Reconciliation a New Page, Win for GCC: FM from Page 1 Professional Media, and It Must Be Is a Neighbouring Country and Has the State

BUSINESS | Page 1 QATAR | Page 12 Masraf Al Rayan, Key milestone Al Khaliji merger in ‘Plant Million deal set to create top Trees’ initiative Mideast Islamic bank

published in QATAR since 1978

FRIDAY Vol. XXXXI No. 11787 January 8, 2021 Jumada I 24, 1442 AH

GULF TIMES www. gulf-times.com 2 Riyals

Trade, transport could resume with Qatar FM meets US Secretary of Treasury within a week: UAE Trade and transportation could Reconciliation resume between Qatar and boycotting countries within a week, the United Arab Emirates’ minister of state for foreign aff airs said yesterday. Saudi Arabia and its Arab allies agreed a new page: FM on Tuesday to restore ties with Qatar, ending a boycott imposed in 2017. Tuesday’s deal has US backing. taken in diff erent circumstances and “Measures to be implemented within that of 2017 are diff erent also. There a week of the agreement include were ongoing discussions for three practical measures of airlines, shipping months, with the participation of the and trade,” the UAE minister, Anwar US and Kuwait, and the statement of Gargash, told reporters. Kuwait on January 4 was to reach a However, other issues such as decision about which all parties were restoring full diplomatic relations and consulted. the Turkish presence in the Gulf would “We have seen a real will from Sau- take longer, the off icial said. “Some HE the Deputy Prime Minister and di Arabia to heal the rift, and we value issues are easier to fix and some others Minister of Foreign Aff airs Sheikh the efforts of the late Amir of Kuwait will take a longer time.” Mohamed bin Abdulrahman al- and the current Amir of Kuwait. We “We have a very good start with Thani during an Al Jazeera interview are not dealing with imposing con- (Tuesday’s) agreement... but we yesterday. ditions of one state upon another, have issues with rebuilding trust,” but we are rather in the service of the said Gargash. “There will be bilateral he Gulf reconciliation is a new GCC system and laying down basic working groups to move forward on page, which is a victory for the principles for wise interaction in the other issues,” he added. (Reuters) TGulf Co-operation Council future. (GCC) and the advancement of its peo- “There will be steps taken by the four List of chronic ple, HE the Deputy Prime Minister and countries, and when matters return to diseases for medical Minister of Foreign Aff airs Sheikh Mo- normal, these measures will be with- HE the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Aff airs Sheikh Mohamed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani met yesterday with hamed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani said drawn in the event of a return to what the US Secretary of the Treasury Steven Mnuchin, who is visiting the country. During the meeting, they reviewed bilateral certifi cates updated yesterday. was before June 5, 2017. The success co-operation and issues of common concern. (QNA) Qatar’s health authorities have “The Al-Ula Declaration aims to of the summit is not a success for any announced an update to the list of transcend the disagreement and lay state party, it is a success for everyone, chronic diseases that are eligible for down rules for dealing with wisdom in and all parties were willing for the suc- the issuance of medical certificates the future relationship between states,” cess for the GCC. for patients who are at high risk of he explained in an interview with Al “We felt a real will from Saudi Ara- developing complications if they Jazeera. bia at the summit and a true welcome, contract Covid-19. The update has been “The Al-Ula statement is about clear and moving forward is our path in the Qatar Airways starts rerouting made as a result of recent medical fundamentals related to non-infringe- future. This reconciliation is for all the developments concerning the Covid-19 ment of state sovereignty. We agreed GCC and Saudi Arabia represented all pandemic, according to a statement on on solidarity in combating terrorism parties, and everyone participated, and the Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) and collective action to bridge the gap everyone signed. fl ights through Saudi airspace website. Page 12 and dispute. “There is no doubt that Saudi Arabia “The declaration is not a secret has its size and weight in the region, agreement, but rather related to the and Qatar wants to talk to all parties, NOTAMs of UAE, Bahrain, on Qatari-registered jets”. Health card mandatory “The removal of the ban was ef- to register kids at PECs basic principles that I mentioned, and and Saudi Arabia represented all par- Egypt to be updated in due the specifi c rules are respect for the na- ties. Qatar does not want to have a cri- course: Macheras fective immediately, meaning just Children, other than critical cases, tional sovereignty of each state. sis with any of the state parties. moments later a Qatar Airways A350 will not be registered at Paediatric “The understandings of 2014 were To Page 3 bound for South Africa became the Emergency Centers (PECs) without a atar Airways yesterday said it fi rst commercial airline fl ight in over valid health card starting this month, had started rerouting fl ights three years to cross into Saudi air- Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) has Qthrough Saudi Arabian airspace, reducing fl ight time and saving announced through a post on social space. fuel,” he said. “The airspace of Saudi media. Trump faces calls for removal “This evening, Qatar Airways be- Arabia is now open to Qatar without gan to reroute some fl ights through restriction, and we should expect Qa- $2.5 bn Boeing pay-out as Congress certifi es Biden Saudi airspace,” Qatar’s national car- tar’s national airline, Qatar Airways, rier tweeted, adding the fi rst fl ight to to resume fl ights to Saudi Arabia very in US criminal probe The top two Democrats in Congress from off ice before then. use Saudi airspace was QR1365, which soon. Boeing Co will pay over $2.5 billion yesterday called for President Donald Absent that, they said Congress was scheduled to leave Doha for Jo- “For now, fl ights that have been to resolve the Justice Department’s Trump to be removed from off ice, should move quickly to expel him avoiding Saudi airspace for the dura- hannesburg at 8.45pm. probe into two deadly 737 MAX crashes one day after his supporters stormed through the impeachment process. tion of the blockade will now overfl y Flight-tracking websites later that killed 346 people, the Justice and vandalised the US Capitol in “We are in a very diff icult place in our the kingdom.” showed QR1365’s fl ight path over Saudi Alex Macheras Department said. The settlement a harrowing assault on American country as long as Donald Trump Qatar Airways pilots will once includes a criminal monetary penalty democracy. sits in the White House,” Pelosi said Arabia on its way to the South African Bahrain and Egypt – that had cut ties again be communicating with Saudi’s of $243.6mn, compensation payments at a news conference. Members of city. Transport chief leads in 2017. This includes the reopening air traffi c controllers, and the airline to airline customers of $1.77bn, and a Trump’s Cabinet and allies of the This was the fi rst scheduled Qatar of borders and airspace. will enjoy the fuel savings immedi- $500mn crash-victim fund. fl urry of resignations Republican president have discussed Airways service to fl y over Saudi Ara- Meanwhile, aviation analyst Alex ately – a win for the environment too, invoking the 25th Amendment of the bia since the start of the Gulf crisis in Macheras told Gulf Times that “this he noted. With 13 days left in Trump’s term, US Constitution which allows them to mid-2017. is the most signifi cant development “We’re expecting the ‘NOTAMs’ House of Representatives Speaker remove a president who is unable to CCOMMUNITYOMMUNITY Earlier this week, the Al-Ula Dec- of the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain Nancy Pelosi and Senate Democratic discharge the powers and duties of in more than three and a half years, laration was signed during the GCC and Egypt to also be updated in due Leader Chuck Schumer both said Vice his off ice, a source familiar with the as ‘NOTAMs’ (notices to fl ight crew See Pages Summit for the restoration of full issued by country aviation regula- course, following Saudi Arabia in re- President Mike Pence should invoke situation said, though another source relations between Qatar and the four the US Constitution to remove him said that was unlikely. To Page 3 tors) were updated by Saudi Arabia on moving their airspace bans on Qatar,” 4,5 & 6 nations – Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Thursday, removing the airspace ban Macheras added.

QIA, Enel join forces to develop renewables in Sub-Saharan Africa

nel Green Power (EGP) signed a mutual vision with Enel in supporting consists of one plant already in full an agreement with a subsidiary decarbonisation eff orts and believe this operation in Zambia (the Ngonye Eof Qatar Investment Authority investment represents an excellent op- PV plant, of 34 MW), one recent- (QIA) for a joint venture partnership portunity to develop and grow a lead- ly-connected plant in South Africa aimed at fi nancing, building and oper- ing renewable energy platform in the (the 148MW Nxuba wind farm), and ating renewable projects in Sub-Saha- region.” four projects under construction ran Africa. Francesco Starace, Enel CEO and (for a total of 587MW), namely the The parties also signed an agree- general manager, said: “Through this ing the new renewable projects. South African wind farms of Oyster ment, whereby QIA will acquire 50% of new partnership, we will combine our newable potential and contributing to Under the transaction, EGP and QIA This overall transaction is in the Bay (148MW), Garob (145MW), Ka- EGP’s stake in projects in operation and Group’s sustainable strategy, enhanced a more sustainable economic develop- will form a new legal entity for future framework of the “Stewardship” busi- rusa (147MW) as well as Soetwater under construction in South Africa and by our industrial expertise in busi- ment model in this part of the world.” developments in Sub-Saharan Africa. ness model, in line with the Group’s (147MW). These plants hold long- Zambia with approximately 800MW ness development, engineering and In this fi rst phase, the transaction After closing, all legal entities may be Strategic Plan for 2021-2023, whereby term power purchase agreements. capacity. construction, as well as operation and involves the acquisition by QIA of 50% merged into a sole joint venture com- the Group provides key services, prod- Oyster Bay, Karusa, Soetwater and Commenting on the announcement, maintenance of renewable plants, with of EGP’s stake in four projects under pany. ucts or know-how enabled by plat- Garob are expected to start operating Mansoor bin Ebrahim al-Mahmoud, QIA’s long term investment strategy, in construction in South Africa and two Under the agreement, EGP will be forms catalysing investments of third during 2021. CEO, QIA, said, “We are delighted line with the two companies’ sustain- plants in operation in the same country responsible for the development of parties to maximise value creation. In South Africa, Enel Green Power to partner with Enel Green Power to ability and decarbonisation targets. as well as in Zambia, for a total capac- each project and the joint venture has EGP, including through its local will retain ownership of more than invest in clean energy generation in We will work together to accelerate the ity equal to approximately 800MW (the the right to invest in the projects fol- subsidiaries, will support each project 500MW including the wind farms Sub-Saharan Africa. QIA is committed creation of an extensive green energy initial portfolio). lowing the successful completion of in the joint venture, in relation to the Nojoli (88MW) and Gibson Bay to supporting the transition to a low- footprint in Sub-Saharan Africa, con- The overall transaction is subject to the development phase by EGP and funding, construction and operation (111MW), as well as solar plants Up- carbon future, and we believe this in- tributing to the continued pursuit of its the “change of control approval” and receipt of any required regulatory ap- activities. ington (10MW), Adams (82.5MW), vestment can make a signifi cant envi- ambitious goals in this sector by further “antitrust clearance” from relevant in- provals. At that point, the joint venture The initial portfolio, for an overall Pulida (82.5MW), Tom Burke (66MW), ronmental and social impact. We share harnessing the region’s immense re- stitutions and regulatory authorities. will be in charge of fi nancing and build- installed capacity of about 800MW, Paleishuewel (82.5MW).

Gulf Times Friday, January 8, 2021 3 QATAR Qatar affi rms international eff orts for sustainable peace

QNA to achieve the goals of sustain- by supporting the African con- vision of security and fi nancial ing education, social develop- and provide assistance to those complexity of the various as- New York able development. tinent. assistance. ment and providing job oppor- in need around the world. She pects of preserving, building and This came in a statement de- She also referred to Qatar’s HE Sheikha Alya also point- tunities are among the practical pointed to Qatar’s support for sustaining peace requires a co- livered by HE the Permanent role as an international parted out that Qatar repeatedly measures involved in Qatar’s ef- the role of the international or- ordinated, eff ective and com- atar affi rmed its keenness Representative of Qatar to Unit- ner of Somalia, noting that its stressed the importance of in- forts to provide support at the ganisation in the development prehensive response that keeps to adopt a holistic and in- ed Nations Ambassador Sheikha role ranged from providing ur- volving women in peacemaking international level. fi elds, adding that it is an active pace with these emerging devel- Qtegrated approach within Alya Ahmed bin Saif al-Thani at gent humanitarian aid when it is and in post-confl ict stages and The ambassador praised the and fundamental role in ad- opments, expressing her satis- the framework of its interna- the virtual meeting held by the needed to fi nancing long-term ensuring their rights, as this has pioneering and distinguished dressing the factors of fragility, faction in seeing the increasing tional eff orts aimed at achiev- UN Security Council on ‘Chal- development projects, includ- proven to be one of the favour- roles of Qatar in providing hu- stressing that Qatar will contin- interest by the Security Council ing sustainable peace, stress- lenges of Maintaining Peace and ing the infrastructure and job able factors for the success of manitarian and emergency aid ue to adhere to this responsibil- in these aspects in order to best ing the need for the approach to Security in Fragile Contexts’. opportunities, in addition to its peacebuilding eff orts. in order to alleviate the humani- ity and play a positive and eff ec- perform the important mandate focus on laying the foundations HE Sheikha Alya said that support for the United Nations She emphasised that Qatar at- tarian impacts of crises, support tive role. entrusted to it in the mainte- for peace, security and stability Qatar has drawn attention to Trust Fund for Peace and Recon- taches importance to supporting the central role of the United Na- HE Sheikha Alya stated that nance of international peace and coupled with providing support establishing peace and stability ciliation in Somalia and the pro- the youth, adding that support- tions in the humanitarian fi eld the continuous development and security. Japan embassy looking for best logo design Germany, France laud GCC declaration atar residents can participate in a logo design Qactivity to mark the 50th he German government part in the Gulf Co-operation thanks. Together with its EU nounced on January 4 represents anniversary of the establishment welcomed the opening Council summit at the invitation partners, the Federal Govern- an important positive step in this of diplomatic relations between Tof land and sea borders, of the King of Saudi Arabia,” the ment also made repeated eff orts reconciliation process. France Japan and Qatar. The Japanese as well as the airspace, between spokesperson said. “The open- to help bring about a solution especially welcomes the media- embassy announced, in an e- Saudi Arabia and Qatar. ing of the border does not just to the crisis,” the spokesperson tion eff orts of Kuwait, the role of mail yesterday, that it is current- “It is also major progress that have a positive impact on stabil- added. the United States and the eff orts ly looking for the best logo design the Gulf states agreed on a joint ity and the economic situation Meanwhile, France warmly of all of the countries that helped for the upcoming celebration. declaration which is to form the in the Gulf states but is above all welcomed the statement of soli- secure this outcome,” accord- “Gear up your mind and send basis for resolving the confl ict,” a bonus for the lives of people darity adopted at the Gulf Co- ing to statement shared by the your logo design, which will be a Federal Foreign Offi ce spokes- in the region. We hope that the operation Council (GCC) summit French embassy in Doha. used in all the events through- person said in a statement shared rapprochement agreed will now on January 5 in Al-Ula, in Saudi “The stability, security and out the year, and be part of the by the German embassy in Doha also soon be followed by further Arabia, and welcomes the rap- economic development of the celebrations. Looking forward to on the rapprochement between concrete steps,” the spokesper- prochement initiated between region calls for close co-oper- receiving your masterpieces,” the Qatar and the other Gulf states. son said. the members of the GCC, ac- ation between the members of embassy said. Submissions are welcome The Governments of Japan “For the fi rst time since the “The agreement came about cording to the spokesperson of the GCC. France is attached to The embassy noted that both from anyone regardless of na- and Qatar will evaluate the en- start of the prolonged crisis be- due to intensive mediation by the French Ministry for Europe the strong relations it maintains “countries conduct a variety of tionality, age, or place of resi- tries and select the best one to tween the Gulf states in 2017, His Kuwait and the eff orts of the and Foreign Aff airs. with all of its Gulf partners,” the collaborative events to celebrate dence. Submissions must be re- be used as the logo for the 50th Highness the Amir of Qatar took US, both of whom deserve our “The opening of borders an- statement added. our shared accomplishments and ceived by January 31 by e-mail anniversary celebration events. build opportunities for further co- to Second Middle Eastern Divi- Details and more information operation. We are now inviting the sion, Middle Eastern and Afri- on the competition’s condi- general public to submit designs can Affairs Bureau, Ministry of tions are available at: https:// for a 50th anniversary logo to be Foreign Affairs (japanqatar50@ www.mofa.go.jp/me_a/me2/pa- MoPH reports 142,314 total Covid recoveries used to promote the events. ” mofa.go.jp) ge23e_000601.html

