THULHIJJA 16, 1442 AH MONDAY, JULY 26, 2021

16 Pages Max 48º Min 36º 150 Fils Established 1961

ISSUE NO: 18491 The First Daily in the Arabian Gulf www.kuwaittimes.net

Local leave: Staycation is the Independence of Uber Festival-goers revel in return Japan celebrates gold rush 3 answer for many residents 8 drivers a bumpy road 11 of live music at Kaleidoscope 16 on day of Olympics upsets

Kuwait to build logistics cities to attract foreign investment Planned zones, ‘smart port’ to also help support diversification drive

KUWAIT: Kuwait plans to establish logistics cities artificial intelligence and warehousing logistics, on recently acquired land to support the local econo- Sheikh Yousef added. “The first project is a maritime my and attract foreign investment, Kuwait Ports single window system that links three ports together Authority (KPA) announced yesterday. Sheikh Yousef for efficiency,” he said. Al-Abdullah Al-Sabah, KPA Director-General, said The second “smart port” project will connect the these cities will be built on an area of 2 million square systems of all related parties to release and secure the meters and designed by global design agencies to flow of goods electronically, he added. The facility will ensure high standards that will support e-commerce. serve as a “contact point” linking all concerned bodies, The aim of the logistics cities’ project is to find a besides using automation and innovative technologies logistical solution with competitive prices for foreign to easily manage day-to-day operations. Meanwhile, companies that wish to store their goods regionally in KPA will establish its first dry port to serve the flow of Kuwait, attract foreign investment and fulfill economic goods, which will reduce the accumulation of trucks on growth, as well as support a diversification drive in the borders, Sheikh Yousef stressed. the sources of income, Sheikh Yousef said. Each of the On KPA revenues, Sheikh Yousef said an increase planned “logistics cities” will serve a particular pur- of 400 percent over the last six years pushed total pose, he elaborated, saying these zones will prove assets to $186 million, an accomplishment he attrib- beneficial to small- and medium-sized enterprises, in uted to meticulous and intricate planning. The marine addition to offering firms abroad lucrative investment freight industry was hit hard by the COVID pandemic, opportunities. coupled with recent “mishaps at sea” that brought a Kuwait will turn into a re-export and shipping cen- large chunk of global trade to a standstill, he added, ter to neighboring countries, in addition to providing expecting stranded ships to be on the move again KUWAIT: A family is seen at Shuwaikh Beach as the sun sets behind Jaber Causeway on Friday. — Xinhua job opportunities for citizens in the fields of storage, once business picks up. — Agencies

Jarallah, head of the consultative committee to by the defense minister and in which the health min- News in brief Cabinet likely to counter the coronavirus, said yesterday the success ister is a member, was due to meet late yesterday to of the health system in containing the Delta variant make recommendations to the Cabinet amid expec- COVID affecting more children wave is an indication for more easing of curbs. tations that working hours of malls will likely be ease COVID curbs “The continuation of the health system in con- extended. The good news comes as Kuwait has KUWAIT: A senior pediatric consultant said in taining the Delta variant wave paves the way for reported a consistent decline in the number of new a TV interview sponsored by the health ministry amid drop in cases more reopenings, although with caution, depending cases for the past two weeks, with numbers drop- that a number of children have died in Kuwait on immunization,” Jarallah said on his Twitter ping below the 1,000 mark for the past four days. from the coronavirus, adding the number of By B Izzak account. He said the number of patients in hospitals Prominent opposition MP Abdulkarim Al- infected children admitted to intensive care units and cases in intensive care units has stabilized in the Kandari said yesterday that 17 months of closures has increased recently. Younger, unvaccinated KUWAIT: The Cabinet is expected today to ease past days, adding that directives have been issued to were enough, after they had taken their toll on the populations are enduring the effects of the rap- coronavirus restrictions after health authorities said step up vaccination in areas of infection and among country. The lawmaker called on the Cabinet to idly spreading Delta variant of COVID-19, with efforts to contain the disease witnessed good foreign residents as more vaccines are available. abolish decisions that have halted children’s activi- children representing a higher percentage of results amid a sharp drop in cases. Dr Khaled Al- The emergency coronavirus committee, headed ties and shut malls, shops and clubs after 8.00 pm. positive cases than in the past, according to health officials in the US. eyes,” he said afterwards. “I felt so Tunisians fete proud. I dedicate this title to all the MP asks about spyware Tunisian people. You have a champion now!” His gold, combined with com- KUWAIT: MP Osama Al-Shaheen yesterday new Olympic patriot Ons Jabeur’s eye-catching run sent a series of questions to the interior minister to the Wimbledon women’s quarterfi- asking if Kuwait or Kuwaiti officials had been king Hafnaoui nals, has allowed sport to provide a targeted by the Pegasus spyware built by the welcome distraction for the hard- Zionist NSO Group. Shaheen alleged the pro- TUNIS: On the day Tunisia marked pressed Tunisian people this summer. gram was used by some countries to spy on the moment the monarchy was abol- There could be more to come as activists and opposition figures, and asked if any ished in 1957, they will have permitted Hafnaoui bids to add the 800m Kuwaiti personality had been targeted. The mal- themselves to at least celebrate an freestyle title tomorrow - and his idol, ware is at the center of a storm after a list of Olympic king after a sensational per- double Olympic swimming champion about 50,000 potential surveillance targets was formance in Tokyo from Ahmed Oussama Mellouli, will attempt to win leaked to rights groups. Hafnaoui. The 18-year-old produced a a third career gold when he tackles devastating late burst way out in lane the 10 km open water event at the eight yesterday - Republic Day in grand old age of 37 on Aug 5. Jabeur Heatwave to continue Tunisia - to win the 400 m freestyle in may have lost her first-round match at 3min 43.36sec, overhauling Australian the Olympics on Sunday - perhaps KUWAIT: Temperatures in Kuwait are expect- Jack McLoughlin. her Wimbledon exertions took their TOKYO: Tunisia’s Ahmed Hafnaoui poses with his gold medal winning after the ed to hover around 50 degrees Celsius this “When I saw the flag of my coun- toll - but she has done her bit off the final of the men’s 400m freestyle swimming event during the Tokyo 2020 week as the mercury touched 52 degrees try being raised and I heard the court too. Celsius in Kuwait City yesterday. According to national anthem I had tears in my Continued on Page 2 Olympic Games at the Tokyo Aquatics Center yesterday. — AFP the meteorological department, no immediate respite is likely from the ongoing heatwave con- ditions. Abdaly and Kuwait Airport recorded a pected medal... won by a Guards nurse who is at the maximum temperature of 50 degrees Celsius, Iran hails Guard same time a defender of health and of the shrine,” the while Jahra recorded 51 degrees Celsius. Other newspaper wrote. areas of the country also witnessed above-aver- The term “defender of the shrine” refers to those age temperatures. nurse’s golden who work on Iran’s behalf in Syria and Iraq, which also house major sanctuaries in Shiite Islam. At the begin- shot in Tokyo ning of May, Foroughi told public television channel Actor to be deported Salamat (“Health” in Persian) about serving at field TEHRAN: Iran yesterday celebrated 41-year-old hospitals in Syrian war zones, including at Palmyra. KUWAIT: The interior ministry has decided to Javad Foroughi, an Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Media reports said Foroughi contracted COVID-19 in deport Pakistani actor Farhan Al-Ali, charged hospital nurse, who won gold in the 10m air pistol to August last year, and also helped to battle the virus at with violating public decency on social media, become the country’s oldest and newest Olympic home in Iran, which has reported nearly 89,000 deaths out of more than 3,690,000 infections. Al-Qabas Arabic daily reported yesterday. A champion. Foroughi, who survived COVID-19 in the TOKYO: Gold medalist Iran’s Javad Foroughi celebrates security source said the deportation order is Middle East’s worst-hit country, on Saturday became After his winning shot in Tokyo, state television broadcast a report from Baqiyatallah Hospital in on the podium after winning the men’s 10m air pistol effective despite the court of cassation’s verdict Iran’s first medal winner in any shooting event at the Tehran, which is run by the IRGC, and in which his col- final during the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games at the overturning a two-year jail sentence handed to Olympics. “Foroughi makes history with a golden shot,” head- leagues hailed Foroughi’s victory. Guards chief Hossein Asaka Shooting Range on Saturday. — AFP Ali by the criminal court. “The administration of Salami also celebrated the win, the movement’s the deportation prison will determine the date of lined the government daily Iran, splashing his picture on the front page - as did many other newspapers in Sepahnews website reported, calling the shooter an after his successful shot, media reports said. Foroughi his deportation for his homeland within 48 his homeland. The ultraconservative Javan published a “exuberant Guard of the Islamic revolution”. has said he began his professional shooting career just hours,” the source told Al-Qabas. picture of Foroughi giving a military salute on the President-elect Ebrahim Raisi, who takes office next four years ago in 2017. On Saturday he became his podium as Iran’s national anthem played. “An unex- month, spoke to Foroughi by phone just a few minutes country’s oldest Olympic medal winner. — AFP 2 Established 1961 Monday, July 26, 2021 Local Kuwait Amir receives Crown Prince, Parliament Speaker, Prime Minister

KUWAIT: His Highness the Amir Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al- His Highness the Amir Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah Sabah meets His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad His Highness the Amir Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah meets His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al- Al-Jaber Al-Sabah. — Amiri Diwan and KUNA photos meets National Assembly Speaker Marzouq Ali Al-Ghanem. Hamad Al-Sabah.

His Highness the Amir Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al- meets Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Justice and Minister of State His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al- Sabah meets His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled for Nazaha (integrity) Enhancement Abdullah Al-Roumi. Sabah meets National Assembly Speaker Marzouq Ali Al-Ghanem. Al-Hamad Al-Sabah.

KUWAIT: His Highness the Amir Sheikh Nawaf Ghanem and His Highness the Prime Minister Ghanem at Bayan Palace yesterday. His Highness of Tajikistan, Emomali Rahmon, on the death of his Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah received His Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah. Later Sheikh Mishal also received Prime Minister His sister Kurbonbi Rahmonova. His Highness the Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Mishal Al- on, he hosted Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Highness Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled and Justice Crown Prince Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah at Bayan Palace yester- Justice and Minister of State for Nazaha (integrity) Minister Roumi. In other news, His Highness the Al-Sabah and His Highness the Prime Minister day. His Highness the Amir also separately received Enhancement Abdullah Al-Roumi. In the meantime, Amir Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah sent National Assembly Speaker Marzouq Ali Al- His Highness the Crown Prince received Speaker sent yesterday a cable of condolences to President similar cables. — KUNA

medics worrying about oxygen shortages and of bod- Earlier in Sydney, demonstrators pelted officers Donations seek to ies crammed into swamped morgues. Dr Hechmi Louzir Protests mark with pot plants and bottles of water as they defied a of the Pasteur Institute in Tunis told AFP that donations month-long stay-at-home order, a day after authori- will mean the vaccination programme can speed up, global anger at ties suggested the restrictions could remain in place save Tunisia from and thus reduce the spread of the virus. Tunisia could until October. New South Wales state Premier “achieve our goal of vaccinating about 50 percent of Gladys Berejiklian said she was “utterly disgusted” COVID catastrophe the population by mid-October”, he said. COVID curbs by the protesters whose “selfish actions have com- Even in pre-COVID ‘normal’ times, Tunisia’s public promised the safety of all of us”. Police said they TUNIS: With Tunisia’s health system close to col- hospitals suffered from poor management and a lack PARIS: More than 100,000 people protested in issued nearly 100 fines and arrested 57 people. In lapse after being overwhelmed by a surge of COVID- of resources. At the beginning of summer, they put Australia, France, Italy and Greece on Saturday, Melbourne, meanwhile, six people were arrested. 19 cases, other countries and even individuals have out a plea for help - for personal protective equip- sparking clashes with police as they railed against police said. stepped in to stem the crisis. European and Gulf ment and intensive care resources in particular. COVID-19 measures and government sanctions New South Wales Police Minister David Elliott nations, Tunisians abroad and ordinary citizens have Groups including the country’s organization of young against the unvaccinated aimed at prodding more said a team of detectives would be scouring footage organized equipment and vaccine donations that are doctors, Tunisian embassies abroad and even private people into getting jabs. Dozens of protesters were to identify and charge as many people as possible in now helping to battle the pandemic. citizens organized fund-raising events. arrested after an unauthorized march in Sydney, with the coming days. “Sydney isn’t immune from morons,” The small North African nation of 12 million people “The mobilization of civil society saved Tunisia the city’s police minister branding those who took he said. Sydney, a city of over five million people, is had been struggling to come up with the necessary from a catastrophic scenario,” said gynaecologist part as “morons”. struggling to contain an outbreak of the Delta variant, vaccine doses even before COVID-19 really began to Cyrine Chedly, a member of an organization of young Organizers had dubbed the protest a “freedom” first identified in India and now spreading globally. hit hard. Now more than three million doses, most of doctors in Kairouan. The central city was one of the rally. Attendees carried signs and banners reading After escaping much of the early pandemic them donated, have been sent, with the number set to first to be badly hit by the pandemic, with some bod- “Wake up Australia” and “Drain the Swamp”. In unscathed, around half of Australia’s 25 million peo- reach five million by mid-August, the health ministry ies left lying in rooms next to live patients for up to France, where police deployed teargas and water ple are now in lockdown across several cities. There says. China and the United Arab Emirates have each 24 hours because of a lack of staff to take them to cannon against some protesters, an estimated is growing anger at the restrictions and the conser- supplied 500,000 doses, while neighboring Algeria overstretched mortuaries. “Donations of oxygen con- 160,000 took to the streets in nationwide protests vative government’s failure to provide adequate vac- gave 250,000. centrators have made it possible to reduce the num- against President Emmanuel Macron’s health pass cine supplies. Just 11 percent of the population is fully Jean-Baptiste Lemoyne at the French ministry for ber of serious cases and deaths” at the city’s main that will drastically curtail access to restaurants and vaccinated. In France, as elsewhere in Europe, the Europe and foreign affairs told AFP that France this hospital, Dr Chedly said. public spaces for unvaccinated people. government is making it harder for reluctant citizens week alone sent more than one million AstraZeneca Ons Jabeur, the celebrated Tunisian tennis player “Freedom, freedom”, chanted demonstrators in to put off getting the jabs. and Janssen doses, enough to vaccinate “a tenth of now in Tokyo for her third Olympics, auctioned two France, carrying placards denouncing “Macron, Legislation now being considered by lawmakers the adult population”. But either because of sluggish racquets and raised $27,000 to help finance an Tyrant”, “Big Pharma shackles freedom” or saying will make vaccinations compulsory for certain pro- diplomatic efforts by Tunisia or the global shortage of intensive care unit. Before the pandemic, the coun- “No to the pass of shame”. The demonstrations fessions, while the controversial health pass will doses, vaccines have arrived late. try had only 90 intensive care unit (ICU) beds in highlight the conflict globally between people severely restrict social life for holdouts from the end Tunisia has received just a sixth of the number of the public sector: now, helped by donations, it has caught between the advice of the World Health of July. There were signs the tougher measures doses promised under the Covax program, set up to 500. Tunisians arriving from abroad are allowed to Organization and other public health agencies and announced on July 13 were having the desired effect: ensure a fairer distribution of COVID-19 vaccines to import one oxygen concentrator per traveler, free the need to earn a living - or simply to return to a 48 percent of the population were fully vaccinated as lower-income countries. It now has one of the world’s of import duty. pre-pandemic lifestyle. of Friday, up eight percentage points from July 10. highest coronavirus death rates. According to an AFP Doctors post pictures of these items and other In Indonesia and the UK, governments have While more than three-quarters of French people count on Wednesday based on official reports, Tunisia equipment on social media, to show donors they are pressed ahead with easing of restrictions even in the backed Macron’s measures, according to a July 13 recorded 1.4 daily deaths per 100,000 population being put to use. But providing more sophisticated face of surging. Meanwhile, around 5,000 people Elabe poll for BFMTV, a sizeable and vocal minority over the previous seven days, placing it second-worst health care equipment can be stymied by coordina- demonstrated in Athens, carrying placards touting do not. Elodie, 34, a care assistant at a Strasbourg globally on this metric after Namibia. tion problems and bureaucratic obstacles. One field slogans such as, “Don’t touch our children”, accord- nursing home, denounced “the blackmail of care- hospital supplied in May by the United States was ing to an AFP journalist at the scene. And in Italy givers who were at the front line” during the first Swamped morgues not up and running until July, and another donated protesters gathered in Rome to demonstrate against wave and who are now threatened” with “no more Tunisian Internet users have shared videos of pan- by Qatar is still not operating because of a lack of a mandatory “green pass” for indoor dining and pay” and even being fired. “They’ve been lying to us icked families unable to find beds for loved ones, of oxygen. — AFP entertainment. since the beginning,” she said.— AFP

