BUSINESS | Page 1 SPORT | Page 1 Qatar ports Top judokas set witness robust to converge for performance in Doha Masters December 2020 from Jan 11

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MONDAY Vol. XXXXI No. 11783 January 4, 2021 Jumada I 20, 1442 AH

GULF TIMES www. gulf-times.com 2 Riyals

Amir sends greetings Mural on the wall to Swiss president His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani sent yesterday a cable of congratulations Qatar at forefront to Guy Parmelin on the occasion of assuming the Swiss presidency, wishing him success, and for the relations between the two countries further development and progress, and the friendly Swiss peoples of countries with further progress and prosperity. His Highness the Deputy Amir Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad al-Thani also sent a cable of congratulations to President Parmelin. electronic census MoPH cautions against spam calls The Ministry of Public Heath (MoPH) O PSA chief: Qatar is a pioneer in using technology in headcount yesterday cautioned the public against scam phone calls asking for QNA personal information for Ehteraz Doha application. In a statement, the MoPH stressed that nobody or any entity is authorised to make such calls. MoPH E the President of the Plan- urged citizens and residents to be ning and Statistics Author- cautious and alert and don’t provide Hity (PSA) Dr Saleh Mohamed any personal information or data to Salem al-Nabit said that Qatar has any person or entity which claims to scored an important achievement be mandated by MoPH or the health and has a pioneering experience in sector. The ministry has assured that all the online census, to become at the information and data related to Ehteraz forefront of countries that adopt new application is safe and fully secured technology to complete the compre- and highly confidential in co-operation hensive census project according to with the authorities concerned in Qatar. the highest international standards. In an interview with Qatar News HE the President of the Planning and Statistics Authority (PSA) Dr Saleh Anti-US chants as Iraqis Qatar-based artist Huda Basahal is seen working on a building facade as part of Agency (QNA), HE Dr al-Nabit said Mohamed Salem al-Nabit being interviewed by QNA. Jedariart, Qatar Museums’ (QM) public art initiative to add meaning to Doha’s that the electronic census is car- mourn commanders walls through curated murals and street art. A total of 18 Qatar-based artists ried out in conjunction with the fi eld are diff erences in the methodologies presence of a phone number for in- Thousands of Iraqi mourners chanted have been breathing new life into walls in various locations across the city over census, which is also uses the highly of conducting it, some depend on the quiries and questions for those who “revenge” and “no to America” the past month. Jedariart is in partnership with The Supervisory Committee of advanced technologies represented census by sample, and some conduct a provide the data electronically, and yesterday, one year after a US Beautification of Roads and Public Places, Q-Rail, and Woqod and Fire Station: in handheld devices directly linked to complete census that includes every fa- the ease of the electronic method. drone strike killed Iran’s revered Artist in Residence. Page 12 administrative records and systems cility, building, housing unit and family Regarding the 2010 census, the commander Qasem Soleimani that help the enumerator to complete so that the data is more comprehensive PSA president indicated that it was and his Iraqi lieutenant Abu Mahdi the data required for the census with and modern, and this is the type ap- a good experience in terms of relying al-Muhandis. Pro-Iranian protesters, ease, accuracy and complete confi - proved in Qatar, he added. on technology to conduct the census, many dressed in black, massed in Age limit brought down to 65 for dentiality. HE Dr al-Nabit pointed out that paving the way for the 2020 census, Baghdad’s central Tahrir Square.The He pointed out that more than Qatar’s experience in the electronic which witnessed an important devel- anniversary of the Baghdad drone first phase of Covid-19 vaccination 190,000 people completed their data census is very good, and that it could opment in the statistical form and the strike was also marked in recent electronically via the electronic link be better, adding that their ambition techniques used in the handheld de- days across Iran and by supporters The Ministry of Public Health stage will be contacted directly by www.psa.gov.qa/census2020.aspx. is much greater than what they have vices of fi eld enumerators, as well as in Syria, Lebanon, Yemen and announced yesterday that the age the Primary Health Care Corporation “This is a very good number, and done so far, thanks to the material and the development in connecting these elsewhere. Page 6 limit for the first phase of Covid-19 by SMS or phone call to arrange their we look forward to increasing the human capabilities of the state and handheld devices with the adminis- vaccination has been brought down to appointment. numbers on the electronic census the unlimited support for the tech- trative records that contain the data UK to tighten virus 65 and above as against 70. The first Vaccinations at health centres will only within the coming days,” he added. nology and communications sector. of citizens and residents. rules as cases surge phase runs until January 31. be given to people with pre-arranged He also stressed that the techno- He added that they had hoped to He said that the preliminary in- Those aged 65 years and above and appointments. All other community logical infrastructure in Qatar is great- focus on administrative records and dicators of the census are very good British Prime Minister Boris Johnson who have not yet been contacted, can members who do not meet the criteria ly advanced, which allowed the PSA building databases faster, saying that and show high turnout, adding that yesterday warned the country to now call the hotline 40277077 to book for the early phase of the campaign to implement Qatar’s 2020 Census they are at a very advanced stage. it is because of the national aware- expect tougher restrictions to combat an appointment. need to wait until their turn. project in an ideal and unique manner. He added that they had hoped that ness of the importance of the Gen- spiralling coronavirus cases, as a row The three categories who are eligible “MoPH is working with the “We have advanced systems when the census would be fully electronic eral Census of Population, Housing flared over whether schools should for vaccine are: People aged 65 years pharmaceutical companies to ensure talking about a technology-based cen- this year, but there are obstacles re- and Establishments project, as well reopen. “It may be that we need to of age and above; people with severe the next shipment of vaccines arrives sus, but at the same time we are looking lated to the response from families to as the statistical data they provide to do things in the next few weeks that chronic conditions as well as the in Qatar as early as possible in 2021 and forward to greater progress,” he said. this type of census, and most of them serve development, in addition to the will be tougher in many parts of the healthcare workers with repeated everyone who needs to be vaccinated The online census is the census of prefer to deal directly with the fi eld well-managed handling of fi eld enu- country,” Johnson told the BBC’s The exposure to Covid-19. People who will be able to do so throughout the the future and all countries are racing enumerator to make some inquiries merators who have been trained and Andrew Marr Show. Page 7 are eligible for the vaccination at this year,” the announcement said. to develop this type of census, but there about the statistical form despite the thoroughly selected. 53rd Airbus A350 joins Qatar Airways fl eet

O National carrier reaffirms position as world’s largest operator of Airbus A350

atar Airways reaffi rmed its po- to travel when they want, Qatar Air- Due to Covid-19’s impact on travel sition as the world’s largest op- ways has a variety of sustainable air- demand, the airline has grounded its Qerator of Airbus A350 aircraft craft it can choose from to off er more fl eet of Airbus A380 as it is not “en- with the national carrier welcoming fl ights with the right capacity in each vironmentally justifi able” to operate its 53rd Airbus A350 on December 31, market. such a large, four-engine aircraft in the 2020. “Qatar Airways is fully utilising its current market. Qatar’s national carrier is the largest fl eet of 53 A350 aircraft to more than 45 The airline’s internal benchmark operator of Airbus A350 aircraft with destinations in the airline’s network, compared the A380 to the A350 on 34 A350-900 and 19 A350-1000, reaf- including Johannesburg, London, routes from Doha to Guangzhou, fi rming its position as the “ideal choice Melbourne, New York, Paris, Sao Paolo Frankfurt, London, Melbourne, New for environmentally conscious” long- and Singapore.” York, Paris and Sydney. haul passengers. Passengers travelling onboard Qa- On a typical one-way fl ight, the The A350-1000 is fi tted with the tar Airways’ state-of-the-art Air- airline found the A350 aircraft saved airline’s multi award-winning busi- bus A350-1000 can enjoy the widest a minimum of 16 tonnes of carbon ness class seat, Qsuite, and will operate cabin body of any class with larger dioxide per block hour compared to on strategic routes to and from Africa, windows creating an extra spacious the A380. The analysis found that the the Americas, Asia-Pacifi c and Eu- feel, the widest seats of any aircraft A380 emitted over 80% more CO2 per rope. in its category with generous room in block hour than the A350 on each of Qatar Airways Group Chief Execu- all classes, advanced air system tech- these routes. tive, HE Akbar al-Baker, said: “Despite nology including HEPA fi lters, which In the cases of Melbourne and New the challenges of the pandemic, we deliver optimal cabin air quality, re- York, the A380 emitted 95% more CO2 continue to invest in our fl eet, operat- newing air every two to three minutes per block hour with the A350 saving ing the youngest, most fuel-effi cient Qatar Airways welcome its 53rd Airbus A350. The airline is fully utilising its fleet of 53 A350 aircraft to more than 45 for more comfort and less fatigue, LED around 20 tonnes of CO2 per block and technologically advanced aircraft destinations in the airline’s global network. mood lighting, which mimic a natural hour. in the skies. This strategic investment sunrise and sunset to help reduce the Until passenger demand recovers in sustainable twin-engine aircraft has “As global travel recovers, our pas- Qatar Airways said: “Environmen- demand to ensure it operates the most eff ects of jet lag and the quietest cabin to appropriate levels, Qatar Airways enabled us to continue fl ying during sengers can rely on us to fl y greener and tally conscious passengers can travel effi cient aircraft on each route. Rather of any twin-aisle aircraft that includes will continue to keep its A380 aircraft the most challenging year in aviation’s smarter with more fl ights to more desti- with the reassurance that Qatar Air- than being forced to fl y oversized air- a draft-free air circulation system re- grounded, ensuring it only operates history, helping take over 3.1mn people nations via the ‘Best Airport in the Mid- ways continuously monitors the mar- craft due to limited aircraft options, sulting in a low ambient cabin noise commercially and environmentally re- home since the start of the pandemic. dle East’, Hamad International Airport.” ket to assess both passenger and cargo reducing the fl exibility for passengers level for a more peaceful journey. sponsible aircraft. Gulf Times 2 Monday, January 4, 2021 QATAR

Chief of Staff meets US military attache Afghan minister in talks with Qatar envoy Official

Qatar slams killing of French soldiers in Mali

Qatar has strongly condemned the killing of two French soldiers and the injury of another in an explosive device in northern Mali. In a statement yesterday, the Ministry of Foreign Aff airs HE the Chief of Staff of Qatar Armed Forces Lieutenant-General (Pilot) Ghanem bin Shaheen reiterated Qatar’s firm stance on al-Ghanem met with US Chief Defence Off icer and the Department of Defence Attache to Qatar rejecting violence and terrorism Colonel David Casey, on the occasion of the end of his term. The Chief of Staff extended his thanks Afghanistan’s Minister of Foreign Aff airs Mohamed Haneef Atmar met yesterday with regardless of motives and causes. and appreciation to the US military attache for his eff orts during his tenure in Qatar, and wished Qatar’s ambassador in Kabul Saeed bin Mubarak al-Khayarin. During the meeting, they The ministry expressed Qatar’s him success in his future duties. The meeting was attended by a number of off icers in the Qatar reviewed bilateral relations, in addition to issues of common interest. The Afghan minister condolences to the families of the Armed Forces. thanked Qatar for its role in the Afghan peace process. victims as well as the government and peoples of France, wishing the wounded a speedy recovery. NHRC chief confers with Afghan rights panel chairperson Preparations underway for Shura Council elections Qatar condemns HE the Chairman of the National Human Rights Com- zad Akbar. During the meeting, they reviewed aspects Preparations are in progress, ment of a Council comprising bombing in Somalia mittee (NHRC) Dr Ali bin Smaikh al-Marri met yesterday, of co-operation and means of exchanging expertise and for the Shura Council elections 45 members, 30 of whom are via video conference, with the Chairperson of the experiences with regard to the promotion and protec- in October, by the committee elected and 15 appointed. Qatar has strongly condemned Afghan Independent Human Rights Commission Shahr- tion of human rights. concerned, local Arabic daily Brig Gen al-Muraikhi said the bombing that took place near Arrayah has reported quoting each electoral district will be the Somali capital of Mogadishu, Brigadier General Salem Saqr represented by one member. killing a number of people, includ- al-Muraikhi, director of the The Constitution gave a general ing two foreigners holding Turkish Legal Aff airs Department at directive that the electoral dis- nationality, and wounding others. Ministry of Interior (MoI). Brigadier General Salem Saqr tricts should be inclusive of the In a statement yesterday, the Min- Marine environment monitoring “There are separate teams al-Muraikhi regions of Qatar. He added that istry of Foreign Aff airs reiterated working for the successful the committee will allow any Qatar’s firm stance on rejecting conduct of the election,” he while working to complete the party that wants to monitor the violence and terrorism regardless programme’s fi rst phase begins said while explaining that sub- electoral process. electoral process whether the of motives and causes. The minis- committees were formed after “Several works have been media or civil society organisa- try expressed Qatar’s condolences the Amiri decision was issued so far completed and only a tions if a request is submitted to the victims’ families as well as QNA to form the Supreme Com- few simple things remain,” he in this regard to the authorities the governments and peoples of Doha mittee. The sub-committees said adding that these will be concerned, similar to the proc- Somalia and Turkey, wishing the are meeting regularly to draft completed soon. The Constitu- ess in the last Central Municipal wounded a speedy recovery. laws, regulations and decisions tion provides for the establish- Council elections. he Ministry of Municipality and Environ- ment (MME) started yesterday the fi rst Qatar condemns Tphase of the Marine Environmental Moni- ‘Remarkable development in Qatar-Tunisia relations’ attacks in Niger toring Programme in Qatar for the year 2021. The teams of the Monitoring and Environmental The Speaker of the Assembly of the Representa- Ghannouchi said that His Highness the Amir Qatar has strongly condemned Laboratory Department in MME started collecting tives of the People of Tunisia, Rached Ghan- Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani’s call to hold the attacks that targeted two samples from the marine environment to analyse nouchi, praised the relations between Qatar and the Shura Council elections in October is a bold villages in western Niger, causing and to make the necessary measurements in sev- Field monitoring teams collect samples to analyse Tunisia, describing them as strategic relations that initiative that warms the hearts of those who love dozens of civilian deaths and eral of the coastal marine water monitoring sites in from the marine environment. respect the free management of the people, em- freedom. wounding others. In a statement Qatar. The fi rst phase covers 14 of the coastal water bodying the exchange of interests and practically He added that the Amir’s speech at the open- yesterday, the Ministry of Foreign sites in various regions of the country. fi eld scanning, using the latest scientifi c and inter- serving what benefits the people, QNA reported ing of the last session of the Shura Council was Aff airs reiterated Qatar’s firm During the collection of samples, the ministry’s national devices specialised in fi eld marine read- from Doha distinguished by wisdom and foresight, and position of rejecting violence and fi eld monitoring teams included tourist, economic ings, and samples are collected from water, marine In an interview with Qatari newspaper Al-Sharq perhaps one of the most prominent things that terrorism, regardless of the mo- and industrial areas, as well as marine reserves and sediments and seabed soil. published yesterday, Ghannouchi said that the heartened all freedom lovers was the bold call tives and reasons. The statement coastal areas that are frequently visited by people, The environmental laboratory analyses these depth of ties between Qatar and Tunisia was for the first elections of the Shura Council to be expressed Qatar’s condolences as the marine fi eld environmental scanning is con- samples to determine the characteristics and emphasised by mutual visits and agreements held in October, within the framework of Qatar’s to the families of the victims and ducted semi-annually, during winter and summer. physical results of temperature, salinity, dissolved between the leaderships of the two countries determination to strengthen the Shura approach to the government and people Field measurements and their results are con- oxygen concentrations, pH, transparency of water, and pointed out that Qatar is the first investor in and to ensure the participation of Qatari citizens of Niger, wishing the wounded a ducted during the environmental and the marine chlorine, etc among others. Tunisia. in the decision-making process. speedy recovery. Gulf Times Monday, January 4, 2021 3 QATAR Qatar Airways Holidays off ers more savings for Travel Bubble Holidays between Qatar and the Maldives

