Page 15 THE FIRST ENGLISH LANGUAGE DAILY IN FREE KUWAIT baseball ice hockey Established in 1977 / www.arabtimesonline.com Page 14

THURSDAY, APRIL 22, 2021 / RAMADAN 10, 1442 AH emergency number 112 NO. 17670 16 PAGES 150 FILS ‘Rights Society’ in appeal for soul of Kuwait in over-60 battle against expat age discrimination

‘End it’

Statement by the Kuwait Society for Human Rights on the decision not to renew work permits for persons over 60 years old. ❑ ❑ ❑ KUWAIT CITY, April 21: Every now and then, we are surprised by decisions issued by the Public Authority for Manpower that do not take into account the humanitarian aspects of a country that is described as the center of humanitarian action throughout the world. “No renewal of work permits for those aged 60 and above from the general secondary holders and below” is the most prominent decisions of the Public Authority for Manpower, which deals with migrant labor in Kuwait, without regard to the fact that many migrants in the State of Kuwait have grown up therein and have lived there for the rest of their lives, as well as their sons and grand- sons, and only a passport links them to their homelands, not to mention that many come from unstable countries and their exit may pose a real threat to their security and life. The Kuwait Society for Human Rights considers that this decision has no interest in the demographics or the National Employment Service. It also believes that it has been given too much time without any desirable benefit. At the same time, it is surprising that it has been retracted more than once and that it Photo courtesy of Discovery has been modified in a completely incomprehensible Discovery production crew at work. Discovery Channel takes a behind-the-scenes look at one of the most important discoveries of modern history in a new one-off docu- mentary ‘The Architects of Ancient Arabia’. – See Page 2 manner. We were surprised by the news that representatives of civil society have been met, and we, as a civil soci- ety organization concerned with human rights and the protection of the rights of migrant workers, question Opinion Other Voices Newswatch the names of civil society organizations with which they have met and who have agreed on the new and exaggerated financial fee for this group. It is incon- KUWAIT CITY: Kuwait’s Ministry of Health ceivable that the fees for work permit and residency Kuwait ... Where to? Corona ‘Fazaa’ has announced recording 1,371 new coronavirus are ten dinars and then become thousands of dinars, infections and 12 related deaths in the past 24 not to mention the obligation of having private health hours. By Ali Ahmed Al-Baghli The new fi gures take the total cases in the insurance in addition to state health insurance. These By Ahmed Al-Jarallah Former Minister of Oil country up to 259,868 and deaths to 1,468 re- proposals reflect negatively on the role of the State Editor-in-Chief, the Arab Times spectively, noted the ministry’s spokesman Dr. of Kuwait in the legal forums. This is what we reject THE parliamentary session of “Black Tuesday” Abdullah Al-Sanad in statements to KUNA on and what we call on the Authority to review the deci- WHAT is happening regarding the issue of easing the burden can be considered as unprecedented in Kuwait’s Tuesday. on citizens and restoring the confidence of small entrepre- sion. democracy, which dates back to more than 60 He pointed out that some 1,360 more people We, at the Kuwait Society for Human Rights, have neurs is questionable. years. had been cured of the virus over the past day, It is impossible to look without suspicion when the banks raising the total of those who have overcome the recently signed a Partnership Agreement with the stall in implementing the decision to delay loan installments Throughout that period, MPs (except for a disease to 243,056. U.S. - Middle East Partnership Initiative (MEPI) to for six months, let alone the conditions issued by the Ku- few) have been patient and respectful of one He added that the number of people hospital- protect the rights of migrant workers in the State of wait Banking Association in this regard. This begs to wonder another. They adhered to the etiquette of pub- ized with the virus currently stands at 15,344, Kuwait. Part of our national duty and our specializa- about the intention of these financial institutions. lic speaking and behavior, especially in places with 248 of them in intensive care units. Al-Sanad revealed that some 8,405 swab tests tion in human rights and in order to protect migrant Perhaps this is due to the ambiguity of the government’s of public gathering. When the highest Kuwaiti workers, we recommend the following: decision to postpone loan installments, as it opened the door political body meets, it is equal or supposed to were conducted over the last day, bringing the to various possibilities. Therefore, the banks did not hesitate total to 2,236,571. First: Rescinding this decision based on humanity, be equal to the gathering of ministers in their He renewed calls for nationals and expatriates as it poses a real threat to the lives of some migrant to exploit the situation by immediately introducing a counter meetings, and the gathering of judges in their alike to abide by health precautions to curb the workers. decision, as if it is inciting people against the state. meetings. spread of the virus. (KUNA) Bravo to the reaction of the government and the Central I personally witnessed the ministers and ❑ ❑ ❑ Second: We reiterate the call on the Government Bank of Kuwait, even though it came late, as it clarified the members of the National Assembly in their as- of State of Kuwait to assume its responsibilities to matter. However, the axe had already fallen on the head, as KUWAIT CITY: Health sector offi cials have abolish the Kafala System (Sponsorship System) and the banks had already subjected a significant proportion of semblies, as well as judges in their deliberation stressed the need to quickly register in the cov- rooms and their meetings id-19 vaccination platform, as there is no justi- set an alternative system that protects the rights of debtors to determine those in favor of the postponement and everyone. those against it. with each other and with fi cation for hesitation in taking the vaccine, re- lawyers. I have never seen ports Al-Qabas daily. Third: We urge the Government of the State of Ku- Actually, there is a major possibility that the postponement These offi cials made the statement after will be renewed due to the ongoing pandemic situation, the in my life a moral decline in wait to explore the necessity of adapting the national the number of corona cases in intensive care legislation, including administrative decisions that long curfew, and the absence of actual financial incentives, their speech or behavior like units reached record levels, indicating this is a as this would lead to more borrowers defaulting when it be- the kind I recently witnessed manifestation of the severity of complications regulate and supplement laws, in conformity with its comes difficult to pay. Subsequently, this will add more pres- in the actions of some MPs for those who have not been vaccinated. They international human rights obligations and the instru- sure on a significant proportion of citizens. of the December 5 Parlia- pointed out that vaccinations will reduce mortal- ments and conventions to which it is a party, in partic- Therefore, are the terms pitched by the Kuwait Banking ment, especially during the ity rates and admissions to intensive care units. ular the International Convention on the Elimination Association and the Central Bank of Kuwait intended to push parliamentary session last The offi cials revealed that the highest number of All Forms of Racial Discrimination. for bankruptcy? Does this benefit these institutions, or will it of intensive care admission for covid-19 patients Fourth: Tuesday. was recorded on April 1 — 252 cases — ma- We recommend the necessity of issuing lead to losses, considering that their debts are guaranteed by decisions based on specialized studies and research, the state, in addition to the large mortgages that exceed the Al-Baghli What I saw can be com- jority of whom are elderly and youths. They debt in the first place? This in itself is an added aspect to the pared to what happened in asserted this highlights the gravity of the virus and we recommend that these decisions be seriously state’s guarantee. the past among the brokers in Souk Al-Haraj and only those who received two doses of Pfi zer discussed with representatives of the relevant public Perhaps 90 percent of citizens are borrowers or have loans, branching from Al-Gharabally Street and Souk or Oxford vaccines will not suffer the full effect interest associations. of coronavirus symptoms; thereby, reducing the Fifth: We reiterate our claim for joining the Con- due to the lack of realistic solutions to the crisis. The contin- Al-Safeer. However, those brokers have not re- number of covid patients admitted to hospitals. ued pressure on them raises suspicion. Therefore, in order ceived any education, and their violent behavior Nevertheless, the offi cials confi rmed that the vention on the Protection of Migrant Workers and to reassure citizens, a decisive confrontation has become a was aimed at defending their bread and butter, recovery rate compared to the number of daily Members of their Families (ICRMW). We also call necessity that cannot be delayed. and the sustenance of their families. Such was infections in the country is still reassuring as it for enforcing the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly If ambiguity in the decision, at the first glance, led to such the negative scene during the Black Tuesday ses- recently reached 93.6 percent in Kuwait, 88.5 and Regular Migration in the Arab Region (GCM), great confusion and increased citizens’ frustration towards percent in Qatar, 89.1 percent in Oman, 92.8 adopted in December 2018 in Marrakech, Morocco, the state, then what would the reaction be if banks deliber- sion. percent in Bahrain, 96 percent in Saudi Arabia ately violated the government’s decision by circumventing Another event had taken place during the ses- and 96.5 percent in the United Arab Emirates as a politically binding and not legally binding Con- it? sion without provoking anyone. We came to (UAE). vention aimed at regulating the conditions of about The most important question is — Why is the govern- know about it from social media (may God bless ❑ ❑ ❑ 272 million migrants in the world. ment not clear in dealing with the matter from its roots? Why the one who invented it). KUWAIT CITY: Kuwait has obtained a perma- doesn’t it follow the example of all other countries in the From social media, we came across a letter nent membership in the World Health Organi- world that postponed loans, and ordered banks to reschedule signed by our Minister of Health - the young zation’s (WHO) program for international drug Ramadan Timings debts and their interest in proportion to the needs of people, Sheikh Basil Al-Sabah - who was trembling from monitoring, said the Assistant Undersecretary in addition to issuing realistic incentive laws that are not in- for Drug and Food Control Affairs at the Ku- Iftar ...... Thursday ...... 18:19 the grilling threat posed by a number of MPs. It Imsak ...... Friday ...... 03:40 capacitating? pleased most of the citizens and residents whose waiti Ministry of Health, Dr. Abdullah Al-Bad- These steps led to the revival of their economies, contrary er Wednesday. to the case in Kuwait which barely emerges from one pit and lives had been turned upside down because of In a statement to KUNA, Dr. Al-Bader noted ends up entering another deeper one. the volatile decisions issued by our Minister of that Kuwait was added to the program run by the It is likely that whatever is happening is either a clandes- Health, the young Sheikh. (Uppsala) International Center for Drug Control tine move or the decisions are taken recklessly, or without The letter of the Health Minister was ad- in Sweden after successfully meeting all the nec- dressed to the National Assembly Speaker, in- essary standards and requirements. proper deliberation, or even blindfoldedly by the weight of For her part, the Supervisor of the Pharmaceu- the influence of the banks. forming that he will be accompanied by 49 em- tical Services at the Ministry, Dr. Reem Al-Issa, For the past few months, decisions which were issued were ployees of the Ministry of Health, including the said that the Uppsala International Center col- devoid of merits to serve the economy or social stability in Undersecretary, to attend the grilling session of lects reports on the adverse effects of drugs and the country. They instead undermined the internal situation the Black Tuesday session, even though the Con- vaccines received from member states with per- further. This prompts us to ask the question - Are there no stitution and the relevant regulations gave him manent membership in this program. (KUNA) wise heads in the government and the National Assembly to the right to request for postponement for a period ❑ ❑ ❑ stop these ventures that are slaughtering Kuwait? In this regard, for those concerned to review the fiscal of two weeks. KUWAIT CITY: The Ministry of Health is now stimulus law, which was issued last year, people were This is unprecedented in the history of either working hard to speed up the delivery of coro- Kuwait’s National Assembly, or the British navirus vaccines, Al-Qabas daily quoting some happy about this law because they assumed it was meant ministry offi cials. to rescue them from the crisis. However, when the com- House of Commons or the American Congress According to these offi cials, the ministry took mercial banks and the Central Bank went on to interpret and others. Unfortunately, this is evidence of the this step after settling initial agreements with in- it, it turned out that they made it incapacitating and suf- fact that some of those who took note of the news ternational companies or their local agents in a focating for the citizens. In other words, the law was not expressed their lack of confi dence in the Minis- bid to increase the vaccination rate in the coun- intended to aid them. ter of Health’s logic and defense of his decisions. try. They affi rmed the ministry is eyeing the de- And here we are, challenging the concerned parties to an- We are unable to imagine how such a huge livery of 500,000 doses of AstraZeneca-Oxford nounce publicly how much the people benefitted from the number of employees of the Ministry of Health vaccine within the next two months to complete aforementioned law. the fi rst phase of the order of certain vaccines for will be able to defend their young Sheikh when the country. Email: [email protected] he stands shivering on the grilling podium. It is They said the Pfi zer vaccine shipment arrives Follow me on: the rise of our old neighbors to help, with a dif- weekly, while the third shipment of AstraZene- ference in the number of individuals, but we live ca-Oxford vaccine is expected to arrive within in an era of unprecedented wonders in the mod- the next few days. The fi rst and second shipments of AstraZen- ern and old history of Kuwait. eca-Oxford vaccine consisted of 350,000 doses [email protected] ❑ ❑ ❑ while the third includes 150,000 doses. Email: [email protected] ARAB TIMES, THURSDAY, APRIL 22, 2021 2 AlUla

ANCIENT ARCHITECTS

iscovery Channel takes a behind-the-scenes look at one of the Dmost important discoveries of modern history as expert teams uncover clues that reposition the global understanding and signifi- cance of ancient Arabia in a new one-off documentary ‘The Archi- tects of Ancient Arabia’. Narrated by Academy Award®, Tony Award®, Golden Globe® AlUla Old Town and Emmy® Award winner Jeremy Irons, ‘The Architects of An- cient Arabia’ journeys into Saudi Arabia’s deeper past, following teams of leading international and Saudi archeologists and a lo- cal historian as they reveal new wonders in the previously unex- plored land. Using multiple modern technologies to record tens of thousands of sites, they choose some to explore in greater detail, to begin piecing together a new chapter in the story of human civiliza- tion. AlUla is a largely unknown oasis valley in the vast desert of the North West Arabian Peninsula, once a prosperous and important crossroad on the incense route and home to 3,000 years of powerful successive civilizations. Some of the most important survey and excavation work in modern history has been taking place in the region, revealing the deep past of AlUla. Specialist teams are seeking to decipher the activities associated with ancient stone structures they are excavating across the county surrounding the AlUla oasis, with their findings aiding to deepen the historical legacy of the country, and of ancient Arabia. In the documentary, the archeologists unearth evidence for an ancient

Continued on Page 3 David Kennedy in AlUla’s central valley Jamie Quartermaine, UK Archaeologist in AlUla

Stone structures being investigated in AlUla editor’s choice ARAB TIMES, THURSDAY, APRIL 22, 2021 3

Weather Expected weather for the next partly cloudy with light to moder- Abdaly 41 21 Prayer Timings 24 hours: ate south easterly wind to light Jahra 42 22 Fajr ...... 03:51 Asr ...... 15:22 By Day: Hot and partly cloudy variable wind with speeds of Salmiyah 31 24 Sunrise .. 05:15 Maghrib ...18:18 with light variable wind to light to 08-28 km/h. Ahmadi 32 26 Zohr ...... 11:47 Isha ...... 19:39 moderate south easterly wind Station Max Exp Min Rec Nuwaisib 42 20 with speeds of 08-30 km/h. Kuwait City 37 26 Wafra 41 18 By Night: Rather hot to fair and Kuwait Airport 39 18 Salmy 40 21

VACCINE REGISTRATION WEBSITE: https://cov19vaccine.moh.gov.kw/SPCMS/CVD_19_Vaccine_Registration.aspx

