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Qatar-India trade Qatar sets amounts to $8.7bn sights on new in 2020: MoCI astro-tourism initiatives

published in QATAR since 1978

FRIDAY Vol. XXXXII No.11906 May 7, 2021 Ramadan 25, 1442 AH

GULF TIMES www. gulf-times.com 2 Riyals

Amir holds phone call Amir congratulates Kenya, Somali presidents with Turkish president AG orders arrest of fi nance His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim as Qatar hails restoration of diplomatic ties bin Hamad al-Thani held a telephone conversation with Turkish President minister for abuse of power Recep Tayyip Erdogan yesterday After reviewing documents and to public off ice, which included evening. They reviewed the strategic their attached reports, the Attorney damage to public funds, abuse of relations between the two brotherly General has ordered the arrest of public off ice, and abuse of power. countries and ways of enhancing minister of finance Ali Sherif al-Emadi The Attorney General also ordered and promoting them, in addition to to investigate what was mentioned extensive investigations regarding the latest regional and international in the reports of crimes related the crimes raised in the documents. developments of mutual concern. Ali Sherif al-Emadi relieved of offi ce, MoCI Amir, Deputy Amir, PM minister given additional charge of fi nance condole with Saudi king His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani yesterday issued Amiri His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim Order No. (1) of 2021 relieving Minister of Finance Ali Sherif al-Emadi from his bin Hamad al-Thani, His Highness the position. It stipulates that HE the Minister of Commerce and Industry Ali bin Deputy Amir Sheikh Abdullah bin Ahmed al-Kuwari, shall be entrusted, in addition to his duties, to carry out the Hamad al-Thani and HE the Prime duties of the Minister of Finance. The order is eff ective from the date of issue and Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh is to be published in the off icial gazette. — QNA Khalid bin Khalifa bin Abdulaziz al- Thani have sent cables of condolences to the Custodian of Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz al-Saud of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on the death of the mother of Prince Mohamed bin Abdulrahman bin Abdulaziz al-Saud. Qatar study Amir Cup fi nal to be held without spectators shows vaccines The Qatar Football Association has decided, in co-ordination with the HE the Special Envoy of the Minister of Foreign Aff airs for Counterterrorism and Mediation in Conflict Resolution Dr Mutlaq Ministry of Public Health, that the bin Majed al-Qahtani delivered a written message from His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani to Kenyan 49th HH the Amir Cup final for the President Uhuru Kenyatta pertaining to bilateral relations during a meeting with the president in Nairobi yesterday. eff ective against 2020-21 season will be held without spectators on May 14. The decision to atar welcomed the announcement of the Federal diation, activating diplomatic channels and converging hold the game without fans came as Republic of Somalia and the Republic of Kenya views, which will enhance international peace and stabil- part of eff orts to ensure everyone’s Qregarding the resumption of full diplomatic rela- ity. safety, in line with the restrictions tions between them, and expressed its hope that this step Later in the evening, the Amir held a telephone conver- UK, SA variants and preventive measures to limit would bring good and prosperity to the peoples of the two sation with both the Kenyan and Somali presidents. the spread of the Covid-19, based on friendly countries. During the call, the Kenyan president expressed his sin- Vaccination 89.5% eff ective against UK variant co-ordination on the matter with the In a tweet, His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin cere thanks to the Amir for Qatar’s eff orts and endeavours Ministry of Public Health. The highly Hamad al-Thani said: “I congratulate both His Excellency to heal the rift between Kenya and Somalia, which resulted and 75% against South African variant anticipated game is set to be played President Farmaajo and His Excellency President Kenyatta in the restoration of diplomatic ties. at the Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium for their wise and courageous decision to restore diplo- For his part, the Amir expressed his congratulations to Vaccination provided robust protection against this month. matic relations between Somalia and Kenya. Our sincere Kenyan president for this wise decision. wishes to the two neighbouring countries and their peo- The Amir also held a telephone conversation with hospitalisation and death due to Covid-19 ples for security and stability. I also confi rm that the State Somali President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo, who US not to shoot down of Qatar will always be striving in the way of benevolence expressed his sincere thanks to the Amir for Qatar’s ovid-19 vaccination in Qatar is errant Chinese rocket and a maker of peace”. endeavours, which resulted in the restoration of diplo- highly eff ective at preventing In a similar statement yesterday, the Ministry of Foreign matic relations. Csevere illness due to infection The US military has no plans to shoot Aff airs affi rmed that Qatar will spare no eff ort in achiev- The Amir also expressed his congratulations to the So- from Covid-19 variants from the UK down an out-of-control Chinese rocket ing peace and stability and building bridges through me- mali president for this wise decision. — QNA and South Africa, a study carried out now hurtling towards Earth, Defence by investigators and collaborators from Secretary Lloyd Austin said yesterday. Qatar’s healthcare system and research “We have the capability to do a lot of HIA advises to institutes has found. things, but we don’t have a plan to The research study, published in The shoot it down as we speak,” Austin check in online, New England Journal of Medicine, the told journalists. Pentagon experts Biden urged to see fi lm on most prestigious medical journal in the expect the body of the Long March arrive early for world, analysed a wide range of clini- 5B rocket, which fell out of orbit cal data – from February 1 to March 31 after separating from Beijing’s space Palestine rights violations travel during Eid – compiled in the national Covid-19 station, to fall to the surface some databases at Hamad Medical Corpora- the Pfi zer/BioNTech and Moderna time around tomorrow or Sunday. But Hamad International Airport (HIA) tion (HMC). This included vaccination vaccines had shown that these vac- exactly when and where it will land is Ex-CIA director highlights theme has advised passengers departing data, antibody and PCR test results, cines were 95% eff ective at prevent- still diff icult to predict. during the Eid al-Fitr holiday period Covid-19 hospitalisations and infec- ing symptomatic infection against the of DFI-funded The Present to check in online and arrive three tion severity data, the Ministry of Pub- original strain of Covid-19, there was hours prior to their flight to ensure lic Health (MoPH) said in a statement a lack of clinical evidence on whether 25 dead in Brazil raid a smooth travel experience. yesterday. these vaccines were eff ective against A massive police operation against n opinion piece by the US Cen- HIA in an advisory yesterday said, Professor Laith Abu-Raddad, pro- the new variants.” drug traff ickers in a Rio de Janeiro tral Intelligence Agency’s (CIA) “Please note that it is essential for fessor of Infectious Disease Epidemiol- He continued, “The results of our favela yesterday left at least 24 Aformer director John Brennan, departing passengers to present ogy at Weill Cornell Medicine – Qatar study are very encouraging, showing suspects and a policeman dead. published in the New York Times on the green health status on their (WCM-Q) of Qatar Foundation, and that for fully vaccinated people – 14 The early-morning raid turned the April 27, underscores the need for the Ehteraz application to travel. HIA’s lead investigator in the research study, days after receiving the second dose – impoverished neighbourhood of Biden administration to press for “seri- self-service check-in and bag-drop explained the signifi cance of the fi nd- vaccination is 89.5% eff ective at pre- Jacarezinho, on Rio’s north side, ous Israeli-Palestinian discussions on a facilities are also available, which ings. venting infection from the UK variant into a battlefield, with residents two-state solution,” citing a portrayal of enables passengers to check in, “At the start of the year, the number and 75% eff ective at preventing infec- posting videos on social media of the issue in the fi lm The Present. print boarding passes and bag of new daily Covid-19 infections in tion from the South African variant.” explosions. Page 7 “The United States needs to tell Israeli tags; tag their bags; and drop them Qatar began to gradually increase, a Hiam Chemaitelly, senior epide- leaders to cease provocative settlement at the bag drop swiftly before trend that continued until mid-April,” miologist at WCM-Q and one of the RAMADAN THOUGHT construction and the sort of oppres- proceeding to border control. said Professor Abu-Raddad. “These lead investigators in the study, added: sive security practices depicted in The “We recommend passengers to keep rising numbers were largely driven by “Of most signifi cance is that our study As for those who disbelieve, Present,” stressed Brennan, who recent- themselves updated on the travel the introduction of new variants into found vaccination to be 97.4% eff ective their deeds are like a mirage in ly watched the Oscars-nominated fi lm requirements of the country they are the community; fi rst the UK variant, in preventing severe, critical or fatal a desert. The thirsty one thinks (Live Action), and funded by the Doha travelling to for a smooth check-in followed by the South African vari- disease due to both the UK and South it to be water, until he comes up Film Institute. To Page 12 A scene from The Present. process at HIA. To Page 12 ant. While extensive clinical trials of African variants. To Page 12 to it, he finds it to be nothing; but he finds Allah with him, Who will pay him his due (Hell). And Allah is Swift in taking account. (Qur’an 24: 39) Prayer times Qatar’s humanitarian aid benefi ts Filipino families Fajr....3.30; Zuhr....11.30; Asr....2.58; Maghrib.....6.10; Isha.....7.40 atar continues to extend a help- from 40 tonnes of food and non-food overcoming various challenges. QRCS ing hand to various calam- items, the aid also included camping also held a series of relief interven- Fasting times Qity and Covid-19 pandemic-hit equipment such as tents, rescue/infl at- tions in recent years via its representa- countries across the globe, including able boats, water, electricity generators, tion offi ce in the Philippines, helping Iftar today ...... 6.10pm the Philippines. A large number of and sanitation, among others. victims of typhoon Haiyan in 2013, Imsak tomorrow...... 3.19am Filipino families benefi ted from Qatar’s Qatar Charity (QC) and Qatar Red Hagupit in 2014, a strong earthquake in series of humanitarian aid, which com- Crescent Society (QRCS), in partnership Surigao region in 2017, typhoon Vinta prised distributing tonnes of food and with the Philippine Red Cross (PRC), in 2017, and typhoon Mangkut (catego- Classifi ed non-food products in recent years as have also been in the forefront of deliv- ry 5 tropical storm) in 2018. part of its commitment to help friendly ering and distributing relief goods. Such In 2018, QRCS activated its Disaster Advertisements and brotherly countries. move aims to alleviate the suff ering of Information Management Centre to Page 4 In December 2020, the Qatar govern- Filipinos who were badly aff ected by dif- monitor disasters, analyse fi eld reports, ment, under the wise leadership of His ferent calamities that hit the Philippines, and make a blueprint of the interven- Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin in addition to further boosting Qatar’s tion plans in helping victims of calami- COMMUNITY Hamad al-Thani, sent medical aid to eff orts in responding to emergencies. ties. Such move benefi ted countries support victims of typhoon Vamco in In a press statement, Philippine Sen- such as the Philippines, especially in the Philippines. The Qatar Fund for De- ator Richard Gordon, also chairman of gathering real-time information, or- See Pages velopment (QFFD) and the Qatar Amiri PRC, thanked the Qatar government ganising aid process, and supporting Air Force joined forces to transport the for its humanitarian aid, lauding the the disaster information centre of PRC. 4,5 & 6 needed help for the benefi ciaries. Apart latter’s eff orts to help the Philippines in Qatar Amiri Air Force aircraft carrying aid in Manila in December 2020. To Page 12 Gulf Times 2 Friday, May 7, 2021 QATAR

Deputy governor of Eastern Province in Saudi Arabia meets Qatari diplomat

Qatar Mosque was built on a total area of about 8,400sqm with the capacity to accommodate about 3,000 worshippers.

Deputy Governor of the Eastern Province in Saudi Arabia Prince Ahmed bin Fahd bin Salman bin Abdulaziz al-Saud met with Acting Charge d’Aff aires of the embassy of Qatar in Saudi Arabia Hassan Qatar Mosque opens in bin Mansour al-Khater. During the meeting, they reviewed the bilateral co-operation and ties between the two countries. Rawabi city of Palestine Qatari envoy places foundation stone QNA Rawabi, Palestine for Mali mosque and vocational centre

atar, represented by the Qatar Fund for Develop- Qment, inaugurated Qa- tar Mosque in the Rawabi City project in Palestine in the pres- ence of Prime Minister of Pales- tine Dr Mohamed Shtayyeh. The Qatari delegation was headed by QFFD director-gen- eral and chairman of the Board of Directors of the Bayti Real Estate Investment Company Khalifa bin Jassem al-Kuwari. The inauguration was also attended by founding partner Bashar al-Masry and the Mufti of Apart from the Qatari delegation, the inauguration was also attended by founding partner Bashar Jerusalem, Sheikh Mohamed Ah- al-Masry and the Mufti of Jerusalem, Sheikh Mohamed Ahmad Hussein, in addition to VIPs from the mad Hussein, in addition to VIPs Palestinian community. from the Palestinian community. The mosque was built on a total fundamental role in reviving the cial market with more than 100 for more than 800 Palestinian area of about 8,400sqm, and the city and neighbouring villages, brands. The project also includes employees working to develop capacity of the mosque is esti- especially in important religious various public facilities such as this vital project in addition to Ambassador of Qatar to Mali Ahmed bin Abdulrahman al-Sunaidi placed the foundation stone for a mated at about 3,000 worship- events. Rawabi Academy, the Grand Ro- about 10,000 indirect job op- mosque and a vocational training centre in Koulikoro Financial City, which will be established with pers, including one prayer room It is worth noting that Qatar man Amphitheater and public portunities. The project also funding from the Ministry of Endowments and Islamic Aff airs of Qatar. Minister of Religious and for men and another for women, Mosque is part of the fi rst phase parks. contributed to providing high- Worship Aff airs of Mali Dr Mohamadou Kone and Minister of Employment and Vocational Training in addition to a multi-use hall of the project, with a total of six Rawabi is the only integrated end housing units for people Mohamed Salia participated in the event. and various facilities. residential neighbourhoods, city in the West Bank, as it was with income. The Mediterrane- By opening the mosque, it will which provide about 2,000 established in 2007. The city an city, in a modern style, con- contribute to meeting the resi- housing units in addition to vari- has also contributed to provid- tains all the important ameni- dents of the city and will play a ous offi ce spaces and a commer- ing direct job opportunities ties for its residents. New Covid cases drop below 600