the coronavirus-related ban on spectators. “I train Tunisians fete alone with my coaches, it is difficult but the result speaks for itself,” Hafnaoui said. The teenager’s basketball player father inspired new Olympic... him to take up swimming. “He told me to try my hand at swimming because it is good for one’s Continued from Page 1 health and for building up the body,” he said. “With time I began to gain in confidence. These Tunisia is facing a record number of coronavirus last two years I began to win races at Arab and contaminations with public hospitals facing an African meetings and further afield like at the unprecedented influx of patients. Jabeur announced French championships.” a fortnight ago she was auctioning one of her rac- Little wonder then that Hafnaoui said his quets to help Tunisian hospitals fight COVID-19. thoughts turned to his parents as he stood on the Jabeur, who will add a personal donation to the medal podium. Before the Games began, Mellouli amount collected during the sale, said the money praised his younger compatriot but there were raised would be used to buy “drugs and medical words of warning for him too - which ring ever equipment”. Jabeur’s long-term goal is for her more pertinently now. “I am happy to pass the exploits to inspire more Arab women, especially torch to him,” he told Tunisian radio station IFM North African, to take up tennis. in July. “Ayoub (Hafnaoui’s middle name) has had The success of Hafnaoui, eight years younger some difficult times. He had to give up his studies than Jabeur, appeared to be as much of a surprise so he could succeed in swimming. He took a risk to him as to his rivals and most of those watching. as regards his future. I hope he will strike a bal- ROME: A protester holds an Italian flag as he takes part in a demonstration in Piazza del Popolo His Tunis-based coach Jabrane Touili danced up and ance between his financial and psychological on Saturday against the introduction of a mandatory ‘green pass’ for indoor dining and entertain- down the rows of empty seats left empty because of welfare.” — AFP ment areas. — AFP Established 1961 3 Monday, July 26, 2021 Local Staycation is the answer in Kuwait as COVID-19 renders vacation ‘a dream’ By Ben Garcia longed bonding with my baby girl and in August. “Since the pandemic began, wife, since I am also not comfortable we cannot enjoy time outside Kuwait, so KUWAIT: Despite the opening of the going outside. My plan is to do some I thought of doing something productive airport to incoming residents from household chores, probably clean the to earn money. After a week I had got August 1, many are opting to stay in house daily and cook for my wife, since bored, so I contacted several of my Kuwait during their scheduled annual she is working,” he said. friends who are into the resale business. I vacations. Jason Banawa, a restaurant “I wanted to be with my parents and asked them about the business and they manager from Batangas City in the friends and enjoy the summer with my willingly shared their secrets. I am now Philippines, said he planned to go on family back home. But because of the selling online and even after I return to vacation last year, but he couldn’t prevailing situation, I don’t want to get work in August, I will continue with this because of the coronavirus pandemic. stuck abroad without work. We need newfound online opportunity. It gave me This year too, a vacation is still a dream. work even more now since the pandemic not just an extra income, but connection “I had two months of accumulated is hurting us all,” Banawa added. His with customers. I have become friends leave. I was very much willing to go to vacation started last week and he will with many of them,” Trinidad said. the Philippines, but I had these ‘what-ifs’ return to work in the middle of Sandeep’s vacation was also put on of his annual leave in Feb 2020. “It was married last June after getting engaged in on my mind - what if Kuwait suddenly September. “It means long hours of sleep hold this year due to travel restrictions during that time when everything turned 2019. But the wedding was postponed closes the airport again? What if I con- and online games. I will also search for and uncertainty whether he will be upside down. Thank God I was able to due to the pandemic. “I promised my tract the Delta variant of the virus while online opportunities and will probably try allowed to re-enter Kuwait. “If I go to enter Kuwait, otherwise I would’ve been fiancee in 2019 to marry her in 2020, but on leave? The most ridiculous thing is the my luck at several games,” he said. India, I doubt whether I can come back, stuck in India. I pity my child as he wants since the airport was closed, we agreed sky-high prices of air tickets. So I chose so better to cancel plans to be with my me to with him, but this cannot happen to delay the wedding,” he said. From to stay at home in Kuwait with my baby,” Online selling family in Rajasthan,” said Sandeep. “My this year,” he said. During Sandeep’s August 1, Kuwait International Airport Banawa said. Speaking about online opportunities, vacation started on July 1, and I’m month-long staycation, he stayed with will begin admitting passengers of all Banawa’s company told him to take Gritel Trinidad’s vacation has been spent expected to rejoin the company on friends, visited malls and spends most of nationalities, provided they have valid his annual leave now since work is slow well due to online selling. She started her August 2,” he said. his time talking to his family in India. residencies and are fully vaccinated with during summertime. “I will have pro- vacation on July 1 and will return to work Sandeep was able to take advantage Hassan, also from India, was set to get jabs approved by Kuwait.

Firemen control blaze in Naayem scrapyard 2.4 million packs of chewing tobacco found in 4 containers

KUWAIT: Shuwaikh Port customs chewing tobacco. The second con- officers foiled an attempt to smug- tainer contained 154,000 bags of gle 2.4 million packs of chewing chewing tobacco, the third contain- tobacco in four containers arriving er had 2 million bags, while the from a Gulf country. Four 40-ft fourth contained 140,000 more KUWAIT: Four teams from the Kuwait ment by the KFF said that an emergency The teams addressed the situation and containers were meticulously bags of chewing tobacco, which is Fire Force (KFF) controlled yesterday a call alerted the firefighters of the incident managed to contain the fire with no searched by inspectors Friday not allowed to be imported into blaze, which erupted in the Naayem scrap- in which several discarded vehicles went human casualties reported, concluded the evening, who found 111,000 bags of Kuwait. yard earlier this morning. A press state- up in flames. statement. —KUNA

Kuwait Navy plans drill with live ammunition

KUWAIT: A picture showing Kuwaiti and US ships participating in the Combined Task Force 152 (CTF 152) in February 2019. Kuwaiti and US navymen pose for a group photo. —KUNA photos

Ministry of Interior yesterday, noted that Captain Sheikh Journal shed light on Mubarak Ali Al Sabah took command of the Combined Task Force 152 (CTF 152) in February 2019. The Kuwaiti Coast Guards, oper- ating under umbrella of the CTF 152 unit, has been carrying out Kuwaiti Coast Guards’ wide-scale patrols in the Arabian Gulf waters as part of the efforts to maintain regional security. Moreover, commanders of efforts in the Gulf the GCC countries’ naval forces have expressed confidence in the Kuwaiti naval force. The Kuwaiti Naval Force joined the Combined Task Force, based in Bahrain, in 2010. The squad com- KUWAIT: Kuwait Naval Force shown in the map. Kuwait Naval KUWAIT: The quarterly American journal UNIPATH, published prises elite navymen, state-of-art warships and reconnaissance announced yesterday they will Force advised nationals and resi- by the US Central Command (CENTCOM), has shed light on aircraft. The American journal concluded its report by noting that perform a drill with live ammuni- dents to avoid approaching the efforts and achievements of the Kuwaiti Coast Guards for main- the 152 squad under the Kuwaiti command kept security in the tion tomorrow and Wednesday identified locations in order to taining security in the Arabian Gulf. Arabian Gulf under tight control. —KUNA from 7 am to 7 pm at sea locations ensure safety. —KUNA The magazine, according to a statement by the Kuwaiti 4 Established 1961 Monday, July 26, 2021 Local

Photo of the Day Established 1961 The First Daily in The Arabian Gulf THE LEADING INDEPENDENT DAILY IN THE ARABIAN GULF ESTABLISHED 1961

Founder and Publisher YOUSUF S. AL-ALYAN Editor-in-Chief ABD AL-RAHMAN AL-ALYAN EDITORIAL : 24833199-24833358-24833432 ADVERTISING : 24835616/7 FAX : 24835620/1 CIRCULATION : 24833199 Extn. 163 ACCOUNTS : 24833199 Extn. 125 COMMERCIAL : 24835618 P.O.Box 1301 Safat,13014 Kuwait. Email: [email protected] Website: www.kuwaittimes.net KISR earns US patent for invention KUWAIT: Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research (KISR) announced yesterday that it has earned a patent from the United States Patent and Trademark Office for an innovative technology which works on desalination and air conditioning simultaneously. A statement issued by KISR indicates that researchers at the Water Research Center Dr Hasan Abdulraheem and Dr Mansour Ahmed have developed a new technology that works to provide fresh water and air condition- ing, which will benefit countries in dry climates due to a signifi- cant rise in temperatures such as Kuwait. It added that the idea of the innovative system is to heat both air and sea water, then increase the humidity of the air using heated water, then the air is cooled to remove moisture and produce fresh and cold water. It pointed out that the invention contributes to water security and sustainability of fresh water production and air condition- KUWAIT: A herder is seen with camels in Kuwait’s desert. —Photo by Yasser Al-Zayyat ing, in addition to reducing financial and environmental burdens of desalination and air conditioning operations. —KUNA News in brief Foreign Minister 979 flights during Eid: Civil Aviation receives WHO’s KUWAIT: A total of 979 flights were operated at Kuwait International Airport, carrying 98,934 pas- sengers, during the Eid Al-Adha holiday (July 15 - new representative 24), the Directorate General of Civil Aviation KUWAIT: Minister of Foreign Affairs and announced yesterday. Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs Sheikh Dr Ahmad Nasser Al-Mohammad Al-Sabah received ‘Signs of recovery’ at Kuwait airport yesterday the credentials of the newly appointed World Health Organization’s (WHO) KUWAIT: Around 4,000 passengers arrived to Representative in Kuwait Dr Assad Hafeez. In the Kuwait on 55 flights on Saturday, while 5,600 left reception ceremony held at the Foreign Ministry, on 58 flights the same day, operations manager at Sheikh Dr Ahmad Al-Nasser wished the WHO the Directorate General of Civil Aviation Mansour official success during his tenure, and hoped that Al-Hashimi said, describing it as a “sign of the avia- both sides would pursue means to further KUWAIT: Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Dr Ahmad Nasser Al-Mohammad Al-Sabah meets the new- tion sector’s recovery” in Kuwait. progress and bolster relations. —KUNA ly appointed World Health Organization’s Representative in Kuwait Dr Assad Hafeez. —KUNA

Over 10,000 beneficiaries from Eid project in Jordan AMMAN: Head of Kuwait Red Crescent Society’s beneficiary lists that would give priority to the less fortu- (KRCS) mission to Jordan Farouq Khazal said yesterday nate and most needy people. that more than 10,000 people from Syrian refugees and Khazal valued the continuous partnership between other vulnerable members of the society benefited from KRCS and its Jordanian counterpart in implementing aid the society’s Adhahi 2021 sacrificial meat project. Khazal and humanitarian programs in the Hashemite Kingdom, said - in conclusion of the four day program - that the praising in the same time, the efforts of Kuwaiti team distributed sacrificial meat on refugees living in ran- Embassy in Jordan in facilitating the KRCS mission and dom camps including women, elderly and disabled people it is supervising the distribution process. On Tuesday, in different Jordanian provinces. Before moving to camps KRCS launched Adhahi 2021 project in presence of the in Amman, Madaba, and Al-Karak provinces, KRCS had Kuwaiti Ambassador to the Hashemite Kingdom Aziz distributed portions of sacrificial meat on women, men, Al-Daihani in coordination with Jordan Red Crescent children at Jordan Deaf Club, he noted. In cooperation that extended for the past four days in different parts of with Jordan Red Crescent Society, KRCS worked on the Kingdom. —KUNA

standing services for the country. DWC presents ‘Halah The Halah achievement award for year 2021 was presented to Anne Claire, the French Ambassador to Kuwait, Hideko Hadzialic, the Representative of United Appreciation Award’ Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Kuwait, Kamil Abduljalil, Director of the National Council for KUWAIT: The board members of Diplomatic Culture, Arts and Letters (NCCAL) and Dr Ahmed Al- Women’s Committee - Kuwait presented the first Shatti, Director of Al-Sabah Medical Center. “Halah Appreciation Award” to the participants of an DWC board members also presented a shield of hon- event held on the occasion of Kuwaiti Women’s Day or to Sheikha Halah Al-Sabah for her dedicated efforts 2021. This award is the first of its kind to be present- and valuable services for the committee, wishing her and ed to the distinguished Kuwaiti personalities by the DWC board continued success for achieving their Sheikha Halah Bader Mohammad Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber goals towards the development of social and cultural Al-Sabah, the Honorary President of DWC in recog- relations with the international community through nition of their exceptional performance, and out- diplomatic enclave accredited to the State of Kuwait. International MONDAY, JULY 26, 2021 Thousands of Afghan families flee fighting in former Taleban bastion Vatican fraud trial to expose London secrets Page 6 Page 7

