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SUNDAY Vol. XXXXI No. 11698 October 11, 2020 Safar 24, 1442 AH

GULF TIMES www. gulf-times.com 2 Riyals

Amir congratulates FM meets US Congress members president of Fiji WISE to launch His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani and His Highness the Deputy Amir Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad al-Thani sent yesterday cables of edtech testbed in congratulations to the President of Fiji, Jioji Konrote, on the anniversary of his country’s Independence Day. Education City MoPH reports 124,767 total Covid recoveries By Joseph Varghese The Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) Staff Reporter announced yesterday, 178 new confirmed cases of coronavirus (Covid-19) during the last 24 hours, he World Innovation Summit for of which 168 are from community Education (WISE) will launch an cases and 10 from travellers Tedtech testbed in the Education returning from abroad who are City of Qatar Foundation very soon. subject to quarantine. The MoPH “This year, in collaboration with a also recorded 208 recoveries from few select schools around Education the virus during the past 24 hours, City, WISE is planning to launch one bringing the total number of cases of its most ambitious projects to date. recovered in Qatar to 124,767. Page 2 Using technology available through Victoria Basma HE the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Aff airs Sheikh Mohamed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani met yesterday the WISE Accelerator, we want to pro- Ireland reports highest with a visiting delegation of members of the US Congress. During the meeting, they reviewed the bilateral co-operation vide these local schools with access to “Through this programme, we have number of Covid cases relations between the two countries, in addition to issues of common interest. new solutions, further the professional gained valuable insight into the edtech development of teachers and together, landscape, the stakeholders in this Ireland yesterday reported 1,012 build a deeper understanding around space and the types of challenges they new cases of Covid-19, the highest edtech,” disclosed Victoria Basma, face. Communication between schools number in a day since the start of policy and partnerships offi cer, WISE. and edtech providers is inconsistent the pandemic and almost double “We also aim to create a learning and they lack a shared vision for edu- the average for the past week. ecosystem made of researchers, prac- cation. There is little understanding of The surge, after a week in which Armenia, Azerbaijan agree titioners and education specialists what works in edtech and why many regions of neighbouring Northern who are capable of driving innovation schools want to be part of leading in- Ireland reported some of the in education forward both here in Qa- novation, but lack the culture of exper- highest infection rates in Europe, tar and within the global community,” imentation and testing that is required is likely to increase pressure on the ceasefi re, start of talks she continued. to do so. We also know that while there government to impose additional Edtech, a portmanteau of the phrase are a number of testbeds around the restrictions. Chief Medical Off icer “education technology,” is the com- world, there remains a distinct lack Tony Holohan said in a statement Q Two sides strike ceasefire deal after marathon talks bination of IT tools and educational of research that schools can use to that he was “very worried about the practices aimed at facilitating and en- make evidence based decisions around numbers we are seeing.” Page 8 hancing learning. edtech,” explained Basma. Agencies ognised as part of Azerbaijan, but is According to Basma, over the last six The offi cial also noted that it is all N Korea unveils Yerevan/Baku Qatar welcomes populated and governed by ethnic years, WISE, a global education initiative the more important to engage parents ‘monster’ missile Armenians. of Qatar Foundation, has managed an in the teaching and learning processes ceasefi rere dealdeal The Armenian defence ministry Accelerator programme that has worked especially when it comes to education North Korea unveiled previously rmenia and Azerbaijan agreed accused Azerbaijan of shelling a set- closely with edtech entrepreneurs. technologies. To Page 4 unseen intercontinental ballistic yesterday to a ceasefi re and to Qatar has welcomed the tlement inside Armenia, while ethnic missiles at an unprecedented Abegin “substantive talks” over agreement reached between Armenian forces in Karabakh alleged predawn military parade yesterday the breakaway region of Nagorno- Azerbaijan and Armenia providing that Azeri forces had launched a new that showcased the country’s long- Karabakh after nearly two weeks of for a ceasefire in the Nagorno- off ensive fi ve minutes after the truce Day care unit at NCCCR expanded range weapons for the first time in two fi erce clashes. Karabakh region. In a statement took hold. years. Analysts said the missile, which Bitter fi ghting in the Caucasus re- yesterday, the Ministry of Foreign Azerbaijan said enemy forces in Ka- was shown on a transporter vehicle gion has claimed hundreds of lives, Aff airs expressed Qatar’s aspiration rabakh were shelling Azeri territory. with 11 axles, would be one of the forced thousands to fl ee, and stirred that the ceasefire declaration Both sides have consistently de- largest road-mobile intercontinental fears of a full-blown war that could paves the way for resolving the nied each others’ assertions in what ballistic missiles (ICBMs) in the suck in regional powers Turkey and dispute between the two countries has also become a war of words ac- world if it becomes operational. Russia. through dialogue and diplomatic companying the fi ghting. “This missile is a monster,” said Speaking after 11 hours of Moscow- means in order to preserve the Azeri President Ilham Aliyev told Melissa Hanham, deputy director of mediated talks between Armenia and interests of the two countries and Russia’s RBC news outlet that the the Open Nuclear Network. Page 7 Azerbaijan, Russian Foreign Minister the two peoples. The statement warring parties were now engaged in Sergei Lavrov said the warring sides aff irmed Qatar’s support for the trying to fi nd a political settlement, Global call to act had agreed to a ceasefi re from “12 international eff orts aimed at but suggested there would be further hours 00 minutes on October 10 on restoring security, stability and fi ghting ahead. on climate crisis humanitarian grounds.” peace in the region. (QNA) “We’ll go to the very end and get With a call to “fix our climate” by During the ceasefi re - mediated by what rightfully belongs to us,” he said. 2030, Prince William yesterday joined the International Committee of the Azeri Foreign Minister Jeyhun a global array of activists, artists, Red Cross - the parties will exchange told reporters, adding that such talks Bayramov said the truce would last only celebrities and politicians taking bodies and prisoners, Lavrov said, would be mediated by France, Russia for as long as it took for the Red Cross to part in a free streamed TED event reading from a statement. and the US. arrange the exchange of the dead. aimed at mobilising and unifying “Concrete parameters of the cease- Within minutes of the truce taking Speaking at a briefi ng in Baku, he people to confront the climate fi re will be agreed separately,” the eff ect from midday, both sides ac- said Azerbaijan hoped and expected crisis. “The shared goals of our statement added. cused each other of breaking it, rais- to take control of more territory in generation are clear,” Prince William Russia’s top diplomat also said that ing questions about how meaningful time. said in a video message kicking Armenia and Azerbaijan agreed to the truce, brokered by Russia, would Armenia’s foreign ministry said HE the Minister of Public Health Dr Hanan Mohamed al-Kuwari has formally off the event, dubbed Countdown. start negotiating a peaceful solution turn out to be. it was using all diplomatic channels opened the expanded Day Care Unit at the National Center for Cancer Care “Together we must protect and to the territorial dispute. The Moscow talks were the fi rst to try to support the truce, while and Research (NCCCR). The Day Care Unit has expanded from 16 to 52 beds, restore nature, clean our air, revive “Azerbaijan and Armenia begin diplomatic contact between the two Nagorno-Karabakh’s foreign min- according to Dr Mohamed Salem al-Hassan, medical director of NCCCR. our oceans, build a waste-free world substantive negotiations with the since fi ghting over the mountainous istry accused Azerbaijan of using HE Dr al-Kuwari also visited the NCCCR’s Urgent Care Unit and Outpatient and fix our climate.” Page 8 purpose of achieving a peaceful set- enclave erupted on Sept 27. ceasefi re talks as cover to ready mili- Department, both of which have undergone work to expand capacity and tlement as soon as possible,” Lavrov The enclave is internationally rec- tary action. enhance services. Page 2 5 die aft er tourist plane, microlight collide Nasser al-Attiyah storms to Andalucia Rally win Five people were killed after a tourist plane and a microlight aircraft collided in western France Trump seeks campaign comeback yesterday. The small microlight carrying two people collided with a DA40 tourist plane with three people resident Donald Trump Trump has been counting Biden has slammed as onboard in Loches in the Indre-et- rallied hundreds of the days until he can hit the “reckless” Trump’s de- Loire department. “(The microlight) Pcheering supporters for ground again. termination to rally huge landed on the fence around a house a campaign-style comeback Yesterday’s event set the crowds during a pandemic without harming anyone else, (the event at the White House stage for a full-fl edged cam- — but Trump has brushed DA40) several hundred metres yesterday, jumping back into paign rally on Monday in Flor- the concerns aside, insisting away in an uninhabited area. All five the race nine days after be- ida — followed immediately America has the upper hand people involved died. ing stopped in his tracks by by two more in battleground against the virus despite a Covid-19. Pennsylvania on Tuesday and death toll of 213,000 and ris- Lukashenko holds “I am feeling great!” Iowa on Wednesday. ing. Page 8 talks with rivals Trump declared as he stepped out to a White House balcony Belarusian leader Alexander — tugging off his mask to ad- Lukashenko yesterday went to a jail dress the crowd below, most run by the country’s KGB security of them masked under their service to meet his jailed political red “MAGA” hats, but with opponents, ostensibly to discuss little social distancing. plans for constitutional reforms. The “Get out and vote — and bizarre yet off icially reported meeting I love you,” Trump told the saw the strongman sit down with gathering, who chanted back opponents he has jailed for months “USA” and “Four more years” for a conversation about his political throughout the address last- course. “I am trying to convince not ing just under 20 minutes. only your supporters but the whole Badly trailing his 77-year- of society that one needs to look at old Democratic rival Joe Bi- things more broadly,” he said in a Qatar’s Nasser Saleh al-Attiyah (right) and French co-driver Mathieu Baumel celebrate their win in Andalucia den in the polls less than four Trump gestures from a White House balcony towards video snippet. Page 8 Rally in Villamartin, Spain, yesterday. (Red Bull Content Pool) Sport Page 1 weeks from Election Day, supporters gathered on the South Lawn for a campaign rally. Gulf Times 2 Sunday, October 11, 2020 QATAR

3rd Drama Writers Forum to be held in November

The Ministry of Culture and Sports will hold the two-day third edition of Drama Writers Forum Amir sends written message to Panama’s president on Nov 11 via social media and videoconferencing. The forum is an opportunity for those in charge of Arab culture and creativity to discuss and review the nation’s issues through His Highness the Amir drama and the cultural change in society. Also, it contributes to creating a state of mobility Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad and awareness among writers, in addition to forming positive reflections on the drama in al-Thani sent a written general. In a brief statement yesterday, the ministry said that the winners of the Doha Prize for message to Panama’s Dramatic Writing will be announced after the end of the forum on Nov 13. The first edition of President Laurentino the forum was held in 2018. The second was held in 2019 under the title, “major perceptions in Cortizo, pertaining to Arab drama between the current intellectual content and the horizon of aesthetic experience,” bilateral relations and ways with the participation of academics, artists, writers, and critics from 14 Arab countries. to promote and develop them. The message was handed over by Qatar’s ambassador to Panama Saad bin Mubarak al- Nuaimi, during his meeting with Panamanian Minister of Foreign Aff airs Alejandro Amazing Ferrer. Opportunity Minister opens expanded Prime Building day care unit at NCCCR For Sale E the Minister of Public provision through the addition of Health Dr Hanan Moham- ten new beds for Medical Oncology,” Hed al-Kuwari has formally said Dr Mohamed Salem al-Hassan, opened the expanded Day Care Unit medical director of NCCCR. In Wadi Alsail at the National Center for Cancer As part of the improvement pro- Care and Research (NCCCR). gramme, the Outpatient Depart- “Despite the pressure placed on ment has seen signifi cant transfor- the healthcare system due to Cov- mation, as Dr Noora al-Hammadi, Nice view of Al Dafna id-19 since the start of the year, we deputy medical director and chair of have not taken our focus off other Radiation Oncology explained. services. The expansion of the Day “With Qatar’s population con- Care Unit is a wonderful example tinuing to increase, we are treating • Built on 880 sqm of the hard work that has been done greater numbers of cancer patients away from Covid-19 to ensure that each year. To manage this demand, • Prime location on the main street all our patients receive the highest we have added three more clinics to quality care. The new unit provides the Outpatient Department: Pain a signifi cant expansion in capacity Management and Palliative Care and off ers an improved experience The National Center for Cancer Care and Research. Clinic, Pharmacy Lead Clinic, and No Brokers/Agents for all day care patients,” said HE Dr a Psychotherapy Clinic. We have al-Kuwari. enhance services, Hamad Medical Day Care Unit. The Day Care Unit also signifi cantly improved access to In addition to formally opening Corporation said in a statement yes- has greatly expanded, from 16 to 52 cancer care across Qatar through the For more information, call the expanded Day Care Unit, Dr al- terday. “This has been a four-month beds, which will positively impact establishment of 37 clinics outside Kuwari also visited NCCCR’s Urgent journey of service improvement in the care provided to patients, most NCCCR, in the Ambulatory Care Care Unit and Outpatient Depart- NCCCR, which has resulted in sig- notably the chemotherapy services Center, Al Wakra Hospital, Al Khor 66031440 / 33770468 ment, both of which have under- nifi cant upgrades to the Urgent Care that have been enhanced. We have Hospital and the Women’s Wellness gone work to expand capacity and Unit, Outpatient Department and also enhanced our inpatient care and Research Center.” MoPH reports 124,767 total Covid recoveries z The ministry said measures to tackle Covid-19 in Qatar have succeeded in flattening the curve and limiting the spread of the virus and the number of new daily cases and hospital admissions are continuing to decline each week

