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MONDAY Vol. XXXXII No. 12000 August 9, 2021 Muharram 1, 1443 AH

GULF TIMES www. gulf-times.com 2 Riyals

Amir, Deputy Amir Qatari rescue team leaves for Greece send new Hijri year greetings to leaders EAA, Gavi launch His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani yesterday exchanged cables of 2 education and congratulations with leaders of fraternal Arab and Muslim countries on the occasion of the new Hijri year. His Highness the Deputy immunisation Amir Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad al-Thani also exchanged new Hijri year congratulations with crown princes and deputy heads of state projects in Africa of the Arab and Islamic countries. HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Khalid bin Khalifa bin Abdulaziz al-Thani exchanged ducation Above All Foundation similar cables of congratulations (EAA) and Gavi, the Vaccine Al- with prime ministers of the fraternal Eliance, have extended their part- Arab and Islamic countries. (QNA) nership to launch integrated immuni- sation projects in Ethiopia and Kenya, Qatar condemns supported by Qatar Fund For Develop- ment (QFFD). attack in Chad In conjunction with EAA’s Educate Qatar expressed its strong A Child (EAC) programme and its on- condemnation of the attack that going education project with Save the targeted a patrol near Lake Chad in Children Korea (SCK), the initiative in the west of the country, which led to In Implementation of the directives of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, an equipped team from Ethiopia aims to support the country’s the deaths and injuries of soldiers. In the Qatar International Search and Rescue Group of the Internal Security Force (Lekhwiya) and a team from the Civil overarching target of 90% immunisa- a statement yesterday, the Ministry Defence of the Ministry of Interior headed yesterday to participate in search and rescue operations in Greece that has tion coverage at the national level and of Foreign Aff airs reiterated Qatar’s been badly hit by wildfires. Page 11 at least 80% in each of the 11 targeted firm position on rejecting violence districts in the host community and and terrorism, regardless of the three refugee camps in the Gambella motives and reasons. The ministry Regional State of Ethiopia. It aims to expressed Qatar’s condolences increase uptake of human papilloma- and that girls receive the HPV vaccine to the families of the victims and virus (HPV) vaccination amongst girls when they reach 10 years of age. The to the government and people of aged 14 and child vaccination amongst education project will benefi t from the Chad, wishing the injured a speedy Evacuations, despair as fi res children under one-year-old, reaching network of community health volun- recovery. (QNA) 108,183 children with immunisations teers and facility-based health work- and 995 adults, who will receive related ers to advocate for school enrolment, Beirut blast bereaved training over a period of 12 months. while the immunisation programme in hold symbolic funeral ravage Greek island Evia Meanwhile, the immunisation the targeted counties will benefi t from project in Kenya, which intersects with the network of schools and teachers to Lebanese protesters carried EAA’s ongoing education project with reach communities with messages on imitation coffins in a symbolic AFP cult evening, another diffi cult night,” heatwave in decades, which experts Unicef, will be implemented in 16 arid cervical cancer and HPV vaccine. funeral procession from Beirut Gouves, Greece civil protection deputy minister have linked to climate change. and semi-arid land (ASAL) counties in Both projects come as an extension port yesterday to demand justice, Nikos Hardalias said. So far, the fi res have killed two peo- three zonal areas of Garissa, Kisumu of EAA and Gavi’s partnership aimed days after the first anniversary of a “On Evia we have two major fi re ple in Greece and eight in neighbouring and Lodwar as well as urban informal at supporting health, development and vast dockside explosion that killed irefi ghters and desperate locals fronts, one in the north and one in the Turkey, with dozens more hospitalised. settlements in Nairobi with high num- education access in some of the world’s more than 200 people. Families of yesterday battled raging wild- south,” Hardalias said, adding that While rain brought some respite bers of out of school children. Over most marginalised communities. the victims were joined by dozens Ffi res on the Greek island of Evia strong winds were pushing the north- from the blazes in Turkey over the the next two years, the project aims Khalifa Jassim al-Kuwari, director of supporters, some wearing black that have charred vast areas of pine ern fi re front towards beach villages. weekend, Greece continues to endure to reach 257,400 girls who are both in general QFFD, said: “ We are pleased and carrying burning torches, at forest and forced hundreds of people Greece and Turkey have been bat- soaring temperatures. school and out of school in Kenya. that the recent contribution by Qatar an entrance to the port where to fl ee their homes. tling devastating fi res for nearly two In all, 17 fi refi ghting aircraft — Unicef’s immunisation and educa- Fund to Gavi has paved the way for a a warehouse fire on August 4 “We have ahead of us another diffi - weeks as the region suff ered its worst planes and helicopters — were fi ght- tion projects will work closely together new strategic partnership between our last year ignited a vast stash of ing the fi res on Evia, Greece’s second to ensure that communities are mo- long-lasting strategic partners Educa- ammonium nitrate, causing one largest island, Hardalias said. bilised to increase school enrolment tion Above All and Gavi”. To Page 12 of the biggest peacetime blasts in Evia lies just northeast of the capi- history. Wives, sisters and mothers tal Athens. To the southwest is the of those killed held portraits of their Peloponnese region where Hardalias loved ones and marched ahead of said the situation was stable. Fires three symbolic coffins covered in in a northern suburb of Athens have flowers. subsided, he added. “The situation in Attica (which encompasses Athens) is Smoke from landfi ll fi re better but we are afraid of the danger of fl are-ups,” Hardalias said. engulfs Belgrade Late yesterday, a Pezetel fi refi ght- Acrid smoke and haze engulfed ing aircraft crashed at Zakynthos is- Serbia’s capital Belgrade yesterday land in western Greece. The pilot is after a fire broke out at the safe and sound, the ANA news agency city’s main garbage landfill site. reported. Authorities prompted people The rugged landscape and dense to stay indoors as firefighters pine forests on Evia that so appeal to struggled to extinguish flames at tourists are a nightmare for fi refi ght- the Vinca landfill, located around A local resident uses a megaphone as others observe a large forest fire ers. The inferno has destroyed homes 17km from downtown Belgrade approaching the village of Pefki on Evia (Euboea) island, Greece’s second and reduced thousands of hectares of EAA launches projects in Ethiopia and Kenya, supported by Qatar Fund For near the Danube river. Much of the largest island, yesterday. land to ash. Page 11 Development (QFFD). fire was doused by late yesterday but authorities said the site will continue to smoulder in the coming days. Belgrade’s mayor, Zoran Radojcic, warned people to close windows and stay indoors if they smell the smoke. Taliban seize 3 more state capitals in northern blitz

Senate trudges toward AFP tured the capital of Kunduz,” the Tali- ternoon, after the government failed to Kunduz ban said in a statement. send help,” a security source told AFP. passing $1tn US bill “The mujahideen also captured Sar- “The city is unfortunately fully in The US Senate moved slowly e-Pul city, the government buildings Taliban hands.” yesterday toward passing a $1 trillion he Taliban tightened the noose and all the installations there.” Kunduz is the most signifi cant Taliban bipartisan infrastructure bill, held around northern Afghanistan The insurgents said on Twitter that gain since the insurgents launched an back by one Republican lawmaker Tyesterday, capturing three more they had also taken Taloqan, the capi- off ensive in May as foreign forces began who opposed speeding up a vote on provincial capitals as they take their tal of Takhar province. the fi nal stages of their withdrawal. the nation’s biggest investment in fi ght to the cities after seizing much of Parwina Azimi, a women’s rights ac- It has been a perennial target for the roads and bridges in decades. The the countryside in recent months. tivist in Sar-e-Pul, told AFP by phone Taliban, who briefl y overran the city in Senate convened at noon and was The insurgents have snatched up that government offi cials and the re- 2015 and again in 2016 but never man- expected to hold two procedural fi ve provincial capitals in Afghanistan maining forces had retreated to an aged to hold it for long. votes , unless Republicans and since Friday in a lightning off ensive army barracks about three kilometres The ministry of defence said gov- Democrats can reach an agreement that appears to have overwhelmed from the city. ernment forces were fi ghting to retake on amendments to the package government forces. The Taliban had the compound key installations. that was the result of months of Kunduz, Sar-e-Pul and Taloqan in the “surrounded”, said Mohamed Hussein “The commando forces have bipartisan talks. The legislation is a north fell within hours of each other yes- Mujahidzada, a member of the provin- launched a clearing operation. Some top priority for President Joe Biden terday, lawmakers, security sources and cial council. areas, including the national radio and and its passage, which remains residents in the cities confi rmed. Taloqan was the next to go, with res- TV buildings, have been cleared of the likely after an large majority has In Kunduz, one resident described ident Zabihullah Hamidi telling AFP by terrorist Taliban,” it said. repeatedly voted to advance, the city as being enveloped in “total phone that he saw security forces and Spokesman Mirwais Stanikzai said would represent a major victory chaos”. offi cials leave the city in a convoy of An army soldier patrols as stranded people wait for the reopening of the border later that reinforcements including for him and the group of bipartisan “After some fi erce fi ghting, the mu- vehicles. crossing point which was closed by the authorities, in Chaman recently, after the special forces had been deployed to lawmakers who crafted it. jahideen, with the grace of God, cap- “We retreated from the city this af- Taliban took control of the border town. Sar-e-Pul and Sheberghan. Gulf Times 2 Monday, August 9, 2021 QATAR QC builds health Qatar-Bangladesh ties reviewed centre in Somalia omalia’s First Lady Ali Dahir Eid, Vice President Ministry in terms of providing rugged roads, and lack of facili- Saynab Abdi Moallim of Galmudug, said QC plays a high-quality health services to ties. Slauded the Qatari support well-known and appreciated the residents of Hobyo City and The centre includes a repro- for the Somali people, which are role in supporting the Somali surrounding areas. ductive health department, extended to implement devel- people in various fi elds, espe- He added that this is the third an emergency department, a opmental projects and alleviate cially in the health sector, as the centre constructed by QC in laboratory, a vaccination room, the suff ering of the vulnerable people need support in this sec- the cities of the state, noting a feeding room, a pharmacy, in in times of adversities. tor due to the diffi cult humani- that two centres were already addition to doctors’ rooms and This came in a speech Moallim tarian conditions over the past built in the cities of Galkayo and administrative offi ces. HE the Minister of State for Foreign Aff airs Sultan bin Saad al-Muraikhi met yesterday with the delivered during the inaugural two decades. Abud Wak. The centre is expected to visiting Minister of State for Foreign Aff airs of Bangladesh, Mohamed Shahriar Alam. During the ceremony of the health centre Abdiweli Abdullahi Jama, Dr Abdullah Abdul-Qader provide integrated health meeting, bilateral relations were reviewed. (QNA) built by Qatar Charity (QC) in Minister of Health of the Gal- Rafi , a doctor at the centre, ex- services, such as first aid for the Galmudug State of Somalia, mudug state, indicated that plained that this centre would emergency cases, maternal where she expressed her grati- his ministry has been search- reduce the risks that residents and child care, feeding and tude for the immediate response ing for a donor over the past were exposed to due to the ab- vaccination services for chil- of QC to this centre. It is consid- few months to deliver health sence of a health centre in the dren and pregnant women, ered to be an integrated hospital services to more than 38% of city. health awareness and educa- Al-Muraikhi meets Tunisian for the people in the area, noting the state’s population who lack He noted that the nearest tion, medicines, and treat- the donations of philanthropists healthcare facilities. health centre was about 256km ment. Nearly 20,000 people and Hungarian ambassadors in Qatar for implementing de- He emphasised that this cen- from the city, which exposes from the city and its neigh- velopmental projects in several tre built by QC will contribute patients and pregnant women bouring areas benefit from the fi elds. to lessening the burdens on the to dangers due to its proximity, services of the centre.

HE the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Sultan bin Saad al-Muraikhi met yesterday with the outgoing Tunisian ambassador to Qatar Sami Saidi. HE al-Muraikhi thanked the ambassador for his efforts in supporting and strengthening bilateral relations, and wished him success in his The health centre built by Qatar Charity will contribute in providing high-quality health services to the residents of Hobyo City and new missions. (QNA) surrounding areas in Somalia.