QNA the world. This is a result of: Doha 1- Very high quality of care provided through the public Indian apex body offi cials elected healthcare sector for Covid-19 he Ministry of Public patients. Health (MoPH) reported 2- Qatar’s young population. he results of the biennial ally this year due to the Covid-19 Varkey Boban Kalaparambeth. Tyesterday 210 new con- 3- Proactive testing to identify election to the three apex pandemic. The following were Indian Community Benevolent fi rmed cases of Covid-19, of cases early. Tbodies under the Indian elected to the councils of the Forum – Rajani Murthy Viswa- which 141 were from commu- 4- Expanding hospital capac- embassy were announced yes- apex bodies: Indian Cultural natham, Sabith Shaheer, Kuld- nity cases and 69 from travellers ity, especially intensive care, to terday. Centre – Subramanya Hebba- ipkour Navinkumar Bahi, Vinod returning from abroad who are ensure all patients receive the The presidents are: Dr Mohan gelu, Afsal Abdul Majeed, An- Velayudhan Nair. The election to subject to quarantine. The MoPH medical care they need. Thomas (Indian Sports Centre), ish George Mathew and Kamla the Indian Business and Profes- also recorded 132 recoveries 5- Protecting the elderly and P N Baburajan (Indian Cultural Dhansingh Thakur. sionals Council was deferred as it from the virus during the past 24 those with chronic diseases. Centre), and Ziad Usman (Indian Indian Sports Centre – has been decided to examine the hours, bringing the total number Even though restrictions are Community Benevolent Forum). Rukkaiya Ahsan Ali Pachisa, T S structure and functioning of the of cases that recovered in Qatar to being lifted, and numbers are de- The elections were held virtu- Sreenivas, Sheji Valiyakath and body. 142,314. clining, this does not mean that All new cases have been intro- the Covid-19 pandemic is fi n- duced to isolation and are receiv- ished in Qatar. People continue ing necessary healthcare accord- to be admitted with moderate to ing to their health status. severe Covid-19 symptoms. Un- E-Ring Road lanes to be reduced Measures to tackle Covid-19 less we follow all precautionary in Qatar have succeeded in fl at- measures, we may experience a tening the curve and limiting second wave of the virus and see the spread of the virus and the numbers increasing. number of new daily cases and There are already signs of this hospital admissions is continu- happening in other countries ing to decline each week. Qatar’s around the world. Avoid close proactive and extensive testing contact with others, crowded of suspected cases has enabled places and confi ned-closed the authorities to identify a high spaces where other people con- number of positive cases in the gregate. Now more than ever, we community. Qatar has one of the must be careful and protect the lowest Covid-19 death rates in most vulnerable.

Reconciliation a new page, win for GCC: FM From Page 1 professional media, and it must be is a neighbouring country and has the state. They are not discussed in dealt with positively and construc- a respected role in opening up skies the GCC, and if there are problems “The diff erences between Qatar tively by other countries. and what it has provided with re- between a state and Turkey, we try and the states parties are not the “The US has made eff orts to gard to ports (during the crisis). to fi nd a solution for it between the same and will be discussed within solve the crisis, and (US president’s There are diff erences of opinion two countries. the framework of bilateral com- adviser) Jared Kushner has worked and the GCC is a space for under- “The Abraham Accords is a mittees. The process will take its with us and with all parties and standing and there must be an en- sovereign decision and we do not time to rebuild bridges between their eff orts, and so did Kuwait. vironment for consultation. interfere in sovereign decisions. people, and we welcome construc- The US was enthusiastic because “Decisions taken by states are Qatar believes that if Israel is com- The Public Works Authority (Ashghal) has announced that E-Ring Road lanes between Najma and tive steps. they want the GCC countries to be sovereign and within the GCC mitted to peace, to end the occupa- Airport intersections will be reduced from three to two from January 10 to January 28. The closure “Social media participated in united and any crisis aff ects them. there are agreements between tion, the two-state solution, and will be implemented in co-ordination with the General Directorate of Traff ic. Ashghal will install a negative way during the crisis “The GCC countries do not states. Offi cial messages from the the state of Palestine with East Je- road signs advising motorists of the temporary closure and urged all to follow them and abide by and we call on all parties to be re- want to be a contributor to an es- US say that they do not want an rusalem as its capital, and if there the speed limit to ensure safety. sponsible in the future. The issue calation against Iran or against any escalation with Iran, neither does is Arab approval, we accept that. of Al Jazeera was not discussed. Al other country and the region does Iran, and we are wary of any ac- “The past three and a half years Jazeera is an independent media not tolerate escalation. If we look tions that lead to escalation and were not easy, and it is normal that institution and we are proud of its at what happened between the any mistake that could happen. there are diffi culties. By returning Outdoor art presence in Qatar, and its media US and Iran, we want to solve this “Turkey is a strategic ally of Qatar, to the principles that were agreed professionals. We respect freedom crisis diplomatically and without and bilateral relations are taken ac- upon, we look to the future,” he activity of expression and the responsible resorting to military action. “Iran cording to the sovereign decision of added. HEC Paris to host Qatari artist Abdul-Rahman al-Mutawa is hosting outdoor Trump faces calls for removal as Congress certifies Biden painting activities tomorrow (Saturday) at Al Khor, local Arabic online info session daily Arrayahreported. The event From Page 1 say whether he should remain in extraordinary violence that un- loss. Rioters broke windows and is an extension of a forum he runs offi ce. “He unleashed an all-out folded after he encouraged sup- besieged the House chamber while with compatriot artist Mohamed EC Paris in Qatar has announced that it will host an online in- Congress formally certifi ed assault on the institutions of our porters on Wednesday to march lawmakers were inside, banging al-Ateeq on social media platforms. formation session where attendees can meet with the admis- Democratic President-elect Joe democracy from the outset. And to the Capitol, despite pleas from on its doors. Security offi cers piled “A large number of Qatari and Hsions team remotely from the comfort of their home or offi ce. Biden’s election victory early yes- yesterday was but the culmination senior members of his adminis- furniture against the chamber’s resident artists from various fine The session will be held from 4pm-5pm on January 14. terday, after they were forced into of that unrelenting attack,” he said tration. “I implore the President door and drew their pistols before arts schools will participate in “This online session will provide you an opportunity to learn more hiding by hundreds of rioters who at a news conference. and all elected offi cials to strongly helping lawmakers and others es- the event under the supervision about how you can accelerate your career path and realise your ambi- overwhelmed police and invaded Dozens of Democrats have called condemn the violence that took cape. of artist Claire Note,” al-Mutawa tions. You will learn about our International Executive MBA, ranked the building. More than half of for Trump to be removed through place yesterday,” Acting Homeland The FBI asked the public for tips explained. The artworks from the No. 3 by the Financial Times in 2020,” HEC Paris in Qatar said. Regis- House Republicans and eight sen- the 25th Amendment or impeach- Security Secretary Chad Wolf said. identifying people involved in the event are to be exhibited virtually tration can be done at this link: https://bit.ly/2XppY3X ators voted to challenge the elec- ment. At least two Republicans, Trump has increasingly isolated mayhem in which four people died. later, Arrayah added. Upon registration, one will receive an e-mail with a link to the on- tion results. Maryland Governor Larry Hogan himself in the White House, rely- In certifying Biden’s election tri- line information session. “If you do not receive this link, please con- During the proceedings, Pelosi and US Representative Adam ing on a small group of diehard loy- umph, longtime Trump allies such Blood Donor unit tact us at [email protected],” HEC Paris added. pulled Pence off the House floor Kinzinger of Illinois, also said he alists and lashing out at Pence and as Pence and McConnell rejected to talk. Meanwhile, Trump faced a should go. others who dare to cross him, four Trump’s pleas for intervention. at Sealine today staff exodus. One Cabinet offi cial, But several Republican sources sources said. The Senate and the House rejected Transportation Secretary Elaine said the 25th Amendment eff ort On Capitol Hill, new fencing was two objections by Republican law- Hamad Medical Corporation Chao, who is married to top Sen- was unlikely to go anywhere, given being installed around the Capi- makers to the tally and certifi ed (HMC) has announced that ate Republican Mitch McConnell, Trump’s short time remaining in tol ahead of Biden’s inauguration. the fi nal Electoral College count, the Blood Donor unit will be said she would resign, citing the offi ce. Trump pledged in an early- The assault on the Capitol was the with Biden receiving 306 votes and stationed at Sealine near the violence. Other Trump offi cials, morning statement an “orderly culmination of months of divisive Trump 232 votes. HMC Clinic from 3pm to 8pm including top Russia adviser Ryan transition” ahead of Biden’s inau- and escalating rhetoric by Trump Election offi cials of both parties today. “We urge anyone who is Tully and envoy Mick Mulvaney, guration, in part to prevent more and his allies around the Novem- and independent observers have able to give blood to visit our Trump’s former chief of staff , also staff ers from leaving. Yet Trump ber 3 election, with the president said there was no signifi cant fraud team and donate,” HMC said in a quit. More departures were ex- has stood by the false charge the repeatedly making false claims that in the election. Biden received 7 post on social media yesterday. pected. Biden blamed the presi- election was stolen from him. the vote was rigged and urging his million more votes than Trump in “Please remember to bring your dent for the attack but declined to Trump has not condemned the supporters to help him overturn his the national popular vote. Qatar ID.” Gulf Times 4 Friday, January 8, 2021 COMMUNITY A journey of self-discovery z Kismet, a novel by Doha-based author Sushma Harish, is a multitude of experiences in life of Akash, the protagonist

By Mudassir Raja Staff Reporter

This is the story of cultures of both India and Qatar. I “have brought in the story which takes you deep inside the houses of Indians living in Qatar. This story can make you cry as well as laugh.” This was shared by Sushma Harish, Doha-based author from India, about her fi rst novel Kismet (destiny) that was recently launched during a ceremony held at Indian Culture Centre (ICC). Observing Cov- id-19 safety protocols, a select gathering including representatives of ICC, Indian Commu- nity Benevolent Forum (ICBF), prominent community members, and friends and family of the author attended the book launch. Prominent among those present were ICC president Manikantan A P, ICBF president P N Baburajan, Susmita Guests and organisers pose for a group photo at the book launch. PICTURES: Jayan Orma Pattnaik, president of Indian Women Association Qatar; ICBF Speaking about the book, she and happiness. Why did his sib- stroke of serendipity. By opening story of an Indian expatriate and vice president Mahesh Gowda, said: “Kismet is my debut book, ling devastate his family? What a window into the life of Akash, the story will remain there for the Nagesh Rao, president of Karna- a joint dream of mine and my was the impact it had on Akash’s the book takes you on a journey times to come. I congratulate the taka Sangha Qatar; Ravi Shetty, grandfather, who is no more, life choices? Akash lands in Qa- to self-discovery and self-actu- writer for bringing forth a won- managing director, Advanced and hence the book is dedicated tar for a short term project. He alisation. As Akash’s outlook to- derful novel and wish her success Technical Services; and Harish to him. The novel is the story of experiences a rich multicultural wards life alters, the book vows in future endeavours.” Baliga, husband of novelist Su- Akash Shetty, from Mangalore in life and receives so much love to create a lasting impact in the ICBF president P N Baburajan shma. South India, a fi ctionalised char- that can change him. What in- mind of the reader.” read out some excerpts from the The author, brought up in Ma- acter based on a true life story. cident leaves him emotionally Speaking on the occasion, ICC book and said the story has the Author Sushma Harish with her book. nipal, Karnataka, is a chemical Set across Mangalore in India devastated, and how can he turn president Manikantan A P, ap- power to grab the attention of the engineer from Manipal Institute and Qatar, with a narrative that it into serendipity?” preciated the book that highlights reader from the very beginning. Susmita Pattnaik, president of and concerned about the ongo- of Technology. Residing in Qatar traverses from early 2000 to the Susham added: “As a story of both Qatari and Indian cultures. “I do spend some time reading Indian Women Association Qatar, ing pandemic, she has managed to for 15 years with family, she has current times, Kismet is a mul- love, hate, culture, philosophy “Today we are having photo- a book every day. Kismet is a good said: “I know Sushma as a friend, make her dream a reality – publish worked in the oil and gas sector titude of experiences in life by and humanity, the book chal- graphs while wearing masks. The book to read. It has a beautiful blogger, toastmaster and author. a book. For her, it is not a begin- for eight years. Passionate sing- Akash, the protagonist.” lenges one’s perceptions to- pandemic will go away in a few cover page. I would urge Sushma For me, she is a dreamer. I can see ning but an outbreak of sponta- er, artist, blogger, and humorous The writer further said: wards life. There is Akash within months but the photo will be there not to stop her writings. She has the spark in her. She has evolved neity. I know how she is. She has toastmaster, Sushma turned to “Akash loves his family dearly many of us, who reminds us that forever. Something similar can be the potential to create and bring very much since I met her for the lots of promise and hope for the fi ction writing in 2017. and lives up to their expectations destiny can be turned into a said about the book. It tells the out beautiful stories.” fi rst time. As people are worried future.”