atar Airways Holidays celebrates the return airport transfers, and all taxes. beginning of the New Year by off ering Customers will have access to all hotel fa- QQatar’s citizens and residents addi- cilities, be able to upgrade their meal package, tional savings of up to QR1,800 on its popular heavily discounted rates at retail outlets, and ‘Travel Bubble Holidays’ packages to the Mal- fl exible cancellation policies. dives, for bookings made up to January 7. Three high-end luxury properties including Customers can benefi t from this exclusive the Sandies Bathala Maldives 4-star resort, off er by using the discount voucher code ‘mal- Diamonds Thudufushi Beach 5-star resort and divesdeal’. Amaya Kuda Rah 5-star resort – each situated Due to high demand, Qatar Airways Holi- on their own private island – are exclusively days extended the travel period of its packages available for guests travelling from Qatar. to the Maldives until February 5, with the last For the safety of themselves and fellow trav- departure date being January 31. ellers, all Travel Bubble Holidays guests must: Travel Bubble Holidays packages are avail- • Take a PCR test in Doha and get a negative able to book on the Qatar Airways Holidays Covid-19 PCR test certifi cate issued no more website or from a local travel agent until Janu- than 72 hours before departure. This is a re- ary 15. quirement of the Maldives government Even though the Maldives is no longer part • Sign a release form committing to the of the Green List countries published by the terms and conditions of the exclusive Travel Ministry of Public Health, the Travel Bubble Bubble Holidays Holidays remain unaff ected and is the “only • Take a rapid PCR test at Hamad Interna- safe and convenient” gateway to the tropical tional Airport. Results will be available within islands as no quarantine or self-isolation upon 15 minutes, and passengers will be allowed to return is required for Qatar’s citizens and no travel if negative Exceptional Entry Permit, quarantine or self- • Arrive in the Maldives, where no addi- isolation upon return required for Qatar’s resi- tional tests are needed, and take a transfer by dents. speedboat directly to the resort Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive HE • Return to Maldives airport via speedboat Akbar al-Baker said: “We are pleased to of- transfer on the day of departure fer our popular Travel Bubble Holidays pack- • Take a rapid PCR test upon arrival into ages at reduced rates as well as to extend the Doha. If negative, return home without the travel period until February 5, giving the op- need to quarantine or self-isolate portunity to more citizens and residents of Customers are requested to read all related Qatar to book a well-deserved holiday to the FAQs before booking their holiday, and in case Maldives with no quarantine or self-isola- of any additional questions or assistance, they tion upon return.” can e-mail travel experts at QRHtravelbub- All packages include return fl ights between [email protected]. Qatar and the Maldives on Qatar Airways’ ex- More details can be had from https://www. clusive fl ights for Travel Bubble Holidays cus- qatarairwaysholidays.com/qa-en/off ers/trav- tomers, accommodation on a full board basis, el-bubble-holidays. Qatar Scientific Club’s Spring Camp activities conclude The Qatar Scientific Club concluded the the coronavirus pandemic. A special and knowledge and also contribute activities of the Spring Science Camp programme and tools were assigned to to increasing their self-confidence by that were organised at its headquarters each participant, and the age groups practising and using their hands in the under the title “Discover and Innovate”. were divided into three categories: (7-9 implementation of applied projects. The QRCS sponsors Registration was accepted with only 50% years old), (10-12 years old), and (13-16 club stated that the camp presented of the capacity for each class group so years old). HE the Head of the Scientific new topics and projects that were that the maximum number in the halls Activities and Events Department at the implemented such as manufacturing was only 10 participants instead of 20 Qatar Scientific Club Sheikh Ali bin Salman means to prevent coronavirus (Covid-19), in normal cases. Some 160 participants al-Thani thanked the Ministry of Culture in addition to implementing the took part in the entire activity in line with and Sports for its support for such events solar-powered impotence project and surgeries in Gaza the precautionary measures related to that provide participants with science implementing the robot model.

atar Red Crescent Society (QRCS) has sponsored major Qthoracic surgeries in Gaza. Dr Raed al-Arini, the thoracic surgery consultant hired by QRCS in Gaza, to- gether with Dr Diego González-Rivas, a globally renowned thoracic surgery specialist, and Dr Firas Abu Akir, head of Thoracic Surgery and Endos- copy Department at the Al-Makassed Hospital in Jerusalem, performed six sophisticated operations at the Al- Shefaa Medical Comlex. These operations included the re- moval of pulmonary tumours and right superior lobectomy using new technologies for the fi rst time in Gaza. Dr al-Arini said the medical inter- QRCS’ medical experts. vention done with the help of Prof González-Rivas involved surger- ies that had never been performed in Gaza, amid the blockade and closure of crossings, which prevented the travel of critical cases for treatment abroad. He described the visit by the Span- ish surgeon as a good opportunity for the local medical staff to acquire intensive practical experience, as he is one of the world’s best physician- endoscopists who is active in many countries. “Prof González-Rivas expressed his admiration of QRCS’s programme of contracting him under the project of equipping the Specialised Surger- ies Building with a state-of-the-art thoracic endoscope, which was used The medical intervention done with the help of Dr Diego González-Rivas in the six surgeries at the Al-Shefaa involved surgeries that had never been performed in Gaza. Medical Complex,” said Dr al-Arini. During their two-day visit, the surgical services in the blockade. With a total budget of $1.4mn, the Spanish medical delegation delivered Over one year, 810 thoracic surgeries project also involves such specialised an online seminar for 100 Palestin- were performed at the Al-Shefaa Med- surgical interventions as cardiovas- ian physicians and many medical ical Complex and European Gaza Hos- cular surgery and orthopaedics, train- students of the Islamic University of pital (EGH). Additionally, there were ing programmes such as the Master of Gaza’s (IU-G) Faculty of Medicine. 180 thoracic endoscopic operations at Health Policy and Management and QRCS and the Palestinian Ministry the Nasser Medical Complex, under Anesthesia and Intensive Care Diplo- of Health (MoH) in Gaza are working the project of supporting specialised ma, and support for phenylketonuria hard together to develop the thoracic surgical services in the Gaza Strip. (PKU) patients. Ooredoo announces online payments now enabled with al khaliji

Ooredoo has announced that its customers can now pay for Ooredoo services via their Al Khalij Commercial Bank (al khaliji) online banking. Following a partnership agreement signed previously between Ooredoo and al khaliji, online payment services have been enabled and Ooredoo customers can now use ways in which we continue to expand the benefits that are online banking to make payments for Shahry, Qatarna, and available to our customers through online banking. Key to home broadband bills, in addition to recharging prepaid the process of digitalisation of our services and our industry accounts. is through strengthening our local partnerships and using Speaking of the partnership, Sabah Rabiah al-Kuwari, director, our combined synergies to serve the needs of our customers PR at Ooredoo, said: “Giving our customers yet another that are evolving with the times, so they can benefit from quick, easy and convenient way to pay for our services fits a range of added advantages. With Ooredoo on board, we perfectly with our aim of complete customer satisfaction, build a new bridge with customers, in an eff ort to always and – with the new payment services being online – is another bring them the best in the industry.” step forward on our journey towards complete digitalisation. Online banking with al khaliji is available 24/7, allowing We’re delighted to be working with such a renowned financial customers to log on, pay bills, and recharge anytime from institution as al khaliji and look forward to seeing our wherever they are. This way, they can avoid queues at the customers making good use of the service.” bank and make payments as needed, outside of branch Rana al-Asaad, head of Personal Banking at al khaliji, said: operation hours, in a way that is fast, convenient, and “Our new partnership with Ooredoo is one of the many eff icient. Gulf Times 4 Monday, January 4, 2021 QATAR

QU admits more than 1,300 for spring term More than 1,300 new and transferred students have been accepted to Qatar University DHFC greets 2021 with a (QU) for the year 2020/2021, local Arabic daily Arrayah reported. Qatari students made up more than 80% of the total. A three-day online induction programme is being held. The QU has announced that the online courses for the 2021 spring myriad of shop openings semester for all students will begin on January 10, as specified oha Festival City (DHFC) licious desserts, will open at the shop openings last year. positioning as the mall of choice in the academic calendar. will host in 2021 more mall in 2021. The new year at the DHFC is for all shoppers.” Students enrolled in Dthan 20 new brands, The DHFC will open the fi rst also marked by the opening of The DHFC’s opening hours postgraduate courses, practical some of which will make their ‘1847’ grooming salon in Qatar, the socially-responsible shoes are Saturday to Wednesday, laboratory projects, graduate debut in Qatar, it was announced featuring a unique concept cre- brand TOMS, founded by the from 10am-10pm, and Thursday and research projects, courses of yesterday. ated for men on-the-go. entrepreneur and philanthropist to Friday from 10am-11pm. a practical nature, and field and During 2020, the stable of Another notable opening this Blake Mycoskie, whose charity- In line with the coronavirus clinical training courses have to respected brands welcomed to year is the Qatari family brand focused but for-profi t business preventative measures set out attend classes in person. the mall reached more than 420 Al-Makki Jewellery, founded by supports vulnerable populations by the authorities, the mall has All academic policies and stores, further strengthening pearl experts and jewellers. across the world. introduced stringent health and university procedures will be the DHFC’s position as a global Over 100 dining outlets are The DHFC has opened a new safety measures throughout the applied for both online and on shopping and lifestyle desti- now open at the mall, ranging play centre “Spark Sense and mall for its staff and visitors. campus classes, Arrayah added. nation, off ering an impressive from Middle Eastern delights Play”, hosting toddlers and chil- This includes a thorough choice of fashion, dining and en- through to the fi nest Italian gas- dren from six months to 10 years. mall disinfection treatment on tertainment outlets for all tastes tronomy experience, and spicy “We are delighted with our a weekly basis, robust cleaning Recall orders and levels of income, a state- Asian dishes, catering to all achievements this year, despite and sanitisation operations dur- ment said. tastes including vegetarians. A new Vodafone outlet is also now open at the DHFC. the challenges that we had to ing mall trading hours, 127 hand issued for Ford, Choco Melt, a coff ee shop The new outlets opened last face,” DHFC general manager sanitising stations installed in Mercedes vehicles specialising in chocolate sweets, year include premium choco- nowned Lebanese brand for Emirates Furniture, Korean life- Robert Hall said in a press state- the areas that have commonly dipped fruits, and hot and cold latier Swiss Laderach, Jasmine special occasions and wedding style brand Mumuso, Madam ment. “Our retailers are our touched surfaces. The Ministry of Commerce and chocolate-based drinks, and Flowers (which off er exquisite dresses), Clarins (the iconic Coco (Turkish brand of home greatest asset, and we hope that At the entrance to the mall Industry (MoCI), in co-operation Turkish restaurant chain Kara- chocolates and fl ower arrange- French luxury brand boast- décor, textile, cosmetics and with the variety of our newly and all shops, visitors must show with Almana Motors Company, fi rin, boasting an exceptional ments), and White Sugar with a ing premium face and body kitchenware), Turkish fashion opened stores, our off ering will their green Ehteraz QR code, and announced the recall of Ford off er of fusion food from burg- selection of special desserts. care products), Turkish jewel- brand Tuzun, and a new Voda- cater to a wider pool of custom- should wear a face mask during F-MAX model of 2019 due to ers and pizza to salads, and de- Mambo Couture (the re- lery brand Amor Diamond, Pan fone outlet are among the new ers, strengthening the DHFC’s their time in the mall. weakness in the rear right bracket and the fender bracket which makes them vulnerable to breaking. The MoCI, in co-operation with Nasser Bin Khaled Automobiles, Campaign to remove abandoned also announced the recall of Mercedes-Benz SLK CLASS model of 2007, due to a potential defect vehicles launched at Al Shamal in the driver’s airbag. The MoCI urged all customers to report any violations to its joint campaign to remove Consumer Protection and Anti- abandoned vehicles within Commercial Fraud Department, AAl Shamal Municipality was which processes complaints, launched yesterday to enforce the inquires and suggestions through stipulations of the Public Hygiene the following channels: Law No 18 for 2017. Call centre: 16001, e-mail: The campaign is being carried [email protected], Twitter: out by the Committee for Removing @MOCIQATAR, Instagram: Abandoned Vehicles, the Mechani- MOCIQATAR, MoCI mobile app cal Equipment Department, and the for android and iOS: MOCIQATAR. General Cleanliness Department, in co-operation with Al Shamal Mu- nicipality as part of the ongoing ef- Karwa buses to forts of the Ministry of Municipality and Environment. resume charging Hassan Khalifa al-Faihani, the commuters director of Municipal Services Af- fairs at Al Shamal Municipality, Karwa buses will resume took part in the campaign along- charging commuters from side offi cials from the participating January 10 onwards, Mowasalat security entities of the Ministry of has informed through a Interior and the Internal Security notification on Karwa Bus app. Forces (Lekhwiya). Karwa has stopped selling He explained that the campaign 24-hours limited and unlimited duration is one week, during which An off icial sticking a warning notice on an abandoned vehicle. smartcards through drivers or all abandoned vehicles spotted will merchants. be removed. He called on the people to avoid no 178 for 2020, headed by Briga- “Commuters can purchase the Al-Faihani said that some of the leaving their vehicles neglected on dier-General Ali Salman al-Mo- 24-hours unlimited QR Code owners of such vehicles have re- public areas to avoid possible legal hannadi. Ticket through the Karwa Bus sponded positively to the related action. It began operations in September app. The rechargeable Karwa awareness campaign and have al- The committee was formed ac- last year, removing abandoned ve- Smartcard will still be valid,” the ready removed their vehicles. cording to the ministerial decision hicles at the Industrial Area. notification said.

