www.thepeninsula.qa Thursday 5 March 2020 Volume 24 | Number 8187 10 Rajab - 1441 2 Riyals

BUSINESS | 01 SPORT | 08

Digital transformation Qatar Masters: strategy helps Confident Kaymer Ooredoo deliver solid eyes title as Harding performance threat looms

FREE Wi-Fi device! Ooredoo FREE installation! Full fun! ONE *Terms & Conditions Apply Online registration Amir holds opens for final phase phone call with US of 2020 Census President The Planning and Statistics Authority allocated QNA — DOHA the toll-free number 8000800 to respond to Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin public inquiries about the electronic form and Hamad Al Thani held yesterday how to fill it with the required data, as well as the evening a telephone conver- sation with the President of the website of the 2020 Census www.psa.gov.qa. United States of America, H E Donald Trump, during which they reviewed the strategic rela- QNA — DOHA census data electronically from tions between the two countries March 22 to April 10, and and ways to support and The Planning and Statistics without the need for a field enhance them in various fields. Authority (PSA) has launched visit. They discussed the devel- the online registration service This method is considered opments of the situation in for individuals and families for one of the latest technological Afghanistan following the Qatar 2020 Census, as part of methods applied in field cen- signing of the peace agreement the final phase of the census suses and surveys in collecting between the United States of process that begins on March data for individuals through an Prime Minister meets Moroccan Ambassador America and the Afghan 22. online form available to all Taliban, which was mediated The Authority is imple- Qataris, whether inside or Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, H E Sheikh Khalid bin Khalifa bin Abdulaziz Al Thani, met by the State of Qatar. The call menting the final phase of the outside the country, in addition yesterday with Ambassador of the Kingdom of Morocco to the State of Qatar, H E Mohamed Setri. also touched on several census fieldwork in the imple- to non-Qataris residing within During the meeting, they reviewed the fraternal relations between the two countries and ways of regional and international mentation of the Decision of the country. enhancing them. issues of common concern. the Council of Ministers No. (4) The Authority pointed out of 2018 regarding conducting that it will communicate with the general census of popu- the people who registered in lation, housing, and establish- this service by sending text Arab League praises Qatar’s efforts in Afghan peace deal ments for 2020. messages over the phone to The Authority said in a each subscriber to inform him QNA — CAIRO Afghanistan through the mediation and statement yesterday that fam- of the date specified for com- efforts of the State of Qatar. ilies can make their data either pleting the electronic form of The Arab League expressed yesterday its The Arab League appreciated the by receiving field researchers the census, in addition to how appreciation for the efforts of the State efforts made by the State of Qatar to and filling in the statistical form to enter it to ensure accuracy of Qatar to reach an agreement for reach this agreement and its sponsorship manually or by entering their in the process of providing data bringing peace to Afghanistan, which was of all its stages, looking forward to com- data online through https://www. and ensure its complete confi- signed by the United States of America pleting the peace process in Afghanistan psa.gov.qa/en/Pages/default. dentiality, and this according and the Taliban on Saturday in Doha. during the next stage, as it brings together aspx, to make it easier for fam- to the Official Statistics Law of In a statement read by Minister all the spectrums, regions and compo- ilies wishing to use technology 2011. Responsible for Foreign Affairs in the Sul- nents of Afghan society to ensure a secure to fill out statistical forms. The Planning and Statistics tanate of Oman H E Yusuf bin Alawi bin future for the Afghan people. The Authority stated this Authority allocated the toll-free Abdullah (pictured), during a press con- The Arab League also appreciated service is currently available number 8000800 to respond ference held after the ministerial-level the efforts of US President H E Donald until March 15, noting that fam- to public inquiries about this meeting in the regular session 153, the Trump and the American adminis- ilies and individuals who reg- electronic form and how to fill Arab League affirmed that the signing of tration, the United States’ keenness on ister in this service during the it with the required data, as the agreement is an important first step the success of the negotiations, and the specified period will have the well as the website of the 2020 towards completing the comprehensive Taliban’s keenness to reach the peace opportunity to fill in their Census www.psa.gov.qa. and sustainable peace process in agreement. Cabinet praises Qatar’s position on US-Taliban peace agreement

QNA — DOHA on the signing of the agreement is proof that dialogue is the most established at the Property in which the data to be pub- exceptions contained therein. between the United States of successful way to resolve crises Rights Protection Department lished in accordance with the The draft has been prepared The Cabinet, in a meeting America and the Afghan Taliban and settle disputes. of the Ministry of Commerce provisions of this law. to replace the Minister of yesterday, praised Qatar’s on Saturday in Doha for The Cabinet also stressed and Industry to register indus- The owner of the registered Municipality and Urban position on the signing of bringing peace to Afghanistan. that Qatar, and based on its con- trial designs and data, owners’ industrial design or model has Planning Decision No. (83) for agreement between the United This came after rounds of nego- sistent policy of working for information, notices of an exclusive right to prevent 2011 regarding delineating fam- States and the Afghan Taliban. tiations mediated by Qatar, and peace and renouncing violence, assignment or transfer of own- others from making, selling, ilies’ housing areas. Prime Minister and Minister affirmed the role of Amir H H will continue its efforts to com- ership and licenses issued in importing and distributing the The Cabinet approved a of Interior, H E Sheikh Khalid Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al plete the peace process in respect thereof, data of benefi- products of industrial design or draft agreement to provide bin Khalifa bin Abdulaziz Al Thani, which had a great impact Afghanistan and achieve ciaries of licenses, renewal of including the form of the indus- training services between the Thani, chaired the Cabinet on the success of the negotia- national unity among all Afghan records and their cancellation trial design or model, unless he International Civil Aviation regular meeting that was held tions and overcoming the parties. and the rulings issued thereon, has marketed these products in Organization and Qatar Civil at the Amiri Diwan. obstacles and contributed to The Cabinet took the nec- and all other matters related to any country or licensed them Aviation Authority. Following the meeting, Min- signing this historic agreement essary measures to issue a draft industrial designs, in to others. The Cabinet approved a draft ister of Justice and Acting Min- to establish security, peace and law on the protection of indus- accordance with the rules and The Cabinet approved the memorandum of understanding ister of State for Cabinet Affairs, stability in Afghanistan. trial designs, after it reviewed procedures determined by the draft decision of the Minister of on conducting political consul- H E Dr. Issa bin Saad Al Jafali Al The Cabinet affirmed that the recommendation of the regulations. Municipality and Environment tations on issues of common Nuaimi said that at the this agreement, which paves the Shura Council on the draft law. The department issues a to determine what is considered concern between the government beginning of the meeting, the way for a lasting and compre- Under the draft law, a periodic magazine called The a gathering of workers, housing of the State of Qatar and the gov- Cabinet praised Qatar’s position hensive peace in Afghanistan, special registry will be Industrial Property Magazine areas for families, and the ernment of Belize.`P3 Authorities reaffirm measures taken to curb spread of COVID-19 FAZEENA SALEEM COVID-19 such as robust interviews and examinations THE PENINSULA thermal screening procedures of all suspected travellers at the and special clinic at Hamad airport. The Ministry of Public The health authorities have International Airport, estab- Health has also established res- reaffirmed the preventive lishing a quarantine facility, idential accommodation for measures taken to protect the training for healthcare workers those people who meet the public from novel coronavirus among others. quarantine criteria. (COVID-19). It says that robust thermal Additional training is being A joint social media cam- screening procedures are in provided for healthcare paign by the Ministry of Public place at Hamad International workers, measures for infection Health, Hamad Medical Corpo- Airport and sea ports for pas- prevention and control and lab- ration (HMC) and Primary sengers entering Doha from all oratory procedures have been Health Care Corporation countries. strengthened. Foreign Minister holds talks with German counterpart (PHCC) emphasised on the The screening helps to A community awareness steps Qatar has taken so far to identify passengers with fever, campaign is ongoing through a Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, H E Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al curb the spread of COVID-19. one of the common symptoms dedicated national website, TV Thani, met yesterday with Federal Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Federal Republic of Germany A post shared by HMC on its of COVID-19. and radio interviews with H E Heiko Maas, during a visit to Germany. They reviewed the bilateral cooperation, the agreement social media pages shows the Also a special clinic at medical experts, regular social for bringing peace to Afghanistan, the situation in Libya and issues of common concern. steps taken by the authorities Hamad International Airport media messaging, and news- to protect the population from has been set up to conduct paper coverage. `P2 02 HOME THURSDAY 5 MARCH 2020

A-G meets US House of Representatives members Qatar attends SC conference Arab League shares in-depth session QNA — CAIRO insight into The 153rd Ordinary Session of the Arab League began yesterday at the General 2022 preparations Secretariat of the Arab League headquarters at the level of foreign ministers, headed by QNA — DOHA ensuring the World Cup is a the Sultanate of Oman. driver for progress across our The delegation of Qatar The knowledge gained from country and region. By working was led by H E the Permanent The Attorney-General, H E Dr. Ali bin Fetais Al Marri, met yesterday with the members of the US House Qatar’s preparations for the closely with both the public and Representative of Qatar to the of Representatives, who are currently visiting the country. They were briefed on the independence of FIFA World Cup 2022 was private sectors, we will lev- Arab League Ambassador shared by experts from the erage the World Cup to the judicial authorities in the State of Qatar, the procedures for the work of the Public Prosecution, Ibrahim bin Abdulaziz Al Supreme Committee for strengthen our economy and the way it works, and the progress of cases in it. This visit comes within the framework of the Sahlawi. Delivery & Legacy (SC) during build viable sporting and events memorandum of understanding signed by the Attorney-General last year with a number of public The agenda of the session a special event this week. industries that continue to grow representatives in a number of US states for cooperation, exchange of visits and training. includes a number of items A host of SC employees long after 2022.” related to the Palestinian issue took part in the inaugural Al Thawadi continued: and the Arab-Israeli conflict, Annual Knowledge Sharing “Sharing knowledge can be developments in Syria, Libya Conference, which was very powerful. I encourage ‘Impregnable Guard 2020’ drill from Sunday and Yemen, the security of attended by more than 200 everyone to learn from our suc- QNA — DOHA The drill will also include a number of forces navigation and energy supplies guests from both the public and cesses, shape our ideas for your in the Arab Gulf region, private sectors. own aims and then share the The activities of the ‘Impreg- from friendly countries. The drill comes within support for peace and devel- The exclusive event offered knowledge with others. Let’s nable Guard 2020’ drill, which the framework of strengthening military and opment in Sudan, Somalia, and an opportunity for attendees to work together and use the is organised by the Joint United Republic of Comoros. gain in-depth insights into power of Qatar 2022 to inspire Special Forces in partnership security relations between the participating The agenda also includes preparations for the first World people across our country and with the Ministry of Interior, countries. topics on the dangers of Israeli Cup in the Middle East and the region.” the Internal Security Force armaments on Arab national Arab world. A vast range of The Chairman of the Oper- (Lekhwiya), and the Amiri security and international topics was covered, including ations Office and Vice- Guard, will start on Sunday. ‘Impregnable Guard 2020’ cooperation and joint coordi- peace, the establishment of a infrastructure projects, sustain- Chairman of the Technical The drill will also include drill will take place in the nation between them. nuclear-weapon-free zone ability, workers’ welfare, event Delivery Office at the SC, Yasir a number of forces from interior regions throughout The drill is organised peri- and other weapons of mass integration and planning, Al Jamal, said, “We are com- friendly countries, such as the the country, including the Al odically between the Joint destruction in the Middle East cybersecurity, and several ini- mitted to sharing the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, Janoub Stadium, Hamad Inter- Special Forces and various and topics related to Arab rela- tiatives run by the corporate knowledge we have gained the Republic of Turkey, the national Airport, and Qatar security agencies, and friendly tions with international and functions to support human with the wider community. It Kingdom of Morocco, the Railways (Rail). The exercise countries, as it consists of sce- regional groupings. capital legacy. is a responsibility we at the SC Islamic Republic of Pakistan, will continue until March 27. narios and training that con- The Council will also con- Also, details were shared take very seriously and this the Sultanate of Oman, the The drill comes within the tribute to preparing and sider the draft resolutions and about the Josoor Institute one conference forms part of our United States of America, the framework of strengthening training the participating topics that have been agreed of the flagship Qatar 2022 commitment to sharing the French Republic, the Republic military and security relations forces to respond to any cross- upon to be submitted by the legacy programmes. extensive knowledge we have of Rwanda and the North between the participating border security threat. Also, it permanent delegates during H E Secretary-General of gathered since being afforded Atlantic Treaty Organization countries, as well as devel- comes in the context of pre- their meetings over the past the SC Hassan Al Thawadi said, the honor of hosting the World (Nato). oping the capabilities of their paring for the 2022 World two days to the Foreign Min- “We are all committed to Cup way back in 2010.” The majority of the forces and enhancing Cup. isters for decision. Authorities reaffirm measures taken to curb spread of COVID-19 FROM PAGE 1 units to ensure that no suspected and have been under full quar- novel coronavirus, one can visit to prevent the disease and said by MoPH are up to international The campaign is held in dif- cases of respiratory infections antine since they arrived in the www.moph.gov.qa or call the 24 that it should only be worn if a standards,” he said. In pre- ferent languages including are missed in accordance with country. hrs hotline 16000, said the PHCC healthcare professional recom- caution, he said, “Keep washing Arabic, English, Hindi, the WHO guidelines. Also, the MoPH has set up a statement. mends it. your hands with soap and water Malayalam, French and Chinese. The MoPH has announced dedicated call centre to answer Meanwhile, the MoPH in a Separately, Dr Jassim for at least 20 seconds after The Health Protection and so far a diagnosis of eight cases all questions and enquiries social media campaign together Fakhro, Consultant Surgeon at sneezing and before eating. Try Communicable Disease Control of COVID-19, and they were related to COVID-19. Public and with the Hamad Medical Corpo- HMC, in a video recently clar- to avoid contact with sick people, teams have been engaged in among those were evacuated health professionals can call ration (HMC) and Primary Health ified that the risk of COVID-19 cover your nose and mouth if regular active surveillance visits from Iran on a government- 24x7 on 16000 toll free hotline Care Corporation recently clar- spreading is very low in the you sneeze or cough with tissue to hospitals and intensive care chartered plane on February 27 for enquiries. For information on ified the use of a medical mask country. “The precautions taken and throw the tissue.” THURSDAY 5 MARCH 2020 HOME 03

Cabinet praises Ministry of Education Qatar’s position to launch upgraded on Afghan deal FROM PAGE 1 registration policy The Cabinet reviewed the seventh report on the results of the work of the National for private schools Civil Aviation Security com- mittee during the period from 1/7 to 31/12/2019, and took the “Some challenges arise because the schools appropriate decision. do not operate in a unified system, so schools This committee estab- lished by the General Authority must familiarise themselves with the schedules of Civil Aviation has several prepared by the Ministry for this purpose,” said specializations, including: Rawda Al Zaidan, Director of Private Schools Develop public policies related to civil aviation Rawda Al Zaidan, Director of Private Schools Affairs Department at the Ministry of Education and Affairs Department at the Ministry of Education security, define procedures Higher Education, speaking at a meeting with representatives of private schools and kindergartens and Higher Education. and issue necessary instruc- organised by the Department of Private Schools Affairs. tions to protect civil aviation operations from acts of THE PENINSULA — DOHA running with about 25 inter- confusion arises in some phenomenon of schools unlawful interference and speaking at a meeting, which national educational curricula schools in this regard. accepting more than their monitor their implementation, The Ministry of Education and was organised by the in the Qatar including IGSC certificate was also ability of students. evaluate applicable standards Higher Education has Department of Private Schools American, British, Australian discussed during the meeting, It ensures that the school and procedures in line with announced to provide Affairs, with representatives and New Zealand, and where schools were directed responds to parents within technological developments upgraded registration policy of private schools and therefore we have to keep to the necessity of announcing two weeks after the related to civil aviation for private schools. kindergartens. updating our system to the results in the month of placement test, so that the security and other related “We faced some chal- A two-day meeting was accommodate each expatriate August each year, as soon as parents have the opportunity technologies. Also, H E the lenges related to student reg- attended by a large number student.” the results come from the to enrol their children to Minister of Education and istration, transfer of students of representatives from “We have listed educa- British secondary certificate, another school. Higher Education delivered a from class to class and some private schools and kinder- tional curricula in different and specify the class of the The Department called on presentation to the Cabinet on other things such as identi- garten. A total of 211 private countries, and we have pre- student whether they will private schools and kinder- the educational system, which fying successful students and schools and 111 kindergartens pared an educational schedule move to the twelfth grade or gartens to communicate with will be included in the Minis- those who failed in the elec- are in the country. according to these data, and remain in same class for it for further information. The try’s strategy to be presented tronic system of some schools “Some challenges arise based on the student’s age and repetition. process of early enrolment in to the Cabinet. and the issue of IGSC certifi- because the schools do not the approved educational The Information Tech- private schools started from cation,” said Rawda Al Zaidan, operate in a unified system, grade, so that all schools nology Department reviewed the beginning of March this Zakat Fund Director of Private Schools so schools must familiarise adhere to it,” said Al Zaidan the new system for early year and it will continue until Affairs Department at the themselves with the schedules The meeting also dis- enrolment of private school the end of October. The provides QR24.5m Ministry of Education and prepared by the Ministry for cussed the students’ transfer students which ensures the parents can visit schools if Higher Education, in a this purpose,” said Al Zaidan. from one curriculum to reduction of waiting lists in they want to enrol their assistance in Feb statement. Al Zaidan was “Private schools are another curriculum, as some schools, and reduces the children. QNA — DOHA

The Zakat Fund of the Ministry Meetings of small group of National Human Rights Action Plan Committee begin of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs has extended assistance worth QNA — DOHA Human Rights Department at the Cabinet decision at its ninth issue of the promotion and pro- affirmed. He pointed to the QR24.5m in February 2020 to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, ordinary meeting of 2017 to tection of human rights, which affirmation of this in Qatar the beneficiaries of the regis- The consultative meetings of H E Sheikh Mohammed bin form a committee concerned represents a strategic choice for National Vision 2030, the first tered families, included cut the small group of the National Youssef Jassim Al Thani, chaired with preparing the national the State and forms the National Development Strategy aids to cases with emergency Human Rights Action Plan the meeting. action plan under the chair- backbone of the comprehensive 2011-2016 and the second conditions. Committee kicked off yesterday H E Sheikh Mohammed Al manship of the Secretary- reform policy pursued by the National Development Strategy The fund of February 2020 to consult with the various Thani said that the first consult- General of the Ministry of State. 2018-2022, which included included periodic assistance stakeholders in the country ative meeting aims to discuss Foreign Affairs, H E Dr. Ahmed Human development and important axes that touch on which is provided monthly to regarding the proposed stra- the first strategic goal of the Hassan Al Hammadi, and the the protection and promotion the main human rights issues eligible families, included cut tegic goals of the national national plan of action related membership of several govern- of human rights are at the top in the fields of education, aids provided once to cases human rights action plan, and to establishing a legislative mental and non-governmental of the priorities of the State of health, the environment, with emergency conditions, will continue until next environment consistent with bodies comes within the Qatar, HE Assistant Director of migrant labour rights, women’s and tuition fees and treatment Wednesday. international human rights framework of the increasing the Human Rights Department empowerment and children’s for registered family benefici- The Assistant Director of the standards. He explained that interest the state attaches to the at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs rights. aries and others. MoCI inspects commercial activities

