for me to do research on it to make the United Nations and its partners to were sold in at least fi ve states to ed in testing them. They’re interest- ship the vaccine to countries that have hospitals, medical facilities and ed in making as many as they can sure it’s safe. I just don’t want to take anything that’s going to government agencies. The foreign- as cheaply as possible.” harm me,” she said. signed up to receive the shots through a global initiative. That approval could made knockoffs are becoming in- During the pandemic, Home- Baron Walker, a 42-year-old laid-off insulation installer creasingly diffi cult to spot and could land Security Investigations has from Parkersburg, West Virginia, said he is in the “probably Volunteer pharmacist Glenn Wilson come after separate WHO group meet- prepares to administer a COVID-19 ings on Friday and Monday to assess put health care workers at grave used its 7,000 agents in tandem not” column, at least for now. vaccination at Fair Park in Dallas, Feb risk for the coronavirus. with border offi cials, the Food He said that if he were elderly, or lived in a densely popu- whether an emergency-use listing for These masks are giving fi rst re- and Drug Administration and the 10. Dallas County’s mega vaccine site the AstraZeneca vaccine is warranted. lated area, he might consider the vaccine more strongly. But shifted to a drive-thru model Wednes- sponders “a false sense of secu- FBI to investigate scams, seize he is in rural part of the country, he has been wearing a mask The AstraZeneca vaccine is important rity,” said Steve Francis, assistant phony products and arrest hun- day, an effort to help move things because it forms the bulk of the stockpile and social-distancing, and he feels there is a good chance the quicker. (AP) director for global trade investiga- dreds of people to help stop fraud. nation will achieve herd immunity, he said. acquired so far by the UN-backed ef- tions with the Homeland Security The effort is based at the National “I feel like I have plenty of time before I get a chance to get fort known as COVAX, which aims to Department’s principal investigative Intellectual Property Rights Co- (the vaccine) anyway, to fi nd out if there are bad side effects deploy coronavirus vaccines to people arm. He added, “We’ve seen a lot of ordination Center, a government and whether it’s even worth getting it,” Walker said. globally. COVAX plans to start shipping fraud and other illegal activity.” watchdog aimed at enforcing in- In interviews, some Americans expressed concerns about Discovery hundreds of millions of doses of the vac- Offi cials could not name the ternational trade laws and com- the revolutionary speed with which the vaccines were devel- cine worldwide later this month, but that states or the company involved be- bating intellectual property theft. oped - less than a year. is contingent on WHO approval for the cause of the active investigation. There have been already more Shell horn still play tune: A large conch Nearly a year into the pandemic, than 1,250 raids by law enforce- “I feel like they rushed it,” Walker said. shot, vaccine stocks and countries’ readi- shell overlooked in a museum for decades is ness to receive it. fraud remains a major problem as ment that resulted in the seizure That was echoed by Matt Helderman, 31, of Greer, South now thought to be the oldest known seashell scammers seek to exploit hos- of 10 million counterfeit 3M masks Carolina. But the vaccine has faced rising con- instrument - and it still works, producing a cerns. After an early study suggested pitals and desperate and weary alone. The company has fi led more “I’d like to see more safety data,” said Helderman, a video deep, plaintive bleat, like a foghorn from the Americans. Federal investigators than a dozen lawsuits over reports editor and associate producer for a Christian TV program. He that it might be less effective against distant past. a variant fi rst seen in South Africa, the say they have seen an increase in of fraud, counterfeiting and price also said that he would like to see more clarity on whether the The shell was found during the 1931 phony websites purporting to sell gouging. vaccine is effective against new variants. excavation of a cave with prehistoric wall South African government scrambled vaccines as well as fake medicine There are many other reports of Health offi cials are trying to counter concerns about the vac- paintings in the French Pyrenees and as- to tweak its COVID-19 vaccination produced overseas and scams in- fraudulent masks that have reached cine with science. sumed to be a ceremonial drinking cup. program. volving personal protective equip- frontline workers. The latest evidence indicates that the two vaccines being Archaeologists from the University of Protection ment. The schemes deliver phony In the latest matter, Homeland used in the US - Pfi zer’s and Moderna’s - are effective even Toulouse recently took a fresh look and products, unlike fraud earlier in the Security investigators sent an email against the variants, Fauci said. determined it had been modifi ed thousands “Even if there is a reduction in the pandemic that focused more on warning of potential fraud to certain Also, while the development of the vaccines was unusu- of years ago to serve as a wind instrument. possibility of this vaccine having a full fl eecing customers. states. The email, viewed by The ally fast, it was the culmination of many years of research. They invited a French horn player to play it. impact in its protection capacity, es- 3M, based in Maplewood, Min- Associated Press, said 3M N95 And the vaccines went through clinical trials involving “Hearing it for the fi rst time, for me it pecially against severe disease, there nesota, is among the largest global mask models 1860 and 1860S may thousands of people who were monitored for 60 days after was a big emotion - and a big stress,” said is no reason not to recommend its use producers of the N95 mask, which have been provided by a company their last dose. Studies of other vaccines have found that archaeologist Carole Fritz. even in countries that have the circu- has been approved by the U.S. called Q2 Solutions and the masks She feared that playing the 12-inch lation of the variants,” said Dr. Ale- National Institute for Occupational may be fraudulent. The masks have harmful side effects almost always materialize within 45 Safety and Health and is consid- a seal that says “Peru,” which is not days. (31-centimeter) shell might damage it, but it jandro Cravioto, chair of the WHO’s didn’t. The horn produced clear C, C sharp expert group. ered the gold standard in protection used outside of Latin America. The “Safety certainly was not compromised, nor was scientifi c against the coronavirus. The com- company is based in Miami and has integrity compromised,” Fauci said. “Many have reason for and D notes. Instead of rolling out 1 million As- The researchers estimate it to be around traZeneca doses as planned, South Af- pany delivered some 2 billion N95 offi ces around the US and globally. skepticism. But I think that when you explain the facts and the 18,000 years old. Their fi ndings were pub- masks in 2020 as the pandemic It did not respond to requests for data to them, you can win them over.” rica’s health minister said Wednesday soared, but in earlier months of comment. lished Wednesday in the journal Science that the government would start immu- Advances. the pandemic, when masks were Offi cials in Washington state ex- Vulnerable nizing health workers with the still-un- in short supply, fraudsters starting amined their mask supply, which Conch shells have been used widely in licensed shot from Johnson & Johnson. The survey found that older Americans, who are more musical and ceremonial traditions, includ- popped up. had come from a different company, vulnerable to COVID-19, are especially likely to say they ing in ancient Greece, Japan, India and Peru. The expert group’s recommendations “They’re not coming from author- and discovered that 300,000 masks have received a shot or will probably or definitely get vac- The shell instrument found in the Marsoulas about the AstraZeneca vaccine, which ized distributors,” said Kevin Rho- they had purchased for about $1.4 cinated. Four in 10 of those under 45 say they will probably cave is now the oldest known example. Pre- was developed at Oxford University in des, 3M’s vice president and deputy million were counterfeit. Offi cials or definitely not get a vaccine, compared with a quarter of viously, a conch shell instrument found in Britain, largely mirror those issued ear- general counsel. “They’re coming are investigating. those older. Syria had been dated to about 6,000 years lier by the European Medicines Agency from companies really just coming Beth Zborowski of the Washing- Black Americans appear less likely than white Americans to old, said another Toulouse archaeologist, and Britain’s drug regulator. into existence.” ton State Hospital Association said say they have received the shot or will defi nitely or probably Gilles Tosello. Cravioto said the AstraZeneca vac- Rhodes encouraged medical fa- the fraud has the potential to af- get vaccinated, 57% versus 68%. Among Hispanic Americans, The latest discovery was made after a cine should be used in older age groups cilities and even workers to look on fect 1.9 million masks but they are recent inventory at the Natural History Mu- despite the lack of solid data, similar to the company’s website for tips on mostly in stockpile now rather than 65% say they have gotten or plan to get the vaccine. how to spot fakes, namely through general circulation. Public health experts have long known that some Black seum of Toulouse. The researchers noticed advice from the EMA and Britain. Americans are distrustful of the medical establishment be- some unusual holes in the shell. Crucially, “That means people over 65 years of cause of its history of abuses, including the infamous Tuskegee the tip of the shell was broken off, creating age should be given the vaccination,” duce defi nitive results and scientists “If we don’t know these things, study, in which Black patients with syphilis were left untreated a hole large enough to blow through. Micro- he said. think the vaccines might still be help- we’re running blind,” said Sara Vet- so that doctors could study the disease. scopic inspection revealed the opening was Countries including Germany, ful in reducing severe disease, which ter, assistant lab director for the Min- the result of deliberate craftsmanship, not France and Belgium, however, have would greatly slow the pandemic. nesota Department of Health. Americans without a college degree are more likely than accidental wear, according to Tosello. college-educated ones to say they will defi nitely or probably said the AstraZeneca vaccine should Most mutations are meaningless, By inserting a tiny