BUSINESS | Page 8 SPORT | Page 1 Manateq signs Hamilton service hub wins record facilities, rental seventh F1 management world title agreement with Waseef Asset

published in QATAR since 1978

MONDAY Vol. XXXXI No. 11734 November 16, 2020 Rabia II 1, 1442 AH

GULF TIMES www. gulf-times.com 2 Riyals

HMC wins top award for response to Covid-19 pandemic Qatar, Tunisia to broaden ties in all fi elds Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) has won the Elite Hospital Award as part of the Arab Hospitals Federation Gold Initiative, which aimed to showcase the eff orts of healthcare providers across the region during the Covid-19 pandemic. The award recognised HMC’s successful response across five categories: Regulatory Staff to the Government; Leadership and Governance; Safety of Staff , Visitors and Patients; Awareness; and Research and Development. Page 4 MoCI launches surprise inspection campaigns The Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MoCI), in co-operation with the Ministry of Interior and Ministry of Municipality and Environment, has carried out surprise inspection campaigns targeting street vendors and old residences across Qatar. The campaigns were conducted in a bid to monitor the compliance of retail shops with their obligations under Law No 5 of 2015 on Commercial, His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani and Tunisian President Industrial and Similar Public Shops, Tunisian President Kais Saied being accorded an off icial reception ceremony at the Amiri Diwan yesterday. Kais Saied hold off icial talks at the Amiri Diwan yesterday. and Street Vendors, as well as their commitment to Ministerial Decision QNA Amir, Tunisian president hold talks at Amiri Diwan No 243 of 2016 on the licensing Doha Both countries keen on enhancing requirements and regulations to Closer co-operation in politics, economic development, engage in street vendor activities. investment, health and education discussed Page 6 is Highness the Amir Sheikh co-operation: Tunisian president Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani The leaders also discuss key regional and international Ambulance services Hand President of the Republic issues, particularly the developments in Libya There is a strong will, a sincere de- issues and topics of common interest effi ciency highlighted of Tunisia Kais Saied held an offi cial termination and a common desire to and means of further developing talks session at the Amiri Diwan yes- to His Highness the Amir for Qatar’s dialogue forum, held in Tunisia under develop Qatar- Tunisia co-operation them in various fields, as well as the The telephone response time terday. prompt response and support for the auspices of the United Nations. in various fields and advance it to coordination and consultation on for accidents is less than five At the outset of the session, His Tunisia in countering the Covid-19 A number of ministers attended the broader and wider horizons, in light various regional and international seconds, while the arrival time Highness the Amir greeted the presi- pandemic, and lauded the Amir’s an- session. On the Tunisian side, the ses- of the strong and distinguished rela- issues. of ambulances at the site of dent and the accompanying del- nouncement on holding the Shura sion was attended by members of the tions between the two countries, Tu- The Tunisian president reiterated the accident is less than eight egation, praising the depth of the two Council elections in October 2021. offi cial delegation accompanying the nisian President Kais Saied has said. that the two countries are keen on minutes inside Doha and less countries’ relations, and expressing During the talks session, His High- president. In an interview with Qatar News developing cooperation in economy, than 10 minutes outside it, a confi dence that this visit would con- ness the Amir and the Tunisian presi- Earlier upon his arrival at the Amiri Agency (QNA) , the president said his sport, trade, politics, science, health senior health off icial has said. tribute to boosting the close bilateral dent discussed co-operation relations Diwan, the Tunisian president was ac- current state visit to Qatar “comes in and others, noting that both sides Sheikh Dr Mohamed bin Hamad relations between the two nations and between the two countries and the corded an offi cial reception ceremony. this context and in the framework of agreed to continue work between the al-Thani, the director of the to advancing them to wider horizons to prospects of developing and advancing His Highness the Amir hosted a a series of reciprocal visits between joint specialised committees in this Public Health Department at the serve the interests of the two brotherly these relations in all spheres, especially luncheon banquet at the Amiri Diwan the leaders of the two countries, the regard. He added that a meeting of Ministry of Public Health, made peoples. in politics, economic development, in- in honour of Tunisian president and most recent of which was the visit of the joint committee is expected to be the observation while speaking on For his part, the Tunisian president vestment, health and education. the delegation accompanying him. His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim held in the first quarter of next year the country’s ambulance services expressed his thanks and appreciation They also discussed key regional and The banquet was attended by His bin Hamad al-Thani to Tunisia in to review the implementation of the at an event through which Qatar to the Amir for the warm welcome and international issues of common con- Highness the Personal Representative February”. numerous agreements concluded commemorated the World Day hospitality, referring to the several meet- cern, particularly the developments in of the Amir Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Saied described the talks he held with between Qatar and Tunisia in the of Remembrance for Road Traff ic ings he had with the Amir and looking Libya. While praising Tunisian diplo- al-Thani. the Amir as constructive and fruitful, economic and commercial sectors Victims yesterday. Page 9 forward to more meetings in the future. macy, the Amir congratulated President It was also attended by a number of and said that the talks dealt with all and other vital areas. Page 14 The president also extended thanks Kais Saied on the success of the Libyan Sheikhs and ministers. Page 16 Biden advisers call for swift virus action US President-elect Joe Biden’s top advisers yesterday called for urgent action to address the nation’s Sheikha Moza opens WISH 2020 “deeply alarming” Covid-19 epidemic and warned that Republican President Donald Trump’s transition summit, salutes health workers delay could further jeopardise the battle against the virus, including vaccine distribution planning. They also urged Congress to immediately Participants call for pass bipartisan financial relief, as daily Covid-19 cases shattered US greater international records and strained hospitals collaboration to combat nationwide, forcing a wave of new restrictions. Covid-19 pandemic

Trump says he concedes By Joseph Varghese ‘nothing’ on election Staff Reporter President Donald Trump appeared yesterday to acknowledge aluting healthcare workers in HE the Minister of WHO director-general Dr WISH executive chair losing the US election but then Qatar and all over the world for Public Health Dr Hanan Tedros Ghebreyesus gave Prof the Lord Darzi of backtracked and said he concedes Stheir outstanding eff orts to fi ght Mohamed al-Kuwari a special video message Denham speaking at “nothing” while a top aide to the Covid-19 pandemic, Qatar Foun- addressing WISH 2020. to WISH 2020. WISH 2020. President-elect Joe Biden called dation (QF) Chairperson Her Highness a seamless transition vital for Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, opened yes- to create a better, healthier world,” she lise in the country, Dr al-Kuwari not- national security and combating terday the World Innovation Summit added. ed: “Every death is a tragedy, but we the coronavirus pandemic. Trump for Health (WISH) 2020, held under Highlighting the importance of in- are thankful that our cases, in global made conflicting statements in a the theme ‘One World, Our Health’. ternational healthcare collaboration in terms, remain low. This stands as tes- series of Twitter posts in which he The 2020 summit of QF’s global the context of Covid-19 Prof the Lord timony to the talent and commitment initially appeared to admit for the Qatar Foundation Chairperson Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser healthcare initiative got off to a great Darzi noted: “The virus has taught us of our doctors and nurses and the en- first time publicly that Biden won, addressing the opening session of the World Innovation Summit for Health start with a socially distanced open- that there can be no security without tire healthcare workforce.” then reversed course. “He won (WISH) 2020 yesterday. PICTURE: AR al-Baker ing ceremony. Along with Her High- health security. That’s why I believe “A key factor in our success is our because the Election was Rigged,” ness Sheikha Moza, QF Vice Chair- it’s time to build a ‘global pathogen system of universal health coverage. All Trump wrote. Page 11 person and CEO HE Sheikha Hind bint shield’ to protect us from novel diseas- costs of treatment were covered by the Hamad al-Thani, HE the Minister of es: a new, global capability to rapidly government, irrespective of national- ‘Tigray forces fired Public Health Dr Hanan Mohamed al- develop diagnostics, therapies, and ity or social conditions. All patients Kuwari, WISH executive chair Prof the vaccines. The only way to do that is received the same high standard of rockets at Eritrea’ Lord Darzi of Denham as well as several through greater international collabo- care. Our low mortality is attributable The leader of Ethiopia’s rebellious other dignitaries took part in the event. ration – which is exactly what WISH is to a variety of factors, including the Tigray region confirmed yesterday “In the midst of these trying times all about.” young average age of the population, that his forces had fired rockets brought on by the pandemic, WISH is but particularly to the high quality of at the airport in Eritrea’s capital, a convening this year to elevate our sense medical care, provided equally to eve- More reports on Pages 2 ,5 major escalation that raises fears of collective responsibility and unite ryone. Throughout we strived to keep of a wider war in the Horn of Africa the world as one – to work together, to our healthcare workforce safe and pro- region. Accusing neighbouring share knowledge, to contain this pan- tected and our hospital acquired infec- Eritrea of sending tanks and demic and to minimise the damage “The virus may have stopped WISH tions as close to zero as possible,” she thousands of troops into Tigray in until it is possible for scientists and re- participants from meeting in person in explained. support of an Ethiopian government searchers to restore health security for Doha, but it has not stopped WISH. In Expressing optimism and determi- off ensive, Debretsion Gebremichael people everywhere,” said Her Highness so many ways, the pandemic has re- nation, Dr al-Kuwari said: “We know said his forces were under attack Sheikha Moza in her opening speech. vealed the best of us,” he added. we will win this battle only if everyone on several fronts. “Our country is “And so, I salute healthcare workers Giving an overview of Qatar’s fi ght wins it. In solidarity, Qatar has so far attacking us with a foreign country, in Qatar, and globally, for their tremen- against Covid-19 and highlighting Qa- helped more than 70 countries and in- Eritrea. Treason!,” Debretsion said in dous eff orts in fi ghting this pandemic, tar’s national response to Covid-19, ternational organisations with equip- text messages. Page 10 The first panel discussion of WISH 2020 was on Covid-19 scenario and responses. protecting lives, and tirelessly striving which has seen the pandemic stabi- ment and resources.” To Page 2 Gulf Times 2 Monday, November 16, 2020 QATAR

Sheikha Moza opens WISH 2020 Minister says commitment of healthcare staff ‘helped summit, salutes health workers curb Covid-19 in Qatar’

From Page 1 QNA variety of factors, including the Doha young average age of the popula- “Covid-19 is not beaten yet. tion, but particularly to the high Our strategy remains one of quality of medical care, provided vigilance and focused action E the Minister of Public equally to everyone. “Through- tempered by a controlled return Health Dr Hanan Mo- out, we strived to keep our to normality, while keeping our Hhamed al-Kuwari yes- healthcare workforce safe and people safe. We await, with the terday said Qatar’s response to protected and our hospital ac- rest of the world, the develop- Covid-19 helped curb the pan- quired infections as close to zero ment of a safe, eff ective vaccine. demic in the country. as possible.” In the meantime, we must rely Speaking at the opening session Highlighting the support Qa- on the public health measures of the World Innovation Summit tar has extended to other coun- with which we are all familiar for Health (WISH) 2020, the min- tries in the battle against Cov- and the dedication and profes- ister said a key factor in Qatar’s id-19, Dr al-Kuwari said: “We sionalism of the global health success is its system of universal know we will win this battle only workforce to keep us safe.” health coverage, pointing out that if everyone wins it. In solidar- The summit attendees also all costs of treatment were covered ity, Qatar has so far helped more received a special message by the government, irrespective of than 70 countries and interna- from Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghe- nationality or social conditions, tional organisations with equip- breyesus, director-general of and that all patients received the ment and resources.” the World Health Organisa- same high standard of care. The minister also noted that tion (WHO), as he stressed the At the conference held under Covid-19 has not been beaten importance of harnessing the the theme of ‘One World Our yet. “Our strategy remains one power of innovation in the face Health’, HE Dr al-Kuwari said: of vigilance and focused action of once-in-a-century-crisis “Every death is a tragedy, but we tempered by a controlled return that is this pandemic. are thankful that our cases, in to normality, while keeping our “Over 200 vaccines are being global terms, remain low. This people safe. We await, with the developed in several countries Qatar Foundation Chairperson Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser at the opening session of the World Innovation Summit for Health stands as testimony to the tal- rest of the world, the develop- around the world. Some of them (WISH) 2020 yesterday. PICTURES: AR al-Baker ent and commitment of our doc- ment of a safe, eff ective vaccine. have completed diff erent stages tors and nurses and the entire In the meantime, we must rely on of human trial and waiting for the healthcare workforce. This is the public health measures with approvals. This really gives great also testament of our healthcare which we are all familiar and the hope for all,” he highlighted. system.” dedication and professionalism As part of the WISH 2020 She added that low mortal- of the global health workforce to opening ceremony, broadcaster ity in Qatar is attributable to a keep us safe,” she said. Mishal Husain moderated a high-level panel, The Global Response to Covid-19: What Qatar takes part in conference Have We Learned and Where Are We Headed, which heard of GCC education ministers from international and nation- al leaders including Dr David Qatar participated yesterday in the 26th general conference of Nabarro, WHO Special Envoy ministers of education of the member states of the Arab Bureau of on Covid-19; Prof Dame Sally Education for the Gulf states, which was held via video conference Davies, England’s former chief technology, QNA reported. medical offi cer; and Dr Anders Qatar’s delegation was headed by HE the Minister of Education and Tegnell, Sweden’s state epide- Higher Education Dr Mohamed Abdul Wahed Ali al-Hammadi. miologist. The one-day conference discussed a number of topics, including the WISH 2020 continues un- executive council’s report on the council’s work between the 25th and til November 19 with the par- 26th sessions, the director general’s report on the implementation of ticipation of a record number the bureau’s programmes, projects and organs for the 2019 and 2020 of policymakers, health ex- financial cycle, the bureau’s programmes, apparatus and the draft perts, and frontline healthcare Qatar Foundation Chairperson Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser yesterday participated in the opening session of the World budget for the 2021 and 2022 fiscal cycle, in addition to other topics of workers. Innovation Summit for Health (WISH) 2020. interest for joint education action for member states.

Al-Muraikhi receives copies of credentials of ambassadors of Portugal, Indonesia and Iran

HE the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Sultan bin Saad al-Muraikhi received separately yesterday copies of the credentials of the ambassadors of Portugal, Indonesia and Iran to Qatar, Jose Alves Carvalho, Ridwan Hassan and Hamid Reza Dehghani, respectively. HE al-Muraikhi wished the new ambassadors success in their missions, assuring all support to upgrade relations between Qatar and their countries for closer co-operation in various fields.

Minister meets Indian ambassador

HE the Minister of State for Foreign Aff airs Sultan bin Saad al-Muraikhi met yesterday with Indian ambassador to Qatar Dr Deepak Mittal. During the meeting, they reviewed bilateral relations and issues of common concern. Gulf Times Monday, November 16, 2020 3 QATAR

PM meets Tunisian president

HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Khalid bin Khalifa bin Abdulaziz al-Thani met with Tunisian President Kais Saied, at his residence at the Sheraton Hotel yesterday evening. The meeting reviewed bilateral relations and ways to promote them in various fields, especially in investment and enhancing co-operation opportunities, as well as issues of mutual concern. The meeting was attended by a number of ministers from both sides.

FM meets Tunisian minister

HE the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohamed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani met yesterday with the visiting Tunisian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Migration and Tunisians Abroad, Othman Jerandi. During the meeting, they reviewed bilateral relations and issues of common concern.

FM meets head of UN Assistance Mission in Somalia

HE the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Aff airs Sheikh Mohamed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani met with UN Special Representative for Somalia and Head of the UN Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM) James Christopher Swan. During the meeting, they reviewed the bilateral relations between Qatar and the United Nations and Somali aff airs, in addition to issues of common concern. Gulf Times 4 Monday, November 16, 2020 QATAR

Al Wakra Hospital takes part in Sealine Challenge sports event HMC wins top award for Covid response amad Medical Corporation (HMC) has won the Elite HHospital Award as part of the Arab Hospitals Federation Gold Al Wakra Hospital (WH), a member of Hamad Medical Corporation Initiative, which aimed to showcase (HMC), participated in the Sealine Challenge sports event launched the eff orts of healthcare providers on Saturday, the first race in the Qatar Drop Series organised by across the region during the Cov- the Qatar Sports for All Federation. Mohamed Musallam al-Dossary, id-19 pandemic. acting executive director of Public Relations at Al Wakra Hospital, The award recognised HMC’s confirmed that the participation of Al Wakra Hospital in the event successful response across fi ve cat- is in line with the observance of Diabetes Day. Hence, this occasion egories: Regulatory Staff to the Gov- constitutes an appropriate opportunity for spreading awareness of ernment; Leadership and Govern- sports and physical activities in preserving health and promoting ance; Safety of Staff , Visitors and healthy lifestyle, especially for diabetics, he stressed. Al Wakra Patients; Awareness; and Research Hospital participated in the race through several stations, according to information and Development. available on HMC’s social media accounts. The first station was devoted to screening “Receiving the Elite Hospital diabetes and the second for checking, while the last station focused on health education Award is a wonderful endorsement HMC is the main provider of secondary and tertiary healthcare in Qatar. and proper nutrition methods, HMC said. Moreover, nutrition professionals from HMC of HMC’s contribution to Qatar’s presented some awareness advice and tips to the public on the importance of preserving overall Covid-19 strategy,” said Ali tor’s widespread measures to protect Covid-19 treatment facilities as part “Right from the onset of the an appropriate lifestyle, and following up in this regard, through the intake of healthy al-Janahi, chief, Tertiary Hospitals Qatar’s population from Covid-19 of a strategy that allowed HMC to pandemic, we utilised television, food and regularly performing sports activities to protect against diabetes and obesity. Group, HMC. and ensure every patient requiring ensure the right care was available at radio, social media, and newspa- “HMC has worked alongside its medical treatment was able to do the right time and place. pers to keep the public informed healthcare partners, including the so without delay. HMC, as the main The award also recognised the about what was happening with Ministry of Public Health and Pri- provider of specialist healthcare measures put in place by HMC to Covid-19, how health services were mary Health Care Corporation, and services in Qatar, played the leading ensure the safe continuation of adapting and changing, and how played a central role in the nation’s role in caring for Covid-19 patients services to patients with non-Cov- individuals could keep themselves measures to protect its population with moderate to severe symptoms. id-19 conditions. This included the safe. We delivered messaging in and ensure every patient with Cov- To meet the increased demand as launch of virtual and telemedicine multiple languages, including Ara- id-19 can receive fast and eff ective a result of the virus, HMC signifi - services for a range of areas includ- bic, English, Hindi, Urdu, Malay- care. Our comprehensive strategy to cantly expanded capacity across its ing outpatient consultations, urgent alam, Tagalog, Nepali, Bengali, and confront Covid-19 has succeeded in hospital network. The re-purposing care, and mental health. French – ensuring that, along with suppressing the spread of the virus of existing resources and facilities The Gold Initiative’s Awareness our healthcare partners, we were and enabled Qatar to have one of the resulted in delivering over 2,900 category praised HMC’s eff orts in able to reach as wide an audience as lowest Covid-19 mortality rates in new hospital beds, including 700 communicating eff ectively with Qa- possible, and that every citizen and the world,” he explained. new intensive care beds. Five fa- tar’s population throughout the pan- resident could access the informa- The Elite Hospital Award recog- cilities, including two newly opened demic to ensure they were kept up- tion they needed,” added, Ali Ab- nised the eff ectiveness of HMC’s role hospitals in Mesaieed and Ras Laf- dated on the latest developments and dulla al-Khater, chief communica- in the delivery of the healthcare sec- fan, were designated as dedicated knew how to keep themselves safe. tions offi cer, HMC.