BPS students excel in NIA Hindi Toastmasters Club conducts music event international contest The objective was n a prestigious competition to popularise the organised by ISEA National ILevel Competition – 2020, Hindi language two students from Birla Public School Doha were declared international winners. and the medium Eshan Azami of Grade-VIII won second position in essay of music was used writing and Mohamed Mustafa Zain of Graade-VII bagged sec- for this purpose ond position in sketching. The event was supported by CBSE & students, IA Hindi Toastmasters Club NCERT. More than 50,000 stu- women, police heralded the arrival of 2021 dents participated in the event. and other user Nby organising an online pro- Winners at the state, national segments. gramme titled ‘Sur Sandhya’. and international level were an- To inculcate The club has also organised pro- nounced after public opinion. cyber hygiene grammes such as ‘Kavi Sammelan’, Information Security among young ‘Hindi Divas’ and ‘Children’s Poetry Education and Awareness Internet users, Recitation’ in the past three months. (ISEA) is an initiative taken ISEA announced national level The objective was to popularise by the Ministry of Electronics painting, sketching, cartoon Hindi language and the medium of and Information Technology, drawing, essay writing, short music was used for this purpose. Government of India with the fi lm, animated video, poster NIA Hindi Toastmasters has been objective of capacity building presentation, popular article and in existence for the last four years. in the area of information technical paper competitions on The highlights of this musical evening winners were Sameer Moosa and Latika Talwar, Dr Trilok Sharma, Sameer Moo- Moksha Gupta, Dr Meenu Parashar and security, training of government information/cyber safety and were performances by Abhijit Sarkar Pant. The event witnessed enthusias- sa, Sunita Saini, Shalini Verma, Sara Ali Abhijit Sarkar. personnel and creation of mass security awareness. The winners and Moksha Gupta. tic participation by Sunita Saini, Riana, Khan, Latika Pant, Uttam Vaidya, Chan- The supporting role was awareness on information were awarded certifi cates and There was a musical contest ‘An- and Area 7 Director C S Kumaran. dra Gururani and Asha Sehgal. played by Alka Choudhary and security targeted towards cash prizes. takshari’ involving five teams. The The music contestants were Rajeev The event was hosted by K P Murali, Avaneesh Agarwal. IIEE-SQC hosts fi rst-ever online Asean engineers’ conferment

nstitute of Integrated Elec- trical Engineers of the Phil- Iippines, Qatar Chapter (IIEE-SQC) recently collabo- rated with the Asean Federation of Engineering Organisations (AFEO) through the Philippine Technological Council (PTC) to successfully conduct the ‘First- ever Online Conferment’. There were 36 Filipino electrical practitioners conferred as Asean engineers and associate Asean engineers, as listed in the Asean Engineering Register (AER), during the virtual conferment ceremony. The command centre was at Hilton Hotel, Doha. The virtual conferment was done through Robert U Mabulay, who is also AER can enjoy the benefi ts of bers. Filipino electrical engineers Zoom Conferencing platform, IIEE-SQC adviser. practising in engineering fi elds in Qatar contribute to its col- allowing attendees outside Qa- Dignitaries from the Philippines in Asean that currently has 10 laborated eff orts under chapter tar as well as administering of embassy in Qatar represented by members namely; Brunei Da- president Joseph A Recella, ac- the conferment oath and charg- vice consul Benjamin A Celedio, russalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, tivity chairman Rudilyn S Reyes, ing from the Philippines and in also graced the occasion and deliv- Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Phil- and the participation of ACPE- Malaysia. Chau Fong, who also repre- registrar. The guests online from AAPER committee chairman ered the message of Ambassador ippines, Singapore, Thailand, AER committee chaired by Er- IIEE-SQC hosted the event. sents the AFEO based in Kuala the Philippines were IIEE 2020 Dr Florigo C. Varona, and com- Allan L Timbayan, and hailed the and Vietnam. win S Peniones along with PTC’s The conferees received tokens Lumpur, Malaysia, and Federico president Rodrigo T Pecolera, mittee members Larry C Cruz, achievement of IIEE-SQC. The successful hosting of the deputy presidential adviser and and AER credentials from AER A Monsada, PTC president, and IIEE president-elect 2021 Al- Florencio D. Berenguel, Dr Angel Asean celebrates its 53rd an- event shows the camaraderie of co-ordinator for Qatar Roy L Head Commissioner Ir. Yau Romulo R Agatep, PTC country lan Anthony Alvarez and IIEE- De Vera, Sheila Cabaraban, and niversary, wherein the conferred the IIEE-SQC offi cers and mem- Baquiran. Gulf Times Friday, January 8, 2021 5 COMMUNITY Digital inclusion of visually impaired through braille z As the World Braille Day was observed recently, two young engineers, who Abdelrazek Aly, co-founder and CEO of Bonocle. Ramy Abdulzaher, co-founder and COO. for students with special needs ended up with having Bonocle, people, the duo is all out for rais- have developed Bonocle, speak about using braille to access digital content at the university after he broke computer mouse like device,” ing awareness about braille as a his hand in an accident. “Dur- said Ramy. language of the blind through the By Mudassir Raja On the eve of the World Braille ing that period we got the chance The team has tested the ready international day. “There is need Staff Reporter Day, Gulf Times spoke to two to meet many visually impaired product both in Qatar and US. of raising the awareness about Egyptian expatriates who have students. We noticed the strug- “It has been successful so far in the language that it is very es- developed Bonocle – an elec- gle they go through every day reducing the gap between the sential for the blind to study and orld Braille Day, cel- tronic hardware product which to get access to the content and sighted people and the blind do jobs. We have tried to help the ebrated since 2019, is utilises braille as a medium for material they need to study,” said community. Other technologies blind get to the digital world us- Wobserved on January blind users to read digital con- Abdelrazek. are tailored 100% for the blind ing braille,” said Abdelrazek. 4 every year to raise awareness tent from everyday smart elec- The duo were moved by the and they tend to segregate them. Ramy said that sighted peo- about the importance of Braille tronic devices. fact that while sighted students Bonocle allows them to play ple should not turn a blind eye as a means of communication Abdelrazek Aly, co-founder tend to complain about the online games with their family to the needs of visually impaired in the full realisation of the hu- and CEO of Bonocle, and Ramy amount of material they have members and other people. Our persons. “We should give them a man rights for blind and partially Abdulzaher, co-founder and to go through before the exams, platform helps them integrate in sense of freedom through braille sighted people. COO, recently attended an on- the visually impaired ones fi nd the society,” Ramy added. and connecting them with the Braille is a tactile representa- line event organised by Qatar it hard to access that material. The young graduates are all digital world. They should be tion of alphabetic and numerical Social and Cultural Center for “That was basically the trigger. praise for the support they have integrated. The language is ac- symbols using six dots to rep- Blind, where they talked about Spending time with the visu- got from diff erent entities in Qa- tually a powerful thing that we resent each letter and number, their journey with Bonocle and ally impaired persons and going tar for their project. “We started can utilise in so many diff erent and even musical, mathematical answered questions raised by through the available technolo- with Qatar Science and Technol- ways. With Bonocle they can play and scientifi c symbols. Braille some members of the commu- gies they can try, we have tried ogy Park at Qatar Foundation. games and get feedback through (named after its inventor in 19th Bonocle is an electronic hardware product which utilises braille as a nity of the blind. to come up with a solution,” the They helped us with an initial braille. They can use braille to century France, Louis Braille) is medium for blind users to read digital content from everyday smart Both are friends and graduates computer science engineer said. fund to build a prototype. We also navigate through maps.” used by the blind and partially electronic devices. from Qatar University. Ramy has It took them four years to con- got support from the Supreme The team does not agree with sighted people to read the same a degree in chemical engineer- vert the concept into a reality. “It Committee under the Challenge the point that audio support is books and periodicals as those As the world has swiftly been ties related to digital accessibil- ing and Abdelrazek in compu- all started in 2016 and has been a 2022. We won the challenge and more helpful than braille. “Re- printed in a visual font. Braille is moving towards virtual and ity to ensure digital inclusion of ter sciences. The idea of having long journey going from an itera- a cash award also. We also got the search shows that the visual in- essential in the context of edu- digital means of communica- all people. This is high time that a device enabling the visually tion to another. For example, we opportunity to represent Qatar in formation can be retained better cation, freedom of expression tion and learning, the Covid-19 eff orts are made to digitalise the impaired people access online started with a tablet. We wanted other countries,” Ramy said. than through audios. As visual is and opinion, as well as social in- pandemic has also emphasised means of communication for the material started with Abdelrazek it to be a braille tablet. Work- Having experienced the dif- for sighted people, the tactile is clusion. the need to intensify all activi- blind community also. when he had to attend a centre ing on diff erent ideas, we fi nally fi culties of the visually impaired for the blind.”

Qatar Badminton BDK Qatar organises blood donation camp Premier League’s ﬁ rst edition launched

atar’s budding badmin- in this edition: Prime Sports ton talents are all set to Center, New Vision Badmin- Qparticipate in a unique ton Qatar, Hexatech Absolute tournament format that could Sports, Kings Sports Qatar, and lead to a huge step-up for the Green Stadium Qatar. game in the country. Each team owner gets to The first edition of the Qa- spend 5,000 points on select- tar Junior Badminton Premier ing players and has to first pick League was launched recently their captains during the cap- with the aim of bringing to- tain auction, before completing gether the best players from their squad with the remaining different age categories, rang- players during the player auc- ing from under-9 to under-19. tion. The event is being organised In total, 45 players will par- by Absolute Sports Academy, ticipate in the tournament, with the support of Apex Body with nine players in each team. of Association of Badminton The tournament was offi- Academies and Clubs in Qatar. cially launched with the captain The new tournament has teams auction last Friday, which was competing for players via auc- attended by Sharaf P Hameed, tion, and will fight it out for the vice-president of Indian Sports overall prize. Centre (ISC); E P Abdulrahman, The new model, based on the ISC vice-president; Jafarkhan, format popularised by premier head of sports at Indian Cul- leagues organised for various tural Centre; and Pawan Ku- sports, is being used for bad- mar, president of Apex Body BDK Qatar recently organised a mega blood donation camp on New Year Day partnering with Radio Malayalam 98.6 FM and IBIN Ajayan Projects, in co-ordination with minton for the first time in Qa- of Association of Badminton Hamad Medical Corporation. tar. Five teams are participating Academies and Clubs in Qatar.

Envoy distributes New Year books at Bangladesh MHM School and College

angladesh ambassador Md. Jashim Uddin distributed BNew Year books among the students of Bangladesh MHM School and College in Qatar recently. Referring to the education- friendly ‘Free Book Distribution’ programme undertaken by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to ensure education for all, the ambassador said the government has been distributing New Year books, free of cost among students through the book festival every year since 2010. During the book distribution ceremony, the ambassador advised the students to contribute to the societies of both Bangladesh and Qatar as good human beings and responsible citizens, which is to be earned through proper education. He said programmes would be organised to mark the birth cente- nary of Father of the Nation Bang- abandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and the golden jubilee of inde- pendence of Bangladesh in 2021 with the participation of Bangla- desh expatriates living in Qatar. Md. Mahbur Rahman, embassy counsellor for political and economic aff airs; Md. An- war Khurshid, director of Bang- ladesh School; Md. Jasim Uddin, school principal; Zulﬁ qar Azad, vice-principal; and teachers were present on the occasion. Students pose for a group photo with the Bangladesh ambassador and other off icials. Gulf Times 6 Friday, January 8, 2021 COMMUNITY LEISURE/HOROSCOPE

Wordsearch Super Cryptic Clues Adam

Pooch Cafe

BAS WELLS NELSON HAYES DE VAUGHN WINTERS REEVES KNIGHT GAYE BROWN WHITE PENDERGRASS ISLEY FLACK WITHERS TEX MAYFIELD GREEN CHERRY WILSON REDDING Across Down JACKSON FRANKLIN 1 Hide stones near people (10) 1 She will shortly show a hard 7 Leader agrees to alter exterior (5) forecast (7) 2 A country I controlled (4) Codeword 8 Weak father has to suff er (5) 3 The tongue of a World War Garfield 10 Two off icers, one gun (4) One field marshal (6) Every letter of the alphabet is used at least once. 11 No crop is damaged by this 4 Diabolical elfin ran off (8) Squares with the same number in have the same letter insect (8) 5 It may be a strain for a in. Work out which number represents which letter. 13 A car, if taken to the Russian empress (7) continent? (6) 6 For seeing sights? (10) 15 A capital cigar (6) 9 Perhaps I learn about 17 Sticky sweet? (8) money in a northern county 18 Graduates get hard thump (10) (4) 12 In a manner of speaking I’d 21 Country, say (5) see a mishap (8) 22 The real material? (7) 14 Charter again set free? (7) 23 Fruit in trees can change 16 A tree found in part of (10) London (6) 19 Cricket prize left after fire? (5) 20 Principal sea (4) Bound And Gagged 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

Discussions with those close to you could lead to the discovery of Emotions that run very deep should bring you a lot of satisfaction Relations with neighbours, siblings, or other relatives could get a shot in new concepts, perhaps from foreign cultures. You will want to learn today, Taurus. Relationships of all kinds could also be especially the arm now, Gemini. For some, your recent business successes cause more about them, Aries, as will your friends. You might even decide promising. A relationship regarding partnership may be consummated, them to get on the bandwagon. For others, your personal growth could to plan a trip to a place where you could expand your knowledge of revitalised, or moved to the next level of commitment. Close increase their admiration of you. Partnerships of any kind formed today this new interest. Any trip planned today should go smoothly and be friendships might become closer because of your mutual interests. show great promise of success. These could be business, personal, or quite rewarding. Don’t hesitate. Happiness and satisfaction should reign in the home today. romantic. Don’t be shy. Go with the flow. CANCER LEO VIRGO June 21 — July 22 July 23 — August 22 August 23 — September 22

Success in your work continues to bring good fortune your way. As you continue to enjoy success and good fortune, your Today your sensitivity joins forces with practicality. Intuitive insights Today you might get reassurance that this isn’t a flash in the pan. self-confidence grows, Leo, and so you’re likely to attract new could come to you today, and you might express your new ideas You’re likely to be financially secure for a long time. You’re probably relationships with fascinating people in exciting fields who share to others, Virgo. Don’t be surprised if they accept them. Your feeling strong and robust, full of energy and stamina, and ready to your vision and interests. These could be business associations, unconscious mind is on a far more practical track than you may take on just about any challenge. Move ahead, Cancer, but move close friendships, or new partners. Relax and be yourself. You don’t assume. Make use of this ability while you can because it might not with caution. You’re never too prosperous to be careful. have to impress anyone. They probably already like you. be so clear tomorrow. Go with the flow. LIBRA SCORPIO SAGITTARIUS September 23 — October 22 October 23 — November 21 November 22 — December 21

Today shows the promise of being a very busy yet fulfilling day, Your financial success over the past several weeks may seem too You’re flying high at this point, Sagittarius, enjoying the success you’ve Libra. Enterprises involving corporations, or other groups in good to be true, Scorpio. It might make yet another leap forward. achieved over the past several weeks. Today you could accomplish yet your community are likely to benefit from your participation. You This should make you happy. It also could bring up your insecurity another goal, adding to your feeling of accomplishment. You might combine intuition with practicality in everything you do. You’re over whether or not this cycle will continue. It probably will for a plan a vacation or perhaps return to college. The expansion of your especially communicative and good at dealing with others. Don’t be while. It might be a good idea to save or invest you money, just so horizons hasn’t left you complacent. Instead, you want to continue surprised if public recognition comes your way. you can feel more secure in the future. expanding. This is a very positive development. Go for it. CAPRICORN AQUARIUS PISCES December 22 — January 19 January 20 — February 18 February 19 — March 20

Today you might have insights as to how to advance your career. All your relationships should be especially warm and supportive Everything should be going great for your career, Pisces. It may all These could come your way through dreams, sudden revelations, or now, Aquarius. This is a great day to form a business, personal, or seem too good to be true, but rest assured that it’s real. Events could perhaps visions. Don’t hesitate to put them into action simply because romantic partnership. Business partnerships made now should be involve a job change, promotion, raise, or the opportunity to strike of the unorthodox way they come to you, Capricorn. Some of the most successful, while committed bonds entered into today could well out on your own. Don’t kid yourself. A lot of challenges lie ahead, progressive and successful ideas have come because the inventor had last for a long time. Be open, honest, and unafraid to speak your but this should all lead to great personal satisfaction in the long run. a vivid dream. Write down your insights and go for it. mind. You might find that others share your thoughts. Go for it. Gulf Times Friday, January 8, 2021 7 AMERICA/BRITAIN/EUROPE