Continued from Page 2 ritual, completely unexpected and extraordinary as they continue to piece together AlUla’s rich history in time to welcome guests from around the world. Henry Windridge, Senior Director: Marketing, Digital & Creative, EMEA Pay TV & Global Brands at Discovery, commented: “An untouched desert Kingdom, Saudi Arabia has retained some of the most stunningly well-preserved evidence of ancient civiliza- tions. As the global leader in real life entertainment, Discovery is delighted to be able to continue its long- standing commitment to the region by uncovering the history of this ancient masterpiece and sharing it with viewers around the world.” The documentary was made by Discovery in asso- KUNA photo ciation with The Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU) His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah poses for a picture during his visit to the Army Officer’s Club. and produced by Powderhouse Productions. Robert Kirwan, Executive Producer/Editor of the documentary, said: “The weeks we spent in AlUla filming alongside the archeological team were a life- NBK slips 3 fils, KIPCO flat altering experience for me and the rest of the crew. The PM hails armed forces startlingly spectacular landscape is like nothing I’ve ever seen. And the stone structures, literally thousands of them dotting the area, have sat untouched for thou- Kuwait stock market treads sands of years. We were walking among the ghosts of in bid to fight Covid-19 unknown ancients, and we could feel their presence, their yearning, to have their story told.” water amid volatile session ‘The Architects of Arabia’ reveals startling new dis- By John Mathews coveries which reset the timeline for the emergence of MoI’s role key: HH Sheikh Sabah ■ UUS$/KDS$/KD 0.30105/150.30105/15 complex societies. The thousands of mysterious stone Arab Times Staff KUWAIT CITY, April 21: Kuwait stocks constructions built atop of otherwise barren desert may Meanwhile, Minister Sheikh Hamad said ▼ Euro/KD 0.3616 well hold the missing link to AlUla’s part in a major KUWAIT CITY, April 21, trod water on Wednesday after soaring past the MoD has mobilized its military and the 6,000 pts mark in the previous session. turning point in the history of mankind. (KUNA): His Highness the civilian sectors to help the government ■ Yen/KD 0.0027 These discoveries have been the source great interest Prime Minister Sheikh Sabah The All Shares Index inched 2.57 points authorities confront Covid-19. lower in volatile session to 6,018.63 pts from the archaeology community globally and will be He said the MoD was operating in har- ▼ British £/KD 0.4197 Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah even as the broader sentiment remained unpacked in much more detail over the coming months mony with the government plan of action in in the form of published peer-reviewed articles and has commended the armed order to help promote the administrative positive. ▼ Indian Rs/KD 0.0039 papers that will change the current understanding of the forces for joining state bodies performance thus honor aspirations of the The Premier Market slipped 10.61 points to 6,584 pts while Main Market significance of the Arabian Peninsula. to confront spread of coronavi- political leadership and Kuwaiti people. ■ Philippines Peso/KD 0.0062 Rebecca Foote, Director, Archaeology and Cultural MoI’s role key scaled 16.18 points. The BK Main 50 rus. His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh climbed 24.40 pts to 5,084.96 points. The Heritage Research at Royal Commission for AlUla volume turnover meanwhile receded fol- ▲ FTSE commented: ‘We already know much about the major Ministry of Defense’s personnel Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah has reit- +5.36 pts at 13:35 hr, April 21 “have been with the government team erated crucially important role of Ministry lowing the four-day increase. Over 405 sites such as Hegra, but I hope that the team’s work and million shares changed hands – down 10 this documentary begin to fill in gaps in our knowledge since day one of the pandemic, starting of Interior in preserving security and stabil- ▼ Nikkei -591.83 pts at closing April 21 ity nationwide, as well as curbing spread of pct from the previous session. in the late pre-historic period, when societies are with operations by the air force, medi- The sectors closed mostly in green. Basic becoming more complex.” cal authority and navy in disinfection Covid-19. His Highness the Prime Minister, in a Materials surged 2.56 pct while ▲ “Archaeologists are just beginning to reveal the and sterilization operations, in addition Telecommunications skidded 0.60 percent, Gold 1765.50 per oz (London) to establishing quarantine facilities and visit to the Ministry of Interior’s Nawaf secrets and stories held within the desert of this stun- Al-Ahmad Building late Tuesday, said the worst performer of the day. Volume ning landscape, there is much more to discover and field hospitals, and supporting Ministry spread of coronavirus pandemic has wise, Financial Services topped with 160 ▼ NYMEX crude $61.90 per barrel we’re excited to be able to share our work and this of Interior and National Guard in increased burden upon shoulders of security million shares while Banking sector was place with the world through this documentary.” enforcing partial and full curfew,” His personnel to contribute to curb spread of ahead in value with KD 19.4 million. ▼ Brent crude $65.85 per barrel ‘The Architects of Ancient Arabia’ will air exclu- Highness the Prime Minister said. disease. In the individual shares, sector bellweth- sively on Discovery Channel in the region, on 31 He made the remarks during a visit, late His Highness Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled, er National Bank of Kuwait fell 3 fils to LIBOR rate 0.18600% March at 9:00pm (KSA) on OSN (channel 500). -> Tuesday, to the Army Officers’ Club. He who praised the personnel for their service, 828 fils after pushing 3.3 million shares Specifically for the MENA region local TX differs per was received by Minister Sheikh Hamad said deployment of police forces to guaran- while Burgan Bank was down 4 fils at 223 region. Jaber Al-Ali Al-Sabah and Chief of Staff tee implementation of health measures was fils and is up 10 fils year-to-date. National pushing 5.9 million shares and Gulf Bank General Sheikh Khaled Saleh Al-Sabah. important as “we are still in facing the sec- Investment Co dialed up 2 fils extending tripped 1 fil with brisk trading. Kuwait About Discovery last session’s gains and Noor Financial International Bank rose 3 fils to 211 fils Discovery, Inc. (Nasdaq: DISCA, DISCB, DISCK) Contributions of armed forces “have been ond wave of this pandemic.” the result of planning, training and readiness “We are facing great responsibilities Investment Co scaled 6 fils. Mabanee Co whereas Boubyan Bank gave up 2 fils. is a global leader in real life entertainment, serving a trimmed 2 fils before settling at 705 fils. Warba Bank took in 1 fil on back of 3.8 passionate audience of superfans around the world with to confront any emergency,” His Highness towards protection of our nation from this the Prime Minister said. pandemic,” he said and explained the rise in Zain slipped 4 fils to 606 fils after push- million shares and Ahli United Bank BSC content that inspires, informs and entertains. Discovery ing 1.8 million shares and Ooredoo retreat- dialed down 2 fils after moving 18.3 mil- delivers over 8,000 hours of original programming He also commended the army for helping infections resulted in imposition of the par- the Ministry of Education in ongoing prepa- tial curfew. ed 3 fils. stc too gave up 3 fils to close at lion shares. Al Ahli Bank and Ahli United each year and has category leadership across deeply rations for final tests of Grade 12 students, His Highness the Prime Minister, who 895 fils and logistics major Agility erased 2 Bank Kuwait added 1 fil each to end at 201 loved content genres around the world. Available in due end of May. was received by Minister Sheikh Thamer fils with a volume of over 2 million. fils and 314 fils. 220 countries and territories and nearly 50 languages, His Highness the Prime Minister also Ali Al-Sabah and Undersecretary General Humansoft Holding dropped 6 fils to KD KIPCO was unchanged at 165 fils and Discovery is a platform innovator, reaching viewers on conveyed greetings of His Highness the Essam Al-Nahham, conveyed greetings of 3.834 while Mezzan Holding and Kuwait Investment Co too did not budge all screens, including TV Everywhere products such as Amir Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber His Highness the Amir Sheikh Nawaf Integrated Holding clipped 2 fils each. from its earlier close of 162 fils. Coast the GO portfolio of apps; direct-to-consumer streaming Al-Sabah and His Highness the Crown Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and His Boursa Kuwait Securities eased 1 fil to KD Investment Co dialed up 2.2 fils and Arzan services such as discovery+, Food Network Kitchen Prince Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Mishal 1.110. Investment ticked 1 fil up on back of 2.2 and MotorTrend OnDemand; digital-first and social Al-Sabah. Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah. National industries Group rose 4 fils to million shares. International Financial content from Group Nine Media; a landmark natural 214 fils on back of 4.2 million shares Advisors and KMEFIC stood pat at 106 fils history and factual content partnership with the BBC; whereas Gulf Cable jumped 14 fils to 836 and 144 fils respectively. and a strategic alliance with PGA TOUR to create the fils. Boubyan Petrochemical Co was Kuwait Financial Centre (Markaz) dialed international home of golf. Discovery’s portfolio of unchanged at 950 fils and Al Qurain up 1.1 fils and First Investment crept 0.4 fils Petrochemical Co soared 25 fils to 435 fils. into green. Aayan Leasing was up 4 fils at 151 premium brands includes Discovery Channel, HGTV, Jazeera Airways stalled at 618 fils and fils on back of 9.7 million shares and Bayan Food Network, TLC, Investigation Discovery, Travel ALAFCO added 3 fiils after pushing 3.5 Investmet took in 1 fil with brisk trading. Channel, MotorTrend, Animal Planet, Science million shares. KFIC slipped 7 fils to 100 fils and KAMCO Channel, and the forthcoming multi-platform JV with The market opened firm and pulled erased 1.9 fils. Tamdeen Investment fell 3 fils Chip and Joanna Gaines, Magnolia Network, as well as higher in early trade. The main index scaled to 233 fils and Unicap tripped 1.7 fils. Al OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network in the U.S., Discovery the day’s highest level of 6034 points and Deera Holding gave up 5 fils. Kids in Latin America, and Eurosport, the leading pro- fell sharply as selling spurt weighed on Kuwait Insurance Co sprinted 10 fils to vider of locally relevant, premium sports and Home of some of the counters. It bottomed at 6014 390 fils with thin trading and Al Ahleia the Olympic Games across Europe. For more informa- points and see sawed in the second half Insurance jumped 28 fils. Warba Insurance tion, please visit corporate.discovery.com and follow before closing slightly in the red territory. Co paused at 118 fils and NREC gained 7 @DiscoveryIncTV across social platforms. Top gainer of the day, Al Aqaria spiked fils. Salhia Real Estate dialed down 2 fils About AlUla: 16.6 percent to 35 fils and Marakez sprint- and Tamdeen Real Estate stalled at 242 fils. Located 1,100 km from Riyadh, in North-West ed 13.8 percent to stand next. Kuwait Aqar Real Estate added 3 fils and Kuwait Saudi Arabia, AlUla is a place of extraordinary natural Reinsurance Co skidded 9.6 percent, the Real Estate Holding scaled 5 fils. and human heritage. The vast area, covering 22,561km², steepest decliner of the day and Unicap Kuwait Cement Co was unchanged at includes a lush oasis valley, towering sandstone moun- topped the volume with 37.9 million. 232 fils and Kuwait Portland Cement was tains and ancient cultural heritage sites dating back Despite the day’s tame finish, the win- up 6 fils at 893 fils. Metal and Recycling ners heavily outnumbered the losers. 70 Co slipped 5 fils to 170 fils and Kuwait thousands of years to when the Lihyan and Nabataean stocks advanced whereas 42 closed lower. Foundry Co closed 5 fils in red. kingdoms reigned. Of the 135 counters active on Wednesday, The market has been largely upbeat so The most well-known and recognised site in AlUla KUNA photo 23 closed flat. 12,189 deals worth KD 48 far during the week gaining 65 pts in last is Hegra, Saudi Arabia’s first UNESCO World Heritage million were transacted during the session. four sessions. It has rallied 242 points from Site. A 52-hectare ancient city, Hegra was the principal Minister of Foreign Affairs and Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs Sheikh Dr. Ahmad Nasser Al-Mohammad Al-Sabah received Maldives counterpart Abdullah Shahid in In the banking sector, Kuwait Finance start of the month and is up 472 points year- southern city of the Nabataean Kingdom and is com- his office. House was unchanged at 730 fils after to-date. prised of 111 well-preserved tombs, many with elabo- rate facades cut out of the sandstone outcrops sur- rounding the walled urban settlement. Kuwait, Maldives ink MoUs Current research also suggests Hegra was the most southern outpost of the Roman Empire after the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Minister es at regional and international organi- Roman’s conquered the Nabataeans in 106 CE. of State for Cabinet Affairs Sheikh Dr. zations and touched upon several In addition to Hegra, AlUla is also home to ancient Ahmad Nasser Al-Mohammad Al-Sabah issues of common concerns. Dadan, the captial of the Dadan and Lihyan Kingdoms and visiting Maldives counterpart The foreign ministers emphasized Abdullah Shahid signed Tuesday two keenness on expanding bilateral coop- and considered to be one of the most developed 1st memoranda of understanding for but- eration in all domains as the two coun- millennium BCE cities of the Arabian Penninsula. And tressing diplomatic and tourism cooper- tries celebrate this year the 50th anni- Jabal Ikmah, an open air library of hundreds of inscrip- ation. versary of establishing their diplomatic tions and writings in many different languages. Also They also mulled coordinating stanc- ties. (KUNA) AlUla Old Town, a labyrinth of more than 900 mud- brick homes developed from at least the 12th century, and Hijaz Railway and Hegra Fort, key sites in the Embassy official confirms news story and conquests of Lawrence of Arabia. For more information, please visit: www.experien- cealula.com About The Royal Commission for AlUla Confusion over domestics ban The Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU) was estab- KUWAIT CITY, April 21: A few days after Recruitment Agencies to announce the lished by royal decree in July 2017 to protect and the Embassy of the Philippines in Kuwait Philippines’ agreement to lift the ban on sending safeguard AlUla, a region of outstanding natural and denied the news published by Al-Qabas domestic workers to Kuwait on new contracts. cultural significance in North-West Saudi Arabia. RCU daily about lifting the ban imposed on send- The embassy posted - “It is not true”. However, is embarking on a long-term plan to develop and ing domestic workers to Kuwait, the Labor three days later, the embassy returned, through deliver a sensitive, sustainable transformation of the Attache in the embassy Nasser S. Mustafa its labor attache, to confirm the news by issuing region, reaffirming it as one of the country’s most affirmed that the ban has been lifted based a circular to the domestic labor recruitment important archaeological and cultural destinations and on the instructions issued by the Labor offices in the country regarding the reopening of preparing it to welcome visitors from around the world. Minister of the Philippines Silvestre Bello the door to receive new contracts for domestic RCU’s development work in AlUla encompasses a III, reports Al-Qabas daily. workers from the Philippines. broad range of initiatives across archaeology, tourism, Initially, in a move deemed confusing to According to a letter issued by the labor culture, education and the arts, reflecting the ambitious diplomatic work, the official Twitter account of attache Nasser S. Mustafa, instructions were commitment to cultivate tourism and leisure in Saudi the embassy denied the news published by the issued by the Minister of Labor of the Arabia, outlined in Vision 2030. daily regarding an official statement issued by Philippines to resume the recruitment of For more information, please visit: www.rcu.gov.sa the Kuwait Union of Domestic Labor domestic workers in Kuwait. ARAB TIMES, THURSDAY, APRIL 22, 2021 LOCAL 4 Bill on adding KD 600m to budgets for frontliners reward on the anvil ‘Allow SME owners to invest in operation of public parks’

By Saeed Mahmoud Saleh Arab Times Staff KUWAIT CITY, April 21: The Parliamentary Priorities Committee HH the Crown Prince Sheikh Meshaal Al-Ahmad. on Tuesday agreed to include in the agenda of the upcoming National Assembly session the bill on adding KD600 million to the budgets of various institutions and ministries for the reward of workers on the frontline of the KUNA photos From left: HH the Crown Prince with National Assembly Speaker Al-Ghanim, and HH the PM Sheikh Sabah Al- fi ght against coronavi- Khaled. rus, says Chairman of the committee MP Hes- Audiences of HH the Crown Prince ham Al-Saleh. Al-Saleh expects approval His Highness the Crown Prince Assembly Speaker Marzouq Ali received His Highness the Prime of the bill in the upcoming Sheikh Meshaal Al-Ahmad Al- Al-Ghanim at Bayan Palace on Minister Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al- session of the Assembly and Jaber Al-Sabah received National Wednesday. His Highness also Hamad Al-Sabah. (KUNA) payment of the reward to de- KUNA photos serving employees before Eid National Assembly Speaker Al-Ghanim. Al-Fitr. Meanwhile, MP Abdulaziz MoE announces training plan for safe gradual Al-Saqaabi asked Minister of Audiences of HH the Amir Education Ali Fahd Al-Mudaf about the procedures taken by His Highness the Amir Sheikh Nawaf His Highness the Amir also received return of all secondary school workers: offi cial Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah re- National Assembly Speaker Marzouq the ministry to ensure that the ceived His Highness the Crown Ali Al-Ghanim. Furthermore, His High- By Abdulrahman Al-Shimmari completion of the school day companies providing security Prince Sheikh Meshaal Al-Ahmad Al- ness the Amir received His Highness guards and cleaning workers Jaber Al-Sabah at Bayan Palace on the Prime Minister Sheikh Sabah Al-Seyassah Staff from 2 pm to 4 pm. which signed contracts with the The supervisor of the implemen- Wednesday. Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah. (KUNA) KUWAIT CITY, April 21: The ministry are paying the salaries tation of the training plan in each of workers on time during the Assistant Undersecretary of the school will be the school depart- coronavirus crisis. Ministry of Education for Admin- ments, the Department of Educa- He wants to know if the ‘Kuwait deserves to be offered everything’ istrative Affairs and Development, tional Affairs, the specialized team ministry uncovered violations Rajaa Bouarki, announced the from the Ministry of Health and committed by some companies, training plan for the gradual safe the Technosoft team. penalties imposed on them, and return of all workers in the second- She went on to say the third if the ministry paid dues to the ‘Lions for Humanity’ volunteer ary stage, religious education and contracting companies on time phase of the plan extends from as stated in the contracts. He special education, and for Grade May 3 to 6, through which the requested for copies of the con- team ready to fulfi ll call of duty 12 students in scientifi c and liter- Rajaa Bouarki rapid intervention team for Grade tracts that the ministry signed ary disciplines and their parents, in 12 students will be trained to ad- with the contracting companies KUWAIT CITY, April 21: The cooperation with the Ministry of ary school, religious education and here to the health requirements for since the beginning of the cri- ‘Lions for Humanity’ volunteer Health through the ‘Darabni plat- special education will be qualifi ed a safe gradual return to secondary sis. team continues to fulfill the call of form’ which is introduced in coop- for training. schools, and the supervisor of the MP Adnan Abdulsamad forwarded queries to Deputy duty over the course of 14 months, eration with the Technosoft team She added the second phase un- training shall be the school admin- as it has been sterilizing govern- ‘2020-2021’. Prime Minister, Minister of til May 2, during which all work- istrations. Justice and Minister of State ment and private institutions since Bouarki said in a statement the ers in secondary schools from the Bouarki explained the fourth for Nazaha Enhancement Ab- training plan includes the fi rst the start of the pandemic. educational and administrative phase is from May 9 to 11 and in- dullah Al-Rumi on the memo- The team answered the phase, which began on April 19 and staff will be qualifi ed, provided cludes holding awareness seminars randum of cooperation signed continues until April 26, through that the timing of the training be- for parents of Grade 12 students by Kuwait -- represented by Al-Seyassah call and sterilized the which three members of the rapid fore the start of the school day is and introducing them to the most Kuwait Anti-Corruption Au- newspaper offices, as part of its intervention team for each second- from 9 am to 11 am or after the important health requirements. thority (Nazaha), and Egypt -- keenness to keep institutions safe Photo by Rizk Taufi q represented by the Administra- and healthy. One of the team members sterilizing tive Control Authority (ACA). The team leader, Muhammad Al-Seyassah offi ces. Abdulsamad asked about the bases for signing the memo- Karam Behbehani, said the team is staff to confront and contain the randum as part of the bilateral ready to work in all circumstances pandemic.” agreement between the two and no matter how long the crisis She added the volunteer teams countries and international in- lasts, because Kuwait deserves to dex accredited by Nazaha in also demonstrated their active terms of classifying countries be offered everything we have from the humanitarian and patriot- presence by providing food sup- according to perceptions of plies and supporting state agen- corruption and transparency. ic sense. He then demanded for a copy For her part, the head of the cies, expressing their pride in par- of the index. media committee in the team, Dr ticipating with the ‘Lions for Corruption Rawan Al-Daijani, said during the Humanity’ team. Dr. Rawan The lawmaker asked about Corona pandemic “I had the oppor- advised citizens and residents to the top 10 countries in terms of tunity to participate in volunteer take the vaccination and adhere to confronting corruption, ranks of health requirements to protect Kuwait and in the index, and if work in addition to my work in the Nazaha intends to sign a memo- Ministry of Health, and there is no themselves and their loved one, randum of cooperation with ad- doubt that the period of the epi- stressing at the same time the vanced countries in confronting demic revealed a prominent role team’s readiness to meet the call of corruption according to global for medical, nursing and support duty at any time and place. indicators. He also asked Minister of Finance and Minister of State for Economic and Investment Emergency plans to confront power cuts Affairs Khalifa Hamada about the Public Institution for Social Security’s (PIFSS) deal to buy ‘Electricity supply’ to New Khaitan tied Raya 2 Tower in Salhiya, Ku- wait City for KD58 million. to allocating site to build power station He wants to know if the deal is based on feasibility studies By Muhammad Ghanem regions of the country, including and requested for copies of these Al-Seyassah Staff studies if the response is in the the new areas referred to in the affi rmative. He asked about the KUWAIT CITY, April 21: The question, and the currently oper- budget allocated for such a deal Minister of Electricity, Water and ating power stations produce and if it matches the market val- Renewable Energy, Minister of power that covers the current ue of the tower. actual needs. On the other hand, MP Ab- Social Affairs, Labor and dullah Al-Turaiji submitted a Community Development, Dr He noted there are projects to proposal to allow the owners of Mishaan Al-Otaibi, said that the develop and establish electrical small and medium enterprises ministry has approved plans to stations to meet the expected (SMEs) to invest in the admin- increase in power consumption as istration and operation of public provide power supply to meet the parks. needs of the new housing cities. a result of the establishment of He took this step because he He went on to say another new housing cities. The electric noticed that there are a number power transmission station has to power plants in operation are able of neglected parks even though be constructed in New Khaitan to meet the expected consumption a large amount was used to es- during the coming summer peri- tablish them. He pointed out that but site has not been designated the proposal will support owners for this station to date, once the od. of SMEs by creating new busi- site is received, the ministry will Al-Otaibi indicated the ministry nesses, while it is benefi cial to take necessary procedures for its has implemented many activities citizens and expatriates who will and events during the past three enjoy using the public parks. construction and make prepara- MPs Mehalhal Al-Mudaf, tions for supplying power to this years, including cooperation with Muhannad Al-Sayer, Mubarak area. the Ministry of Education in orga- Al-Arow, Musaed Al-Ardi and Al-Otaibi stated, in response to nizing 287 awareness visits to Hassan Jawhar submitted a bill a parliamentary query submitted schools that included explaining on banning the appointment of the importance of rationalizing expatriate consultants in min- by MP Muhalil Al-Mudhaf, the istries and other public institu- ministry has connected power electricity. tions. supply to the main stations in the The ministry also organized the The bill mandates the Civil West Abdullah Al-Mubarak, and second rationalization forum in Service Commission (CSC) to in the Al-Mutla’a City and the which several ministries, institu- form a team of experts in charge of recruiting national consultants expected date for the delivery of tions, government and private to replace the expatriates. power according to the plan bodies and oil companies partici- The bill states that hiring ex- approved by the ministry is the pated, as well as the ministry pre- patriate consultants will be lim- last quarter of this year, and the pared awareness-raising informa- ited for a specifi c term, which is tion materials that included dis- non-renewable, and for a certain expected date for the delivery of task only if none of the nationals power supply to the South tributing rationalization flashes, have the required qualifi cation Abdullah Al-Mubarak, according brochures, field visits, television and experience. The expatriate to the plan approved by the interviews, as well as making consultant under such circum- Ministry of Electricity and Water, field visits to government and pri- stances must hold an academic certifi cate obtained from one is the first quarter of 2023. vate buildings to activate the of the top 50 universities in the He explained the ministry per- smart operating systems for air- world as per the international manently adopts an emergency conditioning and lighting devices academic indexes. plan to confront power cuts in all to save power consumption. ARAB TIMES, THURSDAY, APRIL 22, 2021 LOCAL 5 DIWANIYA A DIGEST OF PUBLIC OPINION HH the PM taking to the podium easiest, safest way out? “IT IS clear from the events of the past two weeks that cooperation between the stitutional and the demand for his dismissal is unconstitutional. In this case, the regulations and the constitution and cannot be accepted under the slogan that the Na- legislative and executive authorities does not exist. The opposition MPs who deputies can proceed to the proposal of MP Al-Saqabi to amend the bylaws that tional Assembly is the master of its decisions, because by that decision it transgressed number no less than thirty insist on holding the prime minister accountable for give the deputies, after the amendment, the right to dismiss the president. the constitution and overruled the nation’s right to accountability and oversight. his biased stands during the opening sessions and the elec- “The third scenario is for the government to submit a letter of non-cooperation to His “If the parliamentary minority in the National Assembly that is allied with the tions of the parliament committees,” columnist Mubarak Highness the Amir, which will certainly lead to the dissolution of the National Assem- government persists in its misleading attitude and does not back down from its Al-Duwailah wrote for Al-Qabas daily. bly, after the desired cooperation between the two authorities was not possible and we unpardonable mistake, then this means that the constitution has been de facto “The cooperation between the parliamentary opposition are all aware of the cost of this step and the uncertainty of its results. amended by abolishing the interrogation tool, meaning that any minister who is and the other side reached a dead end after coordinating po- “Accordingly, the easiest, simplest, safest and least expensive way is for the supported by the government and who can be supported by 17 MP can protect sitions adopted by some parties on the issue of postponing prime minister to stand on the podium and with an understanding with the major- himself from all current and future interrogations, and thus Parliament becomes a the previous and subsequent grilling requests which have ity it is possible to reach results that satisfy everyone and preserve the parliament mere assembly that enacts laws with the consent of the government, without hav- been filed against the prime minister. The opposition MPs and confirm respect for the Constitution and restore prestige to the parliament.” ing a role in oversight and accountability. considered their powers were unconstitutionally and unlaw- Also: “Postponing future interrogations is like jumping into the unknown. The coun- fully snatched, so they submitted a request to dismiss the try will enter a dark tunnel unless the National Assembly, and especially the Par- prime minister thus setting a dangerous precedent. “I am convinced that the legislative authority stands by its decisions and as it is said liament Speaker Marzouq Al-Ghanim, backtracks from that fatal mistake.” “Today, the deputies are insisting on canceling the unprec- in political forums that the parliament is the master of its decisions, and no other au- ❑ ❑ ❑ thority can impose its agenda and opinions on it because Article 50 of the constitution edented decision of the National Assembly to immunize the Al-Duwailah prime minister from accountability, while the other side insists states: ‘The system of Government is based on the principle of separation of powers “The government must take stricter measures against those who have not taken on considering it a correct measure and according to sound and statutory procedures. functioning in co-operation with each other in accordance with the provisions of the the corona vaccine, if it is certain that this vaccine is the correct way to return “Stubbornness today is the master of the situation, and each side is waiting for Constitution. None of these powers may relinquish all or part of its competence speci- to normal life and that it is free of any complications,” columnist Mohammad the other side to bow, and the policy of breaking bones and waiting for those who fied in this Constitution,” columnist Oweid Al-Salili wrote for Al-Shahed daily. Al-Juma’a wrote for Al-Rai daily. “These measures include downloading an ap- shout first takes hold of the political scenario, and the prime minister is closely “This conviction is contradicted by many while many others agree with it, but plication for all citizens, expatriates and visitors. This application has three colors watching developments. He hopes that the party supporting him will excel in this everyone agrees that the parliament is the master of its decisions when they are -- green, yellow, and red. Green for everyone who got vaccinated, yellow for struggle against his opponents, and in this atmosphere achievements are non-ex- compatible with the constitution, law and parliamentary norms, and when it does those who have not been vaccinated and red for those infected with coronavirus. istent, draft bills are stalled, and the government’s program still remains ink on not contradict the supreme interest of the country and the citizens because in the “This should be applied gradually, such that it is used as a permit to enter malls, paper. Everyone is waiting for a breakthrough when it comes. end, the National Assembly cannot be allowed to transform into an authority ac- service centers, banks and so on. Those whose color in the application is not green “On the other hand, there are those who accuse the minority in the opposition cording to the principle of ‘the master of its decisions’ that devours all powers will be forbidden from entering these establishments. In this manner, everyone led by the sane majority to incite the street in order to dissolve the parliament and and dominates and controls them because absolute power is absolute corruption. will be forced to take the vaccine, except those exempted for health reasons. The hoping that elections will be repeated and the current situation will not return. “In the past, and during the era of both former prime ministers, Sheikh Nasser Al- government must provide the vaccine for everyone without exception. “Today, we see multiple scenarios ahead of us. The first is for the prime minister Mohammad and Jaber Al-Mubarak, the National Assembly fortified them by referring “In this way, majority of the population must go to the vaccination centers to to accept constitutional accountability and stand on interrogation podium. In this case the interrogations to the legislative committee and dropping some of them under the take the vaccine. If people are left to their whims and opinions in this regard, we we wish the parliamentary majority to show the spirit of the knights and practice this pretext of unconstitutionality and other reasons that were acceptable to some extent. will not reach the required level for the return to normal life. constitutional behavior away from personality and revenge, will His Highness oblige? “However, what happened recently following the establishment of a coalition with “I think the cinema administration took a positive step by deciding to prevent the en- “The second is for the deputies to be dealt with in a correct manner free from the government and the parliamentary minority which includes 16 ministers with 17 try of anyone without a vaccination certificate. In this manner, most young people will violence, cruelty and the atmosphere dominated by brotherhood and a spirit of deputies representing a minority in the National Assembly, the postponement of all be encouraged to get vaccinated so they are not denied entry to the cinema.” love rather than hostility. The issue of the president’s resignation from office or future interrogations against HH the Prime Minister is a precedent that has not occurred his abdication is unlikely because the president feels that his presidency is con- in the country’s history and will not happen in the future because it violates all customs, — Compiled by Ahmad Al-Shazli Crackdown on illegal charity work ‘Stalls for used clothes removed’