MoPH reports 132,784 total Covid recoveries

QNA The MoPH also recorded fl attening the curve and lim- Doha 207 recoveries from the vi- iting the spread of the virus rus during the past 24 hours, and the number of new daily bringing the total number of cases and hospital admis- he Ministry of Public cases that recovered in Qatar sions is continuing to decline Health (MoPH) re- to 132,784. each week. Tported yesterday 215 All new cases have been Qatar’s proactive and ex- new confi rmed cases of coro- introduced to isolation and tensive testing of suspected navirus (Covid-19) during are receiving necessary cases has enabled the minis- the last 24 hours, of which healthcare according to their try to identify a high number 157 are from community and health status. of positive cases in the com- 58 from travellers returning The health ministry said munity. from abroad who are subject measures to tackle Covid-19 Anyone suff ering from to quarantine. in Qatar have succeeded in Covid-19 symptoms should either contact 16000 hel- 130 people referred to Public pline or go directly to one of Prosecution for not wearing masks the designated health cen- tres to undergo the necessary The crackdown on violations of Covid-19 measures continued checks at Muaither, Rawdat as the competent authorities at the Ministry of Interior (MoI) Al Khail, Umm Slal, or Al referred 130 people to the Public Prosecution for not wearing Gharrafa. This is important masks in places where they are mandatory. as the earlier the disease is In a statement on social media yesterday, the MoI said five detected the easier it will be others were also referred to the Public Prosecution for violating to receive the right treatment the rule specifying the maximum number of people allowed in and recover from it. a vehicle. The MoPH has urged peo- Under the rules, a maximum of four people are allowed in a ple to visit its website for vehicle, including the driver, except when the occupants are regular updates and new in- members of the same family. formation.

2 arrested for violating home quarantine rules Two people were arrested in Doha yesterday for violating the legal requirements of home quarantine. The arrests came in implementation of the precautionary measures in force in the country, approved by health authorities to ensure the achievement of public safety and to curb the spread of the coronavirus. The two being referred to the prosecution are: Suleiman Hazza Suleiman al-Dakheel and Mohamed Ayman Ibrahim Abdulqader al-Batsh. The authorities concerned call on quarantined citizens and residents to adhere to the requirements set by the Ministry of Public Health, to ensure their safety and the safety of others. Chaliyar Doha mega drawing and painting competition on Nov 20

The Chaliyar Doha Mega Drawing and Painting Competition will be held on Friday, November 20, from 2pm-6pm with the participation of children from the entire Indian community in Qatar as part of World Children’s Day. Announcing this yesterday, the organisers said the contestants can participate in the competition from their home. The competition is open to children between the ages of six and 12 years with a Qatar Residency Permit. The first prize is QR1,001, while the second and third prizes are QR501 and QR251, respectively. In addition, promotional prizes await the winners. Those interested can register at https://forms.gle/ JpdmcsNfk7syE1UD6 to participate. Registration will close at 6pm on Thursday, November 19. For details, one can contact 77101814 or 55313411.

Audi, Ford models recalled

The Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MoCI), in co- operation with Q-Auto, announced the recall of Audi A8, and S8 models of 2013-2017 due to the possibility of engine compartment seal to become loose and touch a hot substance which may lead to seal deformation. The MoCI, in co-operation with Almana Motors Company, also announced the recall of Ford Figo models of 2019-2020 due to the Owner’s Manual containing information regarding an Automatic engine Idle Shutdown (AEIS) feature that is not available in the vehicle. The recall campaigns come within the framework of the MoCI’s continuous eff orts to protect consumers and ensure that dealers follow up on vehicle defects and repairs. Gulf Times Monday, November 16, 2020 5 QATAR

Ooredoo’s Shahry Me allows customers to ‘Build Your Own Plan’

oredoo has announced the The main account owner can manage their service and be charged only for the delighted to announce our innovative launch of an innovative new up to fi ve SIM cards of the family, while confi rmed services, thanks to a custom- new Shahry Me online service for a truly Opersonalised digital customer being in control of services and allow- ised plan within a fully digital service. personalised approach to controlling experience that will “revolutionise” ances via the specially-designed app; This works in real time, meaning all services and allowances.” monthly plan mobile services in Qatar. unused allowances can be passed on to changes, charges and subscriptions “With the Shahry Me App, there Shahry Me, a new app-managed plan, other family and household members, can be executed in seconds, and allows are no accidental extra charges or bill allows for complete personalisation of and children can be rewarded with extra the main SIM owner to use the unique shocks; everything the customer could Shahry plans, with the precise alloca- data. “Build Your Own Plan” feature that is want is in their hands, and plans can be tion of data and calling across family Customers will also be protected integral to this new system. completely tailored and customised to members and households. against bill shocks, as dependent users Shahry Me comes loaded with en- suit,” she said. Customers can design their own plan, will have to request extra allowances tertainment, including Hollywood and “The introduction of the Shahry Me based on their own individual needs from the main account holder who will Bollywood movies with STARZ PLAY app makes the service quick, easy and and those of their family and household approve or reject such requests. and ErosNow, and thousands of buy- effi cient to use, and allows customers to members, ensuring allowances do not After installing the new Shahry Me one-get-one free off ers at a wide range access the service at any time of day or go to waste and customers can make the App, customers will be able to order of leading leisure, lifestyle and dining night for absolute convenience. most of all elements of their plan. their Shahry Me SIM online or migrate options with the Urban Point app in Qa- “Complete customer satisfaction is Shahry Me allows users to share data any of their existing Hala or Shahry tar, Kuwait and Oman. our ultimate goal, and we’re sure this Shahry Me: allows the main account owner to manage up to five SIM cards of the and minutes with the whole family and services to Shahry Me. Ooredoo chief consumer offi cer Fa- unique new service will go a long way family. household members via the app. They will also be able to personalise tima Sultan al-Kuwari said: “We are towards achieving this goal.” Qatar’s leadership in the fi eld of precision medicine lauded Qatar’s precision medicine eff orts in the Qatari population and they are sion medicine generating savings, and set for clinical implementation related to wide array of diseases.” there is also evidence.” The panel discussion was also ac- The report hints that perhaps the By Joseph Varghese companied by the launch of a report by biggest challenge will be developing a Staff Reporter the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU), workforce capable of delivering preci- titled Doing Well? Fulfi lling the Prom- sion medicine, including integration ise of Precision Medicine. of specialists – notably geneticists, atar is in a position to translate The report, sponsored by Qatar genetic counsellors, and data into the the eff orts in precision medi- Foundation, discusses the promise of existing healthcare system. Qcine for the last fi ve years into precision medicine, what it is current- “When we look at the policy briefs clinical implementation, noted ex- ly delivering, and challenges associ- we have drafted, we wanted to make perts at a panel discussion on Precision ated with its wider application in large sure that it addresses strategy as well Medicine – One size doesn’t fi t all, on health systems. as policies, and one aspect of that is the fi rst day of WISH 2020. The report notes that preci- to harmonise the activities among “Qatar’s leadership has taken sev- sion medicine, while still work-in- the diff erent players,” said Walid eral measures for the last fi ve years to progress, has shown promising poten- Qoronfl eh, director of Healthcare Re- set and create data for precision medi- tial, particularly in areas like oncology search and Policy at WISH. cine through various programmes and and rare diseases. “Another important aspect is the research,” said Dr Said Ismail, director It has allowed better understanding integration of precision medicine into of the Qatar Genome Programme, at of tumour genetics resulting in more primary healthcare. So, what we see is The panel discussion in progress. the panel discussion. eff ective treatments – particularly for to provide pragmatic and practical key “We spent a lot of time and eff orts to lung and breast cancer. recommendations that are not only introduce data for researchers and for For rare diseases, genomic sequenc- applicable to Qatar, but also applicable programmes for universities to pave ing has drastically reduced diagno- internationally.” the way for precision medicine,” he sis times from years to a matter of The panel also included Dr Victor said. “Now it is the right time to har- months, sometimes even weeks. Dzau, president of the US National ness on what we have achieved and David Humphreys, global head of Academy of Medicine, and Dr Lotfi produced over the last fi ve years. It is Health Policy at EIU, said: “Our focus Chouchane, professor at Weill Cornell the time to shift from producing data with the study was really looking at Medicine – Qatar. to implement the outcomes at the that long talked about promise of bet- Precision Medicine’s end-goal is to clinical side.” ter, more targeted care for patients and move away from medicine’s current “This will basically show the pa- ongoing basis. one-size-fi ts-all approach to more tients that this can impact their life or “It really focused on two critical personalised care that is formulated the healthcare they are receiving,” he aspects that we consider to be impor- based on the person’s genetics – right explained. “You also have to choose tant. care at the right time. your models where you want to start to “The fi rst is integration into the This will help cut down diagno- show the impact. patient centricity movement, and the sis time and avoid the risks of incor- “The Qchip we are producing is an- second is the concept of return on in- rect treatment, allowing healthcare to other example as it consists of sum- vestment and value demonstration. deliver better patient outcomes im- mary of variants that we have studied “Much has been said about preci- proved population health.

NHRC launches awareness campaign for school students

QNA Doha The first phase of the campaign is aimed at Qatar Academy Doha schools.

he National Human Rights Committee (NHRC) has an- Tnounced the launch of an edu- cational awareness campaign for school students in the various edu- cational stages aiming at curbing the spread of the coronavirus. The fi rst phase of this campaign is aimed at Qatar Academy Doha schools operating under the umbrella of pre- university education at Qatar Founda- tion for Science and Community De- velopment. Head of Public Relations and Media Unit at the NHRC, Abdullah Ali al- Mahmoud, explained that the health safety campaign in schools comes in The NHRC is carrying out an awareness campaign about the necessity of the framework of the ongoing eff orts adhering to coronavirus precautions that are appropriate for all educational made by the NHRC to limit the spread stages, using various means, including brochures, colouring books, short films. of the coronavirus among students, especially after the adoption of the chures, colouring books, short fi lms. stages, in co-ordination with the ad- blended learning policy, under which He stressed the urgent need for ministrations of those schools, as part the students must attend their les- school students to be consistent with of its awareness and educational role sons in the schools, in accordance with these precautions in order to protect and its legal mandate in the state. the precautions set by the Ministry of themselves and their families, from He noted the memorandum of un- Public Health and the Ministry of Edu- the standpoint of the right to health derstanding between the NHRC and cation and Higher Education. for all, and preventing a second wave the Ministry of Education in October Al-Mahmoud said that the NHRC is of the coronavirus, which has already 2019 to strengthen the existing rela- carrying out an awareness campaign started sweeping many countries with tions between the two sides to spread about the necessity of adhering to huge numbers of infections. the culture of human rights and edu- coronavirus precautions that are ap- Al-Mahmoud noted that the NHRC cation, and to encourage schools to propriate for all educational stages, will continue its health safety cam- apply and integrate human rights con- using various means, including bro- paign to cover all state schools at all cepts and principles. Gulf Times 6 Monday, November 16, 2020 QATAR Toyota Highlander Inspection HEV: a ‘powerful checks on and advanced’ shops, street family vehicle vendors

oyota has combined its mum torque fi gure of 231nm. The range of advanced features, in- he Ministry of Commerce come within the framework of leadership in hybrid elec- system is mated to a direct-shift cluding a dual-zone automatic and Industry (MoCI), in the MoCI’s eff orts to monitor Ttric vehicle (HEV) devel- Continuously Variable Transmis- air-conditioning system with Tco-operation with the markets and trade activities in opment and extensive experience sion, which contributes to a mini- rear control panel and smart- Ministry of Interior and Min- Qatar and ensure compliance in the SUV market with its Qual- mum fuel consumption value of fl ow control that provides air- istry of Municipality and En- with laws and regulations gov- ity, Durability and Reliability 20.0km/L in the model equipped conditioning to occupied seats vironment, has carried out erning commercial activities in (QDR) standard to create the new with Intelligent AWD while deliv- only. The cluster gauge features a surprise inspection campaigns order to uncover and crack down Toyota Highlander HEV. ering enhanced driving pleasure. 7-inch colour multi-information targeting street vendors and old on violations. The new Highlander “com- display, which is complemented residences across Qatar. The ministry stressed that it bines the familiar Toyota SUV “The innovative vehicle by an 8-inch display audio sys- The campaigns were con- will not tolerate any violations attributes of comfort, drivability builds on a legacy of tem, a large coloured head-up ducted in a bid to monitor the of Law No 5 of 2015 and Minis- and safety with low emissions, more than 23 years at the display, Apple CarPlay and An- compliance of retail shops with terial Decision No 243 of 2016, greater fuel effi ciency and Intel- forefront of eco-friendly droid Auto. The new Toyota Highlander HEV. their obligations under Law No and will intensify its inspection ligent All-Wheel Drive (AWD)”, technology, 15mn satisfi ed As with any other Toyota mod- 5 of 2015 on Commercial, Indus- campaigns to crack down on according to a press statement HEV customers and the el, safety remains a top priority trial and Similar Public Shops, violations. The MoCI also said it issued in Doha by Abdullah Ab- most extensive HEV line-up for the all-new Highlander that and Street Vendors, as well as will refer any party in violation dulghani & Bros Co (AAB), the in the region” comes with an advanced safety their commitment to Ministe- of laws and ministerial deci- exclusive distributor of Toyota system. This is complemented by rial Decision No 243 of 2016 on sions to competent authorities, and Lexus in Qatar. Drivers can also select from Toyota Safety Sense, an advanced the licensing requirements and who will, in turn, take appropri- “The innovative vehicle builds Eco, Normal and Sport driving safety technology package that regulations to engage in street ate action against the violators on a legacy of more than 23 years modes to suit their driving styles. includes Pre-Collision System, vendor activities, the MoCI said in order to protect consumer at the forefront of eco-friendly Its hybrid-electric batteries Dynamic Radar Cruise Con- in a statement yesterday. rights. technology, 15mn satisfi ed HEV are continuously charged by ei- trol with All-Speed Range, Lane The inspection campaigns The ministry has urged all customers and the most exten- ther the petrol engine or when Tracing Assist and Automatic resulted in the imposition of merchants and shop owners to sive HEV line-up in the region,” decelerating and braking, elimi- High Beam. In addition, the ve- 10 penalties on retail shops and adhere to applicable laws and the statement notes. nating the need to plug in a power hicle features a comprehensive street vendors who committed regulations governing commer- The 2020 Highlander’s so- cord. Further, the HEV features a array of safety features to protect violations, including failure to cial activities, and invites them phisticated body is based on the host of advanced technologies, its occupants, such as eight SRS comply with the Ehteraz app to review these laws and regu- brand-new Toyota New Global yet drives like any conventional airbags, including side-curtain instructions, engaging in mul- lations by visiting the Ministry Architecture vehicle platform. vehicle and does not require spe- airbags for all three rows, Vehi- tiple business activities and of Commerce and Industry’s This robust foundation is com- cial fuel. cle Stability Control, Traction failing to comply with general website (www.moci.gov.qa) to plemented by a lightweight high The 2020 Highlander off ers Control, Anti-lock Braking Sys- and specific requirements for avoid legal accountability and rigidity bodyshell with a low cen- a comfortable, premium qual- tem, Brake Assist, trailer-sway shops, conducting a business penalties. tre of gravity, which provides the ity environment with impressive control, Electric Parking Brake without obtaining a licence (a The MoCI has also urged all SUV with “exceptionally nimble fl exibility. The seven-seat ve- with brake hold function, Blind car workshop in an old resi- citizens and residents to report handling and comfortable high- hicle’s second row of seats has a Spot Monitor, Panoramic View dence) and carrying out unli- violations regarding registration way cruising characteristics”. sliding range to ensure spacious Monitor, Rear Cross Traffi c Alert, censed street vendor activities, and commercial licensing pro- The new Highlander has a new third-row accommodation for Hill-start Assist Control, Tyre the statement noted. cedures through the call centre: electrifi ed hybrid system that two adults, together with easy Pressure Warning System, driver Five additional notices were 16001, e-mail: [email protected]. combines two power sources. access. The cabin provides plenty and front passenger seatbelts issued to shops that committed qa, Twitter: @MOCIQATAR, The vehicle’s 2.5-litre Atkinson- of storage compartments, as well with pre-tensioners and force a violation after failing to amend Instagram: MOCIQATAR, and cycle petrol engine comes with as fi ve USB charger terminals for limiters, and a clearance sonar their status in the licences and the ministry’s app on iPhone a combined power of 240hp and the front- and second-row seats. featuring eight sensors located in commercial records. and Android devices: MOCIQA- is capable of delivering a maxi- The car’s cabin includes a the front and rear bumpers. A view of the interior. The inspection campaigns TAR. Study: air pollution levels in Education City much lower

study has found air pollution method for on-site calibration of air makes real-time air quality monitor- levels in Education City to be pollution sensors in real time. ing of paramount importance,” point- A much lower than those previ- “At HBKU Press, we aim to support ed out Dr Mohamed Yousef, an asso- ously reported for other locations in local researchers that evaluate per- ciate professor of Physics at WCM-Q Doha. Based on the results, a widely tinent issues related to a wide vari- and the mentor overseeing the re- applicable calibration scheme for two ety of topics, including public health,” search. “For maximum public health on-site air quality sensors was devel- explained Dr Rima Isaifan, head of benefi ts, air pollution monitoring sys- oped. Academic and Journals Publishing at tems should be accurate, robust, and Hamad Bin Khalifa University Press HBKU Press. real-time. The fi ndings of this study (HBKU Press) has published the fi nd- “By publishing articles about topical can support the development of data- ings of the study conducted by fi ve issues without barriers to subscrip- driven pollution management policies students at Weill Cornell Medicine – tions and in open access journals like in the future.” Qatar (WCM-Q), as a part of the Stu- QScience Connect, local research- The research was funded by SRMP, dent Research Mentorship Programme ers are provided a global platform on which is a unique opportunity for (SRMP) and in collaboration with Qa- which to reach international audiences WCM-Q students that generously tar Mobility Innovations Centre in its and local research is made available on funds student research initiatives that open access journal, QScience Con- global indexing services. In this way, expose future physicians to research nect, on QScience.com. HBKU Press provides a platform for early on in their training. With the The study aimed to measure and re- participating in the wider knowledge help of accomplished and experienced port on air pollution levels, specifi cally economy and global exchange of ideas mentors at WCM-Q, students formu- in Education City, to assess air pol- and information.” late their research questions, carry out lution’s impact on public health and The fi ndings are of interest to policy- the research, and submit a written re- wellbeing. Undertaken from March makers and public health workers in Qa- port. 2019 to March 2020, the study as- tar and the greater Gulf and Mena region The authors of the study, Kevin sessed air quality samples from two as they seek to mitigate pollution in the Zhai, Mohamed Bhatti, Omar Kha- locations in Education City during naturally arid and dusty climate. lil, Laila Khalil, and Moza al-Hail, are the summer, fall, and winter seasons “Air pollution is a universal threat students in the six-year medical pro- whereby the researchers developed a to human health and well-being which gramme at WCM-Q.