Facebook bans Trump ‘indeﬁ nitely’ for inciting violence Sharp rise

Shopify removes stores aff iliated with US president lence” had come too late. ments came after Trump’s in 2020 “These platforms have served supporters stormed the US AFP/Reuters day after the outgoing US leader as core organising infrastructure Capitol on Wednesday in an un- Washington/Ottawa was locked out of all major social for violent, far-right groups and precedented attack that led to natural media platforms due to his false militia movements for several one woman being shot and killed claims about the legitimacy of years now,” said the senator, who by police, interrupting the nor- acebook has banned US his loss to Biden, and for inciting is the incoming chairman of the mally ceremonial procedure to disaster President Donald Trump the angry mob that stormed the Senate Select Committee on In- certify Biden’s election victory. Ffrom the platform “indefi - US Capitol. telligence. Trump, who had addressed nitely” due to his eff orts to incite “We believe the risks of allow- An activist group that formed the mob and urged them to damages violence at the US Capitol, chief ing the president to continue to a mock Facebook oversight march on the Capitol, later re- executive Mark Zuckerberg said use our service during this peri- board lamented that it took an leased a video on social media in yesterday. od are simply too great,” Zucker- insurrection for the social net- which he repeated the false claim AFP Zuckerberg said the 24-hour berg wrote on his Facebook page. work to fi nally ban Trump. of election fraud – even telling Frankfurt am Main ban announced on Wednesday “Therefore, we are extending the “This week’s coup attempt the mob “we love you”. on Trump’s accounts includ- block we have placed on his Fa- shows us that Facebook is not fi t YouTube removed the video ing on Instagram was extended cebook and Instagram accounts to police itself,” said the group, in line with its policy barring inancial losses worldwide because of Trump’s “use of our indefi nitely and for at least the which calls itself The Real Fa- claims challenging election re- TrumpStore.com and caused by natural disasters platform to incite violent insur- next two weeks until the peace- cebook Oversight Board, al- sults. shop.donaldjtrump.com Frose sharply in 2020, Ger- rection against a democratical- ful transition of power is com- though it has no connection to Twitter said Trump’s mes- were inaccessible man reinsurance giant Munich ly-elected government”. plete.” the platform. “The site remains sages were violations of the yesterday. Re said yesterday, urging action The Facebook chief executive Trump’s favourite mega- a breeding ground for violent platform’s rules on civic integ- to prevent climate change from added: “The shocking events of phone, Twitter, blocked him for extremism and disinformation, rity and that any future viola- Canada’s Shopify meanwhile people that threaten or condone bringing about more such haz- the last 24 hours clearly dem- 12 hours, but it was unclear yes- its algorithm leading people into tions “will result in permanent took down stores affi liated with violence to further a cause. ards. onstrate that President Donald terday if the ban had been lifted. hate.” suspension of the @realDon- US President Donald Trump Attempts to access Trump- The global bill came to $210bn Trump intends to use his re- US Senator Mark Warner, a Snapchat confi rmed yester- aldTrump account”. from its e-commerce platform. Store.com and shop.donald- (€171bn) in damage, due to a maining time in offi ce to un- Democrat representing Virginia, day that it locked Trump out of The platform said Trump’s Shopify said the recent events jtrump.com, which sold “Make record hurricane season and ma- dermine the peaceful and lawful said moves by Facebook, Twitter the photo sharing platform amid account would be locked for 12 determined that Trump’s ac- America Great Again” hats and jor forest fi res, compared with transition of power to his elected and YouTube to address Trump’s concerns over his dangerous hours and that if the off ending tions violated its policy, which similar items, were unsuccessful $166bn in 2019, Munich Re said successor, Joe Biden.” “sustained misuse of their plat- rhetoric. tweets were not removed, “the prohibits promotion or support yesterday, as the websites dis- in an annual report. The announcement came the forms to sow discord and vio- The social media announce- account will remain locked”. of organisations, platforms or played error messages. The insured amount came to $82bn, or around 40% of the total, the Bavarian company said. The disasters claimed around 8,200 lives worldwide, the report said. “Climate change will play an increasing role in all of these hazards,” said Munich Re board member Torsten Jeworrek. World leaders condemn As part of the Paris Agree- ment, “the global community set itself the target of keeping global warming well below 2° Celsius. It is time to act”, he added. Six of the most costly disasters were in the United States, which suff ered the most active hurri- ‘assault on democracy’ cane season on record in 2020. The North Atlantic season was Russia sees United States democracy ‘limping’ many, like me, will be watching mocracy is limping on both feet,” “hyperactive”, Munich Re said, the scenes unfolding in Wash- said Konstantin Kosachyov, with a record-setting 30 storms AFP give in to the violence of a few ington DC with great concern the chair of the Russian upper including 13 hurricanes. Washington/Moscow who want to question” democ- and dismay,” Martin said. house’s foreign aff airs commit- Hurricane Laura, which made racy. Indian Prime Minister Naren- tee. landfall in August in Louisiana In a video posted on his Twit- dra Modi, a Trump ally who has “The celebration of democ- with winds of 150mph, caused orld leaders and gov- ter account, he added: “What heaped praise on the outgoing racy has ended. It has, unfortu- $13bn in losses, of which $10bn ernments have ex- happened today in Washington US president in the past, said nately, hit rock bottom, and I say was insured. Wpressed shock and is not American.” he was “distressed to see news this without a hint of gloating. Forest fi res raged in the west of outrage at the storming of the Iranian President Hassan about rioting and violence” in “America no longer charts the the US, with four times the aver- US Capitol in Washington by Rouhani said the chaos un- Washington. course and so has lost all right to age area of California hit than in supporters of President Donald leashed on the Capitol “shows “Orderly and peaceful trans- set it. And, even more so, to im- 2015-2019. Trump. above all how fragile and vulner- fer of power must continue. The pose it on others.” Elsewhere, fl ooding in China German Chancellor Angela able Western democracy is”. democratic process cannot be The Kremlin has itself been during the summer monsoon Merkel said yesterday that she “We saw that unfortunately allowed to be subverted through accused of fostering US divisions season caused about $17bn of was “furious and saddened” by the ground is fertile for pop- unlawful protests,” the Hindu with a campaign of interference damage, of which only about 2% the events, and said that Trump ulism, despite the advances in nationalist leader tweeted. and disinformation, including was insured. shared blame for the unrest. science and industry,” he said in In Turkey, which suff ered an alleged attempts to disrupt the In Europe overall losses came “I deeply regret that President a speech broadcast by state tel- attempted coup in 2016, the Workers erect a fence yesterday around the US Capitol Building, the 2016 election in Trump’s favour to $12bn, of which $3.6bn was Trump has not conceded his de- evision. “I hope the whole world foreign ministry called on “all day after a mob broke into the building in Washington, DC. that prompted an Federal Bureau insured. feat, since November and again and the next occupants of the parties in the US to maintain re- of Investigation (FBI) investiga- yesterday,” she said. White House will learn from it.” straint and prudence. We believe building as evidence of Ameri- United States is archaic, it does tion. British Prime Minister Boris Canadian Prime Minister the US will overcome this inter- ca’s decline, with offi cials say- not meet modern democratic With Russia celebrating the Pro-Brexit lobby Johnson on Twitter condemned Justin Trudeau tweeted: “Ca- nal political crisis in a mature ing that its out-of-date electoral standards ... and the American Orthodox Christmas holiday the “disgraceful scenes in US nadians are deeply disturbed manner”. system and deep divisions had media have become an instru- there was no reaction to the group migrates its Congress”. and saddened by the attack on In Slovenia – homeland of left its democracy “limping on ment of political struggle,” for- events in Washington from the website to Europe “The United States stands for democracy in the United States, US First Lady Melania Trump both feet”. eign ministry spokeswoman Kremlin. democracy around the world and our closest ally and neighbour.” – Prime Minister Janez Jansa Under banners reading Maria Zakharova said on Face- But pro-Kremlin lawmakers Pro-Brexit campaign group Leave. it is now vital that there should “Shocking scenes in Wash- tweeted: “All should be very “Storm of the Capitol” and book. “This is largely the reason jumped on the unrest. EU has migrated the registered be a peaceful and orderly trans- ington, DC,” North Atlantic troubled by the violence taking “Chaos in Washington”, Rus- for the split in society now ob- “The United States certainly off ice of its website to Ireland to fer of power,” he said. Treaty Organisation (Nato) chief place in Washington, DC.” sian state television showed served in the United States.” cannot now impose electoral maintain a European Internet The EU’s foreign policy chief Jens Stoltenberg tweeted. “The The right-winger, who backed rolling images of Donald Trump Moscow has long bristled at standards on other countries address, an organisation off icial condemned an “assault on US outcome of this democratic Trump and who has yet to con- supporters breaking down bar- US criticism of the state of Rus- and claim to be the world’s ‘bea- said yesterday. democracy”. election must be respected.” gratulate Biden on his election ricades and swarming the Con- sian democracy under President con of democracy’,” the foreign Leave.EU was the largest “In the eyes of the world, Irish premier Micheal Martin, victory, added: “We hope Amer- gress building on Wednesday, as Vladimir Putin, accusing Wash- aff airs chief in the lower house, unoff icial pro-Brexit lobby group American democracy tonight who has invited the Irish-Amer- ican democracy is resilient, security forces fi red tear gas and ington of hypocrisy and conde- Leonid Slutsky, told Russian in the 2016 referendum on appears under siege,” Josep Bor- ican (President-elect Joe) Biden deeply rooted and will overcome police drew guns inside. scension. news agencies. Britain’s EU membership. rell tweeted. to visit his ancestral homeland this crisis. Congress formally certifi ed Often echoing the kind of lan- He said Washington was suf- Andy Wigmore, who ran the He added: “This is not Amer- early in his presidency, tweeted “Democracy presupposes Joe Biden as the next president guage used against Russia, offi - fering from a “boomerang” group with founder Arron Banks, ica. The election results of No- his condemnation. peaceful protest, but violence despite the unrest, but many cials in Moscow said the United eff ect after having promoted confirmed in an e-mail to AFP, vember 3 must be fully respect- “The Irish people have a deep and death threats – from left or in Moscow said the stunning States was no longer in any po- “colour revolutions” around the Irish media reports that the ed.” connection with the United right – are ALWAYS wrong.” events had exposed America’s sition to lecture other countries world, like anti-Moscow upris- organisation has now shifted French President Emmanuel States of America, built up over Yesterday Russia pointed to democratic failings. on freedom and democracy. ings in Ukraine and Georgia and the registered off ice of its site to Macron said that “we will not many generations. I know that the storming of the US Capitol “The electoral system in the “It is clear that American de- the recent protests in Belarus. Waterford, a city in Ireland. US endures coronavirus pandemic’s deadliest day

UK scrambles for hospital beds as virus surges the monumental eff ort, creating The United Kingdom recorded that’s 10 full hospitals’ worth of ‘Alarming’ virus variants need bolder response: WHO a patchwork of diff erent plans yesterday another 1,162 deaths Covid patients ... so it’s a really across United States. within 28 days of a positive test – big challenge,” Chris Hopson told Reuters/AFP politan area, pushing hospitals to The partnership with 19 phar- the second highest toll since the BBC radio. New York/London their limits. macy chains will eventually let peak of the fi rst wave in April last HSJ, a website for healthcare Earlier this week, public health the Operation Warp Speed vac- year. professionals, on Wednesday offi cials ordered the suspension cination programme deliver to as There were more than 52,000 leaked a briefi ng by the head of s the events that un- of elective surgeries for at least many as 40,000 locations around new cases in 24 hours, taking the NHS London, Vin Diwakar, say- folded in Washington on three weeks in more than a dozen the country, US offi cials said at a overall number of infections to ing the capital could be short of AWednesday captured the southern and central counties. news conference on Wednesday. nearly 2.9mn. nearly 1,500 beds for general and nation’s attention, the raging Nevada, New Hampshire, US Health and Human Servic- Cases are growing quickly out- acute patients by January 19. coronavirus pandemic claimed Oklahoma and Pennsylvania es Secretary Alex Azar also said at side southeast England, where In the worst-case scenario, the its highest US death toll yet, kill- logged their highest single-day the news conference that states clusters of a new highly infec- shortfall could be 4,400 beds, it ing more than 4,000 people in a death toll on Wednesday. should not let recommendations tious strain of the virus were fi rst said. single day, according to a Reuters The latest surge is compound- to prioritise certain groups like identifi ed. The World Health Organisa- tally. ed by the rapid spread of a new, healthcare workers slow the pace More than 30,000 people were tion (WHO)’s European branch The coronavirus causes the highly transmittable Covid-19 of vaccinations. in UK hospitals with the virus, has said that more needed to be Covid-19 respiratory disease. variant that was fi rst detected in He urged states not to keep more than at the peak of the done to deal with the alarming Covid-19 hospitalisations the United Kingdom in December vaccines sitting in freezers too fi rst wave, heaping pressures on situation brought on by recently stood at 132,051, setting a grim and has now spread to several US long for distribution to health- healthcare staff . discovered variants of the novel record for the fourth day in a row states, including New York. care workers and has encour- “Staff are exhausted,” said coronavirus. as of late on Wednesday night, a The Pennsylvania Department aged governors to skirt govern- Lindsey Izard, matron of the The WHO’s regional director Reuters analysis of public health of Health announced yester- The London Eye tourist attraction is illuminated in blue light to ment recommendations for who general intensive care unit at St for Europe, Hans Kluge, called data showed. day the fi rst confi rmed case of celebrate to work of key workers, and those in Britain’s NHS (National should receive vaccines fi rst if it George’s Hospital in London. the current situation “a tipping- As thousands of mostly un- the variant in Dauphin County, Health Service), in London yesterday, as Britain continues its third can speed inoculations. “The worry is that we haven’t point in the course of the pan- masked supporters of President where an individual tested posi- national lockdown to stem the spread of Covid-19. Hospital chiefs in Hospital chiefs in England probably reached the peak yet.” demic”. Donald Trump laid siege to the tive “after known international England were scrambling for hospital beds yesterday as the surge meanwhile raced to secure hos- The sharp rise has forced hos- “This is an alarming situation, US Capitol building, daily re- exposure”. in coronavirus cases risked overwhelming the system, healthcare pital beds as the surge in corona- pital bosses to consider shifting which means that for a short pe- ported cases of the novel coro- With the strain on stretched providers and medics said. virus cases risked overwhelming some inpatients to beds in nurs- riod of time we need to do more navirus soared again past the healthcare systems increasing the system, healthcare providers ing homes or care homes, said than we have done and to inten- 250,000 mark, taking the total across the country, federal and fi cials announced plans to start they have been allocated. and medics said. the head of NHS (National Health sify the public health and social case tally to 21.2mn. local offi cials announced steps to distributing Covid-19 vaccines The lack of a federal blueprint A leaked briefi ng suggested Service) Providers, which repre- measures to be certain we can The deadly virus surging in speed the sluggish pace of inocu- through pharmacies around the for the crucial fi nal step of get- that even in a relatively posi- sents hospitals in England. fl atten the steep vertical line in most of the nation is hammering lating eligible residents with two country earlier than expected ting the vaccines into tens of tive scenario, London’s hospitals “We’ve seen 5,000 new pa- some countries,” Kluge said, re- parts of California most severely, authorised coronavirus vaccines. this week, as states have strug- millions of arms has left state could be beyond capacity in less tients in hospital beds with ferring primarily to the new vari- including the Los Angeles metro- On Wednesday, top health of- gled to use up the supplies that and local offi cials in charge of than two weeks. Covid-19 over the past week – ant fi rst discovered in the UK. Gulf Times 8 Friday, January 8, 2021 INDIA

Karnataka rolls out 40 mobile agro clinics to help farmers

IANS pa, along with his cabinet col- tory to get such tests done. After ity fertilisers at their own level that he is happy to launch “Agro department’s priority is to pro- ernment conduct surveys at all Bengaluru leagues, Deputy CM Lakshman launching these vehicles, Yediy- and even ﬁ nd cheap alternatives. lab on wheels”, which will help vide farmers with accurate infor- stages of crop production and in- Savadi, Agriculture Minister B C urappa said, “This project will These labs will help them check farmers get simple tests like plant mation on improved agriculture form the farmers about the possi- Patil and Co-operation Minister help farmers statewide by work- if the fertilisers are adulterated or diseases, seed tests and soil tests production technologies, supply ble pest attacks, disease and weed arnataka yesterday formal- ST Somashekhar, green ﬂ agged ing with authorities under the ag- not,” he said. Yediyurappa added done. “Production also depends of quality agricultural tools and management practices,” he said. ly launched ‘Krishi San- these laboratories which will off er riculture and co-operative min- that these labs will also help the on natural disasters like cyclone, adequate use of recommended He said that as part of this pro- Kjeevini’ (mobile agro clin- the farmers a range of free serv- istries to solve the problems that government in planning as they heavy rain, soil erosion, over- fertilisers, pest and disease man- gramme, the state government ics) to help farmers in their own ices such as soil testing, seed test- farmers encounter in farming.” will be able to provide accurate growth of weed and several other agement, and nutrients available has rolled out 40 labs, each lab backyards. As part of this scheme, ing, pest control and several other The Chief Minister added that reports on what are the necessary aspects linked to climate change, in the soil. “This initiative is part for 31 districts, while some big 40 mobile agro clinics were rolled tests. the main objective of this project actions to be taken to improve the which can also be tested at their of the National Agricultural De- districts like Mysuru, Bengaluru from outside the Vidhana Soudha. All these years, farmers had to is to reduce the cost of produc- conditions in agriculture. doorsteps now,” he said. The min- velopmental Scheme 2020-21. Rural and Shivamogga will get Chief Minister B S Yediyurap- travel far to the nearest laboration. “Farmers can buy qual- Agriculture Minister Patil said ister added that the agriculture These labs will also help the gov- two labs. Farmers hold tractor rally