HBKU college highlights new uses The pharmacological inhibition of PDE5 has already been demonstrated for enzyme to have several therapeutic applica- tions. While they are designed to inhibit inhibitors PDE5, the inhibitors show diff erent affi nities and specifi cities against various other PDE subtypes. review of the structure of the Understanding how these in- PDE5 enzyme and its interac- hibitors interact with PDE5 and the Ation with clinically-relevant structural basis of their selectivity is inhibitors conducted by Dr Kabir H critically important for the design of Biswas (pictured), an assistant pro- novel, highly-selective PDE5 inhibi- fessor at the College of Health and tors as well as precision medicine- Life Sciences (CHLS) at Hamad Bin based therapy. Khalifa University has been pub- The article also notes that while lished by the multidisciplinary Bio- PDE5 inhibitors have several thera- medicine & Pharmacotherapy jour- peutic applications, only three of nal. these are approved by the US Food Dr Biswas co-authored the review and Drug Administration. article with Dr Anupriya M Geetha- With increasing evidence that kumari, a postdoctoral fellow, and PDE5 inhibitors could play a role Wesam S Ahmed, a doctor of phi- in managing a number of diseases, losophy student in Biological and including cancer and coronavirus Ministry of Public Health reports Biomedical Sciences at the CHLS, (Covid-19) complications, clinical both members of the Biswas Lab, an studies are warranted to extend the 141,808 total Covid-19 recoveries interdisciplinary group engaged in therapeutic applications of these in- understanding the mechanisms of hibitors to a wider range of diseases. The Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) reported yesterday 197 new cellular adhesion and signalling, and Dr Dindial Ramotar, professor and confirmed cases of coronavirus (Covid-19) during the last 24 hours, of developing means to manipulate the head of the Division of Biological and which 147 were from community and 50 from travellers returning from same. Biomedical Sciences at the CHLS, abroad who are subject to quarantine. Dr Biswas’s laboratory employs a said: “PDE5 inhibitors have shown The MoPH also recorded 128 recoveries from the virus during the past variety of approaches including en- their potential for multiple medi- 24 hours, bringing the total number of cases that recovered in Qatar to gineering precision biosensors and cal applications, including potential 141,808. biointerfaces. treatment for cancer and heart dis- All new cases have been introduced to isolation and are receiving Reviewing the structure of phos- ease, and as a result there is an un- necessary healthcare. phodiesterase 5 (PDE5), a relatively derstandably heightened keenness Anyone suff ering from Covid-19 symptoms should either contact well-studied multidomain enzyme, for developing novel PDE5 inhibitors. 16000 helpline or go directly to one of the designated health centres to and how its function is regulated, the “Our study at the Biswas Lab undergo the necessary checks at Muaither, Rawdat Al Khail, Umm Slal, article focused on the clinically-rele- aimed to fulfi l a fundamental aspect or Al Gharrafa. vant inhibitors that target the protein of such work, and that is to collate This is important as the earlier the disease is detected the easier it will with the aim of better understanding what we know about this enzyme and be to receive the right treatment and recover from it. the structural bases of their affi nity its inhibitors in order to fully under- The MoPH has urged people to visit its website for regular updates and and specifi city. stand their therapeutic indications.” new information. Gulf Times Monday, January 4, 2021 5 QATAR Qatar Charity launches ‘Charity Partner’ to involve companies in humanitarian activities atar Charity (QC) Development Department at launched the Charity Qatar Charity, said that the CP QPartner (CP) program program works on revitalizing in a press conference, as part of the role of various institutions its strategic objectives aimed at and companies, so that they play extending a helping hand to the a clear social role in accordance needy and working on building a with Qatar Charity’s goals. He better society. added that the CP program will The CP program, which is be introduced to the community Qatar Charity’s largest program members and companies, in the field of social responsibility, targeting them to come under this come to develop a community system. partnerships system, and aims The CP has many advantages at raising awareness in society for companies joining it, as they about the importance of the role can receive free training, as well of institutions and companies in as human resource support social responsibility. The product, through volunteers, in addition which will have a CP sign, will to delivering assistance to the support humanitarian activities. workers and employees of a Addressing at the press ‘partner’ conference, Mr. Abdulaziz Jassim, Immediately following the Director of Customer Service press conference, Arab Elite, the and Marketing at Qatar Charity, first company, announced its expressed his delight with desire to join the CP program. launching the CP program, which Mr. Muhammad Ghanem Al- is the first innovative certification Muhannadi, General Manager of based on the principle of the company indicated that joining developing the charitable and the program comes as part of the developmental work system company’s social responsibility, within legal frameworks as it is keen to support charitable registered in accordance with and humanitarian projects of international provisions. Qatar Charity, adding that he will He indicated that the program its humanitarian programs and allocate a portion of the product is the world’s first trademark to Qatar Charity is open to cooperate projects, urging companies to proceeds to support Qatar Charity be granted in favor of supporting join the CP program. The offers projects. charitable and development with the private sector to implement its of the interested companies for It is worth mentioning that activities, and it will contribute the trademark will be studies, Qatar Charity seeks to expand significantly to developing the and then it will be placed on the cooperation with local companies community partnerships system. humanitarian programs and projects, urging products that are agreed upon to implement sustainable He emphasized that Qatar with the partners. charitable projects, social Charity is open to cooperate with companies to join the CP program. For his part, Mr. Ahmed Al- responsibility programs, and the private sector to implement Shirawi, Head of the Resource initiatives. Qatar Charity fights blindness in Nigeria

atar Charity has Qatar Charity work to cover In Scotu, Kano, and Yobe, implemented three all the needs of the beneficiaries the three camps witnessed a Qcampaigns to reduce of medical care, including great turnout, with more than blindness in Nigeria in examinations, surgeries, 3,425 patients examined, and 317 coordination with the local medicines, and eyeglasses, based operations were performed. government and the Ministry of on its strategy to combat blindness In Scotu, 1209 patients were Health. 2018-2020 and the WHO plan. examined, and 107 surgeries were

2018-2022, and within its plan, during the next five years, it will provide medical services to eye patients in 14 selected countries, including Sudan, Niger, Burkina Faso, Somalia, Kenya, Tchad, and Ghana, as well as Bangladesh, Indonesia, Yemen, Pakistan, Turkey, Jordan. Medical examination and dispensing of medicines to one million eye patients, 60,000 surgeries will be performed, in addition to training and qualification of 50 doctors in modern eye surgery methods, and the establishment of five centers and clinics specialized in eye diseases and surgery. Qatar Charity has contributed with many partners to alleviate the causes of visual impairment that lead to blindness in many countries performed, while in Kano and Doctors also gave educational through various programs and Yobe states, 1216 people benefited lectures on preventing eye diseases activities such as implementing in each of them, as many cases and awareness of the Coronavirus, specialized medical camps for were examined. Urgent surgery and ways to prevent it. eye diseases in many countries, was performed for many patients. According to Qatar Charity including Yemen, Sudan, and Niger. strategy to combat blindness Gulf Times 6 Monday, January 4, 2021 REGION/ARAB WORLD/AFRICA/ASIA

100 dead Anti-US chants as Iraqis mourn in attacks on two commanders killed a year ago western

AFP site where nearby walls are still American troops remain in the Baghdad pockmarked by shrapnel. country. Niger The Hashed — factions of Amid the fl aring tensions, which Washington has blamed Iraqis, and many in the wider housands of Iraqi mourn- for rocket strikes against its region, are nervously watch- villages ers chanted “revenge” embassy and troops in Iraq — ing for any signs of escalation Tand “no to America” yes- has increasingly challenged before Trump leaves the White terday, one year after a US drone Kadhimi, whom it accuses of House on January 20. AFP strike killed Iran’s revered com- having helped plot the drone Trump confronted longtime Niamey mander Qasem Soleimani and strikes. This has brought to the foe Iran by withdrawing in 2018 his Iraqi lieutenant Abu Mahdi boil once more tensions in the from its nuclear deal with world al-Muhandis. war-battered and politically powers and launching a “maxi- Terrorists” killed around Supporters, many dressed fragile country which the Unit- mum pressure” campaign to 100 people in two villages in black, massed in Baghdad’s ed States invaded in 2003, and further economically punish “in western Niger, the latest central Tahrir Square to also which remains mired in eco- and isolate the country. in a string of civilian massacres condemn Iraqi Prime Minis- nomic crisis amid low oil prices Trump recently tweeted that that have rocked the militant- ter Mustafa al-Kadhimi as a and the coronavirus pandemic. the US was hearing “chatter plagued Tillaberi region, a local “coward” and an “agent of the Ahead of the Tahrir Square of additional attacks against mayor said yesterday. Americans”. The anniversary rally, Ahmed Assadi, one of the Americans in Iraq”, and warned The attacks on the villages of of the Baghdad drone strike — leaders of Hashed’s parliamen- that “if one American is killed, Tchoma Bangou and Zarouma- which brought Washington and tary bloc, vowed: “Abu Mahdi I will hold Iran responsible. dareye occurred on Saturday just Tehran to the brink of war in al-Muhandis, we will go out by Think it over.” as fi rst-round presidential re- early 2020 — was also marked in the millions to brandish your In recent days, US B-52 sults were announced. recent days across Iran and by portrait on Tahrir”. Giant post- bombers have fl own across the They were waged by “terror- supporters in Syria, Lebanon, ers of Soleimani and Muhandis region for the second time in ists who came riding about 100 Yemen and elsewhere. were hung up above the iconic less than a month but, in what motorcycles,” said Almou Has- The lead up to the commem- square, which in late 2019 be- some read as a sign of dees- sane, the mayor of the Tondik- orations of the commanders came the centre of large anti- calation, Washington has also iwindi commune that adminis- sharply heightened regional government protests, from an reportedly ordered its Nimitz ters both villages. “There were tensions in the weeks before US Iraqi demonstrators lift flags and placards as they rally in Tahrir square in the capital Baghdad, abandoned building known as aircraft carrier to leave the Gulf. up to 70 dead in Tchoma Bangou President Donald Trump, who yesterday, to mark one year after a US drone strike killed Iran’s revered commander Qasem Soleimani the Turkish restaurant that was Iran’s Revolutionary Guards and 30 dead in Zaroumadareye,” ordered the killings, leaves the and his Iraqi lieutenant Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis near the capital. once the protesters’ unoffi cial chief Hossein Salami vowed he said, adding he had just re- White House. headquarters. Saturday to respond to any “ac- turned from the scene of the at- Iran has held a series of com- and early adulthood — and a Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Saturday night converged at “We have come to say no to tion the enemy takes” with “a tacks. memorative events for the postage stamp in his honour. Guard Corps. Yesterday’s Bagh- the spot near Baghdad’s inter- America and to any other occu- reciprocal, decisive and strong The two villages are 120 kilo- “martyr” Soleimani, who has In Iraq, the powerful, state- dad rally was a show of force for national airport where the US pier who wants to come and de- blow”. Iran and the United metres north of the capital Ni- been immortalised in portraits, sponsored Hashed al-Shaabi the armed groups, which de- hit the two vehicles and killed fi le our land,” one of the mourn- States — bitter foes since the amey. “There have also been 75 sculptures, ballads and an up- paramilitary network which spite being formally integrated Soleimani, Muhandis and eight ers, Oum Mariam said. 1979 revolution and the US em- wounded, some of whom have coming TV series. Muhandis commanded has led into the Iraqi security apparatus other men. After the Soleimani killing, bassy hostage crisis in Tehran been evacuated to Niamey and to Tehran yesterday also un- the angry vigils for him and have increasingly challenged By candlelight, they hon- Iraq’s parliament initially voted — have twice come to the brink Ouallam for treatment,” Hassane veiled his autobiography — fo- General Soleimani, who headed the Kadhimi government. oured their “martyrs” and con- to expel US forces — but despite of war since June 2019, most re- said. The attackers split into two cusing largely on his childhood the foreign operations arm of Thousands of mourners had demned the Americans at the some withdrawals, about 3,000 cently after Soleimani’s killing. columns to carry out simultane- ous attacks on the two villages, which lie seven kilometres apart, the mayor added. Sudan, Ethiopia Local elected offi cials fi rst re- ported the raids on Saturday, but agree to more Central African rebels Aden airport reopens days the death toll was unclear, with Nile dam talks one source putting it at around 50. Issoufou Issaka, a former Sudan, Egypt and Ethiopia agreed attack and enter town government minister who comes yesterday to hold further talks this after deadly Yemen attack from the region, said the mili- month to resolve their long-run- tants had carried out the double ning dispute over the latter’s huge ahead of election results massacre after local people had dam on the Blue Nile, Sudan’s AFP lynched two of their number. water ministry said. Aden He gave an estimated death Previous three-way talks have Reuters ing together. After hours of toll of 83. failed to produce an agreement on Bangui fi ghting yesterday, CPC fi ght- One senior regional offi cial the filling and operation of the vast ers had entered Bangassou by he airport of Yemen’s said the attack was carried out reservoir behind the 145-metre tall late afternoon, the sources second city Aden reo- at midday (1100 GMT), at the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam ebel fi ghters in Central told Reuters, although it was Tpened yesterday, days same moment the results of the (GERD), a hydropower project African Republic at- not clear to what extent they after 26 people were killed fi rst round of legislative and which broke ground in 2011. Yester- Rtacked and partially were in control of the town. there in deadly blasts appar- presidential election were an- day, the three countries held a new occupied a diamond-mining Two of the sources said ently targeting the country’s nounced. round of talks by video conference town yesterday, four secu- army soldiers had taken refuge new government. Election offi cials announced in the virtual presence of South rity and humanitarian sources at the Minusca base in Bangas- A plane of the national car- that ruling party candidate and African off icials, as well as other said, a day before authorities sou. An army spokesman said rier Yemenia from Khartoum former minister Mohamed Ba- international observers. are due to declare results of the he did not have information was the fi rst to land yester- zoum won the fi rst round of South Africa currently holds the presidential election. about the situation in Bangas- day as services resumed af- Niger’s presidential vote, which African Union’s rotating chair. At least fi ve rebels were sou. ter Wednesday’s explosions was held last weekend. “The meeting concluded...that this killed and two army soldiers A Minusca spokesman was which occurred as cabinet Bazoum has promised to step week will be devoted to bilateral wounded in the clashes in not immediately available for minister arrived from Saudi up the fi ght against the militants. talks between the three countries, Bangassou, which lies on the comment. Arabia. People walk past a damaged section of the airport building in Outgoing president Mahama- the experts, and the observers,” southern border with Demo- In its statement earlier in No side has yet claimed Yemen’s southern city of Aden, yesterday, as activity resumes dou Issoufou expressed his con- Sudan’s water ministry said in a cratic Republic of Congo, the the day, Minusca said the the attack but Yemeni gov- after explosions rocked the building on December 30, killing dolences to the people of the two statement. UN peacekeeping mission Mi- rebels attacked Bangassou at ernment offi cials were quick and injuring dozens of people. villages in a statement on Twit- This week’s talks will pave the way nusca said in a statement. around 5:30am and that its to blame northern-based ter in which he also condemned “for the resumption of tripartite Rebels, whom the govern- peacekeepers had intervened Houthi rebels. No ministers were harmed. since been killed and mil- the “cowardly and barbaric at- negotiations on Sunday January ment and United Nations say in support of the army. AFP video footage yester- AFP footage on Wednes- lions displaced in what the tack”. The two villages are in 10 in the hope of concluding by are backed by ex-president It said the fi ghting had let up day showed the airport build- day showed what appears to United Nations calls the the vast and unstable Tillaberi the end of January,” it noted. Francois Bozize, launched an at around 10am, but that the ing cleared of the broken glass be a missile strike followed world’s worst humanitarian region, which is located in the Egypt, which depends on the Nile off ensive last month after the situation remained “tense”. and rubble the two blasts had by a ball of intense flames, disaster. “tri-border” area, where the po- for about 97% of its irrigation and constitutional court rejected The CPC also attacked Touad- caused. in part of the airport which Yemen’s new govern- rous borders of Niger, Mali and drinking water, fears Ethiopia’s dam Bozize’s candidacy to chal- era’s hometown of Damara, “The airport is back up and moments before had been ment was formed under a Burkina Faso converge. would severely cut its water share. lenge President Faustin-Arch- about 80 km (50 miles) north running and things are go- packed with crowds. Riyadh-sponsored power The area has suff ered militant Sudan hopes the dam will help ange Touadera in last Sunday’s of the capital Bangui on Satur- ing very smoothly,” airport The Houthis seized Yem- sharing agreement between assaults for years. ameliorate flooding, but has also vote. day, Minusca said. spokesman Adel Hamran en’s northern capital Sanaa ministers loyal to Presi- Four thousand people across warned that millions of lives would Bozize’s party offi cially de- Threats and attacks by the said. Those killed Wednesday in 2014, prompting a inter- dent Abd-Rabbu Mansour the three nations died in 2019 be at “great risk” if no binding nies he is working with the rebels kept more than 14% included three International vention the following year. Hadi and supporters of from militant violence and eth- agreement was reached. rebels, but some in the party of polling stations closed on Committee for the Red Cross Tens of thousands of peo- the secessionist Southern nic bloodshed stirred by hard- have suggested they are work- election day. staff ers and a minister’s aide. ple, mostly civilians, have Transitional Council. liners, according to the UN.