medical camera, they not be used in older people, citing in- Also: but others can make a virus more con- not get vaccinated, 40% versus 17%. And Republicans are found that another hole had been carefully more likely than Democrats to say that, 44% versus 17%. suffi cient evidence. LOS ANGELES: How are experts track- tagious, deadly or resistant to vaccines drilled in the shell’s inner chamber. They The WHO’s chief scientist, Dr. ing variants of the coronavirus? and treatment. Health experts are pri- Also: also detected traces of red pigment on the Soumya Swaminathan, noted that the Scientists are scanning virus sam- marily concerned about three variants mouth of the conch, matching a decorative ples taken from infected people to look United Kingdom, NEW YORK: As inoculation efforts for the coronavirus ramp pattern found on the wall of Marsoulas cave. AstraZeneca shot requires storage fi rst detected in the up around the world, Facebook says it’s going all in to block “This is classic, really solid archaeolo- at refrigerator temperatures - not the for mutations, through a process called South Africa and Brazil. They seem the spread of bogus vaccine claims. In practice, that means gy,” said Margaret Conkey, an archaeolo- far colder temperatures required of genome sequencing. It’s the same to spread more easily and research is the social network plans to ban a new bunch of false claims gist at the University of California, Berke- the Pfi zer-BioNTech vaccine that the method researchers have been using underway to see if they cause more se- in addition to the manifold false claims about vaccines and ley, who was not involved in the research. group has already recommended for for years to study bacteria, plants, ani- rious disease. COVID-19 that it has already banned. “This discovery reminds us that their lives use. So far, the Pfi zer-BioNTech vac- mals and humans. Evidence suggests that current vac- Among Facebook’s new targets: claims include that vac- were much richer and more complex than cine is the only one to receive a WHO Around the world, researchers have cines still work against the variants cines aren’t effective or that they’re toxic, dangerous or cause just stone tools and big game.” emergency use listing. sequenced more than 500,000 genom- though perhaps not as well against a autism, all of which have been thoroughly debunked for both Marsoulas cave is not located near an The expert group noted that “prelim- es of the COVID-19 virus to date. mutated version that fi rst appeared in the coronavirus vaccine and any other vaccine. ocean, so the prehistoric people must have inary analyses” showed the AstraZene- Viruses can mutate as they make South Africa. Countries vary in their The platform had already prohibited users from spreading either moved around widely or used trading ca vaccine had a reduced effectiveness copies of themselves after infecting a genomic surveillance. Britain, for ex- falsehoods that such as: masks are ineffective; vaccines cause networks to obtain the shell, Conkey and the against coronavirus variants that have person. By sequencing virus samples ample, sequences about 10% of speci- infertility; vaccines contain tracking microchips; and vaccines researchers said. emerged in Britain and South Africa. over time, scientists can look for recur- mens positive for the coronavirus, don’t actually exist. Plus a whole host of other dangerous mis- “What makes conch shells so interesting Still, the studies were too small to pro- ring changes in the genome. compared to less than 1% in the US. information that’s been debunked by the World Health Or- is that the spiral cavity formed by nature is perfectly adept at resonating musically,” ganization or government agencies, per a policy that went into said Rasoul Morteza, a composer in Mon- effect in December. treal who has studied conch shell acoustics, In the fall of 2020, the company banned advertisements that frigid weather. “A couple people started sprinting toward and was not involved in the paper. The Duluth Fire Department got a call the shore” before the channel of water wid- discourage vaccinations - with an exception carved out for Using a 3D replica, the archaeologists advocacy ads about government vaccine policies - but at that Tuesday morning from a resident who saw ened, said Jack Norquist, 22. “It wasn’t the plan to continue studying the horn’s range ice shanties fl oating away. Crews brought scariest thing, but it wasn’t fun.” time it didn’t ban unpaid posts by users. of notes. Tosello said he hopes to hear the But even with Facebook’s evolving policies, those ideas the anglers to shore a few at a time by boat. The rescue was similar to one last week ancient instrument played inside the cave No injuries were reported. in northeastern Wisconsin, where 66 people have lived on and spread from private groups to the pages of where it was found. (AP) The Coast Guard, the St Louis County were stranded on an ice fl oe in Lake Michi- Instagram infl uencers peddling health advice to new mothers. ❑ ❑ ❑ It’s not clear if Facebook’s newly-expanded policy will be Sheriff’s Rescue Squad and the Duluth gan. more effective than its past attempts to clamp down on COVID 26 rescued from ice fl oe: Twenty-six Police Department assisted. Many anglers “The problem with ice fi shing anywhere and vaccine-related misinformation. people fi shing on Lake Superior were res- didn’t realize the ice had separated from the is it’s only as safe as it is at a given moment cued when an ice fl oe broke away from shore until they heard yells and sirens, the in time,” said Duluth Fire Chief Shawn Kri- the Minnesota shoreline, stranding them in Star Tribune reported. Fritz Conkey zaj. (AP) Film FRIDAY-SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 12-13, 2021 FFeatureseatures charge in steen for drivingwhileundertheinfl TMZ.com. (AP) comment Springsteen’spublicist. was cooperative. The spokespersonsaidSpringsteen suming alcoholinaclosedarea. ence, recklessdrivingandcon- from with hisdebutalbum,“Greetings bandleader andlatermadefamous teen gothisstartasamusicianand Park, NewJersey,whereSprings- is about15milesnorthofAsbury across abaytoNewYorkCity.It ringed peninsula,withviews confi for theNationalParkService New Jerseycoast,aspokesperson National RecreationAreaonthe Nov 14inapartoftheGateway writer, directorand producer. a requestforcomment fromthe didn’t immediately respondto speaking out.” of abuseandamproudthemfor adding, “Istandwithallsurvivors statements atthistime,shesaid, pandemic andplannednofurther is focusedonherfamilyandthe Joss Whedon,”Gellarwrote.She forever associatedwiththename Summers, Idon’twanttobe my nameassociatedwithBuffy own. if opaqueonlinemessageofher Carpenter’s postwithasupportive 1997 to2003series,responded starred asthetitlecharacteron while shewaspregnant. she experiencedon“Buffy”and environments,” includingtheone of creatingtoxicandhostilework post thatWhedonhasa“history penter tions camefrom Slayer.” with himon“BuffytheVampire day fromactorswhoworked League,” drewcriticismWednes- behavior onthesetof“Justice who facedaclaimofabusive and TVcreator Free” willbeacenterpiecefi and theaftermath.TheTomPettydocumentary,“SomewhereYouFeel with theDevil,”whichwillexploreLovato’s2018nearfataloverdose nounced thelineupfor28thedition,whichwillbevirtual. South bySouthwestFilmFestival.OrganizersonWednesdayan- of thelaterockeratworkonhis1994album“Wildfl the work,”saidJanetPierson,festival’sdirectoroffi shorter thanusual.Butwewerereallydelightedwiththequalityof ing home,amongothers. road triptogettheirgrandmotheroutofaCOVID19-besiegednurs- home orderand“Recovery,”aboutsisterswhogoonacrosscountry “The EndofUs,”aboutexeswhomuststaytogetheraftertheat jor outbreakoutsideofChina,“TwylaMoves,”aboutTwylaTharp, there isalsothedocumentary“TheLastCruise,”aboutfi ing analbumin40daysquarantine. D LOS ANGELES: HIGHLANDS, NJ: Docu fi Springsteen receivedcitations The arrestwasfi A messagewasleftseeking The parkisonanarrow,beach- Springsteen wasarrested Representatives forWhedon “While Iamproudtohave Sarah MichelleGellar The fi The festival will kick off on March 16 with “Demi Lovato: Dancing The festivalwillkickoffonMarch16with“DemiLovato:Dancing “We endedupwithathree-weeksubmissionperiodthatwasmuch It’s nottheonlyfi It closeswith“AloneTogether,”aboutpopstarCharliXCXmak- rmed Wednesday. isfacingadrunkendriving Asbury Park Charli XCXareamongthefi ocumentaries aboutDemiLovato,TomPetty,SelmaBlairand , whosaidinasocialmedia This imagereleasedbyWarnerBrosPicturesshowsLaKeithStanfi rst andmostdirectallega- ❑ New Jersey Joss Whedon Charisma Car- Prominent fi rst reportedby

, NJ.” Bruce Spring- . lm thatdealswiththepandemicinsomeway, lms aboutDemiLovato,Tom PettyheadlineSXSW2021 , who By LindseyBahr lm lm, featuringnewlydiscovered16mmfi , u- lms settopremiereatnextmonth’s from theroleofCordelia thefol- she was“unceremoniously fi character andreligion. Shesaid to herpregnancy,andattacked to keepit,”apparentlyareference allegedly askedifshewas“going into ameetingduringwhichhe her and,atonepoint,called called her“fat,”jokedaboutfi During herpregnancy,Whedon Among Carpenter’sallegations: Chicago BlackPantherleaderFredHampton. ma abouttheFBI’ssubversionandassassinationof the BlackMessiah,”apotentandvividlyacteddra- ton isinfull,fi and theBlackMessiah”isbestwhenKaluuya’sHamp- “The Deuce,”and,Isuspect,afuturestar.But“Judas is DominiqueFishback—amemorablepresenceon pecially goodasHampton’spartner,DeborahJohnson, around. (Foraspell,Hamptonisjailed.) ers Friday)losessomeofitspunchwhenhe’snot and theBlackMessiah”(onHBOMaxintheat- Chicago. SocommandingisKaluuyathat“Judas building a“rainbowcoalition”oftheoppressedin magnetic oratorwho,throughtoilandcharisma,is Hampton. AsplayedbyKaluuya,heisaforceful, for Mitchell.Thisbringsusintotheheadyorbitof cover withtheBlackPanthers,O’Nealoptstowork the policeaskhimwhynotuseaknifeorgun. a rusethatnearlyscoreshimcar.Whenhe’scaught, bar inatrenchcoatandfedora,fl ons). Inthemovie’sfi years earlierbytheFBI’sRoyMitchell(JessePlem- (LaKeith Stanfi from Hampton’sownsecuritychief,WilliamO’Neal The raidwascarriedout,inpart,duetoinformation when hewasshotandkilledinanFBIraid1969. “MLK/FBI” documentary)andmoremilitant. Luther KingJr.,chronicledrecentlyinSamPollard’s movements bothpeaceful(asinthecaseofMartin fi when J.EdgarHoover’sFBIusedsurveillance,in- plunges intothedarkchapterinAmericanhistory F Potent historyin‘theBlackMessiah’ ltration andworsetochecktheascentofBlack King’s fi It’s notthattherestofcastisn’tsuperlative;es- Faced withalengthyprisontermorgoingunder- “A badgeisscarierthanagun,”heanswers. Hampton, playedbyDanielKaluuya,wasjust21 entangle inShakaKing’sblistering“Judasand orces ofrevolutionandoppressioncollide Variety owers.” lm, whichhewrotewith WillBerson, eld), acarthiefturnedinformantfour ery voiceandKing’sfi By JakeCoyle lm. “And lm. rst scenes, O’Neal storms into a rst scenes,O’Nealstormsintoa Charli XCX’s fi rst ma- red” ring lm lm Film ality Winner”atimelylookattheAirForceVeteranwhistleblower. that touchesonthemesofartisticobsession,or“UnitedStatesvsRe- Topples TheWorld”aboutanacclaimed20-year-olddominotoppler she says,are“satisfyingfordifferentreasons.” tached. Thefi sense ofopenness,eveniftheydon’thavefl its portraitoftheactorlivingwithmultiplesclerosis. ashing a fake badge — ashing afakebadge— pigte Whedon Springsteen Some fi Pierson recommendedthataudiencesapproachthefi “Introducing, SelmaBlair,”isexpectedtobesimilarlypowerfulin Pierson said. looking forconnectioninawaythatmakesperfectsensethisyear,” erful wayandpeopledroppingpretensetalkingto there’s arealintimatevulnerabilityondisplayinvery,verypow- will havecapacitylimitsbutmanydonot. Sundance. AtSXSWtheywillallbeavailableforpassholders.Some features debuts.Therewon’tbeindividualticketsforfi program considerably.” we hadevenharderdecisionsthanusualbecausepareddownthe Oscars tobebroadcast from multiplelocations eld, (foreground,center),andDanielKaluuya,(background,inascenefrom‘JudastheBlackMessiah.’