QNA — DOHA activities not mentioned in the and regulations for practicing license, not to meet the general commercial activities. The Ministry of Commerce and and special requirements of The ministry also called for Industry (MoCI) conducted shops, in addition to opening checking the regulations and intensive inspection campaigns and managing a shop without laws governing for commercial on a number of shops at a license and a presence of a activities practice by visiting its different areas in the country, residence inside the shop. website www.moci.gov.qa to to monitor their compliance A number of 41 violations avoid being subject to legal with laws and regulations records were as well issued for accountability and violations. governing for commercial violating shops to amend its Furthermore, the ministry activities. status in the licenses and com- urged all citizens and residents The inspection campaigns, mercial records. to report any violations or done by the Ministry’s regis- In a statement, the Ministry irregularities, related to regis- tration and licensing inspectors, of Commerce and Industry tration and commercial licenses resulted in seizing and issuing urged all business and shops by calling the number 16001 or 21 violations records, which owners on the necessity to through its website and varied between performing abide by the applicable laws accounts on social media. QFBA and Northumbria University announce new undergraduate top up degree programme

THE PENINSULA — DOHA

Qatar Finance and Business Academy (QFBA) in collabo- ration with Northumbria University announced a new top up undergraduate degree programme in accounting and finance, in addition to its existing finance related majors for the 2020 academic year. The new top up programme launch emerged as a result of QFBA’s effort to analyze the current financial services labor market and assessing future needs and trends. It provides a Qatar Finance and Business Academy in collaboration with unique opportunity for high Northumbria University announced a new top up undergraduate school graduates to pursue an undergraduate education from degree programme in accounting and finance. an internationally recognized prestigious university, and sup- practices are incorporated Foundation as well as other stu- ports Qatar’s effort towards within the undergraduate dents who have completed their transforming to a true degree programs and offers foundation year to continue knowledge based economy in accessible and flexible their studies at line with the Qatar National schedules and timings of the QFBA-Northumbria. Vision 2030. courses offered. Students Khalifa Al Yafei, Director of QFBA-Northumbria offers enrolled have the privilege to Student Affairs, said: “At QFBA- students an opportunity to choose between morning and Northumbria we strive to tailor benefit from high quality pro- evening classes, and access to our undergraduate degree pro- grams accredited and recog- continue their undergraduate grams in alignment with the nized by international bodies education at Northumbria’s UK future needs of the financial in finance related fields such as based campus in the UK. market, to keep with the rapidly accounting, finance and The newly launched developing technologies in the investment management and accounting and finance top education and financial services international banking and up degree is an ideal oppor- sector. It is imperative to finance among others. tunity for students at the Aca- provide our students with a QFBA’s partnership with demic Bridge Program (ABP), holistic educational experience Northumbria University Community College Qatar that enables them to develop ensures the highest standard (CCQ), and University College and grow further." 04 HOME THURSDAY 5 MARCH 2020

Ministry of Education's Student Evaluation Department meets school administrators QNA — DOHA The meeting also discussed the subject

The Student Evaluation of high school exam committees, with Department of the Ministry of all its details, as well as the National Education and Higher Students Information System (NSIS), and Education held the second meeting with the Adminis- the importance of constantly updating it, trators of government and so that schools will not have to make many private schools for the academic year 2019-2020. It amendments. was a preparatory meeting for the final exams of the second the importance of constantly Al Dirham explained that semester. updating it, so that schools will the summative assessments are During the meeting, sum- not have to make many routine and very similar to the mative assessments — which amendments and the system tests that are arranged by the are tests organised for the third, will remain constantly schools, expect that they are sixth and ninth grades that updated. arranged by the Ministry, evaluate the students' The Director of the Student pointing out that the benefit of achievement of knowledge and Evaluation Department, Khalifa these assessments is to identify President of the Argentine Chamber of skills in the second semester Al Dirham said that they used the academic levels of students curriculum only — were to hold the meeting with in the classes. discussed. schools’ administrators at the Al Dirham also affirmed Deputies meets Ambassador of Qatar The subject of high school end of every semester, in prep- the Ministry’s keenness to exam committees was also dis- aration for the final exams, as achieve successful test results, President of the Chamber of Deputies of the Republic of Argentina, H E Sergio Massa (right), met cussed, with all its details, as the meeting emphasised a which comes through good yesterday with Ambassador of the State of Qatar to Argentina, H E Battal Al Dossari. During the well as the National Students number of points related to the preparation and meeting, they reviewed bilateral cooperation and relations, in addition to issues of common concern. Information System (NSIS), and exams. pre-positioning. MME launches 3 mobile veterinary clinics in first phase 70 govt, private entities attending Qatar University career fair THE PENINSULA — DOHA QNA — DOHA employment, internship or aca- The Ministry of Municipality demic sponsorship. and Environment, represented A total of 70 governmental and “The fair is an opportunity by the Animal Wealth private entities from different for high school students and Department, has launched the sectors are participating in freshmen to know what the first phase of mobile veterinary Qatar University’s (QU) career labour market needs in terms clinics in selected areas of the fair, which is being organised of specialities, which is country, including Nakhsh, for the fourteenth year in a row, important as it helps them Umm Bab and Al Kharrara from March 8 to March 11. choose suitable career paths areas. The number of these QU’s career fair, which is according to what the state’s clinics will be gradually taking place at the College of career sectors need,” said the increased in the coming years. Business and Economics this Director of the Career Devel- The first phase includes year, is considered one of the opment Center, Maha Al Marri. three clinics serving areas that most prominent events that the She explained that the are far from veterinary centres university’s Career Devel- Center will be organising, on or that have a high density of opment Center organises, in the sideline of the fair, a livestock, with the aim of order to provide an opportunity number of activities and strengthening veterinary for the students and alumni to training workshops, which will The three mobile veterinary clinics will serve areas which are either far from veterinary centres or services provided in those get acquainted with the profes- help the university’s students have high density of livestock. areas. sional opportunities that the to be well prepared to achieve The mobile clinics aim Qatari labour market is pre- the career path they seek to mainly to raise the capacity of occur, and to reduce the the framework of developing working to quickly respond to senting through the partici- accomplish, noting that these veterinary services in dealing chances of infection spreading the performance of the veter- disease emergencies, especially pating entities, and provide workshops include topics such with epidemic diseases, to to other livestock. inary centres through those related to infectious and them with promising profes- as resume writing methods and address disease hotspots as they This initiative comes within increasing their numbers, and common diseases. sional opportunities such as job interview skills. Doha Film Institute cancels the 2020 edition of Qumra 7th edition of QNA — DOHA Due to the current global alert difficult decision, and strive to support them through added. The Qumra 2020 DIMDEX 2020 regarding the COVID-19 although Qumra is an this period of new challenges,” industry event was set to com- Assuming responsibility for outbreak, the decision comes important event for our com- she said. mence on March 20 with a cancelled the management of the health as part of the Institute's contri- munity and industry dele- “We thank our Qumra select programme of 46 and safety of its residents and bution to manage and reduce gates, their safety and well- Masters, filmmakers and projects from 20 countries as international visitors, the the risk of further spread of being remains our first pri- industry participants for their part of DFIs mission to accel- QNA — DOHA Doha Film Institute (DFI) has the virus. ority. In order to reduce the ongoing passion and contri- erate the success of film- made the decision to cancel CEO of the Doha Film risks to our guests in light of bution to our commitment to makers from the region and Qatar Armed Forces have the 2020 edition of Qumra and Institute Fatma Hassan Al increasing global concerns reshape the global story- beyond and prepare them to decided to cancel the 7th its related activities. Remaihi said: “This was a very over COVID-19, we are taking telling landscape and bring their projects to audi- edition of Doha International precautionary measures empower emerging voices to ences around the world. Maritime Defense Exhibition to proactively manage create cinema, to exercise Over the past six years, and Conference (DIMDEX potential risks. creative expression, and to Qumra has been a one-of-a- 2020), which was scheduled “DFI will continue to transform inspired stories kind professional incubator to be held from March 16 to 18. generate opportunities into acclaimed masterpieces, crucial to the success of film- The Directorate of Moral for this year’s 46 and look forward to future makers from the Arab world Guidance at the Qatar Armed selected projects and successful editions,” she and beyond. Forces explained in a statement yesterday that according to the global risks related to the spread of the new coronavirus known as COVID-19, and following the cancellation of a number of global events, as well as within the precautionary measures and procedures taken at the present time to reduce the spread of the virus, it was decided to cancel this edition of the exhibition. The decision to cancel the exhibition came after extensive consultations with officials in the Ministry of Health and all relevant government sectors, a thorough study of all options, and a review of all the data during the current period, the statement added. The statement said that during the past 12 years, DIMDEX has evolved to become one of the most important events on the agenda of international defense and maritime security. Although this event is very important, the main priority is to preserve the health and safety of all residents and visitors in the State of Qatar, the statement said, adding that for this reason this edition of the exhibition has been cancelled. The Armed Forces expressed great gratitude for the support provided by all entities in the State, and for the fruitful cooperation of all par- ticipants, including govern- ments, companies, and repre- sentatives of the military and security industries, as well as for the great confidence they placed in the State of Qatar, looking forward to welcoming everyone to the next edition of the exhibition in 2022. THURSDAY 5 MARCH 2020 HOME 05 MoI launches MoFA workshop on international, regional electronic security human rights mechanisms ends today

QNA — DOHA The workshop includes the participation of The workshop is organised training courses representatives of various ministries, institutions and by the Human Rights The Assistant Director of the relevant civil society organisations, which comes at Department at the Ministry of — DOHA THE PENINSULA Human Rights Department at the appropriate time, as the State is in the process Foreign Affairs in cooperation the Ministry of Foreign Affairs with the United Nations Human The Cyber Security Center at (MoFA), H E Sheikh Mohammed of forming a permanent mechanism for preparing Rights Training and Documen- the Ministry of Interior (MoI) bin Youssef Al Thani, said that reports and following up on the implementation of tation Center for South-West launched a series of training Qatar’s hosting of the training recommendations. Asia and the Arab Region in programme courses at Qatar workshop on the role of Doha and the Treaty Body Finance and Business Academy national mechanisms in Capacity Building Programme with the aim of cybercrimes preparing reports, following up is in the process of forming a mechanism for preparing the in OHCHR in Beirut. prevention. on recommendations and permanent mechanism for pre- universal periodic review The workshop aims to The training courses aim to working with international and paring reports and following up reports and following up on the enhance the national expe- raise awareness of all state regional human rights mecha- on the implementation of implementation of rience in Qatar by advancing employees in the field of infor- nisms, which began on Tuesday recommendations. recommendations. the four main tasks and roles of mation technology and systems will continue until today. He clarified, on the sidelines He added that the State the national mechanisms for and raise the efficiency of His Excellency added that of the workshop, that it was aspires to review the successful preparing reports and follow- information systems and the workshop includes the par- customary of Qatar to work experiences of other countries up, as well as the study of First Lieutenant Mohammed security personnel in ticipation of representatives of with the system of temporary in the field of forming per- regional and international com- Yousef Kafood particular. various ministries, institutions committees linked to preparing manent committees, in addition parative experiences in estab- The programme established and relevant civil society organ- one report for a specific to the challenges faced by such lishing national mechanisms for by the Ministry of Interior in “The programme seeks to izations, which comes at the agreement, in addition to the permanent mechanisms in ful- implementation, reporting and cooperation with the Qatar attract more than 50,000 appropriate time, as the State existence of a permanent filling their obligations. follow-up. Finance and Business Academy. trainees from three cate- The two-year programme gories of employees affiliated attracts about 50,000 trainees with the various government from all government and semi- and semi-government 24-hour urgent care services at Muaither health center government agencies in the agencies in the country, country, through which namely: the regular com- THE PENINSULA — DOHA comprehensive service, delivered employees are developed puter user, information by a team specialised, designed through a number of training systems employees and spe- Primary Health Care Corpora- to meet the need of the com- stages, so the trainee moves cialists who are employees tion’s Muaither health center now munity. The urgent care service from a specialist level to an in information security”, provides urgent care service will help connect more people in expert level. he said. round the clock. neighbouring areas to the health First Lieutenant First Lieutenant Kafood The health center, one of 27 centre. The urgent care services Mohammed Yousef Kafood, also pointed out that the total across the country and ten in the will cater people in Al Rayyan, the supervisor of the training of these trainees will be region, will provide care for Abu Nakhla, Mesaimeer and Al courses, said that these prac- trained over a period of two patients 24/7, for non-threat- Wajbah. tical courses come within the years, during which they pass ening medical needs, such as PHCC also provides 24-hour context of activating the through several training minor burns, sprains, severe urgent care service at Rawdat Al practical side of the pre- stages, beginning with the headache or earache, dehy- Khail, Al Gharafa, Al Kaaban, Al vention of electronic crime specialisation stage and dration and dizziness. Shahaniyah, Al Shamal Health training programme that the reaching the level of the The urgent care center will At present, the Muaither postnatal care, well baby and Centers and Abu Baker Al Siddiq centre launched earlier, in expert, in order to protect be led by a team of specialist health center offers a range of periodic immunization, well Health Center. Other urgent care cooperation with the Qatar electronic systems in various doctors and nurses, including services including family med- women services and school health centers are expected to Finance and Business state agencies and paediatricians, supported by icine services such as non-com- health. operate round the clock in the Academy. institutions. pharmacy and x-ray services. municable disease, antenatal and Urgent care is a next 12 months. 'Personal Dictionary' by Nedim Kufi opens at Fire Station Doha Institute for Graduate Studies to RAYNALD C RIVERA THE PENINSULA organise discussion session on

Dutch-Iraqi multimedia visual artist empowerment of Qatari women Nedim Kufi explores the creation of new meanings amid changing times QNA — DOHA and investing in all its national capabil- in his solo exhibition titled “Personal ities and cadres. Dictionary” which opened yesterday The Doha Institute for Graduate Studies The session will be held at the Doha at the Fire Station. The exhibition, will organise a discussion session Institute for Graduate Studies and will which runs until March 14, presents tomorrow about the empowerment of be attended by the Assistant Foreign Kufi’s identity as an artist and writer. the Qatari women and challenges facing Minister and Spokesperson for the Min- In this exhibition, the artist is them, on the occasion of the Interna- istry of Foreign Affairs, H E Lolwah bint influenced by chaos and the curi- tional Women’s Day which is celebrated Rashid Al Khater, the Vice President of osity it evokes; this concept is por- on March 8, every year. Administration and Finance at the Doha trayed through categorical and for- Dutch-Iraqi artist, Nedim Kufi, with one of his works on show at the opening This session will shed light on many Institute for Graduate Studies and mulaic de-layering of time, while of his solo exhibition titled “Personal Dictionary” at Fire station Workshop topics related to the Qatari women in Member of the Shura Council Dr. Hend also showing the opposing elements 3 yesterday. PIC: ABDUL BASIT/THE PENINSULA economic, social and political aspects, Al Muftah, the Former President of of finding harmony through personal and the challenges facing them. Qatar University Dr. Sheikha Al Misnad definitions. The exhibited works include large multicultural and The session will also focus on the and the Board Member of the Qatar “It is a new dictionary of my own. monochromatic pieces representing the East and West, as transformations that the Qatari woman Social Work Foundation Noora Al Malki. I am kind of rethinking about the well as famous figures from Arab literature and sculptural witnessed and those that the modern The session will be moderated by the original meaning and new meaning Qatar is witnessing by highlighting the Journalist from Al Jazeera Network especially with the new century and installations examining the refractions of words. role that they played in making and Wassila Oulmi. new circumstances, that everything leading these transformations in various The International Women’s Day is a turns into another phase, another vital sectors in a way that reflects Qatar’s day marked internationally to honor composition,” he told reporters the creation of meaning by manip- Contemporary Art at Qatar National Vision for 2030 that aims to women and appreciate their economic, about the exhibition during its ulating words through non-repre- Museums, said in a statement. build the future of the country by using social and political accomplishments. launch yesterday at Fire Station sentational playful forms. New terms Kufi has featured in more than Workshop 3. created through his visual language 20 solo exhibitions across the Middle The exhibited works include offer alternative translations and East, United States and Europe, in large multicultural and monochro- new readings. addition to group exhibitions. matic pieces representing the East “We are very excited to display Bringing nature together is at the and West, as well as famous figures the art of a highly experienced artist core of his art and explores the from Arab literature and sculptural such as Nedim Kufi. His work high- complex relationships between per- installations examining the refrac- lights the way images can create a ceptions, imaginations and tions of words. language and how art is always up expressions. Language is a key element in to interpretation. We hope his exhi- The exhibition is open for public Kufi’s practice, where his work finds bition will spark creativity and inspi- viewing during the gallery’s opening intersections and invisible messages. ration for local artists – which is at hours from Saturdays to Thursdays The presented works show Kufi’s the heart of the Fire Station,” Dr. from 9am until 7pm and on Fridays experimentation with language and Bahaa Abudaya, Curator of from 1.30 pm until 7pm. Biryab to hold eating competitions with exciting prizes

The festival, taking place at Al Bidda Park, features a wide range of exciting offers and promotions as well as varied entertainment activities for all age groups.