QNA Doha

he Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) announced yesterday, T178 new confi rmed cases of coronavirus (Covid-19) during the last 24 hours, of which 168 are from com- munity cases and 10 from travellers re- turning from abroad who are subject to quarantine. The MoPH also recorded 208 re- coveries from the virus during the past 24 hours, bringing the total number of cases recovered in Qatar to 124,767. The MoPH issued a statement on Covid-19 developments in Qatar, which stated that all new cases have been introduced to isolation and are receiving necessary healthcare according to their health status. The ministry said measures to tackle Covid-19 in Qatar have suc- ceeded in flattening the curve and limiting the spread of the virus and the number of new daily cases and hospital admissions are continuing to decline each week. Qatar’s proactive and extensive testing of suspected cases has ena- bled the MoPH to identify a high number of positive cases in the com- munity. Qatar has one of the lowest Cov- id-19 death rates in the world. This is a result of: zVery high quality of care provided through the public healthcare sector z Qatar’s young population countries around the world.” with elderly family members or those z Proactive testing to identify cas- Avoid close contact with others, with chronic diseases, ensure to wash es early crowded places and confined closed hands regularly, wear a mask and z Expanding hospital capacity, es- spaces where people congregate. Now maintain social and physical distanc- pecially intensive care, to ensure pa- more than ever, we must be careful ing. tients receive the medical care and protect the most vulnerable. Anyone suff ering from Covid-19 z Protecting the elderly and those While the restrictions of Covid-19 symptoms should either contact with chronic diseases are gradually being lifted in Qatar, 16000 helpline or go directly to one of Even though restrictions are be- it is important for everyone to play the designated health centres to un- ing lifted, and numbers are declining, their role in controlling the virus by dergo the necessary checks at Muaith- this does not mean that the Covid-19 following the precautionary meas- er, Rawdat Al Khail, Umm Slal, or Al pandemic is over in Qatar, as people ures: Gharrafa health centres. continue to be admitted with moder- „ Adherence to physical distancing This is important as the earlier the ate to severe Covid-19 symptoms. „ Wearing a face mask disease is detected, the easier it will be “Unless we follow all precaution- „ Washing hands regularly to receive the right treatment and re- ary measures, we may experience Most importantly, it is vital that we cover from it. a second wave of the virus and see continue to protect the elderly and The MoPH has urged people to visit numbers increasing, as there are al- those with chronic medical condi- its website for regular updates and new ready signs of this happening in other tions. When spending time at home information. Gulf Times Sunday, October 11, 2020 3 Attractive Investment Opportunity QATAR 24 Luxurious Townhouses for sale at the Pearl The Pearl Porto Arabia Ooredoo to hold Different Sizes From 116.50 to 474 sqm Qatar’s fi rst 5G Full Sea View 1, 2, 3 & 4 BedRooms virtual hackathon • Semi-Furnished & Fully Rented oredoo has announced Qatar’s fi rst 5G virtual hackathon, in Opartnership with universities and technology leaders. The Ooredoo 5G Hackathon is de- • Private Balcony with full sea view signed to give the brightest thinkers and innovators a platform through which entrepreneurial ideas can be developed, the company has said in a statement. • Built in Wardrobes It aims to develop Ooredoo’s entre- preneurship programme, lead and de- velop 5G and ICT innovation, and edu- cate local institutions on Ooredoo’s 5G investment and market potential, the • Spacious Living and Dining Area with full sea view statement notes. Educational partners include Carn- egie Mellon University in Qatar, Ha- mad Bin Khalifa University’s College of Science and Engineering, and Qatar a vertical market; and EduTech with tion. Our 5G virtual hackathon aims • Central A/C – Qatar Cool University’s College of Business and corporate learning, STEM innovations, to develop our entrepreneurship pro- Economics and College of Engineer- post-Covid-19 and environmental gramme, continue our 5G leadership ing. awareness. and educate local institutions on the Business partners are Ericsson, Each of the four winning teams will potential of 5G.” Microsoft, Qatar Business Incuba- receive a pre-seed investment of up to Prospective participants can learn • Covered Dedicated Parking tion Centre, Thales, Mada, Oracle, QR25,000 to develop a Minimum Vi- more about the 5G virtual hackathon, Supreme Committee for Delivery & able Product (MVP) and run a valida- and also learn more about use case Legacy - Challenge 22, Google Devel- tion sprint. examples from partners, at a series of opment Group - Doha, Qatar Financial Winning teams will be integrated awareness sessions from October 11 to Centre, WISE Accelerator, Zoom and into the Lean Start-up Programme November 10. • No Brokers/Agents Seventh.AI. (LSP 14) to further validate and de- “Our 5G hackathon will support The 5G virtual hackathon, to be velop their MVP and pitch at the Final business and innovation by enhanc- held from November 12-14, is set to Demo Day in December. ing our ICT leadership and developing host hundreds of university students, Winners will also have the opportu- new 5G service capabilities. We will For Sale as one lot only industry professionals, startups and nity to be incubated by Ooredoo’s Dig- also share insights with Qatar’s local Ooredoo employees. ital & Beyond Incubator and gain ac- institutions on how 5G can transform Participants will develop solutions cess to additional funding and in-kind the market, and identify talents to join across four focus areas: Smart X, in- support of up to QR250,000, as well as our entrepreneurship programme,” he cluding smart energy grids and en- getting the opportunity to fast-track added. ergy management, health, ports and to piloting of their MVP with Ooredoo Participants can learn more about logistics, transport and agro tech; ecosystem partners. the 5G virtual hackathon and regis- For more information Please call: sports tech with eSports, wellness Ooredoo CEO Sheikh Mohamed bin ter by visiting https://www.ooredoo. and coaching and Challenge 22; media Abdulla al-Thani said, “5G is a rapidly qa/5g-virtual-hackathon. Registra- and entertainment, including Oore- evolving mobile technology that can tion closes on November 1, with the doo tv, advertising and content, gam- supercharge Qatar’s nationwide digital virtual hackathon going live on No- 66031440 / 33770468 ing, Fintech and digital challenges for transformation economic diversifi ca- vember 12-14. Gulf Times 4 Sunday, October 11, 2020 QATAR Qeeri workshop promotes use of hydrogen energy atar Environment and The workshop brought togeth- international co-operation to and Alternative Fuels at the In- Energy Research Insti- er leading international experts ensure that hydrogen technology ternational Energy Agency, said: Qtute (Qeeri) at Hamad and national stakeholders from is scaled up and rolled out, and “Hydrogen could play a key role Bin Khalifa University recently the public, private, academic and for markets to be created for the in the energy transition, espe- organised an international work- industry sectors. end product.” cially in hard-to-abate sectors shop titled The Hydrogen Energy The Hydrogen Energy Oppor- “Qatar is already playing a where direct electrifi cation will Opportunity for Qatar. tunity for Qatar also refl ected global role in the energy transi- be challenging and sustainable Participants of the workshop. The two-day event sought the unprecedented attention tion as a major supplier of the biomass availability will not be to inform stakeholders on the currently being paid to hydrogen cleanest fossil fuel and is tak- able to meet energy demands.” players have an opportunity to tar al-Taie opened the event “It is absolutely imperative country’s hydrogen energy op- energy as well as global eff orts to ing assertive steps to reduce the “However, this will require to dominate the future world of while Dr Marc Vermeersch, the that we combine forces and work portunities, promote discussions harness its full potential. greenhouse gas footprint of the signifi cantly expand hydrogen hydrogen if they lay the right executive director of the Qeeri, collectively to achieve the targets regarding a national strategy, and Dr Marcello Contestabile, LNG (liquefi ed natural gas) it de- use and, at the same time, switch strategy,” noted Yousef al-Jaber, highlighted the institute’s com- set forth by the Qatar National facilitate international collabo- principal economist at the Qeeri livers through methane manage- hydrogen production to low- vice-president of Innovation mitment towards supporting Qa- Vision 2030,” Vermeersch said. ration in the areas of policy, busi- and chair of the workshop, ex- ment and CCS (carbon capture carbon routes,” he said. “This is & Change Management at To- tar diversify its energy mix. “The Hydrogen Energy Opportu- ness and research. plained: “There is a growing and storage),” he said. “Hydrogen not an easy endeavour and will tal E&P Qatar. “Therefore, the The round table discussions nity for Qatar workshop provided The event saw the participa- international consensus that will allow the country to take this require a lot of collaboration and workshop organised by the Qeeri saw active participation from a platform not just for knowledge tion of more than 50 delegates hydrogen has a key role to play further and continue to profi t co-ordination at all levels and, is coming at the best time for all representatives of all key oil and sharing and learning global best from eight countries – Japan, in a deeply decarbonised energy from its endowment of natural especially, at international level.” the stakeholders in the energy gas companies in Qatar, as well as practices, but also to discuss how Australia, the US, the UK, Ger- system. gas in a low carbon world.” “Hydrogen is a key milestone sector.” international research and policy each of us can contribute towards many, France, Switzerland, and “Conversely, there is also a Dr Jose M Bermudez, energy in the future to supply decar- Qatar National Research Fund institutions, industrial organisa- building a robust and effi cient Qatar. need for large investments and technology analyst in Hydrogen bonised gas and LNG. Today the executive director Dr Abdul Sat- tions, and consultancy fi rms. strategy for Qatar.” QU-H, HMC collaborate to train health workers

atar University Health (QU-H) contin- a real challenge for all healthcare professionals; presented during the session. ued with its Continuing Professional there is new information emerging all the time, He said: “The healthcare system in Qatar em- QDevelopment (CPD) initiatives with which aff ects the way we deliver healthcare. ploys international experts in every sector; it is a webinar for healthcare professionals from “It is, therefore, essential that healthcare staff imperative that we capitalise on this very valu- across Qatar, aimed at supporting educational can read and understand the latest reported evi- able resource in developing initiatives such as and training needs in the area of research skills. dence and use it to benefi t their patients.” this CPD series.” The recently-held event welcomed more than Dr Daniel Rainkie, clinical lecturer at the QU- “We will all benefi t from this collaboration – 90 participants and represented the fi rst of a H’s College of Pharmacy, presented at the event healthcare workers, educators and the public,” six-part series in research skills that has been and suggested that following this CPD series, he added. co-designed in partnership with experts from participants can use the skills that they have Dr Mujahed Shraim, assistant professor in Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC). acquired to seek opportunities to initiate their epidemiology at the QU-H’s College of Health The session focused on the fi rst step in the re- own research studies. Sciences, was the third presenter on the topic of search process – the study design and develop- Participants from all health professions at- study designs, and highlighted that “we made ing a research question. tended the interactive session, delivered by a the webinar as interactive as possible for the Further sessions will focus on other essential panel of three experts from the QU-H and the audience using quizzes throughout our talks steps in the research process. HMC. to help everyone assimilate the knowledge im- This CPD series intends to equip healthcare This collaboration developed following stra- parted”. professionals with the necessary instruction tegic meetings held to identify the important Further CPD series have been planned in col- to embark on their own research projects and learning needs of healthcare workers in Qatar. laboration with both healthcare and educational expertise to interpret published studies, Qatar A snapshot from the webinar featuring QU-H and HMC experts. Subsequent work has been conducted to set institutes in Qatar, and will be delivered over the University (QU) has said in a statement. up sub-committees made up of local experts to coming months. The series was planned specifi cally at this The highly-contagious coronavirus causes reported in published studies to deliver the best design and deliver specifi c training targeted to The QU-H has also extended its invitation time, when an increasing volume of health liter- the Covid-19 respiratory disease. possible care for patients, the statement notes. address the learning needs identifi ed. for attendance to an international audience ature is being published on optimal patient care, It is essential that healthcare professionals QU-H CPD co-ordinator Dr Zachariah Nazar Prof Guillaume Alinier, the director of re- through off ering open-access live-streaming of especially during the coronavirus pandemic. can understand and utilise emerging evidence said: “The uncertainty of Covid-19 represents search at the HMC’s Ambulance Service, also these events on its YouTube channel. Doha Festival City announces Kids Club arts competition

oha Festival City (DHFC) has on Doha Festival City’s social media Mark’s & Spencer during the month announced an exclusive arts platforms on October 18. following the winners’ announce- Dcompetition, “Show us your Winners of the competition will ment. hygiene routine through your art”, receive special awards from the DH- “Through this contest, Doha Fes- for members of the Kids Club. FC’s host of retailers and F&B out- tival City seeks to reward kids with The contest is open for registra- lets, including Carluccio’s, Maison artistic skills, as part of its com- “We hope this fun contest will tion until October 15. de Sushi, and Mark’s & Spencer. mitment to Doha’s arts scene and involve more families in the mall’s The competition aims to raise Carluccio’s will invite the winners to create fun memories that can be unique experience,” he said. awareness among children about to visit the restaurant between noon shared with families,” the statement Open to children aged up to 12 the importance of hygiene meas- and 9pm any day until October 30 notes. years, the DHFC’s Kids Club off ers ures, the DHFC has said in a state- with a dedicated voucher. Doha Festival City general man- fun and engaging activities, as well ment. Maison de Sushi will off er special ager Robert Hall said: “Creating as a host of off ers and rewards as Kids Club members can register meals that the winners can enjoy memories is an integral part of Doha part of its free loyalty programme. by submitting their artwork at bit. directly in the restaurant during a Festival City’s brand identity. The Kids Club now has more than ly/kidsclubart2020, showcasing one-month period. “We hope that kids will remember 17,000 members who enjoy VIP ac- their hygiene routine through draw- Mark’s & Spencer will give away those special moments spent with cess to all DHFC events and exclu- ing. special Kids Snack Hampers vouch- their families, and the fun activities sive discounts on select shops for The winners will be announced ers, which are to be collected from they enjoyed.” children and families.

WISE plans to launch edtech testbed in Education City

From Page 1 cate those needs and capacities,” she said. “In the future, the types of data collected “Over the last couple of months, dis- by edtech will likely provide an opportu- rupted routines for both students and their nity for parents to observe the incremental families have created a great deal of anxiety progress made by students over a term and over how students will be reintroduced to perhaps even empower them to act on that classrooms and what will be asked of par- data, but for now the focus should be on the ents to support them,” she said. basics.” “Since the beginning of school closures Basma also stated that during the coro- earlier in the year, many parents have strug- navirus pandemic, it became clear that tra- gled to maintain their own motivation and ditional, linear structures of learning were well-being,” she added. “While it’s impor- not suitable for the blended learning ap- tant to work closely with parents over the proaches that schools are trying to imple- coming weeks to ensure students are en- ment. gaging with learning online, it’s also key to “The greatest potential for technology remember that there are limits to what we now lies in its ability to help educators re- can achieve.” imagine what modern education looks like,” Basma felt that both teachers and parents the offi cial said. should be realistic about their expectations “We could even use the digital space to about the students. reimagine higher education further, by de- “Our expectations of one another should livering course modules based on subscrip- remain realistic, and it will be the respon- tion, which could help solve major issues sibility of both sides to clearly communi- around equity and access,” she added. Gulf Times Sunday, October 11, 2020 5 QATAR