AMRITSAR: Commuters make their way through a water-logged street after a rain shower in Amritsar yesterday. — AFP India monsoon death toll climbs to 127, dozens still missing Floodwater levels remain elevated after rivers burst their banks MUMBAI: The death toll from flooding and land- they were trying to run away” from the landslide. “All the shops in this area have been completely Power supply was disrupted in the 11 affected slides triggered by heavy monsoon rains in India Another villager, Govind Malusare, said his damaged. The flood has left so much soil behind, we districts and there were crop losses across vast climbed to 127 yesterday, officials said, with rescuers nephew’s body had been found after the landslide hit can’t even resume work.” Rescuers were working in swathes of land. Climate scientist Roxy Mathew searching for dozens more missing. The country’s his family’s home, but that his mother, brother, sister- waist-deep mud to search for 100 people still miss- Koll of the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology western coast has been inundated by torrential rains in-law and niece were still missing. The landslip flat- ing in the state with the help of excavators. said climate change was warming the Arabian Sea. since Thursday, with the India Meteorological tened dozens of homes in a matter of minutes, leav- The higher water temperatures were causing the air Department warning of further downpours over the ing just two concrete structures standing and cutting Record rainfall above to becoming warmer and hold more moisture, next few days. off power, local residents told AFP. In neighbouring Goa, a woman was feared to sparking more extreme rainfall events, he said. Flooding and landslides are common during In Posare village 210 kilometres south of Mumbai, have drowned from the flooding, officials said, in “We are seeing a three-fold rise in widespread India’s treacherous monsoon season, which also the National Disaster Response Force said four bod- what Chief Minister Pramod Sawant said were the extreme rainfall events... since 1950,” Koll told AFP, often sees poorly constructed buildings buckle after ies were found overnight. In parts of Chiplun, water “worst floods since 1982”. North Goa official Ajit citing a study he co-authored that was published in days of non-stop rain. Experts say climate change levels rose to nearly 20 feet (six metres) on Roy told AFP floodwaters have since receded Nature. He added that a hill station south of has caused the annual deluge to increase in frequen- Thursday after 24 hours of uninterrupted rain. The with people who were evacuated returning to Mumbai, Mahabaleshwar, reported 594 millimetres cy and intensity. water levels have since started to recede. their homes. of rain on Friday — the highest since the start of In Maharashtra state, 117 people have been killed, Eight patients at a local COVID-19 hospital also In the coastal plains spanning Maharashtra and records a century ago. including more than 40 in a large landslide that hit reportedly died after power supply to ventilators Goa, floodwater levels remained elevated after rivers “In recent years, the impact of climate change the hillside village of Taliye some 250 kilometres was cut off. “The water level reached the ceiling of burst their banks and forced terrified residents to (on monsoons in India) is much more obvious. In (155 miles) southeast of Mumbai Thursday. Villager my shop, there was so much water inside,” a shop- seek safety on rooftops and upper floors. Further fact, what has happened in Europe, China and the Jayram Mahaske, whose relatives remained trapped, keeper told Indian news broadcaster NDTV, point- south in Karnataka state, the death toll rose to nine rest of the world is similar to what’s happening in told AFP that “many people were washed away as ing to sludge and debris around him. overnight, with four others missing, officials said. India.” — AFP Macron pressured to apologise for nuke tests in French Polynesia Ten killed PAPEETE: French President Emmanuel many are wary of vaccines. “I want to Macron faced pressure to apologise for send a very strong message to call on the devastating impact of decades of everyone to get vaccinated,” he said, in Croatia nuclear testing as he kicked off his first adding: “When you’re vaccinated, official trip to French Polynesia. During you’re protected and you hardly bus crash his four-day visit, Macron plans to spread the virus, or at least much less.” address the legacy of nuclear testing ZAGREB: At least ten people were killed from 1966 to 1996 as France developed ‘Highest thyroid cancer rates’ and dozens of others were injured yester- atomic weapons, as well as discuss the Macron will be “encouraging sever- day when a bus slipped off the highway in South Pacific territory’s strategic role al concrete steps” regarding the legacy eastern Croatia, police said. The passen- and the existential risk of rising seas of nuclear tests, with the opening up of gers were travelling on a regular bus line posed by global warming. state archives and individual compen- between the German city of Frankfurt and Residents in the sprawling archipel- sation, a French presidential official the Kosovo capital Pristina, a police offi- ago of more than 100 islands located who asked not to be named said. FAA’A, FRENCH POLYNESIA: France’s President Emmanuel Macron (2nd L) attends a cial told reporters. midway between Mexico and Australia French officials denied any cover-up welcoming ceremony with French Polynesia’s President Edouard Fritch (L) on the The injured were hospitalised in the are hoping Macron apologises and of radiation exposure at a meeting ear- tarmac upon his arrival at Faa’a international airport for a visit to Tahiti in French eastern town of Slavonski Brod close to confirms compensation for radiation lier this month with delegates from the Polynesia yesterday. —AFP where the crash occurred, a police state- victims. The tests remain a source of semi-autonomous territory led by ment said. A total of 45 people were deep resentment, seen as evidence of President Edouard Fritch. The meeting been compensated for radiation expo- Carlson, head of the 193 Association of admitted to a Slavonski brod hospital racist colonial attitudes that disregard- came after French investigative website sure since the tests ended in 1996, victims of nuclear tests. “Just as he has including eight who sustained serious ed the lives of islanders. Disclose reported in March that the Disclose said, estimating that more than recognised as a crime the colonisation injuries, its head Josip Samardzic said. After touching down Saturday, impact from the fallout was far more 100,000 people may have been con- that took place in Algeria, we also There were no immediate details on the Macron, whose 2020 trip was post- extensive than authorities had acknowl- taminated in total, with leukaemia, lym- expect him to declare that it was crimi- ages or nationalities of the passengers or poned due to the pandemic, met hospi- edged, citing declassified French mili- phoma and other cancers rife. nal and that it is a form of colonisation the possible cause of the accident. The tal workers fighting COVID-19 in the tary documents on the 193 tests. “We’re expecting an apology from linked to nuclear power here in the bus had Kosovo license plates. — AFP semi-autonomous territory where Only 63 Polynesian civilians have the president,” said Auguste Uebe- Pacific.” — AFP

ruling Sandinista National Liberation Front’s freezing out challengers and silencing opponents Another presidential candidate for the presidential vote, Gustavo ahead of the election. The law bars “those who Porras, the speaker of Nicaragua’s assembly, ask for, celebrate and applaud the imposition of confirmed last week. sanctions against the Nicaraguan state” from hopeful arrested Seven opposition presidential hopefuls have seeking public office. been among 28 people detained by Ortega’s in Nicaragua government. In a clampdown that began on June Increasing authoritarianism 2, Ortega’s government has rounded up political Vidaurre, 66, was one potential candidate for MANAGUA: Another presidential candidate rivals in a series of house raids and night-time the Alianza Ciudadanos por la Libertad group was arrested in Nicaragua on Saturday, police arrests on charges of threatening Nicaragua’s standing against Ortega. Presidential candidates said — the seventh detained by Daniel Ortega’s “sovereignty.” will be able to register from July 28 to August 2. government in the lead-up to elections on On Saturday, political commentator Jaime Ortega says the people rounded up by his forces November 7. Noel Vidaurre was put under Arellano was also put under custody at his home. are “criminals” seeking to overthrow him with US house arrest, accused of “undermining the sov- Julie Chung, the top US diplomat for Latin backing. But the clampdown has drawn interna- MANAGUA: File photo shows, 2001 vice-presidential candidate ereignty” of the country, in the latest of a series America, said on Twitter the two were “just the tional condemnation and fresh sanctions, with the of Nicaragua for the Conservative Party, Jose Antonio of arrests condemned by the United States and latest victims of a despicable campaign to crimi- United States branding the long-term leader a Alvarado (C) and the presidential candidate of the same party, European Union. nalize peaceful opposition.” “dictator.” The European Union has said it was Noel Vidaurre (R) speak with friends, after waiting 56 hours at Long-term Nicaraguan leader Ortega is The charges are rooted in a law initiated by “inconceivable” the November elections “will be the Supreme Election Council to see if a resolution would expected to seek a fourth consecutive presiden- Ortega and approved by lawmakers in December anything remotely approaching a democratic allow Alvarado to participate in the 2021 election. —AFP tial term in the elections. Ortega, 75, will be the that has been widely criticized as a means of competition.” — AFP 6 Established 1961 International Monday, July 26, 2021 Angered by COVID response, thousands of Brazilians protest against Bolsonaro Protest marches were planned in 400 cities and towns RIO DE JANEIRO: Tens of thousands of Brazilians return to democracy,” Laise de Oliveira, a 65-year- took to the streets Saturday to demand the old social worker, told AFP. impeachment of President Jair Bolsonaro, who is Brazilian press carried images and reports of facing increasing pressure as the pandemic exacts a streets thronged with anti-Bolsonaro demonstrators devastating toll. in 20 of Brazil’s 26 states through early afternoon. It was the fourth weekend of protests called by leftist political parties, labor unions and social Record low approval groups against Bolsonaro, who is being investigat- Neither the organizers nor the authorities have ed for allegedly turning a blind eye to a scheme to released an overall estimate of the number of peo- embezzle government funds in the purchase of ple attending the marches. vaccines. But large demonstrations were planned in Sao Protest marches were planned in 400 cities and Paulo, Brazil’s most populous city with 12.3 million towns. In Rio de Janeiro, thousands of people in red residents, and the capital Brasilia. clothes and wearing face masks marched with ban- Bolsonaro, criticized for remarks in favor of ners bearing slogans berating the embattled leader, exploiting protected areas of the Amazon, his including “No one can take any more” and “Get out views on guns, and an ambitious privatization pro- corrupt criminal.” gram, is enduring his worst stretch since coming to Organizers said they were part of a day intended power in 2019. to galvanize the country “in defense of democracy, His approval rating is at a record low 24 percent the lives of Brazilians and getting Bolsonaro out.” and polls suggest he could lose October’s presiden- In Rio and elsewhere, protesters complained tial election to his main rival, leftist former president BRASILIA: Supporters of the Workers’ Party (PT) take part in a protest against the government of Brazilian President about Brazil’s late-starting vaccination program and Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, whose Workers Party was Jair Bolsonaro at the Esplanede of Ministries in Brasilia. — AFP high unemployment rate, and demanded more one of the forces behind Saturday’s demonstrations. emergency aid for poor people grappling with the Brazil has suffered nearly 550,000 deaths health crisis, the need to wear face masks, and lock- different charges against the president. pandemic. because of Covid, a toll surpassed only by that of down measures to halt the spread of the virus. But Bolsonaro still has enough support in con- “It is very important that everyone who feels the United States, which has almost 120 million On June 30 the opposition in congress presented gress to block these initiatives, including that of the offended or oppressed by this government comes more people. an impeachment complaint that is an amalgam of speaker, who decides whether the complaints are out to the streets, because we need to fight for the Bolsonaro has been famously dismissive of the some 100 others already filed with more than 20 allowed to proceed. — AFP