IANS Highway, where they sat to eat New Delhi ‘langar’ in the afternoon. The tractors in the convoy sported the tricolour and farmer union day ahead of the next flags, apart from banners pro- round of talks with the claiming their opposition to the A Union government, farm laws even as policemen thousands of farmers protest- and bystanders looked on with ing on the Delhi borders organ- curiosity. After the meeting ised a ‘tractor march’ yesterday on the peripheral highway, the amid tight security, describing farmers returned to the pro- the event as a “rehearsal” for a test spots on the Delhi borders, similar roadshow proposed on from where they had started in January 26 to oppose the three the morning. new Central farm laws. Speaking to the media, The farmers are also giv- Bharatiya Kisan Union (Ekta ing training to women to drive Ugrahan) chief Joginder Singh tractors in several districts of Ugrahan said that over 3,500 Haryana and also to the women tractor-trolleys were driven participating in the agitation at during the march. Later in the the Delhi-Haryana Singhu bor- day, the farmers converged der, who are set to join the trac- on the highway and discussed tor parade on Republic Day. their future strategy. The march comprising both “The government should lis- men and women sitting on hun- ten to the farmers. We are just dreds of tractors was flagged off demanding the contentious Farmers participate in a tractor rally to protest against the newly passed farm bills on the outskirts of the from the Singhu and Tikri entry farm laws be repealed,” Bharati- capital New Delhi. points on the Delhi-Haryana ya Kisan Union spokesperson borders and Ghazipur on the Rakesh Tikait told IANS. through the Expressway,” a po- Delhi-Uttar Pradesh border at The tractor march was or- lice officer said. 11am. Police were deployed on ganised by the Sanyukt Kisan Meanwhile, many women the Uttar Pradesh and Haryana Morcha, an umbrella of 40 participants in the farmers’ borders with Delhi to accom- farmers’ unions, to demand agitation are also learning driv- pany the farmers during the repealing of the three new ing skills to participate in the march. The sloganeering farm- farm laws and procurement tractor parade. Many women at ers drove their tractors towards of crops at Minimum Support Singhu border and in Jind dis- Eastern and Western Peripheral Price. The march was initially trict of Haryana have been seen Expressways while demanding scheduled for Wednesday but taking driving lessons to par- the three farm laws be repealed, was cancelled due to inclement ticipate in the tractor parade warning to intensify their pro- weather. planned on January 26. The test if the government doesn’t In view of the tractor march, seventh round of talks between agree to their demands. authorities had ordered diver- the Centre and farm leaders on A few farmers even per- sion of traffic at several points their remaining demands end- formed stunts and danced to on the Eastern Peripheral Ex- ed in a stalemate on Monday. songs played on the music sys- pressway. “The tractor march Both sides will now meet again tems installed on their trac- passed through the Eastern today. tors on the Eastern Peripheral Peripheral Road and returned A farmer rests during the rally. A peasant gazes into the camera at the rally. Covid vaccinations set Nirav Modi’s sister, husband turn to begin by January 12 approvers in PNB fraud case: ED IANS Candy Bhulabhai Desai Road of The ED had earlier fi led a The ED had said in July last year IANS New Delhi Mumbai, a fl at valued at Rs36.52 chargesheet against Purvi, Maiank that the Singapore High Court had New Delhi crore in Central Park South, New Mehta and others in connection ordered a freeze on a bank account York in the name of a Trust, an- with the fraud case. with Rs 44 crore related to Purvi he Enforcement Directo- other fl at in Central Park South, The ED said that during investi- and her husband. In June last year, he much-anticipated in- rate (ED) yesterday said that Unit No 33, New York, in the name gation it was revealed that Purvi has the ED had attached four bank ac- oculation programme Tfugitive diamantaire Nirav of a Trust valued at Rs182.82 crore, more than a dozen bank accounts counts of Nirav Modi and Purvi, Tagainst Covid-19 in the Modi’s sister Purvi Modi, a Belgian an amount of Rs168.08 crore in and has ownership of various com- having a balance of Rs283 crore, country is expected to begin by national, and her husband Maiank a Swiss Bank account of Purvi, a panies/Trusts abroad. The ED said as part of its investigation into the January 12, government sources Mehta have turned approvers in Swiss bank account in the name that in their statements and their case. told IANS. “In all likelihood, the the Rs13,500-crore PNB loan fraud of Purvi with Rs108.23 crore bal- submissions before the Adjudicat- Interpol had issued a Red Cor- Covid immunisation drive is ex- case. ance, a fl at worth Rs62.1 crore on ing Authority, Purvi and Maiank ner Notice against Purvi in 2019. pected to start early next week. An ED offi cial in Delhi said that Marylebone Road in London and Mehta have categorically stated Nirav Modi and his uncle Mehul Considering the preparations, both became approvers for assist- Rs1.96 crore in an Indian bank ac- that all the companies, properties Choksi are under investigation by the roll-out may start on January ing the agency in the confi scation count in Mumbai in the name of and accounts mentioned in the both the CBI and the ED. Choksi is 11 or latest by January 12,” a sen- of two fl ats in New York in the Purvi. charge sheet except Pavillion Point now believed to be in Antigua. ior government offi cial inducted US, and one each in London and The ED in a statement said that Corporation belong to Nirav Modi. Meanwhile, a UK court had in the vaccine distribution pro- Mumbai, and the balance lying Purvi and her husband fi led an ap- It said that she also expressed scheduled a hearing on the closing gramme said. in two Swiss bank accounts and a plication before the Special (PMLA) her willingness to off er all co- arguments in the extradition case The sources also informed bank account in Mumbai, totalling Court in Mumbai for allowing them operation to repatriate the assets of Nirav Modi on January 7 and 8. that the government has started Staff prepare beds and equipment at a vaccination unit of a Covid-19 Rs579 crore, in the Punjab Nation- to seek pardon and also undertook to India. “Both of the accused Nirav Modi has been behind bars preparing the freight carrying centre in Mumbai yesterday. al Bank (PNB) fraud case. to make true and full disclosure stated that the funds channelised at Wandsworth Prison in south- the vaccine vials for transpor- The ED said that confi scated of the circumstances and events through their accounts belonged west London since his arrest last tation to diff erent hubs located However, no offi cial an- The second nationwide dry run properties of Nirav Modi include without concealing any evidence to Nirav Modi and was done on year following India’s extradition across the country. The agencies nouncement has been made by for Covid vaccine is set to be con- a fl at worth Rs19.5 crore on Breach and provide complete documents. Nirav Modi’s insistence,” it said. request. involved in the vaccine roll-out the government yet apart from ducted across 33 states and Un- programme will start dispatching the offi cial statement that the ion Territories today. The mock the vaccine vials from yesterday immunisation drive will start drill will be conducted in all the onwards, they added. within 10 days from the date of districts of the country, except “The dispatch is expected to approval of the vaccines. The for Uttar Pradesh and Haryana, start late on Thursday evening vaccines – Covaxin by Bharat since the former has already con- or early in the day on Friday,” the Biotech and Covishield by Se- ducted dry run on January 5 while Akali Dal to meet parties to bolster federalism offi cials said. As per the informa- rum Institute of India – were the latter conducted it yesterday. tion received, the vaccines from approved for emergency use au- The fi rst dummy drive was held IANS a three-member party commit- would be addressed by five- and will only help corporate be- their manufacturing units will thorisation on January 3. on January 2 where only fi ve dis- Chandigarh tee had been formed by party time Chief Minister and SAD sides weakening the finances of be transported to the central hub Meanwhile, Suneela Garg, tricts had taken place. President Sukhbir Singh Badal patron Parkash Singh Badal. the states.” in Pune. From there, they will be public health expert and profes- Union Health Minister Harsh to reach out to like-minded “Earlier the meeting was fixed Asserting that states should moved to regional hubs situated sor of excellence at the Maulana Vardhan met the health ministers he Shiromani Akali Dal parties who were perturbed by for January 7 but had to be post- not be put at the mercy of the at diff erent locations across the Azad Medical College, who is also of states and Union Territories (SAD) yesterday said it the rise of a unitary system in poned due to a slight indisposi- Centre, Chandumajra said this country. a key member of the task force yesterday and guided them on Thas decided to create a the country. tion of Badal.” trend was increasing as was IANS was told that Karnal in handling vaccination in Delhi, conducting the dry run. joint strategy along with like- “We have reached out to the The SAD leader said the three seen earlier in West Bengal Haryana and Delhi will serve said that the government should The government has trained minded parties on ways and Trinamool Congress, the Shiv agricultural laws, which had where the Governor was inter- as regional hubs for the storage start the immunisation drive by around 1.7lakh vaccinators and means to strengthen the federal Sena, the INLD, the DMK and even been forced through Par- fering in the functioning of an and roll-out of the vaccines in January 12 as the preliminaries 3lakh vaccination team members structure of the country which the Samajwadi Party. We are liament, were a direct interfer- elected government and even in the northern part of the coun- have been fi nalised. for the process to be followed is being “eroded under the NDA also trying to get in touch with ence of the Centre in the powers Punjab recently when its Gov- try. Chennai and Hyderabad will “All the arrangements for the at the vaccination centres dur- government”. Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Ku- of the states. ernor summoned senior gov- serve as regional hubs for the dis- roll-out have been made and the ing the inoculation drive, which The parties will hold a con- mar. He said even though agri- ernment officials bypassing the tribution of vaccines in southern scheduled dry run would confi rm would include benefi ciary veri- ference in New Delhi after Janu- The purpose is to hold a culture was a state subject, the state government. India. the preparations. The vaccine fi cation, vaccination, cold chain ary 15 whose main focus will be conference and work jointly Centre went ahead to legislate “The SAD is against this For the eastern part, Kolkata doses are ready to be dispatched. and logistics management, bio- on erosion of federalism and its for strengthening the federal on this issue. trend and will do its utmost to is designated as the distribution After the dry run, there would be medical waste management, impact on farmers as well as fi- structure as visualised by our “We are clear that these laws unite like-minded parties to point, while the distribution in no reason to delay the roll-out. Adverse Eff ect Following Im- nancial well being of states. constitution makers.” can’t be legislated by Parlia- form a bulwark against the in- the western region of the country The government should start immunisation (AEFI) management Disclosing this in a state- Chandumajra said leaders of ment. creasing centralisation of pow- will be covered by the central hub munisation by January 12,” she and reporting on the Co-WIN ment here, senior SAD leader regional parties had agreed to “They also override state ers in the hands of the Union only. added. software. Prem Singh Chandumajra said be part of the meeting which laws and market committees government,” he added. Gulf Times Friday, January 8, 2021 9 THE SPIRIT OF TRUTH Having good expectations of Allah: An act of worship and key to happiness