QRCS, QFFD enhance capacity of health workers in Syria

nder the ‘Quest – Health 2020’ initiative Ufunded by Qatar Fund for Development (QFFD), Qatar Red Crescent Society (QRCS) is implementing a programme to enhance the capacity of health workers in northern Syria. The scheme is aimed at back- ing the health sector with a high-calibre workforce to en- sure the continued provision of medical services for about 4mn underserved population. By ex- tension, this will help address the shortage in specialised medical professionals, improve the quality of medical services, The ‘Warmth and Peace’ campaign enabled QC to deliver assistance to some 1,247,546 refugees, displaced and reduce mortality, morbid- persons and needy people in 13 countries, at a total cost of over QR57mn. ity and disability rates, QRCS has said in a statement. This two-year programme falls under the life-saving med- ical support project for Syrian women and children. There is also another programme to up- More than 1.2mn grade and unify the health data collection, analysis and man- agement systems used by the health directorates and human- The scheme is aimed at backing the health sector with a high-calibre workforce to ensure the itarian organisations operating continued provision of medical services for the 4mn underserved population. there. Under the programme, the cians, healthcare administra- benefi t from Academy of Health Sciences in tion and health policy special- Idlib is receiving multifaceted ists, and decision-makers in the support. First, 125 students are health sector. trained in several specialisa- Launched in April, the pro- tions, such as nursing, physi- gramme will last until May otherapy and health emergen- 2022. By then, all the students, Qatar Charity’s cy. Also, its resident doctors physicians and health decision- programme, which enrols 20 makers would have graduated multispeciality physicians, is to begin serving the community supported to supply the health and internally displaced people. sector with the needed special- For years now, the northern isations. governorates of Syria have been winter outreach Currently, 44 personnel experiencing terrible living from the health directorates conditions. z ‘Warmth and Peace’ campaign benefited vulnerable in 13 countries are attending intensive train- The health sector has been ing courses as part of the fi eld subject to systematic destruc- atar Charity (QC) has a total cost of over QR57mn, the Immediately after its launch, epidemiology and public health tion, and hospitals have become said its ‘Warmth and statement noted. As part of the the campaign managed to send programme. military targets. As a result, a QPeace’ campaign ben- 2019-20 winter campaign, Qa- six trucks loaded with winter For the fi rst time in this part severe gap in qualifi ed medi- efi ted more than 1.2mn people in tar Charity provided relief, food, supplies to be distributed to Syr- of the country, six MA scholar- cal professionals has emerged, 13 countries last winter. shelter and health aid, in addition ian refugees and low-income ships are available at a globally most of whom have left the In a statement yesterday, QC to delivering winter assistance Jordanian families in the Amman prestigious university to join country. said it dedicates campaigns to and extending social cohesion and governorate, as well as to Pales- distance learning programmes With the Covid-19 outbreak, provide winter essentials needed livelihood support. tinian refugees in Talbieh camp in on public health, epidemiology there are growing concerns by the vulnerable before the sea- The campaign focused on the Madaba governorate in southern and health policy, the statement about a looming humanitarian son approaches with its bitter aff ected in countries like Syria Jordan, benefi ting 16,000 people. noted. These scholarships will disaster due to lack of medical cold, heavy rain and harsh snow- and Palestine, which are going Under the ‘For Humanity’ ini- be granted to profi cient physi- resources, the statement added. fall. through exceptional circum- tiative, assistance worth QR11mn Qatar Charity launched the stances. It also concentrated on were distributed to refugees in 2019-20 winter campaign, the underprivileged in countries Iraq, Yemen and Jordan, in co- ‘Warmth and Peace’ from the Syr- where temperatures fall below operation between Qatar Char- ian and Palestinian refugee camps zero degree Celsius. ity and UNHCR. Besides, winter in Jordan. The campaign received The campaign targeted refu- bags were distributed to orphans a huge response from philan- gees, the displaced and the needy in nine countries. thropists, both male and female, in Palestine, Syria, Kyrgyzstan, Food aid and comprehensive in Qatar. It enabled QC to de- Pakistan, India, Kosovo, Albania, relief supplies were provided to liver assistance to some 1,247,546 Bosnia and Herzegovina, Ethio- Rohingya refugee families in In- refugees, displaced persons and pia, Lebanon, Jordan, Tunisia and dia, benefi ting 4,792 people, while needy people in 13 countries, at Myanmar. winter essentials were provided for 19,658 people in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kyrgyzstan, Kos- ovo and Albania. In India, food baskets and winter clothes were distributed to the poor and needy, benefi ting 33,830 people. “Qatar Charity is keen to in- tervene immediately and urgently to alleviate the suff ering of the displaced and refugees living in camps, especially in Lebanon and within Syria, where they face cat- astrophic situations during win- ter,” the statement added. Qatar’s embassy delivers Qatar affi rms support to international community for tackling digital piracy medical assistance to Mexico QNA and not to misuse it to achieve rum from October 5-7 under the New York special goals and political gains theme, “The Future of Arabic that contribute to undermining Content on the Internet”, which QNA security and stability. was organised by the Ministry Mexico City atar has affi rmed that He added that Qatar attaches of Transport and Communi- it will continue to work great importance to promot- cations in co-operation with Qwith the international ing the positive aspect of using the League of Arab States, the atar’s embassy in Mex- community to confront digital innovative technology in a way United Nations Economic and ico City has delivered piracy due to its dire eff ects, and that achieves a human-centred Social Commission for Western Qmedical aid provided by called for strengthening cyber- and inclusive society. He also Asia (ESCWA), and the Interna- Qatar Charity to Mexico, and to security and providing a safe revealed the success of Qatar, tional Telecommunication Un- specifi cally the state of Puebla electronic environment. since the beginning of the coro- ion (ITU). and the municipality of Neza- Addressing the Economic and navirus (Covid-19) pandemic, in The statement noted that Qatar hualcoyotl, as a contribution in Financial Committee (Second providing distance education to has made great strides in building the eff orts to combat the coro- Committee) of the UN General students without any interrup- and developing the information navirus (Covid-19). Assembly at its 75th session, on tion for all educational stages, and communication technology Mexico’s Deputy Secretary Item 17 entitled, “Information at a time when the pandemic sector and in the digital transfor- of Foreign Aff airs for Multilat- and Communications Technolo- caused inevitability of distance mation, stressing the endeavour eral Aff airs Martha Delgado, gies for Development,” Second education. of Qatar Science and Technology Secretary of Economy in the Secretary at the Permanent Del- Al-Kuwari noted that the Park, a member of Qatar Founda- State Government of Puebla Off icials pose for a photo. egation of Qatar to the United Ministry of Transport and Com- tion for Education, Science and Olivia Salomon Vivaldo, Mayor Nations Ahmed bin Saif al- munications in Qatar seeks to Community Development, and a of Nisawalcoiotel Juan de la a clear example of the impor- pandemic. He referred to the of hope in the current diffi cult Kuwari said Qatar was exposed build an active and safe sector pioneering centre incubating in- Rosa, and several offi cials were tance of relations between the assistance provided by Qatar to pandemic circumstances, and to a cyber piracy crime in 2017, that contributes to the promo- novative technology projects, to present at the aid delivery. two countries in the face of the a large number of countries to referred to the Qatari foreign which was the starting point for tion of a diversifi ed national support research, innovation and In the speech on the occa- current diffi cult circumstances, confront the pandemic and its policy, which is considered an imposition of an unjust blockade economy, by promoting digital the spirit of leadership. sion, Delgado expressed her and also expressed her thanks continuous co-operation with ideal embodiment of the wise and illegal measures, and which and cybersecurity initiatives of The statement also highlighted thanks and gratitude to Qatar to Qatar Charity, the embassy, Mexico and its friendly people. leadership’s directives and the presented a fl agrant violation of the government, referring in this the role carried out by the Qatar and its wise leadership on be- and the organisations that con- On behalf of the people and Qatar National Vision 2030. human rights and international regard to the initiatives launched Computing Research Institute in half of Mexican Secretary of tributed to the delivery of the government of Puebla, Vivaldo Mayor de la Rosa also law. by the ministry on cybersecurity conducting research in several Foreign Aff airs Marcelo Ebrard aid shipment. also thanked Qatar and Qatar thanked Qatar for the aid from Al-Kuwari said Qatar affi rms that aim to protect the systems areas, including cybersecurity, and referred to the contin- In a speech on the occasion, Charity for the support and as- Qatar Charity, which will allow the importance of ensuring that and the infrastructure of infor- and providing valuable solutions ued support of Qatar and the Qatar’s ambassador to Mexico sistance provided to the people the people to confront the pan- scientifi c progress in informa- mation technology and commu- to technological challenges, as friendly relations between the Mohamed bin Jassim al-Kuwari of her state. demic, recalling the food aid tion technology and artifi cial nications of Qatar. well as supporting the build- two countries. stressed the importance of co- She emphasised that Qatar’s previously provided by the em- intelligence is used to achieve He added that Qatar hosted ing of innovative and technical She said Qatar’s support is operation amid the Covid-19 assistance represents a window bassy for low-income families. development and prosperity, the 4th Arab Digital Content Fo- capabilities of Qatar. Gulf Times 6 Sunday, October 11, 2020 QATAR

Jaguar XE updated with new connected technologies

he Jaguar XE now features To enable instantaneous start- terials throughout. Everything, the latest connected tech- up, Pivi Pro has a dedicated from the instrument panel top- Tnologies, with the state- power source, so is ready to use per and console sides to the of-the-art Pivi Pro dual-sim in- as soon as customers get behind door armrest and lower cabin, is fotainment system ensuring that the wheel. wrapped in tactile materials for the XE “is always connected”. This is all underpinned by Jag- improved comfort. “The intuitive new interface uar’s next-generation Electronic A new split-rim steering wheel makes it easier for drivers to view Vehicle Architecture, dubbed design further emphasises the information and perform fre- EVA 2.0, which supports further attention to detail within the quently used functions on the new technologies to ensure the cabin. Elsewhere throughout move,” Alfardan Premier Motors future-ready vehicle is always the cabin, details include an Co, the offi cial retailer of Jaguar connected and up-to-date. embossed Jaguar Leaper on the Land Rover vehicles in Qatar, said A collection of new conven- headrests and a new quilt design in a press statement. ience technologies includes Soft- is available for the seating. Focused detailed changes to ware-Over-The-Air (Sota) ca- Enhanced Cabin Air Ionisa- the interior add further luxurious pability, which ensures the XE is tion improves interior air quality touches, including an updated always using the latest software. through Nanoe technology, which seat design, while the new split- All XE models are available with Jaguar’s eight-speed automatic Keeping the vehicle updated in removes allergens and unpleas- rim steering wheel design with A view of the interior. transmission and rear- or all-wheel drive. this way means that owners don’t ant odours. The system now also metal gear shift paddles deliver a have to visit retailers in order to features PM2.5 fi ltration, which more engaging look and feel, the updated Jaguar XE features a se- Both feature the latest engine 100km/h in 5.9 seconds). show full screen navigation map- receive the latest software. captures ultra-fi ne particles – in- statement notes. lection of enhancements, which technologies, including a twin The XE features Jaguar’s lat- ping with turn-by-turn instruc- Pivi Pro connectivity is provided cluding PM2.5 particulates – to The new XE is available with make it an even better choice for scroll turbocharger and Con- est Pivi Pro infotainment sys- tions, digital dials, media, con- by embedded dual-SIM capability, improve occupant health and well- the latest 250PS and 300PS pet- buyers. The cutting-edge tech- tinuous Variable Valve Lift, for tem, accessed through the seam- tact list or infotainment details. with two LTE modems enabling being. The customer activates the rol engines. nologies, such as our new Pivi a strong combination of refi ned lessly integrated 10-inch central Working in conjunction with the system to carry out multiple system simply by pressing the ‘Pu- All XE models are available Pro infotainment system and lat- performance and effi ciency. touchscreen, while the 5.5-inch the latest Head-up Display tech- functions at the same time, such as rify’ button. with Jaguar’s eight-speed auto- est Cabin Air Ionisation technol- The 250PS petrol engine de- lower touchscreen, also powered nology, XE gives drivers all the streaming media and downloading The exterior, extensively up- matic transmission and rear- or ogies, provide greater connectiv- livers fuel economy of up to by the new Pivi technology, com- information they need without Sota updates, without compro- dated when the new XE was in- all-wheel drive. The full power- ity, convenience and well-being 35.6mpg (7.9 l/100km), from bines two multi-functional LED distraction. mising performance. troduced last year, features the train range is as follows: petrol for all for occupants.” CO2 emissions of 179g/km and rotary controllers for intuitive The intuitive new infotain- For enhanced convenience, same wide grille and bumper - 250PS 2.0-litre four-cylinder Petrol customers can choose 0-60mph in 6.4 seconds (0- operation of key vehicle func- ment system features Apple Car- the second-generation wear- design, delivering a planted ap- turbo, eight-speed automatic, between the 250PS and 300PS 100km/h in 6.7 seconds). tions. Play as standard and allows cus- able Activity Key can be used to pearance. RWD/AWD; and 300PS 2.0-litre versions of the Ingenium 2.0-li- The powerful 300PS engine To help drivers access vital in- tomers to connect two phones lock, unlock and start the vehicle All XE models are available four-cylinder turbo, eight-speed tre four-cylinder petrol engine, – exclusively mated to Jaguar’s formation quickly, the 12.3-inch simultaneously via Bluetooth. without the need for the conven- with the enhanced Black Exterior automatic, AWD. available for the 2020 model intelligent all-wheel drive system HD Interactive Driver Display Android Auto and Baidu CarLife tional key fob. Pack, which delivers a stealthier Colin Kirkpatrick, chief prod- year, which produce 365Nm and - is able to propel the XE from gets enhanced graphics and a are also available as standard de- XE’s luxurious interior retains appearance with bespoke ele- uct engineer at Jaguar, said: “The 400Nm of torque, respectively. 0-60mph in 5.6 seconds (0- confi gurable layout, which can pending on market applicability. soft-touch and authentic ma- ments fi nished in Gloss Black. Tamuq designs protective shield for student desks

lightweight plastic shield designed by Texas A&M AUniversity at Qatar (Ta- muq), a Qatar Foundation part- talabat mart has started operations at three locations in Doha. ner university, could protect students in Qatar’s classrooms from Covid-19. The Ministry of Education and Higher Education (MoE- talabat launches HE) and the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) are evaluating the Shield Box project, an initia- tive led by Dr Mohamed Gharib q-commerce store and sponsored by the Offi ce of Engagement at Tamuq, the uni- versity said in a statement. alabat, the leading food and widen its delivery area to be able Covid-19 has had a tremen- grocery delivery app, has an- to service more customers. dous eff ect on human daily ac- tnounced the launch of tala- Francisco De Sousa, managing tivities in terms of health and bat mart in Qatar. director of talabat Qatar, believes economy, Dr Gharib said, with talabat mart is the organi- this is a “watershed moment” for the education sector being sig- sation’s Quick Commerce (q- grocery delivery in Qatar, with nifi cantly aff ected by the virus. commerce) concept, delivering talabat mart being the major Schools have been suspended groceries to customers within 30 point of diff erence in a competi- and a signifi cant part of the minutes, 24/7, the company has tive market. 2019-2020 academic year was said in a statement. “Just as we redefi ned food de- converted into online education “Q-commerce is talabat’s next livery, today, we are revolution- to continue student learning big play in defi ning how cus- ising grocery delivery as well! while protecting the health and tomers order online, and aims talabat mart is the next big in- safety of students and teachers. to revolutionise the grocery de- novation for grocery delivery in “Returning students to the livery market. Operating diff er- Qatar. The ability to have your classroom is essential as long as ently to traditional bricks and groceries delivered in 30 min- extra precautions are taken to A set of shield boxes has been installed in an independent school for evaluation. mortar supermarkets, talabat’s utes, 24/7 and with free deliv- protect students from infection. q-commerce store, talabat mart, ery, is unparalleled and no other Any precaution action would been cut to the specifi c dimen- easily cleaned and sanitised us- evaluation in co-ordination ted to public service, it is our does not have a shopfront, and service can off er this,” he said. reduce the chances of infection sions of student desks at various ing standard cleaning materials. with the MoEHE, and the MoPH privilege to be able to help is delivery-only. This allows the Keeping in mind that safety transfer between students in the schools. The shield box concept has is also evaluating the shield protect students in classrooms concept to focus on rapid order remains the top priority in the school,” the Tamuq statement Predetermined folding lines already been applied in some boxes for possible approval to be throughout Qatar from the fulfi llment, more shelf space for community, talabat makes sure noted. are engraved in the plastic sheet countries where high popula- used in all Qatar schools. coronavirus,” Dr Bazzi said. a wider variety, safety and af- that all staff members who are Led by Dr Gharib, the low- so that teachers and students tions exist, Dr Gharib said. The Dr Hassan S Bazzi, associate “The fight against Covid-19 fordability,” the statement ex- picking groceries at the ware- cost shield box can be mounted can fold and unfold the boxes to Qatar version of the shield box dean for research and advance- is an international endeavour plains. house, as well as the riders, wear on student desks in Qatar’s move from one location to an- is customised to fi t to desks in ment, said the boxes are part of that we all contribute to, and talabat mart, which was masks and gloves, use sanitisers classrooms to protect students other if needed. The shield box’s Qatar schools and can be made Texas A&M at Qatar’s contribu- we are proud to partner with launched in Kuwait late last year, - as well as have their tempera- while they are at their desks. The clear solid walls prevent the from local resources. A set of tions to Qatar’s fi ght to protect the Ministry of Education and has started operations at three ture checked - and fully disinfect shield boxes are made of light- transfer of any droplets through shield boxes has been installed its people from Covid-19. Higher Education to protect locations in Doha and is eye- and sanitise stores regularly, the weight plastic sheets that have the material, and the plastic is in an independent school for “As an institution commit- the community here in Qatar.” ing quick expansion in order to statement adds.