‘Substantial losses’ Vatican fraud Two London-based Italian finan- ciers were involved in buying the trial to expose 17,000-sq metre building-a former Iraq says militants Harrods warehouse in Chelsea intended for conversion into luxury planned other London secrets apartments. Gianluigi Torzi and Raffaele VATICAN CITY: A once-powerful Mincione are charged with embezzle- attacks during Catholic cardinal and nine others ment, fraud and money laundering. stand trial at the Vatican this week in The building’s purchase at an inflated Muslim holiday an embezzlement scandal that price meant “substantial losses for the allegedly saw charity funds used in a Vatican, and dipped into resources BAGHDAD: The Islamist militants believed to ruinous London property venture. intended for the Holy Father’s person- be behind last week’s deadly suicide bombing Ex-cardinal Angelo Becciu, who al charitable work”, the Holy See said of a Baghdad market had planned more attacks served as the equivalent of a papal before the trial. during the Eid-al Adha festival, Iraq’s interior chief of staff for Pope Francis before The first part of the purchase hap- ministry said yesterday. being fired last year, has been pened while Becciu was No. 2 at the The ministry released photos of five suspects charged with crimes including embez- Secretariat of State, and in charge of arrested, including three brothers, after last zlement and abuse of office. the purse strings. Between 2013 and Monday’s attack that, according to the official It is the first time a cardinal has 2014, the Secretariat of State bor- toll, killed 30 people and was claimed by the been indicted by Vatican criminal rowed over 200 million dollars, mainly VATICAN CITY: Pope Francis waves as he delivers the Sunday Angelus prayer Islamic State group. prosecutors and Becciu, 73, will be from Credit Suisse, to invest in from the window of his study overlooking St Peter’s Square at the Vatican Iraqi security forces have dismantled “two the headliner of a trial set to last Mincione’s Luxembourg fund. Half yesterday. — AFP terrorist networks in the provinces of Anbar months. The defendants face jail time went to buying part of the London or stiff fines if found guilty. and Kirkuk responsible for the July 19 attack in property. clause into the paperwork which gave embezzlement and abuse of office Sadr City”, a poor Shiite district of Baghdad. The alleged graft will have enraged The rest was for stock market Francis, 84, who has vowed all-out himself control of the property. He is over the purchase of the London “They were planning other attacks in other investments, but Mincione used it for accused of demanding 15 million property. He has also been charged in parts of Baghdad and other provinces during war on corruption and has increased high-risk ventures. The Holy See, oversight of the Vatican’s finances, euros to relinquish control. relation to donations totalling over Eid,” a ministry statement said. which had no control over where the Mincione and Torzi were helped, 800,000 euros he is accused of mak- Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhemi dogged for decades by scandal. money went, tried to pull out in 2018. Tomorrow’s hearing is expected to prosecutors claim, by Enrico Crasso, ing to a charity run by his brother. announced Saturday the arrest of the “terror a former Vatican investment manager, Becciu is also linked to defendant cell” behind the Baghdad market bombing. Iraqi be purely technical and the trial, held Taking control in a makeshift courtroom in the and employee Fabrizio Tirabassi, both Cecilia Marogna-dubbed “the television broadcast overnight the “confes- Torzi was brought in and tasked of whom face a series of charges Cardinal’s lady” by the Italian press- sions” of the five, who were dressed in yellow Vatican Museums, may be adjourned with brokering the purchase of the to after the summer break. It was not including fraud. accused of pocketing money ear- prison suits, a common practice in major crimi- rest of the building and cutting ties Embarrassingly for Francis, among marked for freeing captive priests and nal cases in Iraq. clear whether Becciu, stripped of his with Mincione-but he instead red biretta, will be present. those standing trial are two men pre- nuns abroad. Prosecutors claim the The attack sparked revulsion and renewed allegedly joined forces with him. viously tasked with regulating Holy top hierarchy in the Vatican-including fears about the reach of IS, which lost its last It follows a two-year probe into He arranged for the Holy See to how the Secretariat of State-the key See finances, including the former pope ally Cardinal Pietro Parolin, territory in Iraq after a gruelling campaign that give Mincione £40 million (48 million head of its financial regulator, Swiss Becciu’s boss-were in favour of the ended in late 2017, but retains sleeper cells in department in the Vatican’s central euros; $55 million) for the shares in administration-managed its vast asset lawyer Rene Bruelhart. London venture, without realising remote desert and mountain areas. The bombing the part of the London building it did what was going on. Becciu, who has hit the Al-Woheilat market in Sadr City, where portfolio and, in particular, who knew not already own. what about a disastrous 350-million- ‘The Cardinal’s lady’ denied any wrongdoing, says he is the many families were crowded on the eve of the But Torzi then allegedly inserted a Becciu has been charged with victim of a plot. — AFP Eid al-Adha, the most important Muslim holiday. euro ($415 million) London investment. The announcement of the dismantling of the cell came on the eve of Kadhemi’s departure for Washington, where he was to meet US Florida building President Joe Biden today. The Iraqi prime min- ister, under heavy pressure from powerful pro- Iranian factions in his country, is hoping for a collapse recovery substantial announcement on the withdrawal of US troops in Iraq. — AFP mission nears end MIAMI: The search for victims of the Florida apartment building collapse a month ago Saturday is drawing to a close, as rescue teams halted work Six soldiers killed in at the site of the disaster that killed at least 97 peo- ple. “It’s hard to believe that a month has now Boko Haram attack in passed since perhaps the greatest tragedy in our community’s history,” Miami-Dade County Mayor Cameroon: Governor Daniella Levine Cava said on Twitter on Saturday. “While the site of the collapse was confined to YAOUNDE: At least six Cameroon soldiers were GUATEMALA CITY: Demonstrators hold portraits of dismissed Guatemala’s Special Prosecutor against the size of just one block in a close-knit city, its killed Saturday in an attack by Boko Haram in the Impunity, Juan Francisco Sandoval, during a protest to demand the resignation of Guatemalan President reverberation has been felt far beyond our county, far north of the country, the governor of the region Alejandro Giammattei and Guatemala’s Attorney General Maria Consuelo Porras. — AFP touching lives all over the world,” she added in a said on state television. Heavily armed Boko Haram video posted on social media. Rescue workers ended their search on Friday for fighters “arrived at around four o’clock in the morn- Giammattei without the attorney general’s consent, ing on six vehicles”, the governor of the Far North victims at the site of the Champlain Towers South, a saying this request went “against the autonomy and Region, Bakari Midjiyawa, told CRTV television. Anti-graft investigator 12-storey beachfront building that partially col- independence” of FECI. “We deplore the deaths of our six soldiers, who lapsed overnight on June 24. With the exception of The Attorney General’s Office said he had been died in action, and four more were injured.” The flees Guatemala to a teenager who was rescued in the first hours after let go due to “constant abuses and frequent viola- attack took place in Sagme, a few dozen kilometres the collapse, rescuers were unable to save any of from the border with Nigeria, from where Boko ‘safeguard his life’ tions” of the institution and that attempts had been the building’s residents who had not escaped, and Haram originates. made to “undermine” the “work, integrity and dig- announced on July 7 that they were abandoning the According to a police report, confirmed by sev- GUATEMALA CITY: Guatemala’s top anti-graft nity” of Porras. search for survivors. eral local sources, eight soldiers were killed. Boko investigator, Juan Francisco Sandoval, fled the His firing sparked criticism from the US State After the removal of thousands of tons of rubble, Haram and its breakaway faction Islamic State West country Saturday to “safeguard his life,” hours after Department, which has called him an “anti-corrup- all that remains of the building north of Miami Africa Province (ISWAP) have increased their he was sacked in a move that sparked international tion champion”, as well as outcry from humanitarian beach are a few foundation walls. Authorities have deadly attacks against security forces and civilians backlash, a human rights official said. Guatemalan groups, civil society and businesses. Acting identified 97 bodies, but believe one victim is still in the far north of Cameroon in recent years, as well Ombudsman Jordan Rodas accompanied Sandoval Assistant Secretary for the US State Department’s missing, Levine Cava said this week. as in the border regions with three neighbouring to the Salvadoran border “in light of the difficult Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs, Julie Chung, Miami-Dade police continue to search for the countries, Nigeria, Niger and Chad. decision to leave the country to safeguard his life condemned Sandoval’s sacking in a tweet on Friday, 98th victim at the site where the building debris They have also frequently kidnapped civilians, and integrity due to recent events,” according to saying it “is a significant setback to rule of law.” was deposited. While the exact reason for the col- particularly women and children. Fighting with the Central American country’s human rights body. “It contributes to perceptions of a systemic lapse remains unknown, preliminary findings have Boko Haram and ISWAP jihadists has killed more Sandoval had been fired from his post as head of effort to undermine those known to be fighting cor- shown some of the building’s structure appeared than 36,000 people since 2009 and driven almost Guatemala’s Prosecutor Against Corruption and ruption,” she added. The Center against Corruption degraded. The rest of the building was brought two million people from their homes in northeastern Impunity (FECI) on Friday by Attorney General and Impunity in the North of Central America down in a controlled explosion July 4 to allow for Nigeria. In mid-June, Boko Haram confirmed that its Consuelo Porras. Sandoval said he had encountered (CCINOC) also hit out at Porras’ decision, saying it the recovery operation to continue. A memorial leader, Abubakar Shekau was killed after clashes many obstacles in his work at FECI and that he was would create “setbacks in the fight against corrup- honoring the victims may be built on the site of the with ISWAP. — AFP told not to investigate President Alejandro tion in the region.” — AFP disaster, officials said last week. — AFP Established 1961 7 International Monday, July 26, 2021 Thousands of Afghan families flee fighting in former Taleban bastion Afghan forces capture four Taleban for Eid rocket attack KANDAHAR: More than 22,000 Afghan who are estimated to be about 154,000. “strategic momentum” on the battlefield. families have fled from their homes to Kandahar resident Hafiz Mohammad But global rights group Human Rights escape fighting in the former Taleban Akbar said his house had been taken over Watch said there were reports the bastion of Kandahar, officials said yester- by the Taleban after he fled. “They forced Taleban were committing atrocities day, as authorities arrested four suspect- us to leave... I am now living with my 20- against civilians in areas they had cap- ed insurgents over this week’s rocket member family in a compound with no tured, including in the town of Spin attack on Kabul. Since early May, vio- toilet,” said Akbar. Boldak near the border with Pakistan they lence has surged across several provinces captured earlier this month. including in Kandahar after the insurgents Fears of fighting to increase “Taleban leaders have denied respon- launched a sweeping offensive just days Residents expressed concerns the sibility for any abuses, but growing evi- after the US-led foreign forces began fighting might increase in days ahead. “If dence of expulsions, arbitrary detentions, their final withdrawal. they really want to fight, they should go and killings in areas under their control The Taleban’s deadly assault has seen to a desert and fight, not destroy the city,” are raising fears among the population,” the insurgents capture scores of districts, said Khan Mohammad, who moved to a said Patricia Grossman, associate Asia border crossings and encircle several camp with his family. “Even if they win, director at HRW said in a statement. provincial capitals. “The fighting has dis- they can’t rule a ghost town.” The authorities meanwhile announced placed 22,000 families in the past one Kandahar, with its 650,000 inhabi- they had arrested four men they said month in Kandahar,” Dost Mohammad tants, is the second-largest city in belonged to the Taleban, accusing them of Daryab, head of the provincial refugee Afghanistan after Kabul. The southern carrying out this week’s rocket attack on department, told AFP. province was the epicentre of the Kabul. “A Taleban commander, Momin, “They have all moved from the volatile Taleban’s regime when they ruled along with his three other men, have been districts of the city to safer areas.” Afghanistan between 1996 to 2001. arrested. They all belong to the Taleban Yesterday, fighting continued on the out- Ousted from power in a US-led inva- group,” ministry spokesman Mirwais skirts of Kandahar city. “The negligence sion in 2001 after the September 11 Stanikzai told reporters in a video message. KABUL: A woman gets her fingerprints read to submit her passport application at an office in of some security forces, especially the attacks, the Taleban have spearheaded a At least three rockets landed near the Kabul yesterday. —AFP police, has made way for the Taleban to deadly insurgency that continues to this palace on Tuesday as President Ashraf come that close,” Lalai Dastageeri, day. Their latest offensive launched in ear- Ghani and his top officials performed out- deputy governor of Kandahar province, ly May has seen the group take control of door prayers to mark the start of the group was also involved in other attacks. Taleban have announced ceasefires dur- told AFP. half of the country’s about 400 districts. Muslim holiday of Eid al-Adha. The attack The palace was also attacked last year as ing past Islamic holidays in recent years, “We are now trying to organise our Earlier this week, the chairman of the was however claimed by the jihadist hundreds gathered for Ghani’s inaugura- offering respite to Afghans who can visit security forces.” Local authorities had set US joint chiefs of staff General Mark Islamic State group. He said Momin was a tion for a second term as president. That family in relative safety, but no such offer up four camps for the displaced people Milley said the Taleban appear to have key organiser of the rocket attack, and the attack was also claimed by IS. The was made on this occasion. — AFP Typhoon In-Fa drenches public India, on the in eastern China frontline of NINGBO: Typhoon In-Fa uprooted trees and drenched communities in knee-deep water in parts climate change of eastern China, but there were no reports of major damage as it made landfall yesterday. Sea, air and NEW DELHI: Swathes of India are battling rail traffic had been shut down across a swathe of deadly floods and landslides after heavy mon- the coast centered on the major shipping port of soon rains, just the latest example of how the Ningbo, where the weakening typhoon rumbled vast country is on the frontline of climate ashore around midday packing winds of up to 38 change. In the first seven months of this year metres per second, according to the China alone the impoverished nation of 1.3 billion Meteorological Administration. people has experienced two cyclones, a deadly Response teams in Ningbo cleared away fallen glacier collapse in the Himalayas, a sweltering trees in the city centre, while residents in some heatwave and killer floods. neighbourhoods waded through floodwaters and merchants piled up sandbags in front of their busi- Melting glaciers nesses to keep out water. The typhoon hit as the In February, a ferocious flash flood hurtled central province of Henan was still cleaning up after down a remote Indian Himalayan valley, sweep- torrential downpours dumped a year’s worth of rain ing away homes, a hydro plant and around 200 people. Only 60 bodies have been found. in just three days last week. ZHENGZHOU: Soldiers clean up a street following floods caused by heavy rains in Zhengzhou, in China’s central Experts believe the cause was a massive chunk Government officials yesterday added another Henan province. — AFP five dead to the toll from the freak flooding in of glacier — 15 football fields long and five Henan, raising the total to 63. In-Fa’s effects were across-breaking off high in the mountains. also felt yesterday in the metropolis of Shanghai, attractions in Shanghai and other cities, including China has suffered an annual summer flooding and A glaciologist who investigated the site told China’s largest city, with strong gusts of wind and Shanghai Disneyland, also were closed and resi- typhoon season for millennia, but the record rain- AFP the catastrophe was “clearly a fallout of steady but not heavy rainfall. dents were warned to avoid outdoor activities. fall this past week in Henan has prompted ques- climate change and in itself a tell-tale of our All inbound and outbound flights were cancelled The meteorological administration said that after tions about how cities could be better prepared future”. In the Indian Himalayas, about 10,000 yesterday for the city’s two international airports, as landfall In-Fa would weaken but continue to hover for freak weather events, which experts say are glaciers are receding at a rate of 30 to 60 were dozens of scheduled trains, while activity at over a wide expanse of eastern China for days, ring- happening with increased frequency and intensity metres (100 to 200 feet) per decade as global the ports of Shanghai and Ningbo — two of the ing itself out and bringing heavy rainfall, possibly to due to climate change. temperatures rise. In 2013, a flash flood in the world’s largest — was also shut down. areas still recovering from last week’s flooding. Millions were affected by the Henan floods, with same area killed 6,000 people. The government announced that it would extend “It is necessary to be highly vigilant and pre- some trapped without fresh food or water for a suspension of railway services in and out of vent disasters that may be caused by extreme days, and economic losses have run into the bil- More cyclones Shanghai through midday today. Some public heavy rainfall,” the administration said yesterday. lions of dollars. — AFP Cyclones are not a rare sight in the north- ern Indian Ocean but scientists say they are becoming more frequent and severe as sea temperatures rise. In May Cyclone Tauktae Frenchman on hunger strike in claimed 155 lives in western India including dozens working on oil rigs off Mumbai. It was the fiercest storm to hit the area in several Tokyo over ‘abducted’ kids decades. TOKYO: A Frenchman on hunger president’s office, which called the Barely a week later Yaas, with winds the strike in Tokyo seeking access to his issue a “priority”. equivalent of a category-two hurricane, killed children said an appeal from President Joint custody of children in cases at least nine people and forced the evacuation Emmanuel Macron to Japan’s leader of divorce or separation does not of more than 1.5 million in the east. With waves had “changed nothing”, as his protest exist legally in Japan, where parental the height of double-decker buses, hundreds of entered its third week. abductions are common and often tol- thousands lost their houses. “I have lost my Vincent Fichot, 39, says his two erated by local authorities. home, everything,” said one survivor. children were abducted by their Fichot’s wife accused him in court Japanese mother, and he has been on of domestic violence but later retract- Hotter and hotter hunger strike since July 10 in a bid to ed the claim, he said. His wife’s lawyer India’s average temperature rose around 0.7 be reunited with his family. refused to comment to AFP, but degrees Celsius (1.3 degrees Fahrenheit) For two weeks, the former finance denounced “biased” media reports. between the beginning of the 20th century and worker — who has lived in Japan for “While it’s good that Suga and 2018. It will rise another 4.4 degrees by 2100, 15 years — has sat night and day out- Macron at least discussed my case... according to a recent government report. side a train station near the Olympic it has changed nothing about the sit- In early July, tens of millions of people siz- Stadium, where the opening ceremony uation my children are in, so I will zled in just the latest heatwave across northern for the virus-postponed Tokyo Games continue,” the Frenchman told AFP TOKYO: File photo shows French resident Vincent Fichot, whose two children have India. India’s weather department has declared been abducted by their Japanese mother, poses for a photo following an interview was held on Friday. yesterday. a heatwave almost every year in the last decade with AFP. —AFP Macron, who attended the ceremo- After the leaders met, Macron with temperatures sometimes touching 50 ny with Paris set to host the next tweeted about the two countries’ degrees Celsius (122 degrees Fahrenheit). Olympics in 2024, held talks Saturday “exceptional” relationship — drawing four-year-old daughter, who he has their short trip to Japan. The Hindustan Times newspaper reported with Japanese Prime Minister ire from Fichot, whose health is begin- not seen since August 2018. No official numbers exist, but that heatwaves had claimed more than 17,000 Yoshihide Suga. ning to deteriorate. “It’s unbelievable. It’s ‘business’ rights groups have estimated that lives in India since 1971, according to top mete- During their meeting, Macron “France doesn’t even know if my first and our children after that.” about 150,000 minors are forcibly orologists. Currently just five percent of Indian brought up Fichot’s “extremely tragic children are alive,” he said on Macron’s advisors, but not the separated from a parent every year in households have air conditioning compared situation”, according to the French Saturday of his six-year-old son and president himself, met Fichot during the East Asian archipelago. — AFP with 90 percent in the United States and 60 percent in China. But the market is forecast to boom in the coming years, driving up energy in the country’s east. “The army was able to “These civilians were being held and used by consumption in what is already the world’s DR Congo army says release more than 150 civilians: women, elderly ADF as human shields. Currently, they are third-largest carbon emitter. people, children and young people,” said Jules going about their usual business freely,” Torrential rains have hit India’s western Ngongo, spokesman for the army in Ituri Ngongo said. At the end of May, authorities coast in the past few days triggering landslides 150 hostages freed province. accused ADF rebels of killing at least 50 civil- and a deluge of sludge, leaving more than 75 He said this was possible after the army’s ians in Boga and Tchabi, and attacking a dead and dozens missing. The hillside resort of from Islamist militia offensives against ADF from July 18th to 20th in refugee camp in Irumu. Mahabaleshwar reportedly saw nearly 60 cen- Boga and Tchabi in Irumu territory in the A historically Ugandan Islamist group that timetres (23 inches) of rain in a 24-hour period, BUNIA: The army in the Democratic Republic northeast. Boga and Tchabi are some 120 kilo- the United States links with the so-called a record. The neighbouring resort state of Goa of Congo said yesterday its troops have freed metres (75 miles) south of Bunia, the capital of Islamic State, the ADF is the deadliest of scores is reeling under its worst floods in decades, its over 150 people taken hostage by the ADF Ituri province where rebels from the Allied of armed militias that roam the mineral-rich chief minister said. — AFP Islamist militia, blamed for thousands of deaths Democratic Forces (ADF) have taken hold. eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. — AFP Established 1961