Divers in ‘Hanbok’ send New Year greetings Thailand mulls more curbs from underwater at South Korean aquarium amid second wave of virus Reuters Seoul Reuters the offi cial tally today, its health illegal border migration from Bangkok offi cial said. neighbouring Myanmar. The country also reported The government has desig- ressed in South Korea’s traditional its first known case of a more nated 28 provinces, including costume ‘Hanbok’, two divers at hailand’s government contagious variant of the coro- Bangkok, as high-risk zones, Da Seoul aquarium make New Year held off from ordering navirus called B.1.1.7 yesterday, recommending suspension of bows to visitors from underwater. Tnew nationwide busi- Yong Poovorawan, a senior vi- some businesses and crowded Under mysterious yellow and blue lights ness shutdowns yesterday amid rologist from Chulalongkorn activities. Some ministries and in the country’s largest 2,200-tonne water a wave of coronavirus cases but University in Bangkok, said in agencies have already issued tank called ‘The Ocean’, the divers swam empowered some provincial a post on his official Facebook new restrictions. alongside stingrays, sharks and other fi sh. governors to set their own re- page. The Education Ministry has “It was a new and fun experience since strictions and pleaded with the The variant was found in ordered all public and private I’ve never seen divers wearing hanbok in public not to travel. a family of four who were in schools and vocational training my life, and I haven’t seen hanbok in a while Thailand, which had largely quarantine after arriving in centres to close down from to- because our family doesn’t wear those on controlled the virus by mid- Thailand from Britain, and day until end of January. traditional holidays,” Yoo Hwan-girl, a 2020, saw a second wave of out- Yong said there is no risk of The Thai Retailers Associa- 27-year-old who came with his girlfriend, breaks beginning in December. that variant being spread in tion has also announced that told Reuters. Yesterday, it confi rmed 315 Thailand. all shopping malls around the It is the fi fth year the Lotte World Aquar- A girl wearing a mask looks at divers in Korean traditional costumes “Hanbok” during new coronavirus cases, the ma- Opas Karnkawinpong, the country should close at 9pm ium, which holds around 650 species of an event to celebrate New Year amid the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) pandemic at jority of which are local trans- director-general of the De- daily, an hour earlier than the marine life, has held such a performance an aquarium in Seoul, yesterday. mission, bringing its total to partment of Disease Control usual closing time, a statement since it opened in mid-October 2014. 7,694 cases and 64 deaths since said that Health Ministry has said. But this year, along with a ‘Happy New out amid the third and largest wave of coro- jin said, with his baby daughter held in his its fi rst case last January. recommended the government Authorities in Bangkok had Year’ banner the aquarium installs in the navirus infections in the country. arms. Samut Sakhon, a province to slow all flights from Britain earlier closed entertainment water each year, it installed another banner “It’s unfortunate since (the aquarium) Under its Covid-19 measures, the aquar- south of Bangkok where the cur- until there is more information venues, nurseries, gyms and saying ‘Let’s beat the coronavirus wisely’. could have been a place where many people ium will be hosting the event twice a day rent outbreak started, reported about the new strain. massage parlours, while keeping The aquarium was quiet yesterday after- could enjoy altogether if it wasn’t for the on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays 541 additional cases yesterday. Officials say the current do- open shopping malls, restau- noon as many people refrained from going coronavirus,” a 36-year-old dad Han Sang- through to Feb 20. That number will be added to mestic outbreak is linked to rants and public parks. Gulf Times Monday, January 4, 2021 7 AMERICAS/BRITAIN

Scotland must wait one generation for Stricter lockdown new vote: Johnson

Scottish leader Sturgeon tells EU ‘we hope to join you again’ likely, says UK PM AFP London Reuters/AFP The government’s response kept to the absolute minimum,” London has been heavily criticised. Amanda Spielman, chief schools But the rollout of vaccines is inspector, wrote in the Sunday nother Scottish inde- set to accelerate today with the Telegraph. pendence referendum ritish Prime Minister Boris fi rst 530,000 doses of the newly Jerry Glazier, national ex- Ashould not take place Johnson said yesterday approved Oxford/AstraZeneca ecutive member of the National for a generation, British Prime Bthat tougher lockdown re- vaccines ready to be adminis- Education Union, told AFP yes- Minister Boris Johnson said Sturgeon: As an strictions were probably on the tered, Johnson said. terday that “schools are now yesterday, as Scotland’s leader independent member of the way as Covid-19 cases keep ris- He hoped “tens of millions” playing a signifi cant part in the renewed calls for a fresh vote in European Union, Scotland ing, but that schools were safe would be treated over the next spreading of the infection” and the wake of Brexit. would be a partner and a and children should continue to three months. called for them all to be closed for “Referendums in my experi- bridge-builder. attend where permitted. Millions of pupils are due to at least two weeks. ence, direct experience, in this The coronavirus causes the return from their Christmas hol- “Schools are unsafe for the country are not particularly form well in upcoming local Covid-19 respiratory disease. idays today, and Johnson advised kids and unsafe for the educa- jolly events,” the prime min- elections. Covid-19 cases in Britain are at parents to send their children to tion workers,” he added. “Many ister told BBC’s The Andrew When asked why it was fair record levels and the increase in school in areas where rules allow teachers are very anxious about Marr Show. “They don’t have to hold a referendum on EU numbers is fuelled by a new and it. going back into the workplace.” a notably unifying force in the membership but not another more transmissible variant of the “There is no doubt in my mind Johnson said that public health national mood, they should be on Scottish independence, virus. that schools are safe, and that experts had highlighted the long only once in a generation.” Johnson told Marr: “The dif- The government has cancelled education is a priority,” he said. term health and social costs of Scotland voted to remain ference is we had a (European) the planned reopening of schools Some local authorities and children being kept out of school. part of the United Kingdom in referendum in 1975 and we in and around London but teach- unions have warned against reo- “There are many factors you 2014. then had another one in 2016. ing unions want wider closures. pening schools and have threat- have to take into account, partic- Scottish National Party That seems to be about the Much of England is already A handout picture released by the British Broadcasting Corporation ened to act against government ularly deprivation in left-behind leader Nicola Sturgeon at the right sort of gap.” living under the toughest level (BBC) shows Prime Minister Johnson appearing on The Andrew Marr advice. communities,” he told Marr. time called it a once-in-a- On Saturday, Sturgeon told of restriction under a four-tier Show weekly political programme at their studio in London. Others say closures also have a “The issue is, how can you stop generation vote, but now ar- the European Union that “we system of regional regulations big negative impact on students. schools being places the virus gues that Britain’s departure hope to join you again soon” as designed to stop the spread of tional lockdown within the next that the surging numbers could “We must renew and maintain can circulate. Weekly lateral fl ow from the European Union, an independent nation. the virus and protect the national 24 hours. overwhelm hospitals during their the consensus that children’s testing in schools I believe can which a majority of Scots op- “As an independent member healthcare system. “What we’ve learnt is that busiest time of the year. time out of school should be make a huge diff erence.” posed, has changed the game. of the European Union, Scot- But, asked in a BBC interview the longer you delay the diffi cult Recent polls have shown land would be a partner and a about concerns that the system decisions, the worse it is on the UK prime minister could lose his seat and majority at next election: poll consistent support for inde- bridge-builder,” she wrote on may not be enough to bring the health front, the worse it is on the pendence, boosted by rows her party’s website. virus under control, Johnson said economic front,” he told report- Prime Minister Boris Johnson is on course to lose his tion (MRP) poll found the ruling Conservatives would between London and the de- “More and more people in that restrictions “alas, might be ers. own seat and neither of the two main political parties lose 81 seats, wiping out the 80-seat majority. volved governments over the Scotland believe our aspira- about to get tougher”. Johnson sets policy for Eng- is likely to win an outright majority at the next general This would leave the Conservatives with 284 seats, handling of the coronavirus tions can best be met by con- “It may be that we need to do land, with rules in Scotland, election, not due until 2024, according to a new poll. while the opposition Labour Party would win 282 pandemic. tinuing to contribute to the things in the next few weeks that Northern Ireland and Wales set This is the first detailed survey of the public’s percep- seats, the poll showed. “For too long, successive shared endeavour and solidar- will be tougher in many parts of by their devolved authorities. tion of Johnson’s handling of the recently concluded The Scottish National Party, which wants to break away UK governments have taken ity that the EU represents,” she the country,” he told the BBC’s Scottish leader Nicola Stur- Brexit talks and the coronavirus pandemic after he re- from the rest of the United Kingdom, is predicted to Scotland in the wrong direc- wrote. “Because of Brexit, we The Andrew Marr Show. “I’m ful- geon said her cabinet would meet versed plans to allow families to meet up at Christmas win 57 of the 59 seats in Scotland, meaning the party tion, culminating in Brexit. can now only do this as an in- ly, fully reconciled to that.” today to discuss possible further in parts of southern England to combat the spread of could potentially play a kingmaker role in forming the It’s no wonder so many people dependent member state in our “There are obviously a range of steps to limit the spread of the vi- the virus. next government. in Scotland have had enough,” own right.” tougher measures that we would rus, and ordered Scotland’s par- More than 22,000 people were surveyed in a closely The prime minister is at risk to lose his own seat of she wrote on her party’s web- “We didn’t want to leave and have to consider ... I’m not going liament to be recalled. watched poll constituency-by-constituency poll over a Uxbridge, west of London, the poll found. site on Saturday. we hope to join you again soon to speculate now about what they Britain recorded 54,990 new four-week period in December, which was conducted Johnson won a resounding election victory last year Johnson has ruled out hold- as an equal partner,” she added. would be,” Johnson added. cases of the virus yesterday and by the research data company Focaldata and pub- that allowed him to take Britain out of the European ing another vote, but Sturgeon Readmission to the EU The opposition Labour Party has registered more than 75,000 lished by the Sunday Times. Union’s orbit on New Year’s Eve after almost half a will likely claim a mandate and would not be a formality, with leader Keir Starmer said that deaths from the pandemic. The so-called multilevel regression and post-stratifica- century of close ties. heap pressure on the prime Scotland running a heavy an- Johnson must implement a na- Health offi cials are concerned minister should her party per- nual fi scal defi cit.

Record 3mn early votes cast in Georgia US Congress convenes at Senate run-off s A record 3mn early votes have been cast in the two Georgia run-off start of high-stakes week elections that next week will decide which party controls the US Senate, according to a final tally released on AFP seat chamber – temporarily at tough battle but it is absolutely Friday. Washington 434 after a member-elect died within the realm of possibil- The turnout figures, compiled by the of Covid-19 – and she is facing ity – in fact, the realm of likeli- University of Florida’s US Elections no open challenge, but she will hood – the Democrats can win,” Project, indicate strong voter he US Congress opened need her caucus to remain fi rm. Stacey Abrams, the charismatic interest in Tuesday’s elections that its new session at midday The Covid-19 respiratory dis- former Georgia lawmaker who pit incumbent Republican Senators Tyesterday, kicking off an ease is caused by the coronavi- has emerged as a party leader, David Perdue and Kelly Loeff ler explosive week in Washington rus. told CNN yesterday. against Democratic challengers Jon as Republican lawmakers vow Today Trump stages one of his Wednesday’s vote to certify Ossoff and Raphael Warnock. to challenge Joe Biden’s elec- big, boisterous rallies in Georgia the November election results, If Republicans win one or both of tion win, pro-Trump protesters to campaign for two Republican which Biden won handily with those seats, they will retain a slim gather, and voters in Georgia de- candidates in a fi ercely-fought 306 Electoral College votes to majority in the US Senate, enabling cide who controls the Senate. pair of run-off elections that will 232 for Trump, would usually be them to block much of incoming The rebel push by a group of 12 determine the balance of power a dry, pro-forma exercise. Democratic President Joe Biden’s senators loyal to President Don- in the Senate. But Trump has infused it with agenda. ald Trump to block formal cer- The special elections take unprecedented drama as he con- If Democrats win both seats, the tifi cation of Biden’s November place tomorrow, with Repub- tinues to insist, without founda- chamber will be split 50-50, giving victory is all but certain to fail, licans David Perdue and Kelly tion, that the election was sto- A newspaper front page with a headline reading ‘New year, same fear’ is displayed for sale outside a the tie-breaking vote to Vice but has raised tensions on Capi- Loeffl er facing Democratic chal- len from him, and as scores of bookstore on Saturday in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware. President-elect Kamala Harris. tol Hill as lawmakers returned to lengers Jon Ossoff and Raphael Republican lawmakers back his Biden and Harris are due to take work. Warnock, respectively. eff orts. cans expected to vote to certify ens our Democratic Republic.” space shuttle commander – with off ice on January 20. Wednesday’s joint session – “Georgia voters have so much “An attempt to steal a land- Biden’s election, the bid seems Senate Republican leader an elbow bump. The 3,001,017 early votes amount to paired with a collection of ral- power right now,” Ossoff told slide win. Can’t let it happen!” certain to fail. Mitch McConnell has urged In the House, Pelosi has ex- 38.8% of all registered voters in the lies fuelled by Trump’s refusal a campaign event in the small he tweeted. The move nevertheless places members to respect the Electoral pressed confi dence she has the state, according to the US Elections to accept defeat – is certain to be town of Eatonton on Saturday. He has urged thousands of his Vice-President Mike Pence in College result. support for re-election in a vote Project. the high point of a fraught week “You have the power to make supporters to come to Washing- an awkward position: as presid- At noon yesterday, a maskless later, but the coronavirus pan- That puts turnout at a record high showcasing the deep political this happen.” ton on Wednesday for protests. ing offi cer of the Senate, he must Pence gavelled in the new Con- demic has become a wild card. for a Georgia run-off , exceeding the divisions roiling the country. Victory by Ossoff and War- Similar past events have led to tally each state’s votes and an- gress before donning a mask to A handful of lawmakers have 2.1mn ballots cast in a 2008 Senate Yesterday lawmakers in the nock would give Democrats, and sporadic violence. nounce the result. swear in the three dozen senators been quarantining, and in-per- contest. House of Representatives will Biden, a major boost – Senate Beyond the 12 senators, more The attention-getting initia- who were elected or re-elected son voting is being required. The run-off elections are necessary vote for their leader, and top seats would be evenly divided than 100 Trump loyalists in the tive has divided Republicans. to the 100-member chamber in One newly-elected Republi- because no candidate won more than Democrat Nancy Pelosi faces between the parties at 50 each, House have vowed to join the Senator Mitt Romney, the November. can, 41-year-old Luke Letlow 50% of the vote in the November 3 a possibly tricky battle for re- but incoming Vice-President challenge, thereby forcing both party’s 2012 presidential candi- He congratulated each of of Louisiana, died recently of election. election as speaker – an offi ce Kamala Harris would wield a houses of Congress to debate the date, on Saturday dismissed it as them – including newly-elected Covid-19. Early voting ended on Thursday. that places her third in the line tie-breaking vote. objections raised before con- “nonsense,” saying: “The egre- Alabama Republican Tommy Pelosi, the fi rst woman in US Georgia releases information about of succession for the presidency. Democrats already control the fi rming Biden’s victory. gious ploy to reject electors may Tuberville, a former college history to serve as House speak- the number of people who voted Pelosi’s Democratic Party House. With Democrats controlling enhance the political ambition football coach, and Arizona er, has signalled that this will be but does not tally their votes until holds a slim majority in the 435- “This is going to be a very the House and many Republi- of some, but dangerously threat- Democrat Mark Kelly, a retired her fi nal turn as speaker. Election Day.