KUWAIT CITY, April 21: The field inspection teams Guard gets year’s pay, cash from citizens, MPs formed by the Ministry of Social Affairs to monitor By Munif Nayef in the video clip, demanding his painting his vehicle. Al-Seyassah Staff wages that he had not received The Kuwaiti alleged turned and remove violations in for fi ve months. They collected furious after seeing the color the 18th project for collec- KUWAIT CITY, April 21: A money to compensate for the in- of his vehicle, which he did not tion of donations during large number of citizens visited justice he suffered. like, so he went to the Lebanese the month of Ramadan the school where the alleged op- ❑ ❑ ❑ employee and a dispute arose pressed security guard works, between them that resulted into have discovered a large and gave him sums of money Worker stabbed: Personnel group of “stalls” for the which exceeded the money from the Criminal Investiga- the former attacking the em- owed to him by the company. tion Department (CID) affi li- ployee with a knife. illegal collection of used It is said one of the Kuwaitis ated to the Capital Investiga- After attacking the victim, clothes in various parts of gave the man salary for entire tions Department have arrested the Kuwaiti went into hiding the country, reports Alja- year. a Kuwaiti for threatening and but he was later arrested. The rida daily. Tweeters, MPs and politi- attacking an employee work- employee has submitted a re- cians have interacted via on ing for a car repair garage in port to the area police station, According to informed sourc- social media in support of the the Shuwaikh Industrial Area, supported by a video clip docu- es, coordination between offi- Egyptian guard, who appeared following a dispute over spray menting the incident. cials from the Ministry of Social Affairs and the Kuwait Mu- nicipality in the Committee for carry out fi eld inspections and violation since the beginning of fl ing will also include some heads Follow-up of Field Activity for remove the violating stalls im- the holy month. of departments in the IT Depart- Charitable Work helped in iden- mediately with the cooperation of In addition, the sources revealed ment within the Administrative tification and removal of these Kuwait Municipality. that the Financial and Administra- Planning and Development Sec- stalls, as they are in violation of Despite the ministry’s strenu- tive Affairs Sector of the ministry tor, but will not include managers resolution No. 190/2008, which ous efforts to tighten the state’s is currently working on preparing during the current period”. prohibits any facility in public grip on fundraising operations rotation decisions in some sectors. In addition, the Health Require- areas or on sidewalks. and enhance the monitoring and They affi rmed that the Social ments Committee of the ministry The problem of “stalls” has follow-up on all charitable agen- Welfare Sector takes the lion’s called upon all employees to ad- been plaguing the ministry for cies, especially during the month share in terms of these decisions, here to the rules of social distanc- years, but it has increased sig- of Ramadan, such stalls for in- and the sector will soon witness ing and to wear a protective mask nifi cantly over the past two years. kind collection and the collection a wide reshuffl ing at the level of to avoid any infections or trans- This prompted the ministry to of used clothes remain the most supervisors and department heads. mission of COVID-19 infection form two teams this Ramadan to widely observed and widespread The sources said, “The reshuf- among them.

Dstributing Ramadan baskets to needy families.

‘Al-Safa’ campaign 43,500 benefit from ‘Ramadan baskets’ KUWAIT CITY, April 21: Al-Safa Charity So- ciety, with the support of the benefactors and philanthropists, implemented the Ramadan ‘food baskets’ project for the benefi t of the poor and the affected families in Kyrgyzstan, Yemen and Lebanon in addition to the displaced Syrians, and more than 43,500 people benefi ted from them over the course of the month of Ramadan, as part of the campaign launched by the association for the current year under the slogan ‘ Reward Writes’, reports Al-Seyassah daily. The Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Association Muhammad Al-Shaya said in a press statement: “Al-Safa Charity” took into account in its project the health and precautionary mea- sures related to the repercussions of the “Corona” pandemic during its implementation of this proj- ect on the ground, as it delivered food baskets to the benefi ciaries in their homes, and distributed Ramadan baskets to the people in some mosques based on the wish of the benefactors. Al-Shaya indicated that the Ramadan basket contained the most important basic materials such as rice, fl our, oil, pasta, canned goods, tea, sugar, salt, paste, dates and others, so that a family of 5 to 7 people would suffi ce for a whole month. Al-Shaya called on the benefactors and bene- factors to participate in supporting the projects of the “Reward Writes” campaign, through which the association is keen to meet the needs of the poor, widows and the needy, by making a dona- tion through its hotline dedicated to inquiries and donations of 22233322 or through the website alsafakw.com, or by visiting the headquarters of the association. ARAB TIMES, THURSDAY, APRIL 22, 2021

6

Former presidents share their memories with SKTM South Kuwait Toastmasters Club celebrates 350th milestone meeting By TM Ravikumar N. G. Ceremony was opened by the Presi- is the 14th club of Kuwait, chartered Vice-President, Education dent of the Club Toastmasters TM on 11th September 2006. Nilesh Attarde. Welcoming the dignitar- SKTM club is comprised of 25 mem- KUWAIT CITY, April 21: It is when ies, presented a theme on ‘’What is your bers from Kuwait and India and conduct ordinary people rise above the expec- Ikigai?’’ and overall meeting was crafted club meetings on every 2nd and 4th Sat- tations and seize the opportunity that with the interesting, prepared speech ses- urday evening 7:00 to 9:00 pm in pres- milestones truly are reached. — Mike sion, table topic session and celebrations. ence of clusters of motivated Toastmas- Huckabee Fourteen years and 4 months ters guided by striving mentors. South Kuwait Toastmasters Club had since Sept 11, 2006 when South Ku- SKTM Club current and past presi- celebrated its 350th milestone meeting wait toast master’s Club was first dents: 2006: Bala Muthukumaran; on the auspicious evening of Saturday, chartered by enthusiastic personali- 2007: Mohamed Durani; 2008: Kan- March 13, 2021 through online media ties who taken first step to enhance nan Ravi; 2009: Arthur Richard; 2010: Zoom. There were around 30 Toastmas- communication,leadership, and pre- Arunamanickavasagam; 2011: M R ters and non-Toastmasters attended from sentation skills of community. Found- Rajendran; 2011: M R Rajendran; Kuwait, UAE, and India. er members DTM Jeremiah Pradeep 2012: Santhosh Kumar Shenoy; 2013: Highlights of this event were Vincent, DTM Bala Muthukumaran Saravanan; 2014: B V Prabhakar; thought provoking theme ‘’What Is and TM Kannan Ravi shared their 2015: R Ganesan; 2016: Kannan Ravi; Your Ikigai?‘’ by SKTM President experiences in making the club. Ex- 2017: Shaji Madathil; 2018: Arumoy TM Nilesh Attarde and sharing snippet president’s TM Ganesan, DTM B.V Das; 2019: Subrata Kumar Bhukta; of memories in the journey with South Prabhakar TM Arumoy Das shared 2020: Nilesh Attarde. Kuwait Toast Master Club founder their experiences with SKTM Club. For any queries, Contact Us: Club membersand 11 past presidents. South Kuwait Toastmasters Club President TM Nilesh Attarde can be The milestone meeting was graced with their tagline “Where We Learn contacted at +965 97291871 and Vice- in presence of District 20 officials – Practice and Master …” is following President Membership TM Kavita District Club Growth Director DTM the vision and mission of Toastmas- Sarveshat +965 67771926. Khalid Abdulla, Area 25 Director TM ters International; a non-profitable Please visit https://www.youtube. Mrinmoy Roy, Area 28 Director TM organization; established by Ralph C com/channel/UCuBltZBHMqOnpf- Subrata Kumar Bhukta and Founder Smedley, to improve the communica- Nr6tbU9Ag members /Ex-Presidents of the Club. A photo from the SKTM Meeting through Zoom. tion and leadership skills. SKTM club Email ID: [email protected]

10 students honored IBPC marks achievement of Indian students with Meritorious Awards KUWAIT CITY, April 21: “Education Silver awards, received their medals and is the most powerful weapon which you certificates by H.E. Sibi George. The can use to change the world” – Nelson balance of 219 bronze and silver medal- Mandela ists were recognized by displaying their IBPC Meritorious Awards function names on the screen and also broadcast took place at Indian Embassy audito- via virtual link. Their medals and certifi- rium on 3rd April, 2021 at 2:30 pm. It cates were sent to the respective school was a meticulously timed program with Principals for handover to the deserving only few attendees present at the venue. students. The excitement went to the But, more than 300 attendees attended peak when the best performing school’s on virtual platform via Zoom link kindly trophies was announced. This year both provided by the Embassy. the trophies for 10th and 12th Stan- Sunit Arora, coordinator of the event, dard are won by the Indian Educational started the event by inviting the Chief School (Bhavans). Guest H.E. Sibi George and Gurvinder The criteria formulated by IBPC in- Lamba for lighting the lamp. It was fol- clude the Awardees for 10th and 12th lowed by National Anthem of Kuwait Std. Students from Indian Schools with and India. CBSE board. Cut off marks for 10th was Lamba, IBPC Chairman Nominee 97% and above and for 12th was 95% started with his welcome speech and and above. Among the distinguished gave a brief synopsis of the activities guests present were the Principal Prem performed by IBPC. He highlighted on Kumar, Dr. Asha Sharma, Dr. Shobha the importance of education and the fe- and Bikram Ally. licitations by IBPC as a way of giving Finally, a remarkable vote of thanks back to the society. H.E Sibi George, was delivered by Mr. Sunit Arora who the Indian Ambassador to Kuwait capti- thanked the Chief Guest, IBPC Com- vated the attendees with his motivation- mittee, students, parents, media and his al speech, depicting the importance of entire team who have spent tremendous education, congratulating and wishing amount of personal time and effort in the best to the students for their future. collating and verifying all the data and Dr. Kamlesh conducted the awardees information, to conduct a seamless proceedings, truly honouring the ten stu- event. dents who had secured the best scores. The program can be watched at These were in the category of Gold & https://youtu.be/ZdnObrwoMxE.

Photos from the event. Indian Ambassador HE Sibi George delivers motivational speech. ‘Canada a nation of immigrants’ IWG Kuwait hosts Canadian Cultural Day

KUWAIT CITY, April 21: The In- ternational Women’s Group – Ku- wait was honored to host a Canadian Cultural Day with the participation of the Ambassador of Canada, HE Louis-Pierre Emond and Mme Satako Araki. Mrs Rima Khalidi, spouse of the Ambassador of the State of Palestine A photo from the event and Vice-President of IWG acting as master of ceremonies, eloquently and Members keep their creativity alive seamlessly managed the virtual pro- gram. Mrs Ambreen Mustafa, spouse of Writers’ Forum Kuwait enjoys festive the Ambassador of the Islamic Re- public of Pakistan and president of IWG, delivered the welcome address mood of Holi with monthly meeting and introduced the Ambassador of KUWAIT CITY, April 21: It was on the emotions and ideas in the best creative Canada. beautiful evening of 26th March when forms. The poetry filled with emotions, In his presentation Ambassador the Writers’ Forum Kuwait met together hope, love and life were a source of mo- Emond covered various aspects and on the virtual platform of Zoom to en- tivation particularly in the current situa- spoke of Canada as a nation of im- joy poetry. With the ongoing Covid-19 tion of distress. migrants with a tremendously wel- threat in Kuwait, the Writers’ Forum While Dr. (Mrs.) Radhika Guleri coming and caring population. An Kuwait members continue missing their Bhardwaj, Mrs. Chhaya Athavle, Mrs. inspiring video (‘Peace by Choco- physical meetings. However, they have Priyanka Baranwal, Mrs. Anupama late’) of a Syrian family’s settle- kept their creativity alive by meeting Chaturvedi and Umesh Sharma recited ment in Canada was enjoyed by all every month on the virtual platform and their outstanding poetry in Hindi, Ms. and was then followed by a video sharing their poetry on various subjects Nazneen Ali, Sabir Omar and Sayeed performance from a world-famous and celebrating various occasions. Nazar Kadpawi mesmerized everyone Canadian musical called ‘Come The meeting started with a festive with their Urdu poetry. from Away’. mood with the General Secretary of the The bonding between the Forum To the delight of her fellow IWG A photo from the event. forum Ms. Nazneen Ali wishing the members was witnessed with the pres- members, Mme Araki, spouse of the members on the occasion of the Indian ence of members Mrs Chhaya Athavle, Canadian Ambassador, conducted a festival of colors, Holi. She continued Rajiv Athavle, Umesh Sharma and cooking presentation and shared her the meeting by inviting the President Sunil Sonsi joining online from India. recipe for a special Canadian dessert FAIPS(DPS) marks Kindergarten Graduation Day of the forum Mrs. Maimuna Chougle Member Mohan Singh and Biswa Ran- called ‘Pudding Chomeur’. to preside over the meeting while Hindi jan were also present in the meeting. KUWAIT CITY, April 21: Graduating 10th March,2021. thusiastically. The presentation cap- The meeting also included scenic from the Kindergarten is a milestone The children were extremely excit- tured the emotion of one and all. poet Ameeruddin Ameer was requested In his note as the Chief Guest Ameer- views of Canada’s breathtaking natu- to be the chief guest of the evening. uddin Ameer appreciated all the members for each child and they deserve to be ed to be part of this wonderful event. It was an extremely emotional The first session of the meeting com- for their creativity mentioning each meet- ral beauty and various cultural sites, a recognized. It marks a new beginning The enthusiasm of the teachersspoke journey for the teachers and children, menced on a high-note with famous ing of WFK is unique in its own way and quiz about Canada and a raffle draw which brings in new dimensions to volumes about their dedication to this they had not seen each other in per- Urdu critic and President of the forum a learning process for all. In her Presi- for participantswith gifts kindly do- a child’s school life and the journey noble profession. The teachers also ap- son throughout the academic year but Mrs. Maimuna Chougle reading an in- dential remarks Mrs. Maimuna Chougle nated by the Canadian Embassy. ahead. To celebrate this joyous occa- plauded the parents for being partners the bonding shared between them was depth, informative and insightful ar- congratulated all the members for their The proceedings concluded with sion, the teachers at FAIPS Kindergar- in this educational journey. beyond words. The Principal, Ravi ticle on poet and writer Gulzar’s writing continued efforts and literary contribution. special thanks and a commemora- ten made a humble attempt to make This was followed by a nostalgic Ayanoli and Headmistress Mrs. Bharti skills as a Novelist. This was followed She encouraged everyone to continue tive shield to HE Ambassador Louis- this day memorable for the little ones moment, the picture presentation of the Tiwari graced the occasion and con- by a short story by Ameeruddin Ameer reading more and spread love and human- Pierre Emond and Mme Satako Ara- and the parents. star-studded galaxy of the graduates. gratulated the children and gave their with the message of truth and honesty ity through their writings. ki. Volunteers, IWG Board members Since virtual classrooms defined The pictures of the children adorning best wishes to them. that was appreciated by all. The meeting concluded with every- and online participants were also ap- learning for the year 2020-2021, the graduation gown mesmerized the This virtual Graduation, along with The meeting then ran into its sec- one wishing each other a blessed Holy preciated for making the event a great FAIPS(DPS) Kindergarten celebrated audience. As each child’s picture was its nostalgia, will always be the most ond session where the poets expressed month of Ramadan. success. their first Virtual Graduation Day on presented, the children applauded en- memorable one for all. ARAB TIMES, THURSDAY, APRIL 22, 2021 INTERNATIONAL 7

South Korea

‘Compensation sought’ Sexual slavery ‘claims’ against Tokyo rejected SEOUL, South Korea, April 21, (AP): A South Korean court on Wednesday rejected a claim by South Korean sexual slavery victims and their rela- tives who sought compensation from the Japanese government over their wartime sufferings. The Seoul Central District Court based its deci- sion on diplomatic considerations and principles of international law that grant states immunity from jurisdiction of foreign courts. This appeared to align with the position maintained by To- kyo, which had boycotted the court proceedings and insists all wartime compensation is- sues were settled under a 1965 treaty normalizing relations with South Korea. Activists representing sex- ual slavery victims denounced the decision and said the Seoul Kato Central District Court was ig- noring their struggles to re- store the women’s honor and dignity. They said in a statement that the plaintiffs would appeal. It wasn’t immediately clear how the ruling would affect relations between the estranged US allies. They spent years escalating their feud in public over issues stemming from Japan’s brutal occupation of Korea through end of World War II People rally outside the courthouse in Minneapolis on April 20, 2021, after the guilty verdicts were announced in the trial of former Minneapolis police offi cer Derek Chauvin before facing pressure from the Biden administra- in the death of George Floyd. (AP) tion to mend ties and coordinate action in the face of threats from China and North Korea. Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Katunobu America Kato noted the decision confl icted with a previous ruling on a separate case that found the Japanese government responsible for compensating sexual slavery victims. Kato said he wouldn’t comment on the new rul- ‘Jubilation mixed with sorrow’ ing before examining the details more closely, but he added that Tokyo’s stance on the sexual slavery issue remains unchanged. He said the previous rul- ing violated international law and was unacceptable. Chauvin guilty of murder, manslaughter Violation “Japan continues to strongly ask South Korea to MINNEAPOLIS, April 21, (AP): Former world what happened. do more to reduce the likelihood that trag- Jamee Haggard, who brought her bi- take appropriate steps in order to correct the state Minneapolis Offi cer Derek Chauvin was The jury of six whites and six Black edies like this will ever happen again.” racial 4-year-old daughter to the city’s of international violation,” he said. convicted Tuesday of murder and man- or multiracial people came back with The verdict was hailed around the coun- George Floyd Square, said: “There’s some The 20 plaintiffs, who had sued Japanese gov- slaughter for pinning George Floyd to the its verdict after about 10 hours of de- try as justice by other political and civic form of justice that’s coming.” ernment in 2016, included 11 women who were pavement with his knee on the Black man’s liberations over two days. The now- leaders and celebrities, including former The verdict was read in a courthouse neck in a case that triggered worldwide pro- fired white officer was found guilty of President Barack Obama, Oprah Winfrey ringed with concrete barriers and razor forced to work at Japanese military brothels during tests, violence and a furious reexamination second-degree unintentional murder, and California Gov. Gavin Newsom, a wire and patrolled by National Guard World War II and relatives of other women who of racism and policing in the US. third-degree murder and second-degree white man, who said on Twitter that Floyd troops, in a city on edge against another have since died. Chauvin, 45, was immediately led away manslaughter. “would still be alive if he looked like me. round of unrest - not just because of the The court said international law and previous with his hands cuffed behind his back and Chauvin’s face was obscured by a That must change.” Chauvin case but because of the deadly rulings from South Korea’s Supreme Court make it could be sent to prison for decades. COVID-19 mask, and little reaction could At a park next to the Minneapolis court- police shooting of a young Black man, clear that foreign governments should be immune The verdict - guilty as charged on all be seen beyond his eyes darting around the house, a hush fell over a crowd of about Daunte Wright, in a Minneapolis suburb from civil damage suits in respect of their sover- counts, in a relatively swift, across-the- courtroom. His bail was immediately re- 300 as they listened to the verdict on their April 11. eignty. board victory for Floyd’s supporters - set voked. Sentencing will be in two months; cellphones. Then a great roar went up, with The jurors’ identities were kept secret “If we go against the (principles) of current cus- off jubilation mixed with sorrow across the most serious charge carries up to 40 many people hugging, some shedding tears. and will not be released until the judge de- tomary international law regarding the immunity the city and around the nation. Hundreds years in prison. At the intersection where Floyd was cides it is safe to do so. of states and deny immunity for the defendant, a of people poured into the streets of Min- Defense attorney Eric Nelson followed pinned down, a crowd chanted, “One It is unusual for police offi cers to be diplomatic clash with the defendant will become neapolis, some running through traffi c Chauvin out of the courtroom without down, three to go!” - a reference to the prosecuted for killing someone on the job. unavoidable following the verdict and the process with banners. Drivers blared their horns in comment. three other fi red Minneapolis offi cers fac- And convictions are extraordinarily rare. to forcibly execute it,” the court said in a statement. celebration. President Joe Biden welcomed the ver- ing trial in August on charges of aiding Out of the thousands of deadly police One of the plaintiffs - 92-year-old Lee Yong-soo “Today, we are able to breathe again,” dict, saying Floyd’s death was “a murder and abetting murder in Floyd’s death. shootings in the U.S. since 2005, fewer - has been campaigning for South Korea and Japan Floyd’s younger brother Philonise said at in full light of day, and it ripped the blin- Janay Henry, who lives nearby, said she than 140 offi cers have been charged with to settle their decades-long impasse over sexual a joyous family news conference where ders off for the whole world” to see sys- felt grateful and relieved. murder or manslaughter, according to data slavery by seeking judgment from the UN’s Inter- tears streamed down his face as he likened temic racism. “I feel grounded. I can feel my feet on maintained by Phil Stinson, a criminolo- national Court of Justice. Floyd to the 1955 Mississippi lynching But he warned: “It’s not enough. We the concrete,” she said, adding that she gist at Bowling Green State University. She has said it has become clear the issue can- victim Emmett Till, except that this time can’t stop here. We’re going to deliver real was looking forward to the “next case with Before Tuesday, only seven were convict- not be resolved through bilateral talks or rulings there were cameras around to show the change and reform. We can and we must joy and optimism and strength.” ed of murder. by South Korea’s domestic courts that have been repeatedly rejected by the Japanese government, and that the friction between governments has hurt friendships between civilians. “Regardless of the verdict, we will go to the International Court of Justice,” she told reporters after Wednesday’s ruling. The same court in a largely symbolic ruling in January had called for the Japanese government to give 100 million won ($89,000) each to a separate group of 12 women who sued in 2013 over their wartime suffering as sex slaves. Tens of thousands of women across Japanese- occupied Asia and the Pacifi c were moved to front- line brothels used by the Japanese military. About 240 South Korean women registered with the gov- ernment as victims of sexual slavery by Japan’s wartime military - only 15 of whom are still alive. Japan insists compensation issues were settled under the 1965 treaty, in which Tokyo provided $500 million in economic assistance to Seoul. Amnesty International in a statement called Wednesday’s ruling a “major disappointment that fails to deliver justice to the remaining survivors of this military slavery system and to those who suffered these atrocities before and during World War II but had already passed away, as well as their families.” Victory Referring to the January court ruling, Arnold Fang, Amnesty International’s East Asia research- er, said, “What was a landmark victory for the sur- vivors after an overly long wait is again now being called into question.” The ruling came as the Asian US allies struggle to repair their relations that sank to post-war lows in recent years over history, trade, and military issues. Their recurring animosity could possibly com- plicate President Joe Biden’s efforts to bolster three-way cooperation with US regional allies, which declined under years of President Donald Trump’s “America fi rst” approach, to coordinate action in face of China’s growing infl uence and North Korea’s nuclear threat. Besides the impasse over sexual slavery, South Korea and Japan have feuded over South Korean court rulings that called for Japanese companies to compensate Koreans who were forced to work in factories during the war. The countries have made little progress in repair- ing their relations despite South Korean President Moon Jae-in’s vow last month to build “future-ori- ented ties” with Tokyo. Those comments came after Moon during a January news conference described that month’s ruling on the sexual slavery survivors as “honestly a complicating” development for gov- ernment efforts to improve bilateral relations. Moon’s offi ce didn’t immediately comment on Wednesday’s ruling. Aside from the history issues, fresh tensions have risen after Japan confi rmed it would release treated radioactive water from the Fukushima nuclear plant into the ocean. In 2015, South Korea’s previous conservative government reached a deal with Japan to “irrevers- ibly” resolve the sexual slavery dispute. Under that deal, Japan agreed to fund a foundation to support victims in return for South Korea ceasing its criti- cism of Japan over the issue. But Moon’s government took steps to dissolve the foundation after he took offi ce in 2017, saying the 2015 deal lacked legitimacy because offi cials failed to properly communicate with victims be- fore reaching it. Boeing extends potential term for CEO