Qatar Youth Hostels launches Ooredoo VIP team ‘Google Local Guide’ enjoys cultural Qatar Youth Hostels has been interactive with youth groups during the coronavirus pandemic through a variety of experience at NMoQ activities to support the HE the Minister of State for Foreign Aff airs Sultan bin Saad al-Muraikhi met yesterday with domestic tourism and the outgoing Hungarian ambassador to Qatar Fodor Barnabas. HE al-Muraikhi thanked the promote youth skills, in ambassador for his eff orts in supporting and strengthening bilateral relations, and wished him delegation of senior rep- er bin Hamad bin Nasser al-Tha- delighted to visit Mal Lawal 3 and light of the limited events success in his new missions. (QNA) resentatives from Oore- ni, chief commercial offi cer, and experience fi rst-hand the contri- and options. Adoo visited the National several other senior executives. bution Ooredoo is making to the In this context, Qatar Museum of Qatar recently to Mal Lawal 3 sheds light on the Qatari cultural scene as part of Youth Hostels launched experience Mal Lawal 3, a tempo- collecting community around our corporate social responsibil- the “Google Local Guide” rary exhibition celebrating local Qatar, bringing local collectors ity strategy. programme under the collectors. together to network, collaborate, “Qatari culture and heritage auspices of some private Algerian FM meets Qatar’s envoy Mal Lawal 3, of which Ooredoo showcase their collectibles and is rich, varied, and fascinating, companies. is the Offi cial Sponsor, is a unique engage in thought-provoking and we take pride in supporting The programme for the platform designed to off er a vital discussion and debate. Qatar Museums in this initiative age group of 16 years contribution to Qatar’s cultural Reinterpreted to fi t a museum that both preserves our culture and above highlights the landscape by preserving and pro- setting, the platform serves as a and heritage for future genera- importance of tourism moting its heritage, culture, and launchpad for the art of collect- tions and showcases them for all digital content, to expand traditions. ing – addressing how to become a to enjoy.” the circle of participants The delegation of senior Oore- collector, what objects should be Collectibles are now on display and raise the level of doo representatives attending collected, and how they should to the public at the National Mu- participation, making the museum to experience the be preserved and/or displayed. seum of Qatar until September 15, it an integrated and exhibition included Sheikh Nass- Sheikh Nasser said: “We were 2021. suitable option for local and international tourists and for visitors to Qatar to attend events and visit tourist sites. It is one of Google’s recent programmes that enables people to add content on the Google Maps, allowing them to write reviews, share photos, answer questions, add or edit places which is an Algerian Minister of Foreign Affairs and National Community Abroad Ramtane Lamamra met important tool because yesterday with the outgoing Qatari ambassador in Algiers Hassan bin Ibrahim al-Malki. During there are known places the meeting, bilateral relations were reviewed. The Algerian minister thanked the ambassador that do not appear on the for his efforts to develop bilateral relations. (QNA) map. (QNA) QU faculty gets new patent to remove Members of the VIP delegation during the tour. carbon monoxide from car exhaust

rof Siham Yousuf A Alqaradawi, composition constitutes an active and a professor of Organic Chemistry stable catalyst to convert the highly Pat Qatar University’s (QU) Col- toxic carbon monoxide in exhaust or lege of Arts and Sciences has got a new fl ue gas to less toxic carbon dioxide patent on how to remove toxic carbon without the need to utilise the high cost monoxide emitted through car exhaust precious metals such as platinum, gold by its catalytic conversion into less toxic or palladium that are well-known for carbon dioxide. their superior catalytic activity. “The catalyst reported herein may “Our catalyst provides comparable have potential application as a com- activity and higher stability compared ponent of the three-way catalytic con- to plasmonic metals-based catalysts verters,” she has explained in a state- and suff ers much less from the ther- ment from QU. Indirect application mally-induced sintering, typically may include purifi cation of hydrogen observed for gold or platinum-based gas in the methane reforming process conversion catalysts,” Prof Alqaradawi for fuel cells systems or removal of CO said. poisoning in carbon dioxide laser sys- “Our catalysts can be produced at tems. large scale in a scalable fashion through The tailored CuO/TiO2 NT (cupric environmentally and economically- oxide/titanium dioxide nanotubes) friendly approach,” she added. Prof Siham Yousuf A Alqaradawi

Gulf Times 4 Monday, August 9, 2021 QATAR Offi cials caution against Delta Covid variant, urge people to get vaccinated

MoPH reports total Covid recoveries increase to 224,838

eading healthcare offi cials have cau- tioned Qatar residents about the Delta A combination plate of taco dishes at Toro Toro Lvariant of the coronavirus (Covid-19) Doha. and urged those who are not yet vaccinated to get it done at the earliest. In a video message shared on the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) social media chan- nels, Dr Yousef al-Maslamani, medical di- Taco Tuesday rector of Hamad General Hospital, reiterated that the Delta variant is now in Qatar, like most countries around the world. launched at “This variant is very contagious and spreads fast. We have vaccines which are very safe and highly eff ective against such Toro Toro Doha variants,” he warned. “Therefore, it is more important than ever to get vaccinated. Your Dr Yousef al-Maslamani Dr Jameela al-Ajmi support is important, and it makes us all safe oro Toro Doha, located at the Marsa Malaz if everyone gets vaccinated at the earliest.” “I urge everyone to adhere to the precau-  3,951,518 Covid-19 vaccine doses have Kempinski, is launching tomorrow its fi rst Dr Jameela al-Ajmi, executive director of tionary measures against the pandemic,” she been administered since the start of the pro- Tspecial “Taco Tuesday”, from 6pm-11pm. Corporate Infection Control and Prevention added. gramme. Toro Toro Doha operations manager Raimun- at Hamad Medical Corporation, has high- Meanwhile, the MoPH has reported 148  9,247 Covid-19 vaccine doses have been do Frazão and the new head chef Arturo Mendez lighted the importance of continuing to fol- new confi rmed cases of the coronavirus administered in the past 24 hours. (pictured on the right) will follow the popular low Covid-19 precautionary measures. (Covid-19) among the community and 69  88.5% of the eligible population has now much-loved Taco Tuesday trend, ensuring guests “Though several Covid-19 restrictions among travellers, according to QNA. received at least one dose of the vaccine. would be able to enjoy Toro Toro’s signatures for a have been lifted gradually in the country, we The MoPH recorded 135 recoveries from the  98.6% of those aged over 60 (the most special price in an exceptional ambiance. must not be complacent against the virus,” virus during the past 24 hours, bringing the vulnerable population group) have been vac- Chef Arturo has over 13 years’ experience in the she said. “Everyone should follow all the total number of cases recovered to 224,838. cinated with at least one dose, while 93.9% gastronomic scene, especially in Mexican, Peru- Covid protocols, as Covid-19 is still a threat As per National Covid-19 Vaccination Pro- have received both doses. vian, and Japanese cuisine. to our life and prevalent across the world.” gramme Data: In recent weeks the combined impact of The Taco Tuesday menu is very diversifi ed. Covid-19 restrictions and increasing vacci- Varying between QR25 to QR35 per taco dish, nation rates, and the overwhelming support guests can choose from the Taco Nikkei, which is of the community, has resulted in a consistent the spicy tuna tataki, or the Short Rib Taco, to the reduction in the number of new daily infec- Peruvian Taco, which includes thinly-sliced sea tions in the country. bass and the Picanha taco for the meat lovers. freshing shaken traditional Latin American clas- However, it is still important to be cautious Guests can mix and match between six diff erent sics with plenty of fresh lime, strawberry or even as the second wave is not yet over and there taco dishes, of diff erent fl avours and styles or opt passion fruit. are still two highly contagious and highly for a combination plate for QR180. Toro Toro Doha, which overlooks the Arabian virulent strains of the virus that are actively For an additional QR25 guests can enjoy a re- Gulf, also off ers scenic views, a statement added. circulating in the community. The third phase of the gradual lifting of precautionary restrictions began on July 9, and is part of a four-stage plan to be imple- mented over the coming months. One may visit the MoPH website for regu- MoCI introduces new service for lar updates and new information on the Cov- id-19 situation. supply cards on online platform 88 referred to prosecution for violations of Covid protocols he Ministry of Commerce and Industry apply by submitting the request form through the The designated authorities referred 88 (MoCI) has announced the launch of a new ministry’s website, or by visiting the offi ces of the people to the prosecution for non-compliance Tservice to separate supply cards from fod- Department of Supply and Strategic Inventory, with the preventative and precautionary der disbursement cards, through the supply serv- which are located in Lusail, Al Khor, Al Shamal, Al measures in place in the country to limit the ices platform on its website. Sheehaniya, Umm Slal, and in the Industrial Area. spread of the coronavirus (Covid-19). This initiative is part of the ministry’s eff orts As per the MoCI, it is also possible to apply to Among them, 77 people were referred to the to develop its electronic services and procedures, obtain a Fodder Disbursement Card by attaching prosecution for not wearing masks in places as well as facilitate the services being provided to a certifi cate of livestock possession, issued by the where they are mandatory, and 11 for not citizens. Livestock Department at the MME. adhering to safe distance. Hence it has separated the ration supply service The MoCI recently announced that new servic- The measures are in line with the Cabinet for citizens, and that of disbursing fodder to car- es have been added to the electronic supply serv- decision and Decree Law No 17 of 1990 on riers of a certifi cate of livestock possession, issued ices programme. infectious diseases, and the precautionary by the Ministry of Municipality and Environment The new package of e-services includes the measures in force in the country to contain (MME), given their diff erent purposes and dis- distributor supply programme, Smart Card Read- the spread of Covid-19. bursement sites. er System application, distributor licence renew- The authorities called on the public to adhere The new service allows citizens to issue a fod- al, and distributor information update. to the precautionary measures in place to der card, without aff ecting the rations available This step comes as a continuation of the serv- ensure their safety and the safety of others. in the supply card, a MoCI statement explained ices previously launched, bringing to 24 the total – QNA yesterday. number of electronic supply services provided by To benefi t from the new service, citizens can the MoCI.

Recall of Infi niti and Nissan Patrol models

he Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MoCI), in co-operation with Saleh Al Hamad Al Mana Com- Tpany, has issued recalls of the Infi niti QX80 and Nissan Patrol 2020, due to a possible defect in the fuel pump which could potentially stop the engine. The recall campaign comes within the framework of the MoCI’s continuous eff orts to protect consumers and en- sure that dealers follow up on vehicle defects and repairs. The MoCI said it will co-ordinate with the dealer to fol- low up on the maintenance and repair works. The MoCI urged all customers to report any violations to its Consumer Protection and Anti-Commercial Fraud Department, which processes complaints, inquires and suggestions through the following channels: Call centre: 16001, e-mail: [email protected], Twitter: @MOCIQATAR, Instagram: MOCIQATAR, MoCI mobile app for android and iOS: MOCIQATAR. Gulf Times Monday, August 9, 2021 5 QATAR

Alwadi Hotel MGallery’s Souq Suite beIN launches off ers packed delivers ultimate hotel experience Blending Qatari hospitality with high-end luxury, Alwadi Hotel MGallery’s Souq Suite with sports, entertainment is described as the perfect place to escape the heat this summer. lobal sports and entertainment With soaring views of Doha’s broadcaster, beIN Media Group, has iconic skyline as well as the Glaunched off ers to celebrate the start cultural heart of the city, of a new season of sports, coupled with new Souq Waqif, the 71sqm Souq entertainment content for the entire family. Suite is the ultimate private The various promotions provide pro- hideaway for you and your spective and existing subscribers across all family, a statement said 24 countries in Mena a chance to enjoy up to yesterday. four months of free subscription, or a free The Souq Suite comes with box and free delivery for new subscriptions. a separate living area and The group’s fl agship channel, beIN Sports can be interconnected to will exclusively broadcast sports tourna- other rooms, which makes it ments this summer and beyond, including ideal for families, as well as the European Leagues - Ligue 1 (August 8 a lavishly appointed bathroom, and king-size MyBed will guarantee cocoon-like comfort and peaceful until May 21), Premier League (August 13 night’s sleep. until May 22), La Liga (August 15 until May Within the suite, traditional Qatari and Arabic-inspired features can be seen everywhere, including the 22) and the UEFA Champions League (Sep- inspired décor that takes inspiration from the desert sand and dunes colour schemes and the plush yet tember 14 until May 28). understated furnishings. The channel will also be broadcasting the Rounding out the luxurious experience, the hotel has four popular restaurants and lounges on-site, a US Open tennis (August 30 until Septem- rooftop pool area, and their award-winning, luxurious MSpa. ber 12), the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations at Alwadi Hotel MGallery general manager Hani Akkari said the Souq Suite elevates a guest’s stay to the start of 2022, and the FIFA World Cup “another level.” 2022 Qatar (November 21 until December The movies include family-friendly (on Discovery), and The Walking Dead Sea- “The Souq Suite is perfect for a staycation or guests visiting Doha – it off ers the best of both worlds in 18, 2022). movie Space Jam: A New Legacy, featuring son 11 on Fox are among the other high- terms of luxury and proximity to one of the most vibrant and exciting parts of Doha,” Akkari said. “All The group’s entertainment channels NBA star LeBron James, action thriller and lights. of the Souq Suites have terraces that overlook Souq Waqif, which comes alive each night so you can promise viewers the best in movies, series, beIN Media Group’s Miramax hit Wrath of “We hope our viewers in Mena continue feel immersed in the culture and history of the area – you can almost smell the spices from the Spice kids’ content and more through its beIN Man, featuring actor Jason Statham, and to enjoy our world-class content through- Souq on your private terrace! Movies, beIN Series, beIN Drama, JeemTV, Angelina Jolie’s Those Who Wish Me Dead. out the remainder of the summer season Double reward points are an attraction on stays and dining experience at Alwadi Hotel Doha MGallery Baraem, and beJunior channels amongst America’s Got Talent Season 16 on beIN and beyond”, beIN Mena acting CEO Mo- Hotel Collection before September 15, 2021,” the statement added. others. Series 1, Homestead Rescue Raney Ranch hamed al-Subaie said in a statement.