Doha Municipality closes food kiosk Canadian education fair on for violating law Oct 14 to be virtual event oha Municipality, rep- he Canadian embassy in pared to previous years.” resented by the Health Qatar has announced that She said “Canada consist- DControl Department, has Tthe annual EduCanada ently ranks as one of the best closed a food kiosk at Al Duhail Fair will take place on October 14 countries in the world to live, for 30 days. with a large virtual group of 60 and our schools off er academic The action was taken after the Canadian universities and col- qualifi cations respected around kiosk was found to be violating leges. the world. I am proud to say that the law regulating human food Due to the ongoing Covid-19 the ‘warm and friendly’ stere- control. pandemic, this year’s event will otype about Canadians is true. In an offi cial statement, the take place virtually on an ad- When you come to Canada, you Ministry of Municipality and vanced platform that mimics a will fi nd a welcoming country Environment (MME) said that it traditional fair and allows for with a unique Canadian culture had received a complaint stating direct interaction with recruit- that embraces diversity. Canada that food from the kiosk had an ers and representatives from is considered one of the safest unpleasant odour. schools. countries in the world for inter- An inspector found there The aim of the EduCanada Fair national students.” was a change in the colour is to promote study opportuni- Students and parents are in- in the food due to poor stor- ties in Canada, the embassy has Canadian ambassador to Qatar vited to participate in the Edu- age and lack of commitment said in a statement. Prospective Stefanie McCollum. Canada Virtual Fair on October in marking expiry dates on students and parents in Qatar can 14, from 5pm to 9pm. foodstuff. learn about education options in Canadian ambassador to Qa- Registration can be done at The inspection also found Canada and interact virtually tar Stefanie McCollum said: https://educanadavirtual.com/ that two of the three workers with a diverse mix of institutions “The embassy is keen to pro- middle-east at the kiosk did not have health from across Canada. mote Canada as a study desti- Additional information can certifi cates. Questions related to the ad- nation to students and parents also be found on the Canadian An administrative decision to mission process, programmes of here in Qatar. This year’s virtual embassy’s Facebook page at ht- close down the outlet was taken study, campus life and visas will format allows for double the tps://www.facebook.com/Can- and implemented. The food kiosk that was shut by the MME. be addressed. number of institutions com- adainQatar Gulf Times Sunday, October 11, 2020 7 REGION/ARAB WORLD/AFRICA/ASIA

LEGAL POLITICS UNREST HEALTH RIGHTS Bangladesh weighs death Taiwan urges China to Woman planning suicide Australia reports no Namibian anti-femicide penalty for rapists ‘never seek hegemony’ attack held in Philippines Covid-19 deaths for third day protesters met with teargas

Protests rocked Bangladesh yesterday as hundreds Taiwan’s leader yesterday appealed to her Chi- An Indonesian woman suspected of planning a Australia recorded no coronavirus deaths for a Namibian police yesterday fired teargas, rubber of people took to the streets to demand justice nese counterpart Xi Jinping to de-escalate military suicide bomb attack in the southern Philippines third straight day yesterday, but its hotspot city of bullets and arrested dozens of protesters in the after a series of rapes and sexual assaults that have tensions and live up to his promise to “never seek was arrested yesterday in a pre-dawn raid, the Melbourne faced a prolonged lockdown as new capital, Windhoek, during the third day of nation- spurred the government to seek capital punishment hegemony” after months of Beijing ramping up military said. The arrest comes less than two infections stayed stubbornly above the target wide demonstrations against gender based vio- for off enders. Such incidents have surged in Bangla- fighter jet incursions. In a speech on Taiwan’s months after a pair of female suicide bombers for reopening. The southeastern state of Victoria lence. The nearly 400 protesters, predominantly desh in recent years, with gang rapes accounting for national day, President Tsai Ing-wen said the inter- blew themselves up on Jolo island in the Sulu reported 14 new cases, taking the two-week average Namibian young women, were marching to more than a fifth of the nearly 1,000 attacks reported national community was becoming concerned province, which killed 15 people and wounded up slightly to 9.5, double the target of fewer than five one of the main shopping centres in the capital between January and September, says human about the “expanding hegemony” of China. 74 others. Security forces blamed the August 24 set for easing curbs in its capital of Melbourne in city to shut it down, in order to send a message rights group Ain-o-Salish Kendra. “Hang the rapists,” Beijing views democratic, self-ruling Taiwan as its attack on the Abu Sayyaf group. The Indonesian eight days’ time. Once the target was met, the state that corporate Namibia also has a duty in the shouted protesters gathered in the capital Dhaka and own territory and has never renounced the use of woman was identified as Rezky Fantasya Rullie government had said, it would lift all restrictions on fight against GBV. The unprecedented youth-led elsewhere, hundreds of students among them. Many force to bring it back into fold. But Tsai referenced and was the widow of an Indonesian militant leaving home, as well as permitting public gather- protest that began on social media, was quickly carried placards bearing messages such as “No a recent speech by Xi to the United Nations that killed in Sulu in August, the Joint Task Force for ings of up to 10 people, some household visits, dispersed by police and the Special Reserve mercy to rapists” and “Please tell me, am I next?” she said gave the Taiwanese some hope. the restive region said in a statement. outdoor dining and the reopening of all shops. Force using teargas, rubber bullets and batons.

Gaza sees partial school reopening Four dead in Beirut fuel tank fi re, blast AFP adding around 100 sites had Beirut been identifi ed as suspect. “We have ordered some of them to close and required oth- n explosion and a fuel ers to put in place procedures to tank fi re in the Lebanese protect the public,” he added. Students, wearing protective face masks, sit in class in Gaza Acapital killed four people Private generator services City yesterday, after the partial reopening of schools, amid on Friday night, rescuers said proliferate across the country, the coronavirus pandemic, in the Palestinian enclave. as panic spread in a city already sometimes accused of being ravaged by a monster blast in veritable mafi a profi ting from August. electricity shortages, which have A Beirut television station forced citizens for decades to said more than 30 people were resort to subscriptions to cope hurt in the confl agration, with a with frequent power outages. medical source adding that three Friday’s explosion was the lat- Palestinian PM, EU children were hospitalised with est in a series of terrible events burns. in a country hit with an unprec- Firefi ghters using mobile lad- edented economic crisis and offi cial discuss eff orts ders evacuated people from lacking the most basic public buildings in the bustling district services. of Tariq al-Jdide. Several fi res have broken out to hold elections “The number of victims in- at Beirut’s port since a cataclys- creased to four,” the Lebanese mic August 4 explosion killed Red Cross said on its Twitter 203 people, injured at least 6,500 QNA with Jerusalem as its capital, account, updating the toll from others and ravaged swathes of Ramallah and arrangements for the next two dead. the capital. donors’ meeting. Red Cross Secretary Gen- Workers clean the site of a fuel tank explosion that occurred in the Al-Tariq al-Jadida neighbourhood of That blast came as Lebanon The EU representative to Pal- eral Georges Kettane added that Beirut, yesterday. struggles with its worst fi nan- alestine’s Prime Minis- estine confi rmed that there is no the “were injured transported cial crisis since the 1975-1990 ter Mohamed Shtayyeh intention to stop or freeze the to hospital”, the national news said a fuel tank exploded, spark- took hold in an underground the source said. In the last few civil war and political strife, Pdiscussed yesterday with Union’s aid to the government agency ANI reported. ing a fi re and causing casualties. premises where there was also weeks, Beirut municipality has compounded by the coronavi- the Representative of the Eu- and people of Palestine. Lebanese television Al-Jadeed Fire Brigade Lieutenant Ali petrol. been looking for warehouses rus pandemic. A large section of ropean Union to Palestine Sven He also confi rmed the EU’s reported that more than 30 peo- Najm said there was a fi re and The source said authorities that could be in breach of the law public opinion blames the Au- Kuhn von Burgsdorff , the lat- support for the Palestinian ap- ple were injured as it broadcast explosion in a warehouse con- arrested the owner who man- or pose a danger to residential gust 4 explosion on what they est political developments and proach to holding elections in all images of fl ames in a street and taining a fuel oil tank, adding the ages one of the many private areas, governor Marwan Aboud see as a corrupt and incompetent the eff orts to hold the general Palestinian territories, includ- sounds of people screaming in cause of the explosion was still generator services that supply told Al-Jadeed. class of leaders and politicians elections. ing East Jerusalem, and the Un- panic. unknown. residents with electricity when “We feared that such an acci- who have virtually remained the During the meeting, Shtayyeh ion’s readiness to send a mission The state-run news agency A security source said the fi re frequent power outages occur, dent could happen,” Aboud said, same for decades. stressed the importance of Eu- to monitor the electoral process. ropean support for holding leg- Meanwhile, the Israeli occu- islative and presidential elec- pation forces detained yester- tions in Palestine, by sending day 21 Palestinians throughout observers for the election proc- the occupied territories, 12 of ess, in addition to ensuring the whom were from the southern Tehran to impose fi nes for virus regulation breaches participation of Jerusalem. West Bank district of Hebron, The Palestinian prime min- according to the Palestinian ister appreciated the EU rep- Prisoner Society (PPS), QNA re- AFP Iran has previously held back from us- two weeks to make payment into a health to a maximum of 10mn ($32.80) for busi- resentative’s confi rmation of ported from Ramallah. In addi- Tehran ing fi nes to enforce mask wearing in pub- ministry account, Rouhani said in a tel- nesses not observing health protocols. The the continuation of the support tion to the 12 from Hebron, two lic and other health protocols, but they evised speech during the weekly corona- fi nes represent a not insignifi cant sum for provided to Palestine at all lev- others were from Tubas in the will now be imposed in the capital Tehran, virus taskforce meeting. Iranians who have endured a deep reces- els, whether through the conti- Jordan Valley, three others in ran is to start imposing fi nes for Rouhani told a televised meeting of the Breaches punishable by a fi ne include sion since Washington reimposed crippling nuity of development projects, the 18-19 years age-group from breaches of health regulations in the country’s coronavirus taskforce. refusal to quarantine while sick and fail- economic sanctions in 2018. The minimum political support for the two- Jenin refugee camp and another Icapital, President Hassan Rouhani an- The police, the Basij paramilitary force ure to wear a mask in a public space or re- monthly wage stands at around 18mn rials, state solution, and the estab- three from Nablus, and one nounced yesterday, after daily coronavi- and health inspectors will have powers to quire a customer to do so. Fines range from worth less than $60 following a sharp fall in lishment of the Palestinian state from occupied East Jerusalem. rus infections hit a record high this week. impose the fi nes, and off enders will have 500,000 rials ($1.60) for not wearing a mask the value of the currency.

North Korea displays huge new ballistic missile at parade Ivory Coast opposition AFP North is widely believed to have sile that would add another South Korean and US intel- Seoul continued to develop its weap- dimension to Pyongyang’s ar- ligence agencies were “closely ons throughout the diplomatic senal, which it says it needs to tracking the event”, they added. rallies against process. deter a US invasion. Analysts say Pyongyang will orth Korea showed off a It already launched a missile Kim – wearing a grey suit – still tread carefully to avoid gigantic new intercon- with the range to reach any- told the crowd Pyongyang “will jeopardising its chances with president Ntinental ballistic mis- where in the continental US in continue to strengthen the war Washington ahead of next sile yesterday that analysts de- 2017, but analysts suggested the deterrent, the righteous self- month’s presidential election. scribed as the biggest of its kind new weapon – based on that defence means”. Leif-Eric Easley, a pro- Reuters in the world, as the nuclear- rocket – could have multiple re- “If we don’t have our own fessor at Ewha University in Abidjan armed country defi ed the coro- entry vehicle capabilities, help- strength, the only thing we have Seoul, cautioned that it was navirus threat with thousands ing it evade US defences. to do is to wipe the streaming not yet clear how much of the of maskless troops taking part “It’s a scary prospect for the tears and blood though our fi sts equipment on show “really housands of opposition in a military parade. already underperforming US are clenched,” he added. works”. But he added: “Politics supporters rallied in the The ICBM, carried on a trans- missile defence system,” Melis- Women in the crowd wiped of deception notwithstand- TIvory Coast’s commer- porter-erector-launcher with A screen grab taken from a KCNA broadcast yesterday shows what sa Hanham of the Open Nuclear tears from their eyes as he ing, the weapons featured in cial capital yesterday to pro- no fewer than 11 axles, rolled appears to be a new North Korean intercontinental ballistic missile Network said. spoke, the footage showed. Pyongyang’s processions are a test against President Alassane through Kim Il Sung square as during a military parade marking the 75th anniversary of the founding The missile could see its fi rst The widely anticipated dis- sobering reminder that North Ouattara’s plan to seek a third leader Kim Jong-un watched of the Workers’ Party of Korea, on Kim Il Sung square in Pyongyang. test around the time of the in- play was part of commemora- Korea will not be ignored.” term in the Oct 31 presidential from a rostrum, footage from auguration of the next US presi- tions of the 75th anniversary During the parade unit after election. state broadcaster KCTV where, with Harry Kazianis of arsenal”. Nuclear negotiations dential term, as a signal to either of the North’s ruling Workers’ unit of soldiers from diff erent By early afternoon around showed. the Center for the National In- between Pyongyang and Wash- Donald Trump or Joe Biden. Party, and according to Seoul’s specialisms marched through 20,000 people had packed a Several analysts described terest saying it was “much big- ington have been deadlocked The ICBM was preceded ear- joint chiefs of staff took place the square, with Kim at times 35,000 capacity stadium in it as the largest road-mobile ger and clearly more powerful since the collapse of the Hanoi lier by the Pukguksong-4a, a early yesterday, several hours smiling and joking with his Abidjan, chanting and dancing. liquid-fuelled missile any- than anything in the DPRK’s summit early last year and the new submarine-launched mis- before it was broadcast. generals. Some held banners saying “The people say no to an illegal third term.” Ouattara announced in Au- gust that he will seek another term following the sudden death of his handpicked suc- Two dead as forest fi res burn in Syria, Lebanon cessor. The constitutional council has cleared him and three other candidates to run, AFP Syrian state television yesterday died in Latakia province on Friday as a they were “facing the largest series of fence. “The situation is crazy, there are but the opposition says Ouatta- Damascus morning broadcast scenes from the result of the fi res, and that 70 people in fi res seen in Latakia province in years”. fi res everywhere,” Abu Musa said. “We ra is violating the constitution aff ected areas, where fi refi ghters were the area were taken to hospital suff ering Offi cial news agency SANA said fi re have mobilised 80% of our personnel by seeking another term and working to extinguish the blazes. breathing diffi culties. burned homes in Banias, in Tartus and almost all our centres in Lebanon,” has called for a civil disobedi- orest fi res in Syria and neigh- It said hundreds of hectares had Dozens of fi res were burning, includ- province. In neighbouring Lebanon, he said. He said most of the blazes had ence campaign. The 78-year old bouring Lebanon have killed two burned in the countryside of Syria’s ing “45 in Latakia and 33 in Tartus”, there have been more than 100 fi res been extinguished but some were still president, in power for a dec- Fpeople and burned swathes of coastal Latakia and Tartus provinces, Syria’s Agriculture Minister Mohamed across the country since Thursday, ac- burning in the mountainous Chouf re- ade, says a 2016 constitutional land since Thursday, state media and and in the central Homs province. Hassan Qatana told a radio station on cording to George Abu Musa, head of gion in the south, and in Akkar in the change means his two-term offi cials said. The health ministry said two people Friday. The Latakia fi re brigade said operations for the country’s civil de- north. limit has been reset. Gulf Times 8 Sunday, October 11, 2020 AMERICAS/EUROPE Trump addresses supporters at the White House