QNA Qatar Airways launches its Doha

he Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) reported yesterday app on Huawei’s AppGallery T593 new confi rmed cases of coronavirus (Covid-19) – 389 of these were from community cases atar Airways is bringing its “award- Innovative features and 204 from travellers returning winning” services to the fingertips from abroad. Qof Huawei smartphone users with enable flight bookings The MoPH recorded 1,321 re- the launch of its mobile app on AppGallery, to over 1,500 coveries from the virus during Huawei’s official app distribution platform the past 24 hours, bringing the and one of the top three marketplaces glo- destinations worldwide total number of cases recovered bally. across Qatar Airways’ in Qatar to 198,277. The ministry The Qatar Airways mobile app is the ul- announced four new deaths aged timate travel companion for a seamless and and partner airlines’ 49, 63, 68 and 73, three of which safe journey. The airline collaborated with network had a history of chronic disease. Huawei to offer mobile users in more than All were receiving the necessary 170 countries an easier way to plan and to offer the highest-quality apps for all of medical care. manage their travel while limiting physi- our users. cal contact and interactions at all stages of Nowadays, people rely on smartphones Vaccination data their journey. to fulfil their travel-related needs, mini- 1,732,471 Covid-19 vaccine dos- Innovative features enable flight book- mise contact and make things simpler, and es have been administered since ings to over 1,500 destinations worldwide the Qatar Airways App helps users achieve the start of the programme. across Qatar Airways’ and partner airlines’ this.” 30,557 vaccine doses have been network. Passengers can check-in, use mo- The Qatar Airways App feature, ‘My administered in the past 24 hours. bile boarding pass, select preferred seating Trips’, displays the most relevant travel in- 47.7% of the eligible population and dining, access fast-track luggage, and formation on a personalised home screen has now received at least one dose get the latest travel information. for each passenger. App users will view of the vaccine. Qatar Airways chief commercial officer ration with Huawei reflects our commit- Qatar Airways’ exclusive offers tailored 87% of over 60s (the most vul- Thierry Antinori said, “At Qatar Airways, ment to provide five-star services to our to them, can use the mobile app’s camera nerable population group) have we continue to enhance our digital products passengers across all stages of their jour- and upload their travel documents or pay- been vaccinated with at least one and champion innovation with our custom- ney.” ment cards instead of manually entering dose, while 78.4% have received ers at the forefront of these developments, Lu Geng, vice president (Middle East and information. Qatar Airways Privilege Club both doses. variants from the United Kingdom. around the world. But this will not and with the current global situation, the Africa), Global Partnerships & Eco-Devel- members book a trip using Cash + Qmiles, Every day, hundreds of people This new variant is much more happen in the next few weeks or need for contactless travel is greater than opment, said: “As the heart of our in-house redeem Privilege Club Awards and manage are becoming sick due to the Cov- contagious and spread more eas- months. ever. ecosystem, the Huawei AppGallery is con- their accounts. Customers can download id-19 with many requiring admis- ily between people than the exist- Covid-19 will continue to be a The launch of our mobile app in collabo- stantly growing; and we are always working the mobile app at https://uqr.to/taq8 sion to hospital to manage their ing strain and may be associated threat to our health for the ma- symptoms. Since February 1, the with increased severity of disease. jority of 2021 and until all eligi- number of people with Covid-19 The good news is that the Pfi zer/ ble members of our population admitted to hospital has doubled. BioNTech and Moderna vaccines have been vaccinated, we must Qatar’s strict quarantine policy being used in our vaccination pro- continue to follow the preventive for returning travellers enabled us gramme are eff ective against the measures. With the recent in- PHCC celebrates Diamond-level recognition to delay the introduction of new new variants. crease in the number of Covid-19 variants into this country for sev- The pace of the vaccination pro- cases in Qatar, it is important eral months but we are now see- gramme means that there is fi nally for everyone to play their role in QNA and delivery of patient-centred to the health sector, in addition to Minister of Public Health. Com- ing positive Covid-19 cases in the hope of a gradual return to normal controlling the virus by following Doha healthcare, with PHCC being the commitment and enthusiasm menting on the achievement, region and in Qatar with the new for us here in Qatar and people precautionary measures. the fi rst recipient of the People- of the teams involved in gaining managing director of PHCC Dr Centred Care (PCC) Commit- the achievement. Mariam Abdul Malik said, “Re- he Primary Health Care ment Award internationally. “Achieving this accreditation ceiving this award refl ects the Corporation (PHCC) An online virtual ceremony is testament to the tireless eff orts values of PHCC, it recognises the 473 face prosecution for violation of Covid norms Tyesterday celebrated re- was attended by HE the Minister of the PHCC team and the dedi- exemplary eff orts by the staff in ceiving the Diamond-level ac- of Public Health Dr Hanan Mo- cation to achieving the highest ensuring that we are delivering The designated authorities referred to the prosecution for not Cabinet decision, Decree Law No creditation and fi rst in the world, hamed al-Kuwari and managing standard of care for our commu- eff ective, high quality care to our referred 473 people to the relevant wearing masks in places where 17 of 1990 on infectious diseases, People Centred Care Commit- director of PHCC Dr Mariam Ab- nities. patients.” prosecution for violating the these are mandatory, 64 for not and the precautionary measures in ment Award, by Accreditation dul Malik. The corporation has demon- She added that the corpora- preventive and precautionary maintaining safe physical distancing force in the country to contain the Canada. Speaking during the event, strated its commitment to de- tion continues to work hard to measures enforced in the country and five for violating quarantine spread of Covid-19. The authorities The People Centred Care HE al-Kuwari noted that this re- livering the most effi cient and maintain excellence in all its to contain the spread of Covid-19, requirements, while one person was have called on the public to adhere award distinguishes corpora- markable achievement was made compassionate care during a services, to deliver care that un- the Ministry of Interior reported referred to the prosecution for not to the precautionary measures in tions that demonstrate qual- possible thanks to the state’s un- challenging period for health- derstands and exceed patients’ yesterday. installing the Ehteraz app. place to ensure their safety and that ity and excellence in the design limited capabilities and support care internationally,” said HE the expectations. Among them, 403 people were The measure is in line with the of others. Gulf Times Friday, May 7, 2021 3 QATAR Class of 2021: Tamuq honours new batch of 107 engineering graduates exas A&M University at graduate, addressed her class- you. You should all be very proud this is an amazing achievement. Qatar (Tamuq), a Qatar mates and fellow graduates on of yourselves after all the hard Throughout your studies, you TFoundation partner uni- behalf of the student body. She work, and it is truly an honour to have persevered and you have versity, graduated 107 engineers acknowledged the diffi culties be called an Aggie engineer.” succeeded. Today is proof of yesterday at a virtual ceremony. they faced, particularly in the During the ceremony, Aman- that success. The Class of 2021 included 89 past two years, and congratu- da Roberts Mather — a Class of That you have reached this Aggies who received bachelor’s lated her classmates on their 2000 graduate of Texas A&M day means that you are ready degrees in chemical engineer- achievements. University and the assistant di- to leave university behind and ing, electrical engineering, me- “Today, we accomplished rector of academic services at head on to your next adventures. chanical engineering and petro- one of the biggest milestones in Tamuq — inducted the graduates With challenge comes change, leum engineering. our lives,” Ohanian said. “This into The Association of Former and each of you has shown your Twenty-two graduates were is the point where we carry the Students, Texas A&M’s alumni strength and resilience, and your recognised as Undergradu- title ‘engineer.’ We are not only organisation that comprises commitment to being an engi- ate Research Scholars of Texas responsible for advancing tech- more than 500,000 graduates neering leader in Qatar. A&M’s main campus in Col- nology, or creating graphs and of the university and is known As you go forward tonight, lege Station, Texas (US), and 35 codes, drilling, designing cars worldwide as the Aggie Net- remember you are now among students graduated with Latin and buildings. We are responsi- work. more than 500,000 graduates of honours. Tamuq also awarded ble for the safety and well-being Dr Cesar Octavio Malave, Texas A&M University around 18 master’s degrees in chemical of the public, the environment, dean of Tamuq, presided over the world. Show the world how engineering. Of the total gradu- and for the future of our com- the ceremony. He congratulated Aggies live their core values — ating class, 57% is female and munity.” the graduates and reminded not just in the workplace, but 51% Qatari. Graduates repre- She continued, “However, we Tamuq graduates in a group picture. them of the unique position each also in your communities and sented 19 nationalities. To date, also carry another important ti- holds in the world as a part of the your families. You are engineer- Tamuq has granted a total of tle — ‘Aggie engineer.’ We have diversity, sociability, sustain- and improve on the technical that we have been taught over global Aggie Network. “You have ing leaders in Qatar, and we are 1,268 degrees. been taught more than just what ability, management, creation, knowledge that you have gained the years for the rest of your earned a degree from one of the so proud of you.” Hourig Ohanian, a Class of was said in classrooms. We have and social awareness. I hope that in and out of these classrooms, lives, and never forget that the top engineering programmes in Watch the recording of the 2021 mechanical engineering been taught the importance of each and every one of you carry as well as the Aggie core values Aggie family is always there for the world,” Malavé said, “and event at https://2021.tamu.qa/

Senior designer Shorook al-Fara designs QU’s graduation theme MME set to welcome Eid al-Fitr enior graphic designer at Qatar University (QU) has Sdesigned QU’s graduation theme for consecutive fi ve years. Last year, the design concept for QU graduation was chosen as the main theme for the next fi ve years. Shorook graduated with a Bachelors of Fine Arts – Com- munication Design degree from Virginia Commonwealth Uni- versity School of the Arts in Qatar (VCUarts Qatar), joined The QU graduation theme. QU’s team of designers as senior graphic designer in 2012. date with all new developments. ternational Print Advertisement She has been working recently Shorook al-Fara Nevertheless, I’d like to empha- Bronze – Creative Award for an on QU’s upcoming graduation, sise that having a unique style educational ad sponsored by among many other things. “With this in mind, I’ve always that represents you as a designer Kyung Hee University. Shorook Shorook said, “Last year, the attempted to draw inspiration is what distinguishes one de- hopes that every designer gets to design concept for QU gradua- from everything going around signer from another, allowing experience such a rush of excite- While preparing to welcome Eid al-Fitr, the Doha Municipality, represented by the Health Control tion was established as the main me, including art exhibitions, you to develop your own identity ment. “To work in one place for Department of the Municipal Control Department, has carried out intensive and continuous theme for the next fi ve years. I photography and reading. Read- and stand out in your fi eld.” so long and to become part of its inspection campaigns on a number of food establishments within its jurisdiction. According made the artwork last year, and ing alone, which is one of my fa- Sharing her dreams, she said: history is quite a special feeling. to an off icial statement by the Ministry of Municipality and Environment (MME), 700 food it’s one of a few that I’m proud to vourite hobbies, I believe, opens “I’ve been working on writing and Walking in QU now, knowing establishments were inspected and 13 notices issued after violations were found. In addition, call my own. “This isn’t the fi rst you up to a world of limitless designing my own fi ctional novel, most of the employees there and 24 complaints were examined by the off icials in order to resolve them immediately. The Public time that QU’s graduation cho- possibilities, where imagination since I enjoy reading and design- feeling as a family, only makes Hygiene Department at the MME has completed its preparations for Eid al-Fitr and intensified sen concept was mine, but this comes naturally,” she added. ing. I’m hoping that one day I’ll me grateful to have found a job eff orts to clean and sweep the main streets, public places, cities and residential areas. This is in is the fi rst time that it has been As a designer, Shorook be- feel confi dent enough to publish that I love, and to be working in addition to washing all waste bins and containers. Cleaning works will continue round-the-clock chosen as the main theme for the lieves it is important to stay in- it, and that day I’ll be able to fulfi l a fi eld that I’m passionate about. during the Eid holidays. Special field teams have been formed for Eid al-Fitr while cleaning works next fi ve consecutive years.” formed about the design world, another childhood dream.” QU has been an interesting and will cover all areas of the country while focusing on the important places. The works include About her strategies behind including all of the various styles While sharing her achieve- well-fi tted part of my life, and washing and sweeping the Eid prayer grounds. These are in addition to providing adequate waste all her designs for QU, she said: and directions available. ments at QU, she said: “One of working in the educational sec- containers and keeping them clean. The MME has urged the public to maintain public cleanliness “You must fi nd a way to ensure She said, “Even if I work with my biggest achievements at QU, tor has been quite interesting in the public places and deposit waste only in the designated containers. They can call 184 to that as a designer, you remain a certain look and feel, it is still and to this day remains as my and rewarding,” she said while report violations and for assistance. new and imaginative and do not benefi cial to look around and fondest memory is winning the sharing her sentiments on fall into a pattern in your work. keep oneself reasonably up-to- ninth QS Apple – 2013 Best In- working at QU.

Joint committee for removal of abandoned vehicles holds meet Customs seizes 1,139kg of marijuana he Joint Committee for the Removal of Abandoned Vehicles The Air Cargo and has held its periodic meeting virtually. Headed by chairman Private Airports TBrigadier Ali Salman al-Hassan al-Mohannadi, the meeting Department at the reviewed administrative boundaries of Al Rayyan municipality and General Authority the work plan for the upcoming period. Also discussed were the chal- of Customs (GAC) lenges since the beginning of the campaign. has seized 1,139kg of Al-Mohannadi stressed the need to adhere to Public Hygiene Law marijuana that was No. 18 of 2017 and intensify eff orts to remove abandoned vehicles in being smuggled into order to eliminate their spread in all regions in general. He instructed Qatar. The seized the fi eld teams to penalise the violators. narcotic substance The committee has urged the owners of abandoned vehicles to re- was found hidden in a move them and avoid legal measures. It also asked them not to aban- machinery spare part, don their vehicles on sidewalks and parking lots. Also stressed was the a GAC tweet said. importance of keeping the vehicles clean. The meeting was informed that all fi eld teams are fully prepared for removing abandoned vehi- cles. Reports about abandoned vehicles will be received at 33238885.

Five arrested for Closure at Lekhwair Intersection violating home Temporary closure on Salwa Road quarantine conditions The competent authorities yesterday arrested five persons for violating the home quarantine requirements that they had committed to follow, and which they were legally accountable for, in accordance with the procedures laid down by the country’s health authorities. This comes in implementation of the precautionary measures in force in the country, approved by the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) to ensure the achievement of public safety and to curb the spread of Covid-19. The arrested persons being referred to the competent prosecution are Abu Dhar Ahmed Mohamed Mohamed Ali, Ashishwar Mahato, Leela Nath Dahal, Nasser Abdullah Nasser Mohamed al-Dehaimi and Ahmed Nasser Hamad Saleh al-Marri. The Public Works Authority (Ashghal) has announced the closure of four main lanes on Lekhwair The authorities concerned in Intersection in the direction towards Al Biddaa for two weeks from today (Friday). Two lanes will the State have called on citizens The Public Works Authority (Ashghal) has announced a temporary traff ic closure on Salwa Road be open for traff ic going straight and turning left. The closure in co-ordination with the General and residents who are subject to towards Umm Al Seneem and Sports City Street for five hours, from midnight today. The closure Directorate of Traff ic is to allow completion of road works. Ashghal will install road signs advising quarantine to fully adhere to the in co-ordination with the General Directorate of Traff ic is to complete installation of ITS Gantries. motorists of the temporary closure and requested all to follow them and abide by the speed limit to requirements stipulated by the Ashghal will install road signs advising motorists of the temporary closure and requested all to ensure safety. MoPH to ensure their safety and follow them and abide by the speed limit to ensure safety. that of others. QNA Gulf Times 4 Friday, May 7, 2021 COMMUNITY/CLASSIFIED Firm fetes long-serving nine Nepali workers

By Usha Wagle Gautam Chandra Mahato has been working as a Winners of the contest organised by Malarvadi. carpenter in the company. Mahato says his boss encouraged him to invest in his chil- asser Al Ali Enterprises, an IOS dren’s education and he had followed the certified company, recently hon- advice. Noured its nine Nepali employees – Gore Shrestha was thankful to his sponsor Malarvadi Children Qur’an Chandra Dhimal, Chandra Mahato, Garib and employer for providing him a new life. Das, Gore Shrestha, Bel Bahadur Kami, Bel Bahadur Kami expressed his content Mahikar Chaudhary, Raj Kishor Singh, with his work and pay in Qatar. Ram Babu Das and Mahendra Mandal Mahikar Chaudhary, who landed Qatar contest winners announced Dhanuk. in 2010, joined the company as a helper Each employee received QR15,000 for and rose up the profession to be a leader in alarvadi Children or- fi nal round. The fi rst three posi- (Doha), Shaima Hashim (Doha), their 10-year service with the company. a trade category. ganisation recently tions were shared with two chil- Rana Abdul Rasheed (Wakra), Nasser al-Ali, owner of the enterprises, While Raj Kisor Singh plans to use the Mconducted the Holy dren both in junior and senior Sajeeh Nasirudheen (Rayyan), handed over the reward to the employees QR15,000 for his children’s education, an Qur’an contest for children under categories. The winners in the Ishal Saina (Wakra) and Maize who have been working at the construction elated Ram Babu Das intends to save the 13 years of age. junior category are: Ijaz Abdul- Nasarudheen (Madinath Khalifa). wing of the company. money for a better future. Preliminary round for the 11th lah (Wakra), Abeeb Rahman Qas- Malarvadi Qatar patrons – Na- Mahendra Mandal Dhanuk hails from the Garib Das praised his employer “who season of the contest was held at sim (Madinath Khalifa), Nadeem feesath Beevi and Mushtaq K H – far-eastern hills of Nepal. He stressed that treated him always like a family member.” various locations in Qatar, where Nadeer (Rayyan), Mazin Ajmal congratulated the winners. it was with the help of his income in Qatar, Speaking at the event, Nasser al-Ali hundreds of children participat- (Madinath Khalifa), Mohamed Malarvadi offi cials – Rafna that he was able to buy land in an urban zone Nasser al-Ali thanked all his employees. He hoped that ed. From the preliminary round, Faiz bin Abdullah (Rayyan), and Shanawas, Babeena Basheer, and build a house for his family. the spirit of the holy month of Ramadan fi rst three winners were selected Munza Bassam (Rayyan). Shabna Shafi , Sajni Ummer, Chandra Dhimal has been able to educate Qatar. “My children make me proud,” said would inspire all for reconciliation, unity for the fi nal round, where a total The winners in the senior cat- Bushra Rafi and Abdul Jaleel MM his children with the help from his job in Dhimal. and peace. of 42 children contested in the egory are: Faheem Mohamed managed the contest. Gulf Times Friday, May 7, 2021 5 COMMUNITY Tips for fi tness fans during Ramadan