SIFQ to honour space scientist, hold Qatar Children Science Congress

Science India Forum - Qatar (SIFQ) is headquarters, will talk on India’s space National Children’s Science Congress organising a virtual event on August mission and facilities. Guest of honour, (NCSC) held in India annually by 12 to mark the occasion of the birth Jayant Sahasrabuddhe, will speak on the National Council of Science anniversary of Dr Vikram Sarabhai, Sarabhai’s contribution to the space and Technology Communication. the father of India’s space programme programme. Participating students carry out a under the theme of ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Professionals, researchers, principals, science project under a guide, based Mahotsav’, to commemorate 75 years teachers, students and parents can on the NCSC’s theme and validated by of independence of India. participate in the event from 6.30pm- established scientific methodologies. Dr Essam Heggy, chief scientist, Qatar 8pm on SIFQ YouTube channel. For SIFQ will endorse top two projects Environment and Energy Research students, there will be an online quiz from Qatar and qualifiers get direct Institute and the research director, and certificates will be awarded. participation for NCSC in India. Earth Science Programme will present SIFQ has also announced a Qatar For the benefit of participating a paper on space programmes in Arab Children Science Congress (QCSC), students, an online orientation Regions. a unique hands-on activity where programme is organised on August13 Angeline Premalatha, counsellor (political students get an opportunity to apply from 4pm-5.30pm by Dr Lalit Sharma, & commerce), embassy of India, will be their knowledge of science to address chairman of the National Academic the chief guest. Sudheer Kumar, director the real-life impediments to community Committee, NCSC, India. Applications Capacity Building Programme Off ice, development. for QCSC are open on www.sifq.org for Indian Space Research Organisation This is based on the guidelines of students aged 10-17. Gulf Times 6 Monday, August 9, 2021 WORLD Qatar-based fi rm sues two Trump backers for orchestrating anti-Qatar campaign

“And, third, Defendants relied on a PRNewswire ence the Trump administration on disseminate disinformation aimed at provide them with safe-haven.” Conspiracy was simple — drive gov- vast internet network that utilized con- Los Angeles behalf of Chinese and Malaysian inter- crippling Qatar businesses, including “…As a direct result of the Disin- ernmental and private actors away ests. He was later pardoned by Presi- Qatar’s then-thriving tourism busi- formation Conspiracy, the Mosafer from doing business with Qatar and cocted maligning “hashtags” to ensure dent Trump. Nader is currently, serv- nesses — and, principally, Mosafer. In entities — which were branded to be Qatari-related businesses in an ef- that, when a consumer in California, lawsuit has been fi led by Mosaf- ing a 10-year sentence in federal prison essence, Defendants engaged in infor- synonymous with Qatar, and included fort to cripple the Qatari economy and for example, decided to search the in- er, Inc., in the United States and a lifetime of supervised release. mation warfare, intentionally deceiv- an integrated network of retail, e-com- usurp its business and political oppor- ternet for information about Plaintiff s ADistrict Court in Los Ange- The lawsuit states, “As confi rmed ing the media and consumers through merce, distribution, and travel compa- tunities for the UAE and UAE-related and like businesses, merely includ- les against Elliott Broidy and George by prosecutors, Broidy’s unregistered the use of Internet trolls, fake websites nies — lost existing and prospective businesses. To do so, their campaign ing the word “Qatar” in a search bul- Nader for “illegally orchestrating and foreign lobbying eff orts extended far and infl uencers to manipulate the US customers, including many in Califor- employed conventional print media, lion would fast track that searcher into executing a sophisticated — and se- beyond those that he pled guilty to. public into falsely thinking Qatari nia. Revenue declined precipitously — internet websites, and social media ac- universe of fake news websites, Twitter cret — assault against Qatar and Qa- In March and April 2018, hundreds of businesses were sponsors of terrorist by hundreds of millions of dollars on a counts to publish false and misleading accounts, YouTube accounts, and other tari businesses on behalf of the United pages of documents, which included groups, thereby rendering it impos- global scale, at least 20% of which is information regarding the safety, sta- social-media planted information — all Arab Emirates (UAE).” emails, business proposals and con- sible for Qatari businesses, including attributed to Mosafer’s US entities.” bility and nature of Qatar and Qatari- of which were creatures of manipula- According to the lawsuit, this as- tracts between Broidy and Nader were Mosafer, to maintain a customer base. The lawsuit goes on, “To execute based businesses. Using these me- tion. sault, which included a widespread provided to various news sources, such “Through the Disinformation Con- their Disinformation Conspiracy with diums, Defendants, along with their “Through these coordinated means, disinformation campaign that targeted as to the New York Times and the As- spiracy, Broidy and Nader conspired to these intended catastrophic eff ects, co-conspirators, created an ecosystem Defendants’ Disinformation Conspira- Qatar and Qatari-American business- sociated Press (AP). Upon information represent to the public that: (1) Qatar Broidy and Nader enlisted Broidy’s two that funneled American consumers cy achieved an extraordinary degree of es, was “in violation of numerous re- and belief, these documents show that and Qatari businesses were unstable companies, Broidy Capital Manage- into a vortex designed to drive them success — creating, at the behest of the porting and labeling obligations under Broidy and Nader acted as unregis- and untrustworthy; (2) the political ment, LLC (“BCM”) and Circinus, LLC away from Qatar and any business that UAE, a toxic ecosystem of pervasive, the Foreign Agents Registration Act tered agents of the UAE in violation of state of Qatar was extremely unstable, (“Circinus”) — as well as a network of was affi liated with it. The goal was to infl ammatory, false and misleading (“FARA”), 22 U.S.C. § 611 et seq., and FARA.” rendering travel to and through Qatar contractors and mercenaries: The Iron strangle and starve these businesses information about Qatar and Qatari- other federal and state laws.” “In exchange for hundreds of mil- unsafe; and (3) boycotting Qatar busi- Group Inc., doing business as Ironistic. of consumers, so that in the end, they based businesses and in turn ensuring Mosafer, Inc. is a destination man- lions of dollars, the lawsuit states, nesses was necessary to counteract com, (“Ironistic”), SCL Social Lim- would crumble. that this information was widely dis- agement company for foreign tourists “Broidy and Nader yielded their tre- their terrorism funding activities. ited (“SCL”), Project Associates UK “To accomplish this goal, Defend- seminated in conventional print and from Asia, the European Union, the mendous political infl uence to lobby “…As part of the Disinformation Ltd (“Project Associates”), Matthew ants ensured that, at each step on the broadcast media, internet websites, US, and the Middle East and North United States government offi cials Conspiracy, on September 21, 2017, Atkinson (“Atkinson”), and numerous path toward consuming information and social media. Africa (“MENA”) region. Prior to 2015, to take anti-Qatari positions. Broidy upon information and belief, Broidy others contractors, including a public about Mosafer entities and like busi- “As a direct and intended conse- Mosafer was a recognised global brand and Nader’s eff orts did not stop at orchestrated – through proxies – a aff airs, advocacy, and strategic advi- nesses, the individual seeking informa- quence of this unlawful campaign, synonymous with luxury. The Mosafer mere lobbying, however…Broidy and full page advertisement run in the sory groups (including, for example, tion would be steered directly out the devised and executed by Defendants brand had a presence in Qatar, Saudi Nader’s eff orts went far beyond lob- Washington Post. This advertise- Bullpen Strategy Group, Inc. doing door. Defendants implemented a series Broidy and Nader on behalf of their cli- Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Jor- bying the White House on behalf of ment, which used the same burgundy business as, and formerly known as, of steps to achieve this eff ect. ent UAE, innocent Qatari-related busi- dan, Turkey, and South Africa. It has the UAE….Instead, they spearheaded a color found in both Qatar’s fl ag and Defi ners Corp. (“Defi ners”)), as well “First, Defendants directly, aggres- nesses — including Plaintiff s Mosafer long been one of Qatar’s leading tour- widespread disinformation campaign Mosafer’s branding, stated in big bold as John Does 1-100 (collectively, “De- sively and illegally lobbied members of entities — suff ered catastrophic loss. ism companies and recognised as the (the “Disinformation Conspiracy”) letters “QATAR IS A SAFE HAVEN fendants”). the United States Government to sever Through this lawsuit, the Mosafer en- market leader on innovation. which targeted Qatar and Qatari- FOR TERRORISTS.” The advertise- “Hidden behind aliases, companies, all ties with anything Qatar and eff ec- tities seek to hold Defendants account- Broidy was the former fi nance chair- American businesses — with the goal ment went on to claim that: “It is a contractors, mercenaries, and agents — tively boycott its economy. able for their anticompetitive, decep- man of the Republican National Com- of infl icting catastrophic fi nancial loss well-known fact that Qatar has be- and in violation of numerous reporting “Second, Defendants paid infl uenc- tive, unfair, and unlawful conduct and mittee (RNC), vice chairman of the — using tactics remarkably similar to come a favored safe-haven for terror- and labeling obligations under the For- ers to create conferences to further en- to permanently enjoin them from con- Trump Victory Committee, and top those employed by the Russians during ists from around the world. Over 60 eign Agents Registration Act (“FARA”), grain falsehoods among infl uential US tinuing to perpetrate this conduct.” fund-raiser for Donald Trump. Nad- the 2016 Presidential Election inter- terrorist organizations, individuals or 22 U.S.C. § 611 et seq., and other fed- consumers. At the same time, Defend- Also named in the suit are Capital er was the former adviser to Donald ference.” NGOs . . . are currently either based eral and state laws — Broidy and Nader ants directed infl uencers take to print Management LLC, Circinus LLC, The Trump’s presidential transition team. “… They hired American companies out of or supported by the govern- orchestrated and implemented a vast, media to toe the false narrative they had Iron Group, Inc., Ironistic.com, SCL Broidy pleaded guilty in 2020 to con- (including Broidy’s BCM and Circinus) ment of Qatar.” This advertisement sophisticated campaign against Qatar created in order to ensure that Califor- Social Limited, Project Associates UK spiring to violate foreign lobbying laws and American actors to use conven- was intentionally false and misleading and Qatari-based businesses. nia residents and other consumers were Ltd., Matthew Atkinson and John Does as part of a covert campaign to infl u- tional print media and social media to — Qatar did not support terrorists or “The goal of the Disinformation again, misinformed. 1-100. Tunisian president’s feud with party Saudi to reopen elites drove him to seize power As he was driven to an urgently scheduled government,” the source said. national security meeting with the Meanwhile, the coronavirus pandemic president, Tunisian Prime Minister Hichem was worsening and the government borders for Mechichi was unable to reach the phones response faltered. Both Mechichi and of senior off icers to discuss the coming Ghannouchi, who is 80, fell sick. conversation. On Sunday July 25, Ghannouchi’s first Only when he arrived at the presidential day at work after two weeks of illness, palace in Carthage did Mechichi learn the protests in several cities involved attacks vaccinated truth: President Kais Saied was invoking on Ennahda off ices — violence Saied later emergency powers to dismiss him, freeze cited in declaring emergency powers. parliament and claim executive authority. The president called Ghannouchi at The off icers he had tried to reach were about 5pm, a source close to the Ennahda already there. leader said. The constitution required Umrah pilgrims His moves, labelled a coup by opponents, consultation with the parliament speaker have left Tunisians and foreign states AHEAD OF THE CURVE: President Kais and prime minister. Saied said he did this. wondering about the future of the country Saied. But Ennahda sources said he merely told AFP Umrah permits. crease that to reach two million whose 2011 revolution inspired the Arab Ghannouchi he would roll over a state of Riyadh And last month only around worshippers per month. Spring and then followed a democratic “He is a strongman in a weak position,” emergency in place since 2015. 60,000 inoculated residents Riyadh has spent billions path unmatched by its peers. he said.As the 2019 election approached Mechichi was at his off ice. He had met were allowed to take part in a trying to build a tourism indus- “This is the first time in a long time that after years of economic stagnation, Saied the previous day to discuss the audi Arabia will begin ac- scaled down form of the annual try from scratch, as part of ef- I don’t see things moving in a positive established players such as Ghannouchi’s pandemic and was surprised to receive a cepting vaccinated for- Haj. forts to diversify its oil-reliant direction,” said Safwan al-Misri of moderate Islamist Ennahda party were call at 7pm summoning him to the palace. Seigners wanting to make But the kingdom is slowly economy. Columbia University and the author of a unpopular. The unstable government that “He went off in a hurry without knowing the Umrah pilgrimage, authori- opening up, and has started The kingdom began issuing book on Tunisia. finally emerged from it collapsed within any details,” said an aide. ties said yesterday, a move that welcoming vaccinated foreign tourist visas for the fi rst time Interviews with Tunisian off icials and months and Saied nominated Mechichi Told he had been dismissed, Mechichi will boost an economy hit by tourists since August 1. in 2019 as part of an ambitious others close to major players in the crisis as premier. They quickly fell out over could only accept, the source close to him the Covid pandemic. Foreign pilgrims must be im- push to revamp its global image show how feuding over the political Mechichi’s choice of coalition partners. said, and after the announcement he was Nearly 18 months after it munised with a Saudi-recog- and draw visitors. system culminated in Saied’s intervention. “The president told us he hated treachery. driven home by a security detail. closed its borders to battle nised vaccine — Pfi zer-BioN- Between September 2019 The crisis was set in train by a 2019 And treachery had come from those Saied’s announcement surprised coronavirus, Saudi Arabia will Tech, AstraZeneca, Moderna and March 2020, it issued election in which voters rejected the closest to him,” a senior politician close to Ghannouchi too. Reached by Reuters from today begin “gradually and Johnson & Johnson — and 400,000 of them — only for establishment by choosing Saied, an anti- Saied said. shortly afterwards, he denounced it as a receiving umrah requests from agree to undergo quarantine if the pandemic to crush that corruption independent, and returning a Mechichi did not respond to eff orts by coup. various countries”, the Saudi necessary, the SPA said quoting momentum as borders were deeply fragmented parliament. Reuters to contact him by phone and text Ghannouchi had already spoken with Press Agency (SPA) reported. deputy Haj minister Abdulfat- closed. Saied feuded with Mechichi and message. In January, after a dispute over Mechichi about the protests. After Saied’s The Umrah can be under- tah bin Sulaiman Mashat. The government has acceler- Parliament Speaker Rached Ghannouchi. a reshuff le, Mechichi said he would serve declaration, he tried to call him again but taken at any time and usually He added that the kingdom ated a nationwide vaccination As their quarrel encompassed control of as interior minister — putting himself at could not reach him until 11pm. draws millions from around the was working on determining drive as it moves to revive tour- the security forces — the moment, one the centre of the security apparatus. It He asked Mechichi if he still regarded globe, unlike the annual Haj, the destinations from which ism and other pandemic-hit political source said, that the president meant reconciliation with the president himself as prime minister and asked him which abled-bodied Muslims pilgrims can come and their sectors, such as sport compe- realised he had to act. was impossible, two sources close to to publicly reject Saied’s moves, but the who have the means must per- numbers on a “periodic basis titions and entertainment ex- “Saied was sure the army would stand Saied said, and the pair did not meet for ousted premier gave no clear response, form at least once in their life- according to the classifi cation travaganzas. with him,” said a source close to the two months. an Ennahda source said. time. of preventive measures” in Vaccination is mandatory president. In April, Saied said Interior Ministry forces Already, the streets were filling with the The Covid-19 pandemic those countries. for anyone seeking to enter Saied has provided no clear roadmap belonged under his authority. Mechichi president’s supporters, jubilant that he hugely disrupted both Muslim “I feel relieved about the government and private estab- but he is widely expected to enshrine a responded by appointing an Ennahda seemed to be cracking down on systemic pilgrimages, which are usu- resumption of the Umrah pil- lishments, including education presidential system in a new constitution, ally to head intelligence. At a meeting disarray and stagnation. ally key revenue earners for the grimage,” Ahmed Hamadna, institutions and entertainment ending years of tussling between rival with two political parties, Saied said it Over the next hours, Saied assigned an kingdom that rake in a com- 33, a sales manager in Egypt, venues, as well as to use public branches of state. However, except for showed “Mechichi was there only to serve ally to supervise the interior ministry bined $12bn annually. told AFP. transport. taking over security institutions and the interests of his allies”, one of those while the army surrounded the Tunis Before yesterday’s an- According to the SPA report, Saudi Arabia has registered other key ministries, Saied did not appear present said. parliament, television station and the nouncement, only immu- Saudi Arabia will allow 60,000 nearly 532,000 coronavirus well prepared, said political scientist “It seems that Saied then decided to Government Off ice. nised pilgrims residing in pilgrims to perform Umrah cases and more than 8,300 Mohammed Dhia-Hammami. remove Mechichi and bring down his Saied had outmanoeuvred his opponents. Saudi Arabia were eligible for each month, and gradually in- deaths.