In this file photo Boeing Boeing’s board of directors nounced that Chief Financial Chairman Larry Kellner and an- changes Boeing made to a Company President and Chief has raised the mandatory re- Officer Gregory Smith, 54, will other board member. flight-control system implicated Executive Officer Dennis tirement age for CEO David retire in July, and a search has Boeing lost more than in the crashes, which killed 346 Muilenburg appears before a Calhoun from 65 to 70, just begun for a successor. Smith $11.9 billion last year as the people. China, the plane’s sin- Senate Committee on Com- days after he turned 64. has spent more than 30 years extended grounding of all its gle largest market, has not yet merce, Science, and Trans- Calhoun, who celebrated at the company. Max jets and then the pan- allowed the planes to resume portation hearing on ‘Aviation a birthday Sunday, has been The announcements were demic led to a plunge in air- flying. Safety and the Future of CEO since January 2020. He made shortly before the compa- craft orders and deliveries. “Boeing has effectively Boeing’s 737 MAX’ on Capitol replaced Dennis Muilenburg, ny’s annual shareholder meet- Max jets worldwide were navigated one of the most Hill in Washington. (AP) who was ousted amid a crisis ing, which is being conducted grounded for nearly two years challenging and complex pe- over two deadly crashes of the online. A proxy advisory firm until late 2020, when regulators riods in its long history.” Kell- company’s 737 Max jetliner. has recommended that share- in the United States and many ner said in a prepared state- The company also an- holders vote against re-electing other countries approved ment. Calhoun, he said. (AP)

Market Movements 21-04-2021 Change Closing pts Change Closing pts AUSTRALIA - All Ordinaries -23.24 7,258.89 JAPAN - Nikkei -591.83 28,508.55 S. KOREA - KRX 100 -133.32 6,763.79 PHILIPPINES - PSEi -61.03 6,439.39 INDIA - Sensex -243.80 47,705.80 PAKISTAN - KSE 100 -93.24 45,306.54 CHINA - Shanghai SE -0.01 3,472.93 Business Pandemic ‘exposed’ UK households’ finances Underlying safety net in UK relatively less generous than those in France, Germany

LONDON, April 21, (AP): Households searchers said typical household incomes in the U.K., France come hit were also twice as likely to have taken on more the U.K. recording more than 127,000 coronavirus-related in Britain, especially poorer ones, are far and Germany were broadly similar in the year before the debt during the pandemic to cover living expenses than Ger- deaths, Europe’s highest. pandemic but that higher levels of inequality and a weaker man and French households, with the proportion of house- There are hopes that the rapid rollout of coronavirus vac- more likely to have suffered a severe income safety net meant the poorest fi fth of British households en- holds doing so at 17%, 9% and 8% respectively. cines in the U.K. and the gradual lifting of lockdown restric- shock during the coronavirus pandemic tered the crisis in a weaker fi nancial position. The foundation said the uneven impact of the pandemic tions will see the economy make up some of that lost output over the past year than their counterparts “These holes in U.K. households’ fi nancial resilience on household fi nances was likely to last far longer than the this year. have been exposed during the COVID-19 crisis,” said Maja pandemic itself, with a higher proportion of lowest-income Though the underlying safety net in the U.K. is relatively less in France and Germany, a well-respected Gustafsson, an economist at the Resolution Foundation. households drawing on savings or taking on debt to support generous than those in France and Germany, the British govern- British-based think tank said Wednesday. The report found that among households in which at least living standards compared with the highest-income house- one person had fallen out of work, 41% of British households holds. ment has been credited with swiftly enacting fi nancial support The Resolution Foundation also said that house- had suffered a severe income fall of at least 25%, substantially By several measures, the British economy suffered one measures to help offset the impact of the pandemic, notably its holds in the U.K. are also more likely to have run up more than the 20% recorded in France and 28% in Germany. It of the deepest and most protracted recessions in the devel- job retention program that has helped keep a lid on unemploy- more debt in response to the financial shockwaves also found that 33% of British households have cut back their oped world in the wake of the pandemic, with the economy ment. Under the program, which is due to expire later this year, emanating from the pandemic. spending, more than the 23% recorded in France and 21% in shrinking around 10% in 2020. Many blame that on the Con- the government has been paying the lion’s share of the incomes In a report, which was entitled “After Shocks” and was Germany. servative government’s repeated failures to back lockdown of those workers retained by fi rms during the series of lock- supported by U.S. investment bank JPMorgan Chase, re- The report also found that British households with an in- restrictions early enough, delays that have contributed to downs that have been imposed. Netflix’s subscriber growth, stock zapped as pandemic eases

Netflix’s pandemic-fueled subscriber growth is time last year when Netflix added nearly 16 The poor showing to start the year rattled in- slowing far faster than anticipated as people million subscribers. That came just as govern- vestors, causing the Los Gatos, California, com- This photo who have been cooped at home are able to get ments around the world imposed lockdowns pany’s stock to drop by more than 8% in extended shows a logo out and do other things again. that created a huge captive audience for the trading, even though Netflix’s revenue hit analyst for Netflix on a The video-streaming service added 4 mil- leading video-streaming service. targets and its profit exceeded estimates. remote control lion more worldwide subscribers from January Signaling that the trend is continuing, Netflix Netflix earned $1.71 billion, or $3.75 per in Portland, through March, its smallest gain during that forecast an increase of just 1 million worldwide share, more than doubling from a year ago. Oregon. (AP) three-month period in four years. subscribers in the current April-June period, Revenue climbed 24% from the same time last The performance reported Tuesday was down from an increase of 10 million subscrib- year to $7.16 billion. about 2 million fewer subscribers than both ers at the same time last year. The inevitable slowdown in subscriber growth management and analysts had predicted Netf- “It’s just a little wobbly right now,” Netflix co- had been widely telegraphed by Netflix’s man- lix would add during the first quarter. CEO Reed Hastings said during a discussion of agement in repeated reminders that its gains It marked a huge comedown from the same the company’s results streamed Tuesday. were a pandemic-driven anomaly. (AP)

‘Niche within a niche’ Problem more pronounced at lower-income levels India’s electric vehicles 15% of Americans worse off a year into pandemic face practical ‘hurdles’ By Sarah Skidmore Sell NEW DELHI, April 20, (AP): H.S. Panno, an independent hile most Americans have weathered contractor living in a spacious two-story penthouse in New Wthe pandemic financially, about 38 mil- Delhi, had his doubts when he bought his first electric car in lion say they are worse off now than before September. the outbreak began in the US. So far, he’s pleased with his savings on gas and mainte- Overall, 55% of Americans say their fi- nance, which are down by more than half, but disappointed nancial circumstances are about the same with the practical limitations of driving his Nexon XZ+. For now as a year ago, and 30% say their fi- starters, he says he’s only getting 200 kilometers (125 miles) nances have improved, according to a new per charge, not the promised range of 315 kilometers (195 poll from Impact Genome and The Associ- miles). And he can’t drive the car outside the city because of ated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs a lack of charging stations. Research. But 15% say they are worse off. EVs are a rarity in India, where more than 300 million The problem is more pronounced at vehicles, most of them scooters and three-wheel motorized lower-income levels: 29% of Americans rickshaws, jam the highways. The country is now making living below the federal poverty line say an ambitious push for what it calls “electric mobility,” to re- their personal finances worsened in the past duce smog. But the effort is plagued with technological and year. Roughly that many also find them- logistical hurdles, even for those relatively simple vehicles. selves in a deepening financial hole, saying The EV passenger car segment may be potentially huge they struggled to pay bills in the past three but for now it is a niche within a niche: In March, 25,640 months. electric vehicles were sold across the country, of which 90% Britney Frick, 27, is among those whose were two and three-wheelers. The total 400,000 EVs reg- finances have taken a hit. She worked as a istered in India in 2019 accounted for less than 0.2% of all substitute teacher before the pandemic but vehicles. her role was eliminated. Initially, she found Panno got a $1,770 rebate as a government incentive for a telecommunications job that allowed her buying his Nexon XZ+, Indian automaker Tata’s mid-range to work from home, but the hours began to electric vehicle model. It cost $22,740, about twice the price dwindle then dried up altogether. of the company’s most popular gas-fueled models. Frick ended up unemployed for six months “It’s a good car and a pleasure to drive, but I’m still scared but was able to get by using her savings, re- of breaking down midway from a lack of charge,” Panno duced rent and help from her parents. said. “I am slowly getting back on my feet but Officials see EVs as a solution to the deadly smog choking am nowhere near where I was before CO- city streets, even though for the most part heavily polluting VID,” she said. coal power plants generate the electricity needed to charge Frick got a job at a daycare in March and them. the steady work is helping her rebuild her fi- India’s capital New Delhi provides a slew of subsidies to nancial picture. first-time EV buyers. EVs are also exempt from road tax and In this file photo, a person looks inside the closed doors in the US. According to a new poll from Impact Genome and registration fees and there are other incentives to encour- I am still living paycheck to of the Pasadena Community Job Center in Pasadena, Ca- The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Re- age swapping of old gas and diesel vehicles for new electric lif., during the coronavirus outbreak. While most Americans search 55% of Americans say their financial circumstances ones. About half of India’s 31 states have drafted similar EV have weathered the pandemic financially, about 38 million are about the same now as a year ago, and 30% say their policies with varying degrees of progress. paycheck but at least pay the say they are worse off now than before the outbreak began finances have improved. (AP) The New Delhi government recently dropped the Nexon check of those living far above the poverty line say XZ+ and Nexon XM from its list of a dozen four-wheel ve- they have been able to save. The federal pov- hicles eligible for subsidies. The reason? Their low range. erty line for a family of four in 2019, prior to Tata said the Nexon XZ+’s 315-kilometer range was is covering the bills the pandemic, was $25,750. Crypto is latest ‘meme’ craze verified by the official Automotive Research Association of India. But the actual range depends on factors such as air “I am still living paycheck to paycheck but There also are wide racial disparities, with conditioning, “individual driving style and the conditions in at least the paycheck is covering the bills,” 57% of white Americans, 47% of Hispan- NEW YORK, April 21, (AP): Dogecoin had easy transactions, though few retailers are which the vehicle is driven,” the company said in a state- she said. “But I am happy to be back at work ics and just 39% of Black Americans saying its day. accepting it so far. ment. honestly and happy that things are kind of re- they have saved recently. Black and Hispanic After fans of the cryptocurrency touted It’s also attracting buyers who want to turning to normal.” Americans are about twice as likely as white April 20, long an unofficial holiday for mar- get in on the next “meme” investment after The pandemic has wreaked havoc on the Americans to say they have come up short on ijuana devotees, as “Doge Day,” Dogecoin watching the stock of GameStop suddenly It’s a good car and a pleasure to drive, economy — the United States still has 8.4 bill payments. failed to come close to the $1 target that sup- soar more than 1,600% in January. That million fewer jobs than it had in February Andrew Holland said his family’s finances porters hoped to reach and was falling in late surge was triggered by a band of smaller- but I’m still scared of breaking down 2020, just before the pandemic struck. were fairly steady for most of the pandemic. afternoon trading. pocketed investors communicating online, The government has passed three major The California resident worked as a hospice The goal may have sounded like a low resulting in lifechanging profits for those midway from a lack of relief bills in response, which included di- nurse and case manager and his wife kept her hurdle, particularly when compared against who timed it right. And Dogecoin buyers rect economic relief payments to individuals. job with a refinery. But the stress and isola- the $50,000 or $60,000 that a bitcoin is are now using some of the same slogans, That has helped ease the suffering of some. tion of the pandemic led him to reconsider worth, depending on the day. But Dogecoin promising to take its price “to the moon,” charge The latest round of government payments his work. has already had an astonishing ascent from for example. The EV market has been growing at an annual rate of 20% — $1,400 to individuals __ were sent out Unlike before the pandemic, he had no the roughly half of a cent that it was fetching Critics, though, say Dogecoin’s almost and is dominated by five major players: Tata, Mahindra & beginning last month. Households, on aver- in-person interaction with colleagues or at the start of the year. unbelievable rise is another example of the Mahindra Ltd., MG Motor India, Olectra Greentech Ltd. and age, are using, or plan to use about one-third friends to relieve some of the pressure of Dogecoin, which is pronounced dohj- fever to buy the next big thing that’s been JBM Auto Ltd. Startups also are joining the fray. of the money to pay down debt, about 25% his job. So he quit and found a new job in coin, has already leaped to roughly 33 pushing prices up across investments, and Local automakers have been slow to get into making EVs on spending and put the rest into savings, ac- hospice care with fewer hours. His wife cents and is flirting with a 7,000% gain for that people buying in now may be setting and their parts, largely because of a lack of demand. Those cording to a report released last week from also got a new job with better pay. 2021 so far. That towers over the rough- themselves up for pain. Even cryptocurren- that have jumped in mostly rely on cheap imports that have the New York Federal reserve. That closely While their family finances took a temporary ly 10% return for the U.S. stock market, cies that are more widely accepted and seen added to complaints over poor quality. mirrored spending of prior relief payments. hit and they spent some savings, he expects which itself is getting criticism for rising as serious are notoriously volatile, with huge Last year, India raised tariffs on imports of EVs and their Overall, the Impact Genome/AP-NORC to recover. Holland and his wife have started too high. Collectively, dogecoins have a swings in price, up and down. parts, including all-important and expensive lithium-ion bat- poll found 52% of Americans say they were tracking their spending more closely and are total market value of about $42 billion, ac- “We can expect many novice retail inves- teries. That and other policies are aimed at encouraging do- able to save money for most of the past three now planning for an earlier retirement. cording to CoinDesk. That puts it in the tors - who may not have the financial resil- mestic production, raising quality and bringing prices down months, while 37% broke even and 10% “This really made me look at what do I same neighborhood as Chipotle Mexican ience needed - to get burned in the Dogecoin to the level of conventional autos. were short on paying bills. Among Ameri- want to do and when do I want to do it,” Hol- Grill and eBay. frenzy, in the same way they did with the Some companies, both domestic and foreign, have tak- cans living below the poverty line, 29% say land, 35, said. “I feel incredibly lucky that Supporters of Dogecoin are trying to help GameStop one,” said Nigel Green, chief en heed and dozens of projects are in the pipeline. Tata they struggled to pay bills recently, while the worst that happened is I lost a month’s of it shed its image as a joke cryptocurrency executive of deVere Group, which offers plans a $54 million lithium-ion production facility in the just 16% have saved. By comparison, 61% wages and got a job with fewer hours.” and get it seen as a way to make fast and financial planning and advice. Indian state of Gujarat. Japan’s Toshiba-Denzo-Suzuki has set up a factory in the western state of Gujarat, an auto manufacturing hub, to make lithium-ion batteries for Maruti Suzuki and Suzuki motor plants. Elon Musk re- cently announced Tesla plans to set up an EV factory in southern India. Moushumi Mohanty, head of electric mobility at the Cen- tre for Science and Environment, a nonprofit focused on sustainable development, says the lack of charging stations remains a big hurdle. “For the supply side to work, the government will have to formulate a standardized regulatory framework to monitor the quality of technology and safety parameters,” Mohanty added. India has been striving to follow the lead of the U.S., Ja- pan, and China in building up its auto industry, which already employs more than 35 million people, directly or indirectly, and contributes more than 7% to the country’s gross domes- tic product. To help repair damage from the pandemic, the country’s leaders are aiming to double exports of vehicles and components in the next five years. The effort to ramp up EV use is part of a global trend. Sales of such vehicles rose 40% in 2019 from a year earlier to account for 2.6% of worldwide car sales, or about 1% of all vehicles, according to the International Energy Agency. But for the foreseeable future, India’s EV market will likely remain the domain of electric scooters and rickshaws, which cost $1,200 to $3,680 and like passenger cars need charging facilities. Ashok Kumar switched to driving an electric rickshaw taxi from working at a printing press three years ago, after hearing the New Delhi government was offering subsidies. However, he never got the promised rebate on his $1,770 electric rickshaw. Kumar sets out each day acutely aware that he has just until lunchtime to earn as much as he can. Then he has to rush home to charge his vehicle.

An attendant of a public charging station for electric ve- hicles sits idle in New Delhi, India, April 1, 2021. (AP) ARAB TIMES, THURSDAY, APRIL 22, 2021 BUSINESS 10 Asia dips as virus casts shadow over recovery

Crude oil weakens, dollar retreats against Japanese yen

BANGKOK, April 21, (AP): Shares fection numbers surge in recent weeks. The rising is clouding the outlook for oil and fuel prices, he Clorox added 3%. skidded in Asia on Wednesday after caseloads are straining medical systems from Japan said. The market has been swaying between gains and to India and leading to a restoration of pandemic On Wednesday the S&P 500 closed at 4,134.94. record highs to pullbacks as investors weigh solid Wall Street closed lower for a second precautions such as travel restrictions, quarantine The Dow Jones Industrial Average lost 0.8% to economic growth against the risks still posed by the straight day, led by drops in technology requirements and a dimming of nightlife. 33,821.30. After shedding an early gain, the tech- pandemic. That push and pull will likely continue as companies and banks. The Nikkei 225 in Tokyo gave up just over 2.0% nology-heavy Nasdaq slid 0.9%, to 13,786.27. vaccine distribution rolls on and various industries Worsening coronavirus outbreaks in Asia have to 28,508.55 while Hong Kong’s Hang Seng de- Apple fell 1.3% as part of a broad slide in tech- reopen. cast a shadow over prospects for a rebound from clined 1.7% to 28,655.76. In Seoul, the Kospi lost nology companies. Banks also accounted for a big “Overall, we’re going to have some volatility in the pandemic. Tokyo’s Nikkei 225 fell more than 1.5% to 3,171.66, while Sydney’s S&P/ASX 200 share of the selling, which came as bond yields fell, the market this year, but everything to me looks 2% and other benchmarks also declined. shed 0.3% to 6,997.50. The Shanghai Composite reversing course after moving higher on Monday. fairly rosy for the next six months or so,” said Syl- On Tuesday, the S&P 500 gave back 0.7%, pull- index ended fl at at 3,472.93. The yield on the 10-year Treasury fell to 1.57% via Jablonski, chief investment offi cer at Defi ance ing the index further below the record high it set “Global stocks are still plumbing the lows after from 1.60%. Bank of America dropped 2.8% and ETFs. on Friday. Small-company stocks, which have been renewed virus concerns spooked markets over- Citigroup slid 3.2%. The Russell 2000 index of smaller company beating the rest of the market in recent months, fell night,” Stephen Innes of Axi said in a commen- Investors have turned defensive, favoring utili- stocks, which has been outpacing the broader mar- more than other sectors. tary. ties, real estate stocks and a mix of companies ket all year, shed 2% to 2,188.21. Asian governments are scrambling to secure Worsening outbreaks in India and Thailand have that make consumer staples like food and house- Investors are in the middle of fi rst-quarter earn- supplies of COVID-19 vaccines after seeing in- also cast a pall on a recovery in travel, which in turn hold products. General Mills rose 1.6% and ings season. Roughly 80 members of the S&P 500 will report their results this week, as well as one out of every three members of the Dow. Wall Street will be looking to see if Corporate America is recover- ing with the rest of the economy from the coronavi- rus pandemic. On average, analysts expect quarterly profi ts across the S&P 500 to climb 24% from a year ear- lier, according to FactSet. Netfl ix slumped 10.6% in after-hours trading after the video streaming pioneer said it added 4 million more worldwide subscribers from January through March, its smallest gain during that three- month period in four years. That was about 2 mil- lion fewer than both management and analysts had predicted Netfl ix would add during the fi rst quarter. In other trading, benchmark U.S. crude oil lost 20 cents to $62.47 per barrel in electronic trading on the New York Mercantile Exchange. It gave up 76 cents to $62.67 per barrel on Tuesday. Brent crude, the international standard, declined 15 cents to $66.42 per barrel. The U.S. dollar declined to 108.07 Japanese yen from 108.09 yen late Tuesday. The euro fell to $1.2019 from $1.2035.