Qatar University academic contributes to three international meetings

Qatar University (QU) academic internationally renowned speakers has contributed to three inter- with particular expertise in publish- A national meetings, it was an- ing. nounced yesterday. Dr Derek Stewart At the start of November, he par- is the manager of Academic Quality ticipated as a speaker in a Pharmacy Assurance at Vice President for Medi- Practice Research Showcase of the In- cal and Health Sciences Offi ce QU and ternational Pharmaceutical Federation Professor of Clinical Pharmacy and (FIP). Speakers were from Canada, Practice at the QU College of Phar- Australia, China and Qatar. macy. Commenting on his involvement At the start of September, Dr Stew- in these events, Dr Stewart said: “I art gave a talk at the National Univer- am delighted to have been invited to sity of Singapore on the potential for contribute to these events, which pro- pharmacists to be trained to prescribe vided an opportunity to showcase the medicines. While in Scotland, he led a contribution of Qatar University to the major research group focusing on the Dr Derek Stewart global pharmacy arena and to infl u- education and practice of pharma- ence clinical pharmacy practice, edu- cist prescribers, culminating in over pharmacists and the potential to ex- cation and research.” 40 published papers. This initiative is pand their input to patient care. Dr Stewart joined Qatar University supported by the Scottish Government Later in September, Dr Stewart in April 2019 from Scotland where he in an attempt to improve the quality was part of an international research was Professor of Pharmacy Practice of patient care, to optimise the use of “writing challenge” which aims to at Robert Gordon University in Aber- highly trained health professionals and encourage researchers to progress and deen. He has published almost 200 re- to reduce physician workload. As part publish their research in high quality search and education papers, and has of the presentation, he highlighted academic journals. The challenge is collaborated with individuals at Qatar recently published research from Qa- supported through a number of webi- University and Hamad Medical Cor- tar exploring the clinical activities of nars and events involving high profi le, poration for over ten years. Gulf Times Monday, November 16, 2020 7 QATAR QRCS prepares for 9th batch of Amiri medical scholarships

Pakistan ambassador Syed Ahsan Raza Shah cuts a cake with the Hindu community members. Pakistan embassy hosts Diwali celebrations for Hindu community

By Mudassir Raja “I am very happy to host We celebrate all our religious, back in home but this year we Staff Reporter the celebration for our Hindu cultural and national occa- are the guests of our embas- community from Pakistan. sions together. We have kept sy,” Kumar said. Diwali is an occasion of hap- this celebration limited due Dr Kumar also spoke high mbassy of Pakistan in piness and we are celebrating to the Covid-19 pandemic.” about living in Qatar. “This Doha yesterday hosted it together. It is the festival Dr Rajesh Kumar, a medi- country is one of the finest Ea Diwali celebration for of lights. It shows victory of cal practitioner by profession places to live in. We feel free the Hindu expatriate com- light over darkness and good and a native of Tharparkar to celebrate our occasions munity from Pakistan. over evil. It is also a time in Sindh, has been an active here. At my home here, I cel- Prominent members of the to remember the oppressed member of the Pakistani Hin- ebrated Diwali the way we do community celebrated the people across the world,” am- du community in Qatar for back in Pakistan.” festivity with ambassador bassador Ahsan said on the over four years. Sumair Khatri, a corporate Ten physicians receive scholarships for 4-5 years of training at HMC. Syed Ahsan Raza Shah and occasion. “I am very delighted to be banker working in Qatar for the embassy staff. The envoy further said: in the embassy. I feel I am at three years, also expressed his atar Red Crescent Society The signing ceremony was at- reason for continuing to im- The ambassador cut a cake “The embassy is like a home my home in Pakistan. The happiness. “I am very happy (QRCS) and Palestine Red tended by Dr Khaled Gouda, di- plement this signifi cant pro- with the Hindu community for Pakistanis. The Pakistani community at large is thank- to be here. This year I could QCrescent Society (PRCS) rector-general of PRCS; Dr Hay- gramme, which is so important members and spent some Hindus are celebrating Diwali ful to the ambassador and his not go to Karachi to celebrate have signed the contracts of the tham al-Hassan, member of the for the Palestinians. time with them. The guests at their home. We as Paki- team for arranging the cel- the occasion with my parents. 9th batch of Palestinian physi- programme’s advisory committee He valued the eff orts by Qa- were served with traditional stanis are united in our hap- ebration. We often celebrate I am however delighted to be cians covered by the Amiri Medi- in the West Bank; and Zeina Walid tar, HMC, and QRCS to help the food and sweets. piness as well as in sorrow. the occasion with our family hosted by the embassy.” cal Scholarship programme for the Hamoud, representative of QRCS people of Palestine, advising academic year 2020-2021. in the West Bank and Jerusalem. the new physicians to represent Ten physicians received schol- This programme is part of their country well and be good arships for 4-5 years of training QRCS’ strategy to build the ca- examples for others. at Hamad Medical Corporation pacity of Palestine’s specialist Dr al-Hassan said all the (HMC), which will be certifi ed by medical professionals in many three partners sought to sustain Mathaf to host online talk ahead of the Arab Board of Health Speciali- fi elds, in light of the lack of well- and expand the programme, as sations (ABHS) in the following trained medical workforce. well as to increase the number specialities: A main requirement of the of benefi ciaries in medical sub- Gaza physicians: orthopaedics scholarship is that each physi- specialities, as a great contribu- closing of Huguette Caland show (speciality: spine surgery), inter- cian is obliged to return to work tion to the health sector of Pal- nal medicine (specialty: geriat- at a Palestinian health institution estine. rics), obstetrics and gynaecology for at least double the duration of On the other hand, he added, (speciality: maternal medicine), study under the programme. the physicians given the schol- Artist’s daughter and exhibition curator to reflect on her largest solo exhibition and general surgery (speciality: The physicians benefi ting from arships, based on a standard hepatobiliary surgery). the programme said their ultimate selection process that met the West Bank physicians: internal goal was to achieve their academic requirements of HMC, are ex- s part of its ongoing mission to amplify voices medicine (specialities: infectious ambitions, help to improve the re- pected to study hard and be and serve as a platform for dialogue, Mathaf: diseases – nephrology – MICU sources of Palestinian hospitals, responsible to their profession, AArab Museum of Modern Art will host a special – rheumatology), cardiothoracic and serve their people by support- country, and health facilities. online “Mathaf Talk” tomorrow (November 17) with surgery, and anaesthesia and in- ing medical services. “Having been launched in Mohamed Rashid al-Thani, curator of the Huguette tensive care (specialty: regional Regarding the positive out- 2003, the Specialist Medi- Caland: Faces and Places exhibition, and Brigitte Ca- anaesthesia). comes of the programme over the cal Scholarship Programme is land, scholar and artist’s daughter. Once all travel procedures are past years, Dr Gouda explained a major joint activity of QRCS, The discussion will refl ect on the conception and done, the grantees will come to that the physicians who returned HMC, and PRCS. It helps many delivery of the largest solo museum exhibition of Hu- Doha, sending the overall number from Qatar made a big diff erence Palestinian young physicians guette (1931-2019), held at Mathaf from August 2 to of benefi ciaries from this pro- in the health services provided and medical institutions to en- November 30. gramme since its inception in under the Palestinian health sec- hance their capacity and staff Brigitte, the artist’s daughter and family represent- 2003 to 82 physicians, in addition tor. with a high calibre of specialists ative of her estate, and guest speaker Tarek El-Ariss, to 26 physicians who studied for According to Dr Gouda, this in a wide range of much-needed professor and chair of Middle Eastern Studies at Dart- specialisation in Jordan. remarkable success is a good fi elds,” Hamoud said. mouth College, will join the conversation. “Caland is a major fi gure in the art world, her work hugely contributed to the discourse on art histories from the Middle East, and her fascinating personal- Ehsan Center continues day club programmes for elderly ity is a symbol of liberation and fi ght for equality. It is an honour to have her daughter joining us for this The Empowering and Caring for the Elderly Center Instagram. The Head of Implementation and Follow-up event. We invite members of the community to join (Ehsan) continues to provide a series of programmes Department at the Awareness and Community Commu- us for what will be an illuminating discussion and to for Ehsan Day Clubs, for its members, with the aim of nication Department at Ehsan Center Sheikha Ahmed also visit the exhibition before it closes on November enhancing the continuity of communication with them al-Harib aff irmed that the centre is keen to continue 30,” Mathaf director Abdellah Karroum said in a press in light of the current circumstances due to the corona- communicating with the aff iliates of day care clubs and statement. virus (Covid-19) pandemic, and to ensure their safety not to interrupt the programmes, especially in light of Huguette Caland: Faces and Places traces Caland’s from the risks of infection by adhering to precautionary the current circumstances and temporary interruption journey across three continents, encompassing the measures and social distancing. The centre seeks to of direct work with them in the clubs in order to preserve faces and places that inform her rich body of artwork, encourage the elderly to enhance their empowerment and protect their safety. The number of day clubs of and highlighting the line as a predominant theme in and use their time in a beneficial and enjoyable way, and Ehsan Center reached four, divided into all regions of her work. a number of awareness and educational programmes the country, as those clubs attracted no less than 295 The collection is organised around three diff erent have been broadcast on the centre’s social media members in the four branches, and off ered a variety of geographical locations that defi ned Caland’s personal platforms since October, through live broadcasts via programmes for four days a week. (QNA) and professional journey: Beirut, Paris and California. The online talk will be held via Zoom at 8pm. Huguette Caland - Untitled (1971)

MG off ers ‘best-in-region’ manufacturer’s warranty on all its cars across ME

G is off ering new car buy- tors for customers to select their new or 200,000km (whichever comes fect. This confidence extends to ers across the Middle East car. We are proud of our partnership first) warranty demonstrates the the demands placed on the car by Mthe “region’s best new car with MG to serve our community confidence that the brand has in the tough GCC climate - an “in- manufacturer warranty”. better, off ering them the best cars its products,” the statement noted. dustry-leading” anti-perforation Accordingly, Auto Class Cars, the and services with a six-year war- It is available on all models, in- warranty of six years/200,000km authorised general distributor of ranty. The long-term warranty is a cluding the Middle East’s 2020 Car is also included. Customers can MG in Qatar, has announced that is testament to the quality of MG cars; of the Year and Best Sub-Compact have their vehicles inspected an- off ering customers in the country a it gives customers confi dence in our Sedan, the MG HS and MG5 re- nually and free of any charge for six-year manufacturer warranty on products and has secured an increas- spectively, as well as the MG RX8 any damage on the bodywork all MG vehicles. ing market share for the brand.” seven-seater SUV. caused by corrosion or perforation. “In these challenging times, Hisham al-Sahn, general man- Customers who wish to purchase Also, the MG warranty is transfer- avoiding incurring unexpected costs ager of Auto Class Cars, added: “In the brand’s first all-electric model, able; means change of ownership is more important than ever, which a short period, MG has secured a the MG ZS EV, will benefit from the will not affect MG’s warranty. is why MG is off ering new car buyers top position in the auto market in ‘Battery and Drive Unit’-specific Tom Lee, managing director of across the Middle East the region’s Qatar, and is now one of the best warranty. Under this, the drive MG Middle East, added: “MG is best new car manufacturer war- brands due to to its quality prod- motor, power electronic box and committed to ensuring the high- ranty. All models in the British-born ucts and services. We at Auto Class vehicle control unit are covered for est levels of customer satisfaction, brand’s extensive line-up, whether Cars consider our customers our six years/200,000km, while the and with our comprehensive war- petrol or electric, enjoy an industry- top priority and are proud to pro- high-voltage battery pack enjoys ranty, we can deliver a hassle-free leading six years/200,000km manu- vide them with such a high-qual- eight years/200,000km warranty. service experience for all our cus- facturer warranty,” Auto Class Cars ity warranty.” Under the warranty, owners are tomers who place their trust in us said in a press statement. “MG understands that buy- guaranteed repair, replacement or in maintaining their cars. This is Sheikh Faleh bin Nawaf bin Nasser ers crave the peace-of-mind that adjustment free of charge by MG reinforced by our special ‘door to al-Thani, managing director-Auto- comes with owning a reliable car distributors of any part that fails door’ pick-up and drop-off serv- motive, NBKS Group, said: “After- that requires minimal after-sales during the warranty period, due ice that makes life even easier for sales service is one of the main fac- care. The best-in-region six years to a manufacturing or material de- customers.” MG has a network of 30 dedicated retail sites and 29 service centres across the Middle East. Gulf Times 8 Monday, November 16, 2020 QATAR

Ajyal jurors in virtual interaction with Sheikha Al Mayassa

he jury of Doha Film Insti- In her interaction with the HE Sheikha Al Mayassa interacting with the Ajyal 2020 jurors. tute (DFI)’s 8th Ajyal Film jurors, HE Sheikha Al Mayassa TFestival, being held this reiterated the central message of ous artistic and cultural fi elds won the ACTRA Award for Best year from November 19-23 in an her 2012 TED talk on “globalising to share their expertise at this Voice Performance in The Bread- adapted format, interacted on- the local and localising the glo- year’s festival include American winner), and Claudio Gubitosi, line with HE Sheikha Al Mayassa bal”, highlighting the importance actor and comedian Zach Woods founder and director of the Gif- bint Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani, of staying true to one’s passions, (known as a series regular in The foni Film Festival. Chairperson of the DFI and Qatar history and culture. Offi ce and Silicon Valley), Indian Tickets for the 8th Ajyal Film Museums. She encouraged the youth actor and humanitarian Kunal Festival are now available for on- She inspired jurors with her to experiment and learn across Kapoor, Croatian actor Goran line purchase. approach to establishing Qatar as disciplines to forge their own Bogdan (who has appeared in For up-to-date information a leading global cultural destina- identity as artists and problem- American and English fi lms and and ticket purchase please visit: tion, and the impact of art and solvers of tomorrow. series including Fargo), Cana- www.dohafilminstitute.com/ culture in national development. Special guests from vari- dian actress Saara Chaudry (who festival. A screenshot of HE Sheikha Al Mayassa and the Ajyal 2020 jurors during the interaction. Ajyal fest off ers a safe big-screen