Business as usual, again Tunisia’s vaccine ‘open day’ Saudi begins compensating families against Delta-driven spike Tunisia yesterday launched a Covid-19 vaccination drive for the over-40s, after receiving more than of Covid-19 health worker victims six million doses from abroad to combat surging infections. More than 300 centres across the country held an “open day” for vaccinations, AFP 2020. The offi cial Saudi Press Agency announced the start drawing large crowds, AFP correspondents said. Riyadh of the distribution of funds to the families of those who Tunisia, in the thick of political and economic have died as a result of the pandemic. crises, has received more than six million doses They “gave their lives in the fi ght against the pandemic from Western and Arab countries, and the same audi Arabia has begun compensating the families of to preserve the health and safety of citizens and residents number of additional vaccines are on the way, health workers who died because of the coronavirus, in the kingdom”, SPA said. President Kais Saied said on Thursday. Sstate media reported yesterday, after announcing It is unclear how many health workers have died because Saied, who last month dismissed the government last year that each will receive $133,000. of Covid-19 in Saudi Arabia, where thousands of foreign- — in part due to its alleged bungling of the The kingdom said in October it would distribute ers are employed as medical staff . Covid crisis — and suspended parliament, has “SR500,000 to the families of those who died as a result of More than 29mn does of vaccine have been adminis- announced the establishment of a coronavirus A man takes pictures of shrimps at a fish market in Kuwait City Covid-19 working in the health sectors, be it government tered in the country of 35mn people, the health ministry crisis unit supervised by a high-level military during auction as auctioning resumes in the country after six or private, civilian or military, Saudi or non-Saudi”. announced on Saturday. off icial. Tunisian authorities now aim to have months of closure amid the coronavirus pandemic. (AFP) The country said the decision applies from “the date of Saudi Arabia has registered nearly 533,000 coronavirus vaccinated 50% of the country’s 12-million the fi rst recorded infection” in the country on March 2, cases and more than 8,300 deaths. population with a first jab by mid-October. Gulf Times Monday, August 9, 2021 7 WORLD

CRIME DECISION HEALTH PANDEMIC DATA Thai man charged with Singapore to tweak Wuhan completes Covid Brunei clamps down Vietnam reports record murder of Swiss tourist foreign worker policies tests on 11mn residents after local virus cases 9,690 virus infections

A Thai man was charged with the murder of a The Singapore government will adjust foreign work- Authorities in the central Chinese city of Wuhan Brunei imposed strict curbs to halt the spread of Vietnam’s health ministry reported 9,690 coronavirus Swiss woman whose body was found near a wa- er policies to address concerns among locals over yesterday said they had completed citywide Covid-19, after finding its first locally transmitted infections yesterday, a record daily increase and up terfall on the tourist island of Phuket, police said competition for jobs, even as the global business testing of more than 11mn people for Covid-19 cases in the country in over a year. Seven com- from 7,334 cases on Saturday. Most of the new infec- yesterday. The body of Nicole Sauvain-Weisskopf, hub remains open to talent from overseas, its prime after a resurgence of cases more than a year after munity infections were found, the health ministry tions were detected in the epicentre Ho Chi Minh 57, was found covered with a sheet on Thursday. minister said yesterday. “We have to adjust our poli- the coronavirus first emerged there. The tests - said, leading the government to close all places of City and the neighbouring provinces of Binh Duong She had travelled to Phuket under a “sandbox” cies to manage the quality, numbers and concentra- which began on Tuesday - provide “basically full worship and postpone social events for two weeks. and Dong Nai, the ministry said. Vietnam success- pilot scheme that allows vaccinated tourists tions of foreigners in Singapore,” Lee Hsien Loong coverage” of all residents in the city except for Mass events were also limited to groups of 30 peo- fully contained the virus for much of last year but into Phuket without a two-week quarantine. said in his National Day Message. “If we do this children under the age of six and students on ple over this period as school classes were moved has since late April been faced with a surge in cases Thai national Theerawut Tortip, 27, was arrested well, we can continue to welcome foreign workers their summer break, senior Wuhan off icial Li Tao online and restaurants barred from serving dine-in. fuelled by the highly contagious Delta variant. The and charged with murder and robbery causing and new immigrants, as we must.” Foreign labour told a press conference, according to the state- The sultanate has largely remained coronavirus free, country has recorded 210,405 Covid-19 infections death, deputy national police spokesman Kissana has long been a hot button issue in Singapore, but run Xinhua. By Saturday, the city had recorded 37 logging only three deaths since the pandemic be- since the pandemic began, with at least 3,397 deaths, Phathanacharoen said during a press conference. uncertainties due to the Covid-19 pandemic have locally transmitted Covid-19 cases and found 41 gan. More than half of its 347 infections so far were according to the ministry’s data. Vietnam, with a Theerawut said he had taken roughly 300 baht increased employment worries among locals as the local asymptomatic carriers in the latest round of imported, with tight border controls and quarantine population of 98mn, has so far administered nearly ($9) after strangling Sauvain-Weisskopf. city-state recovers from last year’s record recession. mass testing, Xinhua reported. measures keeping the virus’s spread in check. 8.9mn vaccine doses. Australia’s Queueing up for Covid vaccine east coast struggles with Delta outbreaks

Reuters ca available to people aged 18-39 Melbourne at nine of its state-run clinics and set up Australia’s fi rst drive- through vaccination hub. ustralia’s three most The federal Health Minister, populous states of New Greg Hunt, told the ABC the gov- ASouth Wales, Victoria ernment’s “expectation” was the and Queensland reported a total fi rst million doses of the Moder- of 282 Covid-19 new locally ac- na vaccine would be available in quired infections yesterday, with the middle of September, assum- authorities struggling to quell ing approval from the Therapeu- outbreaks of the Delta variant. tic Goods Administration. NSW reported 262 fresh cases, The number of all vaccine dos- down from the pandemic high of es available in Australia is sched- 319 seen on Saturday, with more uled to peak in November, with than 5mn people in Sydney re- almost 19mn doses on off er that gions along the coastline under month, comprising 10mn Pfi zer, a lockdown for six weeks already. 5mn AstraZeneca and 4mn Mod- “I urge everybody to please erna, an updated campaign plan stick to the rules, the health ad- states. vice, and only leave home if you Australia’s chief medical of- absolutely have to,” NSW Pre- fi cer, Prof Paul Kelly, said Mod- mier Gladys Berejiklian said. erna had been approved around People queue up to get inoculated with the Sinopharm Covid-19 vaccine during a mass vaccination camp at Kholamora in Keraniganj district, Bangladesh. One woman in her 80s has the world and was essentially an died overnight bringing the total mRNA vaccine similar to Pfi zer. number of deaths in the current Approval here was just “a matter outbreak to 28. of time”, he said yesterday. There are 362 people in hospi- Hunt said TGA approval of tal in NSW, with 58 in intensive Sotrovimab – a treatment used care. for some Covid patients – was Of the people in intensive care, also expected in the next fort- 54 were unvaccinated. night. Neighbouring Victoria re- The federal government has ported 11 new locally acquired bought 7,700 doses of the anti- Alibaba suspends several coronavirus cases, as the state body treatment. remains under a seven-day strict Kelly said the treatment would lockdown imposed earlier this be administered predominantly week. Queensland recorded nine to Covid patients who were not new local cases. vaccinated. With the highly transmissi- “It will be mostly for people ble Delta variant plaguing Aus- who are at highest risk of severe staff after assault claims tralia’s east coast, states have disease, and it needs to be given applied the “go hard, go early” early in the treatment course,” Reuters were investigating the incident. sponses to her account fi guring from the hotel showed that her posted on its intranet. snap lockdown approach, sug- he said.“So it will be very useful Shanghai “Alibaba Group has a zero- among the top-trending items boss entered the room four times “It is not just human resourc- gested by the federal government in certain circumstances, but it’s tolerance policy against sexual on Weibo as yesterday morning. over the course of the evening, es who should apologise. The last week until at least 70% of the not for everyone.” misconduct, and ensuring a safe The woman, who did not re- she added. related business department population gets vaccinated. Hunt also confi rmed yesterday hinese e-commerce giant workplace for all our employ- veal her identity, alleged that Upon returning to Hangzhou, managers also hold responsibili- Only about a fi fth of peo- that the Morrison government Alibaba Group Holding ees is Alibaba’s top priority,” a her boss coerced her into going she said she reported the inci- ty and should apologise for their ple aged over 16 have been fully would allocate an additional Cyesterday said it has sus- spokesperson said in a state- on a business trip with him to dent to human resources and silence and failure to respond in vaccinated so far, mainly due to $17.7mn in mental health support pended several staff following ment. meet one of her team’s clients in upper management on August 2, a timely manner,” Zhang wrote. scarce supply of Pfi zer shots and for people battling through pro- an employee’s allegations on the “We have suspended relevant the city of Jinan, about 900kms asking her boss be fi red and for “Starting from me, start- public unease about the Astra- tracted lockdowns. company’s intranet that she was parties suspected of violating from Alibaba’s headquarters in time off . ing from management, starting Zeneca vaccine. The health minister encour- sexually assaulted by her boss our policies and values, and have Hangzhou. While human resources ini- from human resources, every- The government yesterday aged Australians to remain hope- and a client. established a special internal According to the woman, on tially agreed, ultimately they did one at Alibaba must empathise, said the Moderna vaccine will ful and to seek help if they were The woman’s account, pub- task force to investigate the issue the evening of July 27, the client not follow through, she said. refl ect, and take action.” be available in Australia from fi nding conditions diffi cult. lished via an eleven-page PDF and support the ongoing police assaulted her. Alibaba CEO Daniel Zhang Alibaba announced on its in- mid-September adding to the In Melbourne, the Victorian that went on to circulate widely investigation.” After consuming alcohol, she responded to the uproar late on tranet that the woman’s super- country’s use of AstraZeneca and premier, Daniel Andrews, con- online, prompted a social media Late on Saturday, a female Al- woke up in a hotel room the fol- Saturday on the company’s in- visor, her contact at human re- Pfi zer. fi rmed another 11 cases in the storm on China’s Twitter-like ibaba staff er’s account of an in- lowing day and no memory of ternal message board, according sources, and direct management The announcement came as state with all of the new infec- microblogging website Weibo. cident she said took place while what happened the evening be- to a person who saw the post, of those individuals had been the Victorian government re- tions linked to the Hobsons Bay Police in the city of Jinan said on a business trip went viral on fore. though the company did not placed on suspension, according vealed it would make AstraZene- cluster. yesterday morning that they Chinese social media, with re- CCTV footage she obtained offi cially disclose the material to the person who saw the posts. Myanmar protesters mark Factory blaze Kim calls for relief 1988 uprising anniversary work in fl ood-hit areas Reuters ing but party offi cials conveyed Seoul his message that the military AFP pro-democracy movement that receiving the Nobel Peace Prize. should kick off a relief campaign Yangon the military violently quelled by A shadow “National Unity and provide necessary supplies opening fi re on protesters and Government” — formed largely orth Korean leader Kim in the region, KCNA said. jailing thousands. of MPs from her ousted party — Jong-un has mobilised the “It was also emphasised that yanmar protesters yes- Following the calls of an online vowed in a statement yesterday Nmilitary to carry out relief he called for awakening and terday marked the an- campaign, red-clad protesters to continue the fi ght for democ- work in areas recently hit by heavy arousing the (party) offi cials... Mniversary of a 1988 pro- yesterday fl ashed an eight-fi nger racy. rains, state media said yesterday, into waging the recovery cam- democracy uprising that brought salute and carried banners that British ambassador to Myan- amid concerns over an economic paign skilfully and unyieldingly,” Aung San Suu Kyi to prominence, read: “Let’s return the old blood mar Peter Vowles also expressed crisis and food shortage. KCNA said. with fl ash mobs and marches of debt of 1988 in 2021.” support for the anti-junta move- The ruling Worker’s Party’s KCNA said the military com- defi ance against the ruling junta. “In 1988, our country sac- ment. Central Military Commission mission explored emergency The country has been in tur- rifi ced a lot - many people lost “The UK stood by the people held a meeting of its chapter in measures to rebuild the disaster- moil since the military coup in their lives. But the dictatorship is of Myanmar in 1988 and we stand the eastern province of South stricken areas, stabilise people’s February - more than 900 peo- still alive,” said Ko Sai Win, who by them today in 2021,” he said in Hamgyong to discuss damage living, prevent the coronavirus ple have been killed and thou- joined a morning protest in Man- a video posted on the British em- and recovery from the down- and minimise crop injuries. sands arrested in the subsequent dalay. bassy’s offi cial Twitter account. pour, the offi cial KCNA news The meeting came amid con- crackdown on dissent, according “It is like a black shadow on The 1988 uprising was argu- agency said. An early monsoon cerns over a crisis in a reclusive to a local monitoring group. our country.” ably the most signifi cant chal- season arrived on the Korean pe- economy that has already been But protesters remain un- The 1988 uprising heralded the lenge to junta rule at the time. ninsula last month, with torren- dogged by international sanc- deterred, taking to the streets rise of Suu Kyi, who had returned Security measures were tial rains also infl icting damage tions, aimed at curbing its nu- daily in lightning-quick rallies to Myanmar just before protests stepped up for the anniversary, in some southern regions. clear and weapons programmes. to demand the end to the State kicked off to care for her ailing said a statement from the junta’s North Korean state TV re- Kim said in June the country Administration Council - as the mother. information team yesterday. leased footage this week show- faced a “tense” food situation, junta’s so-called “caretaker” Thanks to her stature as the Authorities said they arrested ing submerged houses and de- citing the coronavirus pandemic government has dubbed itself. daughter of General Aung San, two men and seized a cache of stroyed bridges and railroads in and last year’s typhoons, and Flash mobs yesterday popped who fought for independence weapons in Mandalay, which in- Firefighters work to douse a fire at a Nebico Biscuit Hamgyong, saying some 1,170 recently South Korea’s central up across Yangon and second against the British, and her rous- cluded scores of guns, more than Factory inside Balaju Industrial area in Kathmandu, homes were devastated and bank said North Korea’s econo- city Mandalay to commemorate ing speeches, Suu Kyi emerged 10,000 bullets and more than Nepal. 5,000 people evacuated. my suff ered its biggest contrac- the 1988 uprising — a massive as a pro-democracy icon, later 160 bombs and grenades. Kim did not attend the meet- tion in 23 years in 2020. Gulf Times 8 Monday, August 9, 2021 WORLD US teachers union backs vaccine mandate