People walk by an electronic stock board of a securi- ties fi rm in Tokyo, April 21. Shares skidded in Asia on Wednesday. (AP) ARAB TIMES, THURSDAY, APRIL 22, 2021 SCIENCE 11

Coronavirus

‘No place for you’ India hospitals buckle amid new virus surge NEW DELHI, April 21, (AP): Seema Gandotra, sick with the coronavirus, gasped for breath in an ambulance for 10 hours, as it tried unsuccessfully at six hospitals in India’s sprawling capital to find an open bed. By the time she was admitted, it was too late, and the 51-year-old died hours later. Rajiv Tiwari, whose oxygen levels began falling after he tested positive for the virus, has the opposite problem: He identified an open bed, but the 30-something resident of Lucknow in Uttar Pradesh can’t get to it. “There is no ambulance to take me to hospital,” he said. Such tragedies are familiar from surges in other parts of the world – but were largely unknown in India, which was able to prevent a collapse in its health system last year through a harsh lockdown. But now they are everyday occurrences in the vast country, which is seeing its largest surge of the pandemic so far and watching its chronically underfunded health sys- tem crumble. Tests are delayed. Medical oxygen is scarce. Hospitals are understaffed and overflowing. Intensive care units are full. Nearly all ventilators are in use, and the dead are piling up at cre- matoriums and graveyards. India recorded over 250,000 new infections Vardhan and over 1,700 deaths in the past 24 hours alone, and the UK announced a travel ban on most visitors from the country this week. Overall, India has A man waits for the cremation of a relative who died of COVID-19, placed near bodies of other victims, in New Delhi, India, Tuesday, April 20. India has been reported more than 15 million cases and some 180,000 overwhelmed by hundreds of thousands of new coronavirus cases daily, bringing pain, fear and agony to many lives as lockdowns have been placed in Delhi and deaths – and experts say these numbers are likely an under- other cities around the country. (AP) counts. India’s wave of cases is contributing to a worldwide rise in infections as many places experience deepening crises, such as Brazil and France, spurred in part by new, more Coronavirus contagious variants, including one first detected in India. More than a year into the pandemic, global deaths have passed 3 million and are climbing again, running at nearly 12,000 per day on average. At the same time, vaccination campaigns have seen setbacks in many places – and India’s Odds favor use: EMA surge has only exacerbated that: The country is a major vac- cine producer but was forced it to delay deliveries of shots to focus on its domestic demand. EU agency links J&J shot to rare clots Measures LONDON, April 21, (AP): The Bhramar Mukherjee, a biostatistician at the University of European Union’s drug regulatory Michigan who has been tracking India’s pandemic, said agency said Tuesday that it found a Nevada teen suffers seizures India failed to learn from surges elsewhere and take antici- “possible link” between Johnson & patory measures. Johnson’s COVID-19 vaccine and When new infections started dipping in September, extremely rare blood clots and recom- and brain clots after J&J shot authorities thought the worst of the pandemic was over. mended a warning be added to the Health Minister Harsh Vardhan even declared in March label. But experts at the agency reiter- LAS VEGAS, April 21, (AP): An Johnson said. “The word we got ated that the vaccine’s benefits out- 18-year-old woman in Nevada from her parents last night was that the country had entered the “endgame” - but he was who suffered seizures after receiv- ‘slowly, slowly slowly.’ ” already behind the curve: Average weekly cases in weigh the risks. ing the Johnson & Johnson The US government suspend- Maharashtra state, home to the financial capital of Mumbai, The European Medicines Agency COVID-19 vaccine has received ed use of the J&J vaccinations had tripled in the previous month. A health worker shows the Sinopharm made its determination after examining COVID-19 vaccine at a vaccination three brain surgeries related to last week, just a week after Mukherjee was among those who had urged authorities a small number of clot cases in people blood clots, a spokesperson for European regulators declared center, in Peshawar, Pakistan, vaccinated in the US. It said these prob- to take advantage of cases being low earlier in the year to Wednesday, April 21. (AP) her family said. that such clots are a rare but pos- speed up vaccinations. Instead officials dithered in limiting lems should be considered “very rare Emma Burkey began feeling sick sible risk with the AstraZeneca huge gatherings during Hindu festivals and refused to delay side effects of the vaccine.” about a week after receiving the vaccine, a shot made in a similar ongoing elections in the eastern West Bengal state, where J&J immediately announced it will one-dose vaccine early this month, way but not yet approved for use experts fear that large, unmasked crowds at rallies will fuel revise its label as requested and resume spokesman Bret Johnson said. in the US. the spread of the virus. vaccine shipments to the EU, Norway She was one of six women in the Federal health agencies have and Iceland. In a statement, it said: US and the only reported resident since been investigating if the vac- Now India’s two largest cities have imposed strict lock- in Clark County, which includes cine could be the cause of blood downs, the pain of which will fall inordinately on the poor. “The safety and well-being of the peo- ple who use our products is our number Las Vegas, who experienced a clots in the women, or if providers Many have already left major cities, fearing a repeat of last one priority.” serious clotting side effect. One should be aware of preexisting year, when an abrupt lockdown forced many migrant work- Following the EMA’s decision, EU person died. conditions or medications that ers to walk to their home villages or risk starvation. Health and Food Safety Commissioner Burkey was first treated at St. could lead to complications. New Delhi, the capital, is rushing to convert schools into Rose Dominican Hospital in A panel with the Centers for Stella Kyriakides tweeted that vaccina- Henderson before being airlifted to Disease Control and Prevention hospitals. Field hospitals in hard-hit cities that had been tions save lives and added: “I urge abandoned are being resuscitated. India is trying to import Loma Linda University Medical said Burkey and other women Schablitsky Gonsalves Member States to follow the opinion of Center in Southern California for experienced headaches and back oxygen and has started to divert oxygen supplies from our experts.” specialized care, Johnson said. pain prior to the discovery of blood industry to the health system. Dutch health minister Hugo de Jonge Burkey was taken out of an induced clots, KVVU-TV reported. It remains to be seen whether these frantic efforts will be said the Netherlands would start immu- coma and off a respirator, the Las The panel said Burkey was enough. New Delhi’s government-run Sanjay Gandhi Discovery nizing with the J&J vaccine on Vegas Review-Journal reported. given Heparin, a blood thinner. Hospital is increasing its beds for COVID-19 patients from Wednesday. Her parents, Russ and Kathy, have However, the panel and Dr. 46 to 160. But R. Meneka, the official coordinating the visited Burkey briefly each day Anthony Fauci cautioned that COVID-19 response at the hospital, said he wasn’t sure if the Tubman’s father’s home found: Arc- Products because of COVID-19 restrictions. blood thinners can make the condi- facility had the capacity to provide oxygen to that many beds. haeologists in Maryland say they believe In March, the EMA, which oversees “She is improving slowly,” tion worse. The government-run hospital at Burari, an industrial hub they have found the homesite of famed the use of pharmaceutical products in abolitionist Harriet Tubman’s father. in the capitals’ outskirts, only had oxygen for two days 27 countries across the continent with a The EMA’s Cooke said that no blood from the brain. These patients Monday, and found that most vendors in the city had run The homesite of Ben Ross was found on combined population of about 448 mil- property acquired last year by the US Fish unusual blood clot cases connected also have abnormally low levels of out, said Ramesh Verma, who coordinates the COVID-19 lion, likewise recommended a label to the J&J vaccine had been report- blood platelets, a condition normally and Wildlife Service as an addition to change for AstraZeneca’s vaccine after response there. Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge, offi- ed in Europe and that the agency linked to bleeding, not clotting. “Every minute, we keep getting hundreds of calls for cials said Tuesday. An archaeology team finding a link between it and rare blood will require further studies from the In its statement, the EMA said the beds,” he said. led by the State Highway Administration clots. company as its vaccine is rolled cases it reviewed in recipients of the Kamla Devi, a 71-year-old diabetic, was rushed to a hos- conducted research that led to the find. In both cases, the agency said the out. J&J shot were very similar to those pital in New Delhi when her blood sugar levels fell last Archaeologist Julie Schablitsky benefits of being immunized against Last week, Johnson & Johnson seen in people who had gotten the week. On returning home, her levels plummeted again but described the finding as a connection to COVID-19 outweigh the very small advised European governments to AstraZeneca vaccine. this time, there were no beds. She died before she could be Tubman. risks of developing the unusual clots. store their doses until the EU drug tested for the virus. “If you have corona(virus) or if you “She would’ve spent time here as a child, “There is untold human suffering regulator issued guidance on their use. Also: but also she would’ve come back and been behind all of these (coronavirus) Widespread use of the shot in Europe PRAGUE: The Czech Republic is don’t, it doesn’t matter. The hospitals have no place for living here with her father in her teenage cases,” said Emer Cooke, the EMA’s you,” said Dharmendra Kumar, her son. has not yet started. rolling out the Johnson & Johnson years, working alongside him,” Schablitsky executive director, noting that 3 million The delay was a further blow to coronavirus vaccines after examina- Laboratories were unprepared for the steep rise in demand said in a news release. “This was the oppor- people worldwide have died in the out- for testing that came with the current surge, and everyone vaccination efforts in the EU, which tion by the European regulator. tunity she had to learn about how to navi- break. “These vaccines play an have been plagued by supply shortag- was “caught with their pants down,” said A. Velumani, the gate and survive in the wetlands and the The European Medicines Agency immensely important role in combating es, logistical problems and the persis- announced on Tuesday that it found a chairman and managing director of Thyrocare, one of woods. We believe this experience was able this pandemic.” tent concerns over clots. India’s largest private testing labs. He said that the current to benefit her when she began to move possible link between the shots and Last week, J&J halted its European Last week, South Africa suspended extremely rare blood clots. At the demand was three times that of last year. people to freedom.” rollout of the vaccine after US officials Tubman was born Araminta Ross in use of the J&J vaccine in the wake of same time, experts at the agency reit- India’s massive vaccination drive is also struggling. recommended a pause in its use because the US pause, and countries including Several states have flagged shortages, although the federal March 1822 on the Thompson Farm near erated that the vaccine’s benefits out- Cambridge, Maryland, on Maryland’s of six cases of a very rare type of blood Italy, Romania, the Netherlands, weigh the risks. government has claimed there are enough stocks. Eastern Shore. She escaped from slavery to clot among nearly 7 million Americans Denmark and Croatia put their doses ❑ ❑ ❑ India said last week that it would allow the use of all become a leading abolitionist who helped vaccinated with the formula. into storage. But other countries, COVID-19 shots that had been greenlit by the World Health slaves escape through the Underground European officials said they consid- including Poland, France and ROME: Italy is distributing 184,000 Organization or regulators in the United States, Europe, Railroad. ered all available evidence from the Hungary, said they would move for- doses of Johnson & Johnson coronavi- Britain or Japan. On Monday, it said that it would soon “This discovery adds another puzzle US, which ultimately consisted of eight ward with their J&J immunization rus shots to regional vaccination cen- expand vaccinations to include every adult in the country, piece to the story of Harriet Tubman, the cases, including one death. All occurred plans. ters and recommending it for people an estimated 900 million people. But with vaccine in short state of Maryland, and our nation,” said Lt. in people under 60, but the EMA said The blood clots linked to the J&J aged over 60 following the latest eval- global supply, it isn’t clear when Indian vaccine makers Gov. Boyd Rutherford, who attended a that it hadn’t been able to identify any vaccine are occurring in unusual parts uation from the European drug regula- will have the capacity to meet these goals. Indian vaccine news conference at the Harriet Tubman specific risk factors. of the body, such as veins that drain tory agency. maker Bharat Biotech said it was scaling up to make 700 Underground Railroad Visitor Center at Church Creek, Maryland. (AP) million doses each year. ❑ ❑ ❑ Meanwhile, Shahid Malik, who works at a small supplier recovery from the COVID crisis is currently move rapidly to start cutting emissions, we UN seeks $29m for St Vincent: The of oxygen, said that the demand for medical oxygen had Earth warming emissions: Global anything but sustainable for our climate,” are likely to face an even worse situation in United Nations announced Tuesday that it is increased by a factor of 10. His phone has been ringing warming emissions are expected to spike said Fatih Birol, the IEA’s executive direc- 2022.” (AP) seeking $29.2 million to help St Vincent continuously for two days. By Monday, the shop still had this year as the world emerges from the tor. “Unless governments around the world ❑ ❑ ❑ recover from ongoing volcanic eruptions oxygen but no cylinders. coronavirus pandemic and economies begin that have destroyed homes and crops, con- He answered each call with the same message: “If you to recover. taminated water supplies and displaced up According to a Tuesday report from the to 20% of people on the eastern Caribbean have your own cylinder, come pick up the oxygen. If you International Energy Agency, an intergov- island. don’t, we can’t help you.” ernmental group based in Paris, worldwide Didier Trebucq, the UN resident coordi- Also: energy-related carbon dioxide emissions nator for Barbados and the eastern could surge by 1.5 billion metric tons this Caribbean, described the scene as “apoca- NEW DELHI: Rahul Gandhi, an opposition Congress party year, following last year’s decline due to the lyptic” during an online press conference in leader and scion of India’s Nehru-Gandhi family, says he pandemic. According to the IEA, it would St Vincent. has tested positive for COVID-19 after experiencing mild be the second-largest annual increase in “The devastating impact of this event on symptoms. emissions since 2010 following the global thousands of people is undeniable,” he said, Gandhi, 50, said in a tweet on Tuesday that “All those financial crisis of 2008-2009. adding that more money will be needed who’ve been in contact with me recently, please follow all The IEA forecasts a 5% increase in car- once damage assessments are completed. safety protocols and stay safe.” Gandhi last week called off bon dioxide emissions this year, to 33 bil- Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves said lion metric tons. The group says that the officials are still quantifying the damage, political rallies in West Bengal state where provincial elec- main driver is coal demand, which is on but that rebuilding will run “in the hundreds tions are being held. course to grow by 4.5%. That would surpass of millions of dollars,” on top of “massive” On Monday, another top Congress party leader and for- its 2019 level and approach its 2014 peak, humanitarian relief needs. mer prime minister, Manmohan Singh, also tested positive according to the IEA, which says the elec- More than 16,000 people were evacuated and was hospitalized as a precaution. Singh, 88, had a mild tricity sector responsible for about three- ahead of the first, April 9 explosion at La fever on Sunday. quarters of the rise. Soufriere volcano, with officials noting that A senior Congress party leader, P. Chidambaram, said China is by far the world’s biggest coal ash is piled up to 16 inches (42 centimeters) user and carbon emitter, followed in emis- high in some homes in the northern part of on Tuesday that Singh ”is stable and the progress is good.” In this handout photo provided by Halil Ibrahimi, insects named Potamophylax India’s Health Ministry reported 259,170 new infections sions by the United States, the third largest St Vincent, where the volcano is located. user of coal. The two countries pump out coronavirus are mating on Oct. 24, 2020. Restrictions during the coronavirus More than 6,200 evacuees are staying and 1,761 deaths on Tuesday. The country has reported nearly half of the fossil fuel fumes that are pandemic helped Kosovar biologist Ibrahimi sit down and complete his research, in 88 government shelters and thousands daily infections above the 200,000 mark for six days. warming the planet’s atmosphere. naming a new insect after the virus and raised public awareness against pollu- of others in homes or private shelters. “This is a dire warning that the economic tion of river basins. (AP) (AP) Film THURSDAY, APRIL 22, 2021 FFeatureseatures Steinman diedin was illforsometime.HesaidJim Monday fromkidneyfailureand ated Pressthathisbrotherdied died, hisbrothersaid.Hewas73. Supply and well ashitsfor “Bat OutOfHell”debutalbumas wrote MeatLoaf’sbest-selling Grammy-winning composerwho near hishomein Supply’s “Making LoveOutof other Steinmanproduction—Air When Tyler’ssongwasNo.1,an- Tyler aGrammynomination. board chartsin1983andearned Heart,” whichtoppedtheBill- for Tyler’s“TotalEclipseofthe Manchester, England. at theManchesterOperaHousein sical,” whichpremieredin2017 musical “BatOutofHell:TheMu- trilogy. which closedthe“BatOutofHell” Hell III:TheMonsterIsLoose,” also workedon2006’s“BatOutof Love (ButIWon’tDoThat).”He tional hit“I’dDoAnythingfor success thatfeaturedtheinterna- commercial andmulti-platinum Hell II:BackintoHell,”another Loaf’s 1993album,“BatOutof albums inthe equivalent toselling14million status bytheRIAA,whichis It hasreached14-timeplatinum the top-sellingalbumsofall-time. Hell,” releasedin1977andoneof Loaf’s classicalbum“BatOutof Back toMeNow.” power ballad“It’sAllComing and featuredtheSteinman-penned its 25thanniversarylastmonth ing IntoYou,”whichcelebrated ing songsonCelineDion’s“Fall- 1997 GrammyAwardsforproduc- and wonalbumoftheyearat Songwriters HallofFamein2012 prolifi power balladsthroughouthis ing epic,operaticrocksongsand known forwritingandproduc- his startinmusicaltheaterandwas 1, 1947,inNewYorkCity.Hegot phone Tuesday. already,” BillSteinmansaidby NEW YORK: erful andprolifi the falloutcontinuedforoneofentertainmentindustry’smostpow- fi ment toadmitBlackmembers. Black, theTimesreported. time, thegrouphad87memberswhoarejournalists,butnone counsel andchiefoperatingoffi the LosAngelesTimes. lors asa“self-proclaimedtrainedMarxist,”accordingtoreportfrom called BlackLivesMattera“racisthatemovement”anddescribedCul- er PatrisseCullors.TheSouthAfrican-bornBerksharedanarticlethat after hesentanemailSundaycriticizingBlackLivesMatterco-found- Berk’s removal. demned Berk’sactionsandcalledforhis“immediateexpulsion.” decision comeshoursafterNBC—whichtelecaststheGlobescon- Tuesday thatPhilBerkisnolongeramemberoftheorganization.The ment.” board sendinganemailthatcalledBlackLivesMattera“hatemove- tion thathoststheGoldenGlobeshasbeendroppedfromgroup’s LOS ANGELES,April21,(AP):Aformerpresidentoftheorganiza- Globes group oustsmemberoverhisBlackLivesMatteremail lm andstreamingprojects,alongwithhisBroadwayproductions,as Bill Steinman Steinman wasresponsible He alsocomposedtherock Steinman alsowroteMeat He wrotethemusicforMeat Steinman wasinductedintothe Jim SteinmanwasbornonNov. “I misshimagreatdeal In astatementTuesday,Rudinsaidhewouldusethetimeto“work In anotherdevelopment,ScottRudinsayshe’s“steppingback”from The organizationhassaidthatan“actionplan”wasunderdevelop- In February,theHFPAwascriticizedforlackingdiversity.At Berk hadbeenamemberoftheorganizationformorethan40years. The emailwassenttoHFPAmembers,staffandthegroup’sgeneral Berk, aneight-termassociationpresident,fellunderheavyscrutiny The show’sproducer,dickclarkproductions,alsodemandedfor The HollywoodForeignPressAssociationboardsaidinanemail c career. Bonnie Tyler US Jim Steinman Celine Dion c producersfollowingrenewedaccusationsofbullying. toldTheAssoci- Ridgefi alone. Connecticut eld , has , Air . , the