THE PENINSULA — DOHA Bidda Park features a wide range of every QR100 spent at Biryab’s exciting offers and promotions, as outlets. Biryab festival, one of a kind event well as varied entertainment activ- To delight all visitors’ senses, in Qatar for kebab and biriyani ities for all age groups, including Biryab also features live musical per- dishes, organised by Infinity face painting and video games. formances in addition to the appe- Marketing Solutions and Event Biryab is also set to pamper women tising dishes form over one thousand Management, is set to hold thrilling in celebration of the International food items on display. The Festival eating competitions today and Women’s Day (Sunday, March 8) which is open to the public daily tomorrow. The winners will get the with multiple offers, such as “buy from 12pm to midnight until March chance to take home unique prizes one, get one free”. 9, gathers around 30 restaurants including, house hold electronic For further excitement, the food with multiple cuisine offerings. Food machines, such as LED TVs and festival features happy hours during dishes on display range from Indian speakers. the week days, from 6pm until 8pm, and Pakistani biriyani to Middle The Festival taking place at Al where visitors can get free meals for Eastern desserts and Turkish kebabs. 06 HOME THURSDAY 5 MARCH 2020

HBKU Press publishes proceedings from IMAT3E

THE PENINSULA — DOHA proceedings cover a wide range The authors suggest that of theoretical contributions new materials, like corrugated Hamad Bin Khalifa University (including new techniques, con- cardboard panels recycled Press (HBKU Press) has recently cepts, and analyses) and prac- from packaging industries, published the proceedings from tical contributions (including hemp fibres, flax, rapeseed, the first International Meeting system experiments, prototypes, and date palm wood can be on Advanced Technologies in and new applications) seen at used for insulation and are Energy and Electrical Engi- the conference. more environmentally- neering (IMAT3E) on their Open The highlighted innova- friendly than traditional Access platform, QScience.com. tions in the field of renewable building materials. The conference, held from energy, electrical engineering, Essentially, the authors November 22–23, 2018 was embedded systems, and arti- posit that solutions to ensure hosted by Sidi Mohamed Ben ficial/computational intelli- thermal comfort in buildings Abdellah (SMBA) University, gence have been implemented can be found through the devel- Fez, Morocco. into devices we utilise daily to opment of innovative building “The publication of the first improve our quality of life and materials based on natural International Meeting on how we function fibres with focus on natural Advanced Technologies in day-to-day. materials that are abundant in Energy and Electrical Engi- In the article, Innovative the region. neering (IMAT3E) on QScience. Building Materials for Energy The first edition of the com brings attention to how Performance in Buildings, IMAT3E was chaired by Pro- Director of Waste Management Department at the Ministry of Municipality and Environment, Eng. cutting-edge technologies are authors Basma M’lahfi, Mostafa fessor Abdelaziz El Gzizal, Hamad Jassem Al Bahr, with other officials during the discussion. being used to solve everyday El Qandil and Driss Amegouz Education Director of École life problems,” said Dr. Rima take a look at innovative Supérieure de Technologie de Isaifan, Head of Academic and building materials that can Fès. Saad Motahhir, a pro- MME participates in discussion session Journals Publishing at HBKU resolve the issue of high energy fessor from École Nationale Press. consumption from heating and des Sciences Appliquées Fès with pioneers of environmental initiatives “Hosting conference pro- cooling buildings. and member of the IMAT3E ceedings on QScience.com, As governments shift conference organizing com- QNA — DOHA Municipality and Environment The Ministry officials wel- such as this one, has given towards policies that mittee, acted as the guest Eng. Hamad Jassem Al Bahr, comed, during discussions with HBKU Press a competitive encourage sustainability, editor for the proceedings. The Ministry of Municipality and Assistant Director of the young people who are pioneers edge in the field of academic energy-efficiency and sus- “HBKU Press’s publication and Environment (MME) partic- Department Natural Reserves of environmental initiatives in publishing. As we branch out tainable construction, con- of the conference proceedings ipated in a discussion session Salem Al Safran. the State of Qatar, all the ideas to include conference pro- tracting companies are being is essential to disseminate the with pioneers of environmental During the meeting, which and proposals presented by the ceedings of the leading encouraged to construct ideas discussed and developed initiatives, organised by the was held on the occasion of the participants in the session, summits in the region, we are buildings that are capable of during the event to a wider Friends of the Environment World Wildlife Day, Ministry which are all aimed at providing our users with offering thermal comfort with audience without any barriers Center of the Ministry of Culture officials reviewed the efforts achieving the goals of inte- access to the most innovative a considerable reduction in to access,” Motahhir said. “We and Sports. made by the state to conserve gration and strengthening research available in the world energy expenditure and that seize this opportunity to The event was attended by biological diversity, develop efforts and work together to today.” induce a significant decrease address them all our sincere Director of Waste Management natural resources, and preserve preserve the environment of The IMAT3E conference in emissions. thanks and gratitude.” Department at the Ministry of the environment of Qatar. Qatar.

Chevrolet Silverado 2019-2020 models QRCS humanitarian contributions to Iraq hailed recalled THE PENINSULA — DOHA Al Hammadi said THE PENINSULA — DOHA QRCS was keen on Ali bin Hassan Al Hammadi, The Ministry of Commerce and Secretary-General of Qatar Red working together Industry, in cooperation with Crescent Society (QRCS), has with the Iraqi Red Jaidah Automotive, dealer of received Omer Berzinji, Ambas- Crescent Society Chevrolet in Qatar, announced sador of the Republic of Iraq to the recall of Chevrolet Doha. and other Iraqi Silverado models of 2019- The meeting was attended and international 2020, due to malfunction in by Eng. Abdullah Hassan Al the front seatbelt preten- Mehshadi, General Director of humanitarian sioners. Relief and International Devel- providers on many The recall campaign comes opment Division, and Dr. operations there. within the framework of the Fawzi Oussedik, Head of Inter- Ministry’s continuous efforts national Relations and Inter- He wished to have to protect consumers and national Humanitarian Law more opportunities ensure that car dealers follow (IHL). to serve the people up on vehicle defects and The guest was warmly repairs. greeted by QRCS officials, of Iraq, in view of its The Ministry said that it saying it was a brotherly visit to importance for the will coordinate with the dealer deepen relations with QRCS, a to follow up on the mainte- major contributor to those in Gulf and Arab region. nance and repair works and need everywhere. He expressed will communicate with cus- a desire to offer every form of tomers to ensure that they support to facilitate the ongoing is part of the soft power of Officials during the meeting. carried out the necessary cooperation, as the two coun- Qatar, in line with the repairs. tries share firmly established political and economic con- The Ministry urged all and growing bonds of keen on working together with importance for the Gulf and under the umbrella of the vergence between the two customers to report any friendship. the Iraqi Red Crescent Society Arab region. International Federation of governments and peoples violations to its Consumer “There is much in common (IRCS) and other Iraqi and inter- An overview was given on Wthe Red Cross and Red towards common interests. Protection and Anti-Com- between the historic Iraq and national humanitarian pro- QRCS’s work and divisions, Crescent Societies (IFRC), with Berzinji was invited to attend mercial Fraud Department, the promising Qatar, which is viders on many operations including foreign relief, strong relations with 190 the opening and closing cer- which processes com- truly an icon of innovation,” there. He wished to have more medical services, local devel- countries,” Al Hammadi emonies of the forthcoming plaints, inquires and said Berzinji. opportunities to serve the opment, and international added. Disaster Management suggestions. Al Hammadi said QRCS was people of Iraq, in view of its relations. “QRCS operates According to him, QRCS Training Camp. Sidra Medicine pathology labs go digital A leading publishing house is THE PENINSULA — DOHA looking for an experienced Sidra Medicine, a member of Qatar Foundation, has adopted a digital platform for its anatomical pathology laboratory. The implementation Graphic Designer marks it as the first digital anatomical pathology laboratory in the Middle East; designed to improve pathology and clinical workflows that will lead to better patient care outcomes. Qualifications Sidra Medicine’s Pathology P Should be proficient in Photoshop, InDesign and department, which was accredited by the Accreditation Committee of the Illustrator College of American Pathologists P Ability to design advertisements (CAP) in 2019, serves patients by pro- viding state-of-the-art diagnostic Dr Adrian Charles with Dr Fouad Alchami. P Ability to meet strict deadlines services dedicated to improving the diagnosis, treatment, management, and imaging support services and was Copies of the virtual slides are also P Ability to work independently and prevention of childhood and built using Royal Phillips digital and available for researchers incorpo- P Five-year experience in similar field maternal diseases. It also plays a fun- computational technology. rating tumour appearances while damental role in precision diagnostics The digital lab has already investigating the genetic causes of dis- P Previous experience in newspapers preferred for its young patients suffering from enabled several efficiencies for eases. Digitisation will also improve diseases like cancer. pathologists and clinicians alike. The analysis over microscopy, provide Dr Adrian Charles, Division Chief tele-pathology feature has helped cli- quicker access to prior cases, link to Duties and responsibilities of Anatomical Pathology, Sidra Med- nicians to quickly get access to current the patient’s electronic medical icine said: “We are witnessing a greater clinical information; enabling them records and generate better predictive P Design and lay out magazines, reliability on the practice of pathology to respond, diagnose and treat their analysis over a period of time.” newspapers and supplements due to a global rise in diagnostic patients in a more efficient manner. “Our pathologists can evaluate and related diseases such as cancer and The lab has also digitized its slides by collaborate with requests received P Work with advertising and marketing coordi- an increasing demand to identify the scanning them into high-resolution remotely with increased efficiency, nators to design advertisements for clients exact sub-types cancer. Pathology also digital images which when magnified accuracy and speed. In addition, thanks helps provide prognostic information are comparable to a microscope. to the portability of scanned specimens P Work on special marketing projects as needed related to the efficacy of a drug. There Dr Fouad Alchami, Attending and a collaborative consultation appli- is also the added requirement for Physician from the Anatomical cation, multiple pathologists can faster, efficient, uniform and error-free Pathology Unit at Sidra Medicine, who discuss a single case and offer opinions diagnoses. A digital pathology lab at oversaw the implementation said, “By while navigating the same slide of Qualified candidates are Sidra Medicine is the way forward that digitizing the specimen slides, sharing tissue on different screens and in dif- invited to send their CVs to: will lead to better patient care out- them has become faster and signifi- ferent locations,” said Dr Alchami. comes and support the organization’s cantly reduced scenarios of loss or Sidra Medicine’s anatomical translational research efforts.” contamination of the specimen. The pathology lab becoming 100 per cent [email protected] The digital implementation, digital workflow will help eliminate digital puts the hospital at the fore- which took 18 months, involved close issues with handling materials and front of implementing cutting-edge collaboration with the hospital’s IT detect abnormalities as they occur. medical technology. THURSDAY 5 MARCH 2020 GULF / MIDDLE EAST 07 Iran says 92 dead as virus reaches all but one province AFP — TEHRAN

Coronavirus has killed 92 people Tehran issues international travel in Iran, officials said yesterday, as the world’s deadliest outbreak ban on government officials outside China spread to all but one of the country’s provinces. ANATOLIA — ANKARA Iran’s President Hassan Rouhani meanwhile dismissed Iran yesterday banned government officials from leaving the a US offer to help it fight the country until further notice as the novel coronavirus continues novel coronavirus outbreak, to spread across the country, local media reported. charging that Washington hides Iran’s Vice President Eshaq Jahangiri instructed officials to behind a “mask of sympathy” remain within the country’s borders to prevent further the spread while sanctions are depriving of the COVID-19 outbreak, according to the semi-official Isna the country of medicine. news agency. The Islamic republic All government officials except Foreign Ministry personnel reported 15 new deaths from will be barred traveling abroad to attend international confer- COVID-19 and 586 additional ences and events until further notice, according to the report. cases, bringing the overall toll Officials will be able to leave the country only with Jahangiri’s An Iraqi volunteer distributing masks to protect against coronavirus to a poor family for free, following to 92 dead and 2,922 infected. permission and will go through the necessary health checks upon an outbreak of coronavirus, in Kirkuk yesterday. “This virus doesn’t have return. The death toll from the new coronavirus in Iran has wings to fly. We’re the ones climbed to 92, according to the latest Health Ministry figures. spreading it,” health ministry Fifteen more people have died from the disease, with 586 the latest figures. we want to help the nation of national emergency services spokesman Kianoush new cases reported across the country in the last 24 hours, min- The provinces of Chahar- Iran,” Rouhani said, in a clear chief Pirhossein Kolivand was Jahanpour, who gave the latest istry spokesman Kianoush Jahanpour said at a news conference mahal and Bakhtiari, North reference to the United States. the latest such infection figures, told a televised news in the capital Tehran. Khorasan and Zanjan were Washington pulled out of a announced on Tuesday. conference. added to the list yesterday, landmark nuclear deal and It came a day after the virus “We have to cut down on leaving only Bushehr in the reimposed crippling sanctions claimed the life of Mohammad unnecessary interactions. We Baghdad not confirming Iraq’s south unaffected. on Tehran in 2018. Humani- Mirmohammadi, a member of have to be extra careful in the US President Donald Trump tarian goods, especially med- the Expediency Council which coming weeks,” he added, first coronavirus death said on Saturday he was ready icine and medical equipment, advises Iran’s supreme leader calling on the public to refrain to aid Iran with the virus out- are technically exempt. Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. from travelling and gathering at REUTERS — SULAIMANIYA break. “If we can help the Ira- But international purchases It also comes a week after events such as weddings. nians with this problem, we are of such supplies are forestalled the country’s deputy health The provinces of Tehran and Iraq’s Health Ministry said that it was not clear whether a death certainly willing to do so... All by banks wary of conducting minister, Iraj Harirchi, fell ill Qom were the worst-hit with reported as Iraq’s first coronavirus death had in fact been from they have to do is ask. We will business with Iran for fear of with COVID-19. 253 and 101 new cases of the new virus. A local health department said that an elderly have great professionals over falling foul of the US Football games were can- COVID-19 respectively, man in the Kurdish province of Sulaimaniya had succumbed to there,” he said. sanctions. celled in Iran due to spread of according to the spokesman. the disease. The health authorities in Iraq announced the diag- His counterpart in Tehran Rouhani said the US must new coronavirus across The Shia holy city of Qom, nosis of three new infections with Coronavirus, raising the total dismissed the offer, saying “our lift sanctions blocking medicine country, the state media south of Tehran, is the epicentre number of infections across the country to 34. Spokesman Saif people know well that you are purchases to prove its honest reported yesterday. of Iran’s coronavirus outbreak Al Badr confirmed the two new cases in Diyala Governorate, lying” with American sanctions intent to help. All football matches have and where its first deaths were and the third in the city of Najaf. still in place that block Iran’s “This is the first step... to been called off in Iran’s Gulf Pro reported on February 19. access to medicine. free banking relations for pur- League, as well as first, second Authorities have since “Those who have deprived chasing medicine, transferring and third divisions until March scrambled to halt its rapid were considerably quieter than with large posters on preventing the people of even medicine medicine and shipping med- 20 in accordance with the spread. Schools have been shut, usual yesterday, with few shops infection. Despite the preventive and food through sanctions, icine and food,” he said. decision taken by the Iranian major cultural and sporting open. measures, the novel coronavirus who have done the most vicious The novel coronavirus has center working to prevent and events suspended, and working Many people wore masks as is now present in all but one of things... they appear with a so far infected some high- combat coronavirus, Irna news hours reduced. Tehran’s streets they walked along streets hung Iran’s 31 provinces, according to mask of sympathy and say that profile Iranian officials. The agency said. Syrian girl who laughed off shelling starts new life in Turkey Two more Turkish soldiers AFP — BEIRUT martyred in Syria ahead A three-year-old girl taught to laugh off the sound of shelling in war-torn Syria has of Erdogan-Putin meet left with her family and started a new life in neigh- REUTERS — ISTANBUL Putin in Moscow today to try to bouring Turkey, her father agree a deal to halt the fighting. At said yesterday. Two more Turkish soldiers were least three rounds of talks between Salwa crossed the border martyred by government forces in Turkish and Russian delegations in with her parents last week at northwest Syria, the defence recent weeks have so far failed to the invitation of the Turkish ministry said yesterday, as fighting reach an agreement. state, her father Abdullah Al raged a day before Turkey’s Recep Earlier yesterday, Russia Mohammed said. Tayyip Erdogan and Russia’s accused Turkey of violating inter- The little girl rose to fame Vladimir Putin are to meet to seek national law by building up forces last month after a video was a ceasefire. in Idlib, and failing to meet its obli- circulated on social media of The conflict in the Idlib region, gations under a pact to create a her and her father laughing which has displaced nearly a million demilitarised zone there. The RIA at bombardment in embattled civilians, has intensified in recent news agency quoted a Russian northwest Syria. days between Turkey and allied defence ministry spokesman as Her father said he was rebels on one side and Syrian gov- saying “terrorist” fortifications had delighted Salwa would now ernment forces backed by Moscow merged with Turkish outposts in be able to lead a quiet life in and Tehran on the other. Idlib, resulting in daily attacks on Turkey, away from the “dis- Since late last week, when 34 Russia’s Hmeimim air base in Syria. turbing sounds”. Syrian father Abdullah Al Mohammed is seen walking behind his three-year-old daughter troops were martyred in an air Turkey, which hosts 3.6 million “Her future here — after Salwa at their home in Sarmada, a town in Syria’s last rebel pocket in the Idlib province, in this strike, Turkey has sharply ramped Syrian refugees, fears another wave she starts kindergarten and February 19 file photo. up drone attacks through the region from Idlib. In an effort to force then school — will definitely as an answer to relentless Russian Western allies to more forcefully be better than if she had nine-year civil war. “At least reluctant to allow any more them in February. The most air strikes that have helped the back its effort in Syria, Ankara has stayed somewhere at war,” now I won’t have to lie to through. Though he is one of recent escalation of violence Syrian government take territory encouraged migrants already in the the 32-year-old said. her,” he said by telephone the lucky ones, Salwa’s father in Idlib has killed more than since December. Syrian opposition country to enter the European In the video widely from the border region of said the departure was 470 civilians, the Syrian sources said Ankara is hitting Syrian Union via Greece or Bulgaria. shared last month, he asks his Hatay, where he is now bitter-sweet. Observatory for Human forces and Iran-backed militia inside NATO member Turkey has seen only daughter if the whizzing looking for a job. “I’m happy we are in a Rights monitoring group says. the strategic town of Saraqeb, which 59 troops killed in Idlib since the sound they can hear outside A Russia-backed military safe place and that we A new report this week has changed hands three times in beginning of February. The latest is a plane or a mortar. offensive on Syria’s last major managed to flee the bom- found that fighting in the area recent weeks, in what one called a casualties included six wounded, “A mortar,” the three- opposition bastion of Idlib bardment, but I’m also has rendered large parts of “war of attrition.” Local sources said the defence ministry said, adding it year-old answers. since December has forced annoyed and sad that I had the region uninhabitable. reinforcements are being sent to help retaliated and struck Syrian targets. “When it comes, we will almost a million people — to leave my country,” he said. The charity group Save Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s “After this attack, all targets in laugh,” she says before — at more than 60 percent of Mohammed escaped his the Children has warned that, forces. that region were hit and (Syrian) the sound of a blast outside them children — out of their hometown of Saraqeb late even in the case of an imme- The battle for Idlib, the last big regime elements were seriously — breaking into a giggle that homes and shelters. last year as regime forces diate ceasefire, it would take rebel-controlled area in the damaged,” a Turkish security endeared her to millions. Many have sought refuge approached. “months if not years” to northwest, has brought what the official said. “Russia’s approach to Mohammed says he is in areas along the Turkish He and his family then rebuild destroyed civilian United Nations fears might be the ensure the regime makes as much happy he will no longer have border, but Turkey — already found refuge in the town of infrastructure and create the worst humanitarian crisis of the headway as possible on the ground to invent games to gloss over hosting 3.6 million Syrian ref- Sarmada further north, trust for communities to nine-year-old Syrian civil war. ahead of the meeting is causing the horrors of Syria’s ugees on its soil — has been where a correspondent met return. Erdogan is scheduled to meet issues.” Political limbo again as Gantz rules out unity govt with Netanyahu AP — OCCUPIED JERUSALEM 15 seats, an all-time high for gloves. Israel has reported 15 predominantly Arab Joint List already indicated they are passing such legislation, partic- them. cases of the new coronavirus, and the secular nationalist seeking to poach defectors from ularly in the two weeks before Israel looked set to slide back Along with its religious and which has infected tens of thou- faction led by Avigdor Lie- the opposing camp in return for Israel’s president taps a can- into political deadlock nationalist allies, Likud had the sands and killed at least 3,100 berman, who has ruled out any plum political postings. All of didate to form a government, yesterday as the final votes backing of 58 of the 120 people worldwide. alliance with Arab politicians. the potential defectors have appeared unlikely, especially were being tallied from the third incoming members in par- Netanyahu, set to go on trial Joint List chairman Ayman denied they would make such following an opinion against the election in less than a year, with liament — three votes short of on corruption charges in two Odeh has announced a series of a dramatic step. idea by the Knesset’s legal Prime Minister Benjamin the hoped-for majority. The weeks, claimed victory after exit conditions for him to back The Blue and White lead- adviser. Netanyahu’s Likud party final results were expected to polls projected his Likud party as Gantz as an alternative can- ership has meanwhile made it Netanyahu is eager to form holding on to a solid lead but be released later. These were the largest faction in parliament didate and made it clear that clear that a unity government a government before his trial falling short of the outright delayed because of new verifi- in Monday’s election. But late aligning with Lieberman was with Netanyahu is out of the begins March 17. parliamentary majority needed cation procedures and compli- fluctuations in the official returns out of the question. “The Joint question because of the serious He has been charged with to form a government. cations arising from tallying signaled that Israel’s year of List won’t allow the racist charges against him. fraud, breach of trust and With nearly all the votes some 4,000 ballots cast by deadlock is far from over. Avigdor Lieberman to become The party has signaled that accepting bribes for his actions counted, Likud led the way with Israelis confined to home quar- Although Netanyahu’s a minister,” he told Israel’s if it can get Netanyahu’s other in a series of scandals that 36 seats followed by Benny antine after possible exposure opponents together are pro- Army Radio. opponents to cooperate, it included accepting lavish gifts Gantz’s centrist Blue and White to the coronavirus. jected to hold a 62-seat It’s unclear if Netanyahu can would consider promoting leg- from wealthy friends, and party, with 33 seats. The Joint Election workers were majority, they are deeply capitalize on the divisions islation that would prevent an allegedly offering favours to List, an umbrella group of Arab- counting those ballots while divided and unlikely to coop- among his rivals. Officials close indicted prime minister from media moguls in exchange for led parties, finished third with wearing surgical masks and erate. They include the to the prime minister have forming a government. But positive press coverage. 08 VIEWS THURSDAY 5 MARCH 2020