Top health off icial says US ‘failing’ on Covid-19 response raise labour tensions in unionised sonnel in the schools, anyone – has set records nearly every day requiring masks for students as servative areas, remain sceptical workplaces. get them vaccinated. Protect the for the past week. they return to full-day, in-per- about the vaccines and refuse to Reuters/AFP sonal conscience,” she said. California, New York and Vir- kids with a shield of vaccinated “Things in Florida aren’t just son learning was reckless, telling be inoculated or wear face masks. Washington The number of children hos- ginia are also requiring all state people,” he said in a separate bad – they’re epically bad,” car- CBS News’ Face the Nation pro- “We would not be in the place pitalised with Covid-19 is ris- employees to get inoculated, and interview on NBC, noting that diologist Dr Jonathan Reiner, a gramme: “No business would do we are right now with this Delta ing across the country, a trend New Jersey is requiring some paediatric hospitals are fi lling up George Washington University that responsibly, and yet that’s surge if we had been more eff ec- oronavirus (Covid-19) health experts attribute to the workers in healthcare to take the with Covid-19 cases. professor, told CNN yesterday, what we’re going to be doing in tive in getting everybody” vac- vaccinations should be Delta variant being more likely to vaccine. The United States has reported noting that its case rate was be- some schools.” cinated, Collins said. “Now we’re Crequired for US teachers infect children than the original Becky Pringle, president of the more than 100,000 new cases a hind only Louisiana and Bot- He also urged schools and paying a terrible price.” to protect students who are too Alpha strain. largest US teachers’ union, the day on average for the past two swana. “If Florida was another families to utilise higher-quality He expressed exasperation young to be inoculated, the head Almost 90% of educators and National Education Association, days, a six-month high, accord- country, the United States would masks such as N95s to protect that the debates over vaccine and of the nation’s second-largest school staff are vaccinated, ac- told the New York Times last week ing to a Reuters tally. consider banning travel from against the more contagious Del- mask-wearing had become po- teachers’ union said yesterday, cording to a White House state- that any Covid-19 vaccine man- About 400 people a day on av- Florida... it’s going to get much ta variant, noting that Utah was liticised. shifting course to back mandated ment echoed by Weingarten in date should be negotiated at the erage are dying. worse there.” providing KN95 masks for every “We don’t really need to be po- shots as more children fall ill. other television interviews last local level. Hospitalisations are the high- Despite the surge, Florida student. larised about a virus that’s kill- “The circumstances have week. Dr Anthony Fauci, the nation’s est since last February. Governor Ron DeSantis has re- A top public health offi cial ing people. We ought to be doing changed,” Randi Weingarten, A growing number of compa- top infectious disease offi cial, The US South remains the fused to mandate masks and has warned yesterday that the coun- everything we can to save lives. president of the American Fed- nies and state governments are said it is critical to surround chil- epicentre of the latest outbreak, blocked school districts from try is “failing”. And that means get the vaccine. eration of Teachers, told NBC mandating Covid-19 vaccina- dren with vaccinated and masked with Florida reporting a record of requiring them, despite the state “We should not really have And that means wear the mask News’ Meet the Press programme. tions. people in schools and elsewhere nearly 24,000 new cases on Sat- leading the nation in paediat- ever got to the place we are,” when you’re indoors in a crowded “It weighs really heavily on me United Airlines, meatpacker until shots are approved for urday, according to data from the ric hospitalisations based on its Francis Collins, director of the space.” that kids under 12 can’t get vac- Tyson Foods Incorporated, and them. Centres for Disease Control and population. National Institutes of Health, He added: “This is not a po- cinated.” Microsoft are requiring employ- “You surround them with Protection (CDC). Former Food and Drug Admin- said on ABC’s This Week. “In that litical statement or an invasion “I felt the need ... to stand up ees get vaccinated, moves that those who can be vaccinated, The number of Covid-19 pa- istration (FDA) commissioner regard, yes, we are failing.” of your liberties. This is a life- and say this as a matter of per- experts said were legal but could whoever they are – teachers, per- tients fi lling the state’s hospitals Dr Scott Gottlieb said that not Millions, especially in con- saving medical device.”

Ex-Justice California Dept head wildfi re ‘reveals spreads

Trump’s AFP/Reuters election Washington he monstrous Dixie Fire in northern California con- pressure’ Ttinued to grow overnight, making it the second-largest wildfi re in state history as thou- Reuters sands of people continued to fl ee Washington advancing fl ames, authorities said yesterday. As of early yesterday it had onald Trump mounted destroyed 463,477 acres (187,562 an intense pressure cam- hectares), up from the previous Dpaign on the US Justice day’s 447,723 acres. Department to overturn his It now covers an area larger election defeat in his fi nal weeks Taking steps than Los Angeles, and roughly in offi ce, the department’s head Nurses and healthcare workers the size of the Hawaiian island during that time testifi ed to law- distribute backpacks to children of Maui. makers, a senior Senate Demo- during a back-to-school event The Dixie blaze is the larg- crat said yesterday. off ering school supplies, est active wildfi re in the United Former acting attorney- coronavirus (Covid-19) States, but one of only 11 major general Jeff rey Rosen provided vaccinations, face masks, and wildfi res in California. “invaluable” testimony during other resources for children and Over the weekend it surpassed seven hours of closed-door tes- their families at the Weingart the 2018 Mendocino Complex timony on Saturday, in which he East Los Angeles YMCA in Los Fire to make it the second-worst implicated Trump in an attempt Angeles. fi re in state history, the authori- to subvert the election result, ties said. Senate Judiciary Committee Right: California Governor Gavin The blaze, which on Saturday Chair Dick Durbin told CNN’s Newsom steps over fallen power left three fi refi ghters injured, State of the Union. lines while surveying downtown remained 21 % contained yes- According to Durbin, Rosen Greenville. With him is Assistant terday, unchanged from the day testifi ed that Trump directly Region Chief for Cal Fire Curtis before, the CalFire website re- pressured him to falsely assert Brown. ported. that continuing election fraud Crews estimate the fi re, which investigations cast doubt on began July 13, will not fi nally be President Joe Biden’s victory. extinguished before August 20. “It was real. Very real. And it Weak winds and higher hu- was very specifi c,” Durbin said midity were providing some suc- of Trump’s pressure on Rosen. cour to fi refi ghters, but they are “The former president is not bracing for higher temperatures subtle when he wants some- expected to exceed 100° Fahren- thing.” heit (38 Celsius) by midweek. Durbin, a Democrat from Illi- On Saturday, the Plumas nois who chairs the Senate Judi- County sheriff ’s offi ce said it ciary Committee, praised Rosen, had received descriptions of fi ve a conservative lawyer, for his people considered missing in voluntary co-operation with the Greenville and was searching for committee’s ongoing investiga- them. tion into Trump’s actions after Five other missing people the election. were confi rmed found on Sat- “I have to say history is going urday. to very kind to Mr. Rosen when The Dixie Fire has already de- this is all over. When he was ini- stroyed 404 structures – gutting tially appointed, I didn’t think the historic town of Greenville, that was the case. I was wrong,” about 160 miles north of Sacra- Durbin said, adding: “It’s a good mento – and CalFire said work- thing for America we had some- ers are being deployed in an ef- one like Rosen in that position.” fort to save homes in the towns Rosen’s testimony came a of Crescent Mills and Hunt val- week after a House of Repre- ley. sentatives committee released By late July, the number of Justice Department documents acres burned in California was showing Trump had urged top up more than 250% from 2020 – offi cials last year to falsely claim itself the worst year of wildfi res his election defeat was “cor- in the state’s modern history. rupt”. Brazil’s President Jair Bolsonaro (in front, wearing a white helmet) A local government employee shares hands sanitiser with a pedestrian while holding up a sign The state’s eight largest wild- “Just say that the election leads a motorcade rally in Brasilia yesterday. promoting the use of the face mask, as the coronavirus (Covid-19) outbreak continues in Mexico City. fi res have all come since Decem- was corrupt + leave the rest to ber 2017. me and the R. Congressmen,” Trump told Rosen, referring to Republicans, in a December 27 phone call, according to hand- written notes taken by a Rosen aide. Covid-19 variant is ‘no joke’: young Mexicans warn from hospital The notes showed that Rosen told Trump the department could not and would not “change AFP did not want to give his full The country has registered Victoria, the head of nursing at beds and 58% of those equipped Lopez, who is expected to be the outcome of the election”. Coacalco, Mexico name. nearly 3mn confi rmed cases the hospital in Coacalco. with ventilators are available, discharged soon, said he had Durbin said in the CNN in- He is one of 16 coronavirus since the pandemic began, of Although people aged be- according to the government. seen on social media that friends terview that his committee also patients being treated in the which around 138,000 are ac- tween 18 and 29 began to be vac- Almost 50mn people in the were going out more, despite the wants testimony from former hen Diego started go- same hospital in Coacalco. tive. cinated in late July, it was too late country of 126mn have received risks. attorney-general Bill Barr, who ing out again to meet Unlike during the fi rst two Experts say the latest wave of for some of the patients at the at least one dose of a coronavi- “It was very easy to see that Rosen replaced during the fi nal Wfriends he never ex- waves of the pandemic, most of infections is due to the arrival of clinic, he said. rus vaccine, and 27mn of them they were in a (nightspot) or at a weeks of Trump’s presidency. pected to be among a growing the sick are in their 20s and 30s. the Delta variant of the virus, as “We’ve been able to discharge are fully vaccinated, the health party as if nothing was happen- Barr stepped down in Decem- number of young Mexicans hos- Mexico’s offi cial Cov- well as reduced social distanc- most of them, but we have also ministry says. ing,” he said. ber, shortly after the Electoral pitalised by a highly-contagious id-19 death toll, of more than ing, particularly among younger had many deaths of young peo- Hector Lopez, a 26-year-old Mayra Jimenez, another pa- College confi rmed Trump’s loss coronavirus (Covid-19) variant 244,000, is the fourth highest Mexicans. ple,” Victoria said. “I don’t know computer programmer who is tient, believes the Delta variant to Biden. driving another wave of infec- in the world, and the actual fi g- The Mexico City authorities if as a society we are failing, if also hospitalised for Covid-19, is so infectious that anyone who Barr had angered Trump by tions. ure is believed to be signifi cantly on Friday ruled out imposing the government is failing. Shop- said that in hindsight his family has avoided catching it without not supporting his false claims “I let my guard down, think- higher. any new lockdown measures, ping centres are open, cinemas, was not careful enough: “Usu- taking extra care is very lucky. that the November 3 election ing that I wasn’t going to catch The government says that is despite the health ministry rais- sports centres. It complicates ally I don’t go out. The problem “We didn’t go to parties or result had been tainted by wide- it, but in the end I did,” the partly a refl ection of the coun- ing the capital’s alert status to things.” is, my relatives do.” gatherings,” said the 39-year- spread fraud. 20-year-old student told AFP at try’s large population, but is also the highest level. Thanks to vaccinations, hos- “I had been taking care of old, who is using a medical de- Multiple courts, state elec- a private clinic in a suburb north due to the prevalence of under- “Right now it seems that nei- pitalisations remain far below a myself. I hadn’t gone out un- vice to help her lungs recover. tion offi cials and members of of Mexico City. lying health problems, includ- ther the government nor anyone peak seen in January when oc- less it was necessary,” he added, “Fortunately, I came through it Trump’s administration rejected “This is no joke. It’s a pretty ing obesity, hypertension and is interested in making people cupancy rose above 90%. as machines monitored his vital okay, but there are people who those claims as unfounded. cruel disease,” said Diego, who diabetes. stay at home again,” said Jesus Now around half of general signs. are in a really bad way.” Gulf Times Monday, August 9, 2021 9 WORLD 70 racist incidents recorded at UK asylum accommodation