cer. dwindling viewer interest. other awardsshows alsofi a record-lowaudience, joining of CountyMusichonorsdrew LOS ANGELES: on thechart.(AP) 2, givingSteinmantheTop2spots Nothing atAll”—peakedNo. Ceremony ratingsgenerally land”; ViolaDavis,“MaRainey’sBlackBottom”; Young Woman”;FrancesMcDormand,“Nomad- and that’sonlycauseforcelebration. wasn’t it.Butitwouldstillbe“Nomadland’s”year about theruralPennsylvaniateensonableakroadtrip acter studymadeforunder$5million—andtheone year therewasonlyroomforonecontemplativechar- times Always”gothedistancetoo,butIguessthis you? Iwouldhavelikedtosee“NeverRarelySome- traditions areeroding,butnotquicklyenough. Emmys) hadsomehowbeeninthemix?OldOscar Axe” fi son havebeenifSteveMcQueen’sexplosive“Small contended here.Andhowmuchbetterwouldthesea- ness thatKellyReichardt’slyrical“FirstCow”never and aneminentlyworthywinner.Butit’suddermad- sneak inforanupset,“Nomadland”isanear-lock, of Metal,””PromisingYoungWoman”or“Minari” to everything.ButasmuchI’dlikesee“Sound pandemic awardsseasonaddsadropofuncertainty directors’ guilds.Theweirdnessofthisunending the BAFTAsand,mostcrucially,producersand auteur thathasalreadyruledattheGoldenGlobes, vorite, aroundlyacclaimedmoviefromanexciting car heavyweight.Andyetit’soverwhelmingthefa- Chloé Zhao’s“Nomadland”isnotyourtypicalOs- $5 millionandpopulatedbynon-professionalactors, Trial oftheChicago7.” Promising YoungWoman,””SoundofMetal,””The Black Messiah,””Mank,””Minari,””Nomadland,”” forging oninthemidstofpandemic. sey Bahrsharetheirpredictionsforaceremonythatis A Can anythingbeat‘Nomadland’? The nominees: Best Actress Bahr: Coyle: The nominees: Best Picture ❑ Variety ciated PressFilmWritersJakeCoyleandLind- head ofSunday’s93rdAcademyAwards,Asso- This imagereleasedbySearchlightPicturesshowsFrancesMcDormandinascenefromthefi lm anthology(whichinsteadwillvieatthe By JakeCoyle Acontemplativecharacterstudymadefor You hadtobringup“SmallAxe,”didn’t The Academy Rudin sayshewill‘stepback’fromfi nding “The Father,””Judasandthe Carey Mulligan,“Promising and LindseyBahr Oscars ment aspartofatoughandcompetitivebusiness. Kill aMockingbird.”Inthepast,he’sdefendedhisworkplaceenviron- Hotel.” HisBroadwayhitsinclude“TheBookofMormon”and“To Network,” “TheTrumanShow,”“Fences”andGrandBudapest and some17Tonys. His productionshaveaccumulatedmorethan150Oscarnominations ed someofthemostacclaimedfi revolving doorofassistants,the62-year-oldRudinhaslongshepherd- timnDion Steinman Upcoming fi That includesfi While wellknownforhisallegedlyverballyabusivetreatmentofa and bakedpotatoes. an assistant’shandandthrowingobjectsincludingglassbowls,staplers ees ofhisproductioncompany,includingsmashingalaptopscreenon that detailednumerousinstancesofallegedharshtreatmentemploy- His responsesfollowastorybyTheHollywoodReporteronApril7 fi ment togrowandchange.” for thepainmybehaviorhascausedandItakethisstepwithacommit- should takethesamepathinfi tract fromeveryone’seffortstoreturn,”saidRudin.“It’sclearmeI reopening successfullyandnotwantingmypreviousbehaviortode- “stepping back”entailed. jects invariousstagesofdevelopment,didn’totherwisespecifywhat on personalissuesIshouldhavelongago.”Rudin,whohasmanypro- lledbyothers,includingthosealreadyatworkonproductions. On Saturday,RudinsaidhisworkonBroadwaywouldfornowbe “When Icommentedovertheweekend,wasfocusedonBroadway lm projectsforRudinincludeNetfl lms like“NoCountryforOldMen,”“TheSocial Old Oscartraditionsare eroding — belongedtoBosemanthroughoutanawardsea- of theseperformances.Still,thisawardhas—rightly category isreallystrongthistimearound.Ilovedall “Mank”; StevenYeun,“Minari.” Anthony Hopkins,“TheFather”;GaryOldman, Chadwick Boseman,“MaRainey’sBlackBottom”; Coon (“TheNest”). Blank (“TheForty-Year-OldVersion”)andCarrie looked twooftheyear’sbestperformances:Radha have beenallthemoreinterestingifithadn’tover- ster’s Ball”)wonbestactress.Still,theracewould has aBlackwoman(HalleBerryin2002for“Mon- you factorinthecategory’shistory.Justoncebefore actor alive—takingthetopaward,especiallywhen there isjusticeinDavis—verypossiblythegreatest (somewhat debatably)assupportingactress.And her titanicperformancein“Fences.”Butthatcame Davis afterherSAGwin.haswonbefore,for tween DavisandMulligan,withtheedgegoingto ing, steadfastmotherMonica. favorite performancein“Minari”asthelong-suffer- derseen “BlackBear”andHanYe-ri,whogavemy favorites includeAubreyPlazainthecriminallyun- been acontender,therearesomanybuttwoofmy “Promising YoungWoman.”Asforwhoshould’ve help butthinkthatperhapsMulliganshouldwinfor raw portrayalofbluessingerMaRainey,butIcan’t that Daviswillwalkawaywiththetrophyforher her Fernelsewhere.ThisyearI’minclinedtobelieve might pushvoterswhowould’veotherwisewentfor Dormand’s lastwinstillseemsfreshenoughthatit It’s chaos!DaystillseemslikealongshotandMc- Globe andFrancesMcDormandwontheBAFTA. Actors GuildAward,AndraDaywontheGolden wild cardofthenight.ViolaDaviswonScreen “The UnitedStatesvs.BillieHoliday.” Vanessa Kirby,“PiecesofaWoman”;AndraDay, Treatment Coyle: The nominees: Best Actor Coyle: Bahr: lms andBroadwayshowstofruition. lm andstreaming.Iamprofoundlysorry Thebestactressraceisperhapsthebiggest Chaos indeed!Ithinkthisisatossupbe- day, compared tothe6.6million under 6.3millionviewers lastSun- ABC (8p.m.EDT). emy Awards,airing Sundayon those nosediving. mys andGoldenGlobesamong pandemic, withtherecentGram- trend hascontinuedduringthe have slidinrecentyearsandthe After someho-humyears,thebestactor The ACMAwards drewjust Next uptobetested:theAcad- RizAhmed,“SoundofMetal”; ix’s starryadaptation lm projectsalso lm ‘Nomadland.’(AP) is alsoagainstthelaw,”unionssaid. place or,certainlyinthecaseofsexualharassment,whenthatbehavior harassment ofanykind,whetherthatcreatesatoxicwork- workplace environments. that didn’tdirectlyaddresstheRudinreportbutspokeoutagainsttoxic Federation ofMusiciansLocal802earlierreleasedajointstatement ployment withhim. former employeesfromnondisclosureagreementssignedduringem- actors andstagemanagersinlivetheater,calledonRudintorelease Equity Association,whichrepresentsmorethan51,000professional article, severalprominentlaborunionsearlierresponded.TheActors’ the 2020bestseller“ShuggieBain.” and “EighthGrade.”InDecember,A24Rudinsetplanstoadapt claimed fi boutique studioandRudinhavecollaboratedonsomeofthemostac- because theyweren’tauthorizedtospeakpubliclyonthematter.The son familiarwiththecompany’splanswhowasgrantedanonymity “West SideStory”andtheupcomingrevivalof“TheMusicMan.” by Rudininclude“TheBookofMormon,”“ToKillaMockingbird,” es McDormand—alsoforA24CurrentBroadwayshowsproduced tation “TheTragedyofMacbeth,”withDenzelWashingtonandFranc- Tony-winning play“TheHumans”andJoelCoen’sShakespeareadap- of thebestseller“TheWomaninWindow,”A24’sadaptation event hostedby entertainer oftheyearduring gram. Members ofthegroup are the week’smost-watched TVpro- Oath Keepersmilitia group,was with asegmenton thefar-right Mickey Guyton day. Nielsen fi that watchedin2020,accordingto “Every workerdeservestodotheirjobinanenvironmentfreeof SAG-AFTRA, theActors’EquityAssociationandAmerican While mostofRudin’scollaboratorshavebeenquietfollowingthe A spokespersonforA24declinedtocomment. A24 isendingitsrelationshipwithRudinonfuturefi An episodeof“60 Minutes,” Luke Bryan lms ofrecentyears,including“LadyBird,”“UncutGems” gures releasedTues- itself. in “BoratSubsequentMoviefi cha BaronCohen’shigh-wireguerillaperformance I wouldn’tswapanyofthesenomineesout,butSa- (“The DarkKnight”)andPeterFinch(“Network”). win anOscarposthumously,followingHeathLedger don’t. ExpectBosemantobecomethethirdactor ing portraitofamanstrickenwithdementia.ButI the BAFTAs)pullingoffanupsetforhisdevastat- his last.SomeseeachanceofHopkins(whowonat “Ma Rainey”actor.Hisgreatestperformancewas son thathasdoubledastributeandwakeforthelate others thatcouldhavefi are worthsingingabout,though.Thereweresomany The gritandcommitmentinalltheseperformances all aroundfor“Minari,”butit’skindoffi Sometimes Always.” Talia Ryderadvancetothisstagefor“NeverRarely where downtheline.Iwouldhavealsolikedtosee And SeyfriedwillabsolutelygetherOscarsome- tive fi a possibleupset).Bothwomenelevatedtheirrespec- win (althoughMariaBakalovacouldsweepinwith fortlessly whichiswhysheprobablywillandshould relief andtheheartofafi “Mank”; Yuh-JungYoun,“Minari.” Olivia Colman,“TheFather”;AmandaSeyfried, quent Moviefi Hugh Jackmanfor“BadEducation.” Round” or,whilewe’rebendingcategories,even do for“Da5Bloods,”MadsMikkelsen“Another Youn isdefi in “Minari.”It’sadiffi formance astheunconventionalgrandmotherSoonja tide hasshiftedtowardYuh-JungYounforherper- ed outseeminglikealock,itcertainlyseemsthe Bahr: Coyle: Bahr: The nominees: Best SupportingActress Keith Urban . lms anddeservealltheattentionthey’regetting. wascrowned Continued onPage13 In acategorywhereAmandaSeyfriedstart- Could youimagineifBosemandidn’twin? This hasbeenashape-shiftingracebut nitely inthelead.I’dliketoseemorelove lm”; GlennClose,“HillbillyElegy”; and Maria Bakalova,“BoratSubse- cult tasktobeboththecomic t inheretoo,likeDelroyLin- weekly ratings victory.(AP) and helpedleadthe networktoa slump —wereboth onCBS programs despitethe ceremony’s among lastweek’s topfi ACM Awards—whichranked federal charges. with onehavingpledguiltyto with theUSCapitolinsurrection, being investigatedinconnection lm, butshepullsitoff ef- The newsmagazineandthe lm” isinacategoryby lms, saidaper- tting that tting ve ARAB TIMES, THURSDAY, APRIL 22, 2021 NEWS/FEATURES 13

People & Places

Oscars

Davis holds an edge Zhao may be the 2nd woman-director to win Continued from Page 12 Lee Isaac Chung’s fi lm be celebrated through the minari-growing matriarch of the movie. Two other names that I wish were here, both for disarmingly funny, natural performances: Cristin Milioti, MVP of “Palm Springs,” and Dylan Gelula of the indie col- lege romance “S--house. Best Supporting Actor The nominees: Sacha Baron Cohen, “The Trial of the Chicago 7”; Daniel Kaluuya, “Judas and the Black Messiah”; Leslie Odom Jr., “One Night in Mi- ami”; Paul Raci, “Sound of Metal”; LaKeith Stan- fi eld, “Judas and the Black Messiah.” Coyle: This seems certain to go to Daniel Kaluuya. For his mighty performance as Black Panther leader Fred Hampton, Kaluuya (a nomi- nee for “Get Out”) has racked up wins at the SAGs, Globes and BAFTAs. A little wrin- kle came when Stanfi eld was unexpectedly nominated here despite being campaigned for as a leading actor — and that Zhao could split some of the vote between the two “Judas and the Black Messiah” stars. Stanfi eld, for me, is the best actor in this bunch. But this is Kaluuya’s year. Stanfi eld will be back, as will some of the performers This image released by Netfl ix shows Viola Davis in ‘Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom.’ Viola Davis is nominated for best actress for the Oscar Awards which will be aired who missed out, like Kingsley Ben-Adir, terrifi c as on Sunday, April 25 on ABC (8 p.m. EDT). (AP) Malcolm X in “One Night in Miami.” Bahr: Oh, Kingsley Ben-Adir! If I’m being per- fectly honest, I would have been happy if the sup- porting slate was simply the cast of “One Night in Music Miami,” plus Kaluuya. I do think Paul Raci has a shot as the Cinderella story of awards season, but it also feels like it’s time to get Kaluuya up on that stage. Director Prince fans headed to Paisley Park 5 yrs after death The nominees: Chloé Zhao, “Nomadland”; Lee Isaac Chung, “Minari”; David Fincher, “Mank”; Em- erald Fennell, “Promising Young Woman”; Thomas Vinterberg, “Another Round.” Groove still the thing for Cropper Bahr: The directing category is Chloé Zhao’s to lose and I think she both will win and should win for By Steven Wine “First Agnostic Church of Hope and as a museum in October 2016. At the the transcendent “Nomadland,” even if it’s become a Wonder” is fi lled with funky rhythms request of Prince’s family, the ashes teve Cropper, “Fire It Up” (Pro- while Snider makes like Sly Stoner. were moved to a less prominent spot in forgone conclusion at this point. In an awards season vogue Records) as endless as this one it’s hard not to be skeptical of S A year without touring also trans- the atrium and eventually removed en- Perhaps no guitarist has carved out formed the peripatetic troubadour into tirely from public view, disappointing any fi lm and fi lmmaker that has thus far swept most This image released by Provogue more great grooves than Memphis soul awards. But that this tiny movie has had such an as- a studio rat, and the set is layered with the superstar’s legions of fans. Records shows ‘Fire It Up’ by Steve man Steve Cropper, and his new album his vocal and instrumental overdubs. This is the fi rst time the urn has re- cent is something of a miracle and well deserved. The Cropper. (AP) is all about the beat. bonus is that (hopefully) we’ll fi nally have more than He plays acoustic guitar, electric gui- turned to the atrium for display to the The songs on “Fire It Up” mix it tar, bass guitar, piano, harmonica, public. one best director-winner who is a woman. That said, up in fi nding different ways to fi ll the it would have been nice had Miranda July (“Kajil- cowbell and more, while his backing Prince died April 21, 2016, of an ac- dance fl oor, from the toe-tapper “One vocals show he would have made a cidental fentanyl overdose at age 57, lionaire”) been among the contenders as well. Good Turn” and hip-shaker “I’m Not Coyle: I like imaging the Dynes of “Kajillionaire” great Pip. shocking fans and setting off waves Havin’ It” to the foot-stomper “Far The highlight, however, is the sim- of grief around the world. Since then, getting all dressed up and taking multiple bus trans- Away,” fi nger-snapper “Heartbreak fers to the Oscars. But Zhao will win, and it should plest arrangement, a moving piano Paisley Park was turned into a muse- Street” and palate-cleanser “Bush ballad in memory of John Prine titled um and paid tours were created. Tours be a great moment. Not just because she’ll be only Hog.” were shut down for the day to mark the the second woman to ever win the award but because “Handsome John.” Snider also pays Cropper has made his career in a tribute to other departed friends and fi fth anniversary. she’s an exceptional — and exceptionally humble — supporting role, and even on his own mentors, including Jerry Jeff Walker, “We celebrate his life and legacy fi lmmaker with a lot of movies ahead of her. More album, he’s a team player. His rhythm and turns topical on songs about the every day at Paisley Park, a place often this award goes to someone who’s been around guitar work serves as a master class in environment and racial inequality. “Do that Prince wanted to share with the a while. Pretty soon, we’ll be wondering how it’s elegant simplicity, with overdubs al- something, say something,” he urges. world,” Paisley Park Executive Di- possible that David Fincher — maybe the very best lowing Cropper to work his magic in Not that Snider expects his preach- rector Alan Seiffert said in a state- Thomas Van Zandt multiple parts. He plays only brief, oc- Hollywood director of his era — hasn’t ever won. ing to be taken seriously, as he makes ment. “So, on this day especially, we casional solos that will keep shoulders Documentary clear on the spoken-word “Agnostic acknowledge the incredible force and swaying. The Nominees: “Collective,” “Crip Camp,” “The Preacher’s Lament,” which contem- inspiration Prince is in people’s lives Mole Agent,” “My Octopus Teacher,” “Time” Variety Lead singer Roger C. Reale’s husky and open up our doors for them to pay tenor is a good fi t for the material, most plates admission standards to heaven. Coyle: With increasing frequency, this is the best Os- their respects.” of which he helped Cropper write. The carpe diem message of “Never Let car category, and it’s the one with the most snubs. Some a Day Go By” best sums up the church Paisley Park will also post an online of the very best movies of the year — including “Dick JACKSON, Miss.: Bestselling author Longtime Cropper collaborator Jon Tiven also co-wrote and co-produced, of Snider, where there’s room for both memorial at Paisleypark.com. Johnson Is Dead” and “The Truffl e Hunters” — didn’t Angie Thomas has surprised an incom- a fat beat and a banjo. Pepe Willie, Prince’s uncle and an make it through the crowded shortlist stage. And still ing freshman with news that the young and the Rascals’ Felix Cavaliere is among the guest artists. The set was early music mentor, still tears up when the fi lms that did get nominated are sensational. Prob- woman is receiving a full scholarship Also: he thinks of the lost star. ably the only one that I wouldn’t pick — “My Octopus to the private university where Thomas recorded in Nashville but is rooted in earned her bachelor’s degree. Memphis, echoes of Cropper’s glori- CHANHASSEN, Minn: Paisley Park, “It was devastating,” he recently Teacher” — is going to win. Little noticed at its debut where Prince lived and worked, will told The Associated Press of the mo- last fall, the fi lm’s audience swelled on Netfl ix, turning Thomas popped into an online meeting ous 1960s work with the Stax label Monday to tell Andrea Foreman of evident in every greasy, delicious riff. welcome back a select 1,400 fans ment he learned the news. “I’m stand- it into an out-of-the-blue Academy Awards contender. Wednesday to mark the fi fth anniver- ing in the living room with my under- I would cheer loudest, though, if “Crip Camp” were to Wilmington, Delaware, about the award ❑ ❑ ❑ that will cover tuition, room and board sary of his death from inside his crea- wear on watching the TV. I couldn’t win. It would be a triumph for a warm-hearted fi lm, and for four years at Belhaven University in Todd Snider, “First Agnostic tive sanctuary. go anywhere, I couldn’t do anything. I for the disability community. Jackson, Mississippi. Church of Hope and Wonder” (Aim- The sprawling studio’s atrium will was just in so much shock. It was un- Bahr: Even the shortlist itself was brutal, leaving This is the second year for Belhaven less Records/Thirty Tigers) be opened to those who rushed for one believable.” out “The Dissident” and “Acasa, My Home” but the to award the Angie Thomas Writers Freewheeling folkie Todd Snider’s of the free reservations, while other Known as the “godfather of the documentary category has long left out some of the Scholarship to a student who will major weekly Sunday morning livestreams fans can leave fl owers and mementos Minneapolis sound,” he met Prince medium’s best work (hi “Hoop Dreams”). It is odd in creative writing. from Nashville during the past year in front of a statue erected outside the as a young musical prodigy after mar- that a late-game Netfl ix sensation like “My Octopus Belhaven established the scholarship have been a sanctuary of craziness front doors in the shape of his famous rying his aunt. The pair developed a Teacher” somehow became the frontrunner, but I’m to honor Thomas, a 2011 graduate who amid the insanity of the pandemic. purple Love Symbol. bond through music, with Prince soak- trying not to judge what people connect to this year has written the young adult bestselling The title of his new album was in- A custom-made ceramic urn shaped ing up his knowledge about the music even if I would prefer an urgent piece like “Collec- novels “The Hate U Give” and “On the spired by those entertaining shows, like Paisley Park with Prince’s sym- business and playing for Willie in a tive” take the prize. Come Up.” Her new novel, “Concrete Rose,” was published in January. and Snider’s knack for high hilarity re- bol on top was originally placed in recording studio. International Feature mains, but the music is different from the middle of the atrium when the pop “I cried for him so hard,” Willie The nominees: “Quo Vadis, Aida?”, Bosnia and “Your submission package was just incredible,” Thomas told Foreman. “It anything he has done before. The virus legend’s 65,000-square-foot studio said. “I didn’t even cry at my father’s Herzegovina; “Another Round,” Denmark; “Better absolutely blew me away. ... You are lockdown gave him R&B fever, and in suburban Minneapolis fi rst opened funeral.” (AP) Days,” Hong Kong; “Collective,” Romania; “The truly, truly gifted, and I have no doubt Man Who Sold His Skin,” Tunisia. that the creative writing program was Bahr: This category seems to be a race between created for someone like you, and that March found that 36% of Republicans to music in an effort to get kids more and his nonprofi t organization, the Rock Denmark’s “Another Round” and Romania’s “Col- you’re just going to succeed and soar.” said they will probably or defi nitely not interested in school and help combat and Roll Forever Foundation. The cur- lective,” both of which were nominated in other A smiling Foreman thanked Thomas get vaccinated, compared with 12% of the learning loss suffered during the riculum includes lesson plans in most prominent categories (director and documentary, and told her, “It’s so nice to meet you. Democrats. The seven-day national aver- pandemic. Gov. Ned Lamont and state subjects, tailored to different grade lev- Oh, my gosh.” age of cases remains over 60,000 new education offi cials announced Tues- els, all viewed through the lens of music. respectively). I think this one will veer towards “An- infections per day. (AP) day that Connecticut’s public schools other Round” simply because its directing nod gave The Belhaven creative writing chair- Subjects include things like the Viet- man, Randall Smith, said in a university ❑ ❑ ❑ will be integrating a curriculum called nam War and protest music, Langston it a brighter spotlight and a bigger audience and vot- TeachRock, the brainchild of Rock & news release Tuesday that Foreman has Hughes’ poetry and the blues and hip- ers have a chance to honor “Collective” in another NEW YORK: Connecticut is turning Roll Hall of Famer Steven Van Zandt hop and its infl uence on politics. category. Another fi lm that would have been a wor- shown “passion for writing, a distinct voice, the ability to realize complex “Statistics show that if a kid likes one thy contender here is Italy’s “Martin Eden.” single teacher or one single class, they Coyle: “Another Round” is a lock. But “Quo and nuanced characters on the page and gutsy determination to pursue creative will come to school, and we want to be Vadis, Aida?” is really good, too. Jasmila Žbanić transparency.” (AP) that class,” Van Zandt said. “The days dramatizes the lead-up to the 1995 massacre of Bos- ❑ ❑ ❑ of dragging young people to some old- nian Muslim men and boys by the Bosnian Serb army school education methodology I think in Srebrenica. Following a fi ctional translator (Jasna LOS ANGELES: Rocker Ted Nugent is are over.” Ðuriić) working for the United Nations, the fi lm revealing he was in agony after testing Lamont said the program ties in per- devastatingly probes a human rights tragedy. positive for coronavirus - months after he fectly with his push to re-engage children Animated Feature said the virus was “not a real pandemic.” who may have fallen behind during the The nominees: “Onward,” “Over the Moon,” “I thought I was dying,” Nugent says pandemic or have been absent from “A Shaun the Sheep Movie: Farmageddon,” “Soul,” in a Facebook live video posted Monday. school altogether. TeachRock can help “Wolfwalkers.” “I literally could hardly crawl out of bed get kids smiling again and excited about the last few days,” adding: “So I was learning, he said. Coyle: Pixar, like always, seems to have this in the offi cially tested positive for COVID-19 “As Steven said, there’s nothing bet- bag. The studio’s “Soul” is the clear favorite. There’s today.” ter than music to make them do that,” so much that’s wondrous in Pete Docter’s fi lm that its In the video shot at his Michigan Lamont said. “It just lets out a big sigh Oscar victory is hardly something to lament. But you ranch, the “Cat Scratch Fever” singer of relief and then along the way you’re couldn’t fi nd a better underdog than the plucky Irish repeatedly uses racist slurs to refer to learning a little bit about history, a little animation studio Cartoon Saloon, which last year COVID-19 and reiterates his previous bit about culture, maybe you’re hearing released their most enchanting and ambitious fi lm stance that he wouldn’t be getting the some lyrics that speak to you and you yet. Tomm Moore and Ross Stewart’s “Wolfwalk- vaccine because he claims wrongly that share that with a friend. I think it’s just ers,” the culmination of a triptych of Irish folklore, “nobody knows what’s in it.” what we need right now.” is impossibly stunning. Every hand-drawn frame is Nugent, a supporter of ex-president The program will start with a cohort of a work of art. It’s the Kilkenny-based studio’s fi fth Donald Trump, previously called the 10 Connecticut school districts who must Oscar nomination, and it’s time they won one. pandemic a scam and has railed against apply to participate in the program. It is Bahr: Disney and Pixar are so hard to beat. Since public health restrictions. He has repeat- designed to expand every school year. 2010, they’ve won eight times and the other two ed a narrative pushed by conservative Van Zandt and the TeachRock board, media and disputed by health experts that which includes his E Street band partner were not exactly indie underdogs (“Rango” and suggests the offi cial death count from the Ted Nugent performs at Rams Head Live in Baltimore on Aug. 16, 2013. Nugent Bruce Springsteen, Jackson Browne, “Spider-Verse”). I’m rooting for “Wolfwalkers” but coronavirus is infl ated. revealed he was in agony after testing positive for coronavirus - months after he Martin Scorsese and Bono, developed I’m betting on “Soul.” A poll by The Associated Press-NORC said the virus was ‘not a real pandemic.’ ‘I thought I was dying,’ Nugent says in the curriculum over 15 years with the Center for Public Affairs Research in late a Facebook live video posted Monday. (AP) help of education experts. (AP) ARAB TIMES, THURSDAY, APRIL 22, 2021 SPORTS 14

Mumbai dismantled Mishra’s 4-24 earns Urías gets better of Mariners, Delhi six-wkt victory CHENNAI, India, April 21, (AP): Experienced legspinner Amit Mishra disman- tled the Mumbai Indians with a rich haul of 4-24 as the Delhi Capitals beat the reigning champion by six wickets in the Indian Gonzales in Dodgers’ 1-0 win Premier League. Mumbai caved in for 137-9 against Mishra’s brilliant bowling after skipper Rohit Sharma won the toss and elected to bat. Opener Shikhar Dhawan (45) and Steven Smith (33) made useful contributions up front before Delhi reached 138-4 with five balls to spare. “It was a low-scoring match but a difficult pitch to bat on,” Delhi skipper Rishabh Pant said. “We just wanted to keep it simple and we wanted to restrict them to at least 140- 150.” The victory lifted Delhi to six points from four games alongside league leader Royal Challengers Bangalore, who have won all three of their games. Dhawan survived a close catch in Trent Boult’s first over but kept Delhi’s chase on course by hitting five fours and a six in his 42-ball knock.