fi lm experience Sun Children tells the story of 12-year-old Ali and his friends surviving on the streets of Tehran. he 8th Ajyal Film Festival, that follows health guidelines set by Massoud Bakhshi follows a gium/2020) by Sameh Alaa in cy therapy session – but he is not presented by the Doha by the government. young Iranian woman, sentenced which, after being separated for the only one who needs help TFilm Institute (DFI), will All feature fi lms and short fi lm to death for murdering her much 82 days, Adam travels down a „ The Present (Palestine, Qa- be off ering fi lm lovers a safe big- programmes are priced at QR60 older husband. It will screen at rough road to be reunited with tar/2019) by Farah Nabulsi is screen cinema experience, with for regular seating and QR90 for 8.30pm on November 20. the one he loves about Yusef and his daughter a selection of feature fi lms and premium seating. „ I Am Greta (Sweden/2020) „ Family Plot (Japan/2019) by setting out in the West Bank to acclaimed shorts screening at Feature fi lms from Ajyal 2020 by Nathan Grossman features the Shuichi Okita is comical Japanese buy his wife an anniversary gift – Vox Cinemas, Doha Festival City programme presented at Vox story of teenage climate activist short in which a would-be Wi- a seemingly simple task (DHFC) from November 19-23. Cinemas, DHFC, include: Greta Thunberg and is screening Fi thief gets much more than he „ In The Best Orchestra in the Part of the in-person events „ Sun Children (Iran/2020) at 2.30pm on November 21. bargained for World (Austria/2020) by Hen- portion of the fi rst hybrid edi- by Majid Majidi, which made its „ Winner of the Grand Prize „ In Mascot (South Ko- ning Backhaus, a talented sock tion of Ajyal, audiences can enjoy debut at the 77th Venice Inter- of the Jury KPlus at the Berlin rea/2019) by Kim Leeha, a deter- named Ingbert applies for a posi- screenings in a safe environment national Film Festival this year, International Film Festival, The mined fox pursues his dream of tion as a double bass player at the presents the captivating story Wolves (Mexico/2019) by Samuel becoming a city mascot Vienna State Orchestra, but not Left: Father is a drama about of 12-year-old Ali and his three Kishi Leopo follows immigrant „ We Have One Heart (Po- everyone wishes him well corruption and family friends who work hard to survive siblings who let their imagina- land/2020) by Katarzyna „ The School Bus (Tur- reunification. on the streets of Tehran. Screen- tions run wild as they dream of Warzecha follows Adam who key/2019) by Ramazan Kılıç fol- ing at 5.30pm on November 19. going to Disneyland one day. uncovers a family secret when lows a teacher in a rural village Below: I Am Greta features the „ Winner of the Panorama The screening will take place at he comes across some letters his school in Anatolia, who requests story of teenage climate activist Audience Award at the Berlin In- 5.30pm on November 21. parents exchanged years ago a new school bus just to discover Greta Thunberg. ternational Film Festival, Father „ Digimon Adventure: Last „ In En Route (The Nether- there is one small problem (Serbia, France, Germany, Slov- Evolution Kizuna (Japan/2020) lands/2019) by Marit Weerheijm, „ The Visit (Iran/2019) by enia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herze- by Tomohisa Taguchi is about Tai nine-year-old Inay and her little Azadeh Moussavi follows Elahe’s govina/2020) by Srdan Gol- and Agumon who are forced to brother try everything they can visit to her political prisoner ubovic is a family drama about risk everything in their epic fi nal to cause a delay on a special fam- husband corruption and the fi ght for fam- adventure. It screens at 8.30pm ily trip through the city „ Napo (Brazil/2020) by Gus- ily reunifi cation. It will screen at on November 21. „ Nightshift (Egypt/2020) by tavo Ribeiro about a boy who 8.30pm on November 19. Short fi lms from Ajyal 2020 Karim Shaaban is about Zein, an reinterprets old family photo- „ In 200 Meters (Palestine, Jor- programme presented at Vox employee at a call centre, who graphs into new drawings, and dan, Qatar, Italy, Sweden/2020) Cinemas, DHFC include: receives a call from a disgrun- helps his grandfather relive lost by Ameen Nayfeh, a 200m dis- † Screening at 8.30pm on No- tled customer that may keep him memories. tance becomes a 200km odyssey vember 22, the Ajyal at Vox Cin- awake for months. Returning with a selection of as a father tries to reach his son. emas Shorts Programme 1, open † Screening at 5.30pm on No- 16 DFI-supported short form The screening will take place at to 18+ audiences: vember 23, Ajyal at Vox Cinemas narratives and documentaries 5.30pm on November 20, and at „ Apfelmus (Austria/2019) by Shorts Programme 2 is open to from emerging Qatari talents and 8.30pm on November 23. Alexander Gratzer, which depicts 18+ audiences and features: those who call Qatar home, Made „ Winner of the World Cinema philosophical dialogues between „ How My Grandmother Be- in Qatar will screen at Vox Cin- Grand Jury Prize for Drama at the humans and animals on the key came a Chair (Germany, Leb- emas in two parts. Sundance Film Festival, Yalda, things in life, such as freedom, anon, Qatar/2020); David Programme 1 will screen at A Night for Forgiveness (France, existence and ... apple sauce (US/2020) by Zach Woods is 2.30pm on November 20, fol- Germany, Switzerland, Lux- „ I am Afraid to Forget Your about a severely depressed man lowed by Programme 2 screening embourg, Lebanon, Iran/2019) Face (Egypt, France, Qatar, Bel- who reaches out for an emergen- at 5.30pm on November 22. WCM-Q students help experts refi ne surgery technique Gabriala Andrews, Dr Jeremie Arash Tabrizi, and Danyal Ahsan.

tudent researchers at Weill Dr Razzouk, allowing them to covery time, and usually require Because the process is based A total of 110 students and those sponsored by QC were honoured at the ceremony. Cornell Medicine – Qatar adjust the procedure to maxim- the patient to stay several nights on a gradual reconstruction, S(WCM-Q) have contrib- ise its eff ectiveness, minimise in hospital. patients sometimes felt disap- uted to better understanding of the risk of complications and In contrast, the new approach pointed or underwhelmed by a minimally invasive breast re- safeguard the mental health of causes minimal scarring and can the results of the fi rst proce- construction surgery for recov- patients. be performed on an outpatient dure, the students found. QC honours Qatari School’s ering breast cancer patients. Dr Tabrizi said: “The students basis, allowing patients to have To counter this, Dr Tabrizi The highly-innovative new did fantastic work in analysing the surgery and go home the and Dr Razzouk developed a surgical technique involves tak- a very large amount of data to same day. new communications protocol ing fat tissue from the hip or give Dr Razzouk and myself ex- The process also helps repair to help patients understand that top students in Albania abdominal area and injecting it tremely valuable guidance. tissue damaged by radiation the process takes a little longer into the breast over the course “Their input has been re- treatment, making insertion of than the conventional surgery of a series of short operations, markably useful to our work to a prosthesis more likely to suc- but that in the fullness of time nder the patronage of the QC in Albania were honoured. while also thanking Qatar Char- each lasting less than one hour. refi ne and optimise this new ceed, should the patient wish to it achieves equal or better cos- Qatar embassy in Tirana, Forty-fi ve university gradu- ity, which supports educational While it has been used now procedure.” pursue that option. metic results while being far less Uthe capital of Albania, ates who had previously been and other projects in the country. for several years for many pa- Reconstruction of breasts Dr Tabrizi said the students invasive and carrying less risk of Qatar Charity (QC) has honoured sponsored by Qatar Charity were At the end of the ceremony, tients, it is not yet considered as after a mastectomy and radio- analysed a variety of data points, complications. 11 outstanding students of the also honoured. the Qatari ambassador, Albanian “gold standard” protocol. therapy treatment is an impor- such as the volume of fat that This small innovation in the Qatari School as well as the top The list of honoured gradu- minister and other offi cials pre- Dr Jeremie Arash Tabrizi, tant part of the recovery process was transferred from the hips communications strategy sig- students who are under its spon- ates includes those who studied sented awards and certifi cates WCM-Q’s professor of Genetic for many women who have had to the breast in each procedure, nifi cantly improved levels of pa- sorship. medicine, engineering, com- of thanks to the outstanding Medicine, Obstetrics and Gy- breast cancer, helping to pro- and compared this with the out- tient satisfaction. The honouring of the students puter science, media and other students, wishing them further naecology, and Dr Kaïs Razzouk, vide psychological “closure” on comes of the procedure, based Dr Tabrizi and Dr Razzouk took place at a ceremony at- academic disciplines within and and continued successes in their gynaecologist/oncological sur- a distressing experience. on factors such as patient sat- have now performed the new tended by Albania’s Education, outside Albania, QC said in a studies. geon at the Santa Maria Breast The new approach is far less isfaction, cosmetic appearance procedure approximately 300 Sports and Youth Minister Evis statement. The pass rate of the Qatari Institute in Nice, have set up a invasive than the two most and incidence of complications times between them at two fa- Kushi and Qatar’s ambassador to Speaking at the ceremony, al- School students for the 2019- specifi c research programme common surgical breast recon- such as bleeding or infection. cilities in France, one in Nice Albania Ali bin Hamad al-Marri, Marri expressed gratitude for 2020 year is 100%. with the goal of demonstrating struction procedures, in which a This analysis allowed the sur- and one in Paris. in addition to dignitaries, offi - QC’s continuous humanitarian All the students have joined the effi ciency of the technique, fl ap of tissue and muscle is tak- geons to fi ne-tune the volume Student Andrews said: “It cials of humanitarian organisa- and developmental eff orts and public and private universities. called autologous fat graft. en from either the patient’s back of fat they transferred to achieve was extremely rewarding to be tions and government agencies, for its clear impact on the lives of In addition to its eff orts at the Fourth-year medical students or the abdomen and grafted into the best overall results. able to contribute to such an professors, educators and par- the benefi ciaries, thanking do- Qatari School, QC’s offi ce in Ti- Gabriala Andrews and Danyal the breast. Another key fi nding of the exciting and worthwhile inno- ents. nors in Qatar for supporting the rana supervises two other edu- Ahsan analysed thousands of These operations can take up students’ research related to the vation in reconstructive surgery During the ceremony, 110 male Albanian people. cational projects, which benefi t data points to provide valuable to fi ve hours or more, infl ict sig- communication with the pa- for recovering breast cancer pa- and female students of the Qatari Kushi expressed delight at more than 2,000 students yearly, information to Dr Tabrizi and nifi cant scarring, have a long re- tient. tients.” School and those sponsored by participating in the ceremony the statement adds. Gulf Times Monday, November 16, 2020 9 QATAR Ambulance effi ciency, traffi c safety awareness among students highlighted MoI organises special event as Qatar ed the quality of services pro- For his part, NTSC secretary vided at the accident site and Brigadier Mohamed Abdullah marks World Day of Remembrance during the transportation of the al-Malki said that since its for- injured to the hospital, in addi- mation, the committee has pri- for Road Traff ic Victims tion to improving the quality of oritised the issue of traffi c safety ambulances and training workers and prepared the fi rst National he telephone response cident deaths to achieve a world in accordance with international Road Safety Strategy – an ambi- time for accidents is less record of 4.4 deaths per 100,000 standards. tious strategy aimed at reducing Tthan fi ve seconds, while people in 2019, QNA said. These are in addition to the the death rate to six per 100,000 the arrival time of ambulances With this achievement, the excellent co-ordination with the people by 2022. at the site of the accident is less State leads countries of the re- departments of accident, trauma He underlined that Qatar than eight minutes inside the city gion and occupies an advanced and emergency, as well as the has now achieved and even ex- of Doha and less than 10 minutes position on the global stage, commitment to conduct periodic ceeded this goal, as the death outside it, a senior health offi cial thanks to its organised and co- evaluation of the services pro- rate decreased to 4.4 deaths per has said. ordinated eff orts led by the Na- vided and obtain international 100,000 people in 2019. Sheikh Dr Mohamed bin Ha- tional Traffi c Safety Committee accreditation. In 2013, when Qatar launched mad al-Thani, the director of (NTSC) and the co-operation Sheikh Dr Mohamed stressed its traffi c safety strategy, the cor- the Public Health Department of all members of the commit- the importance of raising aware- responding rate was 9.3. at the Ministry of Public Health tee and other governmental and ness of the dangers of traffi c ac- He explained that these fi gures (MoPH), made the observation non-governmental agencies. cidents and the need to adhere to indicate the great progress made while speaking on the country’s Dr Ibrahim bin Saleh al-Nuai- rules and regulations on roads. Qatar in achieving road safety, ambulance services at an event mi, undersecretary at the Min- He called for continued eff orts thanks to eff orts exerted by all through which Qatar commemo- istry of Education and Higher Speakers at the event emphasised that Qatar has made great progress in reducing road accident deaths to improve infrastructure, pro- parties. rated the World Day of Remem- Education (MoEHE), member of to achieve a world record of 4.4 deaths per 100,000 people in 2019. viding more modern technolo- Meanwhile, senior consultant brance for Road Traffi c Victims the NTSC and head of the team gies for road safety, developing Sheikh Dr Hassan al-Thani, the yesterday. to follow up on the implementa- date the principles of traffi c safe- highest international standards, services and other authorities speed control and management head of the Trauma Surgery Sec- The World Day of Remem- tion of the National Road Safety ty among students and the school by the Public Works Authority concerned to prevent accidents systems, improving standards tion at Hamad Medical Corpora- brance for Road Traffi c Victims Strategy, said the team’s ef- community, to create a genera- (Ashghal) to ensure the greatest and reduce the damage caused by for driving cars and bicycles, set- tion’s Trauma Centre, underlined falls on the third Sunday of No- forts were based on researching tion that is aware of traffi c safety degree of safety and security for them. ting safety standards, review- that Qatar has witnessed a re- vember every year, as determined the strengths of the ministries standards and appreciates its na- students, employees and parents. Meanwhile, Public Health ing and developing traffi c laws markable development in trauma by the United Nations, as a re- and relevant authorities in im- tional role in preserving lives and For his part, assistant director- Department director Sheikh Dr constantly, developing commu- medicine, and stressed the need minder of the tragedies and suf- plementing the plans related to property. general of Traffi c Colonel Nasser Mohamed highlighted the role nity awareness and the continu- for complete adherence to traffi c fering that road accidents cause the National Road Safety Strat- He added that the ministry has Darman al-Hajri said that setting of the health sector in reducing ous development of emergency, rules and systems in order to pre- to the victims, their families, so- egy and working on investing and integrated traffi c safety stand- ambitious goals to reduce road the number of deaths, noting the therapeutic and rehabilitative vent accidents. cieties and countries. publishing them, as good prac- ards, and that co-ordination has accident injuries is the greatest signifi cance of the health servic- services and home care, as well as Talib Afi fa, a member of the Yesterday’s event, which was tices at the State level. been made with the NTSC to challenge facing the authorities es and their development in fac- enhancing co-operation and co- board of directors of the Qatar organised by the Ministry of In- They also pertained to ad- train teachers to implement them and societies in their eff orts to ing this problem. ordination between all partners Foundation for Rehabilitation of terior (MoI) to mark the occa- dressing aspects that need im- in a manner that achieves the set achieve road safety. He also underlined the impor- to achieve common goals in the Special Needs, said that the com- sion, included a presentation on provement, providing solutions goals, in addition to the continu- He noted that the countries tant role of the health sector for traffi c fi eld, QNA added. memoration of road accidents the eff orts and achievements of and raising recommendations, ous awareness campaigns direct- that have implemented meas- accident survivors who have sus- He noted the importance of victims is aimed at educating and Qatar in the past years in view of and enhancing continuous and ed at students and parents, and ures to improve road safety have tained injuries and wounds – mi- marking the World Day of Re- guiding all parties concerned on the National Road Safety Strat- eff ective communication be- the involvement of teachers and achieved great progress and suc- nor, medium and severe – and the membrance for Road Traffi c Vic- the need to limit the loss of lives egy 2013-2023, and the global ef- tween the authorities concerned administrators in schools as part cess in reducing the number of major role played by the MoPH tims as an opportunity to discuss on the roads. forts in this context, Qatar News regarding joint plans, according of these awareness campaigns. deaths and injuries resulting and its keenness to provide effi - ways to reduce road accidents Afi fa presented the eff orts of Agency (QNA) reported. to the QNA report. Dr al-Nuaimi also referred from traffi c accidents. cient and immediate ambulance and explain to the society the the foundation in serving people Speakers at the event empha- In a speech during the event, to the development of streets Colonel al-Hajri praised the services capable of responding to health, psychological and eco- with special needs and continu- sised that Qatar has made great Dr al-Nuaimi explained that the surrounding and connecting eff orts exerted by the police, Civil the aftermath of an accident. nomic burdens resulting from ously raising awareness of traffi c progress in reducing road ac- role of the MoEHE is to consoli- schools, in accordance with the Defence, emergency and medical Sheikh Dr Mohamed also not- these accidents. issues in its annual programmes.

Tree planting event at golf club

The MoU was signed by Dr Abdulaziz bin Mohamed al-Horr and Mubarak Ibrahim al-Buainain.

The Ministry of Municipality and Environment’s Public Parks Department, in co-operation with Doha Golf Club, has held a tree planting event at the golf club as part of the initiative to plant 1mn trees. The event was held in the presence of Public Parks Diplomatic Institute, Department’s assistant director Mohamed Ibrahim al-Sada and other off icials from both sides.

Campaign on street vendors in Doha Customs Training Centre sign MoU

QNA The MoU aims to develop related fi elds, and developing the Doha and strengthen capacities of the two sides’ cad- co-operation between the res in common areas. institute and the centre The MoU includes co-opera- he Diplomatic Institute regarding the mutual tion in scientifi c research, diplo- at the Ministry of Foreign potentials of both sides in matic studies, international and TAff airs and the Customs scientifi c research, strategy, economic relations, international Training Centre at the General international, economic agreements and other related Authority of Customs signed a and Customs agreements fi elds, co-operation in education, memorandum of understand- theoretical and practical training, ing (MoU) on strengthening and to how to deal with dignitaries and providing training courses sharing experiences in scientifi c and diplomatic protocols on joint for the employees of both sides and strategic research and as- work, exchange of experts, train- in common and related fi elds, in pects of training between the two ers, researchers, and specialists addition to exchanging profes- sides. in the fi eld of diplomatic han- sional experiences, trainers, and The MoU was signed by direc- dling of travellers and their bags researchers in common fi elds, tor of the Diplomatic Institute, and shipments, in addition to and holding conferences, semi- ambassador Dr Abdulaziz bin building and developing national nars, and joint international, re- Mohamed al-Horr, and director capabilities and holding confer- gional and specialised workshops of the Customs Training Centre ences and specialised scientifi c related to academic, diplomatic, Mubarak Ibrahim al-Buainain. workshops. political, economic, Customs and The MoU aims to develop and It also aims to co-operate be- security relations. strengthen co-operation be- tween the two sides in order to It also includes co-operation tween the institute and the cen- exchange experiences, hold pro- between the two sides in prepar- Doha Municipality’s General Control Section carried out an inspection campaign on street vendors at the Doha Corniche on Friday in tre regarding the mutual poten- grammes and workshops, and ing joint scientifi c research in ar- co-operation with the Ministry of Interior, Ministry of Commerce and Industry and the General Cleanliness Department, the Ministry tials of both sides in scientifi c carry out research and advisory eas of interest to both sides, and of Municipality and Environment (MME) said in a statement. The municipality stressed that such campaigns would continue and research, strategy, international, activities and research projects in working to strengthen the links cover all areas of Doha in order to curb the phenomenon, the MME added. economic and Customs agree- the fi eld of diplomatic training, between researchers and the re- ments, as well as studies related international agreements and search teams of both sides. Gulf Times 10 Monday, November 16, 2020 REGION/ARAB WORLD/AFRICA

Rouhani calls for national mobilisation against Covid-19 as cases surge

Reuters thorities announced the highest media. The government said on edly complained that many state media, reported 12,543 new arrest since 2011, have tested that such a step could wreck Dubai ever number of daily cases in the Saturday that stricter restric- people ignore appeals to stay at infections in the past twenty positive for coronavirus, the an already sanctions-battered Middle East’s worst-hit country. tions will be imposed in Tehran home and respect health pro- four hours, a record high, bring- opposition website Kalemeh re- economy. “I call on all governmental and some 100 other cities and tocols, while Tehran city coun- ing the total cases in Iran to ported yesterday. The coronavirus crisis has ex- ranian President Hassan organisations and other forces towns across the country from cil chairman Mohsen Hashemi 762,068. The ministry reported Like many other countries acerbated economic problems Rouhani yesterday declared and institutions to rush to the Nov 21. Non-essential business- warned yesterday that deaths 459 new deaths, bringing the to- in recent weeks, Iran has been that worsened after US Presi- I“the general mobilisation of aid of the health ministry and es and services will be shut and could reach 1,000 a day in Te- tal to 41,493. struggling to curb the spread of dent Donald Trump withdrew the nation and the government” health workers with all possible cars will not be allowed to leave hran in the coming weeks, Ira- Leading opposition fi gure the disease. Authorities have in 2018 from Iran’s 2015 nuclear to confront the third wave of means,” Rouhani said in a state- or enter those cities. nian media reported. Mirhossein Mousavi and his wife refrained from imposing a full- deal with major powers and re- the coronavirus after health au- ment, published by Iranian state Iranian offi cials have repeat- The health ministry, cited by Zahra Rahnavard, under house blown lockdown amid concerns imposed sanctions.