Brazil wildfi res surge again in 2020 ty that stretches from Brazil into Bolivia and Paraguay. The number of wildfires in Brazil increased 12.7% last Nearly a quarter of the Brazilian Pantanal was devas- Fauci rejects claim of exaggerated Covid toll year, according to off icial figures likely to add to pres- tated by fires last year, amid the region’s worst drought sure on President Jair Bolsonaro’s government over in nearly half a century. the destruction of the Amazon rainforest. Images of charred landscapes strewn with animal Reuters ABC News’ This Week, adding tries, many of whom report, “From a public health per- There were a total of 222,798 wildfires across Brazil in carcasses shocked the world, drawing criticism of Bol- Washington that jam-packed hospitals and purposely, very inaccurately and spective, I have no reason to 2020, the highest number since 2010, according to the sonaro’s government for failing to stop the destruction. stressed-out healthcare workers low,” Trump wrote on Twitter. doubt those numbers, and I Brazilian space agency, INPE. Bolsonaro, a far-right climate change sceptic, also are “not fake. That’s real”. Trump, a Republican who think people need to be very That included more than 103,000 fires in the Brazil- faces attacks over the sharp rise in Amazon deforesta- wo top US health offi cials Fauci and US Surgeon-Gen- leaves offi ce on January 20 after aware that it’s not just about the ian Amazon, an annual increase of nearly 16%, said tion on his watch. have disputed a claim by eral Jerome Adams, who ap- losing a bid for a second term deaths,” Adams said. “It’s about INPE, which uses satellite images to track fires and Activists say that his push to open protected Amazon TPresident Donald Trump peared on CNN’s State of the to Democrat Joe Biden, has fre- the hospitalisations, the capac- deforestation. lands to agribusiness and mining and his govern- that federal data on coronavirus Union, defended the accuracy of quently has downplayed the se- ity.” It also included more than 22,000 fires in Brazil’s share ment’s funding cuts for environmental protection cases and deaths in the United coronavirus data published by verity of the pandemic. Fauci and Adams expressed of the Pantanal, the world’s largest wetlands, which programmes are fuelling the destruction. States is overblown, and both the US Centres for Disease Con- He has also scorned and ig- optimism that the pace of vac- were devastated last year by an annual increase of Deforestation wiped out an area larger than Jamaica expressed optimism that the trol and Prevention (CDC) after nored federal recommendations cinating Americans against the more than 120%. in the Brazilian Amazon in the year to August, a 12-year pace of vaccinations is picking Trump attacked the agency’s for containing the spread. virus is accelerating after a slow The Amazon and Pantanal are two of Earth’s most valu- high, according to the space agency’s PRODES moni- up. tabulation methods. More than 20mn people have start. able ecosystems. toring programme. The coronavirus causes the “The number of cases and been infected in the United More than 4.2mn people have The Amazon, the world’s biggest rainforest, is consid- Experts say the fires in the Amazon are mostly set by Covid-19 respiratory disease. deaths of the China Virus is far States and nearly 347,000 have been inoculated since December ered vital to curbing climate change because of the people clearing land for farming and ranching. “The deaths are real deaths,” exaggerated in the United States died – or one out of every 950 14 with one of two vaccines, far carbon dioxide it absorbs from the atmosphere. The number of fires in the Brazilian Amazon had Anthony Fauci, the director of because of the @CDCgov’s ri- US residents – since the virus short of the Trump administra- About 60% of the rainforest is in Brazil. already risen by 48.7% in 2019, Bolsonaro’s first year in the National Institute of Allergy diculous method of determina- fi rst emerged in China in late tion’s goal of 20mn by the end of The Pantanal, further south, is a paradise of biodiversi- off ice, triggering global outcry. and Infectious Diseases, said on tion compared to other coun- 2019, according to the CDC. 2020. Gulf Times 8 Monday, January 4, 2021 EUROPE

EU urges Bosnia to Global Covid-19 death rebuild migrant toll rises above 1.8mn camp Reuters/AFP 504, and the United Kingdom 66,646 deaths from 2,810,356, Pope criticises people going on holiday to fl ee coronavirus lockdowns AFP London with 445. and Oceania 945 deaths from Brussels The United States is the 31,122. Pope Francis has condemned people who had gone “(They thought) only about going on holiday and hav- worst-aff ected country with Norway will impose fresh abroad on holiday to escape coronavirus lockdowns, ing fun,” the Pope said. ore than 84.5mn peo- 350,214 deaths from 20,430,088 restrictions to prevent a resur- saying that they needed to show greater awareness of “This really saddened me,” he said in a video address he European Union an- ple have been reported cases. gence in the spread of the coro- the suff ering of others. from the library of the Vatican’s Apostolic Palace. nounced additional fund- Mto be infected by the After the US, the hardest-hit navirus, Prime Minister Erna Speaking after his weekly noon blessing, Francis said The traditional Angelus blessing is normally given Ting yesterday to help novel coronavirus globally and countries are Brazil with 195,725 Solberg said yesterday. he had read newspaper reports of people catch- from a window overlooking St Peter’s Square, but it vulnerable migrants in Bosnia, 1,831,238 have died, according to deaths from 7,716,405 cases, The Nordic country has seen a ing flights to flee government curbs and seek fun was moved indoors to prevent any crowds gathering but urged the government there a Reuters tally. India with 149,435 deaths from rise in cases over the past month elsewhere. and limit the spread of the coronavirus. to rebuild a camp that burned Of the 84mn cases, at least 10,323,965 cases, Mexico with and now estimates that one sick “They didn’t think about those who were staying at “We don’t know what 2021 will reserve for us, but what down. 54,001,300 are now considered 126,851 deaths from 1,443,544 person infects 1.3 person on av- home, of the economic problems of many people all of us can do together is make a bit more of an eff ort Brussels has denounced con- recovered. cases, and Italy with 75,332 erage, authorities have said. who have been hit hard by the lockdown, of the sick to take care of each other. There is the temptation to dition for migrants in Bosnia, a The coronavirus causes the deaths from 2,141,201 cases. “We see more signs of a new people. take care only of our own interests,” he added. candidate for EU membership, Covid-19 respiratory disease. The country with the highest wave of infections,” Solberg as “completely unacceptable”, The fi gures are based on daily number of deaths compared to told a news conference, citing and warned that lives are at risk. tolls provided by health au- population is Belgium with 169 Christmas and New Year’s Eve country’s outbreak emerged in health ministry said, while the past three weeks, with cases on Fire engulfed the Lipa migrant thorities in each country and fatalities per 100,000 inhabit- celebrations and the emergence March. daily tally of new infections rose the island occasionally exceed- centre in northwestern Bosnia exclude later re-evaluations by ants, followed by Slovenia with of the more contagious variant The number of deaths due to to 14,245 from 11,831. ing 600 a day. on December 23. statistical organisations, as has 133, Bosnia-Herzegovina with of the coronavirus fi rst identi- Covid-19 in Turkey fell to 193 in Cyprus has discovered 12 Since the outbreak fi rst sur- There were no casualties from happened in Russia, Spain and 125, Italy 124, and Republic of fi ed in Britain among the rea- the last 24 hours from 202 a day cases of the new coronavirus faced in Cyprus in early March the blaze but much of the infra- Britain. North Macedonia 121. sons. earlier, falling below 200 for the variant in people who recently and until January 2, 23,445 peo- structure was destroyed. Infections have been reported Europe counts 580,492 deaths So in order not to have an fi rst time since December 6. The travelled from Britain, the health ple had been infected, and 129 The incident deepened a crisis in more than 210 countries and from 26,933,136 cases, Latin epidemic that is “out of con- total death toll stands at 21,488. ministry said yesterday. people have died. over where to house thousands territories since the fi rst cases America and the Caribbean trol”, Norwegians must suspend Turkey has been in a four- Of 19 positive tests for Cov- Russia reported yesterday of migrants, as Bosnian au- were identifi ed in China in De- 510,720 deaths from 15,698,098 their social lives for the next two day lockdown for the New Year id-19 recorded on individu- an additional 24,150 new coro- thorities have failed to fi nd new cember 2019. infections, and the United States weeks, Solberg said. which will be lifted at 5am local als who arrived in Cyprus from navirus cases from the last 24 accommodation for the newly Over Saturday, 8,133 new and Canada 365,914 deaths from The daily number of coro- time on January 4. Britain between December 6-20, hours, including 3,851 in Mos- homeless. deaths and 578,676 new cases 21,016,142 cases. navirus cases in Turkey fell to Ankara has also imposed cur- Cypriot authorities found that cow, taking the national tally to In a statement, EU foreign were recorded worldwide. Asia has reported 220,651 9,877 in the last 24 hours, health fews each weekday evening. 12 were for the new variant, the 3,236,787. policy chief Josep Borrell said The countries with the most deaths from 13,987,687 cases, ministry data showed yester- Italy reported 347 corona- health ministry said. Authorities said an additional Brussel was ready to add another new deaths were the US with the Middle East 90,456 deaths day, bringing the total number virus-related deaths yesterday Cyprus has reported a sharp 504 people had died, taking Rus- €3.5mn to its humanitarian sup- 2,378, followed by Russia with from 4,032,456 cases, Africa of cases to 2,241,912 since the against 364 the day before, the surge in Covid-19 cases in the sia’s offi cial death toll to 58,506. port for Bosnia. But he warned that 900 peo- ple were still exposed on the grounds of the destroyed camp, and that 800 more were without shelter in the region. Pope accepts “The situation in Una Sana canton is unacceptable. Win- ter-proof accommodations are resignation a pre-requisite for humane liv- ing conditions, which need to be ensured at all times,” he said. of Belarus “Local authorities need to make existing facilities available and provide a temporary solution archbishop until Lipa camp is rebuilt into a permanent facility.” Police believe the blaze was Reuters started by migrants to protest Vatican City/Moscow the withdrawal of the UN’s In- ternational Organisation for Mi- gration (IOM), which had been ope Francis has accepted running the camp. the resignation of the head The IOM had left, complain- Pof the Catholic Church in ing that the accommodation Belarus, Archbishop Tadeusz – opened in April but without Kondrusiewicz, who spent time power or running water – was in exile after angering President not fi t to house people during Alexander Lukashenko. the winter. Kondrusiewicz turned 75 yes- Bosnia lies on the so-called terday, the age at which bishops Balkans route used by migrants are required to submit resigna- heading towards Western Eu- tion letters to the Pope, which he Weekend rope as they fl ee war and poverty then decides whether to accept. in the Middle East, Asia and in It is highly unusual for the activities Africa. Pope to accept a bishop’s res- The country currently hosts ignation precisely on his 75th Above: A man and his children build some 8,500 migrants. birthday, and even more so to a snowman yesterday in Berlin. The European Commission, announce it on a Sunday. which fi nances the running of The speed with which the res- Right: People are seen on a trail at several migrant camps in Bosnia, ignation was accepted indicated the Vorobyovy Gory (Sparrow Hills) has called for another centre in the possibility that a face-saving park in Moscow yesterday. Bihac to be reopened, but local deal for both sides was found in and regional offi cials oppose the negotiations between the Vati- idea. can and the Belarus government That migrant centre, in an to win Kondrusiewicz’s return abandoned factory, was closed in from exile in December, a diplo- October under pressure from lo- matic source in Rome said. cal residents. Bishops are usually kept in In the very decentralised place for months and sometimes country, the federal government years after they formally hand in has also suggested the centre, their resignations. which could house 2,000 people, Instead, the Vatican statement be reopened. announcing the resignation said However it is not in a position Kazimierz Wielikosielec, an to order local authorities to do auxiliary bishop of the Diocese so. of Pinsk in western Belarus, In an attempt to ease the mi- would act as Apostolic Admin- grant crisis, the Bosnian gov- istrator until a new archbishop is ernment has deployed the army appointed in Minsk. to set up tents on the site of the Kondrusiewicz angered Lu- burned-down reception centre, kashenko by defending the rights but the migrants appear unwill- of anti-government protesters, ing to use them as they too are who began calling for the presi- unheated and without water. dent’s resignation soon after a In a sign of the growing pro- disputed election on August 9. test, the migrants refused the The archbishop was denied Rescue workers with a dog search for survivors in an area in People take part in a march yesterday in memory of Cedric Chouviat, near Paris’s Eiff el Tower. On meal distributed on Friday and entry to Belarus the same month Ask, Norway, following a landslide last week. Ten people were January 5 last year 42-year-old French delivery man Chouviat died following his arrest by the police in Saturday by the Red Cross and a on his return from a ceremony in reported missing; as of yesterday, six bodies have been found. Paris after using his cellphone while on his scooter two days earlier. local charity, a Red Cross offi cial neighbouring Poland. told FTV public television. Sixth body found in Norway mudslide, four people still missing

AFP Two skiers killed in South Tyrol avalanche: Italian media ters and drones in a bid to fi nd day and one on Saturday. been evacuated, because of fears Oslo survivors. The fi rst found on Friday was for the safety of their homes as Two skiers were killed in an avalanche in South Tyrol The victims were believed to be a husband and wife “We are searching where we identifi ed as 31-year-old Eirik the land continues to move. yesterday, Italian news media reported. from the area. believe we might still fi nd survi- Gronolen, while the identities of “It is a completely surreal and escue workers have un- The avalanche on the Val Senales glacier hit about The regional avalanche bulletin indicated the ava- vors,” said the head of the team the four other dead have not been terrible situation,” one of the covered a sixth body from 2,000m above the village of Maso Corto in early after- lanche risk in the area was “moderate”. of fi refi ghters, Kenneth Wangen, released. evacuees, Olav Gjerdingen, told Ra landslide that buried noon, according to preliminary news reports. Witnesses alerted authorities after seeing the ava- adding that the search zone had But police have published AFP, adding that his family were homes in a village near Norway’s Police and alpine search and rescue teams were on the lanche hit ski mountaineers, who climb peaks then ski been expanded. the names of all 10 people, in- sheltering at a hotel. capital Oslo, police said yester- scene, aided by a helicopter, they said. down, media reported. The search and rescue teams, cluding a two-year-old and a The rescuers received a visit day, with four people still miss- who are also seeking to fi nd fam- 13-year-old, who went missing yesterday from King Harald, his ing. ily pets, were digging channels in on Wednesday. wife Sonja and Crown Prince The body was recovered just A torrent of mud shifted hous- tion, Goran Syversen, told jour- very diffi cult work which is not the ground to evacuate casual- Ten people were also injured Haakon, who lit candles for the before 1pm (1200 GMT), a police es hundreds of metres, destroy- nalists earlier yesterday: “We are without risk. ties. in the landslide, including one victims in a local church. statement said. ing many of them, in the village working hard in the depression “Nevertheless, we are making Police said earlier that a fi fth seriously who was transferred to The authorities have banned Rescue teams still hope to fi nd of Ask, 25km northeast of Oslo, created by the landslide. good progress.” body had been found just before Oslo for treatment. all aircraft from the disaster area survivors four days after the trag- on Wednesday. “We have fi ve teams working Search and rescue teams have 6am yesterday. About 1,000 people of the until 3pm today as they conduct edy occurred. The head of the rescue opera- at the same time. They are doing been using sniff er dogs, helicop- Three were discovered on Fri- town’s population of 5,000 have aerial searches. Gulf Times Monday, January 4, 2021 9 INDIA Govt approval of homegrown vaccine criticised over lack of data