MONDAY, JULY 26, 2021 Business Boeing set to face investor scrutiny as woes plague jets Jets grapple with myriad challenges after messy start to 2021

EVERETT: The aviation industry appears to finally be past Boeing’s efforts to get back on track have been compli- the worst of the coronavirus downturn, but Boeing’s to-do cated by disruptions to supply chains and personnel dur- list remains extensive following a messy start to 2021. ing the pandemic that have weighed on the broader econ- The problems this year include electrical issues with omy. The company’s decision to consolidate 787 produc- the 737 MAX jet, fuselage troubles on the 787 and yet tion to South Carolina and shift operations from another delay in the timeframe for the 777X. The myriad Washington state has also led to disruption. But experts challenges reflect the changed regulatory climate facing say a good portion of the problems stem from the after- Boeing in the wake of a pair of 737 MAX crashes in 2018 math of the MAX crashes, including a withering and 2019 that claimed 346 lives and led to a 20-month September 2020 congressional report that blasted Boeing grounding of the aircraft. as overly focused on profit to the detriment of engineering. “Unfortunately for Boeing right now, the added scrutiny The report said Boeing suffered from a “culture of con- is justified,” said Ken Herbert, an aviation analyst at cealment” from regulators at the FAA, who themselves Canaccord Genuity. Chief Executive Dave Calhoun on practiced “grossly insufficient oversight” of the company. Wednesday will update investors on its latest set of chal- “The investigations have shown failure in both organi- lenges when the company reports second-quarter results. zations-Boeing as the manufacturer and the FAA as the He will likely discuss the prospects for the 787 overseeing body,” said Bertrand Vilmer, head of the con- Dreamliner following Boeing’s move earlier this month to sultancy Icare. “Now the FAA is trying to get back on cut production after identifying another issue with the air- track,” Vilmer said. “They are looking more closely for craft. In May, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) problems, and they are finding them.” formally notified Boeing that the 777X would need more Both Boeing and the FAA have been changing proce- than two years of additional testing and analysis before it dures following recommendations from reviews of what could be certified, saying the jet was “not yet ready” to went wrong with the MAX. “Changes happening on both EVERETT, US: In this file photo a Boeing 777X airplane takes off on its inaugural flight at Paine Field in advance to the next stage of evaluation. sides are leading to more oversight and supervision,” said Everett, Washington. —AFP Hassan Shahidi, head of the Flight Safety Foundation, a More scrutiny nonprofit. “What is important for safety is making sure that In April, Boeing notified 16 airlines flying its 737 system is rigorous and robust, based on data and timely right course of action, even if it may have an operational according to a person familiar with the FAA’s thinking. The MAX planes of an electrical issue, leading to the imme- information provided to all parties,” Shahidi said. impact from time to time,” the company said in an email to 787 problems have also raised questions about Boeing’s diate grounding of more than 100 jets. Carriers resumed AFP. The FAA is also demanding more from Boeing before internal communication and whether there is “the ability to service on the jets in May after regulators approved Surfacing problems? it signs off on things. bring bad news forward,” said Herbert, citing public reas- Boeing’s proposed fix. Boeing has also pushed back the Boeing, for its part, said it has been acting “methodical- Boeing proposed using an algorithm for inspections of surances from Calhoun about the plane prior to the recent timeframe for new deliveries of presidential plane Air ly” to enhance safety practices. With the 787, for example, the 787 in May, and the FAA required the company sus- difficulties. “It created, at least for shareholders, some of Force Once and experienced numerous setbacks on the “the decision to slow down production schedules for addi- pend deliveries while it studied the proposal, which it did the perception that the company doesn’t really have a KC46 Air Force tanker. tional inspection and perform any necessary rework is the not want to accept without checking the underlying data, good handle on these issues,” he said. —AFP

some support such as pay topping the minimum wage Uber driver and supplemented health care coverage-but it desig- nates drivers as self-employed, meaning they do not have the right to some regular employee benefits such independence as collective bargaining. Profits at India’s a bumpy road Happy trails? Uber says a recent survey found 82 percent of Reliance fall on OAKLAND: Uber driver Mae Cee scoffs at the notion, drivers are “happy” that Proposition 22 is in place. touted by the global ride-share service, that she and But Nathan, a driver in San Diego who asked that his her peers are self-employed contractors-and that last name not be used to protect his privacy, said he COVID impact most of them are happy with the arrangement. In felt some of the company’s promises went unfulfilled. MUMBAI: Profits at Indian conglomerate California, labor legislation endorsed by voters last “We had more independence, more freedom... we Reliance Industries dropped sharply November in a referendum, known as Proposition 22, had more ability to control how much money we OAKLAND: In this file photo, Uber driver Sergei Fyodorov dis- between April and June this year, the made,” he said. “Uber was finally working towards cusses why he supports a yes vote on Proposition 22 in effectively overturned a state law requiring Uber, Lyft company said, as Asia’s third-largest making drivers happy.” Oakland, California. —AFP and other app-based, on-demand delivery services to economy battled a vicious second wave reclassify their drivers and provide employee benefits. Transparency and price control are two things that of COVID-19. That legislation, heavily backed by the companies Nathan wanted from Uber, and he thought he was The oil-to-telecoms giant, which is themselves with $200 million in campaign spending, getting those things. But within three months of Prop drivers earn hourly do not take into account time ride- may have officially resolved the status of so-called 22 passing, the company did away with an option to share or delivery drivers spend waiting around. They owned by Asia’s richest man Mukesh “gig workers.” But many of them are still bitter and dictate fare prices using a “multiplier” during periods also contend that most drivers will not be eligible for Ambani, reported a consolidated net prof- angry, and say they have all the inconveniences of of high demand, he lamented. the touted contributions to health insurance coverage. it of 122.73 billion rupees ($1.65 billion) in being independent, and none of the advantages. They Drivers still have the option of picking which rides Meanwhile, Uber has been offering incentives to the quarter ending June 30, a 7.25 percent also accuse Uber of rolling out benefits while Prop 22 they want to provide, but say that the amount of infor- get drivers back on the road as rider demand picks up fall compared to the same period last was being debated-and then retracting them. mation they get to see before deciding which fares to after being stalled by the coronavirus crisis. Drivers year. Even though its quarterly revenues “No way I’m an independent contractor-not even accept has dwindled. may still be wary of COVID-19, and could be getting jumped by 58 percent year-on-year to close, it’s such a joke,” said Cee, an activist in a For example, Uber only starts sharing aspiring rid- financial help from government aid to the unemployed. 1.44 trillion rupees, aided by its flagship Rideshare Drivers United group. Drivers for compa- ers’ destinations after a driver has blindly accepted And, as with the rest of the job market, the pandemic oil and gas businesses, its retail arm took nies such as Uber and Lyft use their own cars and five out of 10 trips. An Uber spokesperson told AFP may have prompted some to shift gears on careers. a hit as a spike in infections prompted chose their own work schedules in what the compa- that about a third of drivers were refusing more than “People did training, or they found other jobs,” Cee shop closures. nies describe as cherished independence. 80 percent of fares before the tweaks, which were said. “The pandemic helped us realize we were “COVID-related restrictions on store But how work days turn out is orchestrated by a made to improve the reliability of the service. hooked, trapped in an abusive relationship with Uber.” operations during the quarter impacted sophisticated computer algorithm that artfully nudges “With the recovery from the pandemic, we wanted The Rideshare Drivers United group seeks to our retail business operations and prof- drivers to accept as many fares as possible-including to make sure that passengers have a car when they mobilize members against the Proposition 22 model, itability. This is a temporary phenomenon,” less profitable routes. need it and that all drivers have more trips on aver- which Uber hopes to spread beyond California. The Ambani said in a statement. “I am happy Some drivers see the situation as basically having a age,” the spokesperson said. San Francisco-based company’s ride-share business that our company has delivered robust software version of a manager, making them tanta- was hard hit during the pandemic, but it has seen its growth despite facing a highly challenging New horizons? mount to employees-without the security such an food delivery and trucking units pick up speed. Uber operating environment caused by the sec- arrangement would give them. Prop 22 does guarantee Critics argue that calculations regarding how much has yet to post a profit. —AFP ond wave of the COVID pandemic,” he added. Its telecom business Jio added 14.3 mil- Fed to meet as inflation, virus lion subscribers during the quarter, recording a nearly 10-percent increase in operating revenue. Ambani is locked in a variants muddle US recovery high-stakes battle with Jeff Bezos, the WASHINGTON: As rising prices and the spread of Powell has promised to communicate clearly in world’s richest man, as Amazon and new COVID-19 variants increase risks to the US econ- advance of any policy shift, and analysts believe he may Reliance fight for a share of India’s mas- omy, Federal Reserve officials are expected to maintain wait to do that at the annual central banking conference sive e-commerce market. their easy money policies intended to help American in Jackson Hole, Wyoming scheduled for August. The two firms are currently engaged in companies and workers survive the pandemic damage. a row over Ambani’s acquisition of domes- But as the policy-setting Federal Open Market Troubled recovery tic retail giant Future Group — which Committee (FOMC) begins its two-day policy meeting Central bankers are convening during an uncertain Tuesday, markets and traders will be watching for hints moment for the world’s largest economy. The fast- Amazon has sought to delay, with a of when it will begin tapering its massive monthly debt spreading Delta variant of COVID-19 has prompted WASHINGTON: In this file photo, US Federal Reserve Singapore-based arbitration panel asking purchases. The bond buying program aimed to ease some parts of the United States to reimpose mask- Chairman Jerome Powell testifies before a Senate Banking, Reliance to halt the deal. Reliance has dis- lending conditions during the crisis, but has come wearing rules and sparked worries it could undermine Housing and Urban Affairs Committee hearing, on Capitol missed the panel’s order, saying its agree- under scrutiny recently as inflation has soared to the recovery. At the same time data is showing prices Hill in Washington, DC. —AFP ment with Future Group complies with record levels as businesses reopen and consumers surging across the economy, a consequence of supply Indian law. spend the savings built up during the worst months of chain snarls, shortages of components, unique dynam- important and useful.” The behemoth has also sought to limit its the pandemic. ics like rental car companies moving to rebuild fleets But Stovall said not to expect much in the way of dependence on its core fossil fuel business, And focus also will be on any sign the Fed is and “base effects,” or the comparison to the depressed details. “On the one hand, they will try to assure people unveiling a $10 billion plan to invest in rethinking its pledge to keep the benchmark lending prices of the year-ago period. At the Fed’s last meeting that the Fed is ever vigilant and does have the ability to renewable energy last month. The invest- rate at zero until the economy achieves maximum in June, signs of growing hawkishness appeared, with a make a difference. But on the other hand (they) will be employment. Fed Chair Jerome Powell has repeatedly majority of FOMC members predicting at least two rate ment includes a 5,000-acre manufacturing pretty unspecific on what and when they plan to do facility in India’s western state of Gujarat, said the rise in inflation is a temporary effect of the hikes in 2023, and seven expecting one as soon as next things,” he said. economy getting back to normal, and that the Fed has year, according to quarterly economic projections. In A more-pressing decision for the Fed will be what to with the company aiming to produce 100 tools to respond if the surge goes on too long. But March, a majority foresaw no rate hikes until after 2023. do about its monthly purchases of at least $80 billion gigawatts of solar power by 2030. Sam Stovall, chief investment strategist at CFRA Powell has downplayed those predictions, but Daniel in Treasury debt and at least $40 billion in agency Reliance, which operates the world’s Research said the swiftness of the price spike likely Morris, chief market strategist at BNP Paribas, said mortgage-backed securities, which were part of the biggest oil refining complex in Gujarat, has surprised the central bank. analysts will be watching to see if the central bank emergency measures taken as the economy collapsed has a market capitalization of more than “I think they’re still saying it’s transitory but they’re chief’s thinking has changed, particularly when he last year. $182 billion. squirming in their seats, feeling a bit anxious that the speaks to reporters after the meeting. “I think there’s Morris said the Fed must figure out when to scale The company’s shares closed down numbers have come in higher than expected,” he said. still that kind of debate, are they more hawkish?” he them back, and how to do it without causing stock mar- 0.74 percent in Mumbai on Friday ahead However, the Fed is not expected to alter its stimulative said. “Any info we can get from Powell during the press kets to gyrate. “It’s still tricky with them, and Powell is of the earnings announcement. —AFP policies this week or at any point this year. conference to try to help settle that debate will be going to be very careful,” he said. —AFP Established 1961 9