Established in 1996

CHAIRMAN SHEIKH THANI BIN ABDULLAH AL THANI

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF DR. KHALID BIN MUBARAK AL-SHAFI [email protected]

ACTING MANAGING EDITOR MOHAMMED SALIM MOHAMED [email protected]

DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR MOHAMMED OSMAN ALI [email protected]

Malaysia’s Mahathir Mohamad speaks during a press conference in Kuala Lumpur on March 1, 2020. EDITORIAL Encouraging entrepreneurs Beyond Mahathir’s move reeling with the fact that such an at risk i.e., being accused of QATAR gives priority to the development of Small and approach will be unfair to their betraying the Malays by forming medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) which play an respective parties and political coalition with the Democratic important role in economic growth and diversification constituents – the electorates. It Action Party (DAP), swallowing of economy. The importance of SMEs and the role is not difficult to follow this logic. his words by strategically allying played by the government in encouraging private sector The electorates voted them for with his political protégé turned was highlighted the third SMEs Conference organised their political affiliations with a enemy, Anwar Ibrahim, and by the Qatar Chamber in partnership with the British FARIZAL RAZALLI political party. These electorates abandoning his long-time Embassy in Qatar. It also showcased the developments felt aligned with the political political party he once adamantly in the SMEs sectors in Qatar and the UK. Malaysia faces yet another party’s ideology. While profes- defended for. Vying for power Speaking during the event, Qatar Chamber political surprise only two years sional acumen matters, it was alone only tells part of the story. Chairman, Sheikh Khalifa bin Jassim Al Thani, said after the historic political tran- not the determining factor that After all, Mahathir has been that Qatar Chamber is keen in stimulating investments sition during the last 14th General got these MPs elected. In other wielding political influence on in SMEs which support the state’s policies in achieving Elections (GE14). This time the words, MPs got elected for repre- Malaysian politics since he economic diversification and move away from oil very same man who helped senting a popularly accepted retired in 2003 – such a political dependence. He added that tireless efforts have been orchestrate the first surprise political party rather than a influence has indeed been made by the Qatari government and the private sector The latest move delivered a shocking move never highly reputable individual’s proven to be the other dimension to enhance the country’s SMEs sector and increase by Mahathir anticipated by fellow politicians, professional achievement. of power that Mahathirism has its contribution to Qatar’s GDP. The conference rep- political pundits, opponents and Nonetheless, these critics been continuously felt across resented an ideal opportunity for identifying means to advance supporters. For the first time clearly miss out on the larger Malaysian political life. of developing and promoting SMEs by reviewing the his innovative since independence a sitting picture of a representative The latest move by Mahathir leading British expertise in this field. According to the Prime Minister voluntarily democracy. When an MP is to advance his innovative World Trade Organisation (WTO), around 95 percent political idea resigned from office during the elected in a representative political idea completes the story. of projects around the world come from SMEs. completes the tenure. Without triggering an democracy, the MP gives his alle- After governing for almost two Qatar Chamber, Qatar University and Qatar Devel- immediate dissolution of giance to the House (Parliament). years, Mahathir came to the con- opment Bank have launched MAAN initiative to initi- story. After Parliament, Mahathir success- He or she is solely responsible to clusion that politicking and party ative to support entrepreneurs. The initiative was governing for fully convinced His Majesty to himself, his constituency and the politics should be kept to the launched three years ago by Qatar Chamber, Qatar almost two appoint him as the Interim Prime country. Even the Federal Con- minimum when there is an Development Bank, and Qatar University with the aim Minister. stitution says little about political urgent need to stay focussed on to offer support for entrepreneurs through specialised years, Mahathir Not only Mahathir resigned parties, instead, emphasizes MPs governing the country more than training courses, incubators, competitions, awards, came to the from office, he also resigned as independent entities who may anything else. Cabinet reshuf- and promotion. SMEs and entrepreneurs have played from his party’s post. Only three give their loyalty to any potential fling, a repeated call from many, an important role in defeating the unjust siege imposed conclusion that words succinctly describe this leader as the head of the gov- will only work if Mahathir had a on Qatar by blockading countries. politicking and stupefying event – everyone is ernment. The independence of larger pool of political talents to The government has also launched national initi- baffled! The big WHY emerged an MP is further guaranteed by choose from. Unfortunately, this atives and programmes that support entrepreneurs party politics instantaneously across the the fact that even in the case of is not the case. The only way out and SMEs. Efforts have also been made to make their should be kept nation, which then effectively his withdrawal from his political then is to innovate the system to products and services competitive in the local market, to the minimum prompted the question, what party’s membership, his status as allow for a unity government in as well as initiatives to support their export capac- happened? Mahathir, only two an MP remains legally valid and which the Prime Minister would ities at the regional and global levels. when there is days after handing in his resig- no reason whatsoever for him to be able to choose MPs from any Ministry of Commerce and Industry, in co-oper- an urgent need nation letter, addressed the relinquish his seat at the Lower political party affiliations to take ation with Qatar Development Bank, has launched the nation. In such a short yet House. part in his cabinet. ‘Land and Industrial Loan’ initiative to provide support to stay focussed concise and precise address, he The customary belief that Mahathir himself must have for Qatari investors and encourage entrepreneurs and on governing the candidly explained the reasons voters vote solely for political known better that such an inno- SMEs to easily invest in the industrial sector. To build for his sudden resignation. His parties is somewhat synonymous vative idea would be too risky to an open economy, the country has issued and updated country more party, Bersatu, had decided to with Malaysian politics. To an implement. Nonetheless, he took many laws, including one that allows foreign investors than anything withdraw from Pakatan Harapan extent, such a belief has become that risk once again not in the to own 100 percent in various sectors. (Alliance of Hope) which made a standard in Malaysian politics. personal power interest but in Several hypermarkets have launched initiatives else. up the government of the day. However, the fact of the matter is the country’s interest. The power for SMEs which give them opportunity to showcase This decision came as a result of this belief has no empirical deadlock resulting from his res- their products to the supermarket chain and offer them continuous pressure from ally ground. At least since the last few ignation delivered the most the opportunity to compete with the market. The ini- parties which questioned GEs, this belief has been what daunting risk that saw divided tiatives by the government and private sector will play Mahathir’s overstaying in power politicians rather than voters political fractions in the country crucial role in boosting SMEs. and not wanting to follow on his would want to believe in. It is a wrestled for power. In a way, promise for a power transition. It convenient political rhetoric such a power vacuum had been was generally felt within Bersatu created and perpetuated by poli- preempted – it was the way that it would be in the party’s ticians themselves. Voters, on the events unfolded that was least best interest to form political other hand, have grown more expected in which a supposedly D-RING ROAD, POST BOX: 3488, DOHA - QATAR alliance with other political sophisticated and wiser that they peaceful power transition had have begun justifying their votes turned into a chaotic power EMAIL: [email protected] parties. It is on forming this alter- on a plethora of factors that struggle. This only provides com- native alliance that had put include personality, age, vision, pelling evidence for the omni- EDITOR-IN-CHIEF OFFICE: TEL: 4455 7741 / 767 Mahathir at odd with his own professional reputation etc. presence of power politics in the FAX: +974 4455 7758 party. While the party was toying Malaysian voters have been sig- so-called ‘Malaysia Baharu’ (the with the idea of allying with nalling this numerous times new Malaysia post-GE14). Such MANAGING EDITOR: TEL: 4462 7505 UMNO and PAS, Mahathir was of before in both the GEs and by- power politics occur at the the strong view that losers elections but to no avail. It was expense of the electoral mandate DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR: TEL: 4455 7769 should not be given spots in the only in the last GE14 this signal where politicians put their per- government. He devoutly lives by became so strong that it finally sonal interest over pledges and LOCAL NEWS SECTION: TEL: 4455 7743 his principle of not betraying the triggered the unthinkable change promises made to their people’s mandate given to him. in the country’s political land- respective electorates. Mahathir BUSINESS NEWS SECTION: TEL: 4462 7535 In contrast, Mahathir had some- scape. Malaysian voters sent a himself was not spared and got thing grandeur in mind – clear message that they wanted dragged into the political fiasco. SPORT NEWS SECTION: TEL: 4455 7745 forming a unity government real political transformations Fortunately, at least for now, where cabinet posts do not go by that are not only anchored upon the power deadlock ended with ONLINE SECTION: TEL: 4462 7501 party’s affiliation but by indi- material but equally on imma- the installation of Muhyiddin email: [email protected] vidual merit (and professional terial performance. Yassin as the new Prime Min- reputation). In this context, a As the oldest active politician ister. Nonetheless, judging from PUBLIC RELATIONS: TEL: 4455 7613 Prime Minister may conveniently in history, Mahathir is experi- reactions by the different email: [email protected] choose among the sitting menting with a truly innovative political fractions, and the quality Members of Parliament (MP) idea in Malaysian politics. It of support the Muhyiddin camp ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT: TEL: 4455 7837 / 780 based on their respective should become clearer now that commands, the road ahead is not FAX: 4455 7870, email: [email protected] expertise and experience to fill his founding of the new going to be easy. portfolios in the cabinet. BERSATU prior to GE14 was not CLASSIFIED DEPARTMENT: TEL: 4455 7857 As expected, the idea was met merely to create another political FARIZAL RAZALLI (Ph.D) email: [email protected] by severe criticisms. What is entity. It was more of a symbolic currently teaches at the Center troubling though is not really the move to innovate Malaysian pol- for History, Politics and Interna- SUBSCRIPTION & DISTRIBUTION: TEL: 4455 7809 / 839 criticisms but the reasons behind itics. He took the risk of putting tional Affairs, National Uni- FAX: 44557819, email: [email protected] them. Most political parties are his political image and principles versity of Malaysia.

www.thepeninsula.qa Quote of the day /PeninsulaQatar

/ThePeninsulaQatar Global growth in 2020 will dip below last year's levels, but how far it will /Peninsula_Qatar fall and how long the impact will be is still difficult to predict. /ThePeninsulaNewspaper Kristalina Georgieva, IMF Managing Director +974 6698 6188 THURSDAY 5 MARCH 2020 AFRICA 09 Libya: US to put sanctions on those who threaten peace

ANATOLIA — TRIPOLI The UN-recognised Government of National Accord (GNA) denounced Syria’s decision to hand over the The US Embassy in Tripoli yesterday said it will put sanc- Libyan Embassy in Damascus to the east Libya- tions on individuals who based renegade commander Khalifa Haftar. The threaten peace in Libya. GNA’s Foreign Ministry said the handover “violates In a Facebook post, the embassy pledged to work with UN Security Council resolution prohibiting dealing Libya’s UN-recognised Gov- with any parallel bodies to the GNA, which is the ernment of National Accord only legitimate government in the country”. (GNA), saying they held a meeting on Monday with Interior Minister Fathi GNA in Tripoli, which enjoys was “a violation of the sover- Bashagha and National UN and international recog- eignty of the Libyan state”. Security Advisor Taj Al-Din Al nition. The GNA has been On Tuesday, the Syrian Rezagi. under attack by Haftar’s forces regime of Bashar Al Assad reo- At the meeting, Charge since last April, with more pened the Libyan Embassy in d’Affaires Joshua Harris than 1,000 lives lost in the Damascus after an 8-year Moroccan health workers scan passengers arriving from Italy for COVID-19 at Casablanca Mohammed stressed “the US embassy will violence. hiatus and handed it over to V International Airport, yesterday. work with Minister Bashagha The UN-recognised Gov- Haftar’s “government”. to ensure implementation of ernment of National Accord The move was taken after US Executive Order 13726, (GNA) denounced yesterday the two sides signed a mem- which allows for sanctions Syria’s decision to hand over orandum of understanding to Tunisia suspends ferry services to against individuals that the Libyan Embassy in reopen embassies, according threaten the peace, security Damascus to the “gov- to the official SANA news and stability of Libya”. ernment” of east Libya-based agency. northern Italy over coronavirus A day after the meeting, renegade commander Khalifa The Syrian regime has Bashagha said the GNA will Haftar. become the first to recognize REUTERS — TUNIS who had recently arrived from conference. Two Tunisian teams shift from a defensive to an In a statement, the GNA’s Haftar’s government, which Italy by sea. In another pre- are scheduled to play against offensive stance against the Foreign Ministry said the does not have international Tunisia will suspend passenger ventive measure, flights from clubs from Morocco and Egypt militia of Khalifa Haftar. handover “violates UN recognition. ferry services to northern Italy northern Italy will use a separate in the coming days. Since the ouster of late Security Council resolution Haftar launched an and take other measures in terminal at Tunis airport to keep Tunisia’s neighbour Algeria ruler Muammar Gaddafi in prohibiting dealing with any offensive to capture Tripoli response to the spreading coro- passengers apart before a has registered several cases of 2011, two seats of power have parallel bodies to the GNA, from the internationally rec- navirus, Health Minister Abde- screening process. the coronavirus, as have emerged in Libya: Haftar in which is the only legitimate ognized government last April, latif el-Mekki said yesterday. In addition, foreign football Morocco and Egypt. The only eastern Libya, supported government in the country”. which led to chaos and Tunisia confirmed its first fans will be banned from North African country so far mainly by Egypt and the The Tripoli-seated min- bloodshed but stalled on the case of the coronavirus on attending games with local without a registered case is United Arab Emirates, and the istry stressed that the move outskirts of the city. Monday, a Tunisian national clubs, Makki told a news Libya.