(AP) “I thinkabouttheopeningnightandclosingfi Instead ofthenormal135premieres,2021festivalhas75 lm isdirectly lms thataudiencesmighttakeachanceoninclude“Lily lms havebeen“pre-curated”bythe programmersand, lm onpandemictoclosefestival damning asthefi empathy andjudgmentforthepitiableO’Neal.As tightrope ofaslipperyperformance,poisedbetween Bother You”and“KnivesOut,”it’sacompelling O’Neal. ForStanfi playing untilitsgruesomeandappallingend. never quiteawareoftheseriousnessgamehe’s Film FestivalonFeb1,2021,andisscheduledtobe left feelingthelossofahistorythatmighthavebeen. ful asHampton’smovementisstymied,andwe’re Instead, themoviedevolvesandgrowsmoresorrow- fi nance literally.Ifanything,youwantitdrawStan- timely fi ful sagaofpoliceracialinjustice,isaself-evidently “Judas andtheBlackMessiah,”resurrectingapain- eld andKaluuyatogether more oftenthanitdoes. Caught inbetweenthePanthersandfedsis It’s abalancerefl The fi aiding, notsabotaging,Blackradicals. the FBI’sCounterIntelligenceProgram(Cointelpro) to SpikeLee’s“BlacKkKlansman,”whichshowed of life.”ThismakesKing’sfi of oppression—awar,Hooversays,over“ourway “Judas andtheBlackMessiah”hintsatawiderwar When Hoover(MartinSheen)makesanappearance, can’t shootyourwaytoit.” can’t cheatyourwaytoequalityandyoucertainly Black Pantherstowhitesupremacists,hesays:“You believes he’sonthesideofjustice.Comparing Panthers andsit-downswithMitchell.TheFBIagent lies onjuxtapositionsofO’Neal’stimeamongthe ruption opus“PrinceandtheCity”does.Kingre- informant thewaythatSidneyLumet’spolicecor- doesn’t dwellonO’Neal’spsychologicalstressasan its strength,Stanfi channeling theBlackpowermovementofera. Powerful But MitchellisanoperativeinHoover’sFBI. If Kaluuyagives“JudasandtheBlackMessiah” lm hadits premiere atthe2021Sundance lm without statingitscontemporaryreso- as Taraon“Buffy theVampire enced asateenage actor. propriate behavior”sheexperi- wrote, andalludedto“hisnotap- old woman….Torepostthis,”she am braveenoughnowasa35year social mediatothankGellar.“I played Gellar’ssister,wenton lowing season. Amber Benson Michelle Trachtenberg lm’s titleis,Stanfi Performance eld, thegiftedactorof“Sorryto ashy celebritynamesat- ective ofKing’sfi eld suppliesitsunease.King , whoappeared lm aclearcounterpoint lms witha lms, likeat eld’s O’Nealis lms and lms , who l overall. lm and wethoughtweresogreat,”Piersonsaid. laboration withAmazonPrimeVideo,althoughsomeoptedout. shutdowns. Theyheldamakeshiftvirtualfestivallaterthatspringincol- week outfromitsmid-MarchdatesintheearlydaysofCOVID-19 Went ToTheDance.” theme. Cinephilesalsomightenjoythe5KLesBlankrestoration“I the electronicsoundpioneerwhocameupwith“DoctorWho” Myths andtheLegendaryTapes”isahybridnarrative/docabout “Mau” followsdesignerBruceMauand“DeliaDerbyshire—the 20. Passesarecurrentlyavailabletopurchaseonline.(AP) gathering. reached anaudienceabout2.7timeslargerthanitstypicalin-person The SundanceFilmFestivalonMondaysaidthatitsvirtualfestival tual events,whichhasresultedforsomeunprecedentedaudiences. American boynavigatinghisfi maker KevinSmithandNasimPedrad’s“Chad,”aboutaPersian- “Violet,” withOliviaMunn,“Clerk,”adocumentaryaboutfi that weresupposedtopremierein2020,includingJustineBateman’s Programmers decidedthisyeartoalsospotlightnineofthefi “I stillmournallthosefi Last year,theAustin,Texas,festivalwasabruptlycanceledabouta In thepastyear,manyfi SXSW Online2021willtakeplacefromMarch16through the castandcrewwas “abusive, that Whedon’sbehavior toward character Cyborg, alleged lastJuly in 2017’s“JusticeLeague”asthe after actor was promptedtocomeforward that started“fromthetop.” show hada“toxicenvironment” legations, sayinginapostthatthe Slayer,” alsorespondedtotheal- In herpost,Carpentersaidshe veteran prior. (Agencies) of 23.6millionviewers,down20%fromtheyear unclear whetherornottheywillhaveahost. Brokovich” producer of thepandemic.Director cast forFeb.28. specifi person said. safety ofallthosewhowillparticipate,”thespokes- none other,whileprioritizingthepublichealthand Sciences is“determinedtopresentanOscarslike show, buttheAcademyofMotionPictureArtsand coronavirus restrictions. geles, cities thatareimportantfi tions onApril25.Theannouncementcomesasmany the ceremonywillbroadcastlivefrommultipleloca- they willenlistasupportingcastofvenues. say theupcomingshowwillkeepthattradition,but the homeofOscarssince2001andorganizers LOS ANGELES: Last year’sshowhadthesmallestaudienceever The Oscarswerepushedbacktwomonthsbecause The GoldenGlobes,whichhasalsobeenscarceon Specifi An academyspokespersonsaidWednesdaythat out offour. Running time:126minutes.Threeandahalfstars tion ofAmericaforviolenceandpervasivelanguage. release, isratedRbytheMotionPictureAssocia- Globes andScreenActorGuildAwards. nominated forBestSupportingActorattheGolden its timelythemes.Forhisperformance,Kaluuyawas who praisedKing’sdirection,theperformances,and tally onHBOMax.Thefi tures onFeb12,simultaneouslyintheatersanddigi- released intheUnitedStatesbyWarnerBros.Pic- “Judas andtheBlackMessiah,”aWarnerBros. c details,isplanningitsownbicoastalbroad- New York Ray Fisher Jesse Collins c planshaveyettobeunveiledforthe Hollywood’s DolbyTheatrehasbeen , whowas and lms thatweweresoexcitedtopremiere lm festivalshavehadtoembracevir- Stacey Sher are producingthetelecast.It’s Also: London rst yearofhighschool. lm hubs,includingLosAn- Steven Soderbergh lm waslaudedbycritics, , remainunderstrict daughter. (AP) stepped asideafter thedeathofhis director visual effectsonthefi extensive reshoots,editingand on “JusticeLeague.”Heoversaw brought induringpost-production Marvel “Avengers”movies,was ing anddirectingonthefi unprofessional andunacceptable.” andawardsshow Whedon, knownforhiswrit- Zack Snyder , “Erin lm for , whohad rst two lms lm- ARAB TIMES, FRIDAY-SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 12-13, 2021 NEWS/FEATURES 13

People & Places

Tech Music Invite-only chat app Town Hall encore What is Clubhouse, Collins revisits the buzzy new app? 1st live album NEW YORK, Feb 11, (AP): Clubhouse, an invita- NEW YORK, Feb 11, (AP): When tion-only audio chat app launched less than a year she was 24, folk singer Judy Col- ago, has caught the attention of tech industry big- lins went onstage in New York City shots like Tesla CEO Elon Musk and Facebook to record her fi rst live concert and CEO Mark Zuckerberg — not to mention the Chi- maybe inspire social change. Last nese government, which has already blocked it in month, she returned to the same the country. What is Clubhouse, you ask? stage to do the whole thing again. What Is Clubhouse? Collins recreated her legend- ary concert hall debut at The Town The iPhone-only app, once you’re in, lets you Hall from March 21, 1964, recorded start or listen into conversations on a whole host on the cusp of topics, from tech to pro sports, parenting, of Freedom Black literature and so on. There are no posts, Summer. The photos or videos — only people’s profile pic- encore edi- tures and their voices. tion came just Conversations can be in- months after timate, like a phone call, or another turbu- might include thousands of lent summer, people listening to a talk by with protests boldface names, like a con- against police ference or stage interview. brutality. Think part podcast, part con- “We’ve come a long ference call, part social me- Collins dia. It’s free to use and there way, but we haven’t come are no ads, at least not at this very far,” the now 81-year-old tells point. The Associated Press. “We always Musk How Do I Get In? have to be awake. We can’t go to Currently, the only way to get an invitation sleep.” is to score one from someone already on Club- There was no audience when Col- house. It’s still in “beta,” version, like Gmail was lins returned to the 1,500-seat The in its early days, when it was a badge of nerd Town Hall because of COVD-19 worthiness to get an account. If you don’t know fears, but a stream of the new con- cert will be available Feb. 12 as well anyone who can invite you yet, you may not have as a vinyl album. to wait much longer. When Clubhouse first came Collins was a rising star in the out, new members only got two invitations. That world of folk music when she re- number has now grown to five, signaling that the corded the concert, which would be- app feels ready to broaden its audience. You can come the album “The Judy Collins also download the app and get on a waiting list to This cover mage released by RCA Records shows ‘The Lucky Ones’ by Pentatonix. (AP) Concert.” She was not yet writing be let into Clubhouse. her own songs and instead interpret- This is part of the app’s current appeal — like an ing tunes from the likes of Bob Dy- exclusive club, only it’s expanding by the minute. lan and Billy Edd Wheeler with her The aura has been magnifi ed by the star power of shimmering soprano. early members such as rap star Drake, actor Jared Music Collins performed three Wheeler Leto, actress Tiffany Haddish, and infl uential tech- songs — “Winter Sky,” “Red- nology fi gures such as venture capitalist Marc An- Winged Blackbird” and “Coal Tat- dreessen and Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey. too” — and three from Tom Paxton Once you have an invitation, you can import — “The Last Thing on My Mind,” your Twitter profi le — or start from scratch — and Sia is ‘music’ to our ears “My Ramblin’ Boy” and “Bottle of Wine” — as well as Dylan’s haunt- then follow people or “clubs” on a broad range of ing “The Lonesome Death of Hattie topics. The app encourages people to use their real Carroll.” names, though this does not appear to be enforced. Pentatonix sound cool “I have always tried from the very You’ll also need an iPhone — Clubhouse doesn’t beginning to record songs that I felt yet work on Android phones and is not on the web. By Mark Kennedy Think of it like a nice post-Christ- were going to be timeless,” she says. Who Made Clubhouse? mas present. “These hold up.” It