aving good expectations of your supplication. When you give in (persons) the third of whom is Allah?” A Bedouin fell ill and the doctor said Allah, The Exalted, is a great charity for His sake, you should have An Arab poet said (what means): to him: “You are dying.” He said: “And act of worship that a believer good expectations of Him that He Expect the doings of your Lord to where will I go next?” The doctor said: Hshould fi ll his heart with in will reward you. When you give up come “To (meet) Allah!” The Bedouin said: all his states and throughout his life. He something for His sake, you should With what you wish for of prompt “Why would I dislike going to the One should evoke his good expectations of have good expectations of Him that relief Who Alone is the source of all good Allah with regard to receiving guidance He will compensate you with what is And do not despair when calamity things?” and Rizq (provision) and whenever he better than what you gave up. When befalls A dying man was asked: “What do hopes for the righteousness of his off - you seek forgiveness, you should have As the unseen (future) may be holding you think Allah will do to you?” He spring, the acceptance of his supplica- good expectations of Allah that He astonishing surprises in store for you. said: “He has honored me in my abode tions, the forgiveness of his sins, and in will forgive you and replace your sins Second: when making supplication (the worldly life), so He will not honor all his aff airs. with good deeds. When a person is devoted to sup- me any less when I am in His Abode.” Ibn Mas‘ood, may Allah be pleased An Arab poet said (what means): plication, no matter how harsh the A Bedouin asked Ibn ‘Abbaas, may with him, said: “By Allah, a believer If distress grows more severe, the door calamities that befall him may be, he Allah be pleased with them: “Who will is not endowed with a better blessing to Allah is wide open is never overwhelmed by them and hold people accountable on the Day than having good expectations of Allah. The one who returns to Allah will is always guided to fi nd ways out of of Judgment?” He replied: “Allah.” By Allah, no person expects good of never fail them. His aff airs are facilitated and all The Bedouin said: “By the Lord of Him except that He gives him what he Whenever you are overwhelmed with his eff orts are blessed with success. the Ka‘bah, I have been saved! When expected; for all good lies in His Hand.” distress, say ‘O Merciful Lord,’ The Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa the Most Generous is in a position to [Ibn Abi Ad-Dunya] He will relieve your distress and bless sallam, said: “Surely, the one who punish, He shows mercy, and when He How wonderful it is to have good you with rewards supplicates (Allah) will never be brings to account, He pardons.” expectations of Allah and be certain Always have good expectations of The destroyed (i.e. will never lose).” [Al- Al-Hasan Al-Basri, may Allah have that one’s heartbreak will be healed, his Most Generous Haakim in Al-Mustadrak] Another mercy on him, said, warning and ex- hardship will be relieved, his toil will And His Grace will indeed amaze you Hadith reads: “Call upon Allah while plaining the diff erence between having be succeeded by comfort, his tears will Al-Ma’moon said to Muhammad being certain of being answered.” [At- good expectations of Allah and being be replaced with smiles, his sickness ibn ‘Abbaad: “I was informed that you Tirmithi] tempted and deluded by the worldly will be followed by recovery, and that show hospitality to all the visitors of ‘Umar, may Allah be pleased with life: “There are people whose confi - after the worldly life comes to an end, Basra!” He responded: “Withholding him, said: “I do not worry about hav- dence in forgiveness diverts them from there will be Paradise as wide as the generosity implies having bad expecta- ing my supplication answered, but performing good deeds, , so much so heavens and the earth, prepared for the tions of Allah.” Another version of his I worry about making supplication that they die without having a single righteous. response reads: “He who has a rich (in the fi rst place). If I am inspired to good deed. . They proclaim: ‘we have An Arab poet said (what means): master (i.e. Allah) can never become make supplication, then the answer good expectation of Allah’. Surely, they Say to the one whose heart is fi lled poor!” comes with it.” are liars, for if they had good expecta- with pessimism Times when having good expecta- Third: at the time of repentance: tions [of Him], they would have done Who goes around narrowing the hori- tions of Allah is further emphasised: A Muslim should be confi dent in the good [to support their claim].” zons around us First: during times of crises, affl ic- vastness of the Mercy of Allah and that An Arab poet said (what means): The secret of happiness is having good tions, sacrifi ces, overwhelming Fitnah He accepts the repentance of His slaves Contemplate life and you will notice expectation of the One (temptations), misfortune, debts (in- and pardons their bad deeds. things and marvel at how they went Who created life and divided Rizq solvency), poverty, and the like. Al-Fudhayl went to Sufyaan Ath- down among the creation The Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa Thawri, may Allah have mercy upon How many were the anguishes that The Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam, said: “Whoever is affl icted with them, on the Day of ‘Arafah and asked made eyes weep, but when Allah, The sallam (may Allah exalt his men- destitution and refers it to Allah (i.e. him: “Who among the people is in the Most Generous, alleviated them for us, tion), said in a Qudsi Hadith: “Allah, beseeches Him for relief), Allah will worst condition on this day?” He an- they became easy to bear the Exalted, Says, ‘I am as my slave grant him provision sooner or later.” swered: “The ones who think that Allah And how many were the needs that expects me to be.’” When a person [Abu Daawood, At-Tirmithi, and Al- will not forgive them.” This is because seemed like a mirage, but when Allah expects good of Allah, He showers Haakim] doubting His Forgiveness constitutes willed it, they became attainable him with His abundant blessings and The Qur’an mentions the state of having ill expectations of Allah, The How much bitterness have we tasted, generous bounties. When he believes the Prophets when harsh adversities All-Forgiving, Whose vast Mercy en- but it faded away despite the harshness with certainty that Allah intends befell them; they had good expecta- compasses all things. of life good for him, Allah will bestow upon tions of their Lord with certitude and Fourth: during the agony of death This is the way of the world; if you him of His blessings what is beyond trust in His promise. Their actions were The Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alaihi adorn it with patience, it becomes his imagination. Allah, The Exalted, based on fi rm conviction rather than wa sallam, said: “Let none of you die adorned with prosperity treats His slaves in accordance with passing thoughts. An example is the Moosa, “Strike with your staff the sea,” him, when his enemies were stand- except while he has good expectations Oh Allah, bless us with having good their expectations of Him and grants response of Moosa (Moses), may Allah and it parted, and each portion was like ing by the entrance of the cave (where of Allah.” [Muslim] expectations of You, showing genu- them what they expect of Him and exalt his mention, to his people when a great towering mountain.} [Qur’an they were hiding) (what means): {Do Ibraaheem An-Nakha‘I, may Allah ine reliance on You, and relishing the much more. they said (what means): {…“Indeed, 26:61-63] not grieve; indeed, Allah is with us.} have mercy upon him, said: “They sweetness of acknowledging our need When you supplicate Allah, The we are to be overtaken!” [Moosa] said, Another example is what Muham- [Qur’an 9:40]. He, sallallaahu ‘alaihi liked reminding a dying person of his of You. Exalted, you should have good ex- “No! Indeed, with me is my Lord; He mad, sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam, said wa sallam, said to his Companion: “O good deeds so that he would have good Article source: http://www. pectations of Him that He will accept will guide me.” Then, We inspired to to Abu Bakr, may Allah be pleased with Abu Bakr! What do you think of two expectations of his Lord.” islamweb.net/emainpage/ Know Allah in prosperity, and Dignity: The trait He will know you in adversity of the righteous n his comprehensive advice to Ibn ‘Abbaas, may means): {It is He Who enables you to travel on land and Ponder over how Allah, The Exalted, treated His raise be to Allah, The Exalted. and the questioners would not dare Allah be pleased with him, and all Muslims after sea until, when you are in ships and they sail with them slave Yunus ibn Matta (Prophet Jonah), may Allah May peace and blessings be to remind him out of awe of him, and him, the Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam by a good wind and they rejoice therein, there comes exalt his mention, when the whale swallowed him. He upon the Messenger of Allah, they would keep their heads down. He I(may Allah exalt his mention), said: “Know Allah a storm wind and the waves come upon them from called upon his Lord while enveloped in three layers Psallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam was endowed with the light of dignity in prosperity, and He will know you in adversity.” everywhere and they assume that they are surrounded, of darkness: the darkness of the night, the darkness of (may Allah exalt his mention), his fam- and the honor of piety; revered like a [This addition was authentically attributed to the supplicating Allah, sincere to Him in religion, “If You the sea, and the darkness of the whale’s belly. Allah, ily, Companions, and whoever follows king without being one.” Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam, cited by At- should save us from this, we will surely be among the The Exalted, Says (what means): {…And he called out his example. Adhering to dignity was the advice Tirmithi and others, and a number of scholars classi- thankful.” But when He saves them, at once they com- within the darknesses, “There is no deity except You; It is becoming of a Muslim to adhere that Ibn Mas‘ood, may Allah be fi ed it as authentic] mit injustice upon the earth without right...} [Qur’an exalted are You. Indeed, I have been of the wrongdo- to all that adorns him of noble traits pleased with him, gave to those who This is an invaluable piece of advice for you, dear 10: 22-23] ers.”} [Qur’an 21:87] Allah also Says (what means): {So, and shun all that disgraces and dis- are devoted to the Qur’an. He said: Muslim, if you wish that Allah, The Exalted, protects True Heroism We responded to him and saved him from the distress. credits him. “The one who memorises the Qur’an you during times of adversity and tribulation, shields Heroism is not in remembering Allah, The Exalted, And thus do We save the believers.} [Qur’an 21:88] One of the noble traits that are should be oft-weeping, sad, wise, for- you against misfortune and affl ictions, and guards at times of need, destitution, adversity, and distress. Allah, The Exalted, clarifi ed the reason for accepting befi tting of a Muslim is Waqaar bearing, and serene. He should not be your religiosity against temptations that lead you Everyone is good at that, as we said before. True his supplication and saving him from this strange place (dignity). We can (fairly) say that harsh, heedless, slugabed (lazy), loud, astray. So know Allah at times of prosperity. When heroism, rather, is in remembering Him at times of from which no one ever comes out alive. He Says (what dignity is a moral attribute generated or rough.” a slave of Allah fears his Lord at times of prosperity, prosperity, showing gratitude to Him for His Bless- means): {And had he not been of those who exalt Allah, by the adherence to a number of noble Al-Hasan Al-Basri, may Allah have honours His boundaries, fulfi ls His Rights over him, ings, striving to earn His Pleasure (through good He would have remained inside its belly until the Day morals, such as forbearance, serenity, mercy upon him, said: “A man would obeys His Commandments, avoids His Prohibitions, doing), fulfi lling His Rights, and adhering to the they are resurrected.} [Qur’an 37:143-144] This means composure gentleness, and steadfast- pursue knowledge, and soon it would and glorifi es Him at all times and in all states, he (straight) path He chose for you. that if it were not for his abundant remembrance of Al- ness. This is why it was defi ned as: show in his earnest fear of Allah, deco- develops a special knowledge of Allah and a love and As for those who do not know their Lord except lah, supplication, and obedience at time of prosperity, “Deliberateness towards the realisa- rum, sayings, gazes, and righteousness.” aff ection for Him that entail earning His Protection at times of adversity and forget Him at times of bliss He would not have saved him during times of distress tion of wants.” When a person’s heart is alive and at times of adversity. and well-being, Allah, The Exalted, rebuked their and adversity. Al-Jaahith defi ned it as follows: his face is adorned with bashfulness, If you are enjoying good health and wellness, behavior and dispraised them in many verses of the On the opposite end is Fir‘awn (Pharaoh), may Al- “Refraining from idle talk, futility, he is prompted to adhere to dignity. He wealth and richness, safety and welfare, (fi nd) com- Qur’an. He Says (what means): lah curse him, who was blessed with Allah’s Favours unnecessary gesturing and movement, reveres other people, and they revere fort in your family, tranquillity in your marital life, {And when adversity touches man, he calls upon but arrogantly disobeyed Him, disbelieved, and stub- keeping anger in check, listening him in return, and he becomes charac- your children are obedient to you, and your aff airs his Lord, turning to Him [alone]; then when He bornly failed to show gratitude to Him for His Bless- attentively before asking questions, terised by dignity. are favourably going well, as you wish, then you are bestows on him a favour from Himself, he forgets ings and Grace. When he was drowning, he suppli- deliberateness in giving answers, The more a person venerates and indeed relishing prosperity and bliss. This should not Him Whom he called upon before, and he attributes cated his Lord – just as Yunus did – but the response guarding against haste, and prompt- glorifi es his Lord, the more people hinder you from devoting time to worship, abun- to Allah equals to mislead [people] from His way. Say, was drastically diff erent; Allah, The Exalted, Says ness with regard to all matters.” revere him. Whoever glorifi es and dantly supplicating Allah, reciting Qur’an and Thikr “Enjoy your disbelief for a little; indeed, you are of (what means): {Now? And you had disobeyed before The pure Islamic Shari‘ah was keen venerates Allah, The Exalted, He will (expressions of remembrance of Allah), and perform- the companions of the Fire.”} [Qur’an 39:8] and were of the corrupters?} [Qur’an 10:91] It means, on adorning the believers with dignity. instill the love and reverence for him in ing good deeds. {And when affl iction touches man, he calls upon “At the time of prosperity, you disbelieved, turned With regard to establishing one of the the hearts of people. Do not be an ungrateful slave who only knows Us, whether lying on his side or sitting or stand- arrogant and tyrannical, and you forgot your Lord, key obligations in Islam, the Prophet, On the other hand, the one who his Lord and turns to him during times of need and ing; but when We remove from him his affl iction, he and therefore, you do not have any credit with Us like sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam, urged the takes the Rights of Allah lightly, and destitution. continues [in disobedience] as if he had never called the credit Yunus had, so: {...today We will save you Muslims to adhere to dignity. He said: the reverence for his Lord weakens in Do not be an ungrateful slave who supplicates upon Us to [remove] an affl iction that touched him. in body that you may be to those who succeed you a “If you hear the Iqaamah (second call to his heart, thus emboldening him to his Lord (only) when affl ictions befall him, then, Thus is made pleasing to the transgressors that which sign...} [Qur’an 10:92] prayer), walk to the prayer with tranquil- commit sins and transgress against His whenever He bestows upon him a blessing, he forgets they have been doing.} [Qur’an 10:12] The Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam, said: ity and dignity, and do not hasten your Limits and neglect His Commands and Him Whom he once called upon and ascribes equals {And when We bestow favour upon man, he turns “Whoever wishes that Allah answers his supplication pace (to join the congregational prayer). Obligations, Allah, The Exalted, will to Him! Instead, accustom yourself to resort to Allah away and distances himself; but when evil touches during hardship and grief, let him supplicate plenti- Perform of the prayer what you catch up not cast reverence for him or awe of before adversities befall you. All people are good at him, then he is full of extensive supplication.} fully at times of ease.” [At-Tirmithi, and Al-Haakim: with (i.e. with the Imaam) and complete him into people’s hearts. Even if some turning to Allah during times of adversity and need, [Qur’an 41:51] authentic] what you missed.” people revere him to avoid his evil, it even the Arab polytheists (in the early days of Islam), There are many verses to the same eff ect, and they If you wish that Allah, The Exalted, aids you at the If lay-Muslims are required to is a false reverence that is founded on the disbelievers all over the world, and the atheists point to a reality that most of us live. As long as we time of misfortune the way you like, then you should adhere to dignity, then the scholars hatred rather than love or admiration. throughout the history of mankind. Allah, The Exalt- are relishing well-being, we are heedless of Allah, far devote yourself to Him (in worship and obedience) and devout Muslims are required to Finally, let us ponder over these beau- ed, Says (what means) about them: {And when they from Him, far from worshipping and obeying Him, at the time of prosperity the way He likes. If you adhere to it with greater reason. Such tiful verses composed by an Arab poet board a ship, they supplicate Allah, sincere to Him and neglectful of supplicating Him. However, the wish Allah to know you at the time of adversity, you was the practice of the scholars of the (translation of meaning): “Speak the in religion. But when He delivers them to the land, at moment an adversity, anguish, disease, or tribulation should know Him at the time of blissfulness and ease, righteous predecessors. An example is truth, refrain from vain and idle talk, and once they associate others with Him.} [Qur’an 29: 65] befalls us, we raise our hands to Him with extensive as the Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam, said: Imaam Maalik, may Allah have mercy do not use vulgar language or promote A brother related to us that he once boarded a plane supplication. “Know Allah in prosperity, and He will know you in upon him; whenever he related Hadith suspicions. Be dignifi ed; speak less, and departing from an Arab capital city and heading to During times of adversity, Allah, The Exalted, only adversity.” May the peace and blessings of Allah be to his students, he would clean him- think more. When you speak, do not give Moscow, the capital of atheism in the world. The plane answers the supplications of those who knew Him and upon our master Muhammad, sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa self, wear perfume, comb his beard, prolonged speeches; do not hasten to carried a large number of those who say: “There is no turned to Him during times of prosperity. Therefore, sallam, his family, and his Companions. and put on his best apparel. Allah, answer a question without deliberation, god.” During the fl ight, the plane fl ew into a thunder- accustom yourself to resort to Allah before adversity Article source: http://www.islamweb.net/emainpage/ The Exalted, bestowed upon him a and do not answer a question that was cloud and was tossed violently in extreme turbulence, befalls you, sharpen your arrows (of supplication) great share of dignity, so much so that not directed to you.” so much so that all the passengers were certain of their before shooting them (to ensure their acceptance), and the following verses of poetry were We ask Allah, The Exalted, to adorn imminent demise! He said: “Every single passenger on increase your credit (of good deeds) with Allah, The composed about him (translation of us with faith and bless us with dignity. that plane raised his hands asking Allah to save him.” Exalted, at the time of ease so that you could withdraw the meaning): “He would at times not Article source: http://www. Allah, The Exalted, spoke the truth when He Said (what from it at times of need and distress. answer the questions directed to him, islamweb.net/emainpage/ Gulf Times 10 Friday, January 8, 2021 COMMENT

CHAIRMAN Abdullah bin Khalifa al-Attiyah EDITOR-IN-CHIEF 10 hours that shook America 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 Narrow Congress majorities could limit Biden’s agenda