AFP/Reuters on-camera interview since his Greta Thunberg urges US voters to get organised and pick Biden negative Covid test?” asked Pete decision to resume campaigning. Washington diagnosis and hospitalisation. Buttigieg, a former contender “Good luck. I wouldn’t show The president revealed his Swedish environmental campaigner Greta Thunberg then go to a good old fashioned movie with a friend! for the Democratic presiden- up unless you have a mask and positive coronavirus test on Oc- has asked US voters to choose Joe Biden, saying that Chill Greta, chill!” Trump once tweeted. tial nomination, now tipped for can distance,” Biden told report- ine days after testing tober 2 and spent three nights in the outcome of the US presidential election is crucial “She seems like a very happy young girl looking for- a prominent role in a Joe Biden ers in Paradise, Nevada. positive for Covid-19, US hospital before returning to the for fighting climate change. ward to a bright and wonderful future,” Trump tweeted administration should he defeat Barack Obama’s former vice- NPresident Donald Trump White House on Monday. The 17-year-old founder of the “Fridays for Future” again after Thunberg addressed the United Nations Trump on November 3. president – who is currently delivered a White House address He has not said whether he is climate protests said on Twitter: “I never engage in with a furious challenge contained in the simple ques- Trump’s biggest liability – riding close to 10 points ahead yesterday to hundreds of parti- still contagious, only that he is no party politics. But the upcoming US elections is above tion “How dare you?” overwhelming public dissatis- in national polls and has solidi- sans, in hopes of relaunching his longer showing symptoms of the and beyond all that.” Biden on the other hand has reached out to Thunberg faction over his handling of the fi ed his lead in key battleground struggling campaign less than virus that has killed more than “From a climate perspective, it’s very far from enough and hailed her commitment to the fight against climate pandemic – has returned as the states – is continuing to cam- four weeks from Election Day. 210,000 Americans. and many of you of course supported other candi- change. headline issue of the campaign paign at his own pace. The White House called the A White House spokeswoman dates,” Thunberg acknowledged. Last month, the respected magazine Scientific Ameri- thanks to his own infection, with Trump insists the pollsters are event “a peaceful protest for law said on Friday that Trump will be “But, I mean ... you know ... (expletive)! Just get organ- can also urged readers to vote for Biden on November cases again on the rise nation- all wrong – and is counting the & order”. tested for Covid-19 and will not ised and get everyone to vote #Biden,” she added. 3, the first time in almost 200 years that it has taken a wide. days until he can get back onto The Covid-19 respiratory dis- go out in public if it is determined Biden is challenging US President Donald Trump, who political stance. The seven-day average of new the campaign trail, with a fi rst ease is caused by the coronavirus. he can still spread the virus. dismisses climate change warnings and who has been “Think about voting to protect science instead of daily cases recorded between Oc- rally set for tomorrow in crucial Trump has declared that he For months, taking their cue dismissive of Thunberg. destroying it,” editors said in comments relayed by tober 3 and 9 – 47,184 – was the swing state Florida. is feeling “really good” – but from a president who mostly “Greta must work on her anger management problem, Thunberg along with her endorsement. highest since the week of August “The president does such a doubts linger over his health, shunned, and at times mocked, 13 to 19 with an average of 47,530 great job when he’s talking di- with his doctor appearing more the wearing of masks, White new cases, according to an AFP rectly to the American people,” concerned about pleasing his pa- House advisers were rarely seen quired to wear a mask to listen source of many of the dozens of Many questions remain unan- analysis of data from Johns Hop- said his spokesman Hogan Gidley tient than communicating trans- masked inside the West Wing. to Trump give his address from a positive cases since linked to the swered about the White House kins University. on Fox News yesterday, “without parently with the public. Since Trump and his wife Mel- White House balcony. White House. outbreak, with more than a doz- “Over 213,000 Americans the fi lter of the mainstream me- “Right now I’m medication- ania tested positive, the mood A similar gathering two weeks Anthony Fauci, the respected en cases recorded in the presi- have died from this virus – and dia”. free, I’m not taking any medica- has shifted. ago, to announce the nomination director of the National Institute dent’s inner circle, including his the hard truth is it didn’t have to “We’ll be having more an- tions as of, you know, probably A source with knowledge of of conservative judge Amy Coney of Allergy and Infectious Disease, spokeswoman Kayleigh McEna- happen this way,” Biden tweeted nouncements of more events eight hours ago,” Trump told Fox planning for yesterday’s outdoor Barrett to the Supreme Court, has referred to it as a “super- ny. yesterday. upcoming, because the president News on Friday night, the fi rst event said all guests will be re- has been singled out as a likely spreader event”. “When was the president’s last He sharply criticised Trump’s wants to be out there.”

Kyrgyzstan elects Covid-19 cases surge in acting PM

AFP Bishkek

Europe, Latin America yrgyzstan has put its former president Almaz- AFP Kbek Atambayev back in Berlin jail while a populist politician, Sadyr Japarov, became acting prime minister as an ongoing ermany and Poland en- political crisis rocked the Cen- forced new restrictions tral Asian country. Gto fi ght the coronavi- Protests over a disputed par- rus yesterday, as the number liamentary election last Sunday of cases surged in Europe and developed into violent clashes, breached 10mn in Latin America during which supporters freed and the Caribbean. prominent prisoners including The coronavirus causes the Atambayev and Japarov. Covid-19 respiratory disease. Incumbent president Nightspots and restaurants Sooronbay Jeenbekov had ap- are to close at 11pm (2100 GMT) peared to reassert control yes- in Berlin until October 31 in a terday following a week of un- partial curfew, a measure al- rest during which he promised to ready imposed – but starting Demonstrators clash with police off icers as they attempt to disrupt stand down. an hour earlier – in the fi nancial a protest against the government-imposed coronavirus restrictions, Atambayev was rearrested capital Frankfurt. outside Leinster House in Dublin. yesterday on suspicion of organ- With more than 400 new ising mass disorder, along with cases daily in Berlin, the shut- one of his bodyguards and an- down of the German capital’s other accomplice, the state na- legendary nightlife also covers Protesters hold letters reading ‘sovereignty’ as they protest the requirement of wearing face masks, tional security committee said. all shops except pharmacies and vaccines, 5G and Italian government’s health policy, in front of Rome’s San Giovanni Basilica. The committee was currently petrol stations. “identifying and arresting other “This is not the time to par- the pandemic batters the global in Covid-19 cases set a fourth business shutdowns. accomplices of this crime”, it ty,” said Berlin mayor Michael economy. straight daily record. Local leaders bristled at Lon- said. Muller. “We can and we want Latin America and the Carib- The number of 8,618 was the don’s plans, with Manchester Atambayev was serving an to prevent another more severe bean marked 10mn cases yester- fastest spike in Europe. mayor Andy Burnham saying: 11-year sentence for his role in confi nement.” day and with more than 360,000 EU Commissioner Mariya “We will not surrender our resi- the illegal release of a crime boss Police said that “several thou- deaths, the region is the worst Gabriel was the latest high- dents to hardship this Christ- when his supporters freed him sand” people marched through hit in terms of fatalities, accord- profi le fi gure to test positive for mas, or our businesses to fail- on Monday. Berlin yesterday in a silent pro- ing to offi cial fi gures. Covid-19. ure.” Japarov meanwhile said he test against restrictions. In Germany, Chancellor An- She announced the news yes- In Rome, hundreds of peo- expected Jeenbekov to honour a Protesters also rallied in gela Merkel had already warned terday, the fi rst top Brussels of- ple gathered for two separate pledge to resign once a govern- Rome, Warsaw and London on Friday that high-infection fi cial known to have caught the marches against mask-wearing ment had been formed, which against mask-wearing require- areas would be given 10 days to coronavirus. orders, one organised by a far- the president made as clashes ments and virus curbs. bring down cases or face tough- British cyclist Simon Yates right group, the other bringing between rival groups escalated Governments across the globe er action, calling big cities the pulled out of the Giro d’Italia af- together conspiracy theorists, Children are seen with ventilation masks at a park in Bogota. on Friday. are struggling to keep up with “arena” to keep the pandemic ter he tested positive. “anti-vaxxers” and other pro- “I met with him here at the a sharp rise in infections and under control. British Prime Minister Boris testers. claring a state of emergency and ment faced last month when it state residency. He said that manage growing public frustra- In neighbouring Poland, au- Johnson, who himself spent “Of course there is a virus, but a new partial lockdown for Ma- shut nightspots and restaurants after confi rming the cabinet tion over a new restrictions as thorities told people to wear time in hospital for the virus, is from a political and philosophi- drid on Friday. in Marseille, provoking the fury and government structures, he the pandemic enters a second face masks in all public spaces to outline a new three-tier lock- cal point of view, they are just People were barred from leav- of local offi cials. would resign,” Japarov said at his wave. after coronavirus cases hit a new down system tomorrow. exaggerating,” Giulio Lessi, a ing the city except for work, Partial shutdowns have since confi rmation. Since it emerged in China late record daily high of 4,280. But as with the Berlin march, Rome protester, said of the gov- school or medical reasons, been extended to Paris and other Japarov had been serving an last year, the virus has killed new restrictions have often run ernment measures. measures denounced by the major urban areas, and another 11.5-year sentence for hostage- more than 1mn worldwide, in- To the south, the Czech Re- into opposition as public frus- Spain’s government also faces city’s right-wing authorities. four French cities were placed taking and other crimes when fected nearly 37mn and forced public faced the prospect of a tration grows over curbs on so- increasing public resistance to Defi ance in Madrid echoes on maximum coronavirus alert he was freed on Monday night as millions more out of work as new lockdown as the growth cial life, mask requirements and anti-virus measures after de- problems the French govern- on Thursday. chaos reigned.

Lukashenko in talks with jailed rivals

Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko went yesterday to a jail Prince joins leaders, celebrities run by the country’s KGB security service to meet his jailed political opponents, ostensibly to discuss plans for constitutional reforms. The bizarre yet off icially reported meeting saw the strongman sit down to urge climate solution by 2030 with opponents that he has jailed for months for a conversation about his political course. A photo posted by Lukashenko’s press service on the Telegram AFP must protect and restore nature, the way we live will be healthier, messenger app showed Lukashenko sitting at an oval table with San Francisco clean our air, revive our oceans, cleaner, smarter and better for prisoners including Viktor Babaryko, a banker once seen as the build a waste-free world and fi x all.” strongman’s toughest rival in August elections but prevented from our climate,” he said. Other participants include running and jailed, and Liliya Vlasova, a lawyer who is a member of the ritain’s Prince William is- The 38-year-old prince re- UN Secretary-General Anto- opposition’s Co-ordination Council set up to ensure a peaceful transfer sued an urgent plea yes- cently helped launch the Earth- nio Guterres, president of the of power. Bterday for a global eff ort shot prize, providing a cash European Commission Ursula “The aim of the president is to hear everyone’s’ opinion,” Lukashenko’s to resolve the climate crisis by award for people, companies, von der Leyen, Mexican activist press service wrote on Telegram. the end of this decade so that organisations, governments, Xiye Bastida, and actors Priya- “we won’t have to sacrifi ce eve- cities or even countries that nka Chopra, Jane Fonda, Don rything we enjoy”. propose workable solutions to Cheadle and Mark Ruff alo. Spain, Portugal announce health plan The prince was speaking as climate change. Yesterday’s programme, part of a free streamed TED The prince joined forces dubbed “Countdown”, featured Spain and Portugal announced a series of measures yesterday to event aimed at unifying people with Sir David Attenborough, the blend of arts, ideas and in- strengthen cross-border co-operation, including better access to health to face the threats of climate the respected broadcaster and novation seen as the hallmarks and social services for citizens living along their shared 1,200km border. change. natural historian, in launching of TED events. Following an annual summit in Guarda, Portugal, the prime ministers of Speakers range from what they hoped would become Hundreds of TEDx mini- both countries said a new identity card would allow people working on Pope Francis to actor Chris a “Nobel Prize for environmen- events were also taking place the other side of the border to access health services there. Hemsworth and former US talism”. around the world in an eff ort to vice-president Al Gore. Laying out the global chal- encourage local action for the The remarks from William, lenge in his TED remarks, the environment. Argentina first to approve GMO wheat the duke of Cambridge, came in prince said: “We must strive to The six-hour main pro- a pre-recorded 18-minute vid- do all of this in a decade.” gramme began in California at Argentina has formally became the first country in the world to approve eo, part of which was released “If we achieve these goals, by 8 am (1500 GMT) on YouTube’s the use of drought-resistant genetically modified (GMO) wheat. early on YouTube. 2030 our lives won’t be worse TED channel. Bioceres’ HB4 wheat is resistant to drought and tolerates the herbicide Prince William (centre) joined activists, artists, celebrities and “The shared goals of our gen- and we won’t have to sacrifi ce In a TED fi rst, it was being glufosinate sodium, a combination that the company says can help politicians at a free streamed TED event on the climate crisis. eration are clear – together we everything we enjoy. Instead, aired free of charge. boost yields on dry years. Gulf Times Sunday, October 11, 2020 9 INDIA