By Mudassir Raja Ramadan, exercise provides fur- In other words, submaximal search has shown it to be par- compliance is that one should tween very high-intensity bouts ther protective benefi ts. Incor- exercise is safe when done in a ticularly benefi cial when done participate in activities they en- while in a fasting state. porating exercise and a balanced fasting state and is not detri- while fasting. joy and are most likely to repeat. This may increase the prob- egular exercise is deemed replenishing diet is critical in mental to performance. This benefi cial eff ect seems Except for high-intensity ability of fi ne motor control to be an essential part of preventing muscle mass loss and However, exercise should be to be consequent to a favour- physical activity, all forms of loss and musculoskeletal injury. Reveryday routine in the maintaining physical fi tness. avoided immediately after Iftar able hormonal response to resis- exercise are acceptable. Experts Avoid training in hot and humid busy and hectic modern life- However, few caveats must be for a few hours to allow the di- tive training while in the fasting suggest brisk walking, slow jog- conditions. style. considered given the eff ects the gestive system to function op- state. ging, cycling, cross-training and Instead, train in a thermone- Ramadan observers, how- holy month of Ramadan has on timally and replenish the body’s In other words, the human light machine exercises. utral environment (21-24 C) ever, fi nd it little harder to do or regular daily routines. diminished resources. body is more likely to benefi t Workout sessions should be where you can sustain the ex- continue doing regular exercise For example, you might need  What is the best time to ex- from resistive exercise when between 30 minutes to 60 min- ercise and decrease your fl uid during the holy month because to consider and account for the ercise during Ramadan and why? training is performed a few utes for non-competitive rec- and solute loss due to excessive of the changed eating and sleep length of the fasting period, the The best time to exercise is hours before Iftar, conditional reational athletes. sweating. routine. environment in which the exer- individual-specific and best that a well-balanced meal fol- A warm-up phase should pre- Participate in resistive train- To learn and explain how a Ra- cise is conducted, the composi- determined by each individu- lows the training. cede, and a cool-down phase ing before Iftar but avoid low- madan observer can eff ectively tion of the food and quantity of al’s fasting habits and the en- Except for high-intensity should follow the exercise of rep/high-intensity exercises. workout during or after the fast- fl uid consumed between Iftar Dr Khalid W Bib vironmental factors in which repeated bouts of maximal ex- choice and integrating a stretch- Partner training especially ing hours, Gulf Times spoke to a and Suhoor, and your sleep qual- they function. There are no ercise, such as interval sprint- ing/fl exibility component can when using free weights is es- physical education expert. ity. professional athletes. detrimental effects of fasting ing, athletes appear to be able to help reduce injuries. sential. Dr Khalid W Bibi is professor  Is it safe to workout while A comprehensive review of on performance in low to mod- compete in a fasting state with  Are there some exercises  If someone wants to do and head of the department of fasting? the literature on the eff ects of erate physical activity of the little impact on physical per- that one needs to avoid while some sports during non-fasting physical education at Qatar Uni- Yes, whereas the eff ect of fast- Ramadan fasting on physical ac- day. formance. fasting, if yes why? hours, what would be your sug- versity. ing on performance before Iftar tivity confi rms that the majority However, it is best to engage  What are the most suitable Avoid high-intensity inter- gestion?  How important is it to exer- remains unequivocal, research of physical performance param- in exercise about three hours exercises that one needs to fol- val training, particularly before Participating in sports or ex- cise during Ramadan? has shown that sports played eters were not negatively infl u- after the Iftar for high-intensity low during the holy month for Iftar. Research has shown that ercise is perfectly fi ne when per- Regular physical activity is es- three hours after Iftar does not enced by fasting when tested in training. better physical fi tness? the human body cannot replen- formed a few hours after Iftar or sential throughout the year. In increase the risk for injuries in the morning or the afternoon. As far strength training, re- The golden rule in exercise ish the muscles fast enough be- before Suhoor.

MES marks International Labour Day with fervour

ES Indian School ob- were organised to mark the appreciate and honour the served International occasion. community. MLabour Day with fer- The students were attired in The employees including vour. different costumes to repre- the supporting staff were hon- Special virtual assemblies sent the labour community of oured with special gifts and Zainab Imran (Class I evening)1st Kainaat Ali (Class I) 1st Fajer Sajid (Class IV) 1st Mohamed Hamdan (Class IV) 1st were conducted in honour of the world. certificates of appreciation as the working class and to ex- During the virtual interac- a token of admiration for their press gratitude for their com- tive sessions, teachers high- hard work throughout the year. mitment. lighted the importance of the Principal Hameeda Kadar in Various activities includ- labour community in society her felicitation remarks stated ing speeches, skits, poem and the dignity of each profes- that future leaders need to be writing, collage-making and sion, which enabled students made aware of the importance slogan writing competitions to realise the need to respect, of the working class.

Arisha Khan (Class 2 evening) 1st Bibi Asia (Class III evening) 1st Zainab Abid (Class II) 1st Wirda Zahid (Class IV evening ) 1st PISQ kindergarten, primary students excel academically

akistan International “We look forward to having Mueen, Abdul Hadi and Ayesha KG/Tulip), Minsa bint Waqas School, Qatar (PISQ) re- the continuous support and Mushtaq stood second. (Pre-KG/Jasmine), Talha Amir Pcently announced results constant backing of the par- Minal Khan, Syed Mohamed (KG-I/Red), Irha Abdul Al- of the 2020-21 annual examina- ents in order for their wards to Abdullah, Inshara Iman and eem (KG-I/Orange), Musa tion for students of kindergar- achieve more academic mile- Arwa Bilal grabbed third posi- Atif (KG-I/Silver), M Dameer ten and primary wing. stones in the days to come,” she tions. Farhan (KG-I/Purple), Minal In spite of the many con- said. Zainab Imran (Class-I), Ari- Faheem (KG-I/Maroon), Hifza straints due to Covid-19, the Zainab Abid of the primary sha Khan (Class-II), Bibi Asia Asad (KG-I/Blue), Salwa Ali students have shown sig- wing secured overall fi rst posi- (Class-III) and Wirda Zahid (KG-I/Green), Dhuha Salman nificant progress in academic tion with 100% marks. (Class-IV) secured overall fi rst (KG-II/A), Fatima Mohamed grades. Kainaat Ali (Grade-I), Za- position among all sections of Abdullah (KG-II/B), Maryam BPS celebrates May Day PISQ principal Nargis Raza inab Abid (Grade-II), Mohmed the Primary Wing’s evening Abid (KG-II/C), Hareem Kashif Otho felicitated the top achiev- Hamadan (Grade-III) and Fajer classes. (KG-II/D), Mohamed Nafae ers, their parents and their Sajid (Grade-IV) clinched the Overall position holders from Naveed (KG-II/E), Mohamed irla Public School (BPS) lightened the students that port staff of the school. teachers and expressed her de- top positions among all sections kindergarten wing are as fol- Nasir (KG-II/F), Mujtaba Khan recently celebrated May irrespective of their job, each The department of social light at the brilliant academic of their respective classes. lows; Absham Fakhar (Pre KG/ (KG-II/G), and Nouman Noor BDay virtually to pay trib- worker needs to be appreciated science took an initiative to performance. Bilal Faisal Latif, Zainab Lily), Baber Rehan Khan (Pre- (KG-II/H). ute to common workforce. and respected for their selfless celebrate International Labour To commemorate the value work. Day. of labour, to show solidarity Grade I and grade II students Various competitions were with working people and to in- celebrated the day by encour- held in grade VI to grade VIII. Birla Public School holds welcome assembly for KG students stil gratitude for labour among aging each other to perform Cosplay, community help- the young generation, all the household chores which can ers collage flag and gratitude The kindergarten section of Birla little ones attended the webinar. teachers. Being physically fit is as ways to make learning a fun-filled sections celebrated the day. assist people around them. card enhanced the importance Public School (BPS) recently organ- The vice principal congratulated important as being healthy and experience for the children, The kindergarten celebrated A special virtual assembly of the day and instilled moral ised a virtual welcome assembly. the kindergarten section for hold- happy. This aspect was portrayed the guest parent co-ordinator May Day as ‘Dignity of Labour’. was conducted by grade-III to values in students to under- Vice Principal, co-scholastic, Rajesh ing the assembly. by a paper dance by the teach- emphasised that the pandemic During the virtual interac- grade V students to honour the stand the dignity of labour in Pillai, KG headmistress Josephine The assembly highlighted the ers. The teachers spoke on the has not stopped the school, tive session, the teachers en- hard work put in by the sup- life. Fernades, KG academic supervi- moral values like empathy and holy month of Ramadan. Thank- parents, teachers, and the kids sors Marziya Fazal and Sheeba kindness towards one another ing and appreciating the school from continuing with the learning Menon, along with parents and the through a recorded play by the management for implementing process. Gulf Times 6 Friday, May 7, 2021 COMMUNITY LEISURE/HOROSCOPE

Wordsearch Super Cryptic Clues Dilbert

F Minus

ABAFT CLEAT SHROUD BOWSPRIT BULWARK PORT BINNACLE HAWSER KNOT BEAM GALLEY WEIGH ALEE DAVIT STARBOARDBRIDGE CAPSTAN PROW BOOM HOLD LANYARD BELAY GRAPNEL WINDLASS AVAST DECK TAFFRAIL BULKHEAD Across Down CAULK RIGGING BOSUN HULL 1 Sweet stuff made from pur- 1 Extremely miserable detec- LIST BILGE HATCH ple yams? (5,5) tives turned up for doctor (5) BALLAST FATHOM WAKE 7 Recommend a lawyer (8) 2 Dull experts and flipping 8 Reduced energy? Charm- spies (7) ing! (4) 3 Cheese used by well-fed Codeword 9 Scorch most of map (4) Americans? (4) Every letter of the alphabet is used at least once. 10 Awkward redhead may be 4 Submissive bearing (8) Squares with the same number in have the same letter stuck (7) 5 Family member, about fifty, Garfield in. Work out which number represents which letter. 12 They have lots to sell (11) in French article (5) 14 How old clothes are? Rub- 6 Capital cheers up birds (6) bish! (7) 11 Fight in ring? (4-4) 16 His Worship, while delayed, 12 Lack of interest, in a way, on finally went quickly (4) the fourth of July (6) 19 Endless disgrace is not real 13 Fast, say (7) (4) 15 Italian child ignoring no 20 Anti-hero’s novel being Disney film (5) broadcast (2,3,3) 17 Flower is found within 24 21 Singer who could make big hours (5) snob cry (4,6) 18 Beginning, not ending, as celebrity (4)

Big Nate Puzzles courtesy: Puzzlechoice.com courtesy: Puzzles

Solution Sudoku

Answers Codeword Wordsearch

Sudoku is a puzzle based on a ٩x٩ grid. The grid is also divided into nine (٣x٣) boxes. You are given a selection of values and to complete the puzzle, you must fill the grid so that every column, every .anone is repeated

Colouring Horoscope ARIES TAURUS GEMINI March 21 — April 19 April 20 — May 20 May 21 — June 20

You may feel wanderlust and crave something new and diff erent in Keep your eyes and ears open today, Taurus. You may receive some You may be privy to some important knowledge, Gemini. Perhaps your life. You just can’t help but be a bit bored by the dullness of the important information on specific ways to increase your income. an article gives you the impetus you need to invest in a promising routine. If adventure is what you want, why not plan an exotic trip? This is just one of the many wonderful things bound to happen to stock. Perhaps you learn a famous person is coming to town to give Even if you don’t have the money now, you can still start doing some you. You’re looking great and people are responding to your warm, a lecture. If your heart starts to race the minute you hear the news, research. Just knowing that you’re going to go someday will help pleasant manner. Bask in the glow of all the goodwill surrounding this should be all the motivation you need to take the next steps. raise your spirits, Aries. you. It won’t last forever! Good things are bound to come your way if you do. CANCER LEO VIRGO June 21 — July 22 July 23 — August 22 August 23 — September 22

A visit to a local museum or art gallery may move you to tears, There are no half measures today, Leo. You feel every emotion to You’re likely feeling a desire to do something diff erent and a little Cancer. Suddenly, you’re aware of all the beauty around you and the nth degree. This could make for an intense day. Make an eff ort to crazy. Today you may fulfill that desire by attending a group event, inspired to create some original works of your own. You do have a calm down. Rather than inject your opinion into every conversation, perhaps a concert. Or you could indulge a childhood fantasy and strong creative bent, so why not see how far your talent will take make it a point to step away from the group. The talk is animated go to the circus. Whatever you do, take along the special someone you? If possible, spend the evening surrounded by loved ones. enough without you stirring things up further. Spend the evening in your life. The fun you’re bound to have will be so much sweeter with loved ones. They will be more tolerant of your mood. when shared with a loved one. LIBRA SCORPIO SAGITTARIUS September 23 — October 22 October 23 — November 21 November 22 — December 21

You have many talents, Libra. Today’s astral energy indicates that You’re looking gorgeous today, Scorpio, and have likely noticed the This could be your lucky day, Sagittarius, especially in matters of the your abilities will be rewarded. Congratulations! You’ve certainly admiring glances you’ve received. Your passion is running high, heart. You may feel particularly close to your special someone, as worked long and hard to achieve your goals. Why not make plans to and you may be able to spend this evening with a special someone. well as others in your immediate circle of friends. This is due in part celebrate? Call some friends or your partner for an impromptu get- Light candles, use your best china, and dress wonderfully. Your to the planetary configuration. It shows your intuition and optimism together. You can meet at the local restaurant and bask in the happy partner will appreciate the eff ort. You’re bound to have a wonderful running high. Use this to your advantage, especially if you have to energy of success. evening. sell something. Keep your expectations realistic. CAPRICORN AQUARIUS PISCES December 22 — January 19 January 20 — February 18 February 19 — March 20

Try not to do everything all at once today, Capricorn. Your social It looks like your ship is about to come in, Aquarius. The planetary Take extra care with your appearance today, and clean the house life is heating up and you may be in a frenzy preparing for all the configuration indicates that you can expect additional financial a bit this morning. You may have some visitors, Pisces. Invite them gatherings you’ve been invited to. All this on top of your regular resources, perhaps a raise. You deserve it! You’ve been working in and make them comfortable. It’s likely that they can be of great workload could send you into a tailspin. Pace yourself. Get your long and hard these past several months. You’ve earned the respect benefit in furthering your career. Perhaps one of them is well work done first before thinking about your social life. Remember, if of authority figures and the admiration of peers. Be careful not to connected in a company you’ve long wanted to work for. Or maybe you were unemployed, you wouldn’t be able to go out at all! fritter away the extra money. Put some aside for a rainy day. you will get an interesting stock tip. Stay alert! Gulf Times Friday, May 7, 2021 7 WORLD