Monday, July 26, 2021 Business AVEVA signs up to join United Nation’s Race to Zero campaign Industrial software leader joins initiative to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050

DUBAI: AVEVA, a global leader in industrial software, around decarbonization ahead of COP26, where gov- driving digital transformation and sustainability, yes- ernments must strengthen their contributions to the terday announced that it has become the 47th compa- Paris Agreement. ny in the FTSE 100 to join the United Nation’s Race to Andrew Griffith MP, the UK’s Net Zero Business Zero campaign. “By joining the Race to Zero initiative Champion also commented, “Congratulations to and aligning to the high- AVEVA on joining the UN’s Race to Zero campaign. est level of ambition for This demonstrates great leadership and goes hand climate targets under the in hand with the company’s work to support clients Paris Agreement, AVEVA like National Grid and Anglian Water in creating a is leading by example on positive impact on the environment. AVEVA joins climate action. We are 46 other FTSE100 companies in the Race to Zero, demonstrating our com- together representing over a trillion pounds in mar- mitment to work across ket capitalization. With just 100 days to go until we our entire value chain to host the COP26 Summit in Glasgow - the time to help avoid global impacts act is now.” from climate change. We are also pleased to be Collaborating to nurture sustainability joining many of our cus- AVEVA has already joined a number of corporate Peter Herweck tomers in this initiative, as sustainability initiatives to date that bring together well as key partners, companies to work on climate challenges collectively, including Microsoft, Accenture and Schneider Electric, including BSR and the UN Global Compact. Most that have already committed to this pledge,” comment- recently AVEVA joined The Renewable Energy Buyers ed Peter Herweck, AVEVA CEO. Alliance (REBA) a joint collaboration of large clean Race to Zero is a global campaign designed to rally energy buyers, energy providers, and service leadership and support from businesses, cities, providers that, together with NGO partners, are regions, and investors for a healthy, resilient, zero car- unlocking the marketplace for all nonresidential energy bon recovery that prevents future threats, creates jobs, buyers to lead a rapid transition to a cleaner, prosper- take to drive sustainability throughout our own opera- recent climate mitigation commitment made by AVE- and unlocks inclusive, sustainable growth. It aims to ous, zero-carbon energy future. tions, and the software we develop for our customers VA as part of its long-term sustainability agenda. In mobilize a coalition of leading net zero initiatives and “AVEVA, remains committed to lead sustainable globally. We will continue to formalize our sustainabili- June 2021, the company announced its commitment to is the largest ever alliance committed to achieving net innovation and we are taking affirmative actions to ty pledges across all our focus areas as well as devel- reach net zero greenhouse gas emissions across its zero carbon emissions by 2050. Collectively partici- embed sustainability into our operations, our culture op interim goals to help us report and communicate on operations (Scopes 1 & 2) by 2030, as well as its plans pants now cover nearly 25 percent of global CO2 and our core business strategy,” commented Herweck. our progress, and we look forward to sharing more to submit ambitious mitigation targets for external val- emissions and over 50 percent of GDP. AVEVA’s “By being part of the Race to Zero initiative, we are details in the months to come.” idation by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) objective is to build momentum and spur rapid action leading by example and setting the direction we will Yesterday’s AVEVA announcements builds on a before the end of the fiscal year.

NBK Money Markets Report Al-Tijari announces cast horizon, and that the Governing Council (GC) will Growth worries have to decide whether the progress towards the new winners of Al-Najma Burgan Bank reveals 2 percent aim is “sufficiently advanced.” She then went on to clarify that “well-ahead” can be interpreted as weekly, salary draws winners of Yawmi boost demand for the mid-point of the inflation forecast. The single currency fluctuated throughout the week KUWAIT: Commercial Bank of Kuwait conducted the Account draw safe haven assets from 1.1750 to 1.1830 before closing the week lower at weekly draws on Al-Najma Account and Salary Transfer 1.1771. Campaign for Sunday July 18 and July 25, 2021. The draws were conducted in the presence of Ministry of KUWAIT: Burgan Bank announced yesterday KUWAIT: Last week was light for the US economy in Eurozone PMIs Commerce and Industry representative Ahmad Al- the names of the daily draw winners of its Yawmi terms of economic releases. Nevertheless, the major The eurozone composite PMI showed a sharper- Basman yesterday. account draw, each taking home a cash-prize of inflows into the US government 10-year treasury than-expected increase in July, rising from 59.5 to 60.6 The results of the draws were as follows: KD 5,000. bonds sent yields tumbling to 1.126 percent, a level not with economists expecting a reading of 60.0. That rep- For July 18, 2021 The lucky winners are: reached since February of this year. Global growth resents the strongest reading since July 2000. The 1. Al-Najma weekly account - the prize of KD 5,000 1. Hiyam Ali Alawam worries continues to intensify and boost demand for manufacturing PMI fell from 63.4 to 62.6, broadly in went to the winner Sheikh Mubarak Faisal Al-Sabah 2. Khaled Faisal Al-Subaie safe-haven assets as the spread of the Delta variant is line with consensus of 62.5. Hence, the upside surprise 2. Salary account campaign - the prize of up to KD 3. Sheikh Mubarak Faisal Al-Sabah casting worries on investors and their sentiment. came in services, where the activity index jumped from 1,000 went to the winner Jamal Saad Al-Otaibi 4. Abdlredha Ali Albaghli Interest rate hike probabilities in the US have declined 58.3 to 60.6 beating expectations of 59.3. For July 25, 2021 5. Aishah Ali Akbar since the beginning of July when the market was pric- UK PMIs saw a sharp slowdown in July, with the 1. Al-Najma weekly account - the prize of KD 5,000 In addition to the daily draw, Burgan Bank also ing at least 1 hike towards the end of 2022. However, manufacturing index down from 63.9 to 60.4 and went to the winner Rachid Salah Khazzam offers a quarterly draw with more chances to win the market became more hesitant amid continued below expectations of 62.4 and the services index 2. Salary account campaign - the prize of up to KD higher rewards, offering the chance to one lucky developments of the global health condition in the down from 62.4 to 57.8 which was also lower than the 1,000 - went to the winner Habiba Ali Al-Obaid customer to win KD 125,000 every three months. pace of the recovery for the world’s largest economy consensus of 62.0.Both the manufacturing and servic- The bank stated that the salary campaign is aimed at The Yawmi Account offers daily and quarterly and is currently pricing an 81 percent chance of a hike es headline readings were the weakest since March customers who transfer their salaries of KD 500 or more draws, wherein the quarterly draw requires cus- in February of 2023. 2021, while an optimism index for the composite PMI to the bank, especially Kuwaiti employees and residents tomers to maintain a minimum amount of KD 500 (of all sectors) fell to its lowest in nine months, as the working in the government, oil sectors and companies in their account for two months prior to the draw Markets react delta variant took hold in the UK. Of all firms surveyed, listed with the bank as well as retirees, and take advan- date. Additionally, every KD 10 in the account will Volatility was the theme of last week with treasuries 32 percent mentioned an increase in output while 16 tage of the benefits of this campaign and get an instant entitle customers to one chance of winning. If the fluctuating from a low of 1.126 percent to a high of percent reported a drop. Of the latter group, this was cash gift from KD 250 to KD 500 or an interest-free loan account balance is KD 500 and above, the 1.313 percent reacting to global growth concerns and attributed to “severe shortages of raw materials and of five times the salary and a maximum of KD 10,000, account holder will be qualified for both the quar- investors’ sentiment. Equities had a similar movement the impact of COVID-19 isolation on staff availability”. Kuwaiti pensioner, along with expatriate customers who terly and daily draws. with between reaching 4-week lows and then recoup- transfer their debt amounting to KD 10,000 or above to Burgan Bank encourages everyone to open a ing the losses to end the week on par as earnings opti- UK retail sales the bank will receive an instant cash gift of 1 percent from Yawmi account and/or increase their deposit to mism pushed global stocks back towards record highs Retail sales figures released last week in the UK their transferred debt. maximize their chances of becoming a winner. The despite mixed date. indicated solid gains of 0.5 percent versus the expect- The bank stated that Al-Najma Account prizes are higher the level of the deposit, the higher the like- ed decline of 0.1 percent on monthly basis. As plans for distinguished by the highest cash prize and diversity of lihood to win. ECB policy meeting the UK economy to resume normally, the spread of prizes throughout the year clarifying that the account The European Central Bank has made significant other coronavirus variants are casting doubts on the offers weekly prize of KD 5,000, monthly prize of KD changes to the working of its forward guidance in last prospect of the timeline required for the country to 20,000 and a semi-annual prize of KD 500,000 in addi- week’s policy meeting. The changes reflected revisions resume its course normally. The cable have been tion to the largest prize - linked bank account payout of IMF board okays to its monetary policy framework announced earlier resilient this past week as it reached a 3-month low of KD 1,500,000. this month. The general council “expects the key ECB 1.3572 but was able to reverse the movement and Al-Najma Account can be opened by depositing KD interest rates to remain at their present or lower levels climb back to opening level of 1.3787. 100, and customer should maintain a minimum amount of big lending hike until it sees inflation reaching two per cent well ahead KD 500 to be eligible to enter all draws on Al-Najma of the end of its projection horizon and durably for the Prices remain in range Account prizes. As for the chances of winning, the more for poorest nations rest of the projection horizon and it judges that real- Oil prices took a dip on Monday and Brent fell balance a customer maintains in Al-Najma Account, the ized progress in underlying inflation is sufficiently below the $70 mark for the first time since early June. more chances the account holder will get to win, the advanced to be consistent with inflation stabilizing at The movement was reversed on Tuesday and Brent account also offers additional benefits like the ATM card, WASHINGTON: The IMF board announced it had two per cent over the medium term”. prices climbed above the $70 level and closed the a credit card against customer’s account and all CBK approved a massive increase in its ability to provide During the press conference, ECB president week at $74.10. banking services that customer can enjoy. interest-free loans to low income countries to help Christine Lagarde clarified that the new guidance has The bank revealed that Al-Najma account is available them recover from the pandemic’s economic destruc- three legs: that 2 percent has to be reached “well Kuwait to everyone, and anyone can open Al-Najma account tion. The COVID-19 crisis has drained resources set ahead” of the end of the forecast horizon, that inflation Kuwaiti dinar through CBK mobile application in simple steps from aside for these countries-most are which are in sub- should remain there “durably” for the rest of the fore- USD/KWD closed last week at 0.30070 anywhere and at any time. Saharan Africa-far faster than anticipated, and their needs will remain high, the International Monetary Fund said. In a revamped “forward guidance” statement released until at least the end of March 2022, or until the ECB The changes, which the IMF board approved July ‘Patient’ ECB vows after the meeting, closely scrutinized by markets for “judges that the coronavirus crisis phase is over”. 14, include a 45 percent increase in the limits on nor- hints on future policy moves, the ECB said rates would German Chancellor Angela Merkel earlier Thursday mal lending, and removes altogether the caps on longer support as stay at record-low and even negative levels until infla- warned of “exponential growth” in COVID-19 infec- access for the poorest countries. tion is seen “durably” reaching the new target. tions, after a period of relatively low numbers allowed However, officials made clear the IMF is not offer- Governors also made no tweaks to their 1.85-tril- the country to ease curbs on hotels, restaurants, shops ing nations a blank check. “The decision to raise virus risks grow lion-euro ($2.2 trillion) pandemic emergency bond- and other businesses. access limits is not a directive to lend more across all purchasing program (PEPP), the bank’s main tool to IMF programs-rather, it provides the flexibility to pro- counter the virus impact. Surging prices FRANKFURT: European Central Bank chief Christine vide more zero interest financing for countries with The ECB’s ultra-loose monetary policy measures During her press conference, Lagarde was grilled Lagarde warned of growing economic “uncertainty” strong economic programs to handle the pandemic are aimed at keeping credit cheap in the eurozone to about the bank’s new inflation target, which she has caused by the fast-spreading Delta variant of the and the path to full recovery,” said Sean Nolan, deputy encourage spending and investment. Lagarde said the described as a more “simple” and “symmetric” goal, coronavirus, as the bank pledged to keep support for director of the Strategy Policy and Review “easier to understand”, updated guidance underlined meaning the bank will allow inflation to temporarily the eurozone in place for longer. “The euro area econ- Department. The Washington-based crisis lender pro- the ECB’s “commitment to maintain a persistently overshoot or undershoot before stepping in. The omy is rebounding strongly,” Lagarde said. “But the vides the financing largely through “multi-year lending accommodative monetary policy stance”. tweaked inflation goal is the main outcome of an 18- pandemic continues to cast a shadow, especially as the arrangements,” unlike in 2020, when most aid was ING bank economist Carsten Brzeski was under- month strategic review at the ECB-its first since 2003. Delta variant constitutes a growing source of uncer- pushed out through emergency programs that dis- whelmed however, calling the new language from the Eurozone inflation has been stubbornly low for tainty.” The highly contagious variant-which has bursed immediately and were not conditioned on eco- ECB “old wine in new bottles”. years despite extraordinary stimulus efforts from the forced renewed restrictions in several countries-could nomic policies. ECB. But global consumer prices have surged in recent dampen the recovery “in services, especially in tourism The fund dramatically increased its financing to German worries months, driven by one-off factors linked to the pan- and hospitality,” she added. poor nations last year, eight times higher than the Some disagreement has emerged among ECB gov- demic such as post-lockdown demand and supply Lagarde said the ECB would show “patience” in average in the prior three years, and said demand “is ernors about when to start weaning the euro area off chain bottlenecks. helping the 19-nation currency club through the health projected to continue at elevated levels for several the massive stimulus. But concerns about the increase Investors are on red alert over the price hikes crisis, signaling that key interest rates would stay lower years.” The IMF also is working to boost funding for in coronavirus infections appears to have hit pause on owing to fears they could force policymakers to raise for longer. Thursday’s meeting of the ECB’s 25-mem- its Poverty Reduction and Growth Trust (PRGT) to the debate, with Lagarde saying “none of us would interest rates, hindering the post-COVID recovery. ber governing council was the first since the bank provide the zero-interest loans, calling for an initial want to tighten prematurely” and risk derailing the Lagarde said the jump in eurozone inflation-at 1.9 per- unveiled a new inflation target of two percent, ditching injection of about $4 billion, including from member rebound. cent in June-”is expected to be mostly temporary”, the previous goal of “close to, but below two percent”. contributions.—ÅFP She said the PEPP purchases will remain in place and the ECB will look through it.—AFP 10 Established 1961