President-elect Joe Biden will get the Democratic Congress he sought after his party’s stunning success in Georgia, but his expansive legislative agenda on issues such as healthcare and climate change cannot be assured a smooth ride. Wins by Democrats Raphael Warnock and Jon Ossoff for the state’s two US Senate seats in Tuesday’s runoff elections will give the party control of both chambers in Congress and the White Pro-Trump protesters storm into the US Capitol during clashes with the police during a rally to contest the certification of the 2020 presidential election results by the US House. Congress in Washington on Wednesday. (Reuters) Although the 100 Senate seats will be split with Republicans 50-50, Vice President-elect Kamala Harris, who will be sworn The storming of the US world. For the fi rst time in the country’s putschists in history were usually lent credence to his false claims of into offi ce with Biden, will serve as the tie-breaking vote on any history, a defeated incumbent president pushing on open doors. election fraud. deadlocks in her role as Senate president. Capitol by Donald Trump’s summoned a mob to intimidate Congress Judging by his own behaviour in recent Even today, as the mob approached But with the Senate divided down the middle, compromise supporters in a last-ditch into violating the US constitution to weeks, Trump appears to have concluded the Capitol, McConnell continued to spread the lie that it was the Democrats with Republicans will be necessary for Biden to get anything keep him in power. Aided and abetted that he was, too. eff ort to overturn the by the right-wing press and rank-and- To his mind, after four years of his who undermined American democracy substantial done, and his most ambitious pieces of legislation fi le Republicans, Trump’s four years of attacks, America’s representative fi rst. Similarly, Senator Susan Collins of may have to wait even though the party’s progressives will push result of the 2020 election open contempt for democratic values, institutions lacked the will to defend Maine has for years expressed “concern” him and Democratic leaders to move ahead. was as predictable as it institutions, and norms have yielded themselves. How else to explain his about Trump’s behaviour, but off ered no In the short term, Biden’s executive and judicial nominees precisely what he has always wanted: eff orts to strong-arm offi cials in Arizona, resistance as he waged war on American will have an easier time getting confi rmed, which requires only was shocking a lawless, nihilistic revolt against the Michigan, and Georgia to “fi nd” enough institutions throughout his one and only a majority vote. His administration also may be able to dodge “elites” by the “losers” that he has made votes to make him the winner? Instead of term. harassing probes with Democrats taking over from Republicans By Nina L Khrushcheva into his core supporters. seeing repeated offi cial rebuff s as a sign These spineless politicians will live Moscow Breaking windows and overwhelming that the American Republic was not yet in infamy, but so, too, will every Fox the chairmanships of Senate committees. the Capitol police, the rioters stormed ready to fall, Trump focused on the fact News journalist (and the broadcaster’s More important, into the chambers of the Senate and that he has paid no price for his eff orts owner, Rupert Murdoch) who has Republicans may Democrats and the new he January 6 insurrection at the the House of Representatives, forcing to subvert US democratic processes and parroted Trump’s lies. So, too, will the majority leader, Chuck US Capitol lacked the gravitas congressional members and their staff to institutions over the past four years. leaders of the social-media platforms be uninterested in Schumer, will have the of the storming of the Winter evacuate. As of this writing, one woman Having faced no consequences so far, – particularly Facebook CEO Mark power to control the TPalace — that much is certain. has been shot and killed, but it remains why wouldn’t he keep pushing until the Zuckerberg – that have served as fi re cutting deals with Senate calendar and Incited by President Donald Trump at to be seen how many have been injured, system broke entirely? hoses of disinformation and lies. which bills are brought a nearby rally, where he encouraged his and how much damage has been done to After all, the sad spectacle on Capitol America now fi nds itself confronting Biden, preferring supporters to march on the US Capitol, the Capitol building. Hill was also suborned by Republican something that hasn’t happened to the fl oor for a vote. the mob did succeed in interrupting One thing that Trump does have lawmakers like Senators Ted Cruz of since the time of Abraham Lincoln: to wait him out in That conceivably a joint session of Congress to confi rm in common with Lenin – as well as Texas, Josh Hawley of Missouri, and rejection of the constitutional order would allow Schumer, the Electoral College vote in favour of Napoleon and everyone else who almost three-quarters of the Republican by a signifi cant share of the electorate. the hope they can working together with President-elect Joe Biden. But lawmak- has launched a coup against a sitting caucus in the House. All had openly While America’s adversaries watched the Biden and House of ers still carried out their constitutional government – is his contempt for the signalled their intent to object to votes events of January 6 with glee, its many fl ip control of both Representatives Speaker duty, and Biden’s inauguration will take rule of law and the political fi gures who that have already been duly certifi ed by friends and allies around the world did so Nancy Pelosi, to bring place on January 20. came before him. Like Lenin, Trump state governments. Validating paranoid with dismay. Like Lincoln, Biden will now need to chambers in 2022 forward measures that The insurrectionists were nowhere resents norms that are meant to limit conspiracy theories of “voter fraud,” it is near as disciplined as Lenin’s Bolshevik the exercise of power, and thus has little they who gave Trump – a true coward in confront this existential homegrown might attract support from moderate Republicans or pressure cadres of armed revolutionary soldiers patience for the culture of compromise any other circumstance – the bravado to challenge head on. One thing is already others to take unpopular stands. and sailors. Most were paunchy, middle- that underpins representative egg on the baying mob. certain: The Trumpian insurrection will Schumer and Pelosi will preside over razor-thin Democratic aged, red-hatted “weekend warriors” governments. And, like Lenin, he has a But the “sedition caucus” is not the not be pacifi ed by soothing speeches majorities, however, leaving little margin for error and potentially who were as interested in getting a feral ability to sniff out weakness – not only culpable party. For four years, about “moving on” without holding the emboldening Republicans to obstruct their agenda as much as good selfi e from the Capitol rotunda just in an established regime, but in his Republican Senate Majority Leader guilty to account. —Project Syndicate possible. Even so, Schumer promised to deliver “bold change.” as they were with overthrowing the US own sycophantic hangers-on, some of Mitch McConnell and the rest of the “Senate Democrats know America is hurting,” he said. “Help is on government and establishing Trump as whom are prepared to violate their oath Republican Party have looked the O Nina L Khrushcheva, Professor of of offi ce on his behalf. other way as Trump degraded the International Aff airs at The New School, the way.” an unelected dictator. And yet, the insurrectionists’ actions Still, the regimes that were confronted US presidency. Following Trump’s is the co-author (with Jeff rey Tayler), Biden’s transition team has focused on crafting a policy agenda – pathetic though they were – will by Lenin, Napoleon, Mussolini, and impeachment last year by the House of most recently, of In Putin’s Footsteps: that can woo moderate senators in both parties, a Biden adviser have revolutionary implications for Franco were not only weak; they lacked Representatives, Republican Senators Searching for the Soul of an Empire said, especially conservative Democrats such as Joe Manchin of America’s self-image and standing in the the will to survive. The most notorious voted to acquit him, and then initially Across Russia’s Eleven Time Zones. West Virginia and Republicans such as Susan Collins and Mitt Romney who can help form the 60-vote majority necessary for most measures. Democratic Senator Chris Coons, a close Biden ally, is among those tasked with cultivating relationships with Republicans. Even with Democrats in control, Biden’s initial moves will be measured. He is expected to request just under $1 trillion in additional Covid-19 relief funding, a package that will include Europe after Brexit economic stimulus, support for state and local governments, and money to reopen schools and distribute vaccines. By Sigmar Gabriel did emerge can be described as the disengagement from Europe and Europe to use force to dismantle the A Biden aide said the president-elect’s team believes it will be Berlin best of a set of bad options. That it its re-orientation toward the Indo- human-traffi cking camps that have politically unpalatable for Republicans to oppose coronavirus was reached at all owes something to Pacifi c and China. He is right to been set up in militant-controlled areas the US presidential election. Having conclude that an American withdrawal there? France would certainly answer relief, along with funds for vaccine distribution and reopening isruptions like the Covid-19 cozied up to Donald Trump (and having from the neighbourhood will force the call, but it would expect Germany schools at a relatively modest cost. pandemic and Britain’s previously insulted US President Barack Europe to assume signifi cantly more and others to join in. Schumer said sending most Americans $2,000 checks — an withdrawal from the Euro- Obama in racist terms), British Prime responsibility for its own security. With his push for European “strategic eff ort that died in the Senate when Republican Majority Leader Dpean Union have called into Minister Boris Johnson knows that the The implication for Germany is that autonomy,” Macron is vying to fi ll the Mitch McConnell refused to allow a fl oor vote — would be a top question many beliefs that Europeans Biden administration will not be eager it is approaching a moment of truth. geopolitical leadership gap that has priority in the new Congress. previously took for granted. to do his government any favours. In the Though it is the EU’s economic been created by the UK’s departure Broader policy eff orts that would require complex tax changes Thanks to German Chancellor absence of a deal with Europe, the UK powerhouse and its most populous and Germany’s ongoing refusal to member state, Germany – mindful of engage with geopolitical issues. As and be more politically fraught will not be an immediate priority. Angela Merkel’s leadership within the would have found itself utterly alone. EU, Europe survived 2020 relatively For their part, EU leaders welcomed its responsibility for the unimaginable Europe’s remaining nuclear power and Rather than tackling major tax reform such as reversing tax unscathed. In fact, her stint in the the agreement because they understand suff ering of WWII – has refrained from permanent member of the UN Security cuts for the wealthy and corporations, some Democrats and Biden European Council’s rotating presidency that Brexit has already damaged the acting strategically for 75 years. Council, France is obviously the most advisers say his fi rst step could be to beef up Internal Revenue during the second half of the year will Union. Given the UK’s considerable To be sure, German strategic appropriate candidate for the job; but it Service enforcement to go after wealthy tax cheats who deny the probably be remembered as one of the geostrategic experience and capabilities abstention is what enabled the cannot go it alone. US hundreds of billions of dollars in revenue every year. great political masterstrokes of post- (not least its nuclear arsenal), it was European project in the fi rst place. Germany has at least pulled its This time around, Republicans may be uninterested in cutting war European history. crucial for Europe to avoid a full But things have changed since the end weight when it comes to internal deals with Biden, preferring to wait Biden out in the hope they can When the pandemic erupted last rupture. of WWII, and the fact is that the EU political issues, particularly concerning spring, it looked as though it would But, Brexit aside, the EU is also cannot become a credible geopolitical the preservation of European unity. fl ip control of both chambers in 2022. — Reuters be every EU member state for itself. divided internally over economic force without Germany contributing Merkel demonstrated this recently by Germany, for example, temporarily policy, the rule of law, and the its full economic, political, and, yes, brokering a compromise with Hungary banned exports of medical aid and separation of powers. And as if these military weight. The problem, of and Poland, which had threatened to To Advertise equipment, despite the horrific, challenges were not great enough, course, is that too many Germans veto the recovery fund and the seven- rising death toll in nearby Italy. But developments in recent weeks have themselves remain suspicious of year EU budget over a new “rule of law [email protected] since then, Europeans have shown revealed a deepening divergence “geopolitics” – or are clinging to a mechanism” for the disbursement of Display impressive solidarity in facing down between France and Germany. These sense of moral superiority that leaves EU funds. The German government the pandemic. two traditional motors of European them disinclined to defend European has also repeatedly stressed that any 44466621 44418811 More recently, the emergence of unifi cation pushed through the EU’s interests. push for “strategic autonomy” must a highly contagious strain of the new recovery fund, thereby securing In this context, the French were fully complement and strengthen, rather Classified coronavirus in the United Kingdom cohesion between southern and justifi ed in initiating a debate about than jeopardise, the transatlantic 44466609 44418811 gave Britons and Europeans a small northern member states. But the European strategic autonomy. The ball partnership. —Project Syndicate taste of what would have happened EU’s ongoing debate about foreign is in Germany’s court. Would a future Subscription had a fi nal Brexit deal not been agreed and security policy, led primarily by German government consisting of the O Sigmar Gabriel, former federal on Christmas Day. Border crossings French President Emmanuel Macron, conservative Christian Democratic minister and vice chancellor of Germany, [email protected] between Europe and the UK were has opened a rift over the question of Union/Christian Social Union and is Chairman of Atlantik-Brücke, a suddenly closed, leaving trucks lined up Europe’s strategic position. a pacifi st Alliance 90/The Greens leading private non-profi t association for miles on decommissioned airfi elds. Calling for “strategic autonomy,” grouping respond to pleas from a Libyan to promote German-American © 2021 Gulf Times. All rights reserved The EU-UK trade agreement that Macron is reacting to America’s government of national unity asking understanding and Atlanticism. Gulf Times Friday, January 8, 2021 11 PAKISTAN

Khan hails Pakistani businesses over signiﬁ cant export growth

Internews during the last two months of 2020. the exporters and the ministry of com- Pakistan, India, and Bangladesh, the the months of November and Decem- Islamabad “I have received the regional export merce for this achievement,” he said. export fi gures of Pakistan in Novem- ber recorded growth of 0.76% and a trends and this shows that, compared Earlier, the prime minister called ber and December posted a growth of drop of 6.11%, respectively. to our exports, the exports of India and export enhancement a major pillar 8.32% and 18.30%, respectively. According to provisional data shared rime Minister Imran Khan has Bangladesh for Nov/Dec 2020 showed of his government’s economic policy, The exports of India, still suff ering by the prime minister’s Commerce lauded Pakistan’s exporters negative growth,” said Khan in a tweet, while assuring to provide full support from the impact of the coronavirus Adviser Abdul Raza Dawood, Paki- Prime Minister Khan: the regional export Pafter the country managed to while sharing export fi gures of Paki- for the promotion of the export cul- pandemic, posted a decline of 9.07% stan’s exports for the month of De- trends shows that, compared to our record significant growth as com- stan alongside neighbouring coun- ture. and 0.80% in November and Decem- cember 2020 grew 18.3% to $2.357bn, exports, the exports of India and pared to neighbouring India and tries. As per the export fi gures data com- ber, respectively. compared with $1.993bn in December Bangladesh for Nov/Dec 2020 showed Bangladesh, which posted declines “I wish once again to congratulate piled by the relevant ministries of The export fi gures of Bangladesh in 2019, an increase of $364mn. negative growth.

Premier vows full Protests over killing of 11 security support Hazara labourers spread for Hazara Reuters/Internews Internews Quetta/Karachi/Islamabad Islamabad

rotests over the killing of 11 rime Minister Imran Khan Shia Hazara minority coal has said that meritocracy Pminers by Islamic State Pand equality are guid- (IS) militants on Sunday have ing principles of Pakistan as spread to other cities in Pakistan, the Founder of Pakistan Quaid- including the economic power- e-Azam Mohamed Ali Jinnah house of Karachi. wanted a state based on re- Police said yesterday that there search, democracy, justice and were sit-ins in at least 19 loca- education. tions in the sprawling southern In an interview with the Turk- metropolis. ish News Channel, he said it is Flights were delayed because unfortunate for the government access to the airport had been af- that Hazara community is being fected. targeted by religious militants, The 11 coal miners were tar- with the Islamic State claiming geted following an armed attack the recent killing of said com- at Balochistan’s Machh coal fi eld, munity in Quetta. about 48km east of the provincial The prime minister said that capital Quetta. the government will provide full Armed men took the coal min- support for their protection. ers to nearby mountains, where Khan said that he is well aware the victims were executed. about Islamophobia in the West- Six of the miners were killed on ern world. the spot, and fi ve who were criti- He said that Western com- cally injured died on the way to a munities do not realise or un- hospital. derstand the feelings of Muslim Initial investigation revealed Umah about the Prophet Mu- the attackers identifi ed the min- hammad (PBUH). ers as being from a Shia Hazara Khan told the Turkish News community, took them away for Channel that adverse reaction is execution, leaving others un- imminent if the values of Mus- harmed. lims are targeted. Hundreds of Hazara have been The prime minister said that killed in Pakistan over the last the UN and the world commu- decade in attacks by religious nity should play their due role militant groups and by IS mili- in preventing the misuse of the tants. right to the freedom of speech Attacks have included bomb- against holy personalities and ings in schools and crowded People chant slogans demanding justice at a protest yesterday in Karachi, following the killings of coal miners from the Shia Hazara minority in an attack in Machh. Muslims. markets and brazen ambushes of buses along Pakistani roads. meeting about the attack in The protesters have asked Machh. Tabish Gauhar resigns as PM’s aide Prime Minister Imran Khan to The prime minister has mean- visit Quetta, where demonstra- while decided in principle to visit Special Assistant to the Prime Minister (SAPM) on Power Tabish tors have kept up a fi ve-day long Quetta, local media reported Gauhar has resigned from his post, local media reported yesterday. vigil alongside coffi ns carrying yesterday. As per details, Gauhar sent his resignation to Prime Minister Imran the victims’ bodies, blocking a As per details, the date and Khan via WhatsApp a few days ago. major highway. time of Khan’s visit will be kept Gauhar was reportedly unhappy over “unnecessary” interference Despite extremely harsh secret owing to security con- in the power ministry. He had also put forward proposals in several weather as the mercury drops to cerns. meetings, which were not implemented. below freezing point in Quetta, Following the attack, Prime The former Karachi Electric (KE) chairman was appointed as the the mourners, including women Minister Khan took to Twit- Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Power on October 1. and children, have refused to ter, assuring the families of the He is the founder and chairman of Oasis Energy – a management leave until the premier meets Machh massacre victims that he consultancy firm in the power and energy sector. them and the killers are brought will soon visit Quetta and off er He has a degree from King’s College, London, and an MBA from the to justice. his condolence to them person- Institute of Business Administration in Pakistan. Interior Minister Sheikh ally. He stepped down as director, chief executive, and chairman of the Rashid Ahmed, who had met the “I share your pain & have come KE board in 2015. protesters on Monday, has an- to you before also to stand with nounced that Rs2.5mn would be you in your time of suff ering,” paid to each victim’s family as Khan tweeted on Wednesday. “I ‘Fatah-1’ rocket system test a success compensation. will come again very soon to off er The Balochistan government prayers and console with all the Pakistan has successfully tested the indigenously-developed has meanwhile constituted a families personally.” Fatah-1 (Guided Multi Launch Rocket System), the Inter-Services joint investigation committee to He also appealed to them to Public Relations (ISPR) reported yesterday. probe into the tragic incident in bury the victims, which the pro- Mourners from Shia Hazara community are seen yesterday next to the coff ins of the slain miners, during a According to the military’s media wing, the rocket system is capable Machh. testers have refused until their sit-in protest on the outskirts of Quetta. of delivering a conventional warhead up to a range of 140km. The decision was taken at a demands are met. The weapon system will give the Pakistan army the capability of high-level meeting chaired by Most of the victims in the at- Their killings were fi lmed and victims were Afghan, and have killed in a 2013 bombing in Quet- precision target engagement deep in enemy territory, said the ISPR. Baluchistan Chief Minister Jam tack on Sunday were seasonal later posted online by the Islamic requested that the Pakistani au- ta, sit-ins were held across Pa- President Dr Arif Alvi, Prime Minister Imran Khan, Chairman of the Kamal Khan in Quetta yesterday. migrant workers from an impov- State. thorities to repatriate three of the kistan that only ended after the Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee General Nadeem Raza, and Chief Chief Secretary Captain (re- erished area of neighbouring Af- The Afghanistan consulate in bodies. then-prime minister met with of Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa have congratulated the tired) Fazeel Asghar briefed the ghanistan. Quetta has said that seven of the After nearly 100 Hazaras were the mourners. participating troops and scientists on the successful test. FBR estimates Rs1tn revenue loss if ‘gray’ areas are not addressed