Gunmen Tigray region claims rocket in western Ethiopia kill at least strikes on Eritrea airport 34 in bus AFP the military operations in Tig- Addis Ababa ray, Abiy has said, was a TPLF attack on federal military attack camps. he leader of the Tigray The TPLF has denied the at- region of Ethiopia yes- tack occurred. Reuters Tterday claimed responsi- Ethiopian lawmakers have Nairobi bility for rocket strikes target- backed a plan to install a care- ing the airport in neighbouring taker administration in Tigray, Eritrea’s capital, a move that and offi cials have issued arrest unmen in western Ethio- ratcheted up fears of a wider warrants for Debretsion and pia killed at least 34 peo- confl ict in the Horn of Africa other TPLF leaders. Gple in an attack on a bus region. Abiy’s government has said on Saturday night, the national Diplomats said Saturday the TPLF needs to be disarmed human rights body said yester- night that multiple rockets had before negotiations can begin, day, as fears grow of a security struck Asmara, landing near the as world leaders have called for vacuum in the country amid a airport, though communica- an immediate end to hostilities. military campaign in the north. tions restrictions in Tigray and Tibor Nagy, the US State The Ethiopian Human Rights Eritrea made the reports diffi - Department’s top diplomat for Commission said the number of cult to verify. Africa, tweeted yesterday that people killed was likely to rise Ethiopian Prime Minister Washington “strongly con- after what it called a “gruesome” Abiy Ahmed announced No- demns the TPLF’s unjustifi able attack on the passenger bus in vember 4 he had ordered mili- attacks against Eritrea...and its the Benishangul-Gumuz region. tary operations in Tigray in a eff orts to internationalise the It said there were reports of dramatic escalation of a long- confl ict in Tigray.” “similar” attacks, and of peo- running feud with the region’s Anonymous Ugandan gov- ple fl eeing the violence, in other ruling party, the Tigray People’s ernment offi cials said yesterday parts of the region. Liberation Front (TPLF). that President Yoweri Museveni “The latest attack is a grim ad- “Ethiopian forces are also would begin brokering talks be- dition to the human cost which using the airport of Asmara,” tween the two sides today. we bear collectively,” Daniel TPLF leader Debretsion Ge- Ethiopian migrants, who fled intense fighting in their homeland, queue for a food portion in the Um Raquba camp in the town of Gadaref, Ethiopian Foreign Minister Bekele, commission head, said in bremichael said yesterday, say- east of Khartoum, yesterday, after being transported from the border reception centre. Demeke Mekonnen Hassen and a statement. ing this made the airport a “le- representatives of the TPLF He urged regional and fed- gitimate target” for the strikes. tionalist sentiment it believes in southern Tigray. The claim documented last week by Am- Back in Ethiopia, the UN is will meet with Museveni in the eral authorities to work together He added that his forces had would work in its favour, said could not be corroborated be- nesty International. More than pushing for full humanitar- northern Uganda town of Gulu, on a strategy for Benishangul- also been fi ghting “16 divi- Roland Marchal, an expert on cause of the communications 25,000 Ethiopians have fl ed ian access to Tigray, where the the offi cials said. Gumuz due to the “unrelenting sions” of Eritrean forces in re- the Horn of Africa at France’s blackout in Tigray. into Sudan, Sudanese offi cials TPLF’s Debretsion says hun- They could not say whether pace” of attacks there. cent days “on several fronts”. Sciences Po. The TPLF dominated Ethio- say. dreds of thousands have been Demeke and the TPLF offi cials Armed militia men killed at The TPLF has previously ac- Implicating historical foe pian politics for nearly three Among them are Ethiopians displaced internally by the would meet face to face. least 45 people in the same re- cused Abiy’s government of Eritrea could also “justify in ad- decades and fought a brutal returning to camps where they fi ghting. Ever since Abiy took An Ethiopian foreign min- gion in September, according to enlisting military support from vance the cost of the war for the 1998-2000 border war with Er- and their families sought refuge power in 2018 on the back of istry spokesman contacted by the Ethiopian government. Eritrea, something Ethiopia de- civilian population” in Tigray, itrea that left tens of thousands from devastating famine dec- anti-government protests, the AFP said he was unaware of The violence comes amid a nies. Marchal said. dead. ades ago. TPLF has complained of being such a meeting, while Tigray’s 12-day-old war between the It was not clear how many In a statement yesterday, Abiy came to power in 2018 “I am fi lled with immeasura- sidelined and scapegoated for Debretsion did not respond to Ethiopian government and the rockets were fi red on Satur- Abiy said military operations and won the Nobel Peace Prize ble sadness, because when I left, Ethiopia’s woes. The feud grew requests for comment. restive Tigray region in the day night, where in Tigray they were “progressing well” and the following year in large part 20 years ago, I never thought more intense after Tigray went Meanwhile, fears persist the country’s north. were fi red from, whether they Ethiopia would “prevail” with- for his eff ort to initiate a rap- that I would come back as a ahead with its own elections in confl ict could draw in other re- Experts say that confl ict could hit their targets or what damage out outside help. prochement with Eritrea. miserable refugee,” said Gabri- September – defying a nation- gions of Ethiopia. encourage other ethnic groups they infl icted. Abiy announced last week Hundreds of people are re- el, a 40-year-old farmer who wide ban on all polls imposed On Saturday, the TPLF to exploit the chaos to push for The TPLF is likely seeking that federal forces had taken ported to have been killed so arrived in eastern Sudan this because of the coronavirus pan- claimed responsibility for rock- more autonomy, while the re- an “internationalisation of the control of western Tigray, and far in the confl ict in Africa’s week, asking to be identifi ed demic – and tried to brand Abiy et attacks on two airports in the deployment of forces to Tig- war” in order to draw outside on Sunday state media reported second most populous country, only by his fi rst name because an illegitimate ruler. Amhara region, which borders ray could leave other regions intervention and stir up na- they had seized Alamata, a town some in a gruesome massacre he feared for his safety. The immediate catalyst for Tigray to the south. exposed.

Hamas positions Prayer time Algerian president struck after rockets ends virus treatment, fi red from Gaza to undergo checks

AFP er jets, helicopters and tanks Reuters sor Abdelaziz Boutefl ika. He has Gaza City were deployed. Algiers vowed to carry our political and Security sources in Gaza economic reforms in the Opec said there were a number of member nation. srael’s military said it strikes overnight, including in lgerian President Ab- Algerians earlier this month struck Hamas positions Khan Younes, Rafah and Beit delmadjid Tebboune has approved changes to the consti- Iyesterday morning follow- Hanoun, without reporting Afi nished treatment for tution to allow more powers for ing a rocket attack from the any casualties. Covid-19 but will undergo fol- the parliament and prime min- Gaza Strip overnight. Israeli media said the rock- low-up checks, the presidency ister, and pave the way for the Two rockets were fi red into ets from Gaza came down in said yesterday. army to take part in peacekeep- southern Israel from Gaza late uninhabited areas, but a mili- Tebboune, 75, was fl own to ing missions overseas. Saturday, the Israeli army said, tary spokeswoman was unable a German hospital 19 days ago Tebboune has also announced although there were no imme- to confi rm the reports. after he tested positive for the plans to develop the non-energy diate reports of any casualties Speaking at the opening of Mask-clad men perform the noon prayers at the Mohamed al-Amin Mosque in the Omani capital coronavirus. Tebboune was sector to diversify the economy or damage. his weekly cabinet meeting Muscat for the first time since eight months, after some restrictions that had been put in place by elected last December after away from oil and gas and create The Israeli Defence Forces yesterday afternoon, Prime the authorities in a bid to stem the spread of the novel coronavirus were lifted, yesterday. more than a year of mass pro- sorely-needed jobs in the North (IDF) tweeted they had “struck Minister Benjamin Netanyahu tests that toppled his predeces- African nation of 44mn people. Hamas underground infra- said Israel would not tolerate structure & military posts in such attacks. Gaza”. The strike from Gaza – “The IDF is conducting an which has not been claimed ongoing situational assess- – comes days after the anni- ment & remains prepared to versary of the assassination Sudan welcomes rebels back to capital as ‘peacemakers’ operate against any fi ghter ac- of senior Islamic Jihad leader tivity,” they added. Baha Abu al-Ata, killed in a An army source said in a strike on his home in Gaza City AFP cording to a broadcast by the of- “We feel the Sudanese peo- of Blue Nile and South Kordofan. on the ground,” said SRF mem- WhatsApp message that fi ght- on November 12 last year. Khartoum fi cial news agency SUNA. ple’s suff ering,” said Alhadi Id- The United Nations estimates ber Minni Minawi, according “Today we are taking the fi rst ris, the head of the SRF rebel at least 300,000 people were to state media. Under the peace steps to put an end to the suff er- coalition. “From today, we will killed and 2.5mn were displaced deal, a special court for crimes udan’s Prime Minister Ab- ing of our people.” be part of the transitional gov- in the Darfur confl ict, which broke in Darfur must be set up, with Macron calls for dialogue in Ivory Coast dalla Hamdok welcomed It was the fi rst time the lead- ernment, and we will bear the out in 2003. Confl ict in South Ko- the SRF calling for Bashir and his Srebel leaders to the capital ers of the Sudan Revolutionary consequences of its policies – we rdofan and Blue Nile erupted in former aides to be put on trial. French President Emmanuel said Macron in a written mes- Khartoum yesterday, as crowds Front (SRF), a coalition of rebel will be directly responsible for 2011, following unresolved issues Bashir has been jailed in Macron tempered Ivory Coast sage seen yesterday by AFP. celebrated what they hoped was and political groups, had come rescuing this country.” from bitter fi ghting there in Su- Khartoum’s high security Kober presidential poll congratulations Ouattara was declared the the end of war following a land- to the capital since the signing of Rebel leaders also met with dan’s 1983-2005 civil war. prison and was found guilty last to Alassane Ouattara yesterday winner with more than 94 % mark peace deal. an October 3 peace agreement in Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, head of The peace deal covers a December of corruption. by urging “dialogue” with an op- of the October 31 vote, but the Hundreds of thousands died neighbouring South Sudan. Sudan’s ruling sovereign coun- number of tricky issues, from He is currently on trial in position angered by a disputed opposition refused to acknowl- in decades of confl ict, including Jubilant crowds packed a cil, who hailed them “as peace- land ownership, reparations and Khartoum for his role in the 1989 third straight election success. edge the result, launching a in Sudan’s war-ravaged western central square in Khartoum, makers and partners”. The SRF compensation, to wealth and coup that brought him to power, “I wanted to congratulate you campaign of “civil disobedi- region of Darfur. chanting and carrying banners, – founded in 2011 – is an alliance power sharing and the return of and has also been indicted by the and pass on my best wishes for ence” and vowing to set up a “We have been looking for- despite government warnings of armed rebel groups and politi- refugees and internally displaced International Criminal Court success to the Ivorian people,” transitional government. ward to this day,” Hamdok said for people to take care amid the cal movements including from people. “We have come to put (ICC) accused of genocide in as he greeted the leaders, ac- coronavirus pandemic. Darfur and the southern states the peace agreement into eff ect Darfur. Gulf Times Monday, November 16, 2020 11 AMERICAS/BRITAIN/IRELAND

FALLOUT DISASTER POLITICS LAW AND ORDER PEOPLE Merino resigns as Colombian president visits Brazil votes in local Argentina security beefed Musk ‘most likely’ has Peru president regions hit by landslides polls marked by virus up over explosives threat moderate case of Covid

Peru’s President Manuel Merino resigned Colombian President Ivan Duque yesterday Brazilians yesterday voted in municipal elections Argentina said it would tighten security at its Tesla chief executive off icer Elon Musk said he yesterday, just five days after taking off ice, sparking visited areas aff ected by landslides due to that will test the strength of the country’s border with Paraguay after its embassy in the “most likely” has a moderate case of Covid-19, as celebrations in the capital Lima following street torrential rains, which left three dead and rightward shift under President Jair Bolsonaro, United Kingdom received an anonymous tip he continued to question the accuracy of the tests. protests against him and the ousting of his popular forced the evacuation of hundreds of people. with the coronavirus pandemic looming large alerting authorities to the possiblity of bomb- “Am getting wildly diff erent results from diff erent predecessor. “I want to let the whole country The most serious incident was reported at – and likely denting turnout. These are the first making materials entering across its northern labs, but most likely I have a moderate case of know that I’m resigning,” Merino said in a televised dawn on Saturday along a road connecting the elections since Bolsonaro, a far-right former army border. The tip warned of a person seeking Covid. My symptoms are that of a minor cold, address, a day after a police crackdown on municipalities of Dabeiba and Uramita in the captain often compared to US President Donald to ship ammonium nitrate from Paraguay to which is no surprise, since a coronavirus is a type protesters left at least two people dead. Merino, 59, Antioquia province, where a landslide buried Trump, surged to victory in 2018, upending the Argentina “for a bomb with a Jewish objective,” of cold,” Musk wrote in a tweet. He did not mention resigned shortly after a crisis session of Congress houses and vehicles and destroyed part of the political gameboard in Latin America’s biggest the country´s security ministry said in a whether the results were from polymerase chain called on him to quit power before 6pm (2300 thoroughfare. Three people were killed in the economy. Postponed six weeks because of the statement. Authorities said they had launched reaction tests, which are more accurate than rapid GMT) or face censure. Thousands have taken to the incident, according to the National Unit for pandemic, the vote already bears the imprint an investigation to identify the individual cited in tests. “A little up & down. Feels just like a regular streets in days of protests against Merino following Disaster Risk Management (UNGRD), and 16 were of Covid-19, which has killed more than 165,000 the tip. More than 100 people were killed in two cold, but more body achy & cloudy head than the ouster of his predecessor Martin Vizcarra, who missing. Hundreds of people were evacuated by people in Brazil, the second-highest death toll attacks in Argentina in the 1990s. Argentina has coughing/sneezing,” the Tesla CEO wrote in reply was impeached on corruption allegations. helicopter. worldwide, after the US. the largest Jewish population in Latin America. to a user asking about symptoms.

Canada shocked by Trump says killing of rare white moose Biden won but

Guardian News and Media Toronto again refuses he killing of a rare “spir- it” moose in Canada has Tshocked residents of a northern Ontario community and prompted one First Na- tions man to offer a reward to anyone who can help offi- to concede cials apprehend the suspected poachers. Reuters “This was a rigged election!” Klain previously said a smooth Residents around the city of Washington “We will win!” he added. transition is necessary to ensure Timmins have long swapped Speaking on NBC’s Meet the government is prepared to stories of a ghostly white moose the Press programme, Biden’s roll out a vaccine early next year. population occasionally spotted resident Donald Trump pick for White House chief of Tackling the pandemic will be moving silently through forests yesterday appeared to staff , Ron Klain, said, “Donald a paramount priority for Biden, of aspen and pine. Packnowledge losing the Trump’s Twitter feed doesn’t with the US tallying record num- But poachers recently killed election but then backtracked make Joe Biden president or not bers of Covid-19 cases in recent two female moose, including one and said he concedes “nothing” president. The American people days. white cow. while a top aide to president- did that.” More than 245,000 Americans The remains, including their elect Joe Biden called a seamless The decision by the General have died of Covid-19. heads, were left discarded along transition vital for national secu- Services Administration, headed Speaking on CNN’s “State of a remote service road. rity and combating the coronavi- by a Trump appointee, not to the Union” programme, Anthony “Everybody is outraged and rus pandemic. recognise Biden as president- Fauci, the top US infectious dis- sad. Why would you shoot it? Biden, due to take offi ce on elect has prevented Biden and his eases expert, also urged speedy No one needs one that bad,” said January 20, defeated Trump in team from gaining access to gov- transition eff orts to help con- chief Murray Ray of nearby Fly- the November 3 election by win- ernment offi ce space and funding front the pandemic. ing Post First Nation.“If you ning a series of battleground normally aff orded to an incom- Trump’s campaign has fi led have a licence to shoot a cow states that the Republican in- ing administration to ensure a lawsuits seeking to overturn the moose, you could shoot another cumbent had won in 2016. smooth transition. results in multiple states, though one. Just leave the white ones The Democratic former vice Klain called on the agency to without success. alone.” president also won the national formally recognise Biden, say- Legal experts have said the The moose are not albinos, but popular vote by at least 5.5mn ing it is critical to ensure that litigation stands little chance of get their colour from a recessive votes, or 3.6 percentage points, the president-elect receives in- altering the election’s outcome. gene. with some ballots still being telligence briefi ngs describing Election offi cials of both par- Among Indigenous peoples in counted. Trump, who is pursuing national security threats before ties have said there is no evidence the region, white animals like bi- long-shot litigation contesting taking offi ce and to facilitate co- of major irregularities. son, raven and grizzly bears, are election results in several states, ordination with the White House Democrats and other critics considered sacred and shouldn’t made confl icting statements in a coronavirus task force. have accused Trump of trying to be harmed. series of Twitter posts in which “Joe Biden is going to become delegitimise Biden’s victory and “It saddens me that some- he initially appeared to admit for president of the US in the midst undermine public confi dence in body would take such a beau- the fi rst time publicly that Biden of an ongoing crisis. That has to the US electoral process. tiful animal,” said Flying Post won, then reversed course. be a seamless transition,” Klain Before the election, Trump had community member Troy Trump also repeated unfounded said. refused to commit to a peaceful Woodhouse.“Nobody knows claims of widespread voter fraud. Klain also urged Congress to transfer of power. exactly how many are in the “He won because the Elec- pass bipartisan coronavirus relief Senator Bernie Sanders, one of area, so the loss of a single spirit tion was Rigged,” Trump wrote, legislation. Talks on such legisla- Biden’s main challengers for the moose is one too many.” not referring to Biden by name. tion stalled before the election. Democratic presidential nomi- Years ago, as he and his wife “No vote watchers or observ- Democratic congressional nation, criticised Trump’s post- fi shed the Groundhog River, ers allowed, vote tabulated by leaders last week called upon Re- election conduct. Woodhouse spotted a white fi g- a Radical Left privately owned publican lawmakers to join them “Trump will have the dis- ure on the tree line. company, Dominion, with a bad in passing a relief measure before tinction of doing more than As they approached in their reputation & bum equipment the end of the year. any person in the history of this boat, the couple watched in that couldn’t even qualify for “This could be a fi rst example country in undermining Ameri- awe as a young white bull Texas (which I won by a lot!), the of bipartisan action post-elec- can democracy. The idea that he moose stood near the home- Fake & Silent Media, & more!” tion,” Klain said. continues to tell his supporters stead of Woodhouse’s grand- About 90 minutes later, Trump Klain added that Biden’s team that the only reason he may have father. wrote, “He only won in the eyes plans to meet with Pfi zer and lost this election was because of “It was a sign that he’s watch- of the fake news media other drugmakers starting this fraud is an absolutely disgraceful, ing over us on the land. It was I concede nothing! We have a week regarding Covid-19 vac- un-American thing to do,” Sand- very special to me,” he said. President-elect Joe Biden waves as he departs church in Wilmington, Delaware, US, yesterday. long way to go. cines. ers said on “State of the Union.”