was created by Silicon Valley entrepreneur entatonix, “The Lucky Ones” ❑ ❑ ❑ Injustice (RCA Records) Paul Davison, based known for a location-driv- P Sia, “Music — Songs from and There were songs about coal min- en social networking app Highlight that Pinter- There’s a new Pentatonix album, Inspired by the Motion Picture” which leads to the question, “Didn’t ers, reproductive rights, yearning est bought in 2016, and a former Google engi- (Monkey Puzzle/Atlantic) for freedom, racial injustice and a neer, Rohan Seth. Although it obviously wasn’t we already have Christmas?” And the Whatever your thoughts on the answer: Yes, this isn’t a Christmas lullaby for Medgar Evers’ son. Later planned, they probably couldn’t have picked a new movie “Music,” there can be no that summer in 1964, Collins would better time to start welcoming a select few into set, despite the huge snowball on the argument about the music in it: It’s travel through Mississippi trying to Clubhouse. The app made its debut last March, album’s cover. very, very good. register people to vote. just as people were being ordered to stay at home “The Lucky Ones” marks the Sia is behind the fi lm — co-writ- “Life is always full of confl ict, to battle the pandemic and found themselves ea- group’s first full-length original ing and directing — as well as writ- forever and ever,” she says. “It’s album in six years. It’s extremely ing and performing the accompany- also full of opportunity and beauty ger to talk to other people besides their family or well produced, veering more to roommates. In this Nov. 14, 2017 photo, Judy Col- ing 14-track album. If the fi lm has and blessings of art. And that’s why lins poses for a portrait in New York. mainstream, radio-friendly pop attracted some criticism, the richly we have to get reminded of that Why Is It Getting More Attention Now? When she was 24, folk singer Judy Col- than their self-titled debut album. It textured and emotional soundtrack throughout history.” The primary reason is probably that Musk and lins went onstage in New York City to shows a maturing sound independ- cannot. Collins wasn’t daunted by a lack Zuckerberg recently made surprise appearances on record her first live concert and maybe ent of Christmas and popular cov- inspire social change. Last month, she Sia’s trademark mix of tropical of audience on her recent return to Clubhouse. When two technology icons worth a ers of such songs as “Jolene” and pop, hip-hop, a hint of ska with a The Town Hall. “Oh, no, I can do returned to the same stage to do the “Imagine.” combined $280 billion choose to use the same app whole thing again. (AP) touch of reggae combed with her it any way — standing on my head, to get their message out within a few days of each Members of the five-piece distinctive voice, have a cinematic sitting in the bathtub, sitting up from other, people tend to sit up and take notice. group — Scott Hoying, Mitch quality already, so almost every a deep sleep. The singing and the Grassi, Kirstin Maldonado, Kevin song on “Music” feels like it could performing are so natural to me,” In his Jan. 31 appearance, Musk began by dis- Olusola and Matt Sallee — have cussing his mission to get to Mars through its rock- play over the end credits of any she says. “I love it.” Variety a songwriting hand in every tune. movie in the last decade (OK, may- When asked if she changed the et ship company Space X and sharing his views on Matthew Koma, who has worked cryptocurrency, artifi cial intelligence and the ongo- be not “Cats.”) arrangements after 57 years, she with Zedd, helps write the major- Some of the songs are wistful and laughed: “I sang them like Judy ing pandemic. But then he rocked the Clubhouse NASHVILLE, Tenn: Country star Mor- ity of tunes. by summoning Robinhood CEO Vlad Tenev to the moody (“Saved My Life,” “Floating Collins. People may complain, but gan Wallen asked fans not to downplay Unfortunately, they’ve picked one Through Space”), some soar (“To- that’s their business.” virtual stage for an interview about the app’s role the racist language he was caught saying of the weakest songs to kick off the gether” and “Courage to Change”) Someone who was in the audience in transforming GameStop’s stock from a dud into on camera and said that he accepted the album — the vapid single “Be My and some are pure, candy-colored during the Jan. 19 taping — and a Wall Street sensation that at least briefl y devas- punishments he faced. Eyes” — which has a skeleton of an blissful pop (“1+1,” “Hey Boy,” someone very happy to be there — tated sophisticated investors who had bet the shares TMZ posted a video last week of Enya tune and a grating chorus. It “Eye to Eye” and “Play Dumb”). The was Melay Araya, artistic director of would continue to decline. Wallen saying a racial slur and Wallen sounds dated and dusty. title track, “Oblivion” and “Beautiful The Town Hall. That interview illustrated two points that are im- apologized at the time. Wallen posted a Much better are “A Little Space,” Things Can Happen” show some of “The way that she fi lls up that portant to remember about Clubhouse. Although fi ve-minute Instagram video Wednesday “Coffee in Bed” and “Side,” which night saying he had let so many people the most restrained and mature Sia space is really unlike many artists,” the app itself says it doesn’t record the discussions could all be on a Justin Bieber album. songwriting has ever done. she says. “I hope people at home can down, including his parents and his son. “Happy Now” is exuberant fun and occurring within its rooms, that doesn’t mean other “Our actions matter. Our words mat- Open up the hood of this album feel that. I hope people at home can participants aren’t. And the posted recordings of the title track is super, when the fi ve and it’s quite clear how strong Sia’s feel that level of intimacy because ter. And I want to encourage anyone voices thrillingly meld. discussions like that also prove there are ways for that is watching to please learn from my gravitational pull is. David Guetta it was really unbelievable. I have getting around Clubhouse’s 5,000-person limit in mistake. There’s no reason to downplay The album has many textures, mixed and produced a song, Dua goosebumps.” from the intimate “It’s Different Lipa co-wrote a track, as did Pink. its rooms. what I did,” he said. Fascinating He said he was waiting until he could Now” to the soaring, arena-ready Labrinth — one of her collaborators Zuckerberg’s Feb. 4 appearance on Clubhouse “Love Me When I Don’t” and “Nev- didn’t delve into anything quite as hot as the personally apologize to people he had in the supergroup LSD — adds pro- Collins peppers the new concert er Gonna Cry Again.” It’s also nice with personal stories interweaved GameStop frenzy, but his presence still added to hurt. He said that the video was taken ducing help, plays synth and is fea- after a three-day “bender,” but he has to hear Maldonado increasingly take tured on one song. with ones about The Town Hall, the curiosity about the app. since gotten sober. lead vocal duties. Longtime collaborator Jesse which is celebrating its centennial So Is It All Tech Industry People? Wallen said that he accepted in- One interesting thing about Pen- Shatkin — who helped write and this year. One of the songs — “Me While the early users of Clubhouse were largely vitations from Black organizations, tatonix this time out is an increased co-produce Sia’s massive hit “Chan- and My Uncle” — has a fascinating venture capitalists and startup folks, as the app’s executives and leaders to have honest distancing from what made them fa- delier” — co-wrote much of “Music” history. user base has expanded so has the diversity of its conversations. (AP) mous: that choral of a cappella voic- with Sia, while mega-producers Jack John Phillips, then the leader of members. Users can now explore subjects such as ❑ ❑ ❑ es, what they cheekily on “Bored” Antonoff and Greg Kurstin each The Journeymen and later of the Ma- boast of being as “so in synch you’d mas & the Papas, wrote the song and “Ask A Coach: Life, Love & The Pursuit of Joy, NASHVILLE, Tenn: Grammy-winning helped on a total of fi ve tracks. The think we were psychic.” played it one night when both he and Money/Health,” “Bitcoin Basics for Baby Boom- singer songwriter Jason Isbell says he quality shines. Much of “The Lucky Ones” fol- Lyrically, Sia often gets stuck Collins were high on acid. ers,” “Drag Race Clubhaus,” “Investing While is going to donate money that he makes from Morgan Wallen’s cover of his song lows a formula with a single domi- in repetitive choruses — usually “I was stoned to the eyeballs, but Black” and “Plant-Based Basics for Beginners with nant voice as a backbone and the fi ve reaching for a hypnotic effect — I remembered all of that song and Dietitian Jasmine.” “Cover Me Up” to the NAACP. Isbell, a popular Americana artist and only combining softly in choruses, a and that’s true of “Music.” The I went home and worked on it and What Happened In China? former member of the Drive-By Truck- big fi nish or in bridges. It’s fi ne, of- songs are often about miscommu- practiced it and put it on the record,” Thousands of Chinese users have fl ocked to ers, wrote “Cover Me Up,” which Wallen ten excellent — just maybe not what nication and trying to better under- she recalls. “And he said, ‘I don’t re- the app in recent months, lured by the unfettered included as a cover in his sophomore re- you might expect from a Pentatonix stand each other, which reflects the member writing that song.’” discussions it allowed with people abroad — par- cord, “Dangerous: The Double Album.” album. film’s themes. (AP) After that first recorded concert, Isbell posted on social media on Collins would go on to write her ticularly about democracy, Taiwan and other sensi- own songs and win a Grammy. tive topics. That was especially striking given that Wednesday that he wasn’t going to keep his portion of those sales. for her fi ring over a social media post that employed by Lucasfi lm with “no plans Her signature songs include “Both President Xi Jinping’s government is increasingly “I’ve decided to donate everything Sides Now” from her hit album hostile to independent voices. Clubhouse allowed likened the experience of Jews during the for her to be in the future.” I’ve made so far from this album to the Holocaust to the US political climate. “Nevertheless, her social media posts “Wildflowers” and her take on many mainland users their fi rst direct communica- Nashville chapter of the @NAACP. A spokesperson with the produc- denigrating people based on their cultural “Send in the Clowns.” She inspired tion with people in Hong Kong and Taiwan and Thanks for helping out a good cause, and religious identities are abhorrent and a folk-rock classic, the 1969 Cros- with exiles from the Uighur minority in the north- folks,” he wrote. tion company said in a statement on by, Stills and Nash