CRICKET

Dhawan looked set for his third half century this season before he holed out at deep square leg in the 15th over off Rahul Chahar’s (1-29) legspin. Although Pant (7) top edged Jasprit Bumrah’s slower delivery in the 17th over, Lalit Yadav (22 not out) and West Indian Shirmon Hetmeyer (14 not out) took Delhi home in 19.1 overs. Earlier, Mishra frustrated Mumbai through some intelligent bowling. His two wickets in the ninth over saw Sharma (44) and Hardik Pandya both offering catches at long-on to Smith. Mishra then reduced the defending cham- pion to 6-84 when he had Kieron Pollard (2) leg before wicket. The 38-year-old Mishra then returned in the death overs to have Ishan Kishan (26) played onto a delivery back onto his stumps which helped Delhi hold Mumbai to its lowest score this season. “After the start we got, I thought we could have batted well in the middle overs, which we didn’t do,” Sharma said. “We didn’t capitalize on the start in the powerplay … credit to Delhi Los Angeles Angels’ Scott Schebler (left), scores on a sacrifice fly hit by David Fletcher after Texas Rangers catcher Jose Trevino took a late throw during the third inning of a baseball bowlers, they kept the pressure up and kept game Tuesday, April 20, 2021, in Anaheim, California. (AP) taking wickets.” Athletics sweep doubleheader against depleted Twins ‘It’s been an emotional drain’

SEATTLE, April 21, (AP): AL East-leading Boston. Matt Andriese, Adam Ottavino and Arkansas racing officials vote Julio Urías threw seven MLB Results/Standings Matt Barnes each worked a scoreless dominant innings of one- inning in relief. Barnes earned his third not to suspend trainer Baffert hit ball, striking out a save. Giants 10, Phillies 7 ARKANSAS, April 21, (AP): Hall of Baffert’s attorney, Craig Robertson, career-high 11 and leading WASHINGTON, April 21, (AP): Results and standings from the MLB games on Fame trainer Bob Baffert successfully told the AP that a larger issue in racing the Los Angeles Dodgers to Tuesday. In Philadelphia, Buster Posey had appealed his 15-day suspension to the involves threshold levels in drug test- LA Dodgers 1 Seattle 0 Tampa Bay 14 Kansas City 7 his first multi-homer game in nearly a 1-0 win over the Seattle Oakland 7 Minnesota 0 Colorado 6 Houston 2 Arkansas Racing Commission, allow- ing. NY Yankees 3 Atlanta 1 LA Angels 6 Texas 2 five years, Alex Dickerson and Wilmer ing the six-time Kentucky Derby win- “We really ought to set thresholds at Mariners. Chic. White Sox 8 Cleveland 5 Washington 3 St Louis 2 Flores connected during a six-run ner to resume preparations to run levels where they have some sort of Corey Seager drove in the only Boston 4 Toronto 2 San Francisco 10 Philadelphia 7 eighth inning and San Francisco mus- Baltimore 7 Miami 5 Chicago Cubs 3 NY Mets 1 Medina Spirit in next weekend’s Derby. pharmacological effect on a horse and run with a two-out single in the Oakland 1 Minnesota 0 Milwaukee 6 San Diego 0 cled past Philadelphia. Baffert was fined and suspended effect on the race instead of what third inning after AJ Pollock’s American League National League Tommy La Stella also homered for last year by Arkansas stewards for a we’re doing now, which is setting lev- leadoff double. Those were the East Division East Division San Francisco, which got all of its runs pair of drug positives after Charlatan els on how sensitive we can get our W L Pct GB via the long ball. Dodgers’ only hits in the game. W L Pct GB New York 7 5 .583 _ and Gamine tested positive for the testing,” he said by phone. “When Seattle’s lone hit against Urías (3-0) Boston 12 6 .667 _ Philadelphia 8 9 .471 1-1/2 Dickerson’s three-run shot off painkiller lidocaine following their you’re picking up substances at a pico- Tampa Bay 10 8 .556 2 Miami 7 9 .438 2 reliever Connor Brogdon (3-1) allowed was Mitch Haniger’s slow infield sin- Baltimore 8 9 .471 3-1/2 wins at Oaklawn Park on May 2. gram level, there are so many opportu- Atlanta 7 10 .412 2-1/2 the Giants to grab their first lead of the Charlatan won a division of the $1 nities for contamination it creates a gle with two outs in the third inning. Toronto 7 10 .412 4-1/2 Washington 6 9 .400 2-1/2 Victor González worked the eighth, New York 6 10 .375 5 game at 7-6. Flores followed four hit- million Arkansas Derby, while problem.” and Kenley Jansen pitched a perfect Central Division Central Division ters later with another three-run homer Gamine won another race. Both horses A picogram is a trillionth of a gram. W L Pct GB W L Pct GB off Brogdon. were disqualified and stripped of their Baffert called the two-day hearing ninth for his fourth save to complete Kansas City 9 7 .563 _ Cincinnati 9 6 .600 _ the one-hittter. Chicago 9 9 .500 1 Milwaukee 10 7 .588 _ Orioles 7, Marlins 5 purse money. “very educational.” Cleveland 8 8 .500 1 St Louis 8 9 .471 2 “I didn’t realize how easily you can Detroit 6 10 .375 3 In Marlins, Trey Mancini and Chicago 7 9 .438 2-1/2 Minnesota 6 10 .375 3 Freddy Galvis each hit a solo homer in get contaminated,” he told the AP. Pittsburgh 7 9 .438 2-1/2 HORSE RACING BASEBALL the third inning, and Baltimore beat “The conversation needs to be revisit- West Division West Division ed on the testing procedures. You can W L Pct GB W L Pct GB Miami. Oakland 11 7 .611 _ Los Angeles 14 4 .778 _ Matt Harvey (1-1) allowed three just ruin somebody’s reputation and Gonzales (1-2) allowed two hits and Seattle 11 7 .611 _ San Francisco11 6 .647 2-1/2 runs in five innings for his first win After 13 1/2 hours of testimony their livelihood. I’m just worried that it San Diego 10 9 .526 4-1/2 struck out six. He retired the final 13 Los Angeles 9 6 .600 -1/2 since July 13, 2019, with the Angels. from 14 witnesses over two days, the can happen again unless they change Texas 8 10 .444 3 Arizona 6 10 .375 7 commission voted unanimously to something. Hopefully, the science will batters he faced. Houston 7 9 .438 3 Colorado 5 12 .294 8-1/2 César Valdez retired all four batters he Athletics 7, Twins 0, 1st Game faced for his fourth save, and Baltimore reduce Baffert’s fines to $5,000 per get better.” Athletics 1, Twins 0, 2nd Game won despite being outhit 11-9. horse, restore the horses’ placings and Baffert testified in his own defense In Oakland, California, Matt Olson Abreu hit solo homers in the fourth Orioles right fielder Anthony purse money, and overturn his suspen- for about 30 minutes during the admin- hit a grand slam and Mitch Moreland and seventh innings. Santander had to be helped to the club- sion. istrative hearing that was shown live homered twice to back Sean Manaea’s Nationals 3, Cardinals 2 house after he sprained his left ankle in “There’s abundant evidence that the online. shutout, and Jesús Luzardo followed the first inning. horses were exposed to lidocaine,” “I really don’t feel we did anything with his own Game 2 gem as Oakland In Washington, Yan Gomes drew a Michael Post, one of the commission- wrong,” Baffert told the commission. swept a doubleheader against depleted four-pitch walk from Giovanny Cubs 3, Mets 1 ers, said before deliberations began. “I “We know for sure we did not admin- Minnesota. Gallegos to force in the go-ahead run In Chicago, Jake Arrieta pitched trust our labs and I trust our people. ister lidocaine; it came from some- The Athletics have won 10 straight. in an odd eighth inning that also fea- five effective innings, Craig Kimbrel But there was also abundant evidence where. I wanted to clear my name. We Luzardo (1-1) allowed two hits over tured St. Louis deploying a five-man escaped a jam in the ninth and Chicago that it would be below what is perfor- don’t operate that way. I’m very proud 5-1/3 innings, struck out six and infield, and Washington rallied to win. beat New York. mance-enhancing.” of my operation. We would never take walked one. St. Louis led 2-1 entering the eighth. Arrieta allowed one run and three Baffert expressed relief afterward some kind of edge.” Lou Trivino retired former A’s star But Gallegos (2-1) walked a batter, hits, struck out four and walked three. when reached by phone. Lidocaine, a widely used anesthetic Josh Donaldson on a called third strike then hit one, before Trea Turner’s RBI Wearing short sleeves on a cool, clear “It’s been an emotional drain. I’m in racing, is considered a Class 2 drug to end the sixth with the tying run on single to right on an 0-2 count tied the night – the game-time temperature was happy with the results,” he told The by the Association of Racing third following a wild pitch. Jake game. 36 degrees – Arrieta (3-1) also contrib- Associated Press. “I’m happy that the Commissioners International and use Diekman finished for his first save Cardinals manager Mike Shildt fol- uted to two runs at the plate. racing commissioners listened to all of it carries a penalty of a 15- to with two runners on. lowed with some creative defensive Eric Sogard had two hits, scored the people we brought in there. I want 60-day suspension and a fine of $500 The A’s got Seth Brown’s RBI sin- alignments, but it didn’t matter much twice and drove in a run for the Cubs. to thank them.” to $1,000 for a first offense. because Starlin Castro struck out look- gle in the fourth off right-hander José Rays 14, Royals 7 Los Angeles Dodgers starting ing with the bases loaded before Berríos (2-2). Gomes’ go-ahead walk. Angels 6, Rangers 2 pitcher Julio Urias throws against In Kansas City, Mo Brandon Lowe, In Anaheim, California, Shohei the Seattle Mariners in the first Red Sox 4, Blue Jays 2 Austin Meadows and Mike Zunino Ohtani pitched four rollercoaster inning of a baseball game on April In Boston, Xander Bogaerts hit a homered and Tampa Bay pounded out scoreless innings, Mike Trout and 20, in Seattle. (AP) three-run home run to back Eduardo 17 hits to rout Kansas City. Albert Pujols homered and Los Rodriguez in his first start at Fenway Meadows, Randy Arozarena and Angeles defeated Texas. pitch and bases-loaded walk from Park since 2019, Boston beat Toronto. Joey Wendle had three hits each, and Kurt Suzuki also went deep for the Atlanta reliever Nate Jones in the Rodriguez (3-0), who missed last Manual Margot and Yoshi Tsutsugo Angels, who have won six of their nine eighth inning. season due to COVID-19 complica- had three RBIs apiece. home games. Gio Urshela hit a tying home run in tions, allowed two runs on three hits The Rays roughed up starter Brad Ohtani took the mound for the first the fifth inning off Charlie Morton and over six innings and struck out six for Keller (1-2) for five runs in 1-2/3 time since April 4 after dealing with a the Yankees won with five hits, which innings. blister issue on the middle finger of his left their four-game total at 16. New Rockies 6, Astros 2 throwing hand. The right-hander York went 2 for 8 with runners in scor- In Denver, C.J. Cron homered and allowed only one hit but was the first ing position, but the last-place Yankees drove in five runs, Jon Gray pitched starting pitcher since at least 1901 to improved to 6-10 and avoided what effectively into the seventh inning toss four shutout innings with at least would have been their worst start since Colorado beat Houston. six walks and seven strikeouts. 1972. Dom Nuñez also hit a home run for Brewers 6, Padres 0 Tyler Matzek (0-2), who returned to the Rockies, who snapped a nine-game In San Diego, Corbin Burnes struck the major leagues last year for the first losing streak to the Astros. out 10 in six spotless innings, extend- time since 2015, walked pinch-hitter Carlos Correa and Aledmys Díaz In this Nov. 7, 2020 file photo, shows trainer Bob Baffert, (center), and oth- ing his dominant start to the season, Aaron Hicks leading off the eighth and had RBI doubles for the Astros, who ers celebrating Authentic’s win in the Breeder’s Cup Classic horse race at and Milwaukee blanked short-handed DJ LeMahieu and Aaron Judge fol- have lost eight of nine. Keeneland Race Course, in Lexington, Ky. (AP) San Diego. lowed with singles that loaded the Billy McKinney homered to spark a bases. five-run third against Chris Paddack White Sox 8, Indians 5 (1-2) that included a two-run double In Cleveland, Carlos Rodón fol- Bautista Agut beats Andújar to advance in Barcelona Open by Travis Shaw and a two-run single lowed up his no-hitter by hanging BARCELONA, Spain, April 21, tournament. American Frances Tiafoe from Omar Narváez. McKinney also around for five shaky innings to beat (AP): Fifth-seeded Roberto Bautista advanced past wild card Carlos made a diving catch in left field that Cleveland for the second time in a Seventh-seeded Denis Shapovalov likely saved two runs. week, and José Abreu homered twice Agut defeated fellow Spaniard defeated Jeremy Chardy 6-3, 7-5, Alcaraz 6-4, 7-6 (2), while Australian Jace Peterson went deep in the ninth for Chicago. Oakland Athletics’ Mitch Moreland Pablo Andújar 6-4, 6-0 to advance Jordan Thompson defeated veteran against his original team. Rodón (3-0) worked around five watches his solo home run against to the round of 16 in the Barcelona TENNIS Richard Gasquet 7-6 (5), 4-6, 7-6 Yankees 3, Braves 1 walks, giving up a homer and throwing the Minnesota Twins during the Open. (3). In New York, New York broke its 110 pitches - only four fewer than in fourth inning of the first baseball Bautista Agut will now face Local favorite Feliciano Lopez five-game losing streak with little his gem on April 14. The left-hander game of a doubleheader in Jannik Sinner, who got past Egor while David Goffin beat Pierre- lost 6-4, 6-3 against Italian wild card offense, getting a run-scoring wild gave up two runs and three hits. Oakland, Calif, on April 20. (AP) Gerasimov 6-3, 6-2 at the clay-court Hugues Herbert 6-2, 6-4. Lorenzo Musetti. ARAB TIMES, THURSDAY, APRIL 22, 2021 SPORTS 15

Activists call for IOC to sanction Iran Olympic program Plans, test events change daily for postponed Tokyo Olympics TOKYO, April 21, (AP): Each day seems to bring another change to the Tokyo Olympics as surging corona- virus cases in Japan threaten planning for the games, which are to open in just over three months. A leg of the torch relay on Wednes- day was moved off the public streets in Matsuyama City in the Japanese prefecture of Ehime. It was to take place in a city park with “no spectators or stage performances,” an organizing committee statement said. This followed the torch being de- toured last week in Osaka - Japan’s second largest metropolitan area - and run only in a city park. Some legs of the relay will also be- ing taken off the public streets on May 1-2 on Japan’s southern island of Ok- inawa. The torch relay will feature a total of 10,000 runners crisscrossing Japan until it arrives on July 23 at the open- ing ceremony in Tokyo. The relay be- gan on March 25 in northeastern Japan and, though it has run with few inci- dents, organizers have cautioned that it may need to be rerouted as conditions change. Osaka and Tokyo were expected to come under new emergency orders this week. Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike said Tuesday that measures needed to be taken “as soon as possible” to stem the spread. OLYMPICS