Emergency-use approval under India’s right-to-informa- for Bharat’s Covaxin tion law asking the government  AstraZeneca/Oxford for safety and other data for the shot to lead immunisation two vaccines approved yester- programme day. Serum Institute of India (SII), Reuters the local maker of the Astra- Students along with their parents hold placards and shout slogans in support of farmers protesting against the central government’s New Delhi Zeneca shot that will be branded recent agricultural reforms, in Amritsar, yesterday. Covishield in the country, also took a dig at the Bharat Biotech ndia yesterday granted emer- vaccine. gency approval to Bharat “Until we get the effi cacy IBiotech’s Covaxin but faced Bharat Biotech’s Covaxin. result, how do we know that questions from industry experts anything works?” SII Chief Ex- Farmers’ protest continues for and opposition lawmakers after “Our goal is to provide glo- ecutive Adar Poonawalla told taking the step without publish- bal access to populations that Reuters. ing effi cacy data for the homeg- need it the most,” Bharat Biotech A government scientist said rown coronavirus vaccine. Chairman Krishna Ella said in a in November Covaxin might be 39th day amid cold wave and rain The news, announced by the statement. approved in February or March. drugs controller general of In- “Covaxin has generated excel- It is now likely to be rolled out IANS dia (DCGI), was hailed by Prime lent safety data with robust im- much earlier following the ap- New Delhi Shun arrogance of power and withdraw farm laws: Sonia Minister Narendra Modi and mune responses to multiple viral proval yesterday. his ministers as a success in the proteins that persist.” Opposition lawmakers and Congress interim President Sonia Gandhi has ‘annadatas’ in chilly and rainy weather due to country’s self-reliance push. Neither the company nor In- former ministers yesterday ven as farmers’ agitation accused the Modi government of “arrogance”, ask- government apathy. More than 50 farmers have The government also ap- dia’s Central Drugs Standards questioned the lack of transpar- on the Delhi borders con- ing it to shun its arrogance of power, follow the ‘raj lost their lives, some due to suicide, due to gov- proved the use of a vaccine de- Control Organisation would re- ency in approving it. Etinued for the 39th day dharma’, and withdraw the three “black” farm laws, ernment’s conduct, she added. veloped by AstraZeneca and veal its effi cacy results. “Approval was premature and yesterday amid harsh cold and IANS reported from New Delhi. “But despite all this, the government has not Oxford University which will be A source with knowledge of could be dangerous,” said op- rain, the protesters were ada- “There is still time for the Modi government to backed down yet... no ministers are showing the lead vaccine in India’s im- the matter told Reuters its ef- position lawmaker and former mant that they would protest come out of arrogance of power and withdraw any compassion towards farmers,” the Congress munisation programme. fectiveness could be more than minister Shashi Tharoor. till the government withdrew the three new central farm laws to end the farm- leader said while off ering tributes to farmers who Covaxin was jointly developed 60% with two doses. “Its use should be avoided till the three new farm laws. ers agitation. This is ‘raj dharma’ (righteous con- had died since the farmers’ protest began on with a government institute and China also did not publish de- full trials are over. India can start Harinder Singh Lakhowal, duct of ruler) and a real tribute to the departed Delhi borders on November 26, 2020. means India joins a small list of tailed effi cacy data for a vaccine with the AstraZeneca vaccine in General Secretary of Bharatiya souls of farmers who have died since the begin- Sonia Gandhi alleged that the Modi government’s countries to have approved their it authorised on Thursday but the meantime.” Kisan Union (Lakhowal), told ning of the protest,” she said in a statement. main agenda was to extend benefits to a few capi- own coronavirus vaccines. its developer has shared interim Vardhan urged Indians to trust IANS that despite inclement “Since Independence, it is for the first time that an talists. “But in a democracy, a government that Bharat Biotech has partnered data. that “stringent protocols” had weather, farmers were not ready arrogant government has come to power. It is not doesn’t listen to its people doesn’t last long. Its pol- with drug developer Ocugen Inc “On what basis was this ap- been followed for the two ap- to leave the protest site, but even looking at the pain and suff erings of farmers, icy is to linger on, but the farmers are not going to to co-develop it for the US mar- proval given when Bharat Bio- proved vaccines. rather another group of farm- forget about the common man,” she claimed. be cowed down by this policy. The government ket, and Brazil has signed non- tech has not shown enough In the largest such trial in In- ers from Punjab would join the The Congress chief said that she and the country- should know that democracy means to guard the binding letters of intent to buy data proving safety & effi- dia, Bharat Biotech said it had protesters. men were distressed by seeing the fate of the interests of farmers and labourers.” the shot. cacy?” transparency activist recruited 23,000 volunteers out Talking about their problems The company has said it is in Saket Gokhale asked on Twit- of a target of 26,000 for an on- owing to rain, Harinder Singh discussions with more than 10 ter. going Phase III trial of Covaxin said that water had accumu- Earlier, leaders of farmer or- announced at a press confer- trolleys and other vehicles and countries about Covaxin. Gokhale has fi led a request which began in November. lated in tents set up by farmers ganisations had announced ence in Jammu that farmer agi- celebrate ‘Farmers Republic Day at protest sites, but they won’t that they would intensify their tation across the country would Parade’. Several programmes move away from roads. protest if the next round of talks be intensifi ed on January 5 if at the local and national levels He said that they are arrang- with the government failed to negotiations failed to yield con- have also been announced by ing for more waterproof tents to break the deadlock on their crete results. the Sanyukt Kisan Morcha be- tackle rain. main demands or a repeal of In a press conference at the fore January 26. Meanwhile, leaders of vari- the three farm laws and a legal Press Club in Delhi on Satur- Farmer organisations have ous farmer organisations will guarantee on Minimum Sup- day, leaders of Sanyukt Kisan also announced a protest march hold their next round of talks port Price (MSP). Bharatiya Morcha said that farmer unions on the Kundli-Manesar-Palwal with the Centre today at the Vi- Kisan Union (BKU) state Presi- would enter the national capi- Expressway on January 6, if gyan Bhavan in Delhi. dent Gurnam Singh Chaduni tal on January 26 with tractor- talks on January 4 failed.

Stalin cannot become Tamil Nadu BJP blames BJD for murder chief minister: Alagiri Expelled DMK leader M K Alagiri yesterday said party president and A sniffer dog examines the debris after the roof of a shelter at a crematorium collapsed in of party leader in Odisha his younger brother M K Stalin Ghaziabad, yesterday. cannot become the Tamil Nadu chief minister as his supporters IANS Kulamani Baral was in- to be resorting to political would not allow it, IANS reported Bhubaneswar charge of Salepur mandal of killing. Union Minister Dhar- from Chennai. Alagiri, the eldest BJP and former chairman of mendra Pradhan condemned son of late DMK President M Mahanga Panchayat Samiti. the murder of Baral and his Karunanidhi, was DMK’s South At least 20 dead after roof day after a Bharatiya “Kulamani Baral had raised associate and urged the ad- Zone Organisation Secretary when Janata Party (BJP) his voice against irregularities ministration to take stern ac- he was expelled from the party in Aleader was murdered in in Pradhan Mantri Awas Yo- tion against the culprits. 2014. His claim came at a meeting Odisha’s Cuttack district, the jana (PMAY) in Mahanga as- BJP has decided to hold a with his supporters in Madurai to collapse at crematorium party yesterday alleged that sembly constituency. demonstration in all blocks of decide his political plans, the ruling Biju Janata Dal (BJD) Outraged by this, the ruling Cuttack district from today Addressing the gathering, Alagiri, has started eliminating rivals party workers killed Baral,” al- demanding immediate arrest a former union minister, said he AFP on the outskirts of New Delhi. “They took shelter under the similar to what the Trinamool leged state BJP general secre- of the culprits, informed BJP would announce his decision New Delhi Local media reported that 38 newly constructed structure... Congress does in neighbour- tary Golak Mohapatra. Cuttack district unit president – floating a party or any other an- people were rescued, while at The structure could not bear the ing West Bengal. He blamed Law Minister Prakash Behera. nouncement – and urged them to least 15 were injured and taken to rain and collapsed, leaving these BJP leader Kulamani Baral Pratap Jena, who represents Ramakant Baral, son of Kula- be ready. He said he had worked t least 20 people were hospital, according to the Press persons dead.” and his associate Dibya Singh Mahanga constituency, for mani, has lodged an FIR against for DMK without expecting any killed in northern India Trust of India. Prime Minister Narendra Baral were murdered in Sa- the political killing. 12 persons at the Mahanga po- party post and it was he who got Ayesterday after a roof col- “We have a confi rmation of 20 Modi late yesterday tweeted lepur area of Cuttack district. He said the opposition lice station. “I have lodged a the party’s Treasurer post for Stalin lapsed at a crematorium amid bodies thus far but the number his condolences to the victims’ While Kulamani died at leaders are being killed in Odi- complaint naming 12 persons after speaking to Karunanidhi. heavy rains, police said. may rise,” local police offi cer families. Building collapses are Mahanga hospital on Satur- sha at the behest of the ruling for killing my father over politi- Earlier, Alagiri had ruled out any Rescue workers spent hours Mahipal Singh told AFP, adding frequent in India. Many fi rms day night, his associate suc- party leaders for raising their cal rivalry. The incident is the involvement with the DMK, saying searching the rubble for survi- that the cremation had been for use cheap materials and bribe cumbed to injuries at SCB voices against corruption, like fallout of the exposure of ir- that there was no possibility of vors of the collapse, which oc- an elderly individual who was offi cials to evade regulations, Medical College Hospital yes- the Trinamool Congress in regularities in the PMAY in the working together with his old party. curred in the city of Ghaziabad not a Covid-19 victim. while on-site safety is lax. terday morning. West Bengal which is alleged area,” said Ramakant.

Milkman’s daughter who studied under cowshed cracks judicial services exam

IANS girl, since she was 10, has been tion regarding her selection in fi nancial challenges and hence candidates who cleared the RJS Sonal is the second among Jaipur the same – waking up at 4am, the Rajasthan Judicial Services. could not join any coaching cen- exam did not join. four children of Khyali Lal Shar- helping her father in milking The notifi cation delighted tre. However, she prepared for She later fi led a petition in the ma, her proud father who says, cows, cleaning the cowsheds, Sonal. “I always wanted to be a the exam on her own and studied High Court in September 2020 “My friends used to advise me n a remarkable story of grit collecting dung and distribut- judge as I considered delivering for 10-12 hours daily. for waiting list candidates to be that there is no need to educate and determination, a girl ing milk in the neighbourhood in justice as a rewarding job. Since She cycled to her university inducted for the seven vacant daughters and they should be Iwho has studied under a Udaipur. childhood, I have seen poverty library and made elaborate notes seats. On December 23, her wait married off . However, parents cowshed all her life, emerged as However, in between, she cy- and am aware of the challenges to save herself from unnecessary concluded after she received a should support their children. I a topper in BA, LLB and LLM and cled to her school and then to being faced by poor people. expenses of “buying expensive notifi cation from the High Court am proud of Sonal.” she will soon become a judge, as college from where she visited Hence I am confi dent that I will books”.She says she never had informing her of her selection. Sonal now aims to provide a she cracked the Rajasthan Judi- the library and made elaborate be able to serve my job with hon- any distractions.”I have never Sonal, in her class 12 CBSE comfortable life to her parents. cial Service Examination. notes as aff ording any renowned esty,” she says. Sonal Sharma (26) has cleared logged on to any social media exam, had topped the state in “My father has worked hard Although it sounds unbeliev- coaching for judicial exams was a Sonal will be posted as a fi rst- the judicial services exam. site as I was focussed to attain Economics and was the all-India since years to give us a good life able, Udaipur’s Sonal Sharma distant dream for her. class magistrate in a sessions my goal,” she said. After appear- topper in Hindi. and education and has even tak- (26), daughter of a milkman, Even while studying for her court after a year’s training at the for me to share the profession of ing for the RJS 2018 exam, she She pursued her post-gradu- en loans for our education.We who studied in a cowshed on a judiciary exams, she continued judicial academy in Jodhpur. my father that he was a milkman. missed the general cut-off list ation from Mohan Lal Sukhadia have seen him waking up at 4am table made of empty oil cans, helping her father in his dairy in The girl with grit and determi- However, today, I am proud of by just one mark and was on the University, after topped her BA, and sleeping around midnight as will now be posted as a fi rst- Pratap Nagar area of Udaipur. nation used to attend her classes him as well as my family back- waiting list. LLB and LLM exams and re- he has been engaged in milking class magistrate in a sessions However, on December 23, in schools and colleges in foot- ground,” she says. “Failing by one mark left me ceived two gold medals and the cows and selling milk. So now it court in Rajasthan. Sonal received the best gift of wear smeared with cow dung. Coming from a humble back- depressed,” says Sonal, however, Chancellor’s medal at the con- is my turn to take care of my par- The routine of this brilliant her life in the form of a notifi ca- “Initially, it was embarrassing ground, Sonal faced numerous she later found out that seven vocation held on December 22. ents,” she says. Gulf Times 10 Monday, January 4, 2021 COMMENT