Boko Haram kills14 African airlines face $40m hit from virus this year in attack on Nigeria military base REUTERS — ADDIS ABABA COVID-19 coronavirus, which million, IATA’s special envoy to criticism online for not can- has seen Europe’s biggest began in mainland China late Africa, Raphael Kuuchi, said at celling flights to China like cluster of coronavirus cases. Coronavirus disruption could last year and has now spread to an aviation conference in Addis neighbours Kenya, Tanzania Last month, Kenya Airways AFP — KANO cost African airlines $40 million more than 60 countries around Ababa. IATA forecast in and Rwanda. and RwandAir suspended all in revenue this year, a global the world. December that African airlines “The air travel demand for flights to and from China until Militants killed 14 security industry body said on The global hit to the avi- would make a loss of around Ethiopian Airlines has declined further notice. personnel and civilians in an Wednesday, a potentially ation industry is projected to be $200 million this year, similar by 20% due to the corona,” The World Health Organi- attack on a military base in devastating hit to often strug- $29 billion this year - a 4.7% to 2019. Tewolde said. “It is a big shock,” zation has advised countries northeast Nigeria’s Borno state gling airlines counting on industry-wide drop in revenue Tewolde GebreMariam, he told the conference. against banning flights. yesterday, security sources said. lucrative Chinese routes to fund per passenger kilometre, the chief executive officer of Ethi- On Tuesday, Kenya halted Senegal confirmed a second Suspected Boko Haram expansion. International Air Transport opian Airlines, Africa’s largest direct flights from Italy’s case of the coronavirus on fighters in trucks fitted with Airlines around the world Association (IATA) has said. carrier, said the virus had northern cities of Verona and Tuesday, bringing the total machine guns launched a have suspended or modified The blow to African airlines slashed passenger demand. Milan, which usually head to the number of confirmed cases in dawn raid on the army base in flights after the outbreak of the could be as much as $40 Ethiopian Airlines has faced Kenyan coast. Northern Italy sub-Saharan Africa to three. the town of Damboa, sparking intense fighting. Sources said six soldiers, four police officers Kenya accuses Somalia of and two members of a gov- Sudan central bank says US ernment-backed militia were killed along with two civilians. violating its territorial integrity “We lost six soldiers in the sanctions lifted on 157 firms attack while six others were REUTERS — NAIROBI injured,” a military officer said. AFP — KHARTOUM why Washington’s latest move means that the firms concerned The officer claimed 13 insur- Kenya has accused Somalia of violating its territorial integrity had come so long after it — including banking institu- gents were killed by a fighter and demanded it cease such breaches in an escalating feud that Sudan’s central bank declared it was ending its sanc- tions — can now undertake jet as they fled the area. Washington says is undermining the fight against militant group announced yesterday that the tions regime. international transactions. The leader of a militia said Al Shabaab. United States had informed The announcement comes A central bank official the civilians who died were The alleged incursion took place on Monday, when clashes Khartoum it was lifting sanc- as Sudan is working to revive recently announced that several among more than 50 local res- broke out in southern Somalia between the Somali army and tions on 157 Sudanese firms, in its economy and re-enter the Sudanese banks were close to idents hit by shrapnel after fighters loyal to Ahmed Madobe, leader of Jubbaland, which is line with a policy shift by Wash- international arena following reaching agreements to start rocket-propelled grenades fired one of Somalia’s five semi-autonomous states and sited on the ington in late 2017. the ouster in April 2019 of issuing US credit cards. by the jihadists hit nearby border. The Nairobi government, in a statement yesterday, said Central bank governor longtime autocrat Omar Al Sudan’s economy was dealt homes. Nigeria’s decade-long Somali army troops had destroyed the properties of Kenyans in Badreddine Abdelrahim said in Bashir. The ex-leader is wanted a devastating blow by the two insurgency has killed 36,000 the town of Mandera, which lies along the shared border. a statement that “only a few by the International Criminal decades of US sanctions levied people and displaced two The Somali information minister in Mogadishu did not imme- Sudanese individuals and Court for genocide, war crimes over human rights violations million others inside the diately respond to a request for comment. The fighting has regional entities remain under US sanc- and crimes against humanity for and alleged support for “ter- country, and spilled into neigh- dimensions in East Africa. tions for their links to the con- his role in the conflict in the rorist” groups. bouring Niger, Chad and Madobe is an ally of Kenya, which helped build his forces, flict in Darfur”, a region hit by western Darfur region, which left Relations deteriorated Cameroon. but is detested by neighbouring Ethiopia, which has backed Soma- a protracted conflict that began 300,000 people dead and dis- shortly after Bashir came to The United Nations has lia’s central government. Both Kenya and Ethiopia have troops in 2003. placed 2.5 million others, power through an Islamist-sup- complained of a surge in vio- in Somalia as part of an African Union-led peacekeeping force The US announced an end according to United Nations data. ported coup in 1989. lence in the conflict zone in which, along with the Somali federal government and local states, to its 20-year-old trade Sudan’s transitional author- Sudan has been on Wash- recent weeks. Anger has been are supposed to be fighting al Shabaab’s insurgency. embargo against Sudan in ities agreed last month to ington’s list of state sponsors of growing among local residents The United States warned last week that the rivalries were October 2017, but retained the transfer him to stand trial terrorism since 1993 -- a status about the army’s failure to stem distracting from the war on the Al Qaeda-linked group, which country on its state sponsors of before the Hague based court. the country’s transitional the attacks despite repeated has been battling the internationally recognised Somali gov- terrorism list. According to Abdelrahim, authorities are lobbying to claims from officials that the ernment since 2008. Abdelrahim did not indicate the lifting of the sanctions overturn. insurgency has been defeated. One year after cyclone, Mozambique survivors desperate for aid

ANATOLIA — BEIRA, MOZAMBIQUE me away, so I was afraid of food.” Food scarcity for Cyclone being inside and outside the Idai survivors, like Faife who One year after the landfall of house,” Faife added. lost everything, is their greatest tropical Cyclone Idai, one of the Faife lost all his crops problem. worst storms to ever strike growing in his farm, as well as The competition for food, Africa, claiming over 1,300 lives, poultry and livestock which clean, and potable water is survivors in Mozambique, were swept away when the high, with little available, and Zimbabwe, and Malawi have cyclone struck. sold at exorbitant prices due started rebuilding, but remain He says he was one of the to high demand and scarce desperate for help. beneficiaries who received resources. For the residents of the East immediate assistance from vol- Susana Kapitao Oliva, a African country of Mozambique, untary organizations such as mother of five children from food is now the major concern, Voluntary Service Overseas and Macate in Chimoio, Mozam- as the cyclone harmed food the EU Aid Volunteers, which bique, spent over four days in security and affected farm- provided those hit by the waist-deep water without food, based livelihoods for hundreds cyclone, with food, shelter, and having lost all her possessions of thousands. The cyclone winds clothes, among other emer- and separated from her family. caused damage and destruction gency relief services. “We had nothing to eat and to trees and other vegetation, “We were taken to a school our houses were destroyed, we disrupting a serious number of shelter by volunteers, for food had nowhere to sleep, it was a livelihoods, especially those of relief. The help arrived after terrible situation. farmers. remaining hungry for so long. “Right now, our main Faife Mufundisse is an They gave us maize meal, rice problem is with livelihoods amputee who had lost both legs This photo released by the United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF) on February 26, 2020 soup, salt and cooking oil which projects. Our main source of in an accident. When disaster shows a building damaged by cyclone Idai in the Praia Nova neighbourhood in Beira, Mozambique. everyone was desperate for.” income was destroyed. Most of struck Mozambique, he says A year later, Faife had a us were just farmers, there is everything was like a with no wheelchair. People evacuation”. walls of my house were going makeshift house, previously [now] no food and clean water, nightmare: “People were were trying to save their lives, “My greatest fear running to crumble upon me, the other made out of stone, of mud and most water sources are still pol- running away for their lives, but no one would notice me that away like everybody else was fear was if I go outside the twigs. He says: “But it is a home, luted, we just want any form of there I was without my legs, I needed help with doing, I was very afraid that the house, the water would sweep what we want most is water and aid,” Susana said. 10 ASIA THURSDAY 5 MARCH 2020 COVID-19 cases in India rise to 29 Japan opens part of Authorities are increasing screenings last town off-limits at airports and border crossings, since nuclear leaks and urging citizens to AP — TOKYO Tuesday, and Futaba officials avoid large crowds. placed a signboard at their new Prime Minister Japan’s government yesterday town office. opened part of the last town that “I’m overwhelmed with Narendra Modi said had been off-limits due to radi- emotion as we finally bring part he would not attend ation since the Fukushima of our town operations back to nuclear disaster nine years ago, our home town,” said Futaba celebrations for the in a symbolic move to show the Mayor Shiro Izawa. Holi festival as a region’s recovery ahead of the “I pledge to steadily push Tokyo Olympics. forward our recovery and precaution, scheduled The entire population of reconstruction.” to be held across the 7,000 was forced to evacuate Town officials say they hope Futaba after three reactors to see Futaba’s former residents country next week. melted down due to damage at return, but prospects are grim the town’s nuclear plant caused because of lingering concern REUTERS — NEW DELHI by a magnitude 9. 0 quake and about radiation. Many residents tsunami March 11, 2011. also found new jobs and ties to The partial lifting of the communities after evacuating, The total number of known entry ban comes weeks before and only about 10% say they coronavirus cases in India rose the Olympic torch starts from plan to return. People stand in queue at a coronavirus screening centre at hospital, in New Delhi yesterday. sharply to 29 yesterday, another town in Fukushima. Futaba’s registered residents including 16 Italian tourists who The torch could also arrive in already has decreased by 1,000 had tested positive for the have advised to reduce mass not be impacted. international passengers. We Futaba, about 4km from the from its pre-disaster population disease as well as an employee gatherings to avoid the (virus) Paytm has six offices will not limit our screenings to wrecked nuclear plant. of 7,000. Many evacuees ended of a digital payments company spread,” Modi said in a tweet around New Delhi, employing 12 countries as we did earlier,” Unrestricted access, up in Kazo City, north of Tokyo, who had travelled to Italy. yesterday. more than 3,000 people. Vardhan told a news however, is only being allowed after long bus trips, various On Monday, the world’s “Hence, this year I have An Italian visiting the conference. to a 2.4sq-km area near the stopovers and stays in shelters second-most populous country decided not to participate.” western desert state of More than 93,000 cases main Futaba train station, which at an athletic arena and an had only six reported cases of An employee of Paytm — an Rajasthan was among those have been reported worldwide, will reopen later this month to abandoned high school. The COVID-19, but it is one of the Indian payments company who had tested positive earlier. and several thousand have died reconnect it with the rest of the town’s government reopened places US intelligence agencies whose parent firm is backed by And yesterday, Health Min- from the flu-like coronavirus, region for the first time since the in a makeshift office in another are most closely monitoring due Alibaba and SoftBank — who ister Harsh Vardhan said 15 of which emerged in the central accident. The vast majority of Fukushima town of Iwaki. to fears over how it would cope had vacationed in Italy and is 21 tourists from Italy — Europe’s Chinese city of Wuhan late last Futaba is restricted to those who Even after radiation levels with a widespread outbreak. based in Gurugram near New worst-affected country — who year and has since spread to get permission for a day visit. declined to safe levels, the Authorities are increasing Delhi tested positive for the had been taken to a quarantine more than 80 countries. The three reactor melt- region’s farming and fishing are screenings at airports and coronavirus, a spokesperson facility on the outskirts of New India, the world’s largest downs at the town’s Fukushima hurt by lingering concerns border crossings, and urging said yesterday. Delhi had tested positive for the supplier of generic drugs, has Dai-ichi nuclear power plant among consumers and retailers. citizens to avoid large crowds. “We have also advised all virus. Their Indian driver was curbed the export of pharma- spewed massive amounts of The nuclear plant is being Prime Minister Narendra our colleagues to work from also placed in quarantine. ceuticals due to fears of coro- radiation that contaminated the decommission in a process that Modi said he would not attend home for a couple of days while Vardhan said authorities navirus-related shortages and surrounding area and at its will take decades and it is celebrations for the Holi fes- we get our offices sanitised,” the were taking extra precautions this has caused “panic” in peak, forced more than 160,000 building temporary storage for tival, scheduled to be held spokesperson said in a against the spread of the virus Europe, the head of the coun- people to flee. massive amounts of debris and across the country next week. statement, adding that daily after the sharp rise in cases. try’s top pharmaceuticals The gate at a checkpoint soil from ongoing decontami- “Experts across the world operations and services would “We will now screen all export group said yesterday. was opened at midnight on nation efforts. Indonesia seizes half a million face masks amid panic buying Nirbhaya case: Notice to AFP — JAKARTA The owners did not have of surgical masks were also cleared and prices soar for in Bogor near Jakarta. permission to distribute the seized on Tuesday at a Jakarta masks and hand sanitisers. “People tell me they want convicts on fresh Indonesian police seized over masks, police said. apartment. Major cities including jamu to stay healthy and half a million face masks from “Mask prices have sky- And police said they busted Tokyo, Hong Kong, Sydney have immune from the virus.” death warrant a Jakarta-area warehouse after rocketed everywhere and there a factory at the weekend also seen panic buying sparked On Monday, Indonesia con- IANS — NEW DELHI the country’s first confirmed are shortages, most likely allegedly making and distrib- by the virus. firmed its first coronavirus cases of coronavirus sparked because hoarders are trying to uting counterfeit masks that did Indonesians, meanwhile, cases, saying a 64-year-old A court here yesterday issued panic buying and sent prices for make money at the public’s not meet health standards are scooping up a traditional woman and her daughter, 31, notice to four death-row prevention products skyrock- expense,” Jakarta police “Those masks are useless,” herbal tonic known as jamu and tested positive. Globally, coro- convicts in the Nirbhaya case on eting. spokesman Yusri Yunus said Yunus said. “They won’t protect in one city sellers dressed as navirus has infected more than an application moved by the Authorities were ques- yesterday. people who use them.” Batman and local superhero 90,000 people and killed at Delhi government seeking tioning two people after the Those convicted of hoarding The crackdown was ordered Gundala were handing out the least 3,100 people. But Indo- issuance of fresh date for their Tuesday evening raid at a ware- masks could face up to five by Indonesian president Joko drink to motorists. nesia — a Southeast Asian execution. house in satellite city Tan- years in jail and hefty fines, Widodo who has called on cit- “My sales have more than archipelago of more than 260 The Delhi government gerang, where nearly 600,000 police said. The warehouse raid izens to avoid panic buying — doubled since Monday,” said million — had yet to report a moved the court seeking a fresh surgical masks were found. came after hundreds of boxes even as store shelves are Nur Hidayati, 29, a jamu seller confirmed case until this week. date for hanging of convicts a few hours after President Ram Nath Kovind rejected the plea for pardon moved by one of the Hong Kongers hit hiking trails death-row convicts, Pawan. “In my opinion, principle of to escape illness, anxiety natural justice, which is implicit in Article 21 of Constitution of AFP — HONG KONG for too long. Going out hiking, India and the scaroscant prin- I think everyone shares the ciple of Audi Alteram Partem Hong Kongers are escaping the same thought — that is to (nobody can be condemned coronavirus anxiety that has breathe some fresh air, make unheard) cannot be ignored by gripped the crowded city by ourselves comfortable, enjoy the court,” Additional Sessions heading for the hills to find the breeze and the view,” Judge Dharmendra Rana stated. fresh air and space to exercise. 26-year-old Sadie Lam said. The court has sought con- While the financial hub is Over the past weekends, vict’s response and posted the known for soaring skyscrapers long, snaking lines of people matter to 2pm today. and cramped housing blocks, have been seen on popular The four convicts — Mukesh its steep mountains and remote trails like Lion Rock and Singh, Pawan Gupta, Vinay hiking trails offer welcome Dragon’s Back. Kumar Sharma and Akshay relief from the COVID-19 fears However, the sudden Kumar — were scheduled to be which triggered the closure of increase of walkers has left a executed on March 3 at 6am but public facilities. trail of rubbish behind, the court deferred it till further On a narrow nature trail including surgical masks and orders on the grounds that that winds up to High Junk hand wipes, and environmental Pawan’s mercy petition is Virus precautions Peak, overlooking the turquoise group Greenpeace is urging pending. shoreline of Clear Water Bay, people to “hike without trace”. The case pertains to the hikers form a queue on the Some 101 patients have gang-rape and murder of a The military-appointed members of parliament wearing face masks amid fears about the spread of steep and rocky path up to the tested positive for the virus in 23-year-old girl, dubbed later novel coronavirus leave after a session in Naypyidaw, Myanmar, yesterday. summit. Hong Kong, two of whom have as Nirbhaya, in the national “I’ve been staying at home died. capital in December 2012. ‘Hotter climate upped risk of Australia’s record fires by 30 percent’

AP — WASHINGTON — tabulating both measured and Australia’s 2019-2020 magazine — published by the observed changes in temper- wildfire season burned a record Massachusetts Institute of Tech- Australia developing satellite to Climate change raised the ature, drought and fire intensity. 19m hectares, displacing thou- nology — recently named chances of Australia’s extreme Last year was both the sands of people and killing at climate change attribution predict bushfire danger zones fire season by at least 30 percent, hottest and driest year on record least 34. models as one of the “Break- according to a study released in Australia since measurements The fires also razed rare through Technologies” of 2020. AFP — SYDNEY yesterday by climate scientists began a century ago. habitats and killed more than a “It’s one thing to paint a at the World Weather Attribution “There is evidence that Aus- billion animals, say researchers. broad statistical picture of how Australian scientists are developing the country’s first satellite group. tralian fire seasons have A decade ago, while scien- climate change is loading the designed to predict where bushfires are likely to start, following Scientists from Australia, lengthened and become more tists often discussed how climate dice for extreme weather events. months of devastating fires. Europe and North America cal- intense — and extreme temper- change increased the likelihood But it’s quite another to really dig The Australian National University said yesterday a team culated just how much human- atures have played a role in this,” of extreme weather patterns, into the climate data and spe- is creating a “shoebox-sized” satellite that will measure forest caused global warming elevated said Sophie Lewis, a climate sci- researchers were still reluctant cific numbers around an indi- ground cover and moisture levels using infrared detectors. the likelihood of Australia’s entist at the University of New to explicitly connect any specific vidual disaster, like the Aus- It is hoped the data will help determine where bushfires record-setting fire season by South Wales in Canberra, Aus- weather event with climate tralian wildfires,” said Kim Cobb, are likely to start and where they may be difficult to contain. comparing high-resolution com- tralia, and a co-author of the change. Today, more precise a climate scientist at the Georgia The technology would be “specifically tuned to detect puter models of the continent study. computer models allow scien- Institute of Technology in changes in Australian plants and trees such as eucalypts, which facing varying levels of climate “Climate change is now part tists to pinpoint the degree to Atlanta, who was not involved are highly flammable”, the university said in a statement. change. of Australia’s landscape — which an altered climate influ- in the study. It plans to partner with the private sector to launch the new The scientists took into extreme heat is clearly influ- ences the chances of individual “Reducing emissions satellite into low-Earth orbit and, according to remote-sensing account differences in climate enced by human-caused climate extreme wildfires, floods, remains the most important way expert Marta Yebra, the data would be shared with conditions in about 1900 com- change, which can influence fire droughts and heatwaves. to limit our climate risks,” she firefighters. pared to current conditions conditions,” she said. Technology Review said. THURSDAY 5 MARCH 2020 ASIA 11 Thousands wait for hospital beds in South Korea as coronavirus cases surge