Business Monday, July 26, 2021 solutions by stc partners with PASS to offer parking management solutions A new market segment under stc’s one-stop-shop business arm

KUWAIT: solutions by stc, the specialized business both employees and employers to keep track of all stc also offers a range of connectivity solutions, fixed arm of Kuwait Telecommunications Company - stc, has parking related information. Through the ‘subscription or wireless services, 5G technology, ICT, IoT and the partnered with local smart parking solutions provider, system’, employers will be able to manage parking IT products and services. The Company also “PASS”, to offer a range of cutting-edge parking man- spaces efficiently, while eliminating the use of parking launched the 5G LIVEBUS, a safe and smart bus agement solutions. solutions by stc released a state- tickets, payment by cash, or any unnecessary human solution supported by 5G connectivity to provide a ment noting that the newfound partnership will help interaction. This feature helps eliminate all contact safe and convenient method of transportation for expand the Company’s product line as it enters a new associated with entering and leaving a parking struc- passengers. market segment to further expand its digital product ture, serving as a valuable feature considering the The Company commented that it is proud to partner line. Considering that parking management solutions in ongoing pandemic and social distancing. with an innovative provider that has a proven track itself is a new market segment, PASS has been a local Another feature included in the application is ‘pre- record in applying smart parking solutions within the pioneer in providing such services with a successful booking’. Pre-booking allows users to reserve a local market. The addition of such solutions will widen track record of accomplishments. Through this collabo- parking spot in advance before arriving to the park- solutions by stc’s offering line following its commitment ration, solutions by stc will be the exclusive provider of ing structure. While users will not be able to reserve to provide customers with integrated and innovative this innovative technology to both B2B and commercial a specific spot, they will be designated a vacant spot solutions that enable digitization across multiple opera- segments on behalf of PASS, while providing additional in a nearby location, still saving valuable time during tional aspects and sectors. services to support SMEs in adopting this streamlined busy times. By using modern and innovative techno- solutions by stc aims to continue exploring new solution. The addition of this service under solutions by and exiting parking structures. The Automatic Number logical solutions, solutions by stc currently provides alternative methods of applying digital and tech-based stc aims to further diversify the Company’s offering Plate Recognition (ANPR) device enables smart park- an extensive offering line for corporate customers, concepts that can greatly enhance the efficiency and portfolio, expand its market reachability, and provide ing by using an optical character recognition to read assisting them in their digital transformation journey. productivity of existing activities. As the digital era customers with customized solutions based on their vehicle license plates and store data on all vehicle The Company applies a design thinking approach continues to expand through transformative milestones, unique requirements. movement both in and out of the structure. while collaborating with market leaders to provide its the Company aims to keep pace with the rapidly evolv- The smart parking solution integrates several tech- The smart parking solution is designed for pay-to- customers with effective tools that can enhance effi- ing tech-world and become the gateway to its cus- nologies to digitize the user experience when entering park parking structures and is a perfect solution for ciency. As a business solutions provider, solutions by tomers’ appetite for digital innovation.

New Huawei NBK concludes its campaign to FreeBuds 4 set to take reward users of Mobile Banking KUWAIT: National Bank of Kuwait (NBK) has con- Notifications enables NBK Mobile Banking users to your audio experience cluded the campaign for rewarding its customers receive real-time alerts about all transactions made on signing up to NBK Mobile Banking or opting to NBK their accounts and credit cards through mobile notifi- Push Notifications instead of SMS notifications after cations including transaction details as an alternative to next level completing all bimonthly draws conducted throughout for SMS notifications. The service allows customers to the campaign, in which many customers won valuable receive notifications 24/7, wherever they are, inside or HUAWEI FreeBuds 4. Together with AEM tech- prizes from Huawei. outside Kuwait, as long as they are connected to the KUWAIT: Sound is that one essential element nology, it helps address the issue by automatical- This campaign comes in line with NBK’s keenness internet. that completes the overall experience. Everyday, ly adjusting the music depending on the user’s to provide the most advanced digital banking services NBK Push Notifications is a continuation of a we are surrounded with sound coming from all ears. When users turn on noise cancellation, the and payment solutions to its customers and enabling number of services added to NBK Mobile Banking directions and while it is something we are often earbuds automatically detects the ear canal them to make all their transactions quickly and easily. App to cope with the fast-paced modern lifestyle, used to, it sometimes cuts us from what we actu- shape and wearing conditions and then assigns The campaign that lasted for three months with the with dramatically increasing reliance on smartphones ally want to hear. Check out the Huawei FreeBuds the best suited noise cancellation parameters for last draw conducted on 13 July, 2021, gave all cus- in daily life. These services 4, Huawei’s latest True Wireless Stereo (TWS) the best listening experience. tomers who switched from SMS notifications to NBK include NBK Geo Alerts, Bluetooth earbuds that continues the legacy of Additionally, Huawei FreeBuds 4 has a stag- Push Notifications available for all NBK Mobile which allows customers to the open-fit earbuds with Active Noise gered wind-proof structure that prevents wind Banking users, since it was first launched, the chance receive notifications about Cancelation (ANC) technology that started with noise from being generated at the source. This to enter draws and win prizes. available offers and dis- the Huawei FreeBuds 3. design effectively blocks strong winds from NBK announced the names of the following counts on their smart- Offering studio-quality sound as well as blowing directly into the microphone, allowing winners: phones at specific locations open-fit ANC and unmatched air-like comfort, for better wind-proof effects. • Fatimeh Ali Melyouni while shopping nearby. the Huawei FreeBuds 4 doesn’t just work with • Shemali Ali Al-Shemali Winners: A top-notch Huawei products, but also with devices running Ergonomic design for an air-like comfort • Phani Kumar Katuri digital experience packed Android and iOS. Through the Huawei AI Life More than just the performance, earbuds • Ghina Qasem Moosoully with exceptional prizes app, users are able to adjust settings or perform should also offer comfort levels that will allow it • Wejdan Faisal Al-Hammadi The winners who various controls such as wear detection, quick to be worn for long periods. In the case of the • Mohammad Fahad Al-Mutairi showed various reactions, Hala Al-Shoaibi control, status query, noise cancelation and Huawei FreeBuds 4, Huawei created a 3D evalua- On this occasion, Hala Al-Shoaibi, Head of Digital agreed on the top-notch device management. tion system that mainly looks at the wearing Service Quality Management, National Bank of digital banking experience comfort of earbuds from three elements that Kuwait said: “We aim to encourage our customers provided to them by NBK, which is also packed with Immersive high-resolution audio include suction pressure, stability and stuffiness. to use digital channels for all their transactions and exceptional rewards and prizes. The participants said with studio-quality sound Stress tests are then done to simulate how the payments.” that NBK Mobile Banking helps them make all trans- While speakers can handle all frequencies earbuds are worn. Using 10,000+ human ear “We have a huge technological infrastructure that actions easily and quickly anytime, anywhere. Some of created by sound, the same is not the case with models, the Huawei FreeBuds 4 was created fac- enables us to provide top-notch digital services, them pointed out that their close connection with earbuds or headphones, which is why there is a toring in the comfort assessment on these tests to especially through NBK Mobile Banking, under which NBK stems from being NBK Customers since child- need to innovate on how sound can be perfectly guarantee an optimal wearing air-like comfort for we strive to provide continuously updated services,” hood, and throughout those years, it was always the replicated despite the narrow frequency range. all users. she added. Al-Shoaibi emphasized that NBK is keen bank they know and trust. With the Huawei FreeBuds 4, it uses a classic to launch unrivaled campaigns all year round, in line The winners also expressed their pleasure with the 14.3mm dynamic driver with a lightweight yet Huawei AI Life app with its strategy to reward customers through an prizes they received, which encourage them to do durable diaphragm that brings improved dynam- An audio assistant for a better lifestyle array of exquisite draws, prizes and offers. NBK Push sport and lead a healthy life. ic response to help avoid split vibrations that The Huawei FreeBuds 4 can also work as an cause distortions in audio output. The earbuds external microphone when shooting videos. use a Liquid Crystal Polymer (LCP) composite financial obligations, the Central Bank of Kuwait has Thanks to the high-sensitivity microphone, it is enacted a set of controls that banks must adhere to diaphragm made of polymer for greater durabili- able record high-fidelity sound using a sample KFH continues its ty that brings improved middle and treble when providing finance, whether for employees or rate of 48 kHz that help retain much if the detail retirees, taking into account the financial conditions of sounds. In various test, dynamic drivers that use on the audio being recorded. Low Latency Mode an LCP composite diaphragm can support a fre- supportive efforts to each of these two categories. Such controls require is also supported on the Huawei FreeBuds 4 banks to offer financial advice, provide all the informa- quency range of up to 40 kHz which can deliver which is perfect for users who love playing fast- professional-grade sound quality with richer and ‘Diraya’ campagain tion about the financing contract, and clarify the details paced games. of the financing process, e.g. rate of return/discount rate fuller trebles. Most of the time users want to control play- Using this dynamic driver isn’t enough, and to the finance amount, number of installments, details of back or answer calls without the need to take KUWAIT: As part of “Diraya” campaign, Kuwait each installment and other information before signing the Huawei has implemented a bass tube on the ear- out their smartphones, which is why the Huawei buds to create a more pulse-pounding bass. This Finance House (KFH) continues to improve the financial contract with the customer. In addition, the bank should FreeBuds 4 feature intuitive controls built right literacy of various customer segments and highlight the give the customer a period of two days to review the tube connects to the rear chamber of the audible on the earbud. Tapping twice on the stem unit with the external air holes and is part of a benefits of the banking services and products it pro- contract and read the terms and conditions carefully, so allows users to answer/reject a call, play/pause vides. Through the “Diraya” campaign launched by the that the customer can be aware of his/her rights and newly upgraded bass enhancement engine, bass music, play previous/next song and enable tube and motherboard that form an independent Central Bank of Kuwait in collaboration with the Kuwait obligations under the contract before signing it. voice assistant while swiping up and down will Banking Association to spread banking awareness, KFH The campaign “Diraya” aims to enhance and support sealed sound cavity. This results in an enhanced control the volume. Additionally, long pressing airtightness and acoustic pressure and increased is keen to educate customers about personal finance the goals of the Central Bank of Kuwait and its social on the steam of the earbuds can enable/disable operations. program which aims to spread banking knowledge bass performance that is wasn’t possible before noise cancelation. on a small earbud. KFH explained that personal finance is provided by among society members, increase public awareness on More than just the impressively rich bass, clear banks to individuals to meet their personal needs, adding the most important financial issues and on the way to vocals and rich details, the Huawei FreeBuds 4 that this financing is divided into two types: consumer protect assets from fraudulence. Also, it aims to highlight also uses Adaptive Ear Matching (AEM) technol- finance and housing finance. Consumer finance is a medi- the banking sector role in general, and the banking ogy for the first time in open-fit earbuds. Using um-term personal finance of maximum KD 25,000 over a products provided by the private sector, by introducing this technology, it can intelligently optimise the period not exceeding five years, for financing goods and a set of instructions and information on regular basis audio effect and output, allowing users to have a services such as buying cars, furniture, or educational or through social media in cooperation with Kuwait bank- consistent and high resolution audio quality no health services, while housing Finance is a long-term per- ing association and local banks. The campaign shall con- matter how they’re wearing the earbuds. sonal finance maximum KD 70,000 over a period not tinue till the end of this year. It is worth noting that KFH Aside from the hardware enhancements to exceeding fifteen years for purchase, building or renova- works always on organizing training courses for its bring rich treble and powerful bass performance, tion of private housing. employees to increase their experience level, and Huawei FreeBuds 4 feature Adaptive Ear KFH added that in order to regulate the provision of encourage them to transfer these information in a simpli- Matching (AEM) technology in open-fit ear- personal financings in a way that enables the customer fied manner to customers through direct contact in the phones for the first time. By automatically detect- to benefit from such facilities without being exposed to service centers, social media channels and various elec- In this current digital age, many users typically default risk, and to avoid burdening the customer with tronic channels of the bank. ing user’s ear shape and wearing condition, own more than one device and it could be a has- Huawei FreeBuds 4 can intelligently optimize the sle if they want to connect the earbuds to multi- audio effect, allowing users to have consistent ple devices that would require to be set up every pre-pandemic level in the second quarter of 2021. and high resolution audio quality regardless of time it is being used. Huawei FreeBuds 4 supports Russia hikes rate However, the “steady growth in domestic demand the wearing situation. dual device connections whether if it’s a Huawei exceeds production expansion capacity in a wide smartphone, tablet, PC, smartwatch or even to fight inflation range of sectors,” the bank added. Leading the industry with devices from other brands. As a result, “businesses find it easier to transfer high- open-fit noise cancelation In one scenario, when the user is watching on MOSCOW: Russia’s central bank raised its interest er costs to prices”. Friday’s rate hike is the highest since Earbuds that feature ANC usually come with the tablet and there is an incoming call on the rate by 100 basis points to 6.5 percent-its biggest Russia was hit in 2014 by a fall in oil prices and Western an in-ear design, but despite the technical chal- smartphone, the tablet will automatically pause increase since a 2014 currency crisis-as the country sanctions following Moscow’s annexation of Crimea. lenges Huawei managed to bring ANC to open-fit the episode and the earphones will switch to the battles soaring food prices. The Russian economy was That year the central bank abruptly raised its key rate to earbuds: the open-fit earbuds offer a more pleas- smartphone for the user to pick up the call. hard-hit by the coronavirus pandemic and the 2020 oil more than 17 per cent. After months of historically low ant and super comfortable wearing experience as In staying true to its technological innovations, price crisis, and authorities are under pressure follow- inflation, consumer prices began climbing in March the user is less likely to feel a build-up of air the Huawei FreeBuds 4 joins Huawei’s line up of ing a leap in prices for staple goods such as sugar, 2020, driven by a drop in the ruble’s value. The central pressure within. products that have transformed the way users sunflower oil and eggs. bank started raising its historically low rate the same Challenges like how the earbuds should fit in interact with devices. This is a true testament to “Inflation is developing above the Bank of Russia’s month. In June, Russian annual inflation remained high user’s ears for absolute comfort as well as a Huawei’s capabilities in delivering what the user forecast,” it said in a statement, adding that the at 6.5 percent according to the state statistics agency, proper noise cancelling algorithm brought about wants and in turn taking audio experience to the increase in its key rate aimed to “constrain this risk” the highest level since 2016 and well above a bank fore- the adoption of dual microphones used on the next level. and return inflation to 4.0 percent. According to the cast of 4.0 percent. The bank’s next monetary policy bank’s estimates, the Russian economy reached its meeting is set for September 10. —AFP Established 1961 11 Lifestyle Features Monday, July 26, 2021