Guardian News and Media porting asylum seekers in such Penally barracks in Pembroke- September and December 2020 – seekers living there reveal a cata- had asked to buy pigeon scarers members of the organisation say London accommodation say the fi gure is shire, Wales, was closed in March with 12 occurring so far this year. logue of disturbing episodes, in- to mimic the sound of gun fi re and they posed as journalists to con- a signifi cant underestimation of – despite only being opened in This is despite the barracks be- cluding an attempt to ram a refu- frighten the asylum seekers. front asylum seekers. the true picture. The data, which September 2020 – along with ing temporarily emptied in April gee with a car. The number of incidents re- One asylum seeker from Yem- he Home Offi ce has record- covers January 1, 2020, until July 13 Napier, in Folkestone, Kent. after the coronavirus outbreak. Others include: stones and corded in hotels has tripled this en experienced two incidents in- ed 70 racist incidents by this year, involves incidents in the Hotels have been used There are now thought to be bottles being thrown, rape year, with 40 examples reported, volving far-right protesters at his Tfar-right supporters against much-maligned Napier and Pe- throughout the period but their 176 asylum seekers living there. threats, attempts to start fi ghts, up from 13 last year. Home Offi ce-provided hotel on asylum seekers in barracks and ho- nally barracks – which have been use for asylum seekers increased Just one incident at Penally bar- fi reworks shot through the gate, On Saturday, the far-right or- the outskirts of London. tel accommodation, according to a under intense scrutiny by MPs sharply after the start of the Cov- racks was reported to the Home and eggings. ganisation Britain First posted “They were driving around freedom of information response after their untenable conditions id pandemic in March 2020. Offi ce last year and none in 2021. According to witness state- a video on its website headlined the hotel recording us on video,” obtained by the Guardian. were revealed, as well as a large- In Napier barracks, four in- However, witness statements ments, a farm shop in the area said ‘Britain First exposes an illegal he said. “They were insulting us, However, campaigners sup- scale Covid outbreak in the former. cidents were recorded between from legal challenges by asylum some of the far-right supporters immigrant hotel in Hull’ in which swearing at us,” he added. ‘Lost generation’ All lit up fears as Covid locks out India’s poor students

AFP work, many families have had Kodagu little choice but to make chil- dren drop their books to help make ends meet. S Satheesha spells out Anecdotal evidence suggests “A-P-P-L-E” into his that there has been an increase C phone as he teaches re- in child marriage – meaning one motely from the only place he less mouth to feed – and traf- can get a signal – a treehouse fi cking too. in his back garden in southern The fear is that many children India. will not return to education even In the Kodagu district of Kar- when schools eventually reo- nataka state, eight-year-old pen, creating a “lost generation” Shreeshma listens to Sathee- of unqualifi ed young people. sha’s WhatsApp voice notes on “If they feel they cannot catch her mother’s phone on her porch up, they’re less likely to go back and repeats sentences such as: to school,” said Terry Durnnian, “This is a cat.” chief of education, Unicef India. The Clock Tower is seen illuminated for the first time in Indian tricolour at Lal Chowk in Srinagar, ahead of India’s 75th Independence Day celebrations. According to a report earlier At 60 weeks and counting, this year by Unicef, only one in only fi ve other countries have four children in India has access seen schools shut for longer to digital devices and the In- than India, aff ecting 320mn ternet. Many families have sold children, according to Unesco. their belongings or taken out The continued closures con- loans to buy smartphones for trast with restrictions easing on their children to continue their most other areas of activity in education. India. In some rural areas, children Bablu Baghel in Agra – home have been trekking miles up hills to the Taj Mahal – saw his India showers cash on and through snake-infested monthly income of Rs20,000 jungles to try and connect to ($270) all but dry up along with their teachers. visitors to India’s top tourist at- Jean Dreze, a welfare econo- traction. mist, said the situation is bound The taxi driver’s three chil- to exacerbate the already “ex- dren have to share his mobile treme inequalities” in access to phone to remotely attend their Olympic hero Chopra education that reinforce India’s classes. class, caste and gender divi- He cannot aff ord to buy an- AFP Chopra a Rs60mn ($800,000) “If the fi rst throw is good, in for a bonus, said India had to winners can expect big cash re- sions. other device. New Delhi bonus. then you grow in confi dence. make its athletes “heroes so that wards for their return, with the “By and large, privileged chil- “This is all we have,” Baghel Other state governments of- My second throw was also sta- we transform ourselves from a IOA off ering $53,750 for a silver, dren are able to continue learn- said, adding that mobile data fered another $400,000 be- ble,” Chopra told reporters of the sport loving nation to a sport- and $33,500 for a bronze. ing through online education. charges – once the world’s ndian companies and gov- tween them and a leading throw in the second round that playing nation”. India’s cricket board said For poor children, however, on- cheapest – have soared, hiking ernments promised cash and education company promised won the title. The Indian cricket board, the they would give $168,000 to the line education is a fi ction, and the price of streaming lessons. Igifts worth more than $2mn $270,000. “I wasn’t sure of the gold (af- BCCI, and the Chennai Super men’s hockey team for its bronze no other arrangements have Imran Salmani, a barber in to javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra Chopra said he hoped the ter that eff ort), but knew I had Kings Indian Premier League medal — the fi rst in four dec- been made for them in most Agra, saw his earnings shrink after he won India’s fi rst ever Ol- Olympic gold would be a turn- thrown my best. team vowed to give $135,000 ades. states,” Dreze said. 80% and now cannot aff ord to ympic athletics gold medal. ing point for his country’s ath- “We can’t bring thoughts of each and Chopra will also get And state governments also Even before the pandemic, re-enrol his two daughters in The 23-year-old farmer’s son, letes. gold into our minds (during the $100,000 from the Indian Ol- promised hundreds of thou- more than 6mn Indian girls and the new school year. who two years ago underwent “In athletics, I feel we have competition). Such thoughts ympic Association. sands to the team. boys were already not going to “I want to go back to school,” surgery on a career-threatening missed medals by fi ne margins are dangerous, then there is Other firms offered After wrestler Mirabai Chanu school, according to Unicef. said Salmani’s nine-year-old elbow injury, threw 87.58 metres over the years. So this medal was a risk that we may not put free air travel, luxury gave India a silver on day one Almost 30 % of those who did daughter Aliya. in the Tokyo Olympic stadium important,” he said. the required eff ort. cars and cash gifts of the competition and said go dropped out, with rates for Their school sends WhatsApp on Saturday to send his country “Now that I have won, I feel “Now I want to achieve that took Chopra’s she craved pizza, a well-known girls and for children from the images in lieu of lessons, with into raptures. we can do anything.” the 90-metre mark as soon bonus over $2mn and chain said it would give her pizza most marginalised communities parents expected to teach their Chopra led India’s most suc- Chopra was up against the as possible,” he added. more was expected for life. higher still. children and submit videos of cessful Olympics ever with a previously in-form Johannes Byju Raveendran, before he re- India’s other medallists were The pandemic and the heavy their classwork, a task both have gold, two silver medals and four Vetter of Germany who had owner of the turns to In- male wrestler Ravi Dahiya, who blow to the Indian economy – struggled with. bronze. thrown a season’s best of 96.29 Byju’s edu- dia. won silver, while badminton ace and to the poor who have suf- “I want to give my daughters He will lead a cash bonanza metres before the Olympics, cation tech All of P V Sindhu, wrestler Bajrang fered most of all – have only all the opportunities I never for the winning athletes - the but had an off day and failed to company the In- Punia, boxer Lovlina Borgohain made things worse. got,” Salmani said. “We are not government in his home state qualify for the throw-off as one that is dian and the men’s hockey team won With breadwinners out of managing to keep up.” of Haryana said it would give of the top eight. chipping medal bronzes. Hammond accused of Anger grows Halifax launches breaking ministerial code mortgage at 0.83% Guardian News and Media and Protection, said: “Where London the UK’s largest mortgage lender Guardian News and Media Roxburgh – the Treasury’s sec- infl uence policy or secure busi- goes, others will surely follow.” London ond most senior civil servant – to ness on behalf of OakNorth”. But he cautioned: “These tell him of a “toolkit” OakNorth The ministerial code also says alifax has fi red the lat- headline grabbers often come had developed to assess possible former ministers “must abide by est salvo in the price war with signifi cant setup fees and he former chancellor borrowers. the advice of the committee”. Hbetween mortgage lend- Halifax are about the only high Philip Hammond has An attachment to the mes- Labour’s deputy leader, An- ers with the launch of a two-year street lender still charging for Tbeen accused by Labour sage contained OakNorth’s pitch, gela Rayner, said Hammond had fi xed-rate deal priced at 0.83%. a basic valuation, which means of breaking the ministerial code, and Hammond asked Roxburgh broken the ministerial code and The announcement of the ul- that for many people the cheap- after reportedly writing to the to “pass it on to anyone else who called for an investigation by the tra-low rate, which is available est deal overall often lies else- Treasury to advocate for a bank might be appropriate”, the news- cabinet secretary. via mortgage brokers from to- where.” he is a paid adviser for. paper said. The communication “Hammond has entirely disre- day to those wishing to take out Lewis Shaw, the founder of The former MP, who is now a came under scrutiny because garded the conditions that were a loan worth up to 60% of the broker Shaw Financial Services, Conservative peer, became the Labour claimed it violated an ex- made clear to him when he took value of their home, comes amid said Halifax’s rate was “stupen- latest fi gure embroiled in ques- plicit ban imposed on Hammond the job with OakNorth Bank,” a fl urry of rate cutting by some of dously low”. tions over lobbying, following after he left the government in she said. “If the rules are treated the UK’s biggest lenders. “I’ve never seen anything like a government-commissioned July 2019 when Theresa May with such derision by the former Last month, HSBC and TSB this in all the years I’ve been review which found the rules re- stepped down and was replaced as chancellor then the whole system both announced two-year mort- broking,” he said.“What this re- garding access and infl uence of prime minister by Boris Johnson. is rotten.” gages at 0.94% and Nationwide ally tells us isn’t that lenders are politicians and senior civil serv- A letter from the Advisory A spokesperson for OakNorth building society became the fi rst wanting a rate war, more that ants “worked well”. Committee on Business Ap- said the bank was off ering to off er a fi ve-year deal below 1%. lenders are as keen as mustard Since leaving the Commons, pointments – which advises help for free to the UK govern- Halifax’s mortgage comes with to get super low risk business Lord Hammond has taken on frontbenchers and those who ment during the height of the a fee of £1,499 and is available on their books, probably to bal- several roles, including as a non- have recently stepped down on pandemic.“There was absolutely for purchases between £250,000 ance out the higher loan to value executive director of OakNorth what activities they can and can- no reference of payment in the to £1mn. lending they’ve had their hands International bank. not use their positions for – re- presentation that was sent and it It joins a rising number of sub- forced into.” In an e-mail sent during the portedly told Hammond that for was made explicit in the discus- People attend a candlelight vigil to protest against the 1% deals for borrowers with large The competition to attract fi rst few months of the Covid two years after quitting he should sions we had with the Treasury alleged rape and murder of a nine-year-old girl in New deposits. borrowers comes amid signs that crisis, the Sunday Telegraph said not make use of his “government that this would be pro bono,” Delhi, India, yesterday. Rhys Schofi eld, managing di- Britain’s house price boom is Hammond contacted Charles and/or ministerial contacts to they added. rector at broker Peak Mortgages cooling. Gulf Times 10 Monday, August 9, 2021 COMMENT

CHAIRMAN Abdullah bin Khalifa al-Attiyah EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Faisal Abdulhameed al-Mudahka Deputy Managing Editor K T Chacko P.O.Box 2888, Doha, Qatar [email protected] 44350478 (News), 44466404 (Sport), 44466636 (Home delivery) 44350474 facebook.com/gulftimes twitter.com/gulftimes_Qatar GULF TIMES Imperative not to rush with all the gains made by a vigilant policy