CHAIRMAN Abdullah bin Khalifa al-Attiyah EDITOR-IN-CHIEF The secret of Pakistan’s Faisal Abdulhameed al-Mudahka Deputy Managing Editor K T Chacko P.O.Box 2888, Doha, Qatar Covid-19 success [email protected] 44350478 (News), WHO DG Tedros Adhanom Foundation – to vaccinate children in Pakistan have been adapted to test for rapid deployment of polio prevention Ghebreyesus praised every corner of the country and track Covid-19 and collect data on when infrastructure. In early September, 44466404 (Sport), the virus to its remaining redoubts. and where the coronavirus is infecting WHO Director-General Tedros 44466636 (Home delivery) the country’s pandemic Pakistan has made major progress people. Adhanom Ghebreyesus praised the preparation and response in combating polio since I returned to Although Covid-19 itself can have country’s pandemic preparation and 44350474 the country to begin my academic and potentially devastating consequences, response, while the US economist while US economist Lawrence facebook.com/gulftimes public-health career some 35 years misinformation about the virus can Lawrence Summers recently Summers recently touted its ago. At that time, children paralysed compound the threat by eroding public touted Pakistan’s Covid-19 control twitter.com/gulftimes_Qatar by polio would wait at nearly every trust in the pandemic response. Having programme as an exemplar. Covid control programme as traffic intersection and beseech had years of practice in responding to Unfortunately, the suspension an exemplar passersby for support. Today, it is similar rumours and falsehoods, the of polio vaccination campaigns extremely uncommon to find young polio programme is now using social from March through August has By Zulfiqar A Bhutta people affected by polio – a testament media platforms, especially WhatsApp, undoubtedly caused poliovirus to GULF TIMES Karachi to the eradication programme’s to disseminate Covid-19 prevention spread more widely throughout the efficacy. messages and engage trusted country, in part prompting the WHO But this March, the Covid-19 community infl uencers and religious and Unicef to launch an emergency hen the novel pandemic forced the polio programme leaders to provide people with accurate call to action to help avert a potential coronavirus fi rst to suspend its vaccination campaigns health information. Within the fi rst epidemic. Campaigns have now New hope on the arrived in Pakistan in in order to protect the health and safety few months of the pandemic, the resumed with added safety measures Wlate February, there of its workforce and local communities. programme reached nearly 25 million for vaccinators and families, while was widespread concern about the The expertise and infrastructure individuals through social media the programme remains committed to country’s ability to manage the that have been instrumental in channels alone. supporting the Covid-19 response. But horizon: cheaper increased disease burden. Covid-19 combating polio pivoted quickly The polio programme has also these disruptions serve as a reminder cases were rising quickly as people to stopping Covid-19, which has been creative in its use of other of how quickly progress against polio returned home from other regional proved critical in Pakistan’s response. platforms to furnish the public with and other diseases can be reversed. hotspots, and the public-health system This underscores the importance of reliable information. For example, By investing further in Pakistan’s water fi ltration urgently needed to be reinforced. continued international investment the Sehat Tahaff uz1166 health polio programme, the world will In this moment of crisis, Pakistan in the polio programme – not only to protection helpline in Islamabad was enable the country to tackle both turned to the team working to eradicate stop polio, but also to address other originally designed to give parents and longstanding and emerging global The outcome of a new study on desalination breakthrough polio. Pakistan and neighbouring health priorities. Renewed fi nancial caregivers’ information about polio health threats more eff ectively. The that could lead to cheaper water fi ltration is of immense Afghanistan are now the only two commitment now could provide just and other vaccines, but now fi elds Covid-19 challenge clearly shows that relevance to countries including Qatar, dependent on countries in the world where wild the catalyst the country needs. up to 70,000 calls per day since the such support has never been needed desalination of seawater for their growing water needs. poliovirus remains endemic, after Crucially, the polio programme is Covid-19 pandemic began. The hotline more. — Project Syndicate Producing clean water at a lower cost could be on the horizon Africa was recently declared free of helping to monitor the spread of the provides advice about symptoms and the disease. The Pakistani government coronavirus using some of the same preventive measures, as well as contact  Zulfi qar A Bhutta, Chair in Global after researchers from The University of Texas at Austin and works closely with the Global Polio methods and tools it employs to track information for testing centres and Child Health at The Hospital for Sick Penn State in the US solved a complex problem that has baffl ed Eradication Initiative – a partnership poliovirus, including collecting and connections to hospitals for medical Children (SickKids) and Co-Director scientists for decades, according to an article in journal Science. including Rotary International; the analysing sewage samples. To slow support. of the SickKids Centre for Global Child Desalination membranes remove salt and other chemicals World Health Organisation; Unicef; the rate of both Covid-19 and polio Despite signifi cant challenges, Health, is Founding Director of Aga from water, cleaning billions of gallons for agriculture, energy the US Centers for Disease Control infections, the programme now tracks Pakistan has succeeded in keeping Khan University’s Centre of Excellence in production and drinking. Though the idea of pushing salty and Prevention; Gavi, the Vaccine and tests for the two viruses in tandem. rates of Covid-19 cases and deaths Women and Child Health and Institute water through and clean water coming out the other side Alliance; and the Bill & Melinda Gates To date, more than 100 labs across relatively low, thanks in part to the for Global Health and Development. appears to be simple, it contains complex intricacies that scientists are still trying to understand. The research team, in partnership with DuPont Water Solutions, solved an important aspect of this mystery, opening the door to reduce costs of clean water production. The researchers determined desalination membranes are inconsistent in density and mass distribution, which can hold back their performance. Uniform density at the nanoscale is the key to increasing how much clean water these membranes can create. “Reverse osmosis membranes are widely used for cleaning water, but there’s still a lot we don’t know about them,” said Manish Kumar, an associate professor in the Department of Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering at UT Austin, who co-led the research. “We couldn’t really say how water moves through them, so all the improvements over the past 40 years have essentially been done in the dark.” The paper documents an increase in effi ciency Cleaning more in the membranes tested water while using by 30-40%, meaning they can clean more water signifi cantly less while using signifi cantly less energy. That could energy is at the lead to increased access to clean water and lower heart of this much water bills for individual sought effi ciency homes and large users alike. Reverse osmosis membranes work by applying pressure to the salty feed solution on one side. The minerals stay there while the water passes through. Although more effi cient than non-membrane desalination processes, it still takes a large amount of energy, the researchers said, and improving the effi ciency of the PROTECTION: A couple wearing protective masks walk along a market amid the outbreak of coronavirus disease in the south port city of Karachi. (Reuters) membranes could reduce that burden. Fresh water management is becoming a crucial challenge throughout the world, as pointed out by Enrique Gomez, a professor of chemical engineering at Penn State who co-led the research. “Shortages, droughts - with increasing severe weather patterns, it is expected this problem will become even more signifi cant. It’s critically important to have clean water Fast and slow in The Queen’s Gambit availability, especially in low-resource areas.” The National Science Foundation and DuPont, which makes numerous desalination products, funded the research. The idea originated By Kenneth Rogoff closely to the novel and strives to be a time control that allotted just under computer algorithms to check Cambridge faithful to both the period and the game. four minutes for a move, with most whether a player’s moves match when DuPont researchers found that thicker membranes were The director, Scott Frank, even enlisted of the games taking several hours per up too improbably to those of any actually proving to be more permeable. This came as a surprise former World Chess Champion Garry session. leading computer program. But it is because the conventional knowledge was that thickness reduces n the brilliant and hugely Kasparov and legendary chess coach Nowadays, the idea of such a slow an ongoing challenge. One solution, how much water could fl ow through the membranes. successful 2020 Netfl ix miniseries Bruce Pandolfi ni to ensure that all the and deliberate pastime seems anathema which appears to be becoming a The team connected with Dow Water Solutions, which is The Queen’s Gambit, the chess games in the series were authentic. to many. Why think hard when you can trend, is to speed up play sharply. now a part of DuPont, in 2015 at a “water summit” Kumar Iprodigy Beth Harmon (played Whereas the novel describes Beth just ask the computer? Why remember There have been calls for a second organised, and they were eager to solve this mystery. Also by Anya Taylor-Joy) polishes off her as winning with a spectacular queen tedious variations if you can look them season of The Queen’s Gambit, and male opponents with style and speed. sacrifi ce – a rare and exciting event in up? Super-fast computer programs and Taylor-Joy has suggested she would do comprising researchers from Iowa State University, the team Because the story is set in the 1950s and chess – The Queen’s Gambit portrays massive databases have had a profound it. Unfortunately, there is no second developed 3D reconstructions of the nanoscale membrane 1960s, there are no cell phones, social an actual game in which this occurred. impact on professional chess in recent book on which to base the script. structure using state-of-the-art electron microscopes at the media, or computer chess programs. The big game in the seventh and fi nal years, but the game is currently in Tevis, who, like his main protagonist Materials Characterisation Lab of Penn State. They modelled Life was slower then, as it again seems episode of the series also follows a remarkable creative and economic Beth, suff ered from substance abuse, the path water takes through these membranes to predict how to be nowadays during the pandemic. real match, except for a spectacular health. died in 1984, soon after his novel was effi ciently water could be cleaned based on structure. Greg Foss In the 1960s, anyone who wanted to fi nish checked against a computer for That is partly because chess is published. of the Texas Advanced Computing Center helped visualise these develop a deep knowledge of the game accuracy. fantastically suited to the online In any case, a sequel is unlikely to had to pore through tomes like Modern Some have complained that it was world. The website chess.com has be as uplifting as season one. Spoiler simulations, and most of the calculations were performed on Chess Openings. To learn the latest unrealistic to cast someone as beautiful been enjoying a boom of 100,000 alert: the two greatest American chess Stampede2, TACC’s supercomputer. Lowering the cost of water variations coming out of the Soviet as Taylor-Joy to play Beth, and that sign-ups per day in the wake of the players in history – Fischer and, a production, however, is only one side of the coin. The other, Union, where most of the best players no chess player would have worn such Netfl ix series. Play Magnus Group, century before him, Paul Morphy – equally crucial factor is water conservation, which also requires were, there was no choice but to wait amazing outfi ts. But Fischer himself a chess-focused technology fi rm suff ered breakdowns after decisively greater focus. for 64 magazine to arrive on a slow boat was quite good-looking as a young founded by current world champion proving themselves the best in the from Moscow, and then navigate the champion, and appeared on the cover of Magnus Carlsen, recently conducted world. Morphy mumbled to himself as Russian. Life magazine in 1971. He also took great an IPO that valued the company at $93 he wandered the streets of New Orleans, To Advertise Based on a 1983 novel by Walter pride in his well-tailored suits, partly million – a far cry from the $100,000 while Fischer became a bitter recluse Tevis (author of The Color of Money, to show off his success and partly to prize that Fischer and Spassky who spent his last years in Iceland, the [email protected] The Hustler, and The Man Who Fell to appear the consummate professional. played for in 1972, even controlling only country that would let him in. I Earth), The Queen’s Gambit has a simple One area where the series does take for infl ation. And tens of millions would rather just rewatch season one. — Display premise: What if the American chess artistic licence is the speed of play. follow world championship matches Project Syndicate 44466621 44418811 player Bobby Fischer – one of the all- Theatrically, it is hugely eff ective, online, compared to the modest hall time greats – had been a woman? (Tevis, making the snippets of the games at the US chess championship where  Kenneth Rogoff , Professor of Classified who prided himself on constructing much more fun to watch. It helps also Beth plays (infl uenced by the 1975 Economics and Public Policy at Harvard 44466609 44418811 characters from his own imagination, that Taylor-Joy taught herself to move US championship in Ohio that Tevis University and recipient of the 2011 was lucky that his book came out just the pieces with incredible fl uidity attended and in which I competed.) Deutsche Bank Prize in Financial Subscription before the emergence of the amazing and authority, as if she had been a The biggest problem posed by Economics, was the chief economist of Hungarian chess-playing sisters Judit, professional chess player all her life. In computers is that players can the International Monetary Fund from [email protected] Zsuzsa, and Zsófi a Polgár, whose real- contrast, real-life championship chess use them to cheat. So far, chess 2001-2003. He is co-author of This life story would make an even better is incredibly slow. In their famous 1972 organisers have mostly managed to Time is Diff erent: Eight Centuries of fi lm.) world championship match, Fischer and stay ahead of the cheaters in what Financial Folly and author of The Curse © 2021 Gulf Times. All rights reserved Most of the Netfl ix series hews Boris Spassky of the Soviet Union used amounts to an arms race, using of Cash. Gulf Times Monday, January 4, 2021 11 PAKISTAN 2020: A leap of faith for creative industries

Urduflix is all set to feature set to launch Pakistan’s fi rst OTT Pakistan now, ZEE5 promised to working on a web series, as op- a range of content from television (Pakistani version of launch fi ve new Pakistani origi- posed to dealing with the ‘kind original to already popular Netfl ix). The technology part nal series as part of its revival, of limitations’ imposed on tel- dramas, films, web series, is complete and we have asked two of which have been released evision. “It’s unfortunate Paki- documentaries and cartoons PEMRA (Pakistan Electronic so far. stan doesn’t have a platform for Media Regulatory Aauthority) to But this was not a conse- progressive and real stories,” she Internews prepare a guideline on content,” quence of Covid-19 provided complained. Prior to this, Yasra Karachi Chaudhry wrote. the mentioned shows had been Rizvi said that, “Our actors have “We will be all set to launch in the pipeline since long before. become props we package with in PPP (Public-Private Partner- Still, the attention Asim Abbasi’s cathartic narratives that only 020 was the year of leap ship) mode.” Expected to launch Churails garnered was enough to talk about women and their do- of faith particularly in the this month, Urdufl ix is set to inspire creatives to explore the mestic issues. But that doesn’t 2creative industries. Film- feature a range of content from digital realm. mean we don’t have other stories makers were hit with the reali- original to already popular dra- And if that’s not all, Nashpati to tell.” sation that they either required mas, fi lms, web series, docu- Prime – which, back in March Soon after, on a panel discussion a Pakistani streaming service or mentaries, cartoons, and even was a one-stop entertainment at the Arts Council, director Na- content that meets international Urdu-dubbed Turkish shows. channel on YouTube – expand- deem Baig addressed the system- demands so it can be streamed Another Pakistani short-form ed into a space off ering diverse atic failure of television to create elsewhere. As for producing digital media platform for on- and engaging culture and en- opportunities for theatre actors. OTT originals, fi lm-maker, and demand streaming titled Rinstra tertainment content to viewers. But the Jawani Phir Nahi Aani di- host Rafay Rashdi, whose talk launched on December 23. Vet- The new web portal, features rector assured the audience that show made it to Amazon Prime eran screenwriter Haseena Moin the likes of critically-acclaimed “TV’s monopoly as a medium is this year, told daily The Express joined this platform’s Board of playwright Zafar Mairaj helming about to end.” Tribune, “In order to make origi- Advisers in October and prom- a show titled Khanabadosh. But even if we get our own nal pitches to Amazon or Netfl ix, ised to pen two web-series for SPOTLIGHT: Indian channel ZEE5 has also invested in five Pakistani web series, including the acclaimed Having realised the limits of streaming platform, would fi lm- you need to be situated outside it. The very platform is also set Churails and Ek Jhoothi Love Story, above. television today, Mairaj, had makers be able to cope with our of Pakistan since we have no to release Gudai, a Pashto web said that due to corporations censorship policies when sending agents or regional offi ces.” series tackling the issue of early ting realities were realised. Film- star and host Faisal Qureshi tional’ series titled Keh Do that and privately owned channels, in their content? Especially since Federal Minister of Science marriages. ZEE5’s Ek Jhoothi maker duo Fizza Ali Meerza and as the Teen Bata Teen produc- will be streamed on YouTube. mainstream television had lost a local regulator had asked ZEE5 to and Technology Fawad Chaud- Love Story director Mehreen Nabeel Qureshi announced that er claimed he would take the Simultaneously, an Indian connection with its actual de- take down Churails for Pakistani hry took to Twitter on October Jabbar has directed a psycho- a Pakistani web-series based on plunge into the digital waters by streaming platform’s game- mographic, leading the likes of audiences despite the fact that it 23 to announce that a Pakistani logical thriller web series for the Lyari gang war in Karachi was in exploring a phenomenon most changing strategy to invest in him to turn to social media. was on an Indian streamer. version of Netfl ix was in the same. the works. Pakistanis were familiar with and release Pakistani content Churails star Sarwat Gilani in These aren’t easy questions to works. “We at the Ministry of July 2020 brought with it some This was followed by the — load-shedding. Actor Junaid stirred much curiosity. Albeit, an interview with the BBC re- answer but dodging these bullets Science and Technology are all surprises after these hard-hit- promise of a web-series by TV Khan also announced a ‘motiva- inaccessible for its viewers in layed how liberating it was to be isn’t going to make 2021 any better.