REUTERS — SEOUL The new cases bring last year to spread around the South Korea’s total to world. Hospitals in South Korea’s South Korea reported hundreds hardest hit areas were scram- of new coronavirus cases 5,621, with at least bling to accommodate the surge yesterday as many sick people 32 deaths, the Korea in new patients. waited for hospital beds in In Daegu, 2,300 people were Daegu, the city at the centre of Centers for Disease waiting to be admitted to hos- the worst outbreak outside Control and Prevention pitals and temporary medical China. said. Most cases were facilities, Vice Health Minister The new cases bring South Kim Gang-lip said. Korea’s total to 5,621, with at in and around Daegu, A 100-bed military hospital least 32 deaths, the Korea the country’s fourth- that had been handling many of Centers for Disease Control and the most serious cases was due Prevention (KCDC) said. largest city, where to have 200 additional beds Most cases were in and the flu-like virus has available by today, he added. South Korean soldiers wearing protective gear spray disinfectant to help prevent the spread of the around Daegu, the country’s South Korean President new coronavirus at a shopping district, in Seoul, yesterday. fourth-largest city, where the spread rapidly through Moon Jae-in on Tuesday flu-like virus has spread rapidly members of a fringe declared “war” on the virus, South Korea, according to a tally between the two countries, the spread of the virus,” US ambas- through members of a fringe apologised for shortages of face by Yonhap news agency. foreign ministry said. sador Harry Harris tweeted after Christian group. Christian group. masks and promised support for Vice Foreign Minister Cho US President Donald Trump meeting Cho. Health officials expect the virus-hit small businesses in Sei-young met the US ambas- said this week his administration Up to 10,000 people are number of new cases to be high Korean Prime Minister Chung Asia’s fourth-biggest economy. sador yesterday as part of Seoul’s was watching Italy, South Korea being tested each day in South for the near future as they com- Sye-kyun told a cabinet meeting, Moon’s office yesterday said efforts to prevent the United and Japan — all with severe out- Korea, and daily totals have plete the testing of more than referring to extra medical he had cancelled a planned trip States from imposing breaks — and would make a decreased slightly since a peak 200,000 members of the sect, resources for hotspots and eco- to the United Arab Emirates, restrictions. decision about travel restrictions of 909 new cases on Saturday, as well as thousands of other nomic measures including a Egypt and Turkey in mid-March In the meeting, Cho outlined “at the right time”. the KCDC said. Experts caution suspected cases from smaller $9.8bn stimulus. due to the crisis. South Korea’s efforts to control “We remain confident in the that the results of those tests clusters. COVID-19 is the illness At least 92 countries have the outbreak and urged the South Korean government’s could take some time to be proc- “We need special measures caused by the new coronavirus imposed some form of entry United States not to take steps robust and comprehensive essed, leading to future spikes in in times of emergency,” South which emerged from China late restrictions on arrivals from that would affect exchanges response efforts to limit the confirmed cases. Malaysia’s new PM delays Parliament, and no-confidence vote New Zealand AP — KUALA LUMPUR political turmoil. the king appointed Muhyiddin, betrayal of their vote for a change teen arrested Muhyiddin led his Bersatu whom he deemed had the in 2018 elections, with small Malaysia’s new leader has post- party out of the governing support of a majority of protest rallies held over the after threat poned the next session of Alliance of Hope, depriving it of lawmakers. weekend to “reject the traitors.” Parliament by more than two a majority and causing its col- But Mahathir said he had Muhyiddin, a nationalistic months, effectively delaying lapse less than two years after its majority backing to serve as politician who once famously to mosque plans by Mahathir Mohamad’s historic victory in 2018 ousted a prime minister for a third time. quipped he was Malay first and former ruling alliance to seek a corruption-tainted coalition that He has called for an urgent vote Malaysian second, appealed for AFP — WELLINGTON no-confidence vote against him. had ruled for 61 years. in Parliament to test Muhyiddin’s support in an address to the Lower house speaker Bersatu joined hands with the claim of majority support, nation on Monday. New Zealand police arrested Mohamad Ariff Mohamad Yusof same coalition that it ousted, warning that any delay could see He denied he was a traitor a 19-year-old man over an said in a statement yesterday that along with several smaller his supporters being inducted to and promised to form a corrupt- “abhorrent” threat made this lawmakers will reconvene on parties, to form a Malay-majority support the government of the free Cabinet despite bringing week against one of the May 18 instead of March 9 as government. day. back to power the United Malays Christchurch mosques targeted originally scheduled. He said the Muhyiddin, 72, was sworn Mahathir, 94, resigned to There was no immediate National Organisation. in a mass shooting last year. decision was based on Prime in on Sunday as Malaysia’s protest Bersatu’s plan to work response from Mahathir’s camp Several UMNO leaders, As New Zealand prepares Minister Muhyiddin Yassin’s (pic- eighth prime minister after his with the former government. on the delayed resumption of including ex-Prime Minister to mark the one-year anni- tured) order, but no reason was surprise weekend appointment Mahathir tried to make a Parliament. Many Malaysians are Najib Razak, are on trial on cor- versary of the massacre by a given for the postponement. by the king capped a week of comeback, but it was too late, as angered by what they see as a ruption charges. self-avowed white supremacist that killed 51 Muslim wor- shippers, the police con- Pakistan Cabinet demned the threat and Thai quarantine flip-flop throws holidays into doubt increased patrols at two refuses to mosques that were attacked. AFP — BANGKOK The intimidating message declare health made on an encrypted mes- Thailand threw possibly tens of saging app reportedly showed emergency thousands of holiday plans into a man in a balaclava sitting in confusion after the health a car outside the Al Noor INTERNEWS — ISLAMABAD minister ordered any new mosque accompanied by arrivals from eight countries to threatening text and a gun The federal cabinet of Pakistan undergo quarantine for the emoji. has rejected the Ministry of coronavirus, before swiftly “This type of imagery has Health’s proposal for declaring reversing the decision. no place in Aotearoa New “health emergency” in the Health minister Anutin Zealand — it is abhorrent and country to tackle the novel Charnvirakul posted an will not be tolerated,” Can- coronavirus. announcement on Tuesday terbury police commander The cabinet in its meeting, saying travellers from affected superintendent John Price said chaired by Prime Minister countries would be subjected in a statement, referring to the Imran Khan, emphasised on to a 14-day quarantine “without country by both its Maori and strengthening coordination exceptions”. English names. between provinces to increase The countries were China, He said the man, who has awareness about the virus South Korea, Japan, Germany, People, wearing face masks amid fears about the spread of novel coronavirus, shop in a supermarket not been named, was arrested among the people, said Special France, Singapore, Italy and in Bangkok, yesterday. after police executed a search Assistant to the Prime Minister Iran. Hong Kong, Macau and warrant at a Christchurch on Information and Broad- Taiwan were also included on balance health concerns and country would designated as a provincial health officers will address and located several casting Dr Firdous Ashiq Awan the list. virus control with salvaging risk country,” said spokesman monitor them daily, said an items, including a vehicle. while talking to the media The post was removed flagging growth as Chinese vis- Taweesin Visanuyothin during official from the Department of Price said the man had after the meeting. hours later, and his official itors have evaporated. a daily press briefing, explaining Disease Control. been charged on an unrelated She said Special Assistant Facebook page was taken The beginning of 2020 was that Anutin needed the list to be South Korea has reported matter, which was not dis- to the Prime Minister on down. supposed to bring seven million “reviewed”. than 5,300 cases and 28 closed, and police were still Health Services Dr Zafar Mirza Anutin is no stranger to tourists to Thailand, but Premier Prayut Chan-O- fatalities. gathering evidence over the briefed the cabinet about the gaffes. Last month he lashed out numbers have tumbled in the Cha said yesterday the workers The Thai government’s lack mosque threat. coronavirus situation in the at “Western” tourists for not wake of the epidemic. who came from Korea’s two of monitoring of the returnees He said the police had also country and the steps taken by wearing face masks, suggesting Anutin’s apparent moment hardest-hit areas — Daegu and has spurred growing public increased patrols around the the government to tackle it. they should be expelled for of indecision — which fanned neighbouring North anger after various accounts Al Noor and Linwood mosques “The cabinet was informed putting others at risk. He later waves of concern on Twitter Gyeongsang province — would showed haphazard screening and would be maintaining “a that in all five cases of coro- apologised on his Facebook among Thais and foreign trav- be subjected to quarantine. at Bangkok’s airports. visible presence” as the March navirus have been reported so page. ellers — was played down yes- “This will make people feel Thailand has reported 43 15 anniversary approaches. far,” she added. Tourism is a lynchpin of terday by a ministry more at ease,” he said. confirmed infections and and “The safety of the com- Mirza said that all-out Thailand’s economy, but the spokesman. The others will return to one fatality linked to the munity is our utmost priority,” arrangements were being government has struggled to “We have to wait which their hometown where virus. he said. made at all the entry points of the country to screen the people coming from abroad, said Fridous, adding that the Pakistan struggles to combat devastating locust plague cabinet approved the health ministry’s request for purchase AFP — PIPLI PAHAR on the country’s southwestern career,” said Shehbaz Akhtar, of equipment to tackle the border with Iran. an agricultural official charged disease, with the directives to Pakistan’s farmers are strug- The crisis is so severe that with locust eradication efforts take the provinces on board. gling to combat the worst locust the government has declared a in the village of Pipli Pahar in The cabinet also called for plague in nearly three decades nationwide emergency and central Punjab province. better screening of travellers as insect swarms decimate urgently appealed for help from Local authorities had at entry points of the country entire harvests in the country’s the international community. “launched a combat operation” and preparation of database. agricultural heartlands and Officials in southern Sindh to clear the area of infestation Besides the coronavirus send food prices soaring. province fear the infestation with pesticide sprays, he said. outbreak, the cabinet took Heavy rains and cyclones will devastate the supply of Clouds of the noxious gas serious notice of corporal pun- sparked “unprecedented” cotton, the local cash crop, envelop the nearby fields each ishment to children in schools breeding and the explosive ahead of its harvest in the morning, where villagers gather and decided to ensure imme- growth of locust populations on coming months. the husks of dead insects for an diate implementation of the the Arabian peninsula early last Local surveys of the damage official bounty of Rs20 per kg required measures to stop the year, according to the United are continuing, but the Sindh bag. practice. Premier Imran Nations. Chamber of Agriculture says “We spray twice a day observed that in a civilised The insects have since nearly half of all crops have here,” says Fayyaz Azeem, clad society, no one could be fanned out and wreaked havoc been destroyed near the port in a face mask and thick indus- allowed to mete out physical on farms from East Africa to city of Karachi. trial gloves on top of a tractor A farmer is holding dead locusts in a village in Pakistan’s Punjab punishment to children, India before making their way “I have not seen an infes- discharging pesticide into rows province. Firdous told the media. into Pakistan from the desert tation like this one in my of crops. 12 EUROPE THURSDAY 5 MARCH 2020 Ukraine PM ousted; Zelenskiy seeks ‘new brains’ REUTERS — KIEV Oleksiy Honcharuk supervisory board of state-run firms — many of which were Ukraine President Volodymyr was replaced by appointed with the backing of Zelenskiy ditched Prime Denys Shymgal, who international donors — saying Minister Oleksiy Honcharuk in Ukrainian citizens felt like a a sweeping reshuffle yesterday told parliament his minority on them. after just six months in charge, immediate challenge An actor with no political saying “new brains and new was to stave off an experience who played a fic- hearts” were needed to revive tional president in a comedy the economy and tackle economic and budget series, Zelenskiy swept to corruption. crisis. power in a landslide presi- At a special parliament dential election win last session, lawmakers voted to year. accept the resignation of Hon- president, who was elected last But his administration’s charuk, 35, who left as the year pitching himself as an popularity has sagged after country’s youngest and most everyman outsider who would patchy progress on a com- short-lived prime minister since bring new faces into politics. mitment to end the war against independence in 1991. Finance Minister Oksana Russian-backed separatists in He was replaced by Denys Markarova could be axed for the eastern Donbass region and Shymgal, who told parliament Ihor Umansky, who was acting to fight high-level graft. his immediate challenge was to finance minister a decade ago Shmygal used to work for stave off an economic and under Prime Minister Yulia DTEK, Ukraine’s largest private budget crisis. He wanted to Tymoshenko. energy group, owned by the revise the 2020 budget, cut the Speaking before the vote, country’s richest man, Rinat salaries of ministers and some Zelenskiy criticised the gov- Akhmetov. officials, and also said the strong ernment for failing to arrest an The new government “is hryvnia currency had hurt industrial slump and for being radically different because we exports. soft on tackling graft, while took into account society’s The reshuffle threw seeking to reassure Ukraine’s demand for professionals. We Ukraine’s commitment to international partners of his took people who are authorities reforms into focus at a time commitment to reforms. in their fields,” Oleksandr Ukraine’s outgoing prime minister, Oleksiy Honcharuk, bows after lawmakers voted to accept his when it is trying to finalise a “Yes, indeed, this is the first Kachura, a lawmaker in Zelen- resignation during a parliamentary session, in Kiev yesterday. new loan programme with the government where there is no skiy’s party, said. International Monetary Fund high-level corruption. But not “Previously, this was con- Zelenskiy. Zelenskiy, whose TV show banking insolvency through that is seen as crucial to eco- stealing is not enough. This is a sidered a drawback, but now it His government also tussled became a hit on a station owned parliament that would bar Pri- nomic stability and investor government of new faces, but is perceived differently.” with Ihor Kolomoisky, one of by Kolomoisky, denies that his vatBank from returning to confidence. faces are not enough,” Zelenskiy Honcharuk’s position had Ukraine’s wealthiest tycoons, business ties with the tycoon Kolomoisky. Zelenskiy was set to bring said. “New brains and new been under scrutiny since the who has been fighting to reverse influence policy decisions. “It seems to me yes, this is a other more experienced oper- hearts are needed.” leak in January of a recording the 2016 nationalisation of his In order to secure new IMF victory for Kolomoisky and his ators into the cabinet, signalling Zelenskiy also took a swipe that suggested he had made former bank PrivatBank, the loans, Honcharuk’s government people,” a source in Zelenskiy’s a change of direction for the at foreigners being on the unflattering comments about country’s largest lender. had tried to pass a law on party said about the reshuffle. Serbia President Putin says Russia targeted from calls for April 26 abroad by fake news on virus general election REUTERS — MOSCOW identified what it said were REUTERS — BELGRADE thousands of fake news posts on Russia has been targeted from messaging services and social Serbian President Aleksandar abroad by foes spreading fake networks such as Russia’s VK Vucic yesterday called a news about the coronavirus to alleging that thousands of Mus- general election for April 26, a sow panic, President Vladimir covites have caught the virus. vote seen as important for his Putin said yesterday. Russia has not reported any Serbian Progressive Party (SNS) Putin’s remarks came as confirmed cases of people con- to cement its hold on power. Russia’s communications reg- tracting coronavirus on its ter- “I wish a lot of success to ulator said it had shut down ritory, although six people who all participants and a demo- access to some social media picked up the virus elsewhere cratic atmosphere on election posts containing falsehoods have received or are receiving day,” Vucic said after signing about the virus outbreak. treatment in Russia, according the decree in his office in “The Federal Security to authorities. The social media Belgrade. Service reports that they (the posts alleged that the gov- Most opposition parties fakes) are mainly being ernment was covering up cases. have decided to boycott the organised from abroad. But Interfax news agency said vote, accusing Vucic and his unfortunately this always Russian authorities had iden- coalition of autocracy, stifling happens to us,” Putin said on tified people suspected of cir- media freedom, attacks on Wednesday, in televised culating false reports about the opposition activists, corruption remarks at a government virus. and ties to organised crime. meeting. “The purpose of such An earlier headline from the Vucic and his backers, who fakes is clear: to sow panic news agency said people had had an overwhelming majority among the population.” been detained for spreading in the outgo maintindihan A Russian cyber security false reports, but Interfax later Cleaners wearing protective suits sanitise locker rooms at the San Paolo stadium, in Naples, yesterday. malalaman ko ang pgkukulang company, Group-IB, on Monday said this was inaccurate. ing 250-seat parliament, have vehemently denied the accusations. Italy considers nationwide school closures No money for masterpieces: Louvre Some of the opposition parties promote a nationalistic BLOOMBERG — ROME have a problem with intensive high schools, as well as their Museum bans cash over virus fears and pro-Russian agenda, The and sub-intensive care.” families. Many in the afflicted AP — PARIS cleansed with smoke because SNS sees Serbia as a future Italy announced a nationwide The government is also regions, from Milan to Venice it was thought their use con- European Union member, but closing of its schools until considering a ban of public con- and Bologna, are already con- The Louvre museum in Paris tributed to the spread of it also calls for close economic March 15 as it redoubles efforts ferences and cultural events fined at home. is temporarily no longer plague, Zylberman said. Egypt and military ties with Russia to curb the worst outbreak of that would be another blow for Schools in Northern Italy accepting cash as part of new also smoked banknotes during and China. the coronavirus epidemic in Italy’s economy, where travel have been closed since Feb- measures that helped persuade a 1940s cholera epidemic, he “Of course there will be Europe. and tourism generate more ruary 24. employees worried about said. passionate tones (during the The decision came after than 13 percent of economic “The virus is severely catching the coronavirus to Zylberman laughed when campaign), there always have Italian emergency chief Angelo activity, according to the World testing our health facilities and return to work yesterday. told of the Louvre’s new refusal been and there will be, but it Borrelli reported an additional Travel and Tourism Council. we need to limit children Staff members at the of cash payments from the is important that everything 28 deaths, bringing the total to The measures will further getting together,” said Fabrizio world’s most-visited museum museum’s tens of thousands of goes in a democratic manner,” 107. hit a country already heading Pregliasco, a virologist at Milan walked off the job on Sunday. daily visitors. “It’s a bit risible Vucic said. The number of coronavirus into recession before the virus University. “Closing schools is Fears that banknotes might be to go backwards by several The vote would also set the cases increased to 3,086 fro outbreak. a necessary measure because vectors of disease aren’t centuries and act as our pred- stage for Vucic, a former 2,502 on Tuesday in an out- The government is studying it will help limit the spread.” restricted to workers at the ecessors did in the 17th nationalist from the 1990s who break that has crippled activity a stimulus package worth $4bn In closing schools, Italy home of Leonardo da Vinci’s century,” he said. “That shows has since adopted pro- in the rich northern regions. and, according to an official, is follows similar measures taken “Mona Lisa” and other famous how nervous people are during Western policies, to proceed “It is a prudent decision to ready to push its deficit above by Japan, which is enforcing a masterpieces. an epidemic.” with an agreement on contain the virus because we 2.4 percent of gross domestic complete school shutdown due Public health historian The Louvre’s decision to mending ties with Kosovo, have a healthcare system at risk product. to last until April, and Hong Patrick Zylberman says the only accept bank cards for pay- Serbia’s former southern of being overloaded,” Prime As many as 8.7 million Kong. fear of getting diseases from ments was among the anti-virus province, which is predomi- Minister Giuseppe Conte said children and students will be Italy is the European money are age-old. In the measures laid out in detail in a nantly ethnic Albanian. in a statement yesterday. “We affected from kindergarten to country most hit by the virus. Middle Ages, banknotes were document sent to staff UK police charge another man over French govt wins key victory for pensions overhaul deaths of 39 Vietnamese in truck AFP — PARIS amendments, effectively The government argues that ignoble law will not pass.” REUTERS — LONDON UK in a similar way to the 39 forcing the bill through. abolishing the country’s 42 sep- If passed, the reform will be deceased throughout the month The French government won its Trade unions and oppo- arate pension regimes, which phased in over the coming years British police said yesterday of October and we hope that first parliamentary fight sition parties slammed the offer early retirement and other for people born since 1975 but that they had charged another these people would be able to yesterday over an overhaul of the move as anti-democratic, but benefits mainly to public-sector will not affect the pensions of man as part of their investi- help us,” Essex Police’s Assistant country’s byzantine pensions their calls for fresh protests workers, will be fairer and end those already nearing gation into the deaths of 39 Chief Constable Tim Smith said. system, clearing a key hurdle against a bill that triggered the years of deficits. retirement age. Vietnamese migrants found “We understand that they despite fierce protests and weeks crippling French transport Prime Minister Edouard Macron’s overhaul is the dead in the back of a truck near may be concerned about of chaos wrought by the largest strike this winter went largely Philippe hailed the text as a most extensive in a series of London last year. coming forward and sharing transport strike in decades. unheeded. victory for “social justice”, pension reforms enacted by Alexandru-Ovidiu Hanga, their experiences, but we can President Emmanuel The bill now moves to the saying that “those who defend successive governments on 27, was charged with an immi- assure you that your infor- Macron’s most ambitious Senate, where it again faces a the status quo... too often are both the left and right, aiming gration offence and was due to mation and details will be reform to date passed in the barrage of amendments just talking nonsense.” to end chronic budget shortfalls appear later at Basildon Mag- treated in confidence.” National Assembly shortly after intended to slow its passage, But the opposition vowed as people live longer. istrates’ Court, east of London. The victims were dis- midnight, after his centrist before heading back for final to keep up the fight, urging A government commission Detectives also said they covered in October in the truck majority survived two no-con- approval by the National voters to sanction Macron’s estimated last year that the deficit wanted to speak to any other container on an industrial fidence votes. Assembly before the summer. Republic on the Move party in could reach as much as $19bn by Vietnamese nationals who had estate in Grays in Essex. The bids to topple the gov- Critics say the introduction the nationwide municipal elec- 2025 if no changes are made. entered Britain illegally via a Autopsies concluded that ernment came after it employed of a single, points-based system tions that begin on March 15. Yet many details of the similar route through the port the provisional cause of death a rare constitutional measure will force millions of people to “Punishment will come at reform, including how much a of Purfleet. was a combination of oxygen to cut short a debate that had work beyond the official the polls,” the far-left France point will be worth when “We believe that a number deprivation and — overheating become bogged down in a retirement age of 62, or face Unbowed lawmaker Eric people retire, have yet to be of other people travelled into the — in an enclosed space. morass of opposition lower pensions. Coquerel said on Twitter. “This determined. THURSDAY 5 MARCH 2020 EUROPE / AMERICAS 13 EU unveils climate law, but Greta is unimpressed