UK, Ireland hope for Cummings’ exit ‘will Brexit talks breakthrough not aff ect Brexit’ Guardian News and Media was questioned on whether it London was easier to get a trade agree- Reuters ish Environment Secretary George ish-ruled Northern Ireland and ment with the EU without London Eustice told Sky News yesterday. the rest of the United Kingdom in Cummings. Irish foreign minister Simon the event of a no-deal Brexit. K environment secretary, Eustice told Sky News’ Sophy Coveney said time was running London has acknowledged the George Eustice, has de- Ridge on Sunday: “The nego- here has to be a break- out for a deal. bill could violate international Unied that the departure of tiations have been led by David through this week on a “We have got to make big law by over-riding the divorce Dominic Cummings – one of the Frost from the beginning. He’s Tpost-Brexit trade agree- progress this week,” Coveney agreement it previously agreed architects of Vote Leave – will got a very talented, experienced ment, British and Irish ministers told Sky. “This is very diffi cult with the EU. have any impact on Brexit nego- team of technical experts around said yesterday, as London’s top but it is also very doable.” “There’s no way the EU will tiations. him. negotiator went back into talks The negotiations have already agree to ratify a new agreement As the Brexit deal deadline “He’s led these negotiations saying progress had been made in missed several deadlines and if the British government is approaches, Eustice sought to from the start and obviously re- recent days. remain stuck on issues such as breaking the existing agreement downplay Cummings’ exit from mains in place and continues to Without a deal, around $1tn fi shing quotas, state aid rules and that’s not even 12 months old and No 10 by arguing it would not al- do so. worth of trade would be at risk how to settle future disputes. breaking international law by ter discussions with Brussels as “So I don’t actually think the of disruption through tariff s and Britain’s top Brexit negotiator doing that,” Coveney said. UK negotiations are led by David departure of Dominic Cum- tougher rules after the December said “some progress in a positive Eustice said the British gov- Frost. mings makes any particular im- 31 expiry of Britain’s transition direction” had been made in re- ernment planned to press ahead It comes after Downing Street pact on the negotiations, since period for leaving the European cent days. “We also now largely with the legislation. was rocked this week by the de- Lord Frost has been leading Union. have common draft treaty texts, US president-elect Joe Biden partures of Boris Johnson’s most those.” That would deliver a fresh eco- though signifi cant elements are has said Brexit must not un- senior aide, and his director of Amid reports of counter- nomic shock just as Britain and of course not yet agreed,” David dermine the US-brokered 1998 communications, Lee Cain, an- briefi ngs between warring fac- the EU are struggling to contain Frost said on Twitter as he ar- ‘Good Friday’ peace deal for other veteran of Vote Leave, who tions in No 10, Eustice was the economic fallout from the rived in Brussels to meet his op- Northern Ireland, comments lost out in a power struggle in- pressed on whether the prime Covid-19 pandemic. posite number Michel Barnier. that have been seen as a warning volving Boris Johnson’s fi ancee minister needs to take responsi- “This needs to be a week when “We will work to build on these to London over the bill. Carrie Symonds. bility for his staff “tearing strips things move, when we break and get an overall agreement if Former British prime minister Prince Charles leaves after speaking at the German lower house With Brexit talks due to off each other”. Eustice said: through some of these diffi cult we can. But we may not succeed.” Gordon Brown said Biden’s vic- of parliament, Bundestag, during an off icial Remembrance Day resume this week ahead of “I’ve known Cummings myself issues and get a resolution and at Coveney said London had to tory would push Britain to agree ceremony in Berlin, yesterday. Charles said bonds between his an EU summit on Thursday for many years. He’s got many least have some sort of headlines, back down from its plan to pass a trade deal with the EU, avoiding country and Germany would “remain strong” and described Brexit viewed in Brussels as a dead- great strengths and one of them if you like, of an agreement,” Brit- legislation for trade between Brit- the need for the legislation. as “a new chapter in our long history”. line for a draft deal, Eustice is winning campaigns.” Gulf Times 12 Monday, November 16, 2020 EUROPE

Marie-Antoinette’s silk slipper fetches over $50,000 A white shoe made of silk and goat leather that belonged to More months of Covid-19 Marie-Antoinette, France’s last queen before the 1789 revolution, sold for €43,750 ($51,780) yesterday, the auctioneers said. The 22.5cm-long (8.8”), heeled shoe, roughly equivalent to a European size 36, is adorned curbs to come: Germany with four ribbons and in good condition, apart from slight „ Greece bans gatherings ahead of uprising anniversary ting schools and shops from wearing of the silk, the Osenat „ Romania to check all intensive care units after hospital fire Coronavirus emerged in Italy earlier than thought, Italian study shows Tuesday until December 6 to auction house said. „ Austria plans ‘mass tests’ to help exit virus lockdown get spiralling numbers of infec- With international collectors „ Catholics hold street prayers to demand resumption of mass The new coronavirus was circulating in Italy since by the University of Siena for the same research tions under control and urging showing strong interest, Osenat September 2019, a study by the National Cancer titled Unexpected detection of Sars-CoV-2 antibod- Austrians to avoid all social con- said the price quickly rose from AFP/Reuters used water cannon. Institute (INT) of the Italian city of Milan shows, ies in the pre-pandemic period in Italy. tacts. the reserve of €8,000-10,000 Berlin Meanwhile in Greece, po- signalling that Covid-19 might have spread beyond It showed that four cases dated back to the first Yesterday Kurz said mass ($9,450-11,800) and was snapped lice announced a ban on public China earlier than previously thought. week of October were also positive for antibod- testing could help the coun- up by an unidentified buyer. gatherings of four or more peo- The Covid-19 respiratory disease is caused by the ies neutralising the virus, meaning they had got try re-open in December, but it In the turmoil of the French ermany warned yester- ple, announcing that events and coronavirus. infected in September, Giovanni Apolone, a co- was not clear if the testing pro- Revolution the shoe ended up day that its anti-coro- marches set to commemorate a The World Health Organisation (WHO) has said author of the study, told Reuters. gramme would be on the same in the hands of Marie-Emilie Gnavirus measures were 1973 student uprising would not the new coronavirus and Covid-19 were unknown “This is the main finding: people with no symp- scale as in Slovakia. Leschevin, a close friend of the likely to last four or fi ve more take place this year. before the outbreak was first reported in Wuhan, toms not only were positive after the serological In France, more than 300 queen’s head chambermaid. months, as Greece announced a November 17 is a treasured in central China, in December. tests but had also antibodies able to kill the virus,” worshippers gathered outside Her family held on to it for new ban on gatherings and Aus- anniversary for many Greeks, Italy’s first Covid-19 patient was detected on Feb- he said. the cathedral in the southwest- generations before it came to tria plans mass testing. recalling a crackdown that killed ruary 21 in a little town near Milan, in the northern “It means that the new coronavirus can circulate ern city of Bordeaux yesterday to auction 227 years after her death. The coronavirus causes the 24 people, including many stu- region of Lombardy. among the population for long and with a low rate demand that mass be reinstated. Marie-Antoinette – born an Covid-19 respiratory disease. dents of the Athens Polytechnic. But the Italian researchers’ findings, published by of lethality not because it is disappearing, but only Some said prayers or sang Austrian archduchess – was the Germany, Europe’s largest The bloodbath was generally the INT’s scientific magazine Tumori Journal, show to surge again,” he added. hymns, despite the gather- wife of Louis XVI. economy, went into partial lock- considered to have broken the that 11.6% of 959 healthy volunteers enrolled in a Italian researchers told Reuters in March that they ing being billed as a protest, The royal couple was executed down in early November, clos- junta’s grip on power and speed- lung cancer screening trial between September reported a higher than usual number of cases of prompting the police to call in by guillotine during the Terror in ing nightspots, restaurants and ed the restoration of democracy. 2019 and March 2020, had developed coronavirus severe pneumonia and flu in Lombardy in the last the organisers for questioning. 1793 but France continues to be other recreational facilities but Last year more than 30,000 antibodies well before February. quarter of 2019 in a sign that the new coronavi- On Saturday, some 250 faith- fascinated by Marie-Antoinette. keeping schools and shops open. people marked the anniversary A further specific Sars-CoV-2 (the official name of rus might have circulated earlier than previously ful gathered outside Rennes ca- Last year an exhibition at “We will have to live with in Athens. the coronavirus) antibodies test was carried out thought. thedral, where they also prayed. the Conciergerie, the former considerable precautions and Opposition parties have Similar protests were also Paris prison where she was restrictions for at least the next pledged to proceed with events held in the northeastern city of incarcerated before execution, four to fi ve months,” Economy despite the new restrictions. Authorities on Sunday re- transferred to another hospital. February and 8,926 deaths. Strasbourg and Nantes in the retraced changes in the Minister Peter Altmaier told the Greece had on Saturday said ported 1,698 new cases, tak- The doctor on call, who sus- Austria is planning “mass west. representation of the country’s Bild am Sonntag newspaper. it would shut primary schools, ing the total to 74,205, and a tained severe burns as he tried testing” for coronavirus to help Most of the protesters wore last queen through paintings, His comments came ahead kindergartens and daycare cen- new daily death toll of 71, a new to rescue the patients from the a chart a way out of the second masks. mangas, films and even Barbie of a government meeting today tres as its number of Covid-19 record, raising the overall toll to fl ames, was fl own to a special- lockdown coming into force In Paris, however, the au- dolls. to decide whether to extend the deaths crossed 1,000. 1,105. ised hospital in Belgium early next week, Chancellor Sebastian thorities banned a gathering new measures, which are provi- Citizens’ Protection Minister Meanwhile, in Romania, offi - yesterday. Kurz said yesterday. outside Saint-Sulpice church, sionally in place until the end of Michalis Chrysochoidis said on cials will check all intensive care The government said public Referring to a controver- citing health concerns over the Bulgaria to block November. Friday that events commemo- units after a fi re killed 10 people health inspectors and the agency sial mass testing programme spread of the coronavirus and The number of Covid-19 rating the student uprising at a hospital treating corona- for emergency situations would in neighbouring Slovakia, Kurz fears that some would illegally EU accession talks patients in intensive care has would not take place this year. virus patients, the government check the conditions under told public broadcaster ORF that pray on the street following a with N Macedonia soared from just over 360 in ear- “We did not celebrate any of the said yesterday. which medical equipment was “we have decided here in Austria smaller prayer gathering on Fri- ly October to more than 3,300, things that unite us in 2020,” the The fi re broke out on Saturday operating in all intensive care ... to take a similar step”. day at the site. Bulgaria plans to voice its as the country battles a second minister said, citing Easter and in a room at the intensive care units from today. In Slovakia, two-thirds of Under France’s latest meas- opposition tomorrow to starting coronavirus wave along with the two other national holidays that unit of the Piatra Neamt county Nearly 13,000 Covid-19 pa- the population were tested two ures to fi ght the virus, churches European Union accession rest of Europe. could not be observed because of hospital in northeastern Roma- tients were in hospital across weeks ago, with just over 1% can celebrate funerals and wed- talks with neighbouring North Demonstrations against the the coronavirus pandemic. nia and spread to an adjoining Romania as of yesterday, includ- testing positive. dings, with a maximum of 30 Macedonia as the two countries restrictions were held on Satur- “The virus is the enemy and room. ing 1,169 in intensive care units. On Saturday, Kurz announced people and six people present have yet to settle disputes over day across Germany, including large gatherings are its main Six other intubated Covid-19 The country has reported Austria was toughening its anti- respectively, but larger gather- history and language, Foreign one in Frankfurt where police weapon,” he added. patients were injured and were 360,281 coronavirus cases since coronavirus restrictions, shut- ings are banned. Minister Ekaterina Zaharieva said. The EU’s European aff airs ministers are expected to discuss launching accession negotiations with North Macedonia on Nov. 17. If any country votes against the Hundreds arrested as Belarusians framework for negotiations, accession talks cannot be formally launched. chant dead protester’s last words “Bulgaria is saying ‘No’ to the start of negotiations, we are not saying ‘No’ to North Macedonia’s Reuters man Bondarenko, a 31-year-old protests around the country. accession to the EU,” Zaharieva Moscow anti-government protester. Hundreds of protesters, wear- told private broadcaster BTV He died in hospital in Minsk ing the red-and-white colours yesterday. on Thursday following what that have come to represent the She said North Macedonia is elarusian police detained demonstrators said was a severe protest movement, had gathered not delivering on the friendship hundreds of people who beating by security forces. for a vigil near Bondarenko’s treaty between the two Balkan Btook to the streets in The interior ministry has de- house in Minsk. neighbours signed in 2017 and mass demonstrations yesterday, nied responsibility for Bondar- Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, has policies based on hatred chanting “I’m going out”, the enko’s death, saying that he was Lukashenko’s main opponent, towards Bulgaria. last known written words of an killed in a scuffl e with civilians. who fl ed into exile in Lithuania Sofia wants its neighbour to anti-government protester who Yesterday security forces in after the election, said on social recognise that its nation and died last week. riot gear and shields fl ooded the media that she supported the language have Bulgarian roots A witness in the capital Minsk square where Bondarenko was rallies in memory of Bondar- and it wants it to put an end to said police had used tear gas, detained, pulling down opposi- enko. anti-Bulgarian rhetoric. rubber bullets and stun gre- tion fl ags, kicking over memorial The European Union has Skopje says its identity and nades to disperse the crowds lamps and dragging people from called Bondarenko’s death “an Law enforcement off icers gather to disperse opposition supporters during a rally in Minsk to protest language are not open to demonstrating against Presi- the crowds and frog-marching outrageous and shameful result against the Belarus presidential election results. discussion. dent Alexander Lukashenko. them to vans, a witness said. of the actions by the Belarusian Belarus has been mired in po- Video footage by local media authorities ... (who have) di- litical crisis for months. also showed security forces en- rectly and violently carried out Tens of thousands of people tering apartments in the area in repression of their own popula- have taken to the streets every search of protesters. tion”. week since an election in August A video clip posted on social Police have arrested thou- Moldovans vote in presidential run-off that they say was rigged, some- media showed three men in riot sands of people during months thing Lukasheko denies. gear attending to a man who ap- of protests, and rights groups They want the veteran leader, peared to be unconscious. say hundreds of detainees have AFP in power for 26 years, to resign. The Viasna (Spring) rights reported being subjected to Chisinau The street rallies were re-ig- group said 504 had been de- beatings and other rights abus- nited following the death of Ro- tained so far during yesterday’s es. oldovans voted yes- terday in the second Mround of a tightly con- tested presidential election pit- ting a pro-European challenger Azerbaijan extends deadline for against the country’s Moscow- backed incumbent. The ex-Soviet nation is un- Armenia to leave disputed area der the watchful eye of Russia, which wants polarised Moldova to remain in its sphere of in- AFP with Russian President Vladimir our graves. It’s unbearable, one fl uence at a time when several Kalbajar, Azerbaijan Putin. Charektar resident said. Kremlin-aligned governments Dodon speaks to the media at a polling station in Sandu casts her ballot at a polling station in “Kalbajar’s settlement by Ar- A Russian peacekeeping con- are rocked by political unrest. Chisinau during the second round of a Chisinau during the second round of a menians was illegal. The people tingent deployed this week In the fi rst round vote earlier presidential election. presidential election. zerbaijan said yesterday who were resettled there have no to Nagorno-Karabakh set up this month, pro-European Maia that it had agreed to ex- property rights,” Hajieyv told a checkpoints and positions in the Sandu – a 48-year-old centre- Dodon, meanwhile, said he Moldova has been rocked by “Let it not get even worse,” Atend a deadline for Arme- news conference. region’s administrative centre right politician – won a surprise “voted for peace”, “social jus- multiple political crises and a said Vladimir Andriouchko, a nia to withdraw from a disputed Kalbajar was almost exclusive- Stepanakert. victory. tice” and “Christian values”. $1bn bank fraud scheme equiva- 70-year-old who travelled from district as part of a peace accord ly populated by ethnic Azerbai- The deployment was part of Sandu, who worked for the “We must maintain good re- lent to nearly 15% of annual eco- Transnistria, where Russian that ended six weeks of fi erce janis before they were expelled the peace deal, which sees Arme- World Bank and briefl y served lations with the European Union nomic output. troops support separatists. fi ghting over the Nagorno-Kara- by Armenians in the 1990s war nia cede swathes of territory that as prime minister, won more and with Russia,” he said. Polls published in the run- “One is doing their best for bakh region. between the two countries over Azerbaijan’s forces gained in the than 36% of the vote against Caught off guard by the elec- up to yesterday’s vote showed Russia, the other for Nato, so Residents of the Kalbajar dis- Nagorno-Karabakh, and a ma- weeks of fi ghting. pro-Russian incumbent Igor toral setback in the fi rst round, the two candidates in a tight there is a bloodbath here,” he trict in Azerbaijan, which has jority of the homes being aban- The former Soviet rivals Dodon’s 33%. Dodon urged his supporters at race that could be decided by told AFP while in a long line to been controlled by Armenian doned previously belonged to agreed to end hostilities earlier “Today, you have the power to a rally on Friday to vote and take the diaspora, which local media vote in Varnita. separatists since a 1990s post- Azerbaijanis. this week after eff orts by Russia, punish those who robbed you, to the streets after yesterday’s reported had turned up in large While those from Transnistria Soviet war, began a mass exodus AFP journalists saw fl ee- France and the US to get a cease- who reduced you to misery and ballot to “protect our victory”. numbers, forming long lines at were expected to largely vote for in the days leading up to the ini- ing residents pile furniture and fi re fell through during the nearly forced you to leave your home,” The Kremlin-backed candi- polling stations in around a doz- Dodon, fi ve of the six voters AFP tial withdrawal deadline yester- kitchenware into vehicles before two months of clashes. Sandu said after voting in the date, reportedly aided by Rus- en European countries. spoke to in Chisinau said they day. leaving for Armenia on the week- The peace accord with Az- capital Chisinau, in a clear al- sian advisers, has stepped up More than 200,000 cast their ballot for Sandu. But a foreign policy adviser to end. erbaijan has sparked a week of lusion to her rival who has been rhetoric against Sandu. Moldovans living overseas had Russia, faced with multiple Azerbaijan President Ilham Ali- Thick plumes of smoke rose protests in Armenia, where dem- targeted by accusations of cor- “If we show weakness, we will voted by the early evening, com- protest movements this year yev said his country had extend- over the valley near the village onstrations and opposition par- ruption. lose our country,” Dodon said at pared to a total of 150,000 in the targeting allies in Belarus and ed the deadline over humanitar- of Charektar after residents set ties are calling for Prime Minister The appeal has resonance in the rally. fi rst round. Kyrgyzstan, will be watching the ian considerations. their homes on fi re, preferring to Nikol Pashinyan to resign. one of Europe’s poorest coun- Sandu, who heads the Party of In the village of Varnita, po- vote closely. Hikmet Hajiyev said the with- leave devastation in their wake The former head of Armenia’s tries where as many as 40% of Action and Solidarity has prom- lice clashed with pro-Sandu Last month Russian Presi- drawal of “Armenian armed and homes that would be unin- national security service Artur citizens are estimated to have ised to wage a fi ght against en- protesters who had tried to dent Vladimir Putin called on forces and of illegal Armenian habitable by Azerbaijanis. Vanetsyan and several other sus- travelled abroad to work. demic corruption in the country block a road to prevent vot- Moldovans to cast their votes settlers” was delayed until No- “We also moved our parents’ pects were arrested on Saturday Sandu also called for “maxi- of some 3.5mn wedged between ers travelling from the nearby for Dodon, and there were long vember 25 following an appeal graves, the Azerbaijanis will take on charges of plotting to kill Pa- mum vigilance” against possible Ukraine and EU member Roma- breakaway Moscow-backed re- lines at polling booths in Mos- from Armenia and mediation great pleasure in desecrating shinyan and seize power. fraud. nia. gion of Transnistria. cow yesterday. Gulf Times Monday, November 16, 2020 13 INDIA