Florida governor signs law imposing Support growing globally new voting curbs

Reuters made by Trump, a Florida ab- Miami sentee voter himself, after his loss to Democrat Joe Biden. for vaccine patent waiver Judges rejected such claims lorida Governor Ron De- in more than 60 lawsuits that AFP tal moment in the fi ght against Moderna vaccine 96% eff ective in those aged 12-17 years, study shows Santis has signed a bill failed to overturn the election Washington/Geneva/Berlin Covid-19”. Fimposing new limits on result. The African Union’s health Moderna said yesterday that its coronavirus (Covid-19) Moderna said it is currently “in discussions with regula- voting by mail and using ballot Lawmakers in Republican- watchdog also praised it as a “re- vaccine is 96% eff ective among youths aged 12-17, ac- tors about a potential amendment to its regulatory drop boxes, the latest Republi- controlled states, including nternational support grew markable expression of leader- cording to the results of its first clinical trials. filings” to authorise the vaccine for this age group. can-backed voting restrictions Georgia, Texas and Arizona, yesterday for a US proposal ship”. Two-thirds of the 3,235 participants in trials in the It is currently only certified for people aged 18 and over to become law in a US election nevertheless proposed legisla- Ito waive patents on much- European Commission Presi- United States received the vaccine and one-third were in countries where it has already been approved. battleground state. tion that they said was neces- needed coronavirus (Covid-19) dent Ursula von der Leyen re- given a placebo. Pfizer and BioNTech have already applied for authori- The new law restricts the use sary to curb voter fraud, which vaccines, as India posted record cently voiced reluctance to waive The study “showed vaccine eff icacy against Covid-19 of sation of their own vaccine for 12-15 year olds in the of absentee ballot drop boxes is extremely rare in the United deaths and infections from a patents, but said yesterday that 96%; mRNA-1273 was generally well tolerated with no United States and Europe. to the early voting period, adds States. catastrophic wave swamping the Brussels was ready to discuss serious safety concerns identified to date”. On Wednesday, Canada became the first country to new identifi cation require- DeSantis acknowledged in country (see report on page 8). the proposal, a stance echoed by Tests detected 12 cases of coronavirus 14 days after authorise the Pfizer shot for this age group. ments for requesting such February that Florida had “held Rich nations have faced accu- European economic powerhouse the first shot. The vaccination of teens is the next step in the cam- ballots, and requires voters to the smoothest, most success- sations of hoarding shots while Germany. For these intermediate results, participants were paign to eventually contain the epidemic. reapply for absentee ballots in ful election of any state in the poor countries struggle to get There was far more enthusi- followed up on average 35 days after the second Moderna also began trials of its vaccine in children each new general election cy- country”, but said new limits on inoculation programmes off the asm from other national capi- injection. aged six months to 11 years in March. cle. absentee ballots were needed to ground, with the virus surging tals, including Paris, Rome, and The pharmaceutical company said that any side eff ects Pfizer and BioNTech announced on Tuesday that they Previously, Florida voters safeguard election integrity. across the developing world in Vienna. had been “mild or moderate in severity”, most com- hope to file an emergency authorisation request for only had to apply once every DeSantis, who signed the contrast to the easing of restric- “This pandemic has taught us monly pain at the injection site. their vaccine for children aged two to 11 in September two election cycles. law in an appearance on the tions in Europe and the United that we can only win together,” With the second shot, side eff ects included “headache, in the United States. The law also gives partisan Fox News Channel show Fox & States. said Italian Health Minister Rob- fatigue, myalgia and chills”, similar to those observed Pfizer chief executive Albert Bourla said the company election observers more power Friends, said: “Me signing this Under intense pressure to erto Speranza. in adults who had received the vaccine. could apply for authorisation to inoculate children to raise objections and requires bill here says, ‘Florida, your ease protections for vaccine Russian President Vladimir “No serious safety concerns have been identified to aged between from six months and two years “in the people off ering voters assist- vote counts, your vote is going manufacturers, Washington’s Putin also said he supported the date,” it said. fourth quarter”. – AFP ance to stay at least 150’ (45m) to be cast with integrity and Trade Representative Katherine idea of a waiver on patent protec- away from polling places, an transparency’.” Tai said on Wednesday that the tions for coronavirus vaccines, as increase from the previous 100’ Mail-in ballots or absentee country “supports the waiver of Russia registered a single-dose incentive, ultimately aff ecting property protection rights in the also stressed the importance of (30m) radius. ballots were used by Demo- those protections for Covid-19 virus jab called Sputnik Light. pharmaceutical research and de- context of the pandemic would keeping patent protections in- Republican legislators in cratic voters in greater num- vaccines”. However, the move is opposed velopment. not guarantee equitable, aff ord- tact. dozens of states have pursued bers than Republicans in the The World Trade Organisation by a consortium of big phar- German fi rm BioNTech said able and quick access to vaccines, “The US suggestion for the measures to restrict voting 2020 election, as many people (WTO) chief has hailed Tai’s an- maceutical companies, which patent protection was not hold- treatments and diagnostic prod- lifting of patent protection for rights in the aftermath of Don- avoided in-person voting dur- nouncement. described the decision as “dis- ing back production or supply ucts against Covid-19,” it said in Covid-19 vaccines has signifi - ald Trump’s false claims that ing the coronavirus pandemic. “I warmly welcome her will- appointing” and warned that it of Covid-19 vaccines and that an e-mail. “That kind of access cant implications for vaccine the 2020 election was stolen Florida Republicans used ingness to engage with propo- could hamper innovation. scrapping them would not lead would rather require tight and production as a whole,” said from him through widespread mail-in voting slightly more nents of a temporary waiver of Shares in Asia-listed vaccine to an increase in jabs in the short harmonious co-operation be- a government spokeswoman, voting fraud. than Democrats in the 2014, the TRIPS agreement to help in makers – including Shanghai and medium term. tween all the concerned actors.” stressing that “the protection of Lawmakers in the Texas 2016 and 2018 general elec- combating the Covid-19 pan- Fosun Pharmaceutical, CanSino Switzerland voiced scepticism The SECO added though that intellectual property is a source House of Representatives were tions. demic,” Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala Biologics and JCR Pharmaceuti- over a US-backed proposal to Switzerland “of course remains of innovation and must remain poised yesterday to advance In March, Georgia’s Repub- said in a statement, read to re- cal – tumbled yesterday after the waive patent rights on Covid-19 open to pursuing work on these so in the future”. sweeping new voting limits de- lican governor signed a law porters by her spokesman Keith US announcement. vaccines, but said it was open to questions within the framework The pandemic has killed more spite opposition from numer- that tightened absentee ballot Rockwell. Supporters of the waiver say discussion. of the WTO, and to discussing than 3.2mn people worldwide ous businesses. identifi cation requirements, The TRIPS agreement is short that easing patent restrictions The Swiss State Secretariate possible solutions to the diffi cul- since the virus fi rst emerged in Minutes after DeSantis restricted ballot drop-box use for the Trade-Related Aspects will spur production of low-cost for Economic Aff airs (SECO) told ties”. late 2019, according to an AFP signed the law, the League of and allowed a Republican-con- of Intellectual Property Rights generic vaccines, helping poor AFP that it was aware of Wash- “In this context, Switzerland compilation of offi cial data. Women Voters of Florida and trolled state agency to take over agreement. countries that are struggling to ington’s “signifi cant” announce- will evaluate the new proposal by The US is the worst-aff ected two other civil rights groups local voting operations. World Health Organisation immunise their people. ment on Wednesday. the United States ... as well as the country with almost 580,000 sued Florida’s 67 counties to Democrats and voting rights (WHO) chief Tedros Adhanom Opponents argue the move “Like other WTO members, consequences for the Swiss posi- deaths, followed by Brazil with try to block the new restric- advocates sued Georgia over Ghebreyesus said that the an- will damage intellectual prop- Switzerland remains convinced tion.” over 414,000, and then India tions. the measure, saying that it nouncement was “a monumen- erty rights and erode the profi t that a suspension of intellectual The German government has with over 230,000. The Florida branch of the was aimed at disenfranchis- National Association for the ing black voters, who helped Advancement of Coloured propel Biden to the presidency People, Disability Rights and deliver Democrats two US Florida, and the good govern- Senate victories in Georgia in ment group Common Cause January that gave them control At least 25 killed in also sued the state yesterday, of the chamber. arguing that the limits would Top US companies also de- disproportionately hurt black, cried Georgia’s law, and Major police drug raid in Latino and disabled voters. League Baseball moved its All- Republican lawmakers have Star game out of the state in cited the unfounded claims protest. Rio slum: media

Brazil court suspends investigation AFP local community leader told Rio de Janeiro AFP, asking for safety reasons against indigenous activist leader that his name not be published. TV network GloboNews A Brazilian court has ordered the Federal Police to suspend a probe massive police opera- showed aerial images of armed into Sonia Guajajara, an indigenous leader accused of “slandering” tion against drug traf- suspects fl eeing from one President Jair Bolsonaro for criticising his mishandling of the Afi ckers in a Rio de Ja- residence to another in the coronavirus (Covid-19) crisis. neiro favela yesterday left at densely-packed neighbour- The legal complaint against the Association of Brazil’s Indigenous least 24 suspects and an offi cer hood, passing what looked like Peoples (APIB) and its leader Guajajara – accusing it of “a dead, Brazilian media reports high-powered rifl es from hand campaign of slander and defamation” – was brought by FUNAI, the and AFP correspondents said. to hand. government’s indigenous aff airs off ice. The early-morning raid The neighbourhood is con- “It is important to note the clear mention” in FUNAI’s off icial letter of turned the impoverished sidered a base for the Comando the alleged slander “suggests that the main purpose of this entire neighbourhood of Jacarezinho, Vermelho, or Red Command, situation is to silence” critics of the federal government, read the on Rio’s north side, into a bat- the Brazilian beach city’s big- ruling by federal judge Frederico de Barros Viana. tlefi eld, with residents post- gest drug gang. Guajajara comes from Arariboia indigenous land in northeastern ing videos on social media of The operation came despite Maranhao, and rose to prominence as a defender of native rights. – explosions, heavy gunfi re and a Supreme Court ruling bar- AFP Off icers are seen during an operation against drug traff ickers at the Jacarezinho favela in Rio de Janeiro. helicopters hovering overhead. ring police from carrying out Large groups of police could raids in Brazil’s impoverished be seen streaming into the favelas during the coronavirus Violence persists favela as frightened residents pandemic except in “absolute- tentatively went about their ly exceptional circumstances”. at some Colombia business once the gunfi re died Police did not immediately SpaceX demonstrations down, AFP journalists said. respond to a request for further “The investigation stemmed information on what led to the Protests in Colombia headed from information received by raid. Starship into their ninth day yesterday as the child protection unit that Rights group Instituto Fogo local authorities in the small city drug traffi ckers have been re- Cruzado (the Crossfi re Insti- of Pereira off ered a reward for cruiting children and teenag- tute), which tracks the often prototype information after three people ers to join the area’s dominant violent police operations that were shot in connection with crime gang,” police said in a are commonplace in Rio, said overnight demonstrations. statement. “These criminals it was the deadliest such raid achieves The protests were originally perpetrate acts including drug since it began monitoring fi ve called in opposition to a now- traffi cking, cargo robbery, pe- years ago. cancelled tax reform plan, but destrian assaults, homicide Police said the sting grew out fi rst safe demonstrators have since and hijacking subway trains, of a surveillance operation that broadened their demands to among other crimes in the re- obtained a warrant to wire-tap include government action to gion.” suspects’ communications. landing tackle poverty, police violence At least two people were That led them to identify 21 and inequality in the health and wounded when the subway car people “responsible for ensur- education systems. they were riding in was appar- ing the gang’s territorial domi- Reuters SpaceX conducts a test launch of its SN15 Starship prototype from the company’s starship facility in “The national police roundly ently caught in the crossfi re nance with fi rearms”, they said. Washington Boca Chica, Texas. reject the acts which happened during the operation, news site The group “had set up a in Pereira near the viaduct, where G1 reported, citing the police. war-style structure with hun- the Gulf Coast and reached its after the engines cut off , but Four previous test fl ights of three people were injured by Residents reported seeing dreds of ‘soldiers’ equipped paceX achieved the fi rst planned maximum altitude of an automated fi re-suppression Starship prototypes – SN8 in firearms,” city police commander corpses lying on the pavement with rifl es, pistols, grenades, successful touchdown 10km (six miles), then hovered system trained a steady stream December, SN9 in February and Coronel Anibal Villamizar said in pools of blood, and numer- bulletproof vests, camoufl age Sof its prototype Starship momentarily before fl ying nose- of water onto the landing pad, SN10 and SN11 in March – all in a video message late on ous bodies being taken out in fatigues and other military ac- rocket during the latest test down under aerodynamic con- eventually extinguishing the blasted off successfully but blew Wednesday. – Reuters an armoured police vehicle, a cessories”, they said. fl ight of the next-generation trol back toward Earth. blaze. to pieces. launch vehicle in south Texas on Manoeuvring itself back into The fl ight came on the 60th The complete Starship rocket, Wednesday, after four previous vertical position under rocket anniversary of the fi rst space- which will stand 394’ (120m) Stink from refinery shuts Caribbean schools twice in a month landing attempts ended in ex- thrust as it approached the fl ight by an American astronaut tall when mated with its su- plosions. ground, the 16-storey, three- – Alan Shepard’s launch on a per-heavy fi rst-stage booster, The Limetree Bay refinery in St Croix is releasing apologising for the impact on the local community. The feat marked a key mile- engine vehicle descended to a 15-minute suborbital mission is SpaceX’s next-generation “light hydrocarbon odours” due to maintenance The nearby Limetree Bay refinery had been the stone for the private rocket gentle touchdown on its landing atop the National Aeronau- launch vehicle at the centre of being conducted on its coker unit, prompting nearby source of noxious odours last month that caused company of billionaire tech gear. tics and Space Administration Musk’s ambitions to make hu- schools to dismiss students, the company and the some residents to feel ill and also shut schools. mogul Elon Musk in its devel- “We are down, the Starship (Nasa)’s Mercury-Redstone man space travel more aff ord- US Virgin Islands Department of Education said During the April incidents the US Virgin Islands opment of a reusable heavy-lift has landed,” SpaceX principal rocket from Cape Canaveral, able and routine. yesterday. Department of Planning and Natural Resources launch vehicle to eventually integration engineer John Ins- Florida. A fi rst orbital Starship fl ight is Three St Croix schools in the US Virgin Islands (DPNR) determined that the Limetree Bay refinery carry astronauts and large cargo prucker said during live com- Musk declared success on planned for year’s end. closed campuses yesterday due to a noxious odour was emitting excess sulphur dioxide due to payloads to the moon and Mars. mentary for the fl ight. Twitter, posting a terse message Musk has said he intends to aff ecting air quality on campus, the department said. hydrogen sulphide being burned. The Starship SN15 blasted A video feed of the landing in the understated parlance of fl y Japanese billionaire Yusaku “We will continue to monitor the situation, but Even short-term exposures to elevated levels of off from the SpaceX launch showed fl ames continuing to spacefl ight: “Starship landing Maezawa around the moon with there is the potential for additional odours while sulphur dioxide can harm the human respiratory site in Boca Chica, Texas, along burn at the base of the rocket nominal!” the Starship in 2023. maintenance continues,” the company said, system and make breathing diff icult. – Reuters Gulf Times 8 Friday, May 7, 2021 WORLD

PEOPLE DEMAND APPEAL DECISION POLITICS Ex-Maldives president Calls grow to free Chad opposition calls for Malawi orders thousands South Africa’s ANC hurt in blast outside home Togo opposition leader fresh anti-junta protests of refugees back to camp faces power struggle

Former Maldives president Mohamed Nasheed was Togolese opposition parties and civil society groups Opposition parties and civil society groups in Chad The Malawian government has ordered thousands A top off icial in South Africa’s African National Con- injured in a blast outside his family home yesterday, yesterday called for the release of a former minister said fresh protests would be held tomorrow against of long-integrated refugees to return to its sole but gress (ANC) has appealed against his suspension police said in a statement. “Following an explosion... arrested last week. Djimon Ore, president of the the junta that took power after longtime ruler Idriss badly overcrowded refugee camp, in a controver- on corruption charges and attempted to suspend speaker of parliament president Mohamed Nash- Front for Patriots of Democracy (FPD) party and a Deby Itno died fighting rebels. The Transitional sial move that many have vowed to resist. The UN President Cyril Ramaphosa in an increasingly eed has sustained injuries and is currently receiving former communications minister, was detained at Military Council (CMT) took charge on April 20, estimates there are around 2,000 refugees resid- open power struggle in the governing party. ANC treatment at ADK Hospital,” the statement said. Im- his house in the capital Lome. “Ore was detained on the day that Deby’s shock death was announced. ing outside the camp at Dzaleka, about 40kms secretary general Ace Magashule, who has denied ages from state TV channel PSM showed security April 29. He was placed under a detention warrant,” It is headed by Deby’s son Mahamat, a four-star north of the capital Lilongwe. Many have lived the corruption allegations, was suspended on services securing the scene of the incident in the prosecutor Essolissam Poyodi said without giving general. Protests broke out almost immediately and there for years, setting up businesses in the town Wednesday by the party. The move follows an capital Male. A foreign tourist was also injured, the further details. No charges against him have been have been brutally quashed, resulting in six deaths or marrying Malawians and having children with anti-corruption campaign launched by Ramaphosa channel reported. “Strongly condemn the attack on made public but sources close to his party say Ore according to off icials, and nine according to NGOs. them. But the government argues they pose a po- in 2018 . “I am immediately, and formally, appealing speaker of parliament, president Mohamed Nash- was accused of making defamatory comments. “We are launching an urgent appeal to all civil tential danger to national security by living among this unconstitutional suspension, in terms of the eed this evening,” the country’s foreign minister Ore’s comments last month on Togo’s 61st inde- society organisations to immediately join the mass locals. “We are not chasing them, and we just want ANC Constitution, my suspension is thus wholly Abdulla Shahid, a member of Nasheed’s Maldivian pendence anniversary criticising President Faure mobilisation,” Max Loalngar, the co-ordinator of the them to be where they should be,” Homeland suspended, until my appeal has been heard, and its Democratic Party, said in a tweet. Gnassingbe and his father may be those at issue. Wakit Tamma collective said. Security Minister Richard Chimwendo said. final outcome announced,” Magashule said.