Internews The Executive Committee of units due to the non-availability Finance Division, assured the tions by the federation and fed- In Pakistan, sales tax on goods issue of the construction busi- Islamabad the NTC decided to constitute of suffi cient business activities. federating units that the federal erating units. has been assigned to the federal ness, and invited the views of the a Technical Committee, repre- The chairman of the Sindh government will not deviate from He stated that as discussed government, and the provinces stakeholders. senting the FBR and the provin- Revenue Board (SRB) had pro- the relevant laws, rules as well as with the FBR, the following are are collecting the GST on serv- The Punjab Revenue Author- he Federal Board of Rev- cial revenue authorities, to study posed that a Technical Commit- the Memorandum of Agreement the main “gray” areas of sales ices. ity chairperson informed that the enue (FBR) has estimated and settle disputes in the “gray” tee may be constituted to study signed by the federal and the pro- tax on goods and services: (i) In India, the situation is vice provinces are collecting the GST Ta revenue loss of approxi- areas. and settle disputes, on the issues vincial governments. restaurants, (ii) transportation versa i.e. the collection of sales on construction business. mately Rs1tn in its tax collec- During the meeting, the FBR discussed in the meeting, adding He, however, regretfully point- of petroleum products, (iii) toll tax on services has been assigned The FBR Member (Internal tion, if the authority accepts the Member (Internal Revenue Op- that this would be a relevant and ed out that despite holding three manufacturing, and (iv) the con- to the federal government, and Revenue Policy) informed that stance of the provincial revenue erations) informed that the FBR useful forum. meetings of the Executive Com- struction business. that on goods, to the state gov- the FBR can start collection of authorities on disputed areas of had worked out that if the au- The meeting unanimously mittee, and a number of meetings The chairman of the Executive ernments. sales tax on construction busi- sales tax collection on goods and thority accepts the stance of the agreed with the proposal, and a by the Technical Committee, no Committee of the NTC requested In the rest of the world, there is ness anytime, because it includes services, including restaurants, provincial revenue authorities Technical Committee compris- consensus was developed on the the views of the FBR and revenue no distinction of goods and serv- goods as dominant component in transportation of petroleum on these disputed areas, the FBR ing the following was constituted defi nitions of “goods” and “serv- authorities of the provinces re- ices. the activity. products, toll manufacturing, would lose approximately Rs1tn to study and settle disputes in ices”. garding collection of sales tax on On the issue of toll manufac- The special secretary of the and the construction business. in revenue generation. the gray areas discussed in the He suggested that, to start restaurants. turing, the special secretary of Finance Division then said that, The FBR made this claim dur- The revenue generated by the meeting, within the timeframe of with, the “gray” areas be identi- The FBR Member (Internal the Finance Division observed for them, the real incentive is to ing the last meeting of the Exec- FBR is ultimately shared between one month: Aamer Amin Bhatti fi ed and agreed upon. Revenue Operations) stated that that the arguments given by both improve ease of doing business utive Committee of the National the federation and the provinc- of the FBR; Zainul Abdin Sahi of The consensus, so developed, the harmonisation of the GST is the FBR and the provincial rev- in Pakistan to capitalise on the Tax Council (NTC), which was es under the National Finance Punjab; Syed Mushtaque Kazmi will help in developing the mutu- unique to Indo-Pakistan, where enue authorities are important full potential of the industrial held last month in the Finance Commission (NFC) Award. of Sindh; Iftikhar Qutub of Khy- ally-agreed defi nitions. the federal and the provincial and thus merit further consid- activities, explaining that GST Division, Islamabad, to review If the FBR transfers this right ber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), and Na- The decisions on the “gray” governments have been assigned eration. harmonisation is critical for good progress on the GST harmonisa- to the provinces, it will severely seebullah Umrani of Balochistan. areas will be incorporated in the collection of the GST on goods The special secretary of the Fi- governance, and a conducive tion. hit the share of smaller federating The special secretary of the GST laws along with the defi ni- and services, respectively. nance Division then took up the business environment. Gulf Times 12 Friday, January 8, 2021 QATAR Key milestone in ‘Plant Million Trees’ initiative he Supervisory Commit- QM Chairperson on the importance of transform- tee of Beautifi cation of HE Sheikha Al ing drylands within cities and in TRoads and Public Places residential areas to green spaces. in Qatar has completed plant- Mayassa bint “This would contribute to pre- ing 300,000 trees across Qatar serving the environment, reduce as part of the ‘Qatar Beautifi ca- Hamad bin Khalifa carbon dioxide emissions and tion and Our Kids Planting Trees’ al-Thani joins the improve the atmosphere in these campaign within the ‘Plant Mil- areas. The department is keen lion Trees’ initiative. event on using the latest technologies This was announced yesterday 300,000 trees to make parks energy effi cient QM Chairperson HE Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani with off icials and children during her visit to the Post Off ice Plaza during an event organised in co- and environmentally friendly,” project site. operation with the Ministry of planted since he said. During the event, engi- Municipality and Environment September 2019 neer Maryam al-Kuwari, project around 450m of jogging tracks, (MME), Qatar Museums (QM), design manager at Supervisory around 500m of cycling paths as Jedariart members and a number public art contributes to stimu- Committee, elaborated the Post well as a walkway. of kids to plant trees at the Post lating debates on issues of the Offi ce Square project, which the Visitors can use the car parks Offi ce Plaza project site. present, including the environ- committee began implementa- designated for the post offi ce QM Chairperson HE Sheikha ment,” she noted. tion from August 2019 to be an building adjacent to the plaza. Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Kha- The event began with a tour entertainment destination serv- The Post Offi ce Plaza Project is a lifa al-Thani joined the event around the Post Offi ce Plaza ing the residents of the area. people with special needs friend- and announced the completion where 11 artists displayed the ar- She said the salient feature of ly project with additional ramps of planting 300,000 trees since tistic murals as part of Jedariart. the plaza’s design is inspired by and dedicated parking spaces the ‘Qatar Beautifi cation and This was followed by the partici- Qatari postage stamps that cre- connected to the plaza. Our Kids Planting Trees’ cam- pation of the artists in planting ate the fi rst impression among The Supervisory Committee of paign that aims to “Plant Million trees at one of the plaza’s areas. the visitor as a spatial and func- Beautifi cation of Roads and Pub- Trees” was launched in Septem- Engineer Mohamed Arqoub al- tional extension of the Qatar Post lic Places in Qatar is implement- ber 2019. Khaldi, chairman of the Super- building because of its important ing Qatar Beautifi cation and Our “We are pleased to partner visory Committee of Beautifi ca- place in the hearts of the people Kids Planting Trees campaign, with and support the endeav- tion of Roads and Public Places in of Qatar over the past years. which will continue until the end ours of the Supervisory Commit- Qatar, said the campaign has got “The plaza will consist of three of 2021. The committee works tee to preserve the environment huge public turnout and support interconnected postal stamps under the MME, in co-ordina- through the campaign that raises from many entities helping it to forming harmonious lines and tion with several ministries and awareness among Qatari youth attain its target of planting more open spaces to be used for con- other entities such as the Minis- while encouraging them to par- than 300,000 trees so far. ducting events and festivals at try of Transport and Communi- ticipate in building a sustainable “The committee continues to a distinguished location in the cations, Ministry of Culture and environment for them and for fu- implement the plantation cam- heart of the city near Qatar Post Sports, Qatar Museums, Qatar ture generations,” she said. paign along with its eff orts to building and Doha Corniche with Rail, Private Engineering Offi ce The Post Off ice Plaza project site. HE Sheikha Al Mayassa point- build parks and increase green proximity to Corniche Metro among others. ed out that Ashghal is a close spaces across the country in line Station,” she said. The committee is responsible increasing aff orestation and sumption of energy resources. to ensure a healthy environment partner of QM, through its par- with Qatar’s strategy for sustain- The project includes for fi ve major tasks including green areas. It also focuses on the provi- within residential neighbour- ticipation in several initiatives. ability and environmental devel- 14,400sqm of open green ar- the construction of central pub- The committee’s work will sion of more public transport hoods and places of public gath- “This includes Jedariart, the opment,” he said. eas with around 200 trees with lic parks, provision of dedicated enhance sustainability through options aiming at reduced use erings through increased aff or- newly launched public art initia- Mohamed Ali al-Khouri, di- dedicated areas for family leisure lanes for pedestrians and bicy- minimising environmental pol- of private cars and improving estation and landscaping, which tive, which brings life to the city rector of the Public Parks De- and sports areas. The project cles, development of the Doha lution and reducing the emission lifestyle through clean and safe will greatly help in reducing the walls based on the concept that partment at the MME, stressed also includes the construction of Corniche and Central Doha and of CO2 through reduced con- transportation. It is also intended temperature in cities. Artists thank Supervisory Committee for lending opportunity to display their talent

atari artists have thanked the Supervisory Com- Qmittee of Beautifi cation of Roads and Public Places in Qa- tar for the opportunity to display their works. Fatima al-Sharshani, while at- tending the tree planting event at Post Offi ce Plaza, said she is grateful to the committee. “It is also my pride and honour to have my artwork placed for public viewing beside a busy street in the diplomatic area,” she noted. Maryam al-Maadhadi said the artists hope to see more such Jedariart was launched by Qatar Museums (QM) in November 2020 initiatives and are much hon- as an initiative to add meaning to the city’s walls through curated oured to be part of beautifying murals and street art. the streets and areas across Qa- tar. Mohamed al-Atiq al-Dosari, Jedariart was launched by Qa- lic Places, Q-Rail, and Woqod a fi ne artist, has crafted a bronze tar Museums’ (QM) in November and Fire Station: Artist in Resi- sculpture depicting the seed of 2020 as an initiative to add mean- dence, has 18 Qatar-based artists Gum Arabic Tree in the Post Of- ing to the city’s walls through to breathe new life into walls in fi ce Plaza. The artwork symbol- curated murals and street art. Je- various locations across the city ises human goodwill that grows dariart, held in partnership with with murals that shine a light on and transforms through genera- The Supervisory Committee of a variety of topics and spark con- tions, he explained. Beautifi cation of Roads and Pub- structive debate.

Chronic diseases list reviewed Vandals arrested for damaging iconic installation for issuing medical certifi cates By Joey Aguilar ning artwork in the Brouq nature Staff Reporter reserve in Zekreet. The installation, which spans more than a atar’s health authorities New criteria kilometre and comprises four steel have announced an up- atari authorities have ap- plates, has become a major tour- Qdate to the list of chronic prehended those involved ism attraction in the country. diseases that are eligible for the Patients with chronic dis- Qin vandalising the iconic According to QM, each of the issuance of medical certifi cates eases who receive care at HMC ‘East West/West East’ installation steel plates stands over 14m in for patients who are at high risk of or PHCC facilities and meet by internationally acclaimed art- height, standing in stark contrast developing complications if they the new criteria for obtaining ist Richard Serra, Qatar Museums to the topography of the land and contract Covid-19. chronic condition certificates (QM) posted on its Facebook page. the desolate space in the heart of The update has been made as a can now request these certifi- According to QM, the incident the desert. result of recent medical develop- cates through the ‘MyHealth’ took place on December 28 and Serra’s installation is one of the ments concerning the Covid-19 patient portal. “the vandals were apprehended by public artworks being promoted pandemic, according to a state- Dr Yousuf al-Maslamani Patients who receive care at authorities, and referred to Public by Visit Qatar, the offi cial social ment on the Hamad Medical Cor- HMC or PHCC and have a valid Prosecution for the necessary legal media tourism account of the poration (HMC) website. stored this week on the electron- health card can also request action to be taken against them.” Qatar National Tourism Council Dr Yousuf al-Maslamani, med- ic health information system at chronic condition certificates QM highlighted the importance (QNTC), for residents and visitors ical director of HMC’s Hamad HMC and PHCC. Chronic con- through an online request form of protecting and preserving pub- to explore, marking the Qatar-US General Hospital, said the lists dition certifi cates can now be is- available on the PHCC website. lic art and stressed that “vandal- Year of Culture 2021. of patients with chronic diseases sued upon request in an easy and The certificates will be pre- ism of all kinds is a crime punish- To further boost its anti-van- have been reviewed by specialised timely manner. pared and e-mailed to patients able by law, and Qatar Museums dalism campaign, QM, in col- committees from the Ministry of The certifi cates will contain a within seven days of submitting emphasises our collective social laboration with government and Public Health, HMC and Primary barcode indicating the name of the application. responsibility to preserve public non-governmental organisations, Health Care Corporation (PHCC). the patient and their QID number art.” is eyeing to put up surveillance Anti-vandalism signage at Zekreet (from QM Facebook page). The latest medical fi ndings and will be offi cially accepted by As part of its anti-vandalism measures to monitor and protect about Covid-19 indicate that the all authorities in the country,” Patients who receive care at HMC campaign launched in Septem- public art in Qatar. QM installed ing Damien Hirst, El Seed, Louise dition to educating the community eff ects of the virus on patients said Dr al-Maslamani. or PHCC and have a valid health ber last year aimed at protecting anti-vandalism signage at Zekreet Bourgeois and Subodh Gupta, on public art and its signifi cance with certain types of chronic dis- Patients with chronic dis- card can also request chronic con- Qatar’s public art, QM carried out “to encourage the wider commu- which can be found dotted across – “a fundamental part of Qatar’s eases are not diff erent than its eases who receive care at HMC dition certifi cates through an on- a clean-up operation to restore nity to share in the responsibil- the city, taking art beyond four cultural life.” QM is also planning eff ects on other people, the state- or PHCC facilities and meet the line request form available on the Serra’s installation after it was deity to take ownership of our public walls and breathing life into shared to distribute learning materials ment notes. new criteria for obtaining chronic PHCC website. The certifi cates faced by tags, scratches, and other art.” spaces,” QM posted on Facebook. for students and families about “Data of patients who meet condition certifi cates can now re- will be prepared and e-mailed to markings. “East-West/West-East is one Four road signs were also in- Qatar’s public art and the fi rst set the criteria for obtaining chronic quest these certifi cates through patients within seven days of sub- A specialised team removed all of many awe-inspiring public art- stalled at Zekreet to ensure that all of materials will be released very condition certifi cates have been the ‘MyHealth’ patient portal. mitting the application. markings drawn on Serra’s stun- works by renowned artists includ- rules are outlined explicitly, in ad- soon.