AFP — BRUSSELS The European Union and some activists. must stop “pretending But handing more power to Europe unveiled a landmark the commission, the EU’s exec- green growth law yesterday but that you can be a utive arm, faces almost certain failed to impress teenage climate leader and opposition from the national activist Greta Thunberg, who governments and the European dubbed it a “surrender” to the still go on building Parliament which must ratify threat of climate change. and subsidising the proposal. The European Commis- new fossil fuel “Member states and par- sion’s draft of the law mandates liament will hate it,” said EU members to achieve infrastructure: Greta Quentin Genard of climate think “climate neutrality” — net zero Thunberg tank E3G in a blog post. greenhouse emissions — by The overall goal of climate 2050. neutrality was approved by EU It is seen in Brussels as the stop “pretending that you can leaders at a rocky summit in trigger to an economic revo- be a climate leader and still go June with coal-dependent lution that will make Europe on building and subsidising new Poland the only holdout. sustainable and meet the targets fossil fuel infrastructure,” the It binds the EU’s 27 member of the Paris climate accord. Swedish activist told a com- states to balance polluting emis- The proposal “will be our mittee hearing at the European sions and the removal of green- Teen Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg addressing the Environment, Public Health and Food compass for the next 30 years Parliament. house gases — such as by using Safety Committee meeting held at European Parliament, in Brussels yesterday. and it will guide us every step Thunberg was in the Belgian carbon capture technology or of the way as we build a sus- capital ahead of a Friday reforestation — within the next net zero by 2050 you indirectly ending fossil fuels,” said Molly five years thereafter, the EU will tainable new growth model,” climate action protest, but had 30 years. admit surrender, that you are Welch of Friends of the Earth assess progress and possibly European Commission Pres- also been a guest of Von der The Green Deal also giving up.” Europe. demand deeper emission cuts ident Ursula von der Leyen told Leyen at a meeting of top EU envisages a major investment In addition, critics say the Also angering activists, the from governments in order to reporters. officials that approved the drive to decarbonise the goal depends too deeply on proposal steps back from the reach the 2050 goal. It “will set in stone Europe’s proposal. European economy, but EU technology that does not exist commission’s ambition to order Thunberg said the position as a climate leader on The proposed climate text leaders are squabbling over the and creates a false hope that countries to cut emissions by 50 announcement was not all bad. the global stage and will inspire aims to enshrine into law the budget. climate change can be fixed percent or even 55 percent from “I mean the positive thing is many of our partners.” EU’s grand ambition of zero net Thunberg insisted that the without making sacrifices like 1990 levels by the end of this that they say that they are lis- But 17-year-old Swedish carbon emissions by time to drastically cut emissions abandoning fuel-driven cars or decade. tening,” Thunberg said after eco-warrior Thunberg poured mid-century. was now. curbing consumption. Instead, the EU draft accepts addressing parliament. “And the cold water on Von der Leyen’s It would also give the EU “When your house is on fire, “Europe is betting on that the existing goal to reduce negative thing is that they invite enthusiasm and accused Europe executive new powers to you don’t wait a few more years unproven technologies and pollution by at least 40 percent someone like me, a child, to tell of making false claims of lead- impose emission targets on to start putting it out,” said carbon sinks to suck up carbon by 2030 will be revised by them these things — I mean, ership on the environment. member state governments, a Thunberg. “When the EU we belched into the atmos- September. they don’t need me to tell them The European Union must measure welcomed by greens presents this climate law and phere, when we should be Then, by 2023 and every these things.” Romanians who Central Europe PMs hail Greece’s effort to stop migrants scammed $1m in AFP — PRAGUE triggered comparisons to the that Visegrad four (V4) states yesterday that there were that doesn’t work, then of 2015 migrant and refugee crisis are “ready to send help” to “already 130,000 migrants course just like in 2015 as a last diamonds jailed The Prime Ministers of four that brought millions of people, Greece. north and west of the Greek- resort the Hungarians will be central European EU members many of them from war-torn The Czech Republic now Turkish border that are headed there to stop them on the AFP — CASTRES yesterday hailed the efforts of Syria, to Europe. holds the rotating presidency in the direction of Europe.” Serbian-Hungarian border,” he Greece to stem the flow of “Greece is indeed active, it of the V4 group which also “So in itself defending the added. Three Romanians were migrants into Europe following has stopped illegal migration comprises Hungary, Poland, Greek-Turkish border won’t be Outgoing Slovak Prime Min- sentenced to four years in Turkey’s decision to open its and we appreciate its efforts to and Slovakia. enough, we have to do some- ister Peter Pellegrini said Slo- prison for stealing diamonds western border. defend the (EU’s) external Mass migrant and refugee thing about those 130,000 vakia was ready to send “police worth $1.1m in an elaborate Thousands of migrants have border,” Czech Prime Minister flows in 2015 led the EU to con- people who ... are heading officers and technology” to swindle of a French jeweller massed at the Greek frontier Andrej Babis told reporters in sider distributing migrants north. The Greeks have already Hungary if needed. and his Indian business partner. since Turkish President Recep Prague. across the bloc, a move that let those through,” said Orban, The four premiers also A fourth member of the Tayyip Erdogan announced last “The situation on the EU’s failed after the Visegrad coun- whose country built a fence agreed they would coordinate gang — a Serbian who was week that they would no longer border is really serious and we tries opposed it. along its southern border in steps to stem the spread of the living in Paris — was given five be prevented from trying to want to do our best to prevent Refusing to accept migrants, 2015 to prevent migrant flows. new coronavirus after the first years in jail by the judge in enter Europe. a return of the 2015 situation,” Hungary’s populist Prime Min- “This mass must be stopped cases were reported by the Castres in southern France, but The mobilisation has said the populist Babis, adding ister Viktor Orban claimed as far south as possible, and if Czech Republic and Poland. he is still on the run and subject to an international arrest warrant. They were convicted of Melania Trump honours snatching three diamonds — which have never been recovered — in August 2017. women from 12 The operation was launched four months earlier countries for courage at a diamond trade fair in Monaco, when two of the gang AP — WASHINGTON Department ceremony. introduced themselves to the A dozen women from pair as a wealthy Armenian US First Lady Melania Trump Afghanistan, Armenia, couple looking to invest in pre- drew parallels yesterday Azerbaijan, Bolivia, Burkina cious gems. between her youth welfare Faso, an autonomous pre- The group met again in initiative and a group of women fecture in China, Malaysia, Nic- Milan and another time in from around the world whom aragua, Pakistan, Syria, Yemen Mazamet in southern France the State Department has and Zimbabwe received the in August, when the supposed recognised for acts of courage 2020 International Women of buyers asked to have an inde- in their countries. Courage Award yesterday from pendent expert examine the Although the “Be Best” ini- Secretary of State Mike stones. tiative was designed for Pompeo. After concluding the deal, children, the first lady said the One recipient was the diamonds were placed in programme “ties nicely into the imprisoned in Syria and now a sealed box brought by the accomplishments of the women helps families of forcibly disap- alleged expert and which the who share the stage with me.” peared Syrians. Another is the Indian gem trader took away “Without positive support, mayor of Maidan Shar, a town with him, awaiting a promised guidance and well-being, which in Afghanistan’s conservative bank transfer of $1.1m. But the are just some of the attributes Wardak province, who has next day, no money arrived today’s children need, they will faced death threats and angry US First Lady Melania Trump during the annual International Women of Courage (IWOC) Awards at and the trader opened the box not enter adulthood with the male mobs. Other recipients are the State Department in Washington, DC, yesterday. to discover it empty. empathy and strength needed journalists and human rights In Castres, the prosecutor to help others as selflessly as the advocates. attending the ceremony. She women, noting that they often heroism,” she said. said the scam had been carried women here today,” Mrs. Mrs. Trump noted that yes- said she is inspired by the per- risk their safety to help others. International Women’s Day out using “sleight of hand with Trump said at the annual State terday was her fourth year sonal stories of each of the “These are the faces of true is Sunday. a double-bottomed box”. Maduro urges women to have ‘six children’ US Defence linguist charged for ANATOLIA — BOGOTA protect the lives of their unborn transmitting classified intelligence children. Venezuelan President Nicolas In fact, more than 24,000 children REUTERS — WASHINGTON States, to a Lebanese national located Maduro urged women to have a lot have been born to Venezuelan parents overseas,” Demers said in a statement. of children in a televised event in Colombia since 2015. The US government said yesterday that “If true, this conduct is a disgrace, espe- promoting a national women’s health Between 2015 and 2016, maternal it had charged a Defense Department cially for someone serving as a con- care plan. deaths grew 65 percent and child linguist with transmitting classified tractor with the United States military. “Start giving birth now, start giving mortality, after six days of from birth, intelligence to a foreign national linked This betrayal of country and colleagues birth. All women should have six increased 53 percent, according to to the Lebanese Islamist group will be punished.” children so the country grows,” 2016 government data, the last year Hezbollah, saying she revealed the The Justice Department said that Maduro said yesterday while he com- statistics are available. names of key American assets. during its investigation, it discovered plimented a woman who has six Chronic malnutrition is on the rise Mariam Taha Thompson, 61, formerly audit logs showing a “notable shift” in children. as well. The UN children’s agency, of Rochester, Minnesota, was arrested by Thompson’s network activity on the The National Plan for Humanized Unicef, says between 2013 and 2018, FBI agents at an overseas military base Defense Department’s classified systems. Childbirth and Breastfeeding would 13 percent of Venezuelan children on February 27. She is due to make an The discovery came on December provide heath care to every pregnant were malnourished. initial appearance today at the US Dis- 30, 2019, a day after the US launched and breastfeeding woman. “Every “Hospitals are not functioning, trict Court for the District of Columbia. air strikes against Iranian-backed woman should have six children for vaccines are scarce, women cannot John Demers, the Justice Depart- forces in Iraq and the same day that the good of the country.” breastfeed because they are mal- Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro ment’s assistant attorney-general for protesters there stormed the US Maduro’s words provoked con- nourished or buy baby formula during a television programme at the national security, called Thompson’s embassy in response. troversy in Venezuela where pregnant because it is unaffordable, and the Miraflores Presidential Palace, in Caracas. alleged conduct a “disgrace” to her The information Thompson was women are often left unprotected country faces forced migration due country. looking up involved dozens of files on without access to the public health to the humanitarian emergency,” Maduro made another comment “While in a war zone, the defendant human intelligence sources she had no system, forcing thousands to leave Manuela Bolivar, a member of the which caused controversy when he allegedly gave sensitive national need to access, including their names, Venezuela for other countries every opposition-controlled National said: “Women were made to give defence information, including the photographs and other personally-iden- day seeking prenatal care and to Assembly wrote on Twitter. birth.” names of individuals helping the United tifiable information, the department said. 14 AMERICAS THURSDAY 5 MARCH 2020 Biden claims 9 Super Tuesday wins