PANDEMIC PEOPLE ACCIDENT TRAGEDY POLITICS Delhi to increase daily Ahmed Patel in ICU Oil well fire doused Child’s body found Congress spokesperson in Covid tests to 125,000 after Covid infection after five months with organs missing Goa quits citing ‘disunity’

After participating in a meeting convened by Congress veteran and party treasurer Ahmed A massive oil well fire that has raged for more than The mutilated body of a six-year-old girl was Goa Congress spokesperson and minority cell Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Delhi’s grim Patel, who was hospitalised after testing positive five months in northeast India has finally been found in an Uttar Pradesh village in Kanpur chairman Urfan Mulla yesterday resigned from Covid situation, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal for Covid last month, has been admitted to the extinguished, off icials said yesterday. Oil India yesterday with several vital organs of the child his posts, alleging that the party cares little about yesterday said he had sought the Centre’s co- ICU in a Gurugram hospital but his condition engineers had battled the blaze in Assam since an missing. Police fear an animal attack. According issues related to the minority community and is operation in jointly tackling the pandemic spread is “stable”, his family said yesterday. Son Faisal explosion in June, weeks after the well blew out to reports, the girl had gone out of her home plagued by lack of unity among the senior lead- and in increasing the number of daily tests. “It was Patel, in a tweet, said that he had tested positive and began discharging huge quantities of natural in Bhadras village on Saturday night to buy ers. “I would like to mention that I am not happy also decided in the meeting that the number of for Covid-19 a few weeks ago and “has now been gas. Two employees of the state-owned company some firecrackers. When she did not return till with the functioning of party as there is no unity tests in Delhi will increased from 60,000 per day admitted to the Intensive Care Unit of Medanta died in the blast, which sent a wall of flame and late in the night, her family started looking for among senior leaders who are only fighting for to 100,000 or 125,000. The Delhi government Hospital, Gurgaon for further treatment”. “His massive plumes of smoke into the sky. A third her. Her body was found yesterday. The police, their personal gains. Nobody is bothered about the facilities are working at their highest capacity right condition is stable and he continues to be worker died in September after an accident at the feel the girl could have been mauled by some party nor about minority issues,” Mulla said in his now, therefore, the ICMR has assured that they will under medical observation. We will provide you site. Experts from Singapore, the US and Canada wild animal. The child’s body has been sent for resignation letter addressed to Congress president help us to increase the number of testing,” Kejriwal updates from this handle. We request you to joined eff orts to contain the inferno, and Oil India postmortem. A heavy deployment of forces Sonia Gandhi and state Congress president Girish said. Earlier, the Home Minister tweeted saying that pray for his speedy recovery.” Congress leaders spokesman Tridiv Hazarika said yesterday the fire has been made the village keeping in mind the Chodankar. Mulla has however not resigned from he “instructed” to double the RT-PCR tests in Delhi. wished Patel a speedy recovery. had now been “doused completely”. outrage over the killing. the primary membership of the Congress party. Pakistan’s ‘Severe’ smog in capital terror funding allegations fabricated: govt

Reuters groups from the southern prov- New Delhi ince of Balochistan who have claimed responsibility for at- tacks on Chinese interests as part ndia yesterday denied al- of an eff ort to sabotage China’s legations by Pakistan that $65bn Belt and Road investment INew Delhi had helped fund plan in Pakistan. militant groups on Pakistani soil, India, meanwhile, has long al- with a foreign ministry spokes- leged that Pakistan has founded, man dismissing them as “fabri- trained and funded secessionist cated” and “fi gments of imagi- militant groups operating in the nation”. Kashmir valley Pakistan’s foreign minister Meanwhile Afghanistan too said on Saturday the country denied Pakistan’s accusations would present its evidence to the that India was funding “terror” United Nations and other inter- groups and training them on Af- national bodies. ghan soil. “This desperate attempt will “The Afghan government ex- fi nd few takers as the interna- plicitly declares that Afghani- tional community is aware of Pa- stan has been the main victim kistan’s tactics,” foreign ministry of terrorism in the world, and spokesman Anurag Srivastava we are committed to the policy said in a statement. of combating all forms of ter- Toxic smog blanketed the capital yesterday after firecrackers were set off throughout the night to mark the country’s biggest annual festival Diwali despite a ban, “The so-called claims of rorism,” an Afghan statement further worsening the city’s air quality levels. “The overall air quality of Delhi is in the Severe category,” the state-run System of Air Quality Weather Forecasting ‘proof’ against India enjoy no read. and Research said. credibility, are fabricated and Relations between Islamabad represent fi gments of imagina- and New Delhi hit a new low on tion,” the ministry of external af- Friday as artillery and machine- fairs said in a statement. gun fi re erupted across the Kash- He added that Pakistan itself mir border. funds militants – an allegation More than 13 people were Islamabad also denies. killed and dozens more wounded The two neighbours have long in the incident that left homes accused each other of equipping destroyed and sent villagers fl ee- insurgents. ing. Nitish likely to take oath as But Saturday’s announce- The two sides regularly stage ment by Pakistan’s foreign artillery duels across the so- minister and military at a news called “line of control” and in- conference in the capital Is- variably blame each other. lamabad provided a heightened Pakistan and China are work- level of detail and specific ac- ing together on the China-Paki- cusations. stan Economic Corridor (CPEC) Bihar chief minister today They said they had obtained in which Beijing is investing documents that showed New heavily in Pakistan’s infrastruc- IANS newly-elected legislators of leader of the BJP Vidhan Mandal VIP and Jitan Ram Manjhi’s Hin- years no one can take away the Delhi had met with and funded ture and developing a deep-wa- Patna the NDA partners BJP, Janata in Bihar. dustani Awam Morcha-Secular. party worker’s post from me,” members of the Pakistani Tali- ter port, at Gwadar in the Ara- Dal-United, Hindustani Awam Earlier, Nitish was elected as Meanwhile, the BJP, which Modi said in a tweet. ban, as well as Baloch insurgent bian Sea. Morcha, Vikashsheel Insaan the Janata Dal-United legisla- has emerged as the largest party At present, former Mahar- ihar Governor Phagu Party and claimed to form the ture party leader in the new Bi- in the NDA in Bihar, is yet to de- ashtra Chief Minister Devendra Chauhan yesterday invit- new government. har Assembly. cide its nominee for the deputy Fadnavis, who was the party Fake currency racket busted in Bengaluru Bed Nitish Kumar to form “Our letter has been accepted Around 16 to 17 ministers are chief minister’s post, long held in charge for the October-No- the new government in Bihar by the governor who invited us expected to be sworn-in along by its veteran leader Sushil Ku- vember polls, has been given the A fake currency racket was busted the trio — Suman, Devaraj and Mu- after the latter went to the Raj to form the new government in with chief minister-designate mar Modi. responsibility to negotiate with in the tech city of Bengaluru and nikrishnan,” Bengaluru southeast Bhavan here to present a list of Bihar,” Nitish said. Kumar in the oath-taking cer- However, as per sources, Nitish Kumar. three persons were arrested for Assistant Commissioner of Police 125 National Democratic Alli- Meanwhile, Union Minister emony today. Kumar said that Tarkishore Prasad, who was He is currently at the CM’s allegedly circulating and using Sudheer Hegde told IANS. ance legislators and stake his Rajnath Singh and BJP leader the list of ministers will be de- elected as the BJP’s legislature residence and is in touch with the counterfeit notes, police said A case has been registered against claim. Sushil Kumar Modi also reached cided soon. According to sourc- party leader yesterday, is likely the party’s central leadership. yesterday. “We have seized 389 the accused under section 489 of Nitish Kumar is expected to the Governor’s House to meet es, there will be seven ministers to get the post. The BJP’s central leadership fake notes of Rs2,000 denomina- the Indian Penal Code (IPC) for op- take oath around 4.30pm today. Chauhan. each from the Janata Dal-United Sushil Modi has already con- wants to change its face in the tion equivalent to Rs778,000 and erating the racket in the city over The NDA leader said that he In a related development, Su- and the Bharatiya Janata Party, gratulated Prasad. “Being a par- state, while also claiming a big- a colour photocopy machine from the months using the machine. had presented the list of 125 shil Kumar Modi was elected as and one each from the Sahani’s ty worker of BJP for the last 40 ger stake in the new cabinet.

Boyfriend held as acid attack President, PM condole victim found in ditch dies actor Chatterjee’s death

IANS Hindi, English and Bangla, say- New Delhi ing “Chatterjee’s death is a co- IANS stopped his bike at a desolate tions revealed Rajure and An- lossal loss to the world of cin- Beed (Maharashtra) spot on the Yellamb Ghat re- kulkarthe had been staying to- ema, cultural life of West Bengal gion and attacked the victim,” gether in Pune since the past resident Ram Nath Kovind, and India”. Kendre said. few weeks. However, the motive Prime Minister Narendra “Through his works, he came n a heart-wrenching Diwali The police said Rajure first behind the attack is not clear, PModi and Union Home to embody Bengali sensibilities, tragedy, a 22-year-old vic- attempted to strangulate An- Kendre added. Minister Amit Shah off ered their emotions and ethos. Anguished Itim of an acid attack by her kulkar but when she fought The Neknur Police Station has condolence over the death of by his demise. Condolences to boyfriend lay abandoned in a back, he took a bottle of acid registered a case of murder while veteran Bengali actor Soumitra his family and admirers,” the roadside ditch for over 12 hours, and threw it on her as she the Beed Police sounded an alert Chatterjee, saying Indian cinema prime minister said. and after a 16-hour fight for her screamed for help in the dead of for all district border police out- lost one of its legends. Shah also took Twitter to con- life, died in a hospital here yes- the night in the remote area. posts from Pune to Nanded in an In a series of tweets, the presi- vey his feelings after the medical terday morning, police said. Rajure then removed pet- eff ort to nab the accused. dent mentioned how Chatter- board at the Kolkata hospital, Teams of the Maharashtra rol from his bike, poured it on “Rajure has been detained jee’s performances won him sev- where the 85-year-old was for police launched a manhunt for Ankulkar, set her on fire and by Nanded Police and a team eral national and international over a month, announced the the absconding accused and ar- pushed her into a deep ditch be- has left from Beed to take him awards including Dadasaheb news. rested him in Nanded district side the road and fled the spot. into custody. We shall arrest Phalke Award, Padma Bhushan “Deeply pained to learn about late yesterday, Neknur Police “A shepherd tending to his and produce the accused before and Legion d’Honneur. the demise of legendary Soumi- Station investigating officer flock heard her cries around court here today,” Kendre said, “Condolences to his family, tra Chatterjee. An iconic actor, Laxman Kendre informed amid 2pm on Saturday and immedi- as Ankulkar’s family reached the fi lm fraternity and millions of who took Bengali cinema to new a political uproar. ately informed us. We found Beed to claim her body. fans across the world. With the heights. In Soumitra Da, Indian The incident occurred early her with serious acid and pet- Nationalist Congress Party passing of Soumitra Chatterjee, silver screen has lost a gem. My Saturday morning when the rol burns, and rushed her to the leader and Social Justice Min- Indian cinema has lost one of its thoughts and prayers are with his duo – Avinash R Rajure, 25 and Beed Civil Hospital,” Kendre ister Dhananjay Munde from legends. He will be specially re- family and countless followers,” Savitra D Ankulkar, 22, left on said. Beed district took a serious note membered for the ‘Apu’ trilogy Shah tweeted. a bike from Pune to Shelgaon Doctors at the hospital con- of the incident and discussed and other memorable perform- Chatterjee’s health condition village, Nanded district, for firmed that Ankulkar had sus- the issue with the local police ances in Satyajit Ray’s master- was “extremely critical” and he Diwali celebrations, Kendre tained 50% burn injuries due and administration. pieces. was “not responding at all” to said. to the acid and the petrol. She “It’s a grave matter and I have “He made immense contribu- treatment, critical care expert “En route on the 450km jour- died yesterday morning at the asked the officers to ensure jus- Mourners gather around a vehicle carrying the body of late tion to the craft of acting,” the and head of the medical board ney, around 2am on Saturday hospital after a 16-hour ordeal. tice for the victim as early as actor Soumitra Chatterjee during a funeral procession to a president tweeted. Arindam Kar had said earlier in morning, the accused Rajure Preliminary investiga- possible,” Munde said. crematorium in Kolkata yesterday. Prime Minister tweeted in the day. Gulf Times 14 Monday, November 16, 2020 COMMENT

CHAIRMAN Abdullah bin Khalifa al-Attiyah EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Faisal Abdulhameed al-Mudahka Deputy Managing Editor K T Chacko P.O.Box 2888, Doha, Qatar [email protected] 44350478 (News), 44466404 (Sport), 44466636 (Home delivery) 44350474 facebook.com/gulftimes twitter.com/gulftimes_Qatar GULF TIMES Unmasking the reality of poorly done masking Tunisian President Kais Saied during his interview with Qatar News Agency.