India ‘asks state banks to withdraw Coronavirus cash held abroad in spread to rural Cairn row’

Reuters New Delhi India sparks

ndia has asked state-run banks to withdraw funds Ifrom their foreign currency accounts abroad, two govern- ment offi cials and a banker said, fresh concern as New Delhi fears Cairn Energy may try to seize the cash after an Reuters the World Trade Organisation to posed various levels of social arbitration ruling in a tax dis- New Delhi hammer out any deal. restrictions to try to stem infec- pute. While India is the world’s big- tions, but the federal government Cairn was awarded damages gest vaccine maker, it is strug- has resisted imposing a national of more than $1.2bn plus inter- opes that India’s ram- gling to produce enough doses. lockdown. est and costs in December in a paging second wave of Its two current vaccine pro- The southern state of Kerala long drawn-out tussle with the HCovid-19 is peaking were ducers will take two months or yesterday announced it will im- Indian government over its ret- set back yesterday as record daily more to boost monthly output pose nine days of curbs on move- rospective tax claims. infections and deaths were re- to more than 110mn doses from ment from Saturday. While New Delhi has fi led an ported and as the virus spread 70mn-80mn. In the offi ce of a crematorium appeal, the London-listed fi rm from cities to villages that were At a meeting with his top of- in Delhi, the fl oor and shelves has started identifying Indian poorly equipped to cope. fi cials yesterday, Modi stressed were overfl owing with earthen assets overseas, including bank Government modelling had that Indian states must keep pots, plastic packets and steel accounts, that could be seized forecast a peak by Wednesday up vaccination rates and that containers fi lled with the ashes in the absence of a settlement, in infections that have over- healthcare workers involved in of people who have died from which Cairn says it is still pursu- whelmed the healthcare system, the inoculation campaign must Covid-19. “Our lockers are full. ing. with hospitals running out of not be diverted to other tasks, the We cannot store any more ashes. The company has registered beds and medical oxygen. government said. We used to get around 40 Cov- its claim against India in courts A record 412,262 new cases Although the country has ad- id-19 bodies a day. We are now in the US, Britain, France, the and 3,980 deaths were reported ministered at least 157mn vaccine telling relatives to take the ashes Netherlands, Singapore and over the past 24 hours, taking doses, its rate of inoculation has with them on the same day,” Quebec, moves that could make total infections past 21mn and fallen sharply in recent days. Pankaj Sharma, a manager at the it easier to seize assets and en- the overall death toll to 230,168, Modi has been widely criti- crematorium, said. force the arbitration award. health ministry data showed. cised for not acting sooner to With Delhi running short of “Earlier this week a guidance “This temporarily halts suppress the second wave, after ambulances, authorities have was sent to state-run banks to speculations of a peak,” Rijo M religious festivals and political teamed up with a non-profi t or- withdraw funds from their nos- John, a professor at the Indian rallies drew tens of thousands of ganisation to turn some of the tro accounts,” one of the govern- Institute of Management in the people in recent weeks and be- city’s ubiquitous three-wheeled ment offi cials, who asked not to southern state of Kerala, said on came “super spreader” events. autorickshaws into makeshift am- be named, said adding that the Twitter. Several Indian states have im- bulances for Covid-19 patients. fi nance ministry had issued the While the capital New Delhi guidance. and several other cities have been A nostro account refers to an hardest hit so far, limited public Pandemic ‘drove 230mn Indians into poverty’ account a bank holds overseas at healthcare, including a dearth another bank in the currency of of testing facilities, means the Around 230mn Indians fell into unable to secure employment that jurisdiction. threat is grave in rural areas that poverty due to the pandemic even after virus restrictions were Such accounts are used for are home to nearly 70% of the last year with young people and lifted, according to the study. The international trade and to settle 1.3bn population. women the hardest hit, and the report, which defined people in other foreign exchange transac- In the town of Susner in Mad- current second wave threatens to poverty as those living on less tions. hya Pradesh state, patients were make matters even worse, a new than Rs375 ($5) per day, said: The fi nance ministry did not being treated outdoors under study has said. India’s stringent “Though incomes fell across immediately respond to requests trees, on blankets on the ground. months-long lockdown from last the board, the pandemic has for comment. Prime Minister Narendra Mo- March put around 100mn people taken a far heavier toll on poorer A banker from one of India’s di’s government welcomed US out of work, the report by the households.” An estimated 50mn 12 state banks, who also asked President Joe Biden’s announce- Bangalore-based Azim Premji Indians were expected to climb not be identifi ed, confi rmed the ment that he would support University said, with around 15% out of poverty last year, instead ministry had sent the guidance waiving intellectual property unable to find jobs even by the the poorest 20% of households and said the government was rights for Covid-19 vaccinations. end of the year. Women were saw their entire income vanish in concerned courts abroad could Such a waiver would make especially worse-off , with a stag- April and May as business ground order funds in their jurisdiction People stand outside a Mumbai vaccination centre yesterday which was closed due to the shortage of vaccines more widely available, gering 47% of female workers to a halt. be remitted to Cairn. Covid-19 vaccines. although it could take months for China suspends economic Vaccine drive Ugandan LRA leader dialogue with Australia gets 25-year jail term AFP own past justifi ed a lower sen- The Hague tence than the maximum of 30 Reuters the concept of national security signed an agreement on co-op- years to life allowed by the ICC. Beijing/Sydney to pressure co-operation with eration on Belt and Road projects The defence had sought a 10- China. “Australia must bear full in third-party countries. he International Crimi- year term for Ongwen for attacks responsibility,” he said. Australia has, however, de- nal Court yesterday sen- by his men on refugee camps in hina yesterday “indefi - The Australian dollar fell clined to sign agreements on Ttenced Dominic Ongwen, northern Uganda. nitely” suspended all sharply on the news and was as direct participation in China’s a Ugandan child soldier who Victims of his crimes had Cactivity under a China- low as 0.7701 to the US dollar fl agship foreign policy initiative. became a commander in the no- asked the court to impose the full Australia Strategic Economic from Wednesday’s $0.7747. In April, Canberra cancelled torious Lord’s Resistance Army life sentence. Dialogue, its state economic Bilateral ties were strained in two Belt and Road co-operation (LRA), to 25 years in jail for war The six years he has served in planner said, the latest setback 2018 when Australia became the deals struck by the state of Vic- crimes and crimes against hu- custody will be deducted from for strained relations between fi rst country to publicly ban Chi- toria, prompting the Chinese manity. the sentence and Ongwen can the two countries. nese tech giant Huawei from its embassy to warn that ties were Ongwen, 45 – whose nom de appeal. “Recently, some Australian 5G network. bound to worsen. guerre was “White Ant” – was Schmitt said the court was Commonwealth government Relations worsened last year Australia’s federal parliament found guilty in February of 61 faced with a “unique” case, de- offi cials launched a series of when Australia called for an in- granted veto power over foreign charges during a reign of terror in scribing Ongwen as both a crim- measures to disrupt the normal dependent investigation into the deals by states in December amid the early 2000s by the LRA, led inal and a victim. exchanges and co-operation be- origins of the novel coronavirus, the deepening diplomatic dis- by the fugitive Joseph Kony. He said Ongwen, an intellec- tween China and Australia out of prompting trade reprisals from pute with China, which has im- “In light of the gravity of the tually gifted child, had a “bril- Cold War mindset and ideologi- China. Australian Trade Minister posed a series of trade sanctions crimes that you committed...the liant future” before him until he cal discrimination,” China’s Na- Dan Tehan said the commission’s on Australian exports. chamber sentences you to a to- was kidnapped while on his way tional Development and Reform decision was disappointing be- Successive Australian trade tal period of imprisonment of 25 to school aged nine. Commission (NDRC) said in a cause the economic dialogue was ministers have been unable to years,” declared presiding judge In northern Uganda, many short statement on the decision. “an important forum for Aus- secure a phone call with Chinese Bertram Schmitt. people said the sentence was The commission did not say tralia and China to work through counterparts since diplomatic The case revived traumatic too lenient. “I was surprised in the statement what specifi c issues relevant to our economic tensions worsened in 2020. memories of the rebel group’s the court gave only 25 years. It measures prompted the action. partnership. “We remain open In the 12 months to March, brutal rampage across East Af- should have been more years in China’s foreign ministry to holding the dialogue and en- Australia exported A$149bn rica, but also cast light on the jail because the harm and suff er- spokesman, Wang Wenbin, told a gaging at the ministerial level,” ($115bn) worth of goods to China, plight and moral responsibility ing the LRA caused to people of daily conference the suspension he said in a statement. The last excluding services, of which iron People wait to get a dose of the Sputnik V Covid-19 of child soldiers. this region is a lifetime trauma,” was a “necessary and legitimate” meeting was in Beijing in 2017, ore was by far the largest prod- vaccine in Colombo yesterday. Prosecutors had asked for a said James Komakech Olwo, a response to Australia “abusing” when Australia’s trade minister uct. 20-year term, saying Ongwen’s 49-year-old farmer in Amuru. Gulf Times Friday, May 7, 2021 9 WORLD

Bees trained UK pulls patrol boats from to detect Covid-19 infections Jersey after fi shing dispute Reuters rules for issuing licences set out ure, according to his offi ce. Paris in Britain’s post-Brexit trade An offi cial from the French Reuters deal with the European Union. presidency said the deployment Amsterdam Britain said it backed Jersey. from both France and Britain is ritain withdrew its Royal The EU called for calm. aimed at preventing clashes be- Navy vessels from the After the French fi shing boats tween trawlers. utch researchers have Bwaters off Jersey yester- left the area, Britain said its Roy- France is angry that on April trained bees, which have day but said it would remain on al Navy Off shore Patrol Vessels 30 Jersey issued 41 licences Dan unusually keen sense standby to support the Chan- would prepare to return to port with what the Paris government of smell, to identify samples nel island after a dispute with in the UK as the “situation is re- called unilaterally-imposed infected with the coronavirus France over post-Brexit fi shing solved for now”. conditions, including the time (Covid-19), a fi nding that they rights escalated rapidly. “We are pleased that French French fi shing vessels could French fishing boats are seen near the port of Saint Helier, off the British island of Jersey, to draw said could cut waiting times for France and Britain both de- fi shing boats have now left the spend in Jersey’s waters. attention to what they see as unfair restrictions on their ability to fish in UK waters after Brexit. test results to just seconds. ployed maritime patrol ves- vicinity of Jersey,” a government Hugo Lehuby, spokesman for To train the bees, scientists sels to the area after a fl otilla of spokeswoman said. “We remain the Normandy Regional Fisher- spent in Jersey’s waters before “Full compliance with the with some crew holding red in the bio-veterinary research French trawlers sailed in protest on standby to provide any fur- ies Committee, said talks be- Brexit. TCA (Brexit trade deal) is essen- fl ares aloft. laboratory at Wageningen Uni- to Jersey’s main harbour and a ther assistance Jersey requests.” tween island offi cials and repre- Britain’s Brexit negotiator tial in this process,” Commission At least one French trawler versity gave them sugary water French minister suggested ear- British Prime Minister Boris sentatives of the fi shermen were David Frost said under the terms spokeswoman Vivian Loonela entered the harbour and briefl y as a reward after showing them lier in the week that Paris might Johnson, who led the 2016 Brexit not positive. of the trade deal, Jersey can reg- told a news briefi ng. blocked the Commodore Good- samples infected with Covid-19. cut electricity to the island. campaign, had cast the trade “We’re getting deeper into ulate fi shing in its waters. The fl eet of about 50 fi shing will, a cargo vessel and ferry that They would get no reward af- French fi shermen say they are deal as a way to take back control deadlock,” Lehuby told Reuters. The European Commission boats left the shores of Jersey, connects the Channel Islands to ter being shown a non-infected being unfairly deprived of access of the United Kingdom’s destiny “Either this gets resolved, or re- said however that until further which lies 14 miles off northern the British mainland. sample. to rich fi shing grounds off the after Brexit. taliatory measures are taken.” justifi cations had been provided France and 85 miles from Brit- The French presidency offi - Having got used to the system, coast of Jersey, a self-governing He had said yesterday that the Jersey offi cials said the pact by Britain, Jersey offi cials should ain’s southern coast, in the early cial has said the deployment of the bees were able to spontane- British Crown Dependency. two vessels would remain off stipulates licences take into ac- not be attaching new conditions afternoon. patrol vessels spoke of France’s ously extend their tongues to Jersey says it is following the Jersey as a precautionary meas- count how much time a vessel to licences. They had arrived at dawn, concern and frustration. receive a reward when presented with an infected sample, said Wim van der Poel, a professor of virology who took part in the project. “We collect normal honeybees Irish slam UK plans from a beekeeper and we put the bees in harnesses,” he said. “Right after presenting a posi- to block ‘Troubles’ tive sample we also present them with sugar water. “And what the bees do is they crimes prosecutions extend their proboscis to take the sugar water.” The extending of the bees’ AFP veterans who served in North- straw-like tongues to drink is A combination image of eight Royal Mail stamps created in honour of Dublin ern Ireland. confi rmation of a positive coro- Paul McCartney shows his various album covers. During the campaign he navirus test result, according to pledged to end “vexatious” the researchers. Left: A combination image of four Royal Mail stamps created in reland’s Irish deputy prime prosecutions of British mili- It can take days to get a Cov- honour of Paul McCartney shows him in the studio working on minister, Leo Varadkar, said tary personnel. id test result, but the response various albums. Iyesterday that Dublin is “We want to deal with the from the bees is immediate. “deeply alarmed” by reported past in a way that helps soci- The method is also cheap, British plans to unilaterally ety in Northern Ireland to look making it useful for countries end historic prosecutions for forward rather than back,” the where tests are scarce, they said. crimes committed during “The spokesman said. However, Dirk de Graaf, a pro- Paul McCartney gets his own set of stamps Troubles” in Northern Ireland. He added it was “clear that fessor who studies bees, insects The UK is set to introduce a the current system for dealing and animal immunology at Gh- statute of limitations stopping with the legacy of the Troubles ent University in Belgium, said Reuters terday that it will issue a set of sheet, feature pictures of the 18- is a fi tting tribute to one of the charges over incidents which is not working for anyone”. he did not see the technique London 12 stamps depicting McCart- time Grammy Award winner re- UK’s much loved and revered occurred before the 1998 Good Many families of the 300 replacing more conventional ney and his work, saying that it cording music. musical icons.” Friday Agreement, which people killed by troops during forms of Covid-19 testing. is paying tribute to “one of the “Paul McCartney remains a Royal Mail said it had worked wound down decades of con- “The Troubles” regard British “It is a good idea, but I would aul McCartney has nu- most iconic and enduring music vital fi gure at the centre of rock with McCartney on the stamps, fl ict in the British-ruled prov- government moves to block prefer to carry out tests using the merous hits, awards and artists of all time”. and pop – an artist whose legacy which go on sale on May 28 ince, according to reports. prosecutions as an eff ective classic diagnostic tools rather Peven a knighthood to his Eight of the stamps will show is immense, but whose work priced at £16.20 ($22.54) for the It would apply to British sol- state amnesty for murder. than using honeybees for this. I name. images of the singer-songwrit- continues to generate popular full set. diers as well as paramilitaries Conversely relatives of those am a huge bee lover, but I would Now the former Beatle can er’s album covers, from his 1970 attention and critical acclaim,” McCartney joins David Bowie active during the 30-year-long killed by paramilitaries are of- use the bees for other purposes add a personalised set of stamps debut McCartney solo record to David Gold of Royal Mail said in and Elton John as the only other sectarian confl ict, several UK ten dismayed by the notion of than detecting Covid-19,” he to his long list of accolades. last year’s McCartney III. a statement. individual music artists to fea- newspapers said. granting pardons to organisa- said. Britain’s Royal Mail said yes- The other four, in a miniature “This dedicated stamp issue ture in a dedicated stamp issue. Exemptions would still allow tions operating outside the law. war crimes such as torture to Several proceedings are cur- be prosecuted in the so-called rently underway against vet- Prince Harry, Meghan ask for vaccine “legacy” cases relating to some erans who were deployed in of the 3,500 deaths in strife be- Northern Ireland during Brit- Going about their business donations for Archie’s birthday tween pro-UK unionists, pro- ain’s 38-year military inter- Ireland nationalists and British vention. Britain’s Prince Harry and his wife Meghan have asked fans to security forces. On Tuesday, a trial against donate money for coronavirus (Covid-19) vaccines as a way of “The government and my- two former paratroopers for celebrating the second birthday of their son Archie. self personally were deeply the 1972 murder of an offi cial “We have been deeply touched over the past two years to feel the alarmed,” Varadkar told Ire- Irish Republican Army (IRA) warmth and support for our family in honour of Archie’s birthday,” land’s Dail lower house of member collapsed over a lack said the couple, who now live in California after renouncing their parliament. “It’s something of evidence. royal duties. that we would not support as a However, some see any UK In a letter posted on the website of their Archewell non-profit government because we stand move to introduce a statute of foundation, they praised supporters for their charity donations on with the victims and the fami- limitations as a breach of a 2014 Archie’s birthday. lies who’ve been bereaved and accord with Ireland, which has “Many of you donate to charities on his behalf, and mark the damaged.” a key role in Northern Ireland. occasion by giving back or doing an act of service – all through the “They have a right to know The Stormont House Agree- goodness of your hearts,” they wrote. “You raise funds for those what happened and they have a ment pledges an independent who need it most, and continue to do so organically and selflessly. right to justice,” he added. investigation unit to re-exam- We remain incredibly grateful.” Irish Foreign Minister Simon ine all unsolved killings. “This year, our world continues to be on the path to recovery from Coveney said Dublin has been Britain’s Northern Ireland Covid-19. clear that it opposes “any uni- secretary Brandon Lewis dis- “Yet too many families are still struggling with the impact of this lateral action” on legacy cases. cussed the issue at a meeting pandemic,” they said, asking for donations for the purchase of He added on Twitter that with Coveney in Dublin on vaccines for “families in the world’s most vulnerable places”. victims and Northern Ireland Wednesday. “We will not be able to truly recover until everyone, everywhere, “must be the priority”. An Irish foreign ministry has equal access to the vaccine,” said the couple, who co-hosted a A UK government spokes- spokesman said they discussed concert to raise funds for vaccines that is due to air on Sunday. man said it had “clear objec- “the commitments of the Stor- Along with US President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden, Vice- tives” to address the confl ict’s mont House Agreement and President Kamala Harris will also appear at Vax Live: The Concert To legacy while delivering on strongly advised against any People throng a market in Rawalpindi yesterday ahead of the upcoming Eid al-Fitr. Reunite The World, where performers will include Jennifer Lopez, Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s unilateral action on such sen- Eddie Vedder, J Balvin and HER. – AFP 2019 election commitments to sitive issues”. ‘Cutting methane emissions key to slowing warming’