Japan has attributed more than 9,600 deaths to COVID-19, good by global standards but poor by standards in Asia. “If the coronavirus infection keeps getting worse, it’s no time to be hold- ing the Olympics,” Kotaro Nagasaki, the governor of Yamanashi prefecture, said this week. Yamanashi is located just southwest of Tokyo and the home Buffalo Sabres goalie Dustin Tokarski (3) stops Boston Bruins forward Charlie Coyle (13) during the fi rst period of an NHL hockey game on April 20, in Buffalo, N.Y. (AP) of famous Mt. Fuji. Some test events are also being of athletes and human rights activ- postponed or rescheduled. Many that ists is calling on the IOC to sanction are going forward are being held with- Iran’s Olympic program for what it out athletes - so-called operational says is the country’s long-running events - or with only Japanese athletes. Islanders top Rangers, tie pattern of ordering athletes to avoid A qualifying event from artistic competing against Israelis in interna- swimming in Tokyo that was fi rst tional events. scheduled for earlier in the year, and The head of the United for Navid then pushed back to early May, will campaign, formed to protest the execu- now be held outside of Japan in June, tion of Iranian wrestler Navid Afkari, FINA, the governing body of swim- ming, said in a statement. sent a letter to IOC president Thomas Caps for 1st place in East It had to be moved partially because Bach this week highlighting more than a FINA diving event is to take place in a half-dozen examples over the past Tokyo on May 1-6 at the new Olympic 16 years of Iranian athletes intention- swimming venue. ally losing matches that would set up Rask, Bruins blank Sabres 2-0 for 5th consecutive victory Olympic Minister Tamayo Maru- meetings against Israelis, or withdraw- kawa last week said that all athletes ing from competitions against athletes UNIONDALE, New York, might need to be tested daily. Japan’s from that country. Kyodo news agency on Tuesday re- “The fact that Iranian athletes are April 21, (AP): Josh Bai- NHL Results/Standings ported that daily saliva tests for Olym- being forced to throw matches to avoid ley scored twice, Anthony pic and Paralympic athletes are be- competing against Israeli athletes is a Beauvillier had a goal and ing planned, quoting “offi cials with clear breach of the Olympic charter WASHINGTON, April 21, (AP): Results and standings from the NHL games on Tuesday. and Olympic values,” former Iranian three assists, and the New knowledge of the planning.” Boston 2 Buffalo 0 Pittsburgh 7 New Jersey 6 This change is likely to appear in the wrestler Sardar Pashaei wrote to York Islanders beat the NY Islanders 6 NY Rangers 1 Dallas 5 Detroit 2 second edition of the so-called “Play- Bach. Rangers 6-1. Florida 5 Columbus 1 Vancouver 6 Toronto 3 An IOC spokesman said “The IOC Carolina 4 Tampa Bay 1 Los Angeles 4 Anaheim 1 book,” which is to be published by the Jordan Eberle and Jean-Gabriel end of the month. These guides are put takes note of the letter and continues to East Division West Division out by the IOC and so far have set out evaluate the alleged issues.” Pageau each had a goal and an as- GP W L OT Pts GF GA GP W L OT Pts GF GA sist, and Brock Nelson also scored. Washington 46 29 13 4 62 163 141 Vegas 45 32 11 2 66 150 100 vague rules for 15,400 Olympic and Last month, the Court of Arbitration NY Islanders 46 29 13 4 62 133 106 Colorado 43 30 9 4 64 154 101 Paralympic athletes and tens of thou- for Sport overturned Iran’s suspen- Semyon Varlamov stopped 25 Pittsburgh 46 29 14 3 61 159 132 Minnesota 44 28 13 3 59 137 117 sands of others to follow when they sion from international judo events in shots to help the Islanders win Boston 44 26 12 6 58 127 110 Arizona 46 20 21 5 45 123 146 NY Rangers 46 23 17 6 52 152 124 St Louis 43 19 18 6 44 124 135 enter Japan. a case stemming from former world their second straight and seventh Philadelphia 45 20 18 7 47 128 162 Saeid Mollaei San Jose 45 18 22 5 41 120 152 Fans from abroad have been banned. champion ’s departure in the last 10 to pull into a tie with New Jersey 45 14 25 6 34 115 157 Los Angeles 43 17 20 6 40 118 128 Buffalo 46 12 27 7 31 111 156 Still unclear is if any local fans will be from the Iranian team; Mollaei had Anaheim 47 14 26 7 35 104 151 Washington atop the East Division Central Division allowed to attend and, if so, what will claimed he was ordered to lose match- GP W L OT Pts GF GA North Division ahead of a stretch of three straight GP W L OT Pts GF GA be capacity at venues. es and withdraw from competitions to games against the Capitals. Carolina 45 30 10 5 65 146 108 A fi nal edition of Playbook is to be avoid facing Israelis. Florida 47 30 12 5 65 152 126 Toronto 46 28 13 5 61 150 126 CAS judges decided the Interna- Tampa Bay 46 30 14 2 62 153 121 Winnipeg 45 27 15 3 57 144 120 published in June. Nashville 47 25 21 1 51 126 132 Edmonton 44 27 15 2 56 141 121 tional Judo Federation overstepped its ICE HOCKEY Dallas 45 19 14 12 50 130 113 Montreal 43 19 15 9 47 126 123 Also: own authority with such a severe ban, Chicago 46 21 20 5 47 129 144 Calgary 45 19 23 3 41 118 133 LAUSANNE, Switzerland: A group which was imposed in October 2019. Detroit 48 16 25 7 39 107 153 Vancouver 39 18 18 3 39 109 125 Kevin Rooney scored for the Rang- Columbus 48 15 24 9 39 117 163 Ottawa 46 16 26 4 36 126 166 ers, who had won four straight – all Note: Two points for a win one point for overtime loss. The top four teams in each division will qualify for playoffs under this against New Jersey – and lost in reg- season’s temporary realignment. ulation for just the second time in 12 games (8-2-2). Igor Shesterkin fi nished with 22 saves to fall to 0-3-1 in four to win for the seventh time in his last Staples Center for the fi rst time in more Jordan Staal and Steven Lorentz scored career starts against the Islanders. eight starts. than a year due to the pandemic. second-period goals to lead Carolina Penguins 7, Devils 6 New Jersey’s Scott Wedgewood Bruins 2, Sabres 0 over Tampa Bay. In Pittsburgh, Jeff Carter picked up stopped just nine of the 13 shots he In Buffalo, NY, Tuukka Rask record- Jordan Martinook added an empty his fi rst goal in Pittsburgh as part of a faced before being pulled in favor of ed his fi rst shutout of the season and net goal with 2.2 seconds left. Alex fi rst-period deluge and the Penguins Aaron Dell to start the second period. Boston extended its winning streak to Nedeljkovic stopped 26 shots for the held on to beat New Jersey. Kings 4, Ducks 1 fi ve games with a victory over Buffalo. victory. Pittsburgh led 6-0 entering the third In Los Angeles, Andreas Athanasiou Rask made 32 saves including a Brayden Point scored for Tampa before the Devils put together a furious and Blake Lizotte each had a goal and highlight-reel save on Sabres rookie Bay. Andrei Vasilevskiy fi nished with rally. Andreas Johnsson pulled New two assists and Los Angeles beat Ana- Dylan Cozens in the fi rst period that 32 saves. Jersey within one with 41 seconds re- heim. helped give the Bruins their seventh Panthers 5, Blue Jackets 1 maining but the Devils couldn’t gen- Anze Kopitar and Carl Grundstrom win in nine games. In Sunrise, Florida, Sam Bennett erate another shot with the goaltender also scored for the Kings. Cal Petersen Brad Marchand and Connor Clifton scored two goals and Spencer Knight pulled. made 24 saves. scored for Boston, which held on to made 33 saves in his NHL debut to lift Bryan Rust, Mike Matheson, Brian Cam Fowler scored, Anthony Stolarz fourth place in the Eastern Division. Florida over Columbus. Dumoulin also scored for Pittsburgh. made 18 saves and the Ducks lost their Dustin Tokarski made 35 saves for Jonathan Huberdeau had a goal and Sidney Crosby and Evan Rodrigues third straight. Buffalo. two assists, Aleksander Barkov scored each had a goal and an assist, and Jared The teams played in front of about Hurricanes 4, Lightning 1 for the fi rst time in four games, and In this Feb. 9, 2018 fi le photo, Samaneh Beyrami Baher carries the fl ag of McCann added two assists to give him 1,500 fans, who were allowed into the In Tampa, Florida, Nino Niedereitter, Ryan Lomberg added a goal for Flori- Iran during the opening ceremony of the 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeo- 15 points in his last 14 games. da. Anthony Duclair had three assists. ngchang, South Korea. (AP) Tristan Jarry fi nished with 24 saves The Panthers are 7-0-1 against the Blue Jackets this season. Jack Roslovik scored for the Blue Jackets, and Joonas Korpisalo stopped Draw for soccer tournaments at Tokyo Olympics 28 shots. Stars 5, Red Wings 2 In Dallas, Rookie Jason Robertson ZURICH, April 21, (AP): Draw Wednesday for the Group D: Brazil, Germany, Ivory Coast, Saudi had a goal and an assist in the fi rst pe- soccer tournaments at the Tokyo Olympics: Arabia. riod and Dallas beat Detroit to sweep Men Women back-to-back games against the Red Group A: Japan, South Africa, Mexico, France. Group E: Japan, Canada, Britain, Chile. Wings and extend its winning streak to Group B: New Zealand, South Korea, Honduras, Group F: China, Brazil, Zambia, Netherlands. four games. Romania. Group G: Sweden, United States, Australia, New Joe Pavelski, Tanner Kero, Blake Group C: Egypt, Spain, Argentina, Australia. Zealand. Comeau and Jamie Oleksiak also scored for the Stars (19-14-12). Stars rookie goaltender Jake Oettinger made 24 saves and improved to 9-5-6. PGA Tour offering $40m in bonus money to top stars Valtteri Filppula and Dylan Larkin scored for the Red Wings. Jonathan WASHINGTON, April 21, (AP): The ers for the year, determined by an ac- such as FedEx Cup standings. Bernier allowed all four goals on 12 PGA Tour is awarding a $40 million cumulative score measuring popular- Players who earn a bonus from the shots and was replaced 3:36 into the bonus pool to the top 10 players who ity through such metrics as Q Rating, program would be required to give second period by Thomas Greiss, who move the needle in golf, regardless of Google searches, Nielsen Brand Rating back by playing an additional tourna- stopped 11 shots. how they perform inside the ropes. on how a player’s exposure helps spon- ment, for example, or taking part in a Canucks 6, Maple Leafs 3 Some of the top players and man- sors and Meltwater Mentions (frequen- tour marketing campaign. In Vancouver, British Columbia, agers have loosely hinted at the plan, cy of player coverage through various Golfweek said the tour ran simulated Tanner Pearson and Brandon Sutter called the “Player Impact Program,” media platforms). scores from 2019 to illustrate how the each scored twice, and Vancouver beat since the start of 2020. That was right program would work. Tiger Woods, Toronto. about the time a concept known as the GOLF who won the Masters in 2019, led Quinn Hughes had a goal and two Premier Golf League funded in part by the list. He was followed by McIlroy, assists for Vancouver, Nils Hoglander Saudi money was trying to lure the top Koepka, Phil Mickelson and Rickie also scored and J.T. Miller had two as- players to join an international tour. It also uses the MVP Index, a com- Fowler. Rounding out the top 10 were sists. Braden Holtby stopped 37 shots Rory McIlroy and Brooks Koepka pany founded by Shawn Spieth, the Spieth, Dustin Johnson, Justin Thomas, in the Canucks return from a massive were among the fi rst players to say they father of three-time major champion Rose and Adam Scott. COVID-19 outbreak. were not interested in the league, which Jordan Spieth and one of the game’s Missing from that 2019 list were John Tavares had two goals for the again met with key managers last month most popular players. The MVP Index Jon Rahm and Bryson DeChambeau, Maple Leafs, who lost their fi fth straight without making any headway. Golfweek measures the value of engagement on who likely would be on the list for this but remain atop the North Division. was the fi rst to report that the Player Im- social and digital channels. year. A tour spokesman said such a list New York Rangers’ Ryan Lindgren (right), vies for control of the puck against Adam Brooks also scored for Toronto pact Program started in January. A tour spokesman said the score did would not be published the way the Fe- New York Islanders’ Adam Pelech (3) during the fi rst period of an NHL hock- and William Nylander had two assists. The payout goes to the top 10 play- not involve performance on the course, dEx Cup and world rankings are. ey game on April 20, in Uniondale, N.Y. (AP) David Rittich fi nished with 23 saves. ARAB TIMES, THURSDAY, APRIL 22, 2021 16 Chelsea fans protest against Chelsea’s decision to be included amongst the clubs attempting to form a new Eu- ropean Super League before the English Premier League soccer match between Chelsea and Brighton and Hove Albion outside Stamford Bridge stadium in London. (AP) Sports Latest sports scores at — http://sports.arabtimesonline.com Liverpool owner leads SL sorrow as fan anger grows Controversial Super League plan ‘collapses’ as 10 clubs drop out MADRID, April 21, (AP): Atlético that allowed it to join the new league the 12-team project along with the Madrid, Inter Milan, AC Milan and on Monday “no longer existed today.” other fi ve English rebel clubs, implod- Juventus all dropped out of the Super “For the club, harmony is essential ing the planned split from the existing League on Wednesday, leaving the Chelsea move above West Ham for everyone involved in the (Atlético) Champions League. new competition essentially extinct family, especially our fans,” it said. LONDON, April 21, (AP): As Chelsea’s ownership climbed “Over these 48 hours you were very before it even started. “The fi rst team squad and its coach down from plans to join a breakaway Super League, the clear that it would not stand,” Henry Only Spanish clubs Real Madrid and showed satisfaction with the club’s told supporters. “No one ever thought team climbed into the top four of the Premier League with a Barcelona are still offi cially involved. decision, understanding that sporting differently in England. We heard you. far-from-impressive 0-0 draw against Brighton . The moves by Atlético, Inter, AC merits must prevail over any other cri- I heard you.” Thomas Tuchel’s side were stifl ed inside Stamford Milan and Juventus came a day after teria.” English club owners like Henry Bridge, barely creating a clear-cut chance against the rele- the six Premier League clubs involved Inter said the club was committed didn’t just fail to consult their support- gation-threatened visitors who nearly snatched victory in the in the project gave up on the controver- to delivering the best soccer experi- ers. Even players and coaching staff at fi nal 15 minutes as Danny Welbeck struck the post. sial breakaway competition. ence for fans because “innovation and the Premier League champions were English clubs Arsenal, Chelsea, Liv- inclusion have been part of our DNA left in the dark before the announce- erpool, Manchester United, Manches- SOCCER since our foundation.” ment on Sunday of the Super League. ter City and Tottenham deserted the “Our commitment with all stake- plans for the largely-closed competi- Defender Ben White was sent off in stoppage time for holders to improve the football in- SOCCER tion amid an escalating backlash from Brighton after collecting a second yellow card. The point dustry will never change,” the Italian their supporters and warnings from the moved Chelsea above West Ham on goal difference and into club said. “Inter believe that football, Liverpool players publicly voiced government that legislation could be fourth place, the fi nal Champions League qualifi cation posi- like any sector of activity, must have Chelsea’s Christian Pulisic (left), duels for the ball with their opposition in a wave of coordinated introduced to thwart them. tion. Chelsea and West Ham play each other on Saturday. an interest in constantly improving The Super League project was over- Brighton’s Yves Bissouma during the English Premier its competitions in order to continue tweets on Tuesday night to intensify the Kickoff was delayed by 15 minutes after Chelsea’s team League soccer match between Chelsea and Brighton pressure on Henry to keep the six-time seen by Real Madrid president Floren- bus was slowed getting into Stamford Bridge because of the to excite fans of all ages all over the tino Pérez, who promoted it as a way and Hove Albion at Stamford Bridge Stadium in Lon- world, within a framework of fi nancial European Cup winners within the long- protests. Petr Cech, Chelsea’s technical director, got off the to “save soccer” and the clubs strug- don. (AP) sustainability.” standing, open competition. bus to talk to the angry supporters . gling fi nancially amid the coronavirus After the aborted attempt to form Henry directly apologized to man- Tuchel said he and his players had been affected by all the match,” he said. “Nobody asked about the match.” During pandemic. a European Super League, Liverpool ager Jürgen Klopp and the staff. talk about the Super League. the game, Manchester City became the fi rst club to confi rm UEFA threatened to ban players owner John Henry attempted to regain “They were the most disrupted and “We talk of nothing else but Super League before the their withdrawal from the scheme. from the participating teams from the trust of fans with an apology video unfairly so,” Henry said. “This is what playing in this year’s European Cham- on Wednesday. hurts most.” pionship and next year’s World Cup. around the world have clearly been ex- of the soundness of the project’s sport, Atlético said the decision was made The same public contrition was yet The attempt at damage-limitation But a Madrid court later issued a pre- pressed about the Super League, and commercial and legal premises, it be- after its board of directors met on to come from all six of the Premier was familiar from Liverpool since the liminary ruling stopping UEFA, FIFA AC Milan must be sensitive to the lieves that at present there are limited Wednesday. League clubs who faced two days of Fenway Sports Group bought the club and its members from acting against voice of those who love this wonderful chances that the project be completed The Spanish club said it “decided fury from their supporters for deciding in October 2010. Under Henry, the the creation of the new league. sport,” the Italian club said. in the form originally conceived,” the to formally communicate the Super – briefl y – to abandon the UEFA sys- club has apologized for backing then- AC Milan signaled it was leaving a Juventus followed moments later, club said. “Juventus remains commit- League and the rest of the founding tem to join a largely closed breakaway striker Luis Suarez in a racism case, few hours after Atlético and Inter Mi- but didn’t completely abandon plans ted to pursuing the creation of long- clubs its decision not to formalize its European competition. for hiking ticket prices and for trying lan made their announcements. for a future Super League. term value for the Company and the participation in the project.” On a frenzied night of statements, to use state aid to pay staff during the “The voices and the concerns of fans “While Juventus remains convinced entire football industry.” Atlético said the “circumstances” Liverpool withdrew on Tuesday from pandemic. Nets hold off New Orleans Clippers down Trail Blazers

NEW ORLEANS, April 21, over the Portland Trail Blazers . George also had 11 rebounds for (AP): Kyrie Irving capped a Los Angeles, playing without Kawhi 32-point performance with Leonard. It was the Clippers’ sixth a tough turnaround jump- straight win over the Blazers. CJ McCollum had 28 points but er, a driving layup through missed a pullup jumper at the fi nal converging defenders and buzzer for Portland, which didn’t have four free throws in the final Damian Lillard for the game. Norman Powell added 23 points. minute, and the Brooklyn The Clippers were up 86-82 heading Nets held on for a 134-129 into the fi nal quarter, but Carmelo An- victory over the reeling thony’s 3-pointer and jumper gave the Blazers a 93-90 lead. Powell’s layup New Orleans Pelicans on extended it to 101-96 midway through Tuesday night. the period. “Obviously, when Kyrie does Timberwolves 134, Kings 120 his thing and hits tough shots like In Sacramento, Calif., Karl-Antho- that, it truly saves us,” said Nets ny Towns had 25 points and a season- forward Blake Griffin, who had 16 high 18 rebounds, and the Minnesota points and eight rebounds in a re- Timberwolves pulled away over the serve role. “But I thought overall fi nal fi ve minutes and thumped the Sacramento Kings 134-120 . we did a better job of just trying to Anthony Edwards and D’Angelo like, do it by committee, moving Russell added 28 points apiece to help off the ball and not settling.” the Timberwolves beat the Kings for Joe Harris also hit a pair of late free the second time this season and the New York Knicks’ Julius Randle goes to the basket as Charlotte Hornets’ Miles Bridges defends during the second half of an NBA basketball game in throws to cap his 24-point night for the fi rst time in front of fans at Golden 1 New York. (AP) Nets, who won despite being without Center. About 1,600 front-line workers both Kevin Durant and James Harden. sat alongside cardboard cutouts after California eased its COVID-19 restric- NBA Results/Standings Cologne stun Leipzig BASKETBALL tions eased earlier this month. Knicks 109, Hornets 97 New Orleans still got a third chance In New York, RJ Barrett scored 18 of his 24 points in the third quarter and WASHINGTON, April 21, (AP): NBA Schalke relegated, Bayern close in on title to set up a 3 in the fi nal 4.8 seconds, results and standings on Tuesday. but Irving’s steal attempt caused Zion the New York Knicks beat the Char- New York 109 Charlotte 97 BERLIN, April 21, (AP): Schalke were volved before David Alaba crossed for Williamson to lose the ball out of lotte Hornets 109-97 on Tuesday night Atlanta 112 Orlando 96 fi nally relegated from the Bundesliga Thomas Müller to draw a good save bounds along the sideline, dooming the for their seventh straight victory. Brooklyn 134 New Orleans 129 after a dismal season with a 1-0 loss at from Lukas Hradecky. But the rebound Barrett’s offense and the Knicks’ Minnesota 134 Sacramento 120 Pelicans to a fourth straight loss. LA Clippers 113 Portland 112 Arminia Bielefeld , when Bayern Mu- fell to Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting, defense changed the game after the Eastern Conference nich closed in on another title. who hammered home a volley in the Clippers 113, Trail Blazers 113-112 Hornets scored 66 points in the fi rst Atlantic Division In Portland, Ore., Paul George had W L Pct GB Bayern are just one win away from eighth minute. half. New York held Charlotte to just a record-extending ninth consecutive Leverkusen defender Daley Sink- 33 points, including two free throws 31 after halftime. Philadelphia 39 18 .684 - with 4.8 seconds left that gave the Los Brooklyn 39 19 .672 -1/2 championship after they capitalized on graven then laid the ball off for Joshua Derrick Rose and Immanuel Quick- New York 32 27 .542 8 second-place Leipzig’s shock 2-1 loss Kimmich to fi re inside the left post fi ve Angeles Clippers a 113-112 victory ley each scored 17 points off the bench Boston 31 27 .534 8-1/2 Toronto 24 34 .414 15-1/2 at Cologne and moved 10 points clear minutes later. for the Knicks, who moved into fi fth Southeast Division at the top with a 2-0 win at home over It another boost for the club, Leon place in the Eastern Conference. They W L Pct GB Bayer Leverkusen. Goretzka returned from injury when he bring their longest winning streak Atlanta 32 26 .552 - The Bavarian powerhouse can seal came on for Müller in the 63rd. since winning eight straight in March Miami 30 28 .517 2 Charlotte 28 29 .491 3-1/2 the title with a win at Mainz on Sat- Cologne captain Jonas Hector 2014 into Wednesday’s game against Washington 24 33 .421 7-1/2 urday. scored twice for Cologne to upset fourth-place Atlanta. Orlando 18 40 .310 14 Leipzig 2-1 and boost their chances of Coach Tom Thibodeau warned that Central Division W L Pct GB SOCCER survival. his team can’t afford to lose its focus. Milwaukee 35 22 .614 - Leipzig dominated the fi rst half in Julius Randle and Reggie Bullock Indiana 26 31 .456 9 terms of chances and possession but each had 16 points. Chicago 24 33 .421 11 Cleveland 20 37 .351 15 Fabian Klos’ 50th-minute goal was were caught out after the break when Hawks 112, Magic 96 Detroit 18 40 .310 17-1/2 enough for Bielefeld to deal Schalke Hector - a defender - headed in the In Atlanta, Trae Young scored 25 Western Conference its 21st defeat in 30 games. opener after Dayot Upamecano left Southwest Division points, Lou Williams added 22 in his W L Pct GB Schalke had been playing in the Bayern’s Benjamin Pavard tries to him in too much space at the far post best game since returning to Atlanta Dallas 30 26 .536 - Bundesliga continuously since earn- control the ball during the German for Jannes Horn’s cross. and the surging Hawks pulled away Memphis 29 27 .518 1 ing promotion in 1991. It’s the quick- Bundesliga soccer match between Amadou Haidara equalized in the San Antonio 28 28 .500 2 in the fi nal period for a 112-96 victory New Orleans 25 33 .431 6 est of the Gelsenkirchen-based club’s Bayern Munich and Bayer Leverku- 59th, but Hector scored again a min- over the Orlando Magic. Houston 15 43 .259 16 four demotions with four games still sen at the Allianz Arena stadium in ute later, firing inside the right post The Hawks began the day clinging Northwest Division to play. Munich, Germany. (AP) after playing a one-two with Ondrej to the fourth spot in the Eastern Con- W L Pct GB Bielefeld, which were promoted Duda, who set him up with his heel. Utah 43 15 .741 - Thiaw was sent off with his second ference, which would mean home- Denver 37 20 .649 5-1/2 last season, moved four points above It was the first time the Germany de- court advantage in the fi rst round of Portland 32 25 .561 10-1/2 Hertha Berlin in the relegation zone, yellow card in the 71st. fender scored twice in a Bundesliga the playoffs. Oklahoma City 20 38 .345 23 though Hertha have two games in But Schalke are last with 13 game. Minnesota 16 43 .271 27-1/2 points from 30 games and cannot Los Angeles Clippers guard Paul Atlanta won for the fi fth time in six Pacific Division hand. The Hertha squad are on quar- Cologne remained second from bot- George, (center), drives to the bas- games to move a step closer to locking W L Pct GB antine for two weeks following a CO- gain enough points to survive even tom in an automatic relegation place, ket on Portland Trail Blazers cen- up its fi rst postseason berth since 2017. Phoenix 41 16 .719 - VID-19 outbreak at the club. if they were to somehow win its last behind Hertha on goal difference. ter Enes Kanter, (right), during the LA Clippers 41 19 .683 1-1/2 Goalkeeper Ralf Fährmann saved a four games. Schalke have just two Also, Eintracht Frankfurt consoli- Young pointed out that the Hawks LA Lakers 35 23 .603 6-1/2 second half of an NBA basketball keep winning even though fi ve players Golden State 29 29 .500 12-1/2 penalty from Klos, who was offside wins all season. dated fourth place and the last spot for game in Portland, Ore. The Clip- are still out with injuries - an issue that Sacramento 23 35 .397 18-1/2 when he swept in the rebound. Schalke Bayern wasted no time against Champions League qualifi cation with pers won 113-112. (AP) has plagued the team all season. also fi nished with 10 men after Malick Leverkusen. Alphonso Davies was in- a 2-0 win over Augsburg.

THE FIRST ENGLISH LANGUAGE DAILY IN FREE KUWAIT Published by: Arab Times Publishing House

Editor-in-Chief Editorial Office: Telephone: 24813566 & 24849144 Advertising: Tel: 55633481 Annual Subscriptions: Airport Road, Shuwaikh Fax: 24818267 Fax: 24911307 Individuals KD 45/- Companies and Offi cial Tel: 24849144 AHMED AL JARALLAH Departments KD 75 Airmail charges extra for Fax: 24839487 P.O. Box 2270, 13023 Safat, Kuwait E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] overseas