The next three weeks are critical in the fi ght against the Covid-19 pandemic in Qatar, given that many people are returning to the country after travelling abroad, particularly with the highly infectious Delta strain circulating in Qatar and many countries around the world. As pointed out by Dr Abdullatif al-Khal, chair of National Strategic Group on Covid-19, late last week, it was only because of Qatar’s strict travel and return policy that helped delay the entry of the Delta strain into the country. “But it has recently begun circulating in our community,” he cautioned while underlining the reasons for delaying the launch of the Phase 4 of lifting the Covid-19 restrictions. Instead of starting Phase 4 on July 30, the government decided to continue the ongoing The case for a G21 Phase 3 throughout August but introduced some minor relaxations. G20’s biggest limitation – effect represented twice.) The population and output will grow in would benefit enormously from the Dr al-Khal has urged community members to adhere leaving out 96% of Africa’s EU’s inclusion in the group was future years. AU’s immediate membership. Key a masterstroke. Because the EU The G20’s sole African member, priorities include achieving universal to the preventive measures and the restrictions to help population – can be easily control the spread of the virus and to prevent any further coordinates economic policies South Africa, has the 39th largest vaccine coverage to prevent more remedied by including the across its 27 member states, economy in the world, the smallest Covid-19 deaths and the spread rise in cases. Though all are eager to return to normalcy the European Commission, its among the G20 member states. of new variants; introducing new as soon as possible, what is most important is that the African Union executive arm, can credibly speak The GDPs of Nigeria and Egypt are measures to mitigate the long-term process is not rushed and thereby jeopardise all the for the bloc on economic issues of actually larger than South Africa’s, economic damage inflicted by the achievements Qatar made so far in the battle against the By Jeff rey D Sachs global concern. Moreover, the G20 but they still are not in the world’s pandemic; and securing mid-century decarbonisation commitments from pandemic, as he pointed out. Over the past three or four New York process in turn strengthens the top 20. As a result, African leaders EU’s internal co-ordination efforts, outside of South Africa have been all countries and regions to avoid a months, the Delta strain has become the most dominant ultimately redounding to the invited to the G20 only as observers. climate disaster. strain of Covid-19 in many countries around the world. he Group of Twenty has become a benefit of its 27 members. The G20 Africa’s very limited representation Since the G20 is such an important The top healthcare offi cial asserted that the Delta pillar of multilateralism. Although therefore represents 43 countries drastically limits Africa’s input in venue, other aspiring members strain is a much more contagious strain of the virus Tthe world has many high-level talk (27 EU members plus 16 non-EU G20 deliberations on major global doubtless will be knocking on its than the strains previously seen in Qatar and causes shops, the G20 represents the best kind, countries) with just 20 leaders at economic issues, not only at the door. The group will have to balance actively supporting global dialogue, the table. annual G20 summits but also in the the benefits of wider representation more severe infection. It is important to realise that debate, and – most importantly – While those 43 countries constitute year-round ministerial and technical against the benefits of a smaller, more than one third of those economic problem solving. Fortunately, just 22% of UN members states (by a meetings. more agile membership. When The next infected will suff er from long its biggest limitation – that it leaves out raw count), they nonetheless include The key to the G20’s effectiveness it comes to the AU, the choice lasting complications of the 96% of Africa’s population – can be about 63% of the world’s population is that it achieves a very high and is obvious. A new G21 could three weeks disease such as fatigue, chronic easily remedied by including the African and 87% of gross world output. representative coverage of the then tell other aspirants to seek representation through similar headache, diffi culty with Union (AU). Though the 43 countries represented global population and economy are critical To be sure, since the early post- at the G20 table don’t speak for the with a modest enough number of regional delegations – such as Asean memory or diffi culty breathing World War II era, multilateralism has other 150 UN member states, they leaders at the table to enable speed for the 661mn people in those ten in the fi ght even if they get a mild infection. worked mainly through the United account for enough of the world’s and flexibility in deliberation and southeast Asian countries, or a Precisely for this reason, Nations system. With 193 member people and economic activity to have decision-making. Including the AU similar grouping for Latin America. against the it is more important than states, the UN offers the singular, a solid basis for deliberating on global would satisfy both criteria: vastly This year, the G20 is in the highly ever before for people to get indispensable venue for creating challenges. increased representation with just capable hands of Italian Prime Covid-19 and implementing international But by excluding almost all of one added seat at the table. The group Minister Mario Draghi. Italy can vaccinated and get protected. law. Though the UN is frequently Africa, the group vastly under suddenly would represent 54 more use its presidency to leave a lasting pandemic Vaccination not only protects undermined by the unilateralism of represents Africa and the world’s countries, 1.3bn more people, and legacy. By inviting the AU to join the the person being vaccinated the United States and other major low-income countries. The AU’s 55 $2.3tn more output, with just ten upcoming summit in Rome in late in Qatar from getting sick; it also helps powers, it remains essential for countries (more than one-quarter minutes added to a round-of-table October, it could make a significant global survival. At around $3bn of UN members) are home to 1.4bn discussion. contribution to building a more to protect other peoples as the per year, its paltry core budget is people (17.5% of the global total) and Moreover, admitting the AU to an prosperous, inclusive, and sustainable vaccine reduces the ability to transmit the virus to other perhaps one-tenth what it should be, $2.6tn in annual output at market expanded G21 would have the same world. — Project Syndicate people. Dr al-Khal, also head of the Infectious Diseases and it is chronically underfunded. exchange rates (almost 3% of world galvanising effect within Africa that Division at Hamad Medical Corporation, cited clinical Still, it manages to make enormous GDP). All told, Africa currently has the EU’s participation in the G20 has  Jeffrey D Sachs, University evidence that the Covid-19 vaccines being administered and indispensable contributions to roughly the same population as China within Europe: it would strengthen Professor at Columbia University, is peace, human rights, and sustainable or India, and an economy that would policy co-ordination and coherence Director of the Center for Sustainable in Qatar are highly eff ective at preventing infection and development. come in eighth – just behind France across the 55 African economies. Development at Columbia University severe disease due to the Delta strain. But the G20, too, has come to and ahead of Italy – in a country With multiple urgent challenges and President of the UN Sustainable There have been very few incidences in recent months fill a critical role. Representing the ranking. Africa’s share of the world’s on its plate this year, the G20 Development Solutions Network. where fully vaccinated patients have been admitted to world’s 20 largest economies, it hospital with Covid-19. Almost all patients admitted to enables more flexible and quicker problem solving. When the UN hospital wards or the intensive care, are either not vaccinated grants each of its members ten or have only had one dose. As pointed out by Dr al-Khal, it minutes to speak on an issue, the was due to the community’s adherence to the phased lifting remarks take 32 hours; when the of restrictions and their overwhelming response to the G20 goes around the table, it takes vaccination programme that contributed to relatively low just over three. And while the number of cases in Qatar in recent weeks. There has been G20’s decisions do not have the force of international law, they can a slight increase in Covid-19 cases following the recent Eid and do support corresponding UN holiday, but this minimal increase was expected. processes, such as on climate change It is heartening that 85% of Qatar’s eligible population and development finance. — 12 years and over — have received at least one dose. Another talking shop is the G7, More than 20,000 doses a day on average are being which was launched in 1975 to bring together the world’s highest-income administered. This is a very encouraging vaccination rate economies. In 1998, I recommended and the more people that are vaccinated and protected doubling the group’s size (by then from the virus, the safer the community will be and the it had become the G8, with the faster we will return towards normal life. As Dr al-Khal addition of Russia) to include eight exhorted, the small minority of eligible people who have major developing economies. A G16, I argued, “would not seek to dictate not yet accepted their invitations to get vaccinated should to the world, but to establish the take the matter seriously. parameters for a renewed and honest dialogue” among developed and developing countries. To Advertise Soon thereafter, the G20 was created to play that role. It emerged [email protected] first in 1999 as a gathering of finance ministers, and then evolved into Display a meeting of heads of state and 44466621 44418811 government in response to the 2008 financial crisis. Since then, the G7 has Classified become increasingly unrepresentative 44466609 44418811 and incapable of decisive action (leading me to argue earlier this year Subscription that it should be scrapped altogether). The current G20 comprises 19 [email protected] national governments plus the European Union. (Since France, Germany, and Italy are G20 A CASE FOR AFRICA: The AU’s 55 countries (more than one-quarter of UN members) are home to 1.4bn people (17.5% of the © 2021 Gulf Times. All rights reserved members in the EU, they are in global total) and $2.6tn in annual output at market exchange rates (almost 3% of world GDP). Gulf Times Monday, August 9, 2021 11 WORLD Blaze ravages Evia island ‘like a horror movie’

Reuters Pefki, Greece

housands of people have fl ed their homes on the Greek is- Tland of Evia as wildfi res burned uncontrolled for a sixth day yesterday, and ferries were on standby for more evacuations after taking many to safety by sea. The blaze on Evia, Greece’s second- biggest island, quickly burgeoned into several fronts, ripping through thou- sands of hectares of pristine forest across its northern part, and forcing the evacuation of dozens of villages. The fl ames engulfed homes in fi ve villages but the full extent of the dam- age was not immediately known. “(It’s) like a horror movie,” said a 38-year-old pregnant evacuee who gave her name as Mina, after she boarded a rescue ferry at the town of Pefki, where falling ash covered the port. A local resident gestures as he holds an empty water hose during an attempt to “But now this is not the movie, this extinguish forest fires approaching the village of Pefki on Evia (Euboea) island, is real life, this is the horror that we Greece’s second largest, yesterday. have lived with for the last week,” she said. to the mainland by bridge, in dramatic Fanis Spanos, said the situation in the An equipped team from the Qatar International Search and Rescue Group of the Internal Security Force (Lekhwiya) and a Wildfi res have broken out in many sea rescues as the night sky turned red. north of the island had been “very dif- team from the Civil Defence of the Ministry of Interior headed yesterday to participate in search and rescue operations in parts of the country during a week- Others fl ed their villages on foot fi cult” for nearly a week. Greece that has been badly hit by wildfires. long heatwave, Greece’s worst in three overnight, walking along roads dotted “The fronts are huge, the area of decades, with searing temperatures with trees in fl ames. burned land is huge,” he told Skai TV. tling the blaze in Evia, where two ac- from our homes, our properties, noth- craft in the region faced several hurdles and hot winds creating tinder-box “A house is burning over here,” one More than 2,500 people have been tive fronts were burning in the north ing, nothing,” she said. including low visibility caused by the conditions. woman told emergency crews on the accommodated in hotels and other and south of the island. Greece’s deputy civil protection thick plumes of smoke rising over the Across the country, forest land has ground in the settlement of Vasilika, shelters, he said. In the village of Psaropouli, evacu- minister, Nikos Hardalias, said emer- mountains and turbulence. burned and dozens of homes and busi- pointing to a searing fi re in the dis- Greece has deployed the army to ated residents said they were angry. gency crews were undertaking “super- A fi re in the foothills of Mount Par- nesses have been destroyed. tance. help battle the fi res and several coun- “I lost my home...nothing will be the human eff orts” against multiple fronts. nitha that swept through suburbs Since Tuesday, the coastguard has “Everywhere, everywhere, every- tries including Qatar, France, Egypt, same the next day,” one woman who “The night ahead will be diffi cult,” north of Athens had been contained evacuated more than 2,000 people, where, everywhere,” one of the fi re- Switzerland and Spain have also sent gave her name as Vasilikia said. he said during an emergency briefi ng but weather conditions meant there including many elderly residents, from fi ghters replied. help including fi refi ghting aircraft. “It’s a disaster. It’s huge. Our villag- late yesterday. was still a high threat it could fl are up diff erent parts of Evia, which is linked The governor for central Greece, More than 570 fi refi ghters are bat- es are destroyed, there is nothing left Earlier, he said water-bombing air- again.

Prehistoric cave paintings in Spain show Navalny close ally leaves Neanderthals Health passes spread Russia amid crackdown were artists Neanderthals may have been closer to our species of around the world Reuters curbs on protests, a charge she prehistoric modern human Moscow called politically-motivated than previously believed after AFP borders of 33 European countries In Spain, which has a similar nonsense. The restrictions in- cave paintings found in Spain Paris — the 27 EU states and neigh- system, the northern region of cluded not being allowed to proved they had a fondness bouring Andorra, Iceland, Liech- Galicia recently became the fi rst yubov Sobol, a promi- leave home at night. for creating art, one of the tenstein, Monaco, Norway and to demand the pass to enter bars nent ally of jailed Krem- After the ruling, she said on authors of a new scientific asses and vaccine pass- Switzerland. and restaurants and nightclubs in Llin critic Alexei Navalny, Ekho Moskvy radio station that report said yesterday. ports are increasingly be- In Portugal a pass is needed to the hardest-hit places. has left Russia days after be- the sentence had not yet come Red ochre pigment discovered Ping used across the world stay in a hotel or play team sport. Andalusia in the south will ex- ing sentenced to parole-like into force and that the restric- on stalagmites in the Caves to limit entry to public places to It is also required to eat inside tend the pass to nightclubs once restrictions amid a crackdown tions were not eff ective. “Es- of Ardales, near Malaga in those who have been vaccinat- restaurants, but only at week- courts give it the green light. on the opposition, Russia’s RT sentially, you can interpret this southern Spain, were created ed, recovered from Covid-19 or ends. New York became the fi rst and REN TV channels cited as the possibility of leaving the by Neanderthals about 65,000 tested negative. Ireland demands the pass all major US city to introduce a vac- sources as saying yesterday. country,” she said. years ago, making them Here’s an overview: week long to eat or drink inside cine pass earlier this month when Sobol could not be reached Navalny’s allies have faced possibly the first artists on From March, Denmark, Aus- pubs and restaurants, while in mayor Bill de Blasio said it would for comment. Her allies de- mounting pressure. This week earth, according to the study tria and Hungary were among Luxembourg you need it to go be needed for restaurants, gyms clined to speak on her behalf. a June court ruling formally published in the Proceedings the fi rst countries to introduce into a shop. and shows. The outlets said she had fl own came into force outlawing the of the National Academy of health passes, either on paper or In France the pass has been The law will come into eff ect to Turkey on Saturday evening. nationwide activist network Sciences (PNAS) journal. in digital form. mandatory since July 21 for cin- on August 16, but the fi rst checks The chief editor of the Ekho EXIT: Lyubov Sobol. built up by Navalny, President Modern humans were not You still need a pass to go into emas, museums and sports cen- will not be carried out until Sep- Moskvy radio station also said Vladimir Putin’s fi ercest do- inhabiting the world at the restaurants, hotels and sports tres which take more than 50 tember 13. she had left the country. allies fl ed fearing prosecution mestic opponent, as “extrem- time the cave images were centres in Austria. In Denmark it people, despite street protests. On Thursday, Quebec an- The 33-year-old is one of ahead of September’s par- ist”. made. The new findings add now only applies to hairdressers From today it is required for nounced it will introduce a vac- the most well-known faces liamentary elections. Sobol Navalny himself is serving to increasing evidence that and sports centres. cafes and restaurants, fairs and cine passport, the fi rst in Canada, of Navalny’s entourage. She was sentenced to 1-1/2 years 2-1/2 years in jail for parole Neanderthals, whose lineage In Hungary immunity certifi - trade shows, planes, long dis- for all non-essential activities. stayed behind in Moscow this of parole-like restrictions on violations in an embezzlement became extinct about 40,000 cates delivered from the fi rst vac- tance trains and buses and medi- Israel re-instated its green year as other close political Tuesday for fl outing Covid-19 case he says was trumped up. years ago, were not the cine shot were required to stay in cal establishments. pass programme at the beginning unsophisticated relatives of hotels, go to restaurants, thea- A similar green pass came into of August, restricting access to Homo sapiens they been long tres, sports or music events. Now force in Italy on Friday which will gatherings of more than 100 to Russia reports 22,866 new Covid cases, 787 deaths been portrayed as. they are limited to health centres be extended to domestic fl ights, people who have been vaccinat- Pigments were made in the and gatherings of more than 500 trains and some ferry services ed, cured or tested negative less caves at diff erent times up people. from September 1. Teachers and than 72 hours previously. Russia reported 22,866 new Covid-19 cases confirmed a death toll of 164,881 people. to 15,000 and 20,000 years A European Union pass, con- university students will also need From August 8 unvaccinated yesterday, including 2,761 in Moscow, taking the Russia registered around 463,000 excess deaths apart, the study found, and taining a QR code allowing to it from that date. people will have to present a test national tally to 6,447,750 since the pandemic from April 2020 to June this year during the dispel an earlier suggestion check if the bearer is vaccinated In Germany, where regions de- carried out less than 24 hours began. The government coronavirus task force pandemic, according to Reuters calculations that they were the result of a or had a recent negative test, cide health policy, some require a before, with a pass required for also said 787 people had died of coronavirus- based on data released by the state statistics natural oxide flow rather than came into force on July 1. pass to enter hotels, cinemas and children younger than 12 from linked causes in the past 24 hours. It has service on Friday. being man-made. It allows travellers to cross sport halls. August 20. The humble Alpine dirndl: a dress for past and present Dirndl is to Austria what the kilt is to Scotland or the kimono is to Japan, says exhibition curator Thekla Weissengruber