AFP air pollution, harming human themselves, the report found. Andersen said in a forward to the The new UN report evaluated even before they are burned. tration in the atmosphere has Paris health, plants and ecosystems. It said the more ambitious 45% report. impacts of methane emissions “By capturing methane from more than doubled since the In- Certain sectors already have it reduction could avoid nearly 0.3° She said methane emission – and the benefi ts of reducing oil wells and coal mines, and dustrial Revolution. in their power to dramatically cut Celsius of warming over the next cuts are a chance to “address our them – using fi ve global climate plugging all those leaks, a major Over a 20-year period, it is ndustry could cheaply and their emissions, according to the two decades and reduce ground interlinked planetary crises” – models. driver of climate change is cut more than 80 times as potent. easily slash humanity’s meth- new Global Methane Assessment level ozone pollution. ranging across climate, biodiver- Of the technological solutions down to size while simultane- Not acting to cut methane Iane emissions by at least 30% by the UN-led Climate and Clean It would also, each year, pre- sity and waste – and “make peace readily available to cut emissions, ously creating new green jobs and emissions when there are read- in a decade, the United Nations Air Coalition. vent 255,000 premature deaths, with nature”. nearly half were in fossil fuels, improving air quality for us all,” ily available options is “ethi- said yesterday, adding that such Technical solutions – mostly 73bn hours of lost labour from The 2015 Paris climate agree- with the report saying it is “rela- he said in comments to the Sci- cally untenable”, said Joeri cuts would slow global warming in the fossil fuel and waste sec- extreme heat, 775,000 asthma- ment saw nations commit to lim- tively easy” to reduce methane at ence Media Centre. “Seldom in Rogelj, director of research at and prevent hundreds of thou- tors – are “readily available” and related hospital visits, as well as iting temperature rises to “well the point of emission and along the world of climate change ac- the Grantham Institute, Imperial sands of deaths. can reduce humanity’s methane eff ectively increasing global crop below” 2C above pre-industrial production or distribution lines. tion is there a solution so stuff ed College London. Curbing emissions of methane emissions by more than 30% this yields by 26mn tonnes. levels, with a more ambitious as- Dave Reay, chair in carbon with win-wins.” In April 2020, a study us- from farming, fossil fuel opera- decade, the analysis found. “Fast and ambitious meth- pirational goal of 1.5C. management and executive di- CO2 is responsible for more ing imaging data gathered by tions and waste management is a Together with other measures ane mitigation is one of the best Earth’s average surface tem- rector of the Edinburgh Climate than three-quarters of global the European Space Agency’s crucial part of eff orts to restrain currently available, the reduction strategies available today to de- perature has risen about 1.2C Change Institute, University of warming. Sentinel-5P monitoring mission runaway climate change. could be as much as 45%, it said. liver immediate and long-lasting above that benchmark already, Edinburgh, said that “wasteful However, methane also plays found leaks from gas storage and The powerful greenhouse gas, Many of these solutions are multiple benefi ts for climate, enough to boost the severity of extraction methods and leaky an important role. transmission facilities at rates which is short-lived but many low cost and some even have agriculture, human and ecosys- droughts, heatwaves and super- supply lines” in oil, gas and coal It has a warming potential 28 equivalent to the annual carbon times more potent than carbon “negative” costs, meaning that tem health,” UN Environment storms made more destructive by meant that these fossil fuels have times greater than CO2 over a emissions of France and Germa- dioxide, also contributes to toxic they would more than pay for Programme (UNEP) chief Inger rising seas. a “hefty hidden climate penalty”, 100-year period and its concen- ny combined. Gulf Times 10 Friday, May 7, 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 Organised labour after Covid-19 The recent failure to unionise workers at Amazon’s warehouse in Bessemer, Alabama is merely the latest chapter in the long decline of traditional working-class organisations. Has the pandemic made things even worse? Since 1985, trade union membership has fallen by one-half, on average, across OECD countries. Business interests have run persistent, well-funded campaigns against unions and captured much of the media and think-tank circuit. All told, these efforts have clearly succeeded in curtailing workers’ traditional rights and scope of representation. While employer-friendly “right to work” legislation has undermined unions’ ability to fund themselves, the widespread use of “contract labour” (like in India) has created a sprawling class of workers without job security or benefits, many of whom are deployed alongside permanent employees. Global competition, automation, and market concentration are all weakening labour’s bargaining power. But labour’s collective strength Infrastructure for the has also been undercut by internal fragmentation. There is a sharp division between manufacturing production and transportation, on one hand, and service, retail, and caregiving, on the other. Although service workers in the United States and Canada have been organised by the Service Employees International Union, and in Europe by UNI Europa (the European Services Workers Union), we next American century know from the pandemic that workers in healthcare, delivery, and other sectors remain badly underpaid and unprotected. A comprehensive plan creation. For this reason, US President public science investments – and the and stay competitive internationally, In developing countries, the fragmentation of labour runs even Joe Biden’s infrastructure plan is right returns were extraordinary. Every tech we need federal investments in science, deeper, owing to the gulf between the formal and informal sectors. for rebuilding the to include a stepped-up commitment giant of today stands on the shoulders just as we need the government to pay In countries like India, Kenya, and Peru, the overwhelming majority infrastructure of to funding science. of federal investments in research and for roads. And for the same reason: of workers are engaged in informal activities, without any benefits Biden’s Republican opponents development (R&D). On the health side, no private company has an interest in or social protection. As these workers are often self-employed, public science should disagree. In their view, the United States the honour roll begins with large-scale building the fundamentals, because labour organisations are rarely sensitive to their need for credit and need only renew some of its post-World production of antibiotics in the 1940s, that is not generally where the profi t marketing facilities, health include major War II physical infrastructure, with and stretches to the Human Genome is. Just as roads connect one privately and childcare, or legal investments in creating “roads and bridges” most frequently Project in the 1990s and the Covid-19 owned building to another, public Even higher- and insurance services. topping the list. Of course, the US does vaccines of today. science investments create benefi ts for (There are exceptions, new technology hubs need to fi x all its ageing bridges and These investments in science did not society that no individual company fully appreciates. skilled and such as the Self-Employed ensure that Americans can move around just change the way we solve problems safely and at reasonable speed. The US and save lives; they also created Likewise, vaccinating the population Women’s Association, the By Jonathan Gruber and Simon Johnson better-paid Washington, DC population has more than doubled since countless good jobs. The genomics against Covid-19 does not help only largest informal workers’ 1950. There should be no argument that sector that arose from the Human the individuals receiving protection; young workers organisation in India.) this dimension of infrastructure needs Genome Project now employs around it allows the economy to restart by With the rise of the gig nfrastructure is the name given to keep pace. 270,000 people at an average annual making in-person interactions safe are growing economy, more workers to shared systems that underpin But America’s post-World War II wage of $70,000. Every dollar invested again. The Covid-19 vaccination in rich countries also find productivity and make it possible prosperity was based on more than in the National Institutes of Health programme is literally building the concerned about themselves without social Ito create good jobs at high wages. good roads and bridges; it drew on a creates more than $8 in complementary public health infrastructure that protection and very little In the early American republic, the much broader push to generate shared private investment and yields three will restart the US economy. These labour insecurity help for their particular Erie Canal linked the Hudson River and scientifi c knowledge and put it to work dollars of stock-market value to share vaccines would not exist but for needs. Unions in Germany the Great Lakes, creating new possi- productively in the private sector. prices of companies that use the decades of government investment in are trying to expand the availability of worker-friendly customer- bilities for trade and migration. In the During World War II and the technology developed. basic research that is not in the interest later nineteenth century, the country subsequent Cold War, the US And yet the US has since retreated of any individual company. review sites, because gig workers depend heavily on online ratings was transformed by railroads. Senator government invested heavily in science from its commitment to public funding Biden’s American Jobs Plan allocates to secure work. In the US, some small companies are entering the Henry Clay called federal government because it feared, correctly, that Nazi of basic science. Federal science $180 billion to increase federal R&D market to provide gig workers with affordable insurance or sick leave. initiatives to procure such infrastruc- Germany and the Soviet Union were spending has fallen toward 0.6% of spending. It also acknowledges a key Germany’s IG Metall, Europe’s largest industrial union, is opening ture “the American system.” After doing the same. In support of this GDP, placing the US 12th in the world. limitation of recent science-based itself to self-employed workers; and the Independent Workers’ Union World War II, the construction of the eff ort, a bipartisan consensus developed China is doubling down on its science economic development – the returns of Great Britain also is increasingly trying to reach out to gig workers. interstate highway system continued that the federal government should investment. China now spends roughly have become incredibly concentrated Intra-labour fragmentation also stems from how unions organise. this eff ort. invest more heavily across the board in 1.3% of GDP on government-supported in geographic terms. Ninety percent of In the US and India, unionisation is so decentralised that corporate Every era needs its own set of all forms of math, engineering, physics, science – twice the level of the US, all new jobs in the tech sector over the employers can easily block or weaken nascent organising efforts. infrastructure investments, based on chemistry, and biology. relative to the size of their respective past dozen years have been in only fi ve Since their defeat, the union organisers in Bessemer have recognised the available technology and oriented By the mid-1960s, the US government economies. coastal “superstar” cities. that they need to move their organising efforts to the industry level toward productivity growth and job was spending nearly 2% of GDP on If we want to create jobs, save lives, A comprehensive plan for rebuilding the infrastructure of public science – as happens in Europe, where individual firms have less incentive or should include major investments in leverage to curb unions – and also mobilise Amazon customers against creating new technology hubs across the company’s labour practices. In the recent unionisation effort, the the US. In our book Jump-Starting primary demand was less about wages and more about the company’s America: How Breakthrough Science use of robots and monitoring algorithms to set a relentless work pace. Can Revive Economic Growth and In several countries, the hardships of the pandemic seem to have the American Dream, we showed triggered a surge in some forms of labour organising. Given the there are over a hundred cities in relatively high average age of members in old-style unions, organisers the US, in more than 35 states, that are trying to update their methods, such as by using social media and have the excellent universities and labour networks to get the “millennial” generation on board with highly-educated population needed to online petitions and messages geared toward concerns not associated become next-generation innovation with a physical work site. Even higher-skilled and better-paid young centres. These places will do better with a concentrated investment workers are growing concerned about labour insecurity. to compete with the dominant Fortunately, more shareholders nowadays seem open to the idea technology hubs – this is the “jump that negotiating job stability, welfare, and training programmes start” that can spread science and with labour may be good for long-run productivity and profits – a good jobs around the country. Biden’s departure from the longstanding view of labour as just another proposal includes $20 billion for these cost to be minimised for the sake of quarterly profits and year-end critical investments. executive bonuses. Through some level of co-management, in which Moreover, the Biden plan recognises all parties have an interest in articulating and working towards that the broad erosion of the US mutually beneficial long-term goals, trade unions can assume more corporate tax base over several decades responsibility for the overall trajectory of firms and industries. has meant that the profi ts created – Project Syndicate by private use of this public science have accrued increasingly to these companies’ wealthy owners. Raising taxes on corporations both provides a To Advertise fair source of fi nancing for this form of infrastructure and helps ensure that [email protected] the benefi ts of that investment will be Display shared broadly. – Project Syndicate 44466621 44418811  Jonathan Gruber, Professor of Economics at MIT, is the co-author Classified (with Simon Johnson) of Jump-Starting 44466609 44418811 America: How Breakthrough Science Can Revive Economic Growth and the Subscription American Dream.  Simon Johnson, a former chief [email protected] economist at the International Monetary Fund, is a professor at MIT’s Sloan School of Management and a co- © 2021 Gulf Times. All rights reserved FUTURISTIC: President Joe Biden’s American Jobs Plan has allocated $180 billion to increase federal R&D spending. chair of the Covid-19 Policy Alliance. Gulf Times Friday, May 7, 2021 11 THE SPIRIT OF TRUTH Zakat: Meaning, ruling and benefi ts