SCHEME INVESTIGATION ENVIRONMENT MYSTERY PEOPLE PM to launch distribution Murder suspect on Ficci fined Rs2mn for BARC scientist goes Veteran Bengali actor’s of rural property cards bail killed in Kerala flouting pollution norms missing from Mysuru health deteriorates

In a move likely to transform rural India and A suspect in a murder case near Thrissur in The Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) A 24-year-old scientist working in the Rare Veteran Bengali actor Soumitra Chatterjee was empower millions of people, Prime Minister Kerala was brutally murdered and the Bharatiya yesterday imposed a fine of Rs2mn on the Materials Project at the Bhabha Atomic Research shifted to the Intensive Care Unit of a Kolkata Narendra Modi will launch today the distribution of Janata Party alleged the crime was carried with Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Institute near Mysuru has been missing for the hospital late Friday night after his health property cards under the ‘SVAMITVA’ scheme. “The the blessings of the Communist Party of India Industry (Ficci) for flouting environmental norms last four days, police said yesterday. Assistant deteriorated, hospital sources said yesterday. launch will enable nearly 1 lakh property holders (Marxist). “The deceased was a BJP worker and during a demolition drive amid the deteriorating Scientific Off icer Gulla Abhisheka Reddy, 24, Chatterjee, 85, who had tested positive for to download their property cards through an SMS this is nothing but a well-planned murder and air quality in the national capital. The hefty fine was was a resident of Cauvery Layout (New Janata Covid-19 on October 5, was suff ering from link delivered on their mobile phones. This will be Minister for Local Self Government A C levied after DPCC received no-compliance report Colony) at Yelawala in Mysuru. Reddy had several comorbidities. Sources said Chatterjee followed by physical distribution of the property Moideen cannot wash his hands of it. The CPM from Ficci on the installation of an anti-smog gun moved to Mysuru from Chitturu district in was unwell for the past few days and reportedly cards by the respective state governments,” a has unleashed criminals in Thrissur district. The (ASG) for controlling dust pollution. The DPCC has Andhra Pradesh a year ago after he got a job suff ering from fever. He was shooting for a statement by the central government said. The role of Moideen in this incident has to be looked also directed it not to restart the demolition activity at the BARC facility 15km from Mysuru. The documentary titled Abhijan directed by actor beneficiaries belong to 763 villages across six states, into,” said state BJP president K Surendran. without installing the gun. During an inspection on police suspect he was allegedly suff ering from Parambrata Chattopadhyay. He had attended the including 346 from Uttar Pradesh, 221 from Haryana, Twenty-eight-year-old Nidhil, an accused in the October 9, the pollution control board observed that depression and migraine, and left without shoot floor at Bharatlaxmi Studio on October 1. 100 from Maharashtra, 44 from Madhya Pradesh, murder, was out on bail. Four men allegedly no anti-smog gun had been installed, demolished informing anyone. They said Reddy was living The next shooting schedule was on October 7. It 50 from Uttarakhand and two from Karnataka. The pulled out Nidhil from his car yesterday and debris had not been covered, and unpaved surfaces alone after his parents’ death some months ago. is learnt that the actor had chronic obstructive government hopes the move will pave the way for hacked him to death. This is the third murder were not sprinkled with water. Also, no data on His neighbour last saw Reddy leaving his house pulmonary disease-related problems. Last using property as a financial asset by villagers for that the cultural capital of Kerala has witnessed waste generated from the demolition, construction on a scooter on October 6. The Yelawala police year, he suff ered a bout of pneumonia and was taking loans and other financial benefits. in the past one week. and recycling had been kept. have registered a case. admitted to a hospital for a few days.

Pandemic sees rise Covid patients in mental problems shifted from IANS New Delhi

here has been a sharp in- crease in mental health Tcases amid the corona- hospital amid virus pandemic, with many at- tributing the rising stress and anxiety levels to isolation, loss of loved ones, economic uncer- tainty and the fear of contracting the disease. According to a survey by the doctors’ strike World Health Organisation (WHO), the pandemic dis- IANS Covid facility, the Delhi govern- employed in North MCD, whose rupted critical mental health New Delhi ment had given in writing that monthly compensation comes to services in 93% of countries all the expenses, including staff around Rs350 crore. Due to the worldwide. salaries, would be borne by the nationwide lockdown, we did not World Mental Health Day is t least 23 patients suff er- state government. get any taxes or revenue for four observed on October 10 every ing from Covid-19 were “But what the Kejriwal gov- months. We are facing a tough year with the objective of raising Ayesterday shifted out or ernment is doing now is play pol- time and have to now prioritise awareness about mental health, discharged from a hospital after itics on a sensitive issue of Covid things to compensate everyone. global mental health education, doctors decided to go on strike patients’ treatment,” he alleged. For us, everyone is important. awareness and advocacy against from today in protest against “The Delhi government has What if the sanitation workers social stigma. non-payment of salaries. to pay the corporation Rs2,000 stop the cleaning works if they are During the pandemic people Authorities slammed the Del- crore as its share of collected not paid? What if dengue-ma- have been experiencing anxi- hi government and also warned taxes. However, only Rs400 laria workers go on strike in the ety, fear, frustration, sadness the doctors of Hindu Rao Hospi- crore have been released by the absence of salaries? How will the and loneliness to the point that tal of action. government,” he claimed. pensioners survive without their these feelings have become Offi cials said while 11 patients “They (Delhi government) pensions?” Prakash said. constant and overwhelming or were transferred to the state-run could not even manage the aff airs “It is irresponsible on their promoting the urge to attempt Lok Nayak Jaiprakash Narayan at the LNJP till Union Home Min- (doctors) part to not do their suicide. Hospital (LNJP) from North ister Amit Shah personally inter- duties in the face of a national Existing mental health condi- MCD-run HRH run by the North vened. It is very unfortunate that emergency. The Epidemic Dis- tions, including severe anxiety Delhi Municipal Corporation, Jain is giving irresponsible state- eases Act is enforced in the and major depression, have also two were sent to Aruna Asaf Ali ments and hiding the fact from country and they (doctors) can- worsened. Government Hospital. the public. It is just an attempt to not leave their duties and expect Psychiatrist Dr Jyoti Kapoor Ten were discharged. tarnish the image of the corpora- salaries. We have already cleared of Gurugram’s Paras Hospital, The Delhi government’s move tion and destroy our credibility in their dues till June and asked for said: “In the last three months, to shift out the patients was an- the public’s eye,” Prakash said. some more time to clear the re- the cases of mental health illness nounced by Delhi Health Min- Referring to the doctors’ pro- maining dues. However, what have increased nearly two-fold, ister Satyendar Jain earlier in test, the mayor said they were they are doing is maligning the with 25% new cases of obsession the day, who also slammed the “behaving irresponsibly and ma- credibility of the hospital as and 50% more cases of anxiety North MCD for its “failure” to ligning the credibility of the cor- such actions (discontinuation in the psychiatry OPD. Psycho- disburse salaries to the doctors poration”, warning that they could of services) have far-reaching somatic manifestations are also for four months. face action under the Disaster consequences. They can be on the rise.” “The MCD should immedi- Management Act and the Epidem- prosecuted under the Disaster “The prolonged self-isolation ately pay the salaries of doctors ic Diseases Act for striking work. Management Act and Epidemic and social-distancing measures who have made huge sacrifi ces “As many as 55,000 workers are Diseases Act as well,” he warned. have caused deterioration in the during the coronavirus pan- condition of old or pre-existing demic,” Jain said. The resident Kerala records highest single-day spike patients. Even depressive symp- doctors of HRH have threatened toms have recurred in patients to stop Covid services from 9am Kerala reported 11,755 Covid-19 up. In our neighbouring states who were otherwise stable,” Ka- today if they did not get salaries cases yesterday, the highest- of Karnataka the total tally has poor added. due for four months. ever single-day spike in the crossed 6.66 lakhs, while in People are now seeking the However, responding to Jain’s state, Chief Minister Pinarayi Tamil Nadu it is 6.35 lakhs and help of experts to tackle the statement, North MCD mayor Jai Vijayan said. “Things are the total deaths in these states situation as awareness about Prakash slammed Chief Minister serious as the daily cases are is nearing 10,000,” Vijayan mental health has increased Arvind Kejriwal’s government going up. Experts say that said, adding said 23 new Covid due to celebrities’ endorse- and accused it of “playing poli- the months of October and deaths were reported in Kerala, ment of mental health con- tics” on the sensitive issue while November are going to be taking the toll to 978. Vijayan cerns coupled with unfortu- “keeping the public in the dark”. crucial. The test positivity rate said 66,228 samples were nate events such as the death Prakash claimed that in June, has to be kept below 10 and it tested and there were 95,918 of Bollywood actor Sushant Paramedical volunteers, previously hired to help with the Covid-19 pandemic, shout slogans as they after the Hindu Rao Hospital was done, but now it has gone active cases in the state. Singh Rajput. protest against the Punjab government for discontinuing their services, in Amritsar yesterday. was converted into a dedicated

Protest against sexual assault Nitish Kumar insulted my father, TV network challenges Chirag says in letter to Nadda police summons