hit “Suite: Judy Wednesday that Carano is not currently unacceptable,” the statement read. western region of Xinjiang. Wallen had been performing a cover Carano fell under heavy criticism after Blue Eyes.” The app was removed from Apple Inc.’s China version of “Cover Me Up” for a while she posted that “They were beaten in the At The Town Hall encore show, store by at least Dec. 16, according to Benjamin before he recorded his own version, streets, not by Nazi soldiers but by their Collins added to the setlist “Both Ismail, an activist with the group Apple Censorship which leapt to the Top 15 on the Hot neighbors.... even by children.” Sides Now,” “Anathea,” ”Amazing Country Songs chart and earned platinum Grace” and Jimmy Webb’s song which tracks censorship in the Apple Store. Users status by the Recording Industry As- Carano, who played the recurring still could download it if they had access to an Ap- character Cara Dune on the “Star Wars” “Highwayman.” She picks them like sociation of America. she picks all of them — by connec- ple app store abroad. His album was already setting streaming series, deleted the post but it was widely But on Monday, Chinese users lost access to records prior to the release of the video of shared online and spurred the #FireGin- tion. Clubhouse, much the way thousands of other web- him using the slur by TMZ. (AP) aCarano hashtag to trend. Her character “I don’t take a song apart and say ❑ ❑ ❑ appeared in several episodes of the this and that and the other thing or sites and social media apps have been blocked by second season of “The Mandalorian,” try to analyze it. It’s how it affects the Chinese Communist Party using the world’s LOS ANGELES: Lucasfi lm says Gina a series about a bounty hunter and his me emotionally at the beginning, most extensive system of internet fi lters. Carano is no longer a part of “The quest to unite a powerful, young user of middle and end,” she says. Mandalorian” cast after many online called Isbell Wallen the Force with a Jedi Knight. ARAB TIMES, FRIDAY-SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 12-13, 2021 SPORTS 14

Brathwaite, Campbell share 66-run start Gut-Behrami wins elusive gold Bonner ‘leads’ Windies to 223-5 vs B’desh on Day 1 in ‘worlds’ opener, Shiffrin 3rd DHAKA, Bangladesh, Feb 11, his 12th ball faced. Campbell also (AP): Nkrumah Bonner was mak- struck off spinner Nayeem Hasan ing up for lost time with his sec- for a six over long on. But with ond successive half-century as West Indies appearing untoubled, West Indies ground out 223-5 Campbell gave up his wicket against Bangladesh on day one of when he was trapped plumb try- the second cricket Test on ing to sweep left-arm spinner Thursday. Taijul Islam. Bonner was 74 not out and Campbell reviewed in vain. His wicketkeeper Joshua Da Silva 68-ball innings included five fours was with him on 22 after an even and one six. first day. The bowlers regrouped well Captain Kraigg Brathwaite con- after lunch to take three wickets. tributed 47 and fellow opener Fast bowler Abu Jayed was John Campbell 36 but the West rewarded for hitting the right Indies was bunkered down in the length consistently with Shayne face of relentlessly disciplined Moseley’s wicket for 7, after bowling. The which Brathwaite perished to a home team had cut shot off Soumya Sarkar’s the initiative medium pace, three runs short of until the his 21st test half-century. unbeaten 45-run, no-risk CRICKET stand by Bonner and Da Silva to see out Kayle Mayers, the first batsman the day. to score a double century in the How long Bonner fourth innings on debut in the first Bonner lasts test, was out for 5 driving at Jayed will be the key to West Indies’ and giving an outside edge to the innings, with a 300 total looking slips. imposing. After almost a decade West Indies was in trouble at out of the national setup, his 86 on 116-4 but Bonner engineered a debut last weekend helped West recovery, first with Jermaine Indies win the first test in a Blackwood. Their 62-run for the remarkable comeback in fifth wicket lasted until Blackwood Chattogram. was caught and bowled by Taijul “Every innings I play, I put for 28. pressure on myself. We get paid “The wicket was not what we to make runs and to be consis- expected,” Jayed said. “We are tent,” Bonner said. expecting some turn for the spin- “This wicket has a little more ners. But I think it needs time. “At bounce, but it is similar (to the moment, it’s important to con- Switzerland’s Lara Gut-Behrami speeds down the course during the women’s super-G, at the alpine ski World Championships, in Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy, Chattogram). So basically it is the tain their scoring rate.” on Feb 11. (Inset): Gut-Behrami shows her gold medal on the podium. (AP) same gameplan. I tried to play as Bonner brought up his half-cen- many balls as possible on the tury driving a Taijul delivery to front foot, and keep the ball in the long off for a single off 98 balls. Kriechmayr clinches men’s super-G title V for as long as possible.” But because of the good bowling, After opting to bat first, he opted for a defensive approach, Brathwaite and Campbell shared a which paid off for him. His 173- CORTINA D’AMPEZZO, didn’t know if I could execute every- frin said. between excitement that we fi nally decent 66-run start. ball knock so far includes six Italy, Feb 11, (AP): Lara thing,” Shiffrin said. “And in the end, Petra Vlhova, the overall World started but disappointment at the Campbell cut off spinner boundaries. Gut-Behrami dashed to I executed like 98%.” Cup leader from Slovakia, fi nished lack of atmosphere.” Mehidy Hasan past point for a Jayed and Taijul have two The two-time Olympic champion ninth, nearly two weeks after gaining The race took place in sunny but boundary to begin his scoring on wickets each. gold in the women’s su- had not raced in a speed event since her fi rst career super-G podium. windy conditions after bad weather per-G at the skiing world last January, 382 days ago. The opening race of the worlds postponed all events over the previ- She took a 10-month break from ended in disappointment for the ous three days. championships Thursday, racing following the death of her home Italian team, though the course Meanwhile, Vincent Kriechmayr and Mikaela Shiffrin took father, Jeff Shiffrin, in early Febru- with a steep start and an almost giant won gold in the men’s super-G at the bronze in her fi rst speed ary, and only competed in her main slalom-like middle section seemed to skiing world championships. race in more than a year. events - slalom and giant slalom - fi t their best racers. Kriechmayr was one of the fa- Gut-Behrami mastered the sun- since returning to the circuit in No- Deprived of their biggest star, vorites entering the race after win- bathed Olympia delle Tofane the injured Sofi a Goggia, and with ning the last two super-Gs on the course to fi nally win the only med- SKIING no fans attending because of strict World Cup circuit and leading the al missing from her storied career. anti-coronavirus measures, Federica season standings. The 2016 overall World Cup cham- Brignone and Marta Bassino fi nish in Romed Baumann was seven-hun- pion beat Swiss teammate Corinne vember. 10th and 11th, respectively. dredths of a second behind in second Suter by 0.34 seconds, living up to “It’s a disappointment not to win “The worst thing today was the for his fi rst super-G podium in more her billing as the main favorite after gold. But after a year of not starting silence,” said Brignone, who is the than 10 years. winning the last four super-Gs on the in super-G and some really, really defending overall World Cup cham- Baumann is also Austrian but has World Cup circuit. good training in the last two weeks, I pion. “When I reached the fi nish, I been competing for the German ski “I tried to put that aside. I just was able to ski the way that I wanted had no idea how I did.” federation since 2019. wanted to ski like I usually do,” said to. Even when I made a mistake, I Bassino, who opened the race Overall World Cup leader Alex- the Swiss skier, who had six medals still felt good about my skiing,” Shif- wearing bib No. 1, said “it’s a mix is Pinturault was third and took from previous major events, includ- bronze. The Frenchman was 0.38 ing Olympic bronze in downhill from off the lead. He finished ahead of the 2014 Sochi Games. “The differ- Canadian skier Brodie Seger and ence this time is that I didn’t dream defending champion Dominik Par- Jaqueline Loelling of Germany starts during the women’s skeleton race at is in fifth. the Bobsleigh and Skeleton World Championships in Altenberg, Germany about gold. I didn’t want to do that. on Feb11. (AP) “I never thought I was supposed to win a gold,” she added. “My ca- reer should not be judged by the fact Loelling leads skeleton title race, Uhlaender contending whether I won one gold medal or not.” ALTENBERG, Germany, Feb Uhlaender is next, 0.71 seconds after two runs, fi nishing Thursday Shiffrin fi nished 0.47 behind 11, (AP): Germany’s Jacqueline back in fourth place. Uhlaender is in 1:53.30. Germany has sliders in in third, edging Olympic super-G Loelling is in position to reclaim a three-time medalist at worlds, second and third; Felix Keisinger is champion Ester Ledecka by six-hun- her world women’s skeleton fi nishing third in 2007, second in 0.04 off the lead, Christopher Gro- dredths of a second after missing a championship, and Katie Uh- 2008 and winning the title at Lake theer is 0.06 back. chance to win gold. laender of the U.S. is within strik- Placid in 2012. Tretiakov is seeking his second Shiffrin had the fastest split times ing distance of what would be her Also for the U.S. women, Ken- world title, after winning in 2013. but lost her balance and got twisted fi rst medal at the worlds in nine Six-time world champion Martins around near the bottom of the course. years. Dukurs of Latvia struggled, fi nish- She needed to put her right arm and Loelling fi nished her two runs SKELETON ing the day 14th and well out of pole behind her to regain control but Thursday in 1 minute, 56.74 sec- medal contention - nearly 2 sec- was slowed by skiing through soft dall Wesenberg was 16th at the snow alongside the track. onds. She leads Russian slider Ele- onds off the lead. She lost more than eight-tenths on na Nikitina by 0.11 seconds, with event’s midway point and Sara Austin Florian is the top Ameri- Germany’s Tina Hermann third Roderick enters Friday in 24th can in the men’s race, holding 10th Gut-Behrami from the fi nal split and Austria’s Vincent Kriechmayr, (center), winner of the men’s super-G, lis- briefl y shook her head and shrugged tens to the national anthem on the podium with second-placed Germany’s and 0.24 seconds back. place in her world championship place at the midway mark. Austin her shoulders after fi nishing. Romed Baumann, (unseen), and third-placed France’s Alexis Pinturault, at