he literal meaning of “Zakat” is purity. Its Now taste of what you used to hoard.’” [Qur’an purifi es the heart of the recipient from envy Islamic technical meaning designates the 9: 34-35] and jealousy, and it fosters in his heart good Tannual amount of wealth, food, property, He, Almighty, also Says (what means): “And will and warm wishes toward the contributor. etc. which a Muslim with the adequate means let not those who covetously withhold of that As a result, the rich and poor of society are must distribute among the rightful benefi ciaries. which Allah has bestowed on them of His bounty bound together as a unit, working together and Zakat is a remarkable institution and a major (wealth) think that it is good for them (and so they helping one another. pillar of Islam. Allah, Almighty, Says (what do not pay Zakat). No, it will be worse for them; 3. Zakat decreases the suff erings of the needy means): “And establish the Prayer, and pay Zakat the things which they covetously withheld will and poor members of society, however, those in (the poor due)...” [Qur’an, 2:43] be tied to their necks like a collar on the Day of need should not depend on it completely. Moreover, Zakat is an obligatory act because Resurrection...” [Qur’an 3:180] 4. Zakat is an eff ective means of developing it is one of the pillars of Islam: The Prophet, There is no equivalent in any other language the spirit of social responsibility on the part of sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam (may Allah exalt to the word “Zakat” and the meaning it the well-to-do, and the feeling of security and his mention), said: “Islam was built upon conveys. It is not just a form of charity, or belonging on the part of the underprivileged. fi ve (pillars): ‘The testimony that none has alms-giving or tax or tithe. Nor, is it simply 5. Zakat is a clear manifestation of the the right to be worshipped but Allah and an expression of kindness; it is all of these spiritual and humanitarian interactions that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah; combined and much more. It is a duty enjoined between the individual and society. It is a the establishment of the prayer; paying the by Allah and a source of purifi cation for the sound illustration of the fact that though Islam obligatory charity (Zakat); pilgrimage to the individual and society as a whole. does not hinder private enterprise or condemn House (Haj to the Ka’bah in Makkah) and He, Almighty, Says (what means): “Take private possessions, it does not tolerate selfi sh fasting (the month of) Ramadan.”’ [Al-Bukhari from their wealth ‘sadaqah’ (Zakat) in order to and greedy control of wealth and property. It and Muslim] purify them and sanctify them with it.” [Qur’an is an expression of the general philosophy of Zakat is a small portion of the Muslim’s 9: 103] Islam which adopts a moderate and eff ective wealth that must be given to the poor or to Zakat benefi ts the society in many ways. course between the individual and society. other specifi ed benefi ciaries. Whoever claims Here is an explanation of the far-reaching In conclusion, we mention a calling by Allah, that Zakat is not obligatory and refuses to pay eff ects of it: Almighty (what means): “O You who believe! it, is not a Muslim, but a Muslim who refuses to 1. Zakat purifi es the individual and his Shall I lead you to a bargain that will save you pay Zakat due to stinginess, while affi rming its wealth. The status of his wealth is increased from grievous suff ering [in this world and in obligation, has committed a great sin for which with Allah and in turn, he will be rewarded. the life to come)? You are to believe in Allah and one will be severely punished. When a person becomes liable for paying His Messenger and strive hard in Allah’s cause Allah, Almighty, Says (what means): “...and Zakat, a certain percentage of his wealth should with your possessions and your lives: this is for as for those who hoard treasures of gold and be distributed immediately in the correct your own good – if you had known it.” [Qur’an, silver, and do not spend them for the sake of manner, because at that point, the wealth 61: 10-11] Allah, announce unto them a painful torment. which is to be distributed does not belong to Article source: http://www.islamweb.net/ On the Day when that [hoarded wealth] shall him. If this wealth is retained, it spoils the emainpage/ be heated in the Fire of Hell and with it will be status of all of his wealth. branded their foreheads, their fl anks, and their 2. Zakat does not only purify the property backs, (and it will be said unto them): ‘This is of the one who gives it, it also purifi es his the treasure which you hoarded for yourselves. heart from selfi shness and greed. In return, it Morals and Zakat The eligible recipients of Zakat ardly ever is Exalted Says (what means): prayer mentioned {Take, [O, Muhammad], from llah Almighty classifi es the eligible have enough wealth to suffi ce him, however 6. The indebted: can give him a loan that will be of assistance in the Noble their wealth a charity by which recipients of Zakat under eight he does not let others know about it in order He is a person who owes a debt that he to him in fulfi lling his needs. HQur’an without you purify them …} [Qur’an Acategories. He, Almighty Says to be given charity and he does not stand did not acquire through disobedience to If there is someone who can give him a being associated with Zakat. 9:103] (what means): “Zakat expenditures are and beg people.” [Al-Bukhari] Allah and His Messenger, sallallaahu ‘alaihi loan, then he is obligated to take the loan Zakat is the inseparable When Muslims fully grasp only for the poor and for the needy and for 3. The Zakat employees (or those who are wa sallam, and it has become impossible and he is not given Zakat as long as he is twin of prayer in the Book of this, they fi nd themselves those employed to collect [Zakat] and for involved with its work): for him to pay it off . Such a person is given considered a wealthy man in his own land Allah The Almighty and the willing not only to pay the bringing hearts together [for Islam] and for Those are the Muslims who are employed the amount which will allow him to pay (this is according to the Maliki school of Sunnah of His messenger, due Zakat, but also to spend freeing captives [or slaves] and for those to collect Zakat, either through persuasion off his debt from Zakat. This is due to the jurisprudence). This only applies if his travel sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam, in charity according to their in debt and for the cause of Allah and for or force – from those who are not willing to statement of the Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alaihi is for a permissible cause (i.e. did not travel as well. abilities even if this was not the [stranded] traveller – an obligation give it. They are given their salaries from the wa sallam: “Begging is not permissible, to commit a sin). Zakat is like prayer in terms obligatory upon them. This [imposed] by Allah. And Allah is Knowing Zakat collection. except for three: For the person who is General guidelines: of its relation to morals. The renders them eager to give in and Wise.” [Qur’an 9: 60] 4. Reconciliation of hearts (Al-Mu’allafati extremely poor, or the person who has 1. If a Muslim pays Zakat of his wealth payer of Zakat off ers it out of charity and help others in all The following is the list of the eight Quloobuhom): severe debt, or the person who owes a (debt to any one of the eight categories of obedience to his Lord, abiding possible ways and it indicates categories of eligible people with a brief They are those new Muslims whose faith of) blood (money).” [At-Tirmithi and Abu (eligible) recipients, then that is suffi cient. by His commands, warding the purity of their hearts defi nition of each one: is weak and may sometimes have a strong Dawood] If one decides to pay Zakat due However, he should give precedence to those off devils, relieving oneself andthe spiritual elevation of 1. The Poor: infl uence among their people. Thus, they on him in the form of repaying debts for recipients who are most important and have from being questioned about their souls. The poor is a person who does not have are given from Zakat in order to appease someone, he should inform him. Otherwise, a greater need. the obligation of Zakat on the The Messenger of Allah, suffi cient wealth to fulfi l his needs and their hearts, strengthen their faith and make it will not be considered as Zakat. Rather 2. Zakat is not paid to those whom it is Day of Judgment. sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa the needs of his dependents, such as food, them attach wholeheartedly to Islam. This will count as charity, and he would still have obligatory upon the Muslim to spend on, Zakat increases one’s sallam, said: “Smiling in drink, clothing and housing. He may be is in the hope that comprehensive benefi t to pay out the Zakat due on him. like the parents, the children, and the wife, wealth, allows him to help the face of your brother considered poor (according to his situation) may be gained from them or their evil be 7. In the way of Allah: because it is obligatory upon him to spend the poor and needy, protects is charity, enjoining good even though he may possess the minimum restrained. This is paid for Jihad (fi ghting) in order to on them whenever they are in need. him from meanness and curbs and forbidding evil is amount required for payment of Zakat (i.e. Zakat may also be given to non-Muslims elevate the Word of Allah, the Most High, 3. Zakat is not acceptable except with its his sinful desires. It helps charity, guiding a lost man Nisab). in the hope that they may accept Islam or or anything that assists in it in any form. intention. If a person pays it without having spread an atmosphere of in a foreign land is charity, 2. The Needy: that their people may become Muslims. Hence, the one who goes out to fi ght in the the intention of paying the obligatory Zakat, love, intimacy and aff ection guiding the blind is charity, The needy (Miskeen) may be someone Thus, such people are given from Zakat in way of Allah is given (from Zakat), even if it will not be considered Zakat. This is due among Muslims and creates a removing harmful things, whose level of poverty is more than the poor order to encourage them to accept Islam and he is wealthy. According to the opinion of to the Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam, close bond between the rich thorns and bones from a or less than him. However, their ruling is the endear it to them. Imam Ahmad, may Allah have mercy upon informing us that deeds are judged by their and poor within the Muslim road is regarded as charity same in all matters. These poor and needy 5. The slaves: him this also applies to assisting a person intentions, and that every person will get community. and pouring what is left can have decent houses and clothes and The intent of this category is that the who is too poor to perform Haj. what he intended. [Al-Bukhari] The payer of Zakat relishes from your vessel into that of yet be considered poor and needy if they Muslim who is a slave be purchased from 8. The wayfarer: Therefore, the one who pays it must do so the pleasure and satisfaction your brother is charity.” do not possess their basic essential needs. Zakat (funds) and freed (solely for the sake of He is the traveller who spent all his money with the intention of paying his due Zakat of the heart as he obeys the Hence, the close bond The Messenger of Allah, sallallaahu ‘alaihi pleasing Allah). It also applies to the Muslim outside his hometown or city during his that is obligatory upon him to pay. He should commands of Allah The between Zakat and morals in wa sallam (may Allah exalt his mention), who is an indentured servant (i.e. he has a travel. Therefore, he is given from Zakat that also make his intention to pay it solely for Exalted. Thus, he is keen not Islam becomes clear. defi ned the Miskeen in some narrations contract with his owner to be freed upon which will fulfi l his needs as a stranger, even the sake of Allah, as sincere intention is a to delay paying the due Zakat Article source: http:// as: “The Miskeen is not the one who goes paying a sum of money). Such a person may if he is a wealthy man in his homeland. This condition for the acceptance of every act or and is diligent in giving it to its www.islamweb.net/ around among the people (begging) maybe be given from Zakat that which will help is due to the poverty he is experiencing in his worship. eligible recipients. Allah The emainpage/ receiving a morsel or two, and a date or two. him fulfi l the contract and thus become a journey and being cut off from his resources. Article source: http://www.islamweb.net/ Rather, the Miskeen is the one who does not freeman after that. This is the case when there is no one who emainpage/ Fasting expiates sins Feeding the hungry iving food is a good gesture of Allah’s Our righteous predecessors, may Allah llah The Almighty Says (what means): is before it.”[Ahmad] [Ibn Hibbaan: Saheeh] and gives extra reward to such expiation. It means Mercy. In Surah “Al-Insan” Allah The have mercy upon them, were keen to feed {Your wealth and your children are but Benefi ts and rulings: the fasting that is off ered with full sincerity to Allah GExalted Says (what means): {And they people and favoured this act of worship over Aa trial, and Allah has with Him a great First: Man could be tested and tried with good without any ostentation. give food in spite of love for it to the needy, many others, whether it was for a hungry reward.} [Qur’an 64:15] or evil. He could be tested with good by being given Sixth: An-Nawawi said: “It may be said that the orphan, and the captive…} [Qur’an 76:8] poor person or feeding a righteous Muslim. {Every soul will taste death. And We test you with abundant wealth and granted successive blessings. if the ablution expiates sins; then what sins do Ibn ‘Abbas, may Allah be pleased with him, Poverty is not an essential condition in this evil and with good as trial; and to Us you will be He could also be tested with evil like being affl icted the prayers expiate? If the prayers expiate sins; and Mujahid, may Allah have mercy upon regard. The Messenger of Allah, sallallaahu returned.} [Qur’an 21:35] with distress, worries and diseases. then what sins do the congregational prayers, him, said: “This verse denotes that they feed ‘alaihi wa sallam, said: “O people! Spread Ibn ‘Abbaas, may Allah be pleased with him, Second: Children and property are a trial for man Ramadan, the fasting of ‘Arafah (the ninth of the needy, the orphan and the captive despite the Islamic greetings amongst yourselves, commented on this verse saying, “We test you because he may overlook the rights of Allah for their Thul-Hijjah) and ‘Aashooraa’ (10th of Muharram) the scarcity of food and their need and love feed the hungry, maintain kinship relations, with hardship and ease, with health and illness, sake and out of his love for them. Hence, this would and saying ‘Aameen’ in prayer in the same time for it.” observe prayer at night while people are with richness and poverty, with the lawful and the be a cause for infl icting punishment on him in the with angels expiate? There are Hadiths indicating What about you and your food? asleep and you will peacefully enter the unlawful, with obedience and disobedience and Hereafter. Moreover, one’s children have rights over that performing such acts expiate sins. The How great a deed is feeding the hungry in Paradise.” [Saheeh] with guidance and misguidance.” him; such as teaching and bringing them up, providing answer proposed by scholars is that each one our time! Some of the righteous predecessors said, In a Hadith (narration) on the authority of for them, etc. If one neglects or does not perform of the aforementioned acts of worship is fi t Allah The Exalted Says (what means): {Or “It is better for me to invite ten of my friends Huthayfah, may Allah be pleased with him, he said these rights properly, he will be held guilty. for expiation. If there is a minor sin, it would feeding on a day of severe hunger…} [Qur’an and feed them delicious food that they like that ‘Umar, may Allah be pleased with him, said, Third: Acts of disobedience and sins are a trial. be expiated. However, if there is no major or 90:14] than freeing ten slaves from the children of “‘Who has memorised a Hadith on the authority of Anyone who is tried with any sin such as keeping minor sin to be expiated, they would be recorded An-Nakha‘i, may Allah have mercy upon him, Isma‘eel, may Allah exalt his mention (i.e. the Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam, about the in contact with a woman who is unlawful for him as good deeds and would raise one’s rank in commented on this verse saying, “They feed the Arabs).” trial?’ Huthayfah said, ‘I heard him saying: “Man’s or ill-gotten gains, is undergoing a trial. Some Paradise. If these acts of worship meet a grave hungry at times when food is not ample.” Abu As-Siwar al-‘Adawi, may Allah have trial is in his property, family and neighbour and it is righteous people may be tried in this matter, as major sin, we hope that they would alleviate the Mohamed ibn al-Munkadir, may Allah mercy upon him, said: “Some men from the expiated by his prayers, fasting and charity.”’”[Al- Allah The Almighty Says (what means): punishment of these grave major sins.” have mercy upon him, said: “Feeding hungry ‘Uday tribe used to pray in this mosque and Bukhari and Muslim] {Indeed, those who fear Allah - when an impulse Seventh: People’s rights are not expiated by Muslims guarantees the forgiveness of sins.” none of them would break his fast alone. If one In a Hadith on the authority of Abu Hurayrah, may touches them from Satan, they remember [Him] these acts of worship, whether these rights are He also said on another occasion: “Feeding the found someone to eat with, he would eat. If he Allah be pleased with him, he said that the Prophet, and at once they have insight.} [Qur’an 7:201] minor or major. Rather, one must free himself from hungry and saying kind words to others usher could not fi nd someone to eat with, he would sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam, said: “Allah The Almighty {And those who, when they commit an liability by returning these rights to those who you to Paradise.” take his food and go to the mosque to share it Said, ‘For every misdeed there is an expiation; fasting immorality or wrong themselves [by transgression], deserve them or by asking them to absolve him. Dear brother and sister, you may notice with the people in the mosque.” is for Me and I give reward for it…” [Al-Bukhari] remember Allah and seek forgiveness for their sins Eighth: The virtue of fasting and that it is a how our days - in some Muslim countries - Fruits of feeding the hungry: According to another narration: “Good deeds — and who can forgive sins except Allah? — and cause for expiating sins. have turned into days of severe hunger. Food The act of worship of feeding the hungry expiate sins and fasting is for Me and I give reward [who] do not persist in what they have done while Ninth: This virtue of having sins expiated is has become scarce and as well as being too gives rise to many other acts of worship for it. (i.e. it expiates sins and is also a reason for they know.} [Qur’an 3:135] attained by those who preserve their fasting from expensive for the poor. such as showing aff ection towards one’s receiving reward from Allah.”) [Ahmad] Fourth: Those who are tried with a sin and insist being nullifi ed. The evidence for this is the Hadith What about you, dear readers? What fellow Muslims whom he feeds and this can In a Hadith on the authority of Abu Hurairah, on committing it should do a lot of good deeds narrated by Abu Sa‘eed al-Khudri, may Allah be about your food? be a reason for him being granted Paradise. may Allah be pleased with him, he said that the because good deeds expiate sins. Allah The Almighty pleased with him, “Whoever fasts Ramadan and Feeding people in general and a hungry person The Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam, Messenger of Allah, sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam, Says (what means): {Indeed, good deeds do away knows its limits and avoids whatever he should in particular has been explicitly mentioned in the said: “You shall not enter Paradise as long as said: “The fi ve (daily) prayers, and the Friday Prayer with misdeeds.} [Qur’an 11:114] Perhaps, when one avoid in it…” Accordingly, the Muslim must command of the Messenger of Allah, sallallaahu you do not affi rm belief (in all those things to the (next) Friday Prayer, and the Ramadan to the frequently performs acts of obedience, they could be preserve his day and night during Ramadan by ‘alaihi wa sallam (may Allah exalt his mention). which are the articles of faith) and you will (next) Ramadan are expiations of sins committed a cause for him to be released from the captivity of this refraining from saying anything unlawful; such as Abu Moosa al-Ash‘ari, may Allah be pleased not believe as long as you do not love one in between (their intervals); provided that the grave sin as Allah The Almighty might guide him because of back-biting and tale-bearing. The Muslim must with him, reported that the Prophet, sallallaahu another.” [Muslim] major sins are avoided.”[Muslim] his obedience to a sincere repentance. also lower his gaze and avoid looking at anything ‘alaihi wa sallam, said: “Feed the hungry, pay a It also gives rise to (the act of worship) In a Hadith on the authority of Abu Sa‘eed Fifth: These Hadiths prove that fasting expiates unlawful like TV serials, entertainment shows visit to the sick and free the captives.” [Saheeh] being in the company of righteous people and al-Khudri, may Allah be pleased with him, he said sins. The Hadeeth that was narrated by Abu or the like which are displayed in abundance in A reported saying reads, “The best charity is to hoping for the rewards of Allah The Almighty that he heard the Messenger of Allah, sallallaahu Hurairah, may Allah be pleased with him, might Ramadan. We supplicate Allah to guide us and all satisfy a hungry person.” Alas, a Muslim may sit in off ering them food as they gain strength to ‘alaihi wa sallam, saying: “Whoever fasts Ramadan be understood as negating the expiation of sins Muslims to the right path. at an Iftar table with delicious and tasty dishes perform acts of worship. and knows its limits and avoids whatever he should by fasting. However, this Hadith means that good Article source: http://www.islamweb.net/ while his neighbours break their fast with a few Article source: http://www.islamweb.net/ avoid in it, it (Ramadan) will be an expiation of what deeds expiate sins, whereas fasting expiates sins emainpage/ morsels of food, if they can be found! emainpage/ Gulf Times 12 Friday, May 7, 2021 QATAR