IANS nouncement of his father’s ber 24, when reporters asked IANS scam of fraudulent TRPs es- New Delhi candidacy was made by none Nitish Kumar about the health New Delhi timated to be worth over Rs- other than Shah in the presence of Ram Vilas Paswan, he said he 30bn. of Nitish Kumar. had no knowledge of his health. The police have accused ok Janshakti Party (LJP) He said before fi ling the “It was quiet shocking for epublic TV network has Republic TV, India Today TV, chief Chirag Paswan has nomination papers for the Ra- me as Prime Minister Narendra fi led a petition in the Fakt Marathi and Box Cinema Lalleged that his father jya Sabha seat, Paswan was Modi, despite being busy dur- RSupreme Court against of manipulating TRPs after an Ram Vilas Paswan was insulted made to visit Nitish Kumar at ing the day, called me twice to a summons issued by Mumbai investigation conducted in the by Bihar Chief Minister Nitish his residence. inquire about the health of my police to its CFO Shiva Sun- past few days. Kumar over election to a Rajya “But there his (Nitish Ku- father. daram over alleged Television Republic TV editor-in-chief Sabha seat. mar’s) behaviour with my fa- President Ram Nath Kovind Rating Point (TRP) scam. Arnab Goswami has denied the In a letter to Bharatiya Ja- ther wasn’t good. And despite has inquired about his health, The CFO, citing the pe- allegations, claiming a witch- nata Party president J P Nadda, a number of requests, Nitish and even Union Home Minis- tition in the top court, has hunt against his channel for written hours before the death Kumar did not accompany Ram ter Amit Shah, being unwell, urged the Mumbai police to questioning the police and the of the federal minister on Sep- Vilas Paswan to the Bihar as- inquired about the health of my pause their probe in the role Maharashtra government. tember 24, Chirag said: “Dur- sembly for fi ling the nomina- father and assured me of every of the network and its em- He also threatened to fi le ing the seat-sharing deal for tion,” he said. help,” he said. ployees, as a request has been a criminal defamation case the 2019 Lok Sabha elections The chief minister reached Chirag also said that even made before the court for an against Mumbai Police Com- with then BJP chief Amit Shah, the assembly after nomination leaders of several opposition early hearing. missioner Param Bir Singh. Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, was closed, due to which LJP parties keeping aside party Sundaram and heads of two While at least two men have and my father, where I was also supporters were angry with politics inquired about the prominent advertising agen- been arrested in connection present, it was decided that one him, Chirag said. health of his father. cies had been asked to report with the case, police teams are Rajya Sabha seat will go to the In his letter, Chirag said de- “The statement of the chief Political activists hold placards and cut-outs of Prime at the Crime Branch offi ce at probing the involvement of LJP. But Nitish Kumar insulted spite the insult meted out to his minister is not only insensitive Minister Narendra Modi and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister 11am yesterday to record their more people connected to the my father during the Rajya father, his party workers and he but also regrettable. Due to such Yogi Adityanath during a protest to condemn the alleged statements. TV industry and the ad world Sabha election and clearly said never attacked Nitish Kumar and actions of Nitish Kumar, sup- gang-rape and murder of a teenager in Bool Garhi village at A day earlier, the Mumbai who are suspected to be in- no to support the candidacy of kept on observing the rules of the porters of Ram Vilas Paswan Hathras, on the eve of International Day of the Girl Child in police sent the country’s tel- volved in the TRP fraud with Ram Vilas Paswan.” alliance. He said during a press across the country are angry Mumbai yesterday. evision industry into a tizzy by an eye on a bigger piece of the Chirag alleged that the an- conference in Bihar on Septem- with him,” he said in his letter. unearthing a suspected mega advertising revenue cake. Gulf Times 10 Sunday, October 11, 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 Need for climate action that helps spur businesses If the world can overcome Covid-19, we will not only have succeeded in combatting a global pandemic, but will also have the data and support necessary to continue the global transition to a green economy. Policy shifts will be a key challenge, according to World Economy Forum (WEF). An overly simplistic view of global economics has fuelled climate denial and scepticism for decades. Some opponents of climate change mitigation policies argue that achieving any progress would require an impossible retrofi tting of our economy and result in lower profi ts and fewer jobs, WEF says. Building a fairer, greener In reality, in many ways, climate action will help businesses be more resilient in tomorrow’s economy. Interestingly, the rapid and widespread outbreak of Covid-19 has given the world an opportunity to test the hypothesis of whether and how an economic shutdown might aff ect climate outcomes. post-pandemic world Initial data suggests that 2020 annual emissions could decrease by as much as 7% globally due to the downward shift Research by the ITC shows in energy demand worldwide. The resulting short-term cooling European, Latin American, under little regulatory pressure to map, processes — and could lend itself widely that nearly 65% of women-led Caribbean, and Pacifi c leaders are report, and control their emissions to post-Covid compliance regimes in eff ect could last until 2025, even as economies reopen and travel putting climate mitigation and inclusive would have to build these capabilities developing countries. restrictions are lifted, according to WEF. small businesses across 120 development at the centre of their quickly and scramble to catch up in On gender equality, a growing Moreover, even after economies return to their full- countries have been strongly pandemic recovery plans. Some, such as order to remain competitive in Europe.” number of corporations such as functioning capacity, there may be shifts in the workforce that aff ected by the crisis New Zealand’s prime minister, Jacinda As a result, a European paper UPS, MasterCard, Visa, Procter & are more climate-friendly, such as maintaining online meetings Ardern, have pledged to link their company, for example, that can Gamble, and eBay support women’s and travelling less. Covid-19 responses to climate action. cope with a border-adjustment entrepreneurship through supply- While these are By Pamela Coke-Hamilton Versions of green new deals are gaining mechanism may gain a competitive chain diversity programs, mentoring, Geneva traction around the world. advantage over an Asian or African capacity-building schemes, and The reality is encouraging data, In September, European Commission firm in the same sector that currently targeted services. These initiatives the reality is that President Ursula von der Leyen laid out exports to Europe. The international have scaled up by leveraging that economic economic shutdowns ike farmers planning the plans to cut the EU’s greenhouse-gas community needs to develop a the expertise and networks of are unsustainable, following season’s crop, we emissions by 55% by 2030. France had broad understanding of how to build international organisations and local shutdowns are and any gains in must now sow the seeds of the earlier adopted a €100bn ($117.6bn) a cleaner, more equal world, and institutions, tapping resources that greenhouse gas (GHG) Lpost-pandemic future we want. recovery plan, including €30bn to work with public and private-sector governments often lack, and they can unsustainable, emissions will be That means putting gender equality support a green transition. partners toward common goals. be deployed in flexible and market- and sustainability at the heart of the The mood is changing. The world is Regarding value chains, small based ways. and any gains in obviated by a return recovery and promoting more inclusive looking for ways to pivot to good trade and medium-size enterprises are The many inequities exposed by to “business as usual,” development through “good trade.” — cleaner, fairer, and more resilient themselves pushing industries to Covid-19 are becoming increasingly greenhouse gas particularly in highly The most serious challenge we to shocks. But new schemes must not address the challenges of social and hard to ignore. We have a golden polluting industries. face is economic inequality — not overlook support for the micro, small, environmental compliance and reduce opportunity to build back boldly and put emissions will This is even only between and within countries. and medium-size enterprises — many “audit fatigue.” Initiatives such as gender equality, social responsibility, more the case in a In particular, Covid-19 has revealed of them run by or employing women — the Social and Labour Convergence and environmental protection at the be obviated by a fractured geopolitical the depth of gender inequities, with that participate in global value chains Programme, which serves the apparel core of our plans. With a deliberate women suff ering the most from the and drive local economies. and footwear sectors, can be supported and strategic focus on these issues, the return to ‘business environment in which pandemic’s economic fallout. Research For example, the EU’s proposed by modest funding and hosted by a future we sow could be more bountiful alignment toward by the International Trade Centre shows carbon border adjustment mechanism neutral, not-for-profi t organisation. than the past. — Project Syndicate as usual’ common goals has that nearly 65% of women-led small — which von der Leyen highlighted in They can provide effi cient, scalable, and proven more elusive. businesses across 120 countries have her State of the Union address — will sustainable social assessments across zPamela Coke-Hamilton is And without the support of the business community, real action been strongly aff ected by the crisis raise concerns in developing countries. industries and along value chains, and Executive Director of the Geneva-based on climate change may be a non-starter. (compared to just over half of fi rms led The Boston Consulting Group thinks deliver credible and comparable data. International Trade Centre (ITC), a joint The good news is that commitment to the environment is by men). Sectors that employ mostly such a regime would mean that, “non- This model frees up resources for fi rms agency of the United Nations and the women — including retail, hospitality, European companies that had been to improve working conditions and World Trade Organisation. stronger today than it was in past years, and it may be possible tourism, and artisanal and light to make climate action benefi cial to business. manufacturing — were hit the hardest. The impact of market shutdowns on lives and livelihoods Moreover, accelerated digitalisation has required most governments to vastly expand their role in and shifting supply-chain their economies. Response packages worth trillions of dollars confi gurations mean that female have and are still being deployed, critical regulations are being entrepreneurs everywhere — but modifi ed, and fundamental policy decisions are being made. especially in developing countries — face additional obstacles, ranging from More than in any other moment in post-World War II history, accessing information and resources to government action is likely to cause permanent structural shifts building skills and networks. in national, regional and global economies. In a recent commentary in the Yet, it is still worryingly unclear how – or whether – many Financial Times, Linda Scott of the governments will embed green policies into their recovery University of Oxford’s Saïd Business plans. Public fi nance constraints, electoral incentives and School called for an end to the populist discourses risk reinforcing the fl awed belief that there “male monopoly” in international trade. If women became signifi cant must be a trade-off between economic growth and climate agents in the economic recovery, she action. As the World Economic Forum’s Covid-19 Risks Outlook argued, then, “a cascade of benefi ts warned, some governments have relaxed, suspended or rolled- would result and suff ering would be back environmental protection regulations to boost industrial substantially reduced.” Successfully activity, and these policy decisions risk becoming permanent tackling this challenge would reposition and incurring a severe setback for sustainability in the long- women entrepreneurs in new global run. value chains, helping them to meet modern product standards and take Therefore, authorities concerned should not miss this advantage of proliferating e-commerce unprecedented window of opportunity to use their expanded opportunities. capabilities and augmented power – combined with The post-pandemic recovery also demonstrated business concern – to ensure a green recovery. needs to be sustainable — and business is responding. Last month, more than 20 leading fi rms from Adidas to Unilever welcomed the European Union’s To Advertise initiative to introduce new binding standards to promote sustainability, [email protected] while more than 1,000 CEOs signed a Display United Nations statement calling for renewed global co-operation. 44466621 44418811 Policymakers, too, are increasingly linking the post-Covid recovery Classified to climate action — as the French 44466609 44418811 government’s conditional bailouts of Air France and Renault illustrate. At the Subscription recent UN General Assembly, China announced its intention to become [email protected] carbon-neutral before 2060, and called on all countries to, “achieve a green recovery of the world economy in the CLEAR VISION: New Zealand’s Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has pledged to link her country's Covid-19 responses to climate © 2020 Gulf Times. All rights reserved post-Covid era.” action. Versions of green new deals are gaining traction around the world. Gulf Times Sunday, October 11, 2020 11 PAKISTAN

Project Management Unit to be set up for gurdwara at Kartarpur

Internews ter on November 9, 2019, coin- agencies working in GDSK. ties, according to Sikh traditions. Lahore ciding with 550 birthday anni- The Ministry of Religious Af- The ministry requested that an versary of Baba Guru Nanak Dev, fairs and Interfaith Harmony estimated amount of Rs90,300 founder of Sikh religion. further noted that the Establish- million collected by the Global he government of Paki- As per bilateral agreement be- ment Division (MS Wing) had Nobel/FWO from service charges stan has decided to set tween Pakistan and India held on agreed/recommended creation of Pakistani visitors and rent of Tup Project Management October 24, 2019, 5000 Sikh pil- of 162 posts for PMU, however, shops may be allowed to be trans- Unit (PMU) for management grims are allowed to visit GDSK Finance Division agreed to the ferred to PMU on its creation to and maintenance of Gurdwara through corridor, while local Pa- creation of 126 posts for PMU. meet its immediate expenses. Darbar Sahib Kartarpur (GDSK) kistanis are also visiting the DKC ETPB had proposed a Business The Operation and Mainte- constructed and outsourced by in considerable numbers. Plan for the creation and self- nance works for an initial period Frontier Works Organization Every yatree deposits $20 as fi nancing of the PMU. of two years, i.e. from Nov-2019 (FWO), offi cial sources revealed “service charges” on arrival from The Ministry of RA and IFH to Oct-2021 is being carried out yesterday. Indian side which is credited into sanctioned following business by M/s Global Nobal Company The ETPB functions under Federal Consolidated Fund. plan for establishment/self-fi - outsourced by FWO. It will con- Evacuee Trust Properties (Man- From November 2019 to March nancing of Project Management tinue to be carried out under agement and Disposal) Act No. 2020, 63,000 (63,000x$20- Unit to run the aff airs of Gurd- the supervision of PMU until XIII of 1975 and the schemes $1,260,000) yatrees from India wara Kartarpur Sahib Corridor Oct-2021, as the amount for this made thereunder. The present visited the Gurdwara. Visitors under the supervision of ETPB purpose has already been paid to government decided to open the from Pakistani side pay Rs200 advice: (i) Business Plan to create FWO. Corridor with Gurdwara Darbar per head as “service charges” to PMU at Gurdwara Darbar Sahib The scheme for the manage- Sahib Kartarpur with lead role to Global Nobal Company (FWO). HISTORIC: Pilgrims visiting the shrine of Baba Guru Nanak Dev, founder of Sikh faith, at Gurdwara Darbar Kartarpur along with creation of ment and disposal of Urban ETPB. From November 2019 to March Sahib in Kartarpur in Pakistan near the Indian border last year. (AFP file photo) 126 posts and recurring budget Evacuee Trust Properties, 1977 The Government of Pakistan 2020, 422,000 (422,000 x Rs200 - and other costs to make PMU a also empowers renting, leas- spent Rs16.280 billion on de- Rs84,400,000) locals from within self-fi nancing body under the ing and its development. All velopment of the Gurdwara. The Pakistan visited the Gurdwara. locals visit the complex on a daily eration of the Corridor. Therefore, Unit should be established to run administrative control of ETPB. rents, profi t, income and oth- project was formally approved Ministry of Religious Aff airs and basis. regular, well trained and equipped its management and to stream- PMU/ETPB would be allowed er amounts received/realised under the Prime Minister’s di- Interfaith Harmony argues that ETPB has made interim ar- staff is required to maintain and line the religious activities inside to collect fees/rents and utilise would also be part of trust pool. rective given on March 19, 2019. after remodelling the GDSK, it has rangements but existing staff is not manage the project. the Gurdwara Kartarpur Sahib the funds from local visitor’s This would be collected in Kartarpur Sahib Corridor was become a huge complex and not suffi cient to manage the aff airs of The sources said, ETPB pro- and take its lead role by extend- service charges, rent of shops, PMU budget and may be spent inaugurated by the prime minis- easy to manage, as thousands of Gurdwara including day to day op- posed that Project Management ing coordination with other parking fees and cultural activi- on PMU as per the forward plan.

Reforms underway Pink alert Corrupt ruling in Islamabad Police Inspector General Islamabad Police Amir Zulfiqar Khan yesterday said reforms were being introduced in the police force, according elite caused to the vision of Prime Minister Imran Khan. He said police reform is very close to the heart of the prime minister and on his posting as IG Islamabad, the prime minister issued special irreparable instructions to control the land grabbers, drug mafia, negative attitude of the police and all other crimes. The IG said the off ice system of Islamabad losses, says PM Police is being computerised. He said we intend to build 10 model stations and also try to turn all checkpoints into Internews the challenge of Covid-19 and electronic checkpoints. He said a new system Islamabad unprecedented rise of sale of of street watchers is being introduced in the cement in last month showing federal capital to make it more secure from growing economic activity. crimes. rime Minister Imran Khan He said the government will The IG said we have given the slogan of ‘First said yesterday the ruling not be blackmailed by the op- Salaam Then Speech’ to the Islamabad police as Pelite class had caused ir- position’s tactics and no corrupt the rule of law can be fully enforced only when reparable losses to the national element will be given NRO — or the people are respected. economy through plunder and National Reconciliation Order. He said the land grabbers had been a major corruption during their tenures. The so-called NRO was an or- problem in Islamabad for a long time but now it Addressing a seminar of All dinance promulgated by former is not possible for a person to grab someone’s Pakistan Insaf Lawyers Forum in military strongman General land with force. Islamabad, he said giving a call Pervez Musharraf on October 5, Talking about the new facilities being provided for public gatherings against the 2007 to sideline longstanding Commuters make their way past a building lit with pink in line with the breast cancer awareness month in the to the people by the police, he said that four government is aimed to cover up cases of corruption against the southern port city of Karachi yesterday. Pakistan has the highest rate of breast cancer in Asia with 90,000 cases satellite stations have been set up for the corruption. political elite as part of a power- reported annually. Government buildings, including the Prime Minister and President Houses, and other landmarks convenience of the people. The prime minister said the sharing arrangement to allow in the country’s capital Islamabad have also been lit up pink following an awareness campaign launched earlier opposition parties attempted them to take part in politics and this month by Prime Minister Imran Khan, who wore a pink ribbon on the occasion, to highlight the disease to every tactic to get the country contest elections in return for encourage regular health checkups. AFP TikTok says working blacklisted by the Financial Ac- letting Musharraf run for presi- tion Task Force as they pressured dent as a civilian. to restore after ban the government to carry out 34 The ‘NRO’ has since been used amendments in the National Ac- as a euphemism to override legal countability Bureau law. and constitutional obligations. Chinese social media app, TikTok that was He said the cabinet had giv- He said those who want to pro- banned by Pakistani authorities over its failure en a nod for allowing Pakistan tect their corruption will not be to remove objectionable content has said that it Muslim League-Nawaz chief to allowed to do so. will be back, but with certain conditions. get medical treatment abroad in The prime minister said the “We are working to restore TikTok with some view of number of diseases as rule of law is the basis of a civi- conditions. Stay tuned,” said TikTok in a claimed. lised society and the State of statement, without giving further details. However by denying to return Madina that he espouses as a JIT to probe The development comes after the app was to the country, Nawaz Sharif role model of governance was banned in Pakistan for failing to filter out is proving that he belongs to a also established on the basis of immoral content, as the government has been “special class that could not be rule of law. asking TikTok repeatedly to put in place an questioned”. He said Pakistan can rapidly eff ective mechanism for blocking immoral and The prime minister said the progress by adhering to the vi- indecent content. country witnessed success in sion of the country’s founder, The app is hugely popular among the Pakistani areas particularly overcoming which was also rule of law. youth, with some users building up millions sedition case of followers has been a target of several complaints calling for its ban in Pakistan. Internews All the nominated PML-N leaders FIR on October 1 under the sedition In a statement, the Pakistan Telecommunication Lahore will be included in the investigation, laws against Sharif on the complaint Authority (PTA) said that in view of the number Witty minister advises the publication said, adding, “the of a citizen, Badar Rasheed, son of of complaints from diff erent segments of the CCPO will give a strategy to the JIT Rasheed Khan, a resident of Mohal- society against immoral/indecent content on opposition not to go ‘viral’ espite the federal govern- for the arrest of the accused”. lah Khurshid Park, Shahdara, under TikTok, it has issued instructions for blocking it. ment’s reservations over the The opposition parties have sections 120, 120B, 121, 121A, 123A, PTA said it is open for engagement with Federal Minister for Science Dfi ling of a sedition case against slammed the move and termed it as 124, 124A, 153, 153A and 505 of the Pa- TikTok and will review its decision subject to a and Technology Fawad former prime minister Nawaz Sharif an attempt by the PTI government to kistan Penal Code (PPC) and Section satisfactory mechanism by TikTok to moderate Chaudhry, citing fears of a and other Pakistan Muslim League- thwart the campaign launched jointly 10 of Prevention of Electronic Crimes unlawful content. second wave of coronavirus, Nawaz (PML-N) leaders, the Punjab by them under the banner of Pakistan Act 2016. yesterday advised the government has formed a Joint In- Democratic Movement. The complainant claimed that opposition parties to vestigation Team (JIT) to probe the Prime Minister Imran Khan had Sharif hatched a criminal conspiracy Outrage over murder postpone their scheduled matter. also expressed displeasure over the by delivering speeches from London political rallies and sit-ins till According to a local media re- development. on the electronic and social media next year. port, Inspector General of Police Federal Minister for Science and on Sept 20, 2020 during the All Par- Police in northwest Pakistan have made a The opposition alliance DRY WIT: Fawad Chaudhry. (IGP) Inam Ghani has formed a four- Technology Fawad Chaudhry, in a ties Conference (APC), and PML-N’s string of arrests as they search for the killer of a Pakistan Democratic Moment member JIT, headed by CIA Super- tweet, quoted the PM as saying: “Fil- central working committee (CWC) two-year-old girl whose rape and murder have (PDM) has announced rallies when tweeting his advice, intendent of Police Iftikhar Kamboh, ing treason cases is not our [PTI gov- and central executive committee drawn comparisons to an infamous 2018 killing across the country against the Punjab health minister to investigate the case. The team has ernment’s] policy. These were the meetings on Oct 1, 2020. that sparked riots. the Pakistan Tehree-i-Insaf has sounded a very clear formally launched an inquiry into the tactics [used during] Nawaz Sharif’s The citizen, in the FIR, claimed The girl, Zainab, disappeared last Tuesday while (PTI) government. The first warning regarding a worrying matter. tenure”. that Sharif, in his speeches, “want- playing outside her village home in Charsadda rally of the PDM will be held resurgence in coronavirus The other members of the team are Sharif was named in the FIR for ed to divert the attention of people district in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. on October 16 in Gujranwala. cases. DSP Shafi qabad Ghiasuddin Sheikh, delivering provocative speeches from across the world from Indian forces’ Her body was discovered a day later, prompting The federal minister, in a Punjab Health Minister Incharge CIA Iqbal Town Tariq Kay- London “to defame Pakistan’s insti- atrocities in occupied Jammu and a large-scale manhunt that by yesterday had led tweet, noted that the National Dr Yasmeen Rashid has ani and Incharge Shahdra Police Sta- tutions”. Kashmir and India’s occupation of to the arrests of at least 17 men, district police Command and Operations warned that the number tion SI Shabbir Awan. The Shahdara police registered the the territory”. chief Muhammad Shoaib told AFP. Center (NCOC) has issued of coronavirus cases has new SOPs in view of the registered a worrying second wave of coronavirus increase over the last week. and had asked for restrictions In a statement, Rashid said on weddings and other large that non-compliance with gatherings. prevention SOPs could lead JI rules out joining opposition alliance against PTI Advising the opposition to to disastrous outcomes and postpone their movement till that precautionary measures next year, Chaudhry further in educational institutions said that political parties should be strictly enforced. Internews parties and had no trust in them. in the next couple of months to bad governance. ognised the agents of the status should show responsibility Noting that public gatherings Lahore He said the so-called main- dislodge the Pakistan Tehreek-i- The JI believed there was no quo and were no more ready to and postpone their rallies are banned all over the stream political parties support- Insaf (PTI) government. diff erence between major op- give them any other chance. in order to mitigate the loss world due to coronavirus, ed every move of the government The JI chief said though lead- position parties and those rul- He said JI’s entire politics re- of lives feared due to the Rashid said that while the amaat-e-Islami (JI) ameer in the past two years and this ing opposition parties Pakistan ing the country, he said, while volved around the objective of ongoing pandemic. health department has Senator Sirajul Haq has ruled time, too, they do not pose any Muslim League-Nawaz, Pakistan addressing a news conference transforming Pakistan into a While the science and prepared new preventive Jout the possibility of joining threat to the rulers. People’s Party and the military called at the joining of his party real Islamic welfare state. The technology minister, who is measures, the general public opposition’s protest campaign The Pakistan Democratic rulers have left no stone unturned by a Sialkot-based politician JI, Siraj said, is set to launch a known for his dry wit, may should still avoid gathering against the government of Prime Movement, an alliance of over 11 to damage the institutions for es- Hafi z Khawar Mirza along with full-fl edged campaign against only have been half serious unnecessarily. Minister Imran Khan, saying the opposition parties, has announced tablishing their personal rule, PTI his supporters at Mansoora. infl ation and interest-based people have already tested the a schedule of public gatherings had broken all previous records of Siraj said people had fully rec- economy. Gulf Times 12 Sunday, October 11, 2020 QATAR