Hermann has won three of the debut. McCrary is 28th. “I thought the plan I had from in- the alpine ski World Championships, in Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy, on Feb last four world titles; Loelling won In the men’s race, Russia’s Al- The fi nal two heats of the wom- spection would be the fastest, but I 11. (AP) the worlds in 2017. exander Tretiakov is the leader en’s and men’s races are Friday. Barcelona thrash Madrid; Tottenham top Chelsea Man City on record winning run, Everton beat Spurs LONDON, Feb 11, (AP): One of the most re- points with a game in hand. “To do what we City didn’t need to produce anything as dra- lentless schedules in the history of English soc- have done in this time is quite remarkable.” matic this time, taking the lead in the 30th when cer hasn’t stopped Manchester City putting to- City won 20 straight games in all competi- Kyle Walker’s low cross into the penalty area gether a record-setting run of wins. tions from August-December 2017, also under was missed by the sliding Ferran Torres at the It’s 15 straight victories and counting for Pep Guardiola, but one of those victories came in a near post and ended up creeping inside the far Guardiola’s irrepressible team, which has an- penalty shootout in the League Cup after a 0-0 post. Rodri played in Raheem Sterling to double other domestic treble in its sights. draw after extra time. the advantage in the 47th, before Gabriel Jesus On an action-fi lled evening in the FA Cup Guardiola earned his 200th win in 268 games controlled a header across goal by Bernardo featuring a wild 5-4 win for Everton over Tot- in charge of City. However, it was a historic Silva and slammed in a left-footed shot three tenham, Man City beat second-tier Swansea 3-1 night for very different reasons for his long-time minutes later. to also reach the quarterfi nals and break the re- coaching rival, Jose Mourinho. Morgan Whittaker grabbed a consolation for cord for most consecutive wins in all competi- For just the third time in a managerial career Swansea, which included two United States in- tions by a top-fl ight team. The mark had lasted ternationals -- Jordan Morris, who made his fi rst for nearly 130 years, with Preston winning 14 in start, and Paul Arriola, who made his debut as a a row in 1892. That was later matched by Arse- second-half substitute following his loan move nal’s class of 1987. SOCCER from D.C. United. Their U.S. teammate, Zeck City has gone one better during a pandemic, Steffen, played in goal for City. when matches in the Premier League or domes- spanning nearly 1,000 games, Mourinho saw The only other times a team managed by tic cup competitions are being played every one of his teams concede fi ve goals in a game Mourinho conceded fi ve goals in a match were three or four days to fi t them into a condensed as Tottenham lost a thriller at Goodison Park. when Real Madrid was thrashed 5-0 by Barce- season that started a month later than usual. Bernard netted the winning goal in the 97th lona and Chelsea was beaten 5-3 at Tottenham. Indeed, by also advancing last month to the minute for Everton, which trailed after three “It was the mouse and the cat,” the Portu- English League Cup fi nal, City has played every minutes, scored three goals in seven minutes guese coach said after the thriller at Goodison weekend and midweek since Nov. 21 - except near the end of the fi rst half to forge ahead, then Park. “The mouse was our defensive mistakes Manchester City’s Rodri, (left), and Swansea City’s Yan Dhanda battle for the ball during for an eight-day break from Dec. 26-Jan. 3 dur- conceded a goal to Harry Kane with seven min- the English FA Cup fi fth round soccer match at Liberty Stadium, Swansea, Wales, on Feb and the cat was us trying to compensate for us ing which the team’s training ground was closed utes left of regulation time to be taken to extra 10. (AP) playing very well, scoring goals but it was not because of a coronavirus outbreak. The number time. enough.” Harry Kane came off the bench to of fi rst-team players to test positive ran into Also advancing to the last eight on Wednes- make it 4-4 with his 209th goal for Tottenham double fi gures. day was Sheffi eld United, a 1-0 winner against stoppage time. English team to achieve the domestic treble, in 318 appearances in all competitions, taking “That means a lot in this toughest period, in second-tier Bristol City, and Leicester, which Manchester United and Bournemouth pro- beating Swansea en route to winning the FA him past Bobby Smith to become second-high- the Christmas and winter time,” said Guardiola, beat Brighton by the same score thanks to Kel- gressed on Tuesday. Cup that year by coming from 2-0 down to win est scorer in Spurs’ history behind only Jimmy whose side leads the Premier League by fi ve echi Iheanacho’s goal in the fourth minute of In the 2018-19 season, City became the fi rst 3-2 in the quarterfi nals. Greaves (266 in 379). ARAB TIMES, FRIDAY-SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 12-13, 2021 SPORTS 15

Dubai Baja draws big line-up as Kuwaiti star Al Musallam aims for quads hat-trick ‘EMSO’s new partnership can give UAE rallying a major boost’ DUBAI, UAE, Feb 11: The Dubai International Baja has attracted an im- pressive assembly of 93 competitors from 12 countries on its return to the World Cup stage, with plans unveiled today to take cross country rallying in the UAE to the next level. Announcing a starting line-up of 69 cars, buggies, bikes and quads to- day, Mohammed Ben Sulayem, Pres- ident of the Emirates Motorsports Organization, said the EMSO’s new partnership with Amaury Sport Or- ganisation (A.S.O) can give UAE rallying a major boost over the next few years.

RALLYING

Cycling’s Tour De France is among the top sporting events owned, de- signed and organised by A.S.0, which produces hundreds of hours of pro- grammes and has been appointed by the EMSO as offi cial TV production company for both the Dubai Interna- Aaron Mare in his Husqvarna 450. Yazeed Al-Rajhi in action earlier this season in Qatar. tional Baja and the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge. ident for Sport. The appointment of A.S.O and the World Cup for Cross Country Bajas of the T2 production category in 2018, Balooshi’s brother Sultan, who fi n- The French company has success- “Growing the events and drawing launch of a new logo identity refl ect presents the intriguing prospect of a pursues the SSV crown this time in a ished third in 2018. fully switched the Dakar Rally from the world’s best can also help attract the new vision of the rally on its re- classic battle between two of the Arab CAN AM Maverick X3. In the national Britain’s Isle of Man TT race win- South America to Saudi Arabia over new local talent and secure the futureof turn to the world stage after being world’s leading drivers, the UAE’s buggies class, Dane Andreas Borgmann ner James Hillier makes his baja debut the last two years, broadcasting the rallying, which was where UAE motor ruled out last year by the COVID-19 Khalid Al Qassimi in an Abu Dhabi aims to repeat his 2018 Dubai Baja suc- in the event while Lithuanian Arnas event in 190 countries across the sport began.” emergency. Racing Peugeot 3008 DKR and Saudi cess in a CAN-AM Maverick X. Gelažninkas is back in action after last world. It is this kind of exposure that Taking place on 18-20 February It has been cleared to run on govern- Arabia’s Yazeed Al Rajhi in a Toyota Rising Honda star Aaron Mare faces month’s Dakar success when he won can propel the Dubai Baja and Desert under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh ment approval of strict COVID-19 pro- Hilux Overdrive. strong opposition as he aims to com- Challenge to new heights. Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid tocol put in place by the EMSO. Lying Dutchman Erik Van Loon, the 2015 plete back-to-back bikes wins in the the category for riders competing with “The infl uence of A.S.O. will help Al Maktoum, the Crown Prince of ahead, and demanding maximum re- Desert Challenge runner up, aims for opening round of this year’s FIM Ba- no assistance. attract a stronger line-up of world- Dubai, the Dubai International Baja spect and concentration, are two legs another big fi nish in a Toyota Hi- jas World Cup. Kuwaiti quads star Fahad Al Musal- class competitors for both rallies, and is sponsored by Dubai Electricity & of 192kms and 194 kms across the roll- lux Overdrive, as does Saudi’s Yasir His title rivals include two former lam can become the fi rst competitor to take the events, and the UAE’s attrac- Water Authority, the Mohammed Bin ing dunes and sabkha plains of the Al Seaidan - third in 2018 - in a MINI winners in fellow countryman Mark complete a hat-trick of Dubai Baja suc- tions, to a huge global TV audience,” Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park and Qudra desert. John Cooper Works Rally. Ackerman and Mohammed Al Ba- cesses if he wins again on his Yamaha said Ben Sulayem, the FIA Vice-Pres- AW Rostamani. The second round of the 2021 FIA Saudi Ahmed Al Shegawi, winner looshi, British rider Sam Smith and Raptor 700 R.

Elliott, Larson complete lineup Bowman & Byron give Hendrick Marchand scores in OT, sweep of Daytona 500 front row DAYTONA BEACH, Florida, Feb never had a car start lower than third 11, (AP): New number, new day, new since he became a Cup crew chief in time, same result for Hendrick Motor- 2015. sports. “We put a lot of time and effort into as Bruins edge Rangers Alex Bowman and William Byron our speedway program. It’s a show car. swept the front row Wednesday night It’s the pinnacle of the hotrods that we in qualifying for the Daytona 500, giv- bring out of our race shop,” Ives said. ing Hendrick its 14th pole and sixth “There’s a lot of pride in every piece, Leafs top Habs in the last seven years. Rick Hen- every car, just from the paint job all the drick’s engine-building wing has seven way down to the last nut and bolt.” NEW YORK, Feb 11, (AP): straight poles because it powers Ricky Bowman drove his Chevrolet more Stenhouse Jr., last year’s pole-winner. than 1 mph faster than teammate By- Brad Marchand scored 36 “I think it means a lot to Mr. H - he ron, who qualifi ed second with a lap at seconds into overtime to wants to win everything, like every 190.219 mph. Only the front row was set give the Boston Bruins a 3-2 category, he wants to be top of the Wednesday, the fi rst time Daytona 500 list,” Bowman said. “Here it really qualifying has been held at night under a victory over the New York just comes down to who built the fast- condensed Speedweeks schedule. Rangers in the opener of a est race car. And I think it’s important It’s the ninth consecutive year Chev- two-game set at Madison for Hendrick Motorsports to come up rolet won the pole. Square Garden. and prove that they’re the ones that did The 40-car fi eld is determined that.” through both time trials