Pakistan cricket team meet families of Christchurch mosque attack victims Gunmen kill 11 miners at coal mine: IS claims responsibility

AFP, Reuters sponder, showed three bodies Quetta lying outside the room and the rest inside in pools of blood. Both Durrani and the secu- unmen in southwestern rity offi cial said the victims Pakistan have killed at belonged to the Hazara com- A member of the team greets a family member of a victim Gleast 11 workers at a re- munity. of the Christchurch mosque attack. mote coal mine, offi cials said Durrani said the mine was yesterday. deep in the mountains. The Pakistan cricket team spent Saturday afternoon with The victims of the attack in Some of the victims were be- the families of the victims of the Christchurch mosque at- Baluchistan province were from headed, he added. tack at Hagley Oval, local media reported yesterday. the Hazara community. The assailants fl ed after the In a video shared by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), the Islamic State claimed respon- attack. Both offi cials said po- players can be seen chatting and exchanging gifts with the sibility for the attack through its lice and members of the local victims of the attack at the cricket ground. Amaq news agency via its Tel- paramilitary force were on the “I know that we did not go through the situation that you egram communications channel. scene, where a search operation people did, but we do understand the pain that you feel,” “Dead bodies of the 11 min- had been launched to trace the batting coach Younis Khan told the families. ers have been taken to a local attackers. “We share your sorrow,” the batting coach added. The hospital,” Khalid Durrani, a gov- Dozens of local people and Pakistan team is in New Zealand where they are playing a ernment offi cial in the area, told family members briefl y blocked Test series with the Kiwis. AFP. a main road in the area, de- In March 2019, more than 50 people were gunned down Ethnic Hazara make up most manding protection. by 28-year-old right-wing extremist Brenton Tarrant when of the Shia population in Quetta, In a tweet, Prime Minister he attacked two mosques in Christchurch – the Al Noor the capital of Baluchistan — the Imran Khan condemned “the Mosque and another in the suburb of Linwood. country’s largest and poorest re- killing of 11 innocent coal min- Tarrant, in August 2020, was sentenced to life imprison- gion, rife with ethnic, sectarian ers in Machh” as a “cowardly ment without parole. This was the first time such a sentence and separatist insurgencies. A member of Hazara community mourns the death of his relative in Quetta yesterday. (AFP) inhumane act of terrorism”. had been handed down in the country. Hazaras have been frequently Liaqat Shahwani, a spokes- Tarrant admitted to 51 charges of murder, 40 counts of targeted by Taliban and Islamic tive lull in nearly a year of vio- A security offi cial told AFP backs and (they were) blind man for the provincial govern- attempted murder, and one charge of committing a terror- State militants and other mili- lence against the community in the attackers fi rst separated the folded,” a security offi cial told ment, confi rmed the incident ist act during the shooting rampage which he live-streamed tant groups in both Pakistan and the province. miners, tied their hands and Reuters, requesting anonymity and told private TV channel Geo on Facebook. Afghanistan. The attack before dawn took feet, took them out into the hills as he is not allowed to speak to that it was an act of terrorism. High Court Judge Cameron Mander said in his ruling that The attacks in Afghanistan place in the far-fl ung and moun- and later killed them. media. Though Pakistan’s mines are a finite term would not be suff icient for the nature of crime have been claimed by an affi liate tainous Machh area — 60 kilo- “The throats of all coal min- A video clip making the notorious for poor safety stand- committed. of Islamic State. metres southeast of here — while ers have been slit, after their rounds on WhatsApp groups, ards, such attacks against min- The attack came after a rela- the miners slept, Durrani said. hands were tied behind their apparently shot by a fi rst re- ers are rare. ‘Happy Holidays, folks!’ Thalassaemia awareness hike Pakistani-American doctor picks up tab for 200 patients as a ‘Christmas gift’

something we could at least do Internews to help the community,” Dr Atiq Karachi said. In the notice to his patients, Dr Atiq wrote that “Although vari- Pakistani-American doc- ous health insurances pay most tor gave the ultimate of the bills for the majority of pa- Asurprise to nearly 200 tients, even the deductibles and patients as a Christmas gift that co-pays can be burdensome.” he hoped would make their lives “Unfortunately, that is the way “a little bit easier”, erasing their our healthcare system currently more than half a million dollars works,” Dr Atiq continued, before in medical debt. telling patients that all remaining Dr Omar Atiq, who founded a debts would be forgiven. cancer clinic in 1991 in Pine Bluff “Happy Holidays,” the doctor in the US state of Arkansas, sent added. out a notice to his patients just PHILANTHROPIST: Dr Omar Atiq. Bea Cheesman, president of days before December 25, saying RMC of America, the billing “the clinic has decided to forego Morning America news pro- “Over time, I realised that company that worked with Dr all balances owed to the clinic by gramme in an interview that he there are people who just are Atiq, said that Dr Atiq’s decision its patients,” according to the Ar- had worked with a billing com- unable to pay,” Atiq said, adding to forgive all remaining debts was kansas Democrat Gazette. pany for months to collect any that he and his wife, Mehreen, a “very kind gesture.” The newspaper reported that remaining payments from pa- thought about it and looked at “Dr Atiq is a very caring in- Dr Atiq, an oncologist who re- tients, but eventually decided to forgiving all the debt. dividual and he’s always been ceived his medical degree from stop contacting them. “We saw that we could do it extremely easy to work with as a Khyber Medical College, Pe- As of December, the clinic still and then just went ahead and did client,” Cheesman said. shawar, had closed the clinic in had a total of nearly US$650,000 it,” he added. “I think personally that it’s just February after nearly 30 years in outstanding patient bills, ac- “You add to it the absolute a wonderful thing that he and his of providing cancer treatments, cording to Dr Atiq, who is also devastation that the [coronavi- family did in forgiving this debt including chemotherapy and ra- a professor at the University of rus] pandemic has wrought, and because the people with oncol- Participants walk through Margalla Hills trail during Thalassaemia awareness hike organised by the diation therapy. Arkansas for Medical Sciences in you think…Thank God that we’re ogy bills do have more challenges Jamila Sultana Foundation in Islamabad yesterday. (AFP) Atiq told ABC TV’s Good Little Rock. fairly comfortable and this was than the bulk of the population.” Gulf Times 12 Monday, January 4, 2021 QATAR Murals on Doha walls for QM’s public art initiative Alanoud al-Ghamdi 18 artists breathe life into urban spaces for Jedariart

ver the past month, Qa- Flyover, Qatar National Library di, Alanoud al-Ghamdi, Haifa tar-based artists have (QNL) Metro Station, Abdulla al-Khuzaei, Maha al-Jaidah, and Obeen making their mark Bin Hamad Al Attiyah District Aisha al-Fadhala. on designated walls across Doha and the Woqod Petrol Station in Abdulla Ali al-Mawlawi, as part of Jedariart, Qatar Mu- Fereej Kulaib. Communication and Public Re- seums’ (QM) public art initia- Expressing pleasure at being lations director, Qatar Railways tive to add meaning to the city’s one of the partners of Jedariart, Company (Qatar Rail), said: “We walls through curated murals and Sara Kafood, deputy chairman are pleased to cooperate with street art. of the Supervisory Commit- QM for the Jedariart public art Jedariart, held in partnership tee for Beautifi cation of Roads initiative. These artworks add with The Supervisory Commit- and Public Places in Qatar, said: an aesthetically pleasing touch tee of Beautifi cation of Roads “We are pleased to be part of this to the QNL and Msheireb metro Abdulaziz Yousef and Public Places, Q-Rail, and initiative in which artists have stations and enrich the art scene Woqod and Fire Station: Artist transformed walls into works in Qatar, serving as points of at- in Residence, invited 18 Qatar- of art that address societal top- traction for commuters while based artists to breathe new life ics of relevance. These public spreading Q-Rail’s message into walls in various locations artworks, each with their own among the wider community.” Aisha al-Fadhala across the city with murals that individual character and mes- shine a light on a variety of topics sage, will gain the admiration of and spark constructive debate. a multicultural audience.” “QM is proud to have part- Participating artists were se- nered with an immensely tal- lected following an open call, in ented group of artists, who each which aspiring and established brought their unique artistic artists in Doha were requested style to life through murals that to submit a proposal detailing a enrich the public realm and en- concept for a mural that takes into courage cultural dialogue,” ar- consideration the piece’s relevance chitect Abdulrahman al-Ishaq, to the community and the message director of Public Art at Qatar the artwork aims to convey. Museums, said in a statement. Saud al-Dosari, Public Rela- Haifa al-Khuzai “We also extend our appre- tions manager, Woqod, said: ciation to our valued partners “As a socially responsible Qatari and sponsors – The Supervisory company, Woqod is honoured to Committee of Beautifi cation of be part of Jedariart, a QM ini- Roads and Public Places, Q-Rail, tiative that supports local artists Woqod and the Fire Station: Art- and transforms the city’s urban ists in Residence – whose con- spaces into an outdoor gallery. tributions and support made Such initiatives are key to in- Jedariart a success. This month- creasing tourist attractions and long initiative has enabled us to contributing to a vibrant and further expand our public art colourful city.” reach, making art accessible to Participating artists included the wider community and bring- Mubarak al-Malik, Huda Basa- ing to life more urban spaces hal, Noura al-Mansoori, Dim- across the city,” he added. itrije Bugarski, Nada Khozestani, Striking new murals have Sharefa al-Mannai, Thamer al- been added to walls at Fire Sta- Dossari, Muna al-Bader, Fatima tion, Al Abraj Park, Doha Fes- al-Sharshani, Michael Perrone tival City Interchange, Al Khor and his team, Maryam al-Maad- Interchange, Doha Expressway, hadi, Shuaa al-Kuwari, Ab- Post Offi ce Park, 5/6 Park, 5/6 dulaziz Yousef, Abdulla al-Ema- Abdulla al-Emadi Thamer al-Dosari QM exhibitions continue into 2021 Qatar Charity fi ghts blindness in Nigeria By Joey Aguilar a large number of visitors, dis- A curated-led tour led by Staff Reporter played an array of local and re- curator Dr Mounia Abudaya is gional collectors since 2012, ac- also being organised for the A QNA ness to provide its services to cording to QM. Falcon’s Eye: Tribute to Sheikh Doha the poor, needy and orphans in number of exhibitions Commuters will also have the Saoud Al Thani”, which opened rural areas. and initiatives launched chance to see the work of Doha- in August 2020 and will run un- For his part, Commissioner A by Qatar Museums (QM) based artist Abdulaziz Yousef til April 10 at the Museum of Is- atar Charity has carried of Health in Scotu state Dr Mo- last year are continuing this year Ahmed (also known as Temsa7 lamic Art (MIA). out three campaigns to hamed Ali praised this gesture, too, giving opportunity for more which means crocodile in Ara- QM noted that “Sheikh Qfi ght blindness in Ni- and said that the medical camp people to explore them. bic) titled “Family Reunion” at Saoud’s legacy as a collec- geria in co-ordination with the in the state conducted more The third edition of Mal La- the Msheireb metro station. tor is of crucial importance to local government and the Min- than 100 surgeries and distrib- wal (‘of the past’) exhibition, Ahmed, an illustrator and Qatar Museums as he laid the istry of Health. uted 600 glasses for patients which will continue until Au- cartoonist, is one of the partici- foundations of the major col- Qatar Charity work covers all from poor families and the fam- VCUarts Qatar assistant professor Michael Perrone’s mural at the gust 1, at the National Museum pating artists in QM’s public art lections within the institution. the medical care needs of the ilies of orphans. Doha Festival City Interchange. of Qatar (NMoQ), highlights initiative dubbed as “Jedariart” Parts of that collection are on benefi ciaries, including exami- According to Qatar Charity the stories of 26 Qatari general aimed at “activating shared ur- display at MIA, but others re- nations, surgeries, medicines, 2018-2022 strategy to combat collectors and two Qatari car ban areas and add meaning to main in storage. This exhibi- and eyeglasses, based on its blindness, and within its plan, collectors - Salem Saeed al- the city’s walls through curated tion sheds light on objects that 2018-2020 strategy to combat during the next fi ve years, it will Mohannadi and Omar Hussain murals and street art.” have never been displayed in blindness and the WHO plan. provide medical services to eye Alfardan. “A ‘Family Reunion’ encap- Qatar before.” In Scotu, Kano, and Yobe, the patients in 14 selected coun- “Cars gradually began to sulates the Qatari habits of ex- Residents can also join the three camps witnessed a great tries. have a larger presence in Qa- tended family gatherings that Club – MIA: Majlis Book Club turnout, with more than 3,425 Medical examination and tar in the mid-1950s. During take place at family homes or of- “to read and discuss a wide va- patients examined, and 317 op- dispensing of medicines to 1mn this time, cars were mainly im- ten at their grandfather’s house. riety of books (from 5pm to 7pm erations were performed. eye patients, 60,000 surgeries ported and acquired with the Although sharing the same at the MIA library) – whose top- Doctors also gave educa- will be performed, in addition intent to facilitate everyday life household, the various genera- ics link with Islamic Art history, tional lectures on preventing to training and qualifi cation of activities. For some, this was a tions come together with diff er- museums and collections, and eye diseases and awareness of 50 doctors in modern eye sur- turning point in the country’s ent thoughts and beliefs while regional artistic themes.” the coronavirus, and ways to gery methods, and the estab- social history,” QM said in an e- still maintaining warm connec- Other exhibitions on show prevent it. lishment of fi ve centrers and mail to Culture Pass members tions amongst each other,” QM also include ‘Lived Forward: Art The campaigns were widely clinics specialised in eye dis- yesterday. said. and Culture in Doha from 1960- welcomed by the local authori- eases and surgery. “The excitement generated by Another mural designed by 2020’ at Mathaf: Arab Museum ties. Qatar Charity has contrib- the new experience’s cars pro- Virginia Commonwealth School of Modern Art (until January Commissioner of Health in uted with many partners to vided, was soon transformed of the Arts (VCUarts) in Qatar 16); ‘The Desert Ode’ by Qatari Yobe state Dr Adamu Abdullahi alleviate the causes of visual into a passion for collecting cars. assistant professor Michael Per- visual artist Jawaher al-Mannai hailed the aid provided by Qatar impairment that lead to blind- People collect cars to document rone is also expected to become at Gallery 4, Doha Fire Station Charity in Nigeria, especially ness in many countries through and preserve pivotal moments a “visual treat” at the Doha (until January 23); and ‘Splen- in the health sector, saying that various programmes and ac- in the nation’s history, evoke a Festival City Interchange. The dours of the Ancient East: An- the medical camp to combat tivities such as implementing sense of nostalgia, and establish artist has brought a 22-m-wide tiquities from The al-Sabah blindness in Yobe state was im- specialised medical camps for a collection of exclusive classic public artwork to life, which was Collectio’ at NMoQ’s Tempo- plemented in partnership with eye diseases in many countries, Doha-based artist Abdulaziz Yousef Ahmed’s “Family Reunion” at the cars,” QM added. done by alumni and a student rary Exhibitions Gallery (until the state government, while including Yemen, Sudan, and Msheireb Metro Station. Mal Lawal, which attracted from VCUarts Qatar. February 2). valuing Qatar Charity’s keen- Niger.