Tasweer announces inaugural photography awards

Tasweer photography this form of visual arts and sup- The project award is an annual, the winning single images and in 2005, and so have its initiatives festival is supported by Qatar port discussion and experimen- open call award for photogra- curate a group online exhibition; to create a strong and sustainable Museums tation in this fi eld.” phers in Western Asia and North nighttime, outdoor projection cultural infrastructure for Qatar. “Tasweer Qatar Photo Festival Africa (Wana). and screen-based experiences. To grow Qatar’s cultural eco- asweer, a new photography is where we will organise exhibi- Project Award submissions Working with the Tasweer system and support the grass- festival based in Qatar, has tions, installations, workshops, will close on November 24. team, Photo Art Qatar will curate roots development of the na- Tannounced the open call discussions and where we will The jurors of the Sheikh Saoud a free magazine dedicated to Tas- tion’s creative industries, Qatar for its inaugural Sheikh Saoud Al advance working practices, bol- Al Thani Project Award in 2021 weer 2021 and the Sheikh Saoud Museums supports a series of Thani Project and Single Image ster community and expand re- are Charlotte Cotton, Kha- Al Thani Awards. special projects that serve to en- Awards. sources for photographers,” she lifa Ahmad al-Obaidly, Maryam Tasweer is supported by Qatar rich and expand the activity of These annual, open call awards added. Hassan al-Thani, Sheikha Sara Museums under the leadership of local museums and heritage sites. are intended to recognise and The awards are named in hon- Saoud al-Thani, Sheikha Shaikha HE Sheikha Al Mayassa. Qatar Museums identifi es and support photographers from our of the late collector, Sheikh al-Thani, and Suraya Shaheen. “Realising Qatar’s capacity to supports these projects, such as Western Asia and North Af- Saoud al-Thani, who served as Tasweer’s founding director the awards’ open calls and help Sheikh Saoud Al Thani Single be a pre-eminent host for inter- Tasweer and M7, by providing rica (Wana), according to a press chairman of Qatar’s National Khalifa Ahmad al-Obaidly said: us create resources for – and Image Award is an annual award nationally resonant, innovative operational support, profession- statement. Council for Culture, Arts and “The Sheikh Saoud Al Thani internationally spread more open to photographers of all ages ideas in photography, Tasweer al development and community The Tasweer photography fes- Heritage from 1997 through Awards are in the heart and soul knowledge about – the calibre and degrees of experience, who will build upon Qatar Museums’ engagement to enable and em- tival is supported by Qatar Mu- 2005, and created the Al-Thani of Tasweer’s celebration of pho- and vitality of local and regional are resident in Western Asia and commitment to nurture artistic power these projects to become seums and its chairperson HE Award for Photography in 2000. tographers and photographic photography,” he said. North Africa. talent, develop future genera- part of the arts and culture eco- Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad Sheikh Saoud al-Thani’s communities in the Wana re- The Sheikh Saoud Al Thani The open call closes on No- tions of arts and heritage profes- system in Qatar. bin Khalifa al-Thani, who said: achievements are the subject of gion.” Project Award is a grant award of vember 8. sionals, and encourage the na- For full information about the “We have great photographers the exhibition, A Falcon’s Eye: “We hope that everyone who QR30,000 per awardee to sup- The 2021 Sheikh Saoud Al tion’s burgeoning arts economy,” Sheikh Saoud Al Thani Awards in Qatar and the region, and with Tribute to Sheikh Saoud Al Thani, communicates their experiences port the initiation, further devel- Thani Single Image Award guest the statement notes. and the open call submission photography being part of our currently on view at the Museum and observations through pho- opment, or completion of a pho- jurors – the photography collec- Qatar Museums has evolved processes, one can visit Tasweer. daily lives, we have to embrace of Islamic Art. tography submits their images to tographic project in 2021. tive Photo Art Qatar – will select and expanded since its founding qa. Book on sustainable urbanism

The launch ceremony of the book – an in-depth study sponsored and supported by launched Msheireb Properties and the QF, and researched and written by The Gulf Sustainable study cities in eight countries in He stressed the book’s conclu- the School of Design at Harvard Urbanism Book was the Gulf region. sions’ importance, which create University – was also broadcast simultaneously launched In his opening remarks, al-Ku- a specifi c identity and forms for online. at Msheireb Museums – wari said: “Sustainable buildings the Gulf architecture. Msheireb Downtown Doha are a signifi cant factor in protect- Al-Mohannadi discussed how Right: Dignitaries at the and online ing our environment, preserving the research focused on the his- special launch event for the our natural resources and reduc- tory of the cities on the Gulf’s book, which was held at sheireb Properties and ing water and electricity con- coastal line, scientifi cally and Msheireb Museums – Msheireb Qatar Foundation (QF) sumption in the long term.” professionally. Downtown Doha. Mhave offi cially launched “Our region needs such study He reiterated that the book the Gulf Sustainable Urbanism and analysis as a solid base for should be continuously updated than nine years of research; it Book, researched and written the present and the future con- to include the present and future started in 2011, with the fi rst by Harvard University, during a struction trends,” he said. “The phases, to make it a legacy for the phase completed in 2020. special event held at Msheireb Gulf Sustainable Urbanism Book coming generations. The study covers three peri- Museums – Msheireb Downtown will be an excellent sustainability Through a live video confer- ods: past, present and the future. Doha and through a simultane- and urban planning reference for ence call, Prof Spiro Pollalis from Harvard University has com- ous virtual online platform that academic institutions, universi- Harvard University talked about pleted the fi rst phase, “The Past”, broadcast the event live. ties and libraries.” the excellent collaboration be- and released the fi rst part of the The special ceremony was at- “It is a solid foundation to un- tween Msheireb Properties, the book, which covers 10 cities in tended by Msheireb Properties derstand the construction and QF and Harvard University to is- eight countries bordering the and QF offi cials, including act- social trends back then and how sue this critical book. Gulf’s coastal zone: Qatar, Saudi ing Msheireb Properties chief it impacted the socio-econom- At the same time, his colleague Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, executive Ali al-Kuwari, QF cul- ical aspects,” al-Kuwari added. Prof Nader Ardalan stressed Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman, Iran, and tural adviser HE Sheikh Hassan “This groundbreaking research the collaboration with Gulf re- Iraq. bin Mohamed bin Ali al-Thani, knowledge holds the potential to searchers to obtain the required The study framework was Msheireb Museums director Dr be transformed into useful guid- data, analysis and fi ndings listed based upon three research top- Hafez Ali, Qatar Green Building ance for making holistic, sus- in the book. ics: Environment/Public Health, Council chairman Issa al-Mo- tainable decisions for the Gulf The electronic version of the Social/Cultural/Economic, and hannadi, and Harvard University region’s future urbanism.” book was presented by Prof An- Urban Form/Architecture. professors, along with VIP guests “Sustainability is a core pil- gela Kouveli from Harvard Uni- These research topics are and delegates from the region. lar and value to our company. versity, who explored the main studied at four “scales”: region, The Gulf Sustainable Urban- It clearly replicates our fl agship components and scope of re- city, neighbourhood, and dwell- ism Book is an in-depth study project, Msheireb Downtown search of the Gulf Sustainable ing unit. sponsored and supported by Doha, the most sustainable city Urbanism Book, as well as the Following the offi cial launch, Msheireb Properties and the QF, district in the world,” he said. best way to explore this electron- a special panel discussion was researched and written by the HE Sheikh Hassan reiterated ic version of the book. moderated by Prof John Spengler School of Design at Harvard Uni- the QF’s role in supporting and The Gulf Sustainable Urban- from Harvard University. versity. conducting the research. ism Book is available in an elec- It gathered Ibrahim Jaidah, vard University; and Reza Pour- diff erent topics related to “the the Gulf region” and a special The research is an outcome He said that the Gulf Sustain- tronic version and a special print group chief executive and chief vaziry, fi rst global advocate of historic environment, culture session titled The study of the of a decade of fi eld research to able Urbanism Book meets all the edition of 900 pages, sized 11” architect of Arab Engineering UN-Habitat. and economy of the Gulf region”, past inform future sustainable establish a holistic framework signifi cant needs in documenting x17” in two volumes, with nearly Bureau; Dr Rogaia Abusharaf, The launch event will be fol- “the development of urbanism, urbanism in the Gulf. documenting, analysing and de- a scientifi c reference in the Gulf 1,000 illustrations/analytical di- professor of Anthropology at lowed by online panel discus- and public health of the Gulf For more information and reg- ciphering the principles of urban region for researchers, experts agrams in high-quality graphics. Georgetown University in Qatar; sions on October 14 and 21 (with region”, “the traditional neigh- istration, one can visit www.gsu- sustainability of 10 selected case and students. The book is the result of more Dr Andreas Georgoulias of Har- two sessions each day) to discuss bourhoods and architecture of booklaunch.com.

Lighting them up Mental health expert in green available on helpline Prominent landmarks across Doha were yesterday lit up in green to eople who would like to have a provide assessment and support to mark World Mental Health Day confi dential talk with a mental callers through four main categories: 2020. Phealth expert can call the hel- children and parents, adults, older Hamad Medical Corporation, pline at 16000, the Ministry of Pub- adults, and healthcare workers. through a post on Twitter, thanked lic Health (MoPH) has advised. The helpline is available from The Torch Doha, the Museum of Some of Qatar’s public healthcare provid- Sunday to Thursday, 8am-7pm. Islamic Art, Katara - the Cultural the Doha ers marked World Mental Health One can call the toll free number Village Foundation, and the Public landmarks Day yesterday, raising awareness of 16000 for help: select the language, Works Authority (Ashghal) for “their lit up in stress, anxiety and other types of select 3 for HMC, and select 1 for support of this important day”. green. emotional distress. HMC Urgent Consultation. On its part, Ashghal tweeted that it “Are you OK? Are you feeling The MoPH and health sector in- stood in solidarity with the Ministry stressed or anxious; low or de- stitutions celebrated World Men- of Public Health (MoPH) by lighting pressed? Having diffi culty sleeping? tal Health Day yesterday under the the cable-stayed bridge on Sabah Don’t be afraid to ask for help,” the theme Mental Health for All; Greater Al Ahmad Corridor in green to com- MoPH said through an advisory on Investment – Greater Access. memorate World Mental Health Day. social media, noting that the hel- Qatar’s expansion of mental health The MoPH and institutions ob- pline is a free and confi dential men- services and improved access to care served World Mental Health Day tal health and well-being facility for has enabled the healthcare system yesterday under the theme Mental anyone feeling low, anxious, or de- to meet the increased demand for Health for All; Greater Investment – pressed. professional mental health support Greater Access. The helpline is staff ed by a team of throughout the coronavirus pan- mental health professionals who can demic.