and a pair of Marchand beat goalie Alexandar Bowman posted a lap at 191.261 Thursday night qualifying races. NAS- Georgiev with a nifty forehand- mph to earn the top starting spot for CAR sold 36 charters that guarantee backhand maneuver. Defenseman the second time in his career. It’s the those owners slots in the fi eld, which Charlie McAvoy broke up an odd- fourth consecutive year Bowman will leaves eight drivers vying for four man rush and set up Marchand. start from the front row, but he’s got a “open” spots in the Super Bowl of Chris Wagner and Anders Bjork completely new look this time. stock-car racing. also scored and Rask made 33 saves Bowman in the offseason was Two spots were earmarked to the to help the Bruins extended their win- moved from the No. 88 into the No. fastest “open” cars in time trials. David ning streak to four and points streak 48 vacated by seven-time NASCAR Ragan and Ryan Preece earned those to nine games at 8-0-1. champion Jimmie Johnson. He inherit- berths. Julien Gauthier – with his fi rst ed sponsor Ally, which has committed Preece had a charter last year with NHL goal – and Kevin Rooney to backing Bowman and helping him JTG-Daugherty Racing, but the team scored for New York, Brendan Le- develop his brand. no longer holds its rights and there’s concern the car won’t attempt to make mieux had two assists and Georgiev “It’s really hard to sit here and be stopped 29 shots. The Rangers have like, ‘I did it and I did this and that every race if it doesn’t have early suc- cess. lost two in a row. and that’s why we are on the front row The teams will meet again Friday for four consecutive years,’” Bowman night. said. “It’s more about the people that CAR RACING make it happen. I fl oored it, but I’m Georgiev made his fi rst start since pretty sure everybody else did, too. I’m a postgame altercation with defense- just appreciative to have a fast car.” Preece said he wasn’t nervous before man Tony DeAngelo that followed Greg Ives, Bowman’s crew chief, attempting his lap, but did panic when an overtime loss to Pittsburgh. has put one of his cars on the front the qualifying session was delayed for DeAngelo has since cleared waivers row for fi ve consecutive years dating a power issue and Preece noticed he and will not play another game with to Dale Earnhardt Jr. in 2017. Ives has was wearing the wrong fi resuit. Preece the Rangers, according to general said he ran half-a-mile before his quali- manager Jeff Gorton. fying lap to change his suit. New York Rangers’ Artemi Panarin (10) attempts to get past Boston Bruins’ Patrice Bergeron (37) during the third Derrike Cope, the 1990 Daytona 500 period of an NHL hockey game, on Feb 10, in New York. (AP) winner and oldest driver in the fi eld at ICE HOCKEY 62, could not get his car started and did not make a qualifying lap. His car is No. 19 West Virginia women beat Kansas locked into the race, though, because it Rooney evened it at 2 midway has a charter. through the third, less than three The No. 62 driven by Noah Gragson minutes after Bjork gave the Bru- for Beard Motorsport failed pre-qual- Wisconsin takes down No. 12 Ohio State ins the lead. Rooney buried a loose ifying inspection three times, did not puck at the side of the net after Le- MADISON, Wis., Feb 11, (AP): Imani fi ve 3-pointers. Martinez had a career- mieux redirected a shot from Ryan get to attempt a qualifying lap, and lost Lewis scored a career-high 27 points best fi ve steals and Niblack was 7-of-9 NHL Results/Standings a crew member. and grabbed 14 rebounds, Sara Staple- shooting. Kirsten Deans added 11 points. Lindgren. Beard has to forfeit a team member ton added 13 points and 10 boards, and DePaul 81, St. John’s 76 Wagner tied it at 1 with a short- as penalty, but Gragson can race and Wisconsin beat No. 12 Ohio State 75-70. In New York, Sonya Morris scored handed goal midway through the attempt to qualify for his fi rst Daytona Lewis topped her previous best of 23 21 points, Deja Church added 18 and WASHINGTON, Feb 11, (AP): Re- second period. 500. sults and standings from the NHL Gauthier opened the scoring in the Bubba Wallace, fastest in Wednes- points and secured her Big Ten-leading No. 22 DePaul beat St. John’s 81-73, games on Wednesday. 10th double-double this season. spoiling Leilani Correa’s third straight Boston 3 NY Rangers OT 2 fi rst. day’ afternoon’s practice, briefl y sat on Toronto 4 Montreal 2 Maple Leafs 4, Canadiens 2 the pole in his new 23XI Racing entry Sydney Hilliard had 13 points and game with 30-plus points. seven assists, and Estella Moschkau Lexi Held gave DePaul a 20-point In Montreal, Justin Holl and Ilya owned by Michael Jordan and Denny East Division Mikheyev scored in a 42-second Hamlin. Byron bumped him fi rst, scored 10 for Wisconsin. lead midway through the third quarter, GP W L OT Pts GF GA Boston 12 9 1 2 20 39 26 span early in the third period to help then Bowman topped Byron. Wallace W. Virginia 69, Kansas 61 but St. John’s went on a 14-2 run to get In Morgantown, W. Va., Kysre within 64-56. Correa scored 11 of St. Philadelphia 13 8 3 2 18 46 41 the Toronto Maple Leafs beat the Alex Bowman hold the award wound up fourth on his fi rst day in his Washington 12 6 3 3 15 44 45 Montreal Canadiens 4-2. fl ag in Victory Lane after winning new car. Gondrezick scored 19 points, Esmery John’s 17 fourth-quarter points to make NY Islanders11 5 4 2 12 25 27 Hamlin, who is trying to become the Martinez and Kari Niblack added 17 it 74-73 with 3:16 remaining, but the Pittsburgh 11 5 5 1 11 33 41 Travis Dermott and Zach Hy- the pole position during qualify- NY Rangers 12 4 5 3 11 31 33 man also scored for Toronto, Fred- ing for the NASCAR Daytona 500 fi rst driver to win three consecutive apiece, and No. 19 West Virginia beat Red Storm would not score again. New Jersey 9 4 3 2 10 23 26 auto race at Daytona International Daytona 500s, was 12th. He said it was Kansas 69-61 for its 11th straight win. Morris scored the next fi ve points Buffalo 10 4 4 2 10 30 32 erik Andersen made 33 saves, Jake Speedway, on Feb 10, in Daytona emotional to see the team he helped Gondrezick, who averages 21.5 and Dee Bekelja capped it with 40 sec- Central Division Muzzin added three assists and GP W L OT Pts GF GA John Tavares had two. Toronto is Beach, Florida. (AP) build get its car on track. points, made three of West Virginia’s onds to go. Tampa Bay 11 9 1 1 19 42 20 Florida 10 7 1 2 16 32 28 8-0-1 in its last nine and leads the Chicago 14 6 4 4 16 39 41 NHL and all-Canadian North Divi- Joiner helps Mississippi beat No. 10 Missouri 80-59 Columbus 14 6 5 3 15 39 45 sion at 11-2-1. Carolina 10 7 3 0 14 34 27 Dallas 10 5 2 3 13 34 25 Josh Anderson and Tomas Ta- Nashville 13 5 8 0 10 31 46 tar scored for Montreal, and Carey Detroit 14 3 9 2 8 27 46 Price stopped 20 shots. The Ca- Robinson-Earl, No. 5 Villanova rally past Marquette West Division GP W L OT Pts GF GA nadiens dropped fi ve points behind Vegas 10 8 1 1 17 37 26 Toronto. VILLANOVA, Pa, Feb 11, (AP): Jeremiah Robin- Mississippi 80, Missouri 59 St Louis 13 7 4 2 16 43 43 Auston Matthews’ career-high son-Earl scored a season-high 27 points to lead No. 5 In Oxford, Miss., the recent mastery of ranked Colorado 11 7 3 1 15 38 24 Arizona 12 6 5 1 13 34 33 goals streak was snapped at eight Villanova to a 96-64 victory over Marquette. teams continued for Mississippi as Jarkel Joiner scored Anaheim 14 5 6 3 13 29 39 games for Toronto, but he extended Collin Gillespie added 16 points and 11 assists, and 21 points as the Rebels beat No. 10 Missouri 80-59. Minnesota 11 6 5 0 12 30 30 San Jose 11 5 5 1 11 32 40 his points run to 11. Mitch Marner’s Jermaine Samuels scored 14 for the Wildcats (13-2, Ole Miss (11-8, 6-6 Southeastern) stretched their eight-game points streak ended. 8-1 Big East), who have won 10 of 11. Robinson-Earl win streak to three games, including a win over Los Angeles 12 3 6 3 9 34 42 North Division Tied 1-1 through 40 minutes, To- made 10 of 11 shots, including all fi ve 3-point tries, No.16 Tennessee and the No. 10 Tigers. The surge GP W L OT Pts GF GA and added eight rebounds. left the Rebels in the middle of a logjam of the SEC Toronto 14 11 2 1 23 52 36 ronto pushed ahead at 1:50 of the standings, with eight teams within three games of Montreal 13 8 3 2 18 50 35 fi nal period when Holl blasted a slap Edmonton 15 8 7 0 16 52 52 shot by Price’s glove for his fi rst of BASKETBALL each other. Winnipeg 12 7 4 1 15 41 35 Iowa 79, Rutgers 66 Calgary 12 6 5 1 13 36 33 the season while playing 4 on 4. In Iowa City, Iowa, Iowa center Luka Garza went Vancouver 16 6 10 0 12 50 63 Price was beaten again at 2:32 Robinson-Earl said he’s taken a cue from the late scoreless for the fi rst 12 minutes of game against Ottawa 14 2 11 1 5 31 58 when Mikheyev banged home his NBA great Kobe Bryant on how to prep. Rutgers. It’s why Garza appreciates teammate Joe Note: Two points for a win one point fi rst. The goal was the winger’s Dawson Garcia scored 28 points and D.J. Carton Wieskamp. Villanova’s Collin Gillespie (left), tries to get past for overtime loss. The top four teams fi rst since Dec. 27, 2020 - the night had 13 for Marquette (9-11, 5-9). The Golden Eagles, Wieskamp had a season-high 26 points and Garza Marquette’s Theo John during the second half of in each division will qualify for play- he suffered a serious wrist lacera- offs under this season’s temporary playing the fi rst of fi ve straight road games, have lost had 22 as the No. 15 Hawkeyes defeated the No. 25 an NCAA college basketball game, on Feb 10, in realignment. tion from a skate blade against New fi ve of six. Scarlet Knights 79-66. Villanova, Pa. (AP) Jersey. ARAB TIMES, FRIDAY-SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 12-13, 2021 16

Ukraine’s Elina Svitolina reacts during her second round match against United States’ Coco Gauff at the Australian Open tennis cham- pionship in Melbourne, Australia, Feb 11. (AP) Sports Latest sports scores at — http://sports.arabtimesonline.com Kanepi stuns defending champ Kenin Rafa advances, Tsitsipas survives scare

MELBOURNE, Australia, acknowledged, she “maybe kind of broke down a little bit.” Feb 11, (AP): Sofia Kenin Kenin was right to be worried. And, knew this would be a tough with Kanepi at her best, this one was over quickly. Delivering 10 aces, test at the Australian Open, Kanepi powered her way past the a potentially early end to fourth-seeded Kenin, overwhelming her first attempt to defend the 2020 champion 6-3, 6-2 in only 64 minutes on Thursday. a Grand Slam title. One person who knows how to Upon realizing she probably would defend a major title is Rafael Nadal, be playing big-hitting veteran Kaia who shares the men’s record of 20 Kanepi in the second round, Kenin with Roger Federer. Nadal shrugged off some heckling from a spectator before beating 177th- ranked Michael Mmoh 6-1, 6-4, 6-2 in the last night match, showing no signs of the back soreness that has bothered him.