Eid rush at shopping outlets

The activities include moon-lit camel safari and stargazing in the desert with an astronomer guide.

Qatar sets With Eid al-Fitr only a few days away, the demand for various items — such as clothes, perfumes and food items, among others — has picked up. Pictured is a shop selling various kinds of fragrances. PICTURE: Shaji Kayamkulam sights on new SC volunteers support Qatar astro-tourism Charity and vaccine rollout amadan is a time for con- From handing out Iftar meals to assisting the fight against templation and spend- Ring time with family and Covid-19, SC volunteers ‘are making a diff erence’ friends. It is also a time to focus on giving back to the commu- initiative has seen volunteers visit initiatives nity though charitable eff orts. 40 diff erent locations across the That spirit of charity has seen country, including the Industrial oinciding with the sighting of the the Supreme Committee for De- Area and Ruwais Marina. pink supermoon recently, Qatar livery & Legacy (SC)’s Volunteer “I like to serve to people,” said Chas launched new astro-tourism Programme play an active role volunteer Abdul Malik. “I got this programmes to promote ‘the hidden by partnering with Qatar Char- opportunity from Qatar Char- gems’ of natural and heritage sites in the ity (QC) to support several key ity and I’m honoured to be able to country. projects. contribute. Volunteering during In a statement yesterday, Qatar Na- To ensure that people who ob- Ramadan is a very good deed.” tional Tourism Council (QNTC) pointed serve Ramadan are able to break Since March 2020, the fi ght out that the pink supermoon illumi- their fast, SC volunteers have been against the pandemic has seen nated the skies of Qatar as everywhere providing basic Iftar meals as part more than 35,000 volunteers else in the world on the eves of April 26 of Qatar Charity’s Jawal Iftar Pro- step up to support the Ministry and 27. gramme that aims to enhance the of Public Health’s ‘For the Sake A volunteer at QNCC. The astronomical event occurs when value of solidarity among various of Qatar’ campaign. This includes the moon is at its perigee, or the point segments of society. 100 SC volunteers who have been Covid-19 pandemic.” A sense of respect which we get as volun- in its elliptical orbit at which it is clos- A team of 25 volunteers has been assisting the country’s vaccina- purpose and enjoyment are com- teers always encourages me to est to the Earth, where the moon was based at several locations around tion rollout at the Qatar National mon themes that people take give more.” Rasha al-Qarni, the 357,000km away from earth. In associa- Doha, as well as in Al Wakra and Convention Centre (QNCC). away from their experiences as SC’s Human Resources executive tion with QNTC, astro-photographer Al Khor, to distribute Iftar meals Volunteer Samah Abuisneenah volunteers. Abdelhakim Moham- director, said: “Partnering with Vinay Swaroop Balla captured amazing at traffi c signals to busy commut- explained why supporting the ed underlined the inspirational Qatar Charity allows the SC and photos of the pink moon from the top of ers driving home from work be- fi ght against Covid-19 was im- emotions he feels. “Volunteering our volunteers to make an impor- the Torch Tower and many other iconic fore the sunset prayer, according portant to her. is a social service that supports tant contribution during the holy towers in Doha. to a report by the SC. “We all want the same thing the country and I like to be a part month of Ramadan. Coinciding with this astronomi- Outside of Qatar’s urban cen- – we want life to get back to nor- of any success in any event in the This is a time for strengthen- cal phenomenon, QNTC launched new tres, a further 120 volunteers have mal, and by joining the QNCC country, whether it’s a social or ing ties with the community and astro-tourism experiences in collabo- been lending their assistance to volunteer team, I was able to take sporting event,” Mohamed said. volunteering provides a great ex- ration with its partners in the private Iftar distribution by providing part in making that happen. I was “It is worth mentioning that ample of building those bonds, sector. The activities include moon-lit ready-made meals to workers able to help move the process one volunteering is a main part of especially after such a challenging camel safari and stargazing in the desert in labour camps and farms. This step forward to overcoming the the success of any event and the year.” with an astronomer guide, safari trips and BBQ dinner banquets by the camp- fi re in Qatar’s unique natural wonders HIA advises to check in online, arrive early for travel during Eid which boast a wonderful panoramic view. A bespoke range of these newly launched ‘Arabian Nights’ packages is From Page 1 prohibited items such as liquids, HIA are advised to download the required to enter Qatar. Upon expected to attract travellers and visi- aerosols, and gels, and to pack ‘HIAQatar’ mobile app available entry to Qatar, passengers must tors from around the world, with the ex- Passengers are reminded that any liquid containers in a clear, for both Android and iPhone for provide their health status on the pected gradual return of the global travel check-in closes sixty minutes re-sealable plastic bag with each updates and to assist making the EHTERAZ application. There- and tourism, with the aim to strengthen prior to departure time.” being 100ml or less. passengers journey more seam- fore, passengers must ensure Qatar’s position as a preferred tourist HIA said, “For the conven- Electronic items larger than less with real-time informa- their mobile phones are available destination in the Middle East. The pink supermoon seen above the Torch Tower. ience and safety of departing mobile phones need to be re- tion about fl ight status, baggage with the application ready to be and returning passengers during moved from bags and placed in claim, time, and direction to presented. the peak travel period, access to trays for X-ray screening. Small boarding gates and food, bever- “Please follow the signage in Qatar’s humanitarian aid benefits Filipino families the arrival and departure termi- vehicles powered by lithium bat- age and retail off ers from Qatar the terminal or ask our staff for nal building will be restricted to teries, such as hoverboards, are Duty Free (QDF). assistance to make your arrival travelling passengers only. Kind- prohibited for carriage. Arriving passengers termi- process simple. A reminder that From Page 1 sion also helped provide relief $40,000, the project benefi ted ly conduct pick-ups and drop- Passengers are also advised nating in Doha must present a all travelling passengers must aid for displaced households in 117 poor families “whose houses off s at the short-term car park to minimise travelling with pets printed copy of a negative PCR wear face masks at all times, QRCS’ mission in the Philip- Marawi in 2017 and the victims were totally damaged” by the and avoid using the curbside.” due to the holiday peak time. Bag test from an approved medical maintain physical distance pines, which was established in of typhoon Vinta in Mindanao strong quake. The poorest and During security checks, pas- Wrap facilities are also available centre. Passengers are also ad- and follow all safety guidelines 2011, implemented several relief in 2018. These QRCS operations, most-aff ected families were the sengers are requested to ensure at HIA’s terminal. vised to carry printed copies of present at the airport for their projects “to alleviate the suf- in collaboration with PRC, cost a fi rst to receive cash grants to buy that they are not carrying any Passengers departing from all necessary travel documents safety,” HIA said. fering of disaster-stricken local total of $4.7mn. needed materials and equipment communities.” In October 2017, QNA reported to repair damaged houses. QRCS, These include the building that QRCS’ mission in the Phil- in partnership with PRC, also President Biden urged to view film on Palestinian rights 1,550 houses for the victims of ippines initiated a housing reha- conducted trainings on main- typhoon Washi in 2011, typhoon bilitation project for the benefi t taining tools and building mate- sits nearby, watching and waiting tration felt by every Palestinian nothing for the Palestinians except Haiyan in 2013, and the Surigao of earthquake victims that struck rials, as well as following safety From Page 1 in silence,” Brennan said in his ar- who has to live with the stifl ing se- to obtain a suspension of Israeli earthquake in 2017. The mis- Surigao in Mindanao. Pegged at standards. ticle titled Why Biden Must Watch curity measures and political op- plans to illegally annex the West “The Biden administration is This Palestinian Movie. pression attendant to Israel’s mili- Bank.” The former director of the dealing with a dizzying array of He said the scene served as a tary occupation,” Brennan said. “It CIA also sees a huge hindrance Qatar study shows eff ectiveness of Covid vaccines domestic and international prob- fl ashback of his fi rst visit to the was his little daughter, Yasmine, in reversing the trend of shrink- lems but the Palestinian quest for West Bank in 1975, at an Israeli though, who gave me most pause ing interest of the Israeli govern- statehood deserves the early en- camp via the Jordan River. He saw and concern. She watched her ment to push through with the From Page 1 ness of the vaccines. “We know Professor Adeel Butt, direc- gagement of his national security men, women, and children in long father’s patience, dignity and hu- two-state solution. “Israel’s Prime that the UK and South African tor of the Clinical Epidemiol- team,” he observed. The fi lm tells queues “fully enclosed by steel manity steadily erode.” “I can only Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, Vaccination provided a ro- variants are more highly trans- ogy Research Unit at HMC and the story of Yusef (actor Saleh mesh fencing labelled ‘Palestin- imagine the imprint such experi- has spearheaded relentless expan- bust protection against both missible and cause more severe senior investigator in the study, Bakri) and his young daughter ians and Arabs’. “I saw several sub- ences have on the young girls and sion of settlements in the West hospitalisation and death due symptoms in infected people said: “Our findings show that (actress Mariam Kanj) setting out jected to discourtesy and aggres- boys who live in the West Bank and Bank. That expansion has brought to Covid-19, regardless of the than the original strain we ex- not only do the vaccines offer in the West Bank to buy his wife sive searches by Israeli soldiers.” Gaza Strip. They grow up trau- along more concrete walls, secu- variant type.” perienced last year, so hav- high levels of protection against an anniversary gift – a seemingly This seemed to be a similar matised by injustice, discrimina- rity barriers and control points, The research study included ing vaccines that are proven to severe sickness, but can also simple task. The Present estab- scenario in the concluding part of tion and violence. They live with further reducing the spaces where investigators and collaborators work against these variants is significantly prevent an indi- lishes its context quickly, opening the fi lm where Yusuf was seen ex- the feeling that their existence is Palestinians can live, graze their from the MoPH, HMC, the Pri- incredibly important,” he said. vidual from becoming infected with images of Palestinian men hausted, extremely disappointed, controlled by people who don’t fl ocks, tend their olive groves and mary Health Care Corporation, “The Covid-19 pandemic is with Covid-19. making their way through a nar- and “on the verge of violence as he care about their welfare, their vegetable gardens without being Sidra Medicine, WCM-Q and the biggest public health chal- “While the vaccines may be row passageway at one of the nu- attempts to return home with the safety, or their future.” In the po- challenged by their occupiers,” Qatar University. Its publica- lenge the world has faced for less effective at preventing in- merous checkpoints that dot the anniversary gift.” litical sphere, Brennan lamented Brennan said. tion comes as almost 50% of several decades and has im- fection from the South African Israeli-occupied West Bank. Pal- Yusef overcomes the small but that Palestinian interests and as- However, Brennan noted that adults have received at least one pacted nearly every country variant, this reduced protection estinians going to work, visiting brutal realities, withstands the pirations were set aside under the Biden’s administration made a vaccine dose through Qatar’s across the globe for more than from infection did not translate family or shopping on the oppo- pain in his back and tries to mo- Trump administration, who also sudden turn and “has authorised National Covid-19 Vaccination a year. into reduced protection against site side of a security barrier have tivate Yasmine to cultivate hope. moved the American embassy in the release of $235mn for humani- Programme. “The global rollout of vac- severe symptoms and sickness. to bear this humiliating procedure However, by nightfall, as their Israel to Jerusalem, “rejecting the tarian, economic and development Dr Abdullatif al-Khal, chair cines offers hope of a return to- “No vaccine is ever 100% ef- every day. “Yusuf sets out with patience shatters into fatigue and position of all previous US admin- programmes supporting Palestin- of the National Health Strategic wards normal life and this joint fective but the effectiveness Yasmine to buy an anniversary gift cold, the gift that was intended as istrations that it would endanger ians in the West Bank, Gaza and Group on Covid-19 and head of research study showing the rates we are seeing from vac- for his wife. He is held in a chain- a surprise is under threat of not fi nal status negotiations on that elsewhere in the region.” Infectious Diseases at HM, and vaccines to be highly effective cination are very high and offer link holding pen. The ostensible making it home, and they fi nd contested city.” Citing the sign- He expressed optimism that se- one of the study investigators, at preventing severe infection more reason to believe we can reason is that the Israeli guards themselves in danger. ing of the Abraham Accords, he rious talks on a two-state solution said the findings were good will reassure people here in Qa- win the fight against Covid-19 want to search him and his posses- “His chilling, emotional out- said the agreement, which was between the two parties will reap news that prove the effective- tar and around the world.” and return to our normal lives.” sions more thoroughly. Yasmine burst made me think of the frus- brokered by the US in 2020, “did positive results.