Face mask has become the new normal across the world, as part of the preventive and precautionary measures against Covid-19. As per the latest guidance issued by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), wearing a Tunisian president keen mask not only protects others from your expelled respiratory droplets, it protects you as well. The basic requirement is a two-ply mask, but the best protection is offered by a three- ply mask, as observed by Harvard environmental health researcher Joseph Gardner Allen, who directs the Healthy Buildings programme at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of on enhancing Qatar ties Public Health. Stay away from bandanas and gaiter masks. A recent study found both types to be the least effective in QNA joint specialised committees in this ership, noting that the number of Tuni- “unsuccessfully” to remove it from the Doha regard. sians in Qatar is increasing remarkably circle of concern of the Arab citizen, terms of protection. “In addition to level of filtration, we He added that a meeting of the joint every year, thanks to the distinguished stressing that the Palestinian issue will have to pay attention to fit,” Allen continued. “You want the committee is expected to be held in the bilateral relations. remain a central core issue for the Arab mask to go over the bridge of the nose, below the chin and unisian President Kais Saied fi rst quarter of next year to review the He also praised the support provided and Islamic nations. be flush on the face, resting along the skin. You want your underlined that there is a implementation of the numerous agree- by Qatar to Tunisia. Regarding some Arab countries’ breath going through the filter media and not escaping out strong will, a sincere de- ments concluded between Qatar and President Saied noted that his talks in normalisation with Israel, the Tunisian the sides.” Ttermination and a common Tunisia in the economic and commer- Doha touched on the issue of terrorism. president said: “I do not agree with the Cloth masks with high thread counts seem to be an desire between Qatar and Tunisia to cial sectors and other vital areas. He said that a common approach be- term normalisation. It is a word that did excellent choice, according to the new guidance from the develop the co-operation in various The Tunisian president noted that the tween the two countries in this aspect, not exist previously and appeared only fields and enhance it in light of the talks he held with the Amir also covered noting a joint proposal between Qatar after the signing of the Camp David CDC. Look for a tight weave of 100% cotton, according to strong and distinguished bilateral with a number of issues related to the and Tunisia to hold an Islamic-western accords.” studies. Use the light test to check the weave: If you can relations. situation in Tunisia, in addition to the conference or dialogue aimed at achiev- “We do not interfere in the aff airs of easily see the outline of the individual fibres when you hold In an interview with Qatar News Qatari investments in Tunisia, and ing more understanding and overcom- states, but for me, the Palestinian cause up the mask to the light, it’s not likely to be effective. Two- Agency (QNA), the Tunisian president the situation in the region, indicating ing obstacles caused by the terrorist is a central issue, even if many try un- and three-layer masks appear to do the trick for most people. said that Qatar and Tunisia share a that both sides reviewed a set of ideas operations carried out by extremist successfully to remove it from the circle According to the CDC, sincere will to develop the brotherly and proposals that would contribute parties. of concern of the Arab citizen. It will “multiple layers of cloth relations and mutual co-operation, to strengthening the co-operation and He added that this proposal has still remain the central core issue of the Arab Even the most noting that his current state visit to co-ordination on issues of common been considered by Qatar, Tunisia and and the Islamic nations,” the president with higher thread counts Doha comes in this context and in the interest and other topics of a regional a number of other countries, and it added. protective have demonstrated superior framework of a series of reciprocal visits and international dimension. also seeks to highlight the necessity to On Qatar’s hosting of the 2022 FIFA performance compared to between the leaders of the two coun- He said that his visit to Qatar also diff erentiate between Islam and its true World Cup, President Saied expressed mask will fail single layers of cloth with tries, the most recent of which was the comes within the framework of the keen- purposes and terrorism which has abso- pride that an Arab country would host lower thread counts, in visit of His Highness the Amir Sheikh ness to implement the agreements con- lutely nothing to do with Islam. this major global event for the fi rst time, if you wear some cases filtering nearly Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani to Tunisia cluded between the two countries, and to The Tunisian president also noted saying, “Winning the organisation of 50% of fine particles less in February. discuss new agreements in other areas. the co-ordination and rapprochement the World Cup in an Arab country was it wrong. Full The Tunisian president described the In this context, the two sides stressed between the State of Qatar and Tunisia not an easy thing at all, and a number of than 1 micron.” Studies session of the talks he held yesterday the importance of working to imple- on regional issues, such as the situation Arab countries tried to win the World face coverage have detected Sars-CoV-2 with His Highness the Amir as con- ment some agreements that have not in Libya. Cup before but they were not able to so, in aerosols between 1 and structive and fruitful, and said that they yet been implemented, and to convene He said that the solution to the therefore it is an honour for all of us that is necessary 4 microns. It has also been dealt with issues of common interest joint committees to accelerate the im- Libyan crisis, which he called for a year Qatar will host the World Cup.” found that multilayer cloth and means of boosting ties in various plementation process. ago, must be within the Libyan people In this context, President Saied af- at all times masks can block between fi elds, as well as the co-ordination and He described the Qatari-Tunisian themselves, and this has crystallised fi rmed Tunisia’s readiness to contribute 50% and 80% of fine consultation on various regional and relations as good and fraternal that after the ceasefi re agreement and the to the event through the co-operation international issues. are confi rmed by constant common dialogues taking place in Tunisia to in the fi eld of sports and the experi- droplets and particles, and “limit the forward spread of those He reiterated that the two countries positions, a refl ected in the constantly reach an agreement between all the ences it has in this area, stressing the that are not captured,” the CDC said, “with cloth masks are keen on enhancing ties in economy, growing bilateral co-operation and the parties. sincere will and fi rm determination to in some studies performing on par with surgical masks as sport, trade, politics, science, health large Tunisian community working in He also shed light on the Palestinian make success of this global event that barriers for source control.” and others, noting that the both sides Qatar in various fi elds and enjoying all cause and affi rmed that it will always is organised in an Arab country for the The CDC says that polypropylene, one of the most agreed to continue work between the the care and attention of the wise lead- be a central issue even if many tried fi rst time. commonly produced plastics in the world, may “enhance filtering effectiveness” because it creates a triboelectric charge – or in simple terms, static cling. That electrical static traps both your outgoing respiration and any droplets headed your way from others. Because cotton is a more comfortable fabric on the skin, polypropylene is often used as filters that can be placed inside of a two- or three-ply mask. Though washing kills the electrical charge, a brisk rub between your fingers should bring back that “clingy” charge. A very breathable option, according to the CDC, is silk, which “may help repel moist droplets, and reduce fabric wetting and thus maintain breathability and comfort.” A study published in September examined the ability of cotton, polyester and silk to repeal moisture when used in masks or as mask inserts. “We found that silk face coverings repelled droplets in spray tests as well as disposable single-use surgical masks,” the authors wrote, adding that silk masks “can be more breathable than other fabrics that trap humidity, and are re-useable via cleaning.” To avoid trapping germs that might irritate your face or reduce the mask’s eff ectiveness, reusable masks should be washed daily with soap and hot water. Don’t wear the mask again until it’s completely dry. Even the most protective mask will fail if you wear it wrong. Full face coverage is necessary at all times, and that means no letting it slip under your nose. Droplets from the nose are typically smaller than from the mouth, but that also means they can remain in the air longer. High-speed camera studies have shown sneezing can spread respiratory droplets 7-8m.

To Advertise [email protected] Display 44466621 44418811 Classified 44466609 44418811 Subscription [email protected]

© 2020 Gulf Times. All rights reserved Gulf Times Monday, November 16, 2020 15 PAKISTAN Voters defy cold to turn up at GB polls

PTI said to be leading the race to form government in the promised new province

Internews Skardu

unday saw one of the most hotly contested elections Sin Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) re- gion, which has assumed added signifi cance in the wake of the promise made by the Centre- ruling Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) earlier this month to grant provisional provincial status to the region. At the time of going to press, the PTI was said to be leading in 9 of the 24 seats on off er, fol- lowed by Independents 7, Paki- stan People’s Party (PPP) 4, Pa- kistan Muslim League – Nawaz (PML-N) 2, Jamiat Ulema Islam (JUI) 1 and Majlis Wahdat-e- Muslimeen (MWM) 1. These are however, unconfi rmed re- sults, according to local Gilgit- Baltistan Times magazine. All three major parties, PTI, CROWD-PULLERS: (from left) PPP chairperson Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari; Prime Minister Imran Khan of Centre-ruling PTI; and PML-N vice president Maryam Nawaz. Right: People braving the elements to cast their vote PPP and PML-N, worked the at a polling station in Glilgit-Baltistan yesterday. circuit in a frenzied build-up to the election that has historically the banner of Pakistan Demo- were registered to vote yester- in Gilgit-Baltistan began after 5,290 votes while his competi- with 3,380 votes in GBLA-9 continued until 5pm without swayed to the party in Centre. cratic Alliance from the Centre, day, 339,992 of whom are wom- polling, in what was one of the tor, PPP’s Syed Mehdi Shah, got Skardu-III constituency, fol- any interval. Polling in most As with PPP in 2009 and which has seen a fl urry of rallies en. Nearly 1,234 polling stations most hotly contested election 4,114. lowed by PTI’s Fida Nashad who constituencies went smoothly PML-N the last time in 2015, the across major cities. were set up in the 24 constitu- the region has ever seen, came In Ghanche-I constituency, secured 1,213 votes, according throughout the day. In Gilgit general expectation is that it will As many as 330 candidates, encies. to an end at 5pm yesterday. independent candidate Mush- to unconfi rmed results. city, women and the elderly fall to the PTI but possibly in a including four women, are vy- Citizens had lined up out- PTI supporters here were taq Hussain reportedly de- PPP’s Engineer Ismail was showed their enthusiasm and coalition-setting. ing for the 24 general seats in side polling stations, wearing seen celebrating party candi- feated PTI’s Ibrahim Sanai with in front in GBLA-24 constitu- turned up at polling stations However, there is an extra the third legislative assembly of face masks and observing social date Zakariya Khan’s victory, 6,051 votes. The latter got 4,945 ency, Ghanche-III with 6,206 to cast their votes. However, edge to the elections this time Gilgit-Baltistan. distancing. Hundreds braved which has yet to be confi rmed, votes. PPP candidate Mohamed votes. He is followed by PTI’s in Ghizer, Hunza, Sost and given the rousing opposition According to data obtained heavy snowfall in the upper ar- in GBLA-7 Skardu-I, according Jaff ar secured 2,615 votes. Shamsuddin who has reportedly Baltistan heavy snowfall con- campaign to oust Prime Minister from the GB Election Commis- eas of GB to cast their vote. to dawn.com, Pakistan’s leading Independent candidate Wazir bagged 5,361 votes. tinued, restricting citizens to Imran Khan from power under sion, a total of 745,361 people Vote count in several cities web portal. It said Khan secured Saleem was leading the race Voting began at 8am and their houses.

Pak rupee takes In the line of duty Tribal fl ight as US districts to have 15 dollar falls to colleges

8-month low Internews Peshawar

Internews The rising cases of Covid-19 in hief Minister of the Karachi US, Europe and Pakistan could northwest Khyber Pa- reduce exports earnings. Ckhtunkhwa province However, since the peak of Mahmood Khan yesterday di- he exchange rate yester- dollar rates in last week of Au- rected the higher education de- day further strengthened gust, the exchange rate has partment to prepare a feasibility Tin the outgoing week gradually stabilised. study for setting up 15 colleges in as dollar kept falling against The open market was selling the merged tribal districts. the local currency declining to dollar at Rs157.80. The price was He was chairing a meeting eight-month low in the open even lower at Rs157.50. of the Provincial Task Force on market. The relentless declines The State Bank of Pakistan merged districts, according to of recent weeks has driven the (SBP) takes credit for the sta- a statement issued here. It said rupee closer to the value it was bilisation of exchange rate. SBP that the forum stressed the need at during the opening weeks of Governor Dr Reza Baqir has for fi lling vacant posts in various 2020. claimed the central bank played line departments, especially the The dollar in the open market a key role to facilitate higher education and health depart- fell below Rs158 but in the inter- remittances and its free market Policemen gather on a road after firing tear gas shells during an anti-France protest of the Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan in ments of Kurram tribal district. bank, which closed, remained mechanism has helped stabilise Islamabad yesterday. (AFP) The meeting was briefed by slightly above Rs158. the exchange rate. various departments about the “The uncertainty emerged In various fora, he has progress on their respective devel- after elections in the United claimed that this is the fi rst opment schemes in the district. States weakened the US dol- time the rupee has moved in Regarding the overall devel- lar internationally,” said Malik both directions, rising as well opment portfolio of the district, Bostan, President Forex Asso- as falling, which he says is evi- it was stated that development ciation of Pakistan. dence that the exchange rate is Marriage hall owners reject SOPs schemes worth Rs58 billion had Among other international now market determined. been refl ected in the Annual De- currencies, the Euro, priced at The remittances into the velopment Programme (ADP) for $1.17 on October 1 has reached country increased by over 26% Kurram district. to $1.18 on November 14. Simi- in the fi rst four months of the Internews businesses which have already der new SOPs have announced opportunities to 650,000 Uplift schemes worth Rs22 bil- larly, the British pound priced at current fi scal year while the Karachi incurred huge losses after mar- to close the marriage halls and people. “Previous lockdown lion have been approved under the $1.29 on October 1 has reached outfl ow from the country was riage halls and lawns were closed asked for holding of marriage severely damaged their em- Accelerated Implementation Plan to $1.31 on November 14. much lower than the average down in March this year. ceremonies in open spaces, he ployment and new SOPs would (AIP) whereas schemes to the tune During the week, dollar in- outfl ow of last year. arachi Marriage Hall/ They pointed out that mar- pointed and noted that this is destroy them fi nancially,” he of Rs23 billion approved for the fl ows remained high creating a This low outfl ow increased Lawn/Banquet Owners riage halls and lawns were shut an intentional act to destroy this stated. district under the ADP of merged surplus in the open market. As liquidity in the banking sys- KAssociation yesterday re- down in March and were opened sector. He deplored that no relief districts. per reports, exchange compa- tem helping the local currency jected the new SOPs of National on September 15 this year. He said there are 800 mar- was given to this sector during The meeting was informed that nies are depositing $12 million to improve its value. Rupee’s Command and Operation Cen- “The closure of our business riage halls, lawns and banquets the lockdown whereas other under the AIP, Rs2.9 billion had into the banks every day. appreciation has forced those tre (NCOC) regarding marriage caused heavy fi nancial losses to in Karachi and 50,000 people sectors were provided relief by been allocated for health sector While currency dealers and holding their savings in dollars halls, dismissing it as ‘economic people attached with it,” Rana are earning their livelihood, out government. and Rs1.1 billion for elementary experts predict further ap- to sell the greenback in the open killing’. Idris, President of the Associa- of which 70 to 80 per cent are He appealed to the Prime and secondary education in the preciation of the rupee against market. Association representatives tion stated and added that after daily wagers. Minister, Chief of Army Staff district. dollar, some bankers said the Currency dealers said that on speaking at a news conference the opening of marriage halls the He said the number of mar- and Chief Justice of Pakistan The meeting was also updated local currency has gained due to average per day $4-6mn is be- at Karachi Press Club stated that booking of halls started for com- riage halls and lawns in the to take measures for saving about setting up of sub-tehsils in higher remittances and impact ing sold in the open market by new SOPs to prevent the spread ing months. entire country stood at 13,000, this sector by announcing new the district and tehsil headquarters of Covid-19 on global markets. Pakistanis. of Covid-19 would damage their Now the government un- which provide employment SOPs for the sector. in Central Kurram.

Shahbaz and Tareen booked on money laundering, fraud charges 49% population blame PTI govt for infl ation: poll The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has booked Pakistan Muslim League – Nawaz (PML-N) President Shahbaz Sharif, his sons Hamza and Salman, ruling Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Internews kistan, with those at the lowest have been attempting to estab- respondents declared shop- SOS asked respondents whether Jahangir Khan Tareen and his son Ali Tareen on charges of money Islamabad rung of the class system suff er- lish since day one in power. keepers responsible and 3 per they are worried about increas- laundering and fraud, local media reported yesterday. ing the most. A survey conducted by Ip- cent each declared bureaucracy ing prices to which 88 per cent The FIA is investigating the accused for their alleged involvement The survey, conducted from sos has revealed that price hike and the owners of mills respon- respondents said they were. in the sugar scandal and money laundering scams. Separate FIRs ccording to the fi ndings October 28 to November 4 with has been felt across Pakistan, sible for the infl ationary situa- Twelve per cent said they were have been registered against them under various sections of of a recent survey, 49 per interviews of over a thousand bottom end socio-economic tion of the country. not worried by the infl ationary Pakistan Penal Code (PPC). Acent of Pakistanis believe respondents, revealed that half classes are most worried about The ratio of those considering situation in the country. Investigators probing the cases said a huge amount of Rs25 the incumbent government is of the Pakistanis blame the it, and consider the federal the federal government respon- The highest ratio of those wor- billion was deposited in the Sharif Group’s bogus companies from responsible for infl ation in the federal government for infl a- government responsible for it. sible for infl ation was the highest ried by price hike was seen in 2008-2018. The amount was transferred into the bank accounts of country. tion. Forty-nine per cent held the (59 per cent) in Balochistan, fol- Sindh with 91 per cent, followed Ramazan and Al-Arabia sugar mills’ employees. Ipsos, is a multinational mar- Only 15 per cent of the re- Centre responsible for the cri- lowed by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa by KP with 89 per cent, Punjab FIA accused Jahangir Tareen and his son of submitting a bogus ket research company, con- spondents said they blamed sis, 17 per cent considered pro- with 58 per cent, Punjab 46 per and Balochistan 86 per cent each. report about a business deal. The investigating agency revealed ducted a survey according to previous governments for it, a vincial governments responsi- cent and Sindh 44 per cent. According to the survey, 4 in that JDW bought JKSFL for Rs4.35 billion and submitted a forged which respondents stated that narrative the ruling Pakistan ble while only 8 per cent blamed The survey revealed that price 5 Pakistanis (83 per cent) faced report about the deal. It added the JDW committed fraud by using price hikes have impacted all Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) and it on an unknown mafi a. hike has aff ected a whopping 97 cuts in their income due to the public shareholders’ money for the purchase. socio-economic classes in Pa- Prime Minister Imran Khan Five per cent of the survey’s per cent of the respondents. IP- coronavirus pandemic. Gulf Times 16 Monday, November 16, 2020 QATAR

Qatar-Tunisia AAmirmir greetsgreets TTunisianunisian ppresidentresident ties all set to fl ourish: envoy

he relationship between frastructure and economic em- the leadership and the powerment as part of a $250mn Tpeople of Qatar and Tu- plan. The fund provided impor- nisia have become a model for tant investments also to fi nance brotherhood and co-operation new projects for youth, and the regionally and internationally, number of benefi ciaries reached Qatar’s ambassador to Tunisia, 39,000 between direct and indi- Saad Nasser al-Hamidi, told lo- rect jobs.” cal Arabic daily Arrayah. The ambassador affi rmed that In an interview to coincide important agreements will be with the ongoing visit of Tu- signed during the next meeting nisian President Kais Saied to of the Joint High Committee, Doha, the envoy described Qa- that will enhance co-operation, tar as an important partner noting that Qatar is the largest and a strategic ally of Tunisia. Arab investor in Tunisia, and His Highness the Amir Sheikh the second largest strategic eco- Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani had nomic partner with 16% direct visited Tunisia at the beginning investments. of this year, he recalled. Tunisians are keen to deepen Ambassador al-Hamidi point- the Qatari-Tunisian relation- ed out that the two leaderships ship, which derives its legitima- His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani and Tunisian President Kais Saied held an off icial talks session at the Amiri Diwan yesterday. At the outset of the agreed to improve the co-ordina- cy from history, religion, culture session, the Amir greeted the Tunisian president and the accompanying delegation, praising the depth of the two countries’ relations. President Saied was accorded an tion of the partnership between and language. off icial reception ceremony on his arrival at the Amiri Diwan. the two countries, and that this On successful Qatari invest- would open new joint projects in ments, the envoy cited Qatari the health and agricultural sectors, Diar’s Anantara-Tozeur Resort to be announced soon. project, which opened in south “The Qatar Fund for Develop- Tunisia in December 2019, as an ment will implement a project example. to build an $82mn children’s “Qatari investments in Tuni- hospital in the city of Manouba sia are continuing and will wit- in Tunisia, in addition to impor- ness a remarkable increase in the tant projects in the fi eld of in- future,” al-Hamidi added.

Qatar’s ambassador to Tunisia Saad Nasser al-Hamidi.