TENNIS

Nadal was serving for the second set at 5-4 when a woman yelled out and made hand gestures as he prepared to serve. She yelled again at 30-0 and stadium security escorted her out of Rod Laver Arena. As the rest of the crowd started booing the woman, Nadal laughed. After the brief delay, he hit two aces to finish off the set. He wrapped up the match 1 hour, 47 minutes. Yoshiro Mori, the president of the Nadal said it was a “positive eve- Tokyo Olympic organizing commit- ning.” Except for one strange thing. tee, speaks at a news conference In the preceding match on the main in Tokyo on Feb 4. (AP) show court, fifth-seeded Elina Svitolina beat 16-year-old Coco Gauff 6-4, 6-3, knocking the youngest player Greece’s Stefanos Tsitsipas makes a backhand return to Australia’s Thanis Kokkinakis during their second round match at the Australian Open tennis out of the draw. championship in Melbourne, Australia, Feb 11. (AP) ‘Mori to resign Gauff had a breakout major in Melbourne last year, reaching the Fognini and Salvatore Caruso. vened to break them up. (5), 6-4 win. Tsitsipas will next play and 39-year-old Feliciano Lopez. over remarks’ round of 16 with wins over Venus Fognini rallied from 5-1 down in the The 16th-seeded Fognini said he Mikael Ymer, who beat 17-year-old Russia’s ATP Cup-winning team- Williams and Naomi Osaka before los- TOKYO, Feb 11, (AP): The tiebreaker to win 4-6, 6-2, 2-6, 6-3, 7-6 and Caruso were good friends and Spanish qualifier Carlos Alcaraz in the mates Daniil Medevev and Andrey ing to Kenin. long saga of Yoshiro Mori (12) in almost four hours. The verbal would leave matters on the court. second round. Rublev continued their unbeaten starts appears to be near the end. That was the case on the men’s side, when the first all-Italian men’s singles altercation started at the net, seemed to Fifth-seeded Stefanos Tsitsipas was Also advancing were No. 9 Matteo to the year with straight-set wins. The Japan’s Kyodo news agency fade as the players went back to their pushed all the way by No. 267-ranked Berrettini, No. 21 Alex de Minaur and fourth-seeded Medevev extended his and others reported on Thursday match at the Australian Open in the courtside chairs, but restarted twice. A Australian wild-card entry Thanasi Mackenzie McDonald, who beat 22nd- winning streak to 16 by beating - citing unnamed sources professional era was followed by a “familiar with the matter” - that heated argument between Fabio tournament official eventually inter- Kokkinakis in a 6-7 (5), 6-4, 6-1, 6-7 seeded Borna Coric 6-4, 6-2, 4-6, 6-4, Roberto Carballes Baena 6-2, 7-5, 6-1. Yoshiro Mori will step down on Friday as the president of the Tokyo Olympic organizing Antetokounmpo 47 in vain as Bucks lose to Suns committee. The move follows his com- ments about women more than a week ago, and an ensuing and rare public debate in Japan Lakers edge Thunder for 3rd straight OT win about gender equality. They also come just over five months LOS ANGELES, Feb 11, (AP): sion, but Antetokounmpo missed a New Orleans led 74-66 at the break didn’t reach that total until 8:46 before the Olympics are to LeBron James hit the tying 3-pointer 20-foot jumper at the buzzer. despite Chicago setting a franchise remained in the third. open. late in regulation and then broke up the The Suns have won seven of eight record with 14 3s in the first half. Irving was 17 for 17 from the throw A decision is expected to be Thunder’s final possession in overtime and have a 15-9 record. Mavericks 118, Hawks 117 line, career highs in both categories, announced on Friday when the to lead the Los Angeles Lakers to their Phoenix strug- and Brooklyn led by as many as 36 sixth consecutive victory, 114-113 gled to slow the In Dallas, Luka Doncic had 28 points. James Harden added 19 points organizing committee’s execu- over Oklahoma City on Wednesday Bucks’ offense, points, 10 assists and 10 rebounds and and 11 rebounds for the Nets, who tive board meets. The executive night. especially in the Dallas rallied to beat the Hawks, a expect to get Kevin Durant back from board is overwhelming male, as James had 25 points, seven assists first three quar- week after ending a six-game losing his three-game absence for coronavi- is the day-to-day leadership. and six rebounds for the defending ters. Milwaukee streak in Atlanta. rus health and safety protocol reasons The 83-year-old Mori, in a NBA champions, who survived their has scored at least The Mavericks kept the ball out of when they open a five-game trip to the meeting of the Japanese third consecutive overtime game. 120 points in Trae Young’s hands on an inbound West on Saturday at Golden State, his Olympic Committee more than Montrezl Harrell scored 20 points, and every game over play with 4.7 seconds remaining, and former team. a week ago, essentially said Dennis Schröder had 19 points and their past six. Danilo Gallinari’s jumper just before Domantas Sabonis had 18 points women “talk too much” and are seven rebounds. Bryn Forbes, the buzzer was short. and nine rebounds for the Pacers. They driven by a “strong sense of Al Horford scored 25 points and who was making Atlanta coach Lloyd Pierce thought have lost four in a row. Antetokounmpo Young was fouled setting a screen on rivalry.” Mori, a former prime Kenrich Williams had a career-high 24 just his second Clippers 119, Timberwolves 112 minister, gave a grudging apol- for the Thunder, who excelled at start of the sea- the final play when Willie Cauley- ogy a few days after his opin- Staples Center despite having just son, made 5 of 6 3-pointers. Stein ran into him, and said Young In Minneapolis, Kawhi Leonard had a season-high 36 points and Lou ions were reported but declined eight available players for back-to- Bulls 129, Pelicans 116 getting knocked down interrupted the to resign. back narrow losses to the Lakers. intended play. Williams added 27 points in Los James hit a tying 3-pointer with 19.6 In Chicago, Zach LaVine scored a Tim Hardaway Jr. scored 13 of his Angeles’ victory over Minnesota. seconds to play in regulation, and season-high 46 points, hitting nine of 16 points in the fourth quarter to spark Leonard and Williams hit shots Chicago’s franchise-record 25 3-point- down the stretch, including a pair of OLYMPICS Wesley Matthews hit a tiebreaking the comeback, starting with a quarter- Brooklyn Nets’ Timothe Luwawu- 3-pointer for the Lakers with 41.4 sec- ers, and the Bulls cooled off New opening 3 to get the Mavericks within Cabarrot (front), reaches for the late 3-pointers by Leonard, to thwart onds left in overtime. Orleans. six after they trailed by 13 in the third. ball next to Indiana Pacers’ Myles Minnesota’s comeback try. Los Coby White made eight 3s and scored Angeles snapped its first two-game This is more than just another Suns 125, Bucks 124 Dallas won its third straight and fourth Turner during the first half of an problem for the postponed 30 points in an impressive show by in five games. NBA basketball game, on Feb 10, losing streak of the season. Olympics, which have made the In Phoenix, Devin Booker scored 30 Chicago’s starting backcourt. The Bulls John Collins scored 33 points, and in New York. (AP) Timberwolves star Karl-Anthony risky choice of trying to open points, Chris Paul added 28 and went 25 for 47 from beyond the arc and Young had 25 points and 15 assists for Towns had 18 points and 10 rebounds Phoenix extended its winning streak to shot 59% (48 for 81) overall. in his return to action after missing 13 on July 23 in the middle of a the Hawks. They have lost four of five points and eight assists and Brooklyn four games by rallying past Milwaukee. Zion Williamson had 29 points for in a stretch that included a 122-116 was defensively dominant in the first games. Towns announced on Jan. 15 pandemic with 11,000 athletes Milwaukee had its five-game win- New Orleans, which had won four in a half in shutting down Indiana to snap a that he tested positive for COVID-19 - and later, 4,400 Paralympic Dallas win in Atlanta that ended the ning streak snapped despite getting a row. Brandon Ingram finished with 21 Mavericks’ longest skid since 2019. three-game losing streak. and remained on the league’s health athletes. season-high 47 points from Giannis points on 6-for-19 shooting. Lonzo A night after an embarrassing effort and safety protocol list until More than 80% of the Antetokounmpo. The Bucks had a Ball scored 19 of his 21 points in the Nets 104, Pacers 94 in Detroit, when the Nets yielded 38 Wednesday, when coach Ryan Japanese public in recent polls chance to win it on the final posses- first half. In New York, Kyrie Irving had 35 points in the first quarter, the Pacers Saunders said Towns was a game-time say the Olympics should be decision. postponed or canceled. Mori’s remarks have drawn NBA Results/Standings Nuggets 133, Cavaliers 95 outrage from many quarters and In Denver, Paul Millsap scored a have put the spotlight on how season-high 22 points, Michael Porter far Japan lags behind other Jr. added 19 and Denver routed prosperous countries in advanc- WASHINGTON, Feb 11, (AP): NBA results and standings on Wednesday. Cleveland to snap a three-game skid. The Nuggets opened a 23-point lead ing women in politics or the Toronto 137 Washington 115 Denver 133 Cleveland 95 boardrooms. Japan stands 121st Dallas 118 Atlanta 117 Chicago 129 New Orleans 116 in the first half, saw it increase to 34 in Brooklyn 104 Indiana 94 Phoenix 125 Milwaukee 124 the third - notoriously a problem quar- out of 153 in the World Memphis 130 Charlotte 114 LA Lakers 114 Oklahoma City 113 Economic Forum’s gender ter for them this season - and coasted LA Clippers 119 Minnesota 112 from there as Nikola Jokic and his equality rankings. Eastern Conference Western Conference fellow starters got the fourth quarter Though some on the street Atlantic Division Southwest Division off. Jokic had 12 points and 12 assists. have called for him to resign - W L Pct GB W L Pct GB Philadelphia 18 7 .720 - San Antonio 14 11 .560 - Jarrett Allen had 18 points and 10 several hundred Olympic vol- rebounds for the Cavaliers. unteers say they are withdraw- Brooklyn 15 12 .556 4 Memphis 10 10 .500 1-1/2 Boston 12 11 .522 5 Dallas 12 14 .462 2-1/2 Raptors 137, Wizards 115 ing - most decision makers have Toronto 12 13 .480 6 New Orleans 11 13 .458 2-1/2 stopped short of this and have New York 11 15 .423 7-1/2 Houston 11 13 .458 2-1/2 In Washington, Norman Powell simply condemned his remarks. Southeast Division Northwest Division scored 28 points, Pascal Siakam added Japan is a country that works W L Pct GB W L Pct GB 26 and Toronto made 19 3-pointers in largely on consensus with poli- Charlotte 12 14 .462 - Utah 20 5 .800 - its victory over Washington. Atlanta 11 13 .458 - Portland 13 10 .565 6 Seven Raptors hit at least one ticians - often elderly and male Miami 10 14 .417 1 Denver 13 11 .542 6-1/2 - acting behind the scenes and Orlando 9 16 .360 2-1/2 Oklahoma City 10 14 .417 9-1/2 3-pointer, with Kyle Lowry leading leaking trial balloons to sense Washington 6 16 .273 4 Minnesota 6 19 .240 14 the way with 5-for-9 shooting from public sentiment. Central Division Pacific Division deep. He finished with 21 points. His replacement is reported to W L Pct GB W L Pct GB Toronto shot 59% from long range (19 be 84-year-old Saburo Milwaukee 16 9 .640 - LA Lakers 20 6 .769 - for 32). Indiana 12 13 .480 4 LA Clippers 18 8 .692 2 Kawabuchi, a former president of NBA leading scorer Bradley Beal Oklahoma City Thunder guard Kenrich Williams (34) and Los Angeles Chicago 10 14 .417 5-1/2 Phoenix 15 9 .625 4 had 24 points for Washington. Russell the Japanese soccer association. Lakers guard Dennis Schroeder (17) run after the ball during the third Cleveland 10 16 .385 6-1/2 Golden State 13 12 .520 6-1/2 Detroit 6 18 .250 9-1/2 Sacramento 12 12 .500 7 Westbrook had 23 points, seven assists quarter of an NBA basketball game on Feb 10, in Los Angeles. (AP) and six rebounds.

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