The humble Alpine “dirndl” dress, with what the kilt is to Scotland or the During the Nazi period, while women its distinctive white blouse, full skirt kimono is to Japan”. were encouraged to wear similar and apron, has won new fans among It was women living on the land who traditional dress, the word “dirndl” itself Austrians and foreign fashionistas alike initially adopted the cheap, practical was banned. in recent years. dress, whose name derives from a But the dirndl never disappeared, with Its folksy appeal has now made the dialect term that can also mean “girl”. the patrons of the prestigious Salzburg historic dirndl and other traditional But by the end of the 19th century, it Festival having sported it from the outfits a key part of Austria’s clothing was also being worn by women at the 1920s onwards. industry, about 70% of which is imperial court when they flocked to the Abroad it was popularised by “White exported, according to the Chamber of countryside in summer. Horse Inn”, a musical set in the Commerce. “Everything was much corseted in Salzkammergut that reached Broadway Even British style icon Vivienne Vienna,” Weissengruber told AFP. in 1936. Westwood, better known for her “On holiday they were able to free It also had a fan in screen icon Marlene provocative punk designs, has been themselves, with these lighter, brighter Dietrich, according to Weissengruber. charmed by the dirndl, which also styles,” she added. Hosted in the Along with other traditional Austrian features a close-fitting bodice. Marmorschloessl, the “cottage” given clothing, the dirndl has experienced a Now the enduring garment is the star to Sissi by her husband, the exhibition revival in recent years, especially at beer of a new exhibition which traces its shows how the dirndl has evolved festivals. Women today “wear the dirndl journey through the years from the through some 50 examples. at any occasion”, said Schauer, with countryside to the catwalk. The early, no-frills versions quickly men donning the famous “lederhosen” The show is being held in the Austrian give way to more elaborate outfits fit leather breeches. spa town of Bad Ischl, the former for those seeking an audience at the Despite often cheaper dirndl being summer residence of Emperor Franz imperial villa. Angelika Schauer runs a produced in Asia, Schauer’s husband Josef and his wife Elisabeth, known family dirndl-makers in Bad Ischl that Johannes Topizopoulos says that many popularly as Sissi. traces its history back to 1895. dirndl fans prefer to buy local, especially It lies in the Salzkammergut, a She recalls that her grandfather in an age where people want long- spectacular region of mountains and counted visitors at court among lasting, environmentally sustainable lakes which was one of the original his clients. “When he was taking clothing. “The fact that it’s hard-wearing homes of the dirndl, along with measurements he was under close fits in with the times very well,” he said. neighbouring Tyrol and Bavaria in watch” from the bodyguards who came High-end versions are certainly a pricey southern Germany. with the well-heeled clients, she said. investment: a made-to-measure dirndl Thekla Weissengruber, the exhibition’s “He had to refrain from making certain can cost between €650 and €1,000 Dirndl dresses on display at the exhibition “Dirndl – Tradition goes fashion” at the Mamorschloessl palace in Bad Ischl, curator, says the dirndl “is to Austria movements”. ($767 and $1,180). Upper Austria. (AFP) Gulf Times 12 Monday, August 9, 2021 QATAR

Dr Thomas being honoured by HE Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa al-Thani. Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award presented to pillar of community Indian ambassador Dr Deepak Mittal and Qatar’s former prime minister and interior minister HE Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa al-Thani present the award citation to Dr Mohan Thomas.

By Joseph Varghese Former deputy prime minister former deputy director of the sented by the president of India been possible without the great “He has worked tirelessly and one of us here in Qatar.” Staff Reporter and minister of energy HE Ab- Traffi c Department Sheikh Ab- on the occasion of Pravasi Divas. support I received from the In- selfl essly for the community here “He has served the commu- dullah bin Hamad al-Attiyah and dullah bin Nasser al-Thani, Traf- However, due to the current dian community, Indian embassy in Qatar and in India,” the envoy nity with high quality of medical Qatar Airways Group Chief Ex- fi c Department Major Sheikh coronavirus (Covid-19) pandem- as well as the Qatari leadership said. “He has also worked on treatment and he is a well-known rominent Qatar resident ecutive HE Akbar al-Baker con- Nasser bin Abdullah al-Thani, ic situation, the award ceremony and I am immensely indebted to furthering the relations between person for the members of the and leading ENT special- gratulated Dr Thomas through and former ambassador to South this year was held virtually on all of them,” he added. Qatar and India, and the presence community,” he added. Pist Dr Mohan Thomas was video messages screened at the Africa Salem al-Jaber. January 9. Several Indian community of several dignitaries today from HE al-Attiyah, in his video presented the Pravasi Bharatiya function. The Pravasi Bharatiya Sam- Accepting the award, Dr Tho- leaders were also present on the the Qatari fraternity is a proof of message, recollected his long as- Samman Award 2021 at a glitter- The event was attended by a man Award is the highest civil- mas said: “I am deeply honoured occasion, including some of the his service for both Indian and sociation with Dr Thomas and ing function yesterday. number of Qatari dignitaries, ian award given to non-resident and humbled by this award. I recipients of the Pravasi Bharati- Qatari communities.” highlighted how the community India’s ambassador to Qatar who included former minister of Indians who have made signifi - dedicate this award to the Indian ya Samman Award in the previ- “It is also recognition for the and the country benefi tted from Dr Deepak Mittal, along with municipality and environment cant contribution towards better community in Qatar as well as to ous years. Indian community in Qatar as his services. Qatar’s former prime minister HE Mohamed al-Rumaihi, ad- understanding of India abroad, my Qatari friends, who were in- Dr Thomas is the 6th recipient well as a recognition of the sup- ICC president P N Babura- and interior minister HE Sheikh viser in the Amiri Diwan Sheikh philanthropic and charitable strumental in helping me carry of the award from Qatar. port he has received from the jan, while delivering the vote of Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Abdulla bin Ali al-Thani, direc- work, eminence in one’s fi eld of out several activities here in Qa- Speaking at the event, ambas- leadership of Qatar,” he added. thanks, highlighted the services al-Thani, presented Dr Thomas tor of Public Health at the Min- work, and welfare of local Indian tar and back in India.” sador Dr Mittal highlighted Dr HE al-Rumaihi said: “We of Dr Thomas, especially during with the award at a ceremony at istry of Public Health Sheikh Dr community, among others. “While this award recognises Thomas’s distinguished career in congratulate Dr Thomas for this the early stages of the Covid-19 the Indian Cultural Centre (ICC). Mohamed bin Hamad al-Thani, The award is generally pre- my activities, it would not have Qatar, spanning over 38 years. award, and we consider him as pandemic situation in Qatar. Ambassadors highlight warm ties with Qatar on Asean Day

Left: Asean ambassadors, By Joey Aguilar co-operation,” he stressed. led by Indonesia’s Ridwan Staff Reporter “While this global health crisis is a chal- Hassan as the chair of the lenge for all, Asean has taken proactive Asean Committee in Doha steps in tackling the pandemic through col- (ACD), at the Asean Day he cordial relations between Qatar lective regional eff orts,” the ambassador cake-cutting ceremony and the Association of Southeast said. “Further, as stated during the Asean yesterday. TAsian Nations (Asean) was high- Leaders’ Meeting on April 24, 2021 in Jakar- lighted at the 54th anniversary celebration ta, Asean countries have agreed to use the Below: The ambassadors of the establishment of Asean yesterday. Covid-19 Asean Response Fund to tackle of Indonesia, Malaysia, The Asean Committee in Doha (ACD), the pandemic in the region.” Singapore, the Philippines, chaired by Indonesia’s ambassador to Qa- “In the upcoming future, Asean will Thailand, Brunei tar Ridwan Hassan, marked the Asean Day also establish the Asean Centre for Public Darussalam, and Vietnam commemoration with a fl ag-raising cere- Health and Emerging Diseases,” he added. at the Asean Day event in mony and reception at the Indonesian em- “Through these existing mechanisms, Doha yesterday. bassy in Doha. Asean will continue to work closely togeth- The ACD hopes that such ties will further er to better tackle the pandemic regionally improve in the future, especially in politics, and ensure sustainable recovery measures.” economic, and socio-cultural co-opera- Hassan said that the chairmanship of tion. Asean is held by Brunei Darussalam from “The ACD welcomes the progress on the January 1 to December 31, 2021, with the accession of Qatar to the Asean’s Treaty of theme We Care, We Prepare, We Prosper. Amity and Co-operation (TAC), which has This theme portrays Asean’s collective already been reiterated by 54th Asean For- commitment to care for its people and pre- eign Ministers’ Meeting on August 2, 2021,” pare for future opportunities and challeng- the envoy said in his remarks. “This will es, with the goal of ensuring that the whole pave the way to establish Asean’s offi cial Asean community can sustainably prosper. partnership with Qatar and foster collabo- “Cambodia will take over the chairman- ration on the basis of mutual respect and ship in 2022,” he said. co-operation.” All Asean members, except for Cambo- The ACD Chair underscored Qatar’s key dia, Laos and Myanmar, have resident em- role in handling the coronavirus (Covid-19) bassies in Qatar, which form the ACD, with pandemic, inoculating a majority of the Indonesia its chairman this year. population, and taking good care of aff ected Asean was formed on August 8, 1967 in people. Bangkok. He thanked “His Highness the Amir “Since its establishment, Asean has be- Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, His come a model of regional association which Highness the Father Amir Sheikh Hamad has successfully maintained the peace and bin Khalifa al-Thani, other leaders of Qa- stability in the South East Asia region,” tar and the Qatari people who provided a Hassan stressed. “In this regard, we put comfortable, happy and good life for more aside our diff erences and work together to- than 300,000 Asean nationalities residing wards the future of a more prosperous re- in Qatar, who also play an important role in gion of South East Asia.” contributing to the development of Qatar”. “We recognise this as the Asean Way,” the Hassan noted that Asean members, envoy stated. which comprises Indonesia, Malaysia, Sin- The Asean Day in Doha was attended by gapore, the Philippines, Thailand, Brunei ambassadors Hassan (Indonesia), Moham- Darussalam, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, ed Bahrin Abu Bakar (Brunei Darussalam), and Myanmar, have been struggling with Zamshari Shaharan (Malaysia), Alan L Tim- the pandemic, like many other countries bayan (the Philippines), Jai S Sohan (Singa- across the globe. pore), Nathapol Khantahiran (Thailand), “There is no other way to deal with this and Tran Duc Hung (Vietnam), as well as global pandemic, other than through global members of the ACD Working Group.

Education Above All Foundation and Gavi alliance launch projects in Africa

From Page 1 and remain in education if they when they are most needed,” al- launching two integrated educa- “Through this immunisation ini- demic, including school closures being implemented, and engage are healthy.” Sulaiti said. tion and immunisation projects tiative, the project has enormous and reduced uptake of vaccina- teachers and Parent-Teacher As- “Through this strategic part- “The EAA is committed to “When education and health in Ethiopia and Kenya that will scope to reach hundreds of thou- tion,” Unicef representative to sociation members of supported nership, an integrated immunisa- working with local communities come together, sustainable aim to reach over half a million sands of children with life-saving Kenya, Maniza Zaman, said. schools.” tion programme will be launched to advocate for school enrolment change happens. We entered into of the most marginalised people vaccines that will protect them “Every child has the right to an It will address some of the key in Nigeria targeting more than and ensure access to quality pri- our partnership with the EAA last over the next two years.” from preventable diseases and education and to healthcare. In barriers to vaccination in the 100,000 children and women,” mary education for the most year in order to enhance aware- “Children in Ethiopia face a thereby improve their chances Kenya, this new partnership will region, including lack of immu- al-Kuwari said. “Furthermore, marginalised,” the offi cial added. ness around health challenges high risk of exposure to polio and of regular school attendance and improve learning and immunisa- nisation service availability and we are looking forward to the “Together, through our exist- and shape health-seeking be- cervical cancer, and lack access healthy cognitive development.” tion for an additional quarter of cold chain equipment, lack of upcoming signing of projects in ing education project, we will haviours”, said Anuradha Gupta, to essential vaccination support “Girls in the ASAL counties of a million girls,” the offi cial said. service providers and training, both, Ethiopia and Kenya.” engage local and regional stake- the deputy chief executive of due to the coronavirus (Cov- Kenya were already among the “The immunisation project will data inconsistency and short- EAA chief executive Fahad al- holders to generate a marked Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance. “To- id-19) pandemic,” said Gabriel most disadvantaged children in identify children living in the ar- age of reporting, low community Sulaiti said: “We recognise that improvement in health practices day, with the support of the Qa- Taeyoung Jung, the chief execu- the country, and they have been eas where the EAC and Save the awareness, and inadequate sup- children are more likely to enrol and mobilise resources at a time tar Fund For Development, we are tive of Save the Children Korea. hard hit by the Covid-19 pan- Children’s education project is port.