AP — WASHINGTON The Democratic Party's race to pick a candidate to face A resurgent Joe Biden scored victories President Donald Trump in November is narrowing down from Texas to Massachusetts on to two-man contest between former vice-president Joe Super Tuesday, revitalizing a presi- dential bid that was teetering on the Biden, and Senator Bernie Sanders. edge of disaster just days earlier. But his rival Bernie Sanders seized the Biden and Sanders, lifelong politi- take on President Donald Trump in the biggest prize with a win in California cians with starkly different visions for November general election. that ensured he would drive the America’s future, were battling for del- But the new contours of the fight Democrats’ nomination fight for the egates as 14 states and one US territory between Biden and Sanders crystal- foreseeable future. held a series of high-stakes elections lized as the former vice-president and With Mike Bloomberg's exit, the that marked the most significant day the three-term Vermont senator spoke Democratic Party’s presidential field, of voting in the party’s 2020 presi- to each other from dueling victory which featured more than a half-dozen dential nomination fight. speeches delivered from opposite ends candidates a week ago, transformed It could take weeks — or months of the country on Tuesday night. into a two-man contest. — for the party to pick one of them to “People are talking about a revo- lution. We started a movement,” Biden said in Los Angeles, knocking one of Bloomberg quits race, backs Biden Sanders’ signature lines. Without citing his surging rival by in the slate of states that account for name, Sanders swiped at Biden from almost one-third of the total dele- Burlington, Vermont. gates available in the Democratic “You cannot beat Trump with the nominating contest. same-old, same-old kind of politics,” He won only the territory of Sanders declared, ticking down a list Democratic US presidential candidate and former vice-president Joe Biden American Samoa and picked up of past policy differences with Biden speaks at his Super Tuesday night rally in Los Angeles. several dozen delegates elsewhere. on Social Security, trade and military Biden, meanwhile, won big in force. “This will become a contrast in Southern states where Bloomberg ideas.” “The Democrat establishment came energized liberals, young people and had poured tens of millions of dollars The Sanders campaign announced together and crushed Bernie Sanders, Latinos. But he was unable to suffi- and even cautiously hoped for a yesterday it would begin airing three AGAIN!” Trump tweeted. ciently widen his appeal to older voters victory. new campaign ads in Arizona, Florida, Biden’s victories were powered by and college graduates who make up a AP — NEW YORK “I entered the race for President Idaho, Illinois, Michigan, Mississippi, Democratic voters who broke his way sizable share of Democratic voters, to defeat Donald Trump,” Bloomberg Missouri, Ohio, and Washington, states just days before casting their ballots — according to AP VoteCast. Billionaire Mike Bloomberg ended his said in a statement. “Today, I am that hold primaries on March 10 and a wave of late momentum that The former vice-president showed bid for the Democratic presidential leaving the race for the same reason: March 17. scrambled the race in a matter of hours. strength in the Northeast with a victory nomination yesterday and endorsed to defeat Donald Trump — because One of the new ads features In some states, the late-deciders in Massachusetts. He won delegate- former vice-president Joe Biden. It it is clear to me that staying in would archived footage of former President made up roughly half of all voters, rich Texas in the Southwest, Minnesota was a stunning collapse for the make achieving that goal more dif- Barack Obama praising Sanders. It’s a according to AP VoteCast, surveys of in the upper Midwest and finished on former New York City mayor, who ficult.” Bloomberg said he has known not-so-subtle attempt by the Vermont voters in several state primaries. top across the South in Virginia, had his 2020 hopes on the Super Biden for a long time and knows senator to undercut Biden’s frequently He drew support from a broad coa- Alabama, North Carolina, Tennessee Tuesday states and pumped more Biden’s commitment to issues spotlighting his closeness to Obama. lition of moderates and conservatives, and Arkansas, in addition to Oklahoma. than $500m of his own fortune into including gun safety, health care, Trump took to Twitter yesterday African Americans and voters older And while Sanders scored the the campaign. climate change and good jobs. to call Biden’s strong Super Tuesday than 45. night’s biggest delegate-prize in Cali- Bloomberg announced his “Today I am glad to endorse him showing “a perfect storm” and amplify Sanders’ success proved he could fornia, he scored just three other departure from the race after a dis- — and I will work to make him the his long-running argument that the deliver in perhaps the greatest test of decisive victories, winning his home appointing finish on Super Tuesday next President of the United States.” Democratic Party would move to stop his decadeslong political career. His state of Vermont, along with Utah and Sanders from winning the nomination. success was built on a base of Colorado. Sessions heads to Nine dead from COVID-19 in US; New York has 6 cases US offers help to runoff in Alabama China, others on REUTERS — NEW YORK in nearly 80 countries and ter- Senate race ritories, killing more than 3,000 coronavirus MOBILE — ALABABAMA The number of people ill with people. the new coronavirus has risen Of the six cases of people AGENCEIS — WASHINGTON President Donald Trump to six in New York state, with coronavirus in New York, lashed out at his former Governor Andrew Cuomo said only one is hospitalized, Cuomo US Defense Secretary Mark attorney-general Jeff Sessions yesterday, as officials confirmed said at a news conference. Esper offered US help to China as the Alabama Republican total nine deaths from the virus The four new cases include and the region for the advanced to a primary runoff in Seattle area in Washington. three family members of the prevention and control of for his old Senate seat in New York’s Yeshiva Uni- hospitalized man, New York coronavirus in a call with his Alabama. versity said one of its students Mayor Bill De Blasio said in a Chinese counterpart, the Sessions securely held the had tested positive for statement. The fourth was a Pentagon said yesterday. Alabama Senate seat for two COVID-19, and it was canceling neighbor, according to media “Secretary Esper conveyed decades, but was forced into all classes yesterday at one of reports. the United States’ ongoing a runoff with a political new- its four New York City cam- “There are going to be concern over the global impact comer after being wounded by puses as a “precautionary step” many, many people who test of Coronavirus (COVID-19) Trump’s prior criticisms of while it worked with author- positive. By definition, the more and reaffirmed the United A worker cleans a passenger bus in Seattle, US, where the bus Sessions’ recusal in the Russia ities on how to best prepare and you test, the more people you States’ offer to continue to operator is ramping up efforts to prevent the spread of the novel investigation. keep its students safe. will find who test positive,” assist China and the region The newest criticisms by On Tuesday, officials said a Cuomo said. coronavirus outbreak. with support for COVID-19 Trump, who has previously man in his 50s who lives in a New York wants to get the prevention and control,” a been largely quiet on the race, New York City suburb and state’s capacity for testing for At least one school in the public health authorities in 12 Pentagon readout of the call could further damage Sessions’ works at a Manhattan law firm the virus to up to 1,000 a day, Bronx neighborhood of New states plus 48 among people said. hopes of a political resur- tested positive for the virus, the he said. York City closed on Tuesday. repatriated from abroad, most The call between Esper rection in the state where he second identified case in the “The people who we are The SAR Academy and SAR of them from an outbreak and Chinese Defence Minister had been a conservative icon. state. Health authorities said most concerned about, who are High School remained closed aboard the Diamond Princess Wei Fenghe took place yes- Sessions fell short of one of his children was a most vulnerable are senior cit- yesterday, but online classes cruise liner in Japan. terday. The readout did not winning the GOP nomination student at Yeshiva. izens, people with immune were taking place, according to Nine people have died in the say whether Beijing expressed and will face former college The man has severe pneu- comprised situations. What a man with a child at the school. Seattle area, health officials any interest in Esper’s offer. football coach Tommy Tuber- monia and is hospitalized, offi- we’re worried about: nursing The latest data from the US said. Washington state in the The novel coronavirus out- ville in a Republican runoff. cials said. The patient had not home setting, senior care Centers for Disease Control and Pacific Northwest has the break, which began in China The winner of their March 31 traveled to countries hardest hit setting. That’s what we’ve seen Prevention (CDC) listed 108 largest concentration of coro- in December and is now runoff will face incumbent in the coronavirus outbreak, in other places and that’s where confirmed and presumed cases navirus cases detected to date present in nearly 80 countries Democratic Senator Doug which began in China in the situation is most in the United States. That tally in the United States with 27 and territories, has killed more Jones as Republicans try to December and is now present problematic.” consists of 60 reported by people infected as of Tuesday. than 3,000 people globally. reclaim the Senate seat in the once reliably red state. Sessions gave up the Senate seat when he was Tornadoes devastate appointed Trump’s attorney general, a position he was forced to resign after his Tennessee, 24 dead recusal from the Russia inquiry AP — NASHVILLE, US “It hit so fast, a lot of folks sparked blistering criticism didn’t have time to take shelter,” from the president. Rescuers searched through shat- Putnam County Mayor Randy Trump, who had been tered Tennessee neighborhoods Porter said. “Many of these folks largely silent on the race for bodies on Tuesday, less than were sleeping.” weighed in yesterday morning, a day after tornadoes ripped The governor declared an just hours after the race had across Nashville and other parts emergency and sent the National been called. “This is what of the state as families slept. At Guard to help with search-and- happens to someone who least 24 people were killed, some rescue efforts. State emergency loyally gets appointed Attorney in their beds, authorities said. officials, who initially reported General of the United States & The twisters that struck in at least 25 dead, revised the toll then doesn’t have the wisdom the hours after midnight to 24 fatalities on Tuesday or courage to stare down & shredded more than 140 evening. An unspecified number end the phony Russia Witch buildings and buried people in of people were missing. Hunt. Recuses himself on piles of rubble and wrecked More than a dozen polling FIRST DAY in office, and the basements. The storms moved stations were also damaged, Mueller Scam begins!” Trump so quickly that many people in forcing Super Tuesday voters to Damage to planes and properties is seen at the John C Tune Airport after a tornado hit Nashville, in wrote in a tweet. their path could not flee to safer wait in long lines at alternative US state of Tennessee, on Tuesday. Sessions, 73, had main- areas. sites. tained loyalty to Trump throughout the race and in his Tuesday night speech after making the runoff, noting that FBI needs to do more to fight domestic extremist threats: Watchdog he was the first US senator to endorse Trump in 2016 and REUTERS — WASHINGTON ment’s internal watchdog said by US residents who have been out more than 20 attacks in the with its proposed arguing he would be most yesterday. inspired by international mil- United States since September improvements. effective in advancing Trump’s The FBI has not done enough to Justice Department itant groups like Islamic State 11, 2001 — some perpetrated by The FBI concluded in 2017 agenda. fight homegrown extremist Inspector General Michael and al Qaeda, which the agency people the FBI had already that it should have conducted “Anyone can say they are threats and has yet to figure out Horowitz also found that the says is its highest counterter- investigated. about 6 percent of its counter- for the Trump agenda, but talk how to determine whether FBI did not follow up on some rorism priority. The FBI did not Horowitz found that the FBI terrorism assessments more is cheap, but I have fought on people it investigates who have cases that had been flagged as immediately respond to a conducted reviews after those thoroughly. But the agency did the great issues of our day and mental health issues pose an potential threats. The report request for comment. attacks to find out what it had not re-examine nearly half of won,” Sessions told a crowd in actual threat to national found shortcomings in the FBI’s So-called homegrown missed, but didn’t make sure those cases for 18 months, Mobile. security, the US Justice Depart- efforts to prevent mass attacks violent extremists have carried that agents followed through Horowitz wrote. THURSDAY 5 MARCH 2020 HOME 15 Bedaya showcases 9 entrepreneurial projects on sidelines of H H the Amir Sword Festival THE PENINSULA — DOHA the opportunity for five entrepre- neurs at the garden area to showcase Bedaya Center for Entrepre- their products which focused on neurship and Career Development Qatar and its environment. (Bedaya Center), a joint initiative These projects included the by Qatar Development Bank and plantation methods of desert roses, Silatech, in collaboration with miswak royal as well as many Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club, other products that promoted successfully concluded its partic- Qatar, especially with the ipation on the sidelines of H H the attendance of international guests Amir Sword Festival. who came from abroad to follow Bedaya’s participation the championship event. involved nine entrepreneurial Commenting on the successful projects which showcased their participation, Hanane Ibrahim, products and services during the The entrepreneurs utilised the opportunity to introduce the nature Business Development Manager event to motivate and support of their projects and raise awareness about their services. at Bedaya Center said, "This step them morally and financially. The reflects the level of interest that H H the Amir Sword Festival is one Equestrian Club, Bedaya Centre opportunity to introduce the entrepreneurs in Qatar receive by of the most prominent interna- offered Qatari entrepreneurial nature of their projects and raise giving them an opportunity and tional horse racing tournaments projects a perfect platform to awareness about their services. the best platforms to showcase in the region, attracting the most showcase their products, promote During this year’s event, four their products and services, which élite horses from stables around them and have access to wide entrepreneurial projects working in supports the development of their the world. spectrum of equestrian audience the F&B sector (coffee shops) had the businesses and market them in the With this remarkable part- who attended the event. The opportunity to operate in the VIP best way to reach the largest pos- nership with Qatar Racing and entrepreneurs utilised the area. Dukan Bedaya also provided sible segment of consumers.” CHLS hosts conference for advanced neurotechnology

THE PENINSULA — DOHA

The College of Health and Life Sciences (CHLS) at Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU) recently hosted the International Conference for Advanced Neuro- technology (ICAN 2020). The event attracted leading lights in neurotechnology and related fields to Doha, recently. Each year, ICAN gathers neu- roscientists and neuro-engineers from around the world to review recent technological and philo- sophical advancements in neuro- technology, big data analytics and The event gathered neuroscientists and neuro-engineers from around the world. neuroscience. Proceedings typi- cally focus on the development and application of next-generation throughput data capture analysis computing, building neuro- of fully cognitive silicon brains. tools to advance neuroscience. schemes for the creation of morphic computers, and neural They remain a work-in-progress Efforts to enhance the translation human-like robotic learning and mechanisms for planning, requiring due care and attention.” of technology to the science com- intelligence. decision making, neural pros- “To this end, it was an honor munity are also discussed. ICAN 2020 was hosted by Dr thetics, and brain repair. to host ICAN 2020. Doing so not The theme of ICAN 2020 was Edward Stuenkel, founding dean Dr Edward Stuenkel said, “The only underlined Qatar’s ability to merging advancements in under- of CHLS. The institutional main theme of ICAN 2020 could stage conferences and events with standing the computational skills partners for this year’s con- not have been more relevant. a global reach, but also the CHLS’ of the brain. Issues and topics up ference included the University Humanoid robotics have left the growing reputation in the fields for discussion included the of Michigan and New York Uni- drawing table and history books of biomedical sciences, genomics, development of mathematical versity. A series of keynote and are part of everyday living. and precision medicine. Finally, algorithms that translate com- speeches were delivered by Human brain-inspired intelligent I’d like to pay tribute to our insti- putational parameters into the experts and esteemed thought devices are driving the ascent of tutional partners. Their inputs, language of machines. Consid- leaders from academia and the modern robotics. These rely on contributions and overall support eration was also given to the private sector. Subjects included silicon-based electronics with cir- in the buildup to the conference availability of high density and nanodevices for bio-inspired cuitry driven toward the creation were invaluable.”

CROSSWORD MALL ROYAL PLAZA

Trance (2D/Malayalam) 2:00pm Onward (2D/Animation) 2:15 & 4:15pm Escape From Pretoria (2D/Thriller) 5:00 & 11:30pm Forensic (2D/Malayalam) 2:30, 6:15, 9:00 & 11:30pm Baaghi 3 (2D/Hindi) 7:00, 8:45 & 11:30pm; Baaghi 3 (2D/Hindi) 8:45 & 11:30pm Come To Daddy (2D/Comedy) 9:45pm The Way Back (2D/Drama) 5:00pm Onward (2D/Animation) 2:30, 4:45 & 6:45pm Escape From Pretoria (2D/Thriller) 7:00pm The Way Back (2D/Drama) 5:00 & 7:00pm FLIK Mirqab Mall Forensic (2D/Malayalam) 2:30, 9:00 & 11:30pm Baaghi 3 (2D/Hindi) 7:10 & 10:10pm LANDMARK Escape From Pretoria (2D/Thriller) 11:10am, 3:25 & 10:55pm Forensic (2D/Malayalam) 4:35, 7:15, 9:55 & 0:35am Trance (2D/Malayalam) 2:00 & 11:30pm Birds Of Prey (2D/Action) 12:15, 4:25 & 8:35pm Sundooq Al Dunya (2D/Horror) 5:00pm Onward (2D/Animation) 10:00am, 11:00am, 12:05, 1:05, 2:10, 3:10, Baaghi 3 (2D/Hindi) 7:00, 9:00 & 11:00pm 4:15, 5:15, 6:20, 7:20, 8:25, 9:25, 10:30 & 11:30pm Come To Daddy (2D/Comedy) 9:45pm Sonic: The Hedgehog (2D/Action) 10:35, 12:35 & 2:35pm Onward (2D/Animation) 3:00, 5:00 & 7:00pm The Call Of The Wild (2D/Drama) 10:15, 1:20, 2:25, 6:35 & 10:45pm Forensic (2D/Malayalam) 2:00, 4:30, 9:00 & 11:30pm The Invisible Man (2D/Horror) 11:15am, 1:40, 4:05, 5:40,6:30, 8:55 & The Way Back (2D/Drama) 7:00pm 11:20pm The Way Back (2D/Drama) 10:30am, 12:40, 2:50, 5:00 & 11:40pm

ASIAN TOWN ROXY Baaghi 3 (2D/Hindi) 12:45, 6:00, 8:15, 11:15, 2:00am Baaghi 3 (2D/Hindi) 10:30am, 11:00am, 12:30, 1:00, Forensic (2D/Malayalam) 12:30, 3:00, 3:30, 5:30, 6:15, 8:00, 8:45, 1:30, 4:00, 4:30, 5:20, 7:00, 7:30, 8;20, 10:00, 10:20, 10:30, 12:00 midnight, 1:00am, 2:15am 10:40 & 11:00pm Trance (2D/Malayalam) 3:00 & 8:45pm Escape From Pretoria (2D/Thriller) 3:00, 10:10, 10:30, Pon Manickavel (2D/Tamil) 12:30 & 5:45pm 11:30 Forensic (2D/Malayalam) 10:30am, 12:30, 1:00, 2:00, AL KHOR 3:40, 4:40, 6:20, 7:20, 9:00, 11:20 & 11:40pm Trance (2D/Malayalam) 11:00am, 5:15, 8:30 & Onward (2D/Animation) 10:30am, 12:30, 1:00, 2:40, 111:45pm; Thappad (2D/Hindi) 11:00am, 5:15pm Stardog & Turbocat (2D/Animation) 12:15, 2:15 & 3:50, 5:00, 6:00, 7:10 & 8:15pm 4:15pm; Kannum Kannum (2D/Tamil) 11:30, 2:15 & Pon Manickavel (2D/Tamil) 7:30 & 10:00pm 6:15pm; Ayyappanum Koshiyum (2D/Malayalam) 2:00 Sonic: The Hedgehog (2D/Action) 11:00am, 12:30, & 8:15pm The Invisible Man (2D/Horror) 9:15 & 12:00pm 1:00, 2:00 & 3:20pm; The Way Back (2D/Drama) 2:30, 4:50, 7:00, 8:20, 9:10, 9:30 & 11:50pm

FORENSIC Forensic is a 2020 Malayalam movie directed by Akhil Paul and Anas Khan starring Tovino Thomas, Mamta Mohandas, Renji Panicker and Reba Monica John. The movie is produced by Navis Xavier and Siju Mathew. 16 MORNING BREAK THURSDAY 5 MARCH 2020

PRAYER TIMINGS WEATHER TODAY Moderate temperature daytime with slight dust at times, FAJR04.38 am SUNRISE 05.53 am o o relatively cold by night. ZUHR 11.45 am ASR 03.07 pm 16 C 26 C Minimum Maximum HIGH TIDE 04:49 – 00:00 LOW TIDE 18:21 – 00:00 MAGHRIB 05.40 pm ISHA 07.10 pm W ALRUWAIS: 18o↗22o W ALKHOR: 15o↗25o W DUKHAN: 17o↗22o W WAKRAH: 12o↗27o W MESAIEED 12o↗27o W ABUSAMRA 16o↗23o

Isaac Newton's Streaming giants look to India for new growth rare manuscript AFP — SINGAPORE myriad languages. discovered in A major player is Hotstar — Netflix and Amazon are battling originally a homegrown outfit Corsican library a dizzying array of homegrown which later became part of the outfits, from Bollywood Disney empire — which has AFP — AJACCIO, FRANCE producers to broadcasters, for attracted an army of followers dominance of India’s streaming in part by streaming Indian A first-edition copy of Isaac market, a key target as growth Premier League cricket matches Newton’s groundbreaking in Western countries slows. live. book laying out his three laws As more Indians shift to Other Indian rivals include of motion, which became the viewing movies and shows ZEE5, run by major broadcaster foundation for modern online, industry revenues from Zee Entertainment, and ALT- physics, has been found at a streaming in the country are set Balaji, the video-streaming library on the French island of to jump from $500m in 2018 to service of Bollywood producers Corsica. as much as $5bn in 2023, Balaji Telefilms. Vannina Schirinsky- according to Boston Consulting As well as offering their Schikhmatoff, director of con- Group. services direct to consumers, servation at the Fesch public With many Western streamers are bundling their heritage library in Ajaccio, said markets saturated and Asia’s content with mobile phone she discovered the copy of the Commuters drive along a road past a billboard advertising the Amazon Prime Video online series top economy China effectively services in a bid to broaden 17th-century work while 'The Forgotten Army', in Mumbai,on February 7, 2020. closed off to foreign streamers, their reach. studying an index from the a nation of 1.3 billion where Netflix, the world’s biggest library’s founder Lucien Bona- phone ownership is forecast to subscription streaming service, Amazon also has a strong and other shows only to 45 series in development for parte — one of Napoleon’s rocket makes for a tantalising has made expanding in India a foothold in India with its Prime subscribers. streaming platforms, including brothers. “I found the Holy prize. priority and aims to attract 100 Video service and, like Netflix, To compete in a crowded Hotstar, Amazon, and Hong Grail in the main room, hidden “India is super important, million subscribers in the typically appeals to wealthier market, the US titans are Kong-based Viu, said Group in the upper shelves,” she said. for both Netflix and Amazon,” country — an ambitious goal urbanites who want to see offering their services for less CEO Shibasish Sarkar. “The cover has a little Tony Gunnarsson, a streaming given analysts estimate it will Western as well as Indian than in the West — Netflix intro- Two years ago their damage but inside it’s in analyst from consultancy only reach about seven million content. duced a package for India business was about 90 percent excellent condition — this is Ovum, said at the recent Asia this year. The company made a It is planning to release priced at only Rs199 ($2.80) a making films but work for the cornerstone of modern TV Forum in Singapore. mark with its first Indian around one Indian original pro- month, which allows con- streamers “is the fastest- mathematics,” she said. “Netflix... need to continue original “Sacred Games”, a duction a month over the sumers to watch only on a growing space right now”, he The Latin text, “Philos- to generate new subscribers, hugely popular series about a coming year, and is ramping up phone or tablet, and Amazon saud. The industry hopes that ophiae Naturalis Principia and there is no better place than troubled police officer starring its production of shows in Prime is Rs999 ($14) for a year. some of the new high-quality Mathematica” (Mathematical India.” But the US giants face top Bollywood actors, and has regional Indian languages. And the scene is about to get shows can find audiences Principles of Natural Phi- tough competition in the vast, a slate of new productions in the Netflix has been lagging even more competitive with the overseas beyond the Indian losophy) was first published by ethnically and religiously works. They plan to invest behind Amazon in terms of sub- launch of the Disney+ streaming diaspora — two thirds of the Newton in 1687. The renowned diverse country where the Rs30bn ($420m) in Indian scriber numbers but looks set service in India next month via viewers for “Sacred Games” physicist was famously streaming scene is rapidly content in 2019 and 2020. to move ahead from 2021, Hotstar. season one, which is in Hindi, inspired by seeing an apple fall evolving. “This is India’s golden age according to Ovum. The streaming boom has were outside India. from a tree in his garden in There are dozens of sub- of entertainment,” Srishti Arya, Nevertheless both will likely also shaken up India’s massive “Indian story tellers are now Grantham, England, which scription streaming services in Netflix India’s director of inter- struggle to catch up to Hotstar, entertainment industry, gener- going global,” said Sarkar. sparked his elaborations of the India, according to Ovum, and national original film, said. which reached 300 million ating new business Some observers are opti- classical laws of gravity, some domestic outfits have “There are so many oppor- active monthly users last year, opportunities. mistic that streamers in India motion and optics. English more experience in producing tunities in streaming, creators although the Indian streamer Reliance Entertainment — have much space for growth, translations were published content tailored for local audi- are not restricted by length, works on a different model, which produced “Sacred but in the long term they believe later, but the original editions ences and in the country’s duration.” Fellow US titan offering some content for free Games” for Netflix — has 40 to only the fittest will survive. remain prized by collectors.