Festival-goers attend the Kaleidoscope Festival in Alexandra Palace Park in London on Saturday. — AFP photos

early 10,000 music fans savored have “had enough of being cooped up new-found freedoms at London’s and going in and out of lockdown”. NKaleidoscope Festival on “Obviously, there’s never going to be a Saturday. “I’m really excited to be here, I perfect time... coronavirus is never going haven’t done anything like this in two to completely go away. We have to learn years”, said Leonie Louis, one of the fes- to live with it,” she said. tival-goers, who decorated with sequins and flower crowns, braved the stormy Negative tests weather to invade the grounds of north The health situation has, however, London’s Alexandra Palace, a legendary made organizing the gig “hard”, accord- music venue that has previously hosted ing to Alexandra Palace event manager, Pink Floyd, the Rolling Stones and Jay Simon Fell. He feared a last-minute can- Z. cellation, with sudden changes in health “It’s really nice to just see everybody rules common in recent months. “How out and drinking and just enjoying them- do you sell tickets to people if you don’t selves,” Louis told AFP from the comfort really know if the event will take place? pation for the return of music on the Music as therapy cate the atmosphere of live music. of a deckchair in the palace gardens. It’s a very difficult position to be in,” he stage. Joshua Brigts, 25, said he was a Sitting next to him on a straw bale, his “The reason that I love coming to fes- Kaleidoscope, which featured bands told AFP. “It has been really hard for all “little bit” anxious about the health risks, friend Stephen Parsons, 25, sporting a tivals is seeing the big bands, but also including Groove Armada and The Coral contractors, production teams, security with the so-called delta variant causing a trendy floral shirt, said he was “over- coming to these smaller stages and just along with renowned comedians and teams. It’s been a challenging environ- spike of infections across the country. whelmed” and that the afternoon music experiencing that completely unique writers, is one of the largest live events ment,” he added. “But at the same time, I know every- had given him a new sense of optimism. atmosphere,” he said. “You can’t have to have taken place in England since the No masks were to be seen around one here has had a negative test in the “The music has completely lifted my spir- this on Zoom! It’s not the same, not the country lifted its last coronavirus restric- the main stage, only the broad smiles of last 48 hours,” he said. “Whereas, walk- its,” said the reveler, who came from same at all.” — AFP tions on July 19. festival-goers, swaying with beers in ing through central London, there’s as Bedford, about 100 km north of London, Louis, a 24-year-old management hand and enjoying the panoramic view many, if not more, people. So in a weird for the day. He spent a year-and-a-half in consultant, said that it was “a great time” of London. Families mingled with extrav- way it actually feels safer here than on lockdown watching many concerts to open up again, adding that people agantly-dressed ravers, united in antici- my commute to work.” online, but said that nothing could repli- Greece’s first underwater museum opens ancient world to dive tourists

merging from the crystal-clear ba gear and plunge into the sea, closely turquoise waters of the Aegean Sea, following their guide. About 300 people EHans-Juergen Fercher has just have paid to visit the wreck since the returned from his fourth dive to where museum opened, according to Alonissos mounds of 2,500-year-old wine pots mark Mayor Petros Vafinis. the site of an ancient shipwreck - and Vafinis - himself an avid scuba diver - Greece’s first underwater museum. “This joined a group of tourists as they one by is a combination of diving and archaeo- one launched themselves off the rear logical diving. It’s diving into history,” says deck of the Triton into the sea. All visitors the 48-year-old psychiatrist after pulling must first undergo a briefing about the site himself onto the deck of the Triton dive and the strict rules - such as keeping at boat. “It makes it special and unique.” least two meters away from the artifacts. The museum beneath the waves at Peristera, a rocky outcrop off the island of High expectations This photo taken on July 19, 2021 shows people hiking up to watch the sunrise from the summit of Mount Fuji, some 70 km west of the capital Alonissos, opened in 2020, though the After a short swim from the boat, the Tokyo. —AFP photos site has been largely mothballed until now tour guide leads the group down through due to COVID-19 restrictions. As Greece changing layers of light and increasing opens up its vital tourism industry, the site cold to the sea bed almost 30 m below. offers an example of a new and more sus- “My expectations were really high from tainable source of revenue. the briefing, and it fulfilled everything,” Divers like Fercher and Danish wine- said George Giasemidis, a Greek tourist cellar maker, Lisette Fredelund, are willing who visited the area specifically to see to pay Ä95 ($110) a dive - about 50 per- the wreck. Due to the depth and techni- cent more than the cost of a regular recre- cal difficulty of the descent, only qualified ational scuba outing - for a guided tour of divers are allowed to visit the wreck of a a site once the preserve of professional ship that was delivering wine and other archaeologists. “It was just amazing,” said goods when it foundered, around the fifth Fredelund. “I was just, while we were century BC. People hike to the summit of Mount Fuji. down there, trying to imagine what it had More than 4,000 two-handled been like being on a vessel transporting amphorae are anchored in the sand, their wine.” positions marking out the outline of the wooden vessel, the remains of which More to come have been washed away over time. “We More wrecks have been discovered in want to propose another kind of tourism to the area - the middle of the country’s the people who come. I don’t want inten- largest marine reserve - holding out the sive tourism we can find anywhere else,” prospect that more such museums will Vafinis said. open. Greece has made diving part of its With four other wrecks discovered focus to attract visitors since legislation nearby, the goal is that they will in turn or a year, the peak of Japan’s iconic 3,776-m mountain is about two hours But while the mountain is awe-inspir- passed in 2020 making it possible to become accessible, adding Alonissos to Mount Fuji has been off-limits from central Tokyo by train. But it can be ing, it’s also dangerous. The climbing access such sites, Tourism Minister Harry the must-do list for divers around the Fbecause of coronavirus, but now seen for miles around, and has been routes from the fifth station on its slopes Theoharis told AFP. world. “It goes to put Alonissos on the hikers are flocking back to catch the immortalized in countless Japanese art- to the top are only open from early July “This is a type of tourism that attracts world diving map, to have like an under- spectacular sunrise above the clouds. works, including Hokusai’s world-famous to September. The rest of the year the people all year round, a special audience water safari of ancient wrecks,” said The active volcano’s symmetrical slopes “Great Wave”. mountain is deemed too treacherous to that pays generously to dive,” he said, Kostas Efstathiou, co-owner of the Triton were closed to the public last summer Just after 4:30 am, after a long night climb and lodges and toilets on climbing adding that 10 new diving parks are ready diving center. — AFP due to the pandemic, and only reopened of climbing and a short rest on the moun- routes are closed to discourage would- to be licensed under the process provided this month. In the early hours of a recent tainside, hikers were treated to the be hikers. But that doesn’t always stop for by the legislation. On board the Triton, morning, more than 100 people were majestic sight of the sunrise. Climbers at people, and in October 2019 a man died a group of six more visitors don their scu- gathered at the summit of the sacred the summit can watch it breaking through after falling down part of the mountain mountain, which is capped with treacher- the clouds behind a traditional “torii” gate while livestreaming. ous ice and snow for most of the year. on the mountainside. “I have already Fuji last erupted in 1707, and while it “Fuji has always been revered. It is a climbed other mountains, but Mount Fuji has not shown any signs of life in recent mountain that is an object of worship,” is special,” said Haruka Fujimori, a 23- decades, experts say an eruption could said Takeo Tokunari, a 34-year-old hiker. year-old flight attendant. “It is a volcano shower Tokyo in ash and force hundreds “Even though I am not particularly reli- not connected to any other mountain of thousands to evacuate. But right now, gious, I do feel purified by coming here, range, it stands alone majestically on the it’s the preserve of early-morning adven- somehow.” Fuji-san, as it is known in landscape, I find it beautiful.” turers like Chikako Kubo, 29. “There is Japanese, is the quintessential symbol of Mizuki Ogawa, also 23, told AFP at something fresh and divine: A sunrise is the country currently hosting the virus- the summit that climbing Fuji had been a a start, an opportunity to take stock and postponed Tokyo Olympics. personal challenge. “In my daily life and start something new,” she said. — AFP Cycling events are taking place on at work, I sometimes experienced difficult and around its slopes, with the steep situations that made me lose confidence climbs of the long-distance road race in myself,” she said. “So I challenged challenging even the fittest athletes in myself to climb Mount Fuji to try to regain Scuba divers visit the underwater museum in the Aegean Sea off the coast of the Greek island Japan’s sweltering summer heat. The my confidence.” Alonissos on July 20, 2021. — AFP 12 Established 1961 Lifestyle Features Monday, July 26, 2021

rince’s estate will soon issue a sciousness... this is a concerted effort to technology and devices, which he saw the first time. “He said, ‘never in my completed record from the mercuri- really speak about these things,” said “as something that handcuffed people.” career have I taken a week where I didn’t Pal artist’s storied music vault, the Hayes, who co-produced the album. “I But while the album tackles decidedly write a song and pick up my guitar.’” The first never-before-heard album released really dug how raw it was, and as far as weighty topics - “Running Game (Son of release of Prince’s vast trove of music since the musician’s shock death five my production, I just wanted to keep it to a Slave Master)” centers on racism, remains a sensitive subject; the super- years ago. “Welcome 2 America” - a 12- where its raw and I don’t get in the way while “Same Page, Different Book” star was controlling of his work, image, track album finished in 2010, but shelved of what he’s trying to say.” touches on religious strife - the album and carefully constructed enigmatic per- for reasons unknown in the famous vault also includes vintage danceable and car- sona. Doing right by him is no small chal- at Prince’s Paisley Park compound near ‘Liberty and justice’ nal slow jam Prince in the mix. “Hot lenge. Minneapolis - offers a prophetic window For Hayes, the singular artist “was Summer” is a major-key, guitar-heavy, Previously the estate has re-released into social struggles at today’s forefront, way ahead”, like a “sage sitting in the feel-good track, while the sparsely expanded versions of Prince’s milestone delving into racism, political division, Himalayas somewhere”, in foreshadow- arranged “When She Comes” featuring albums, like “1999” and “Sign O’ The technology and disinformation. ing the current moment. “He wanted, I the artist’s falsetto recalls the hypersexu- Times,” along with demos of songs he Melding urgent lyricism with lan- believe, a country that actually stood for al “Dirty Mind” Prince of yore. wrote that eventually became other guorous funk, the pop shapeshifter what it said it stood for: liberty and justice artists’ hits. Prince was never clear about Prince sings of America as the “land of for all,” Hayes told AFP in an interview. Excavating the vault his intentions for his unheard work, but the free / home of the slave”. The artist, “And we painfully know that that’s not the An untold number of songs - upwards he had taken steps to preserve his tapes, who died at 57 on April 21, 2016 follow- In this file photo taken on June 16, 1990, musi- case.” For Prince a key component of of 8,000, per Princian lore - were stored films, scripts and music along with his ing an accidental fentanyl overdose, cian Prince performs on stage during his con- freedom was ownership, according to in the vault under Paisley Park, though Paisley Park compound, leading his could not have known that in the years cert at the Parc des Princes stadium in Hayes: “if you don’t own your own things, some of its contents have been moved to estate - run by his sister and five half-sib- following his death his beloved home city Paris.— AFP you don’t have any freedom.” the Los Angeles climate-controlled stor- lings - to believe he wanted it shared. would explode in furor and protest after The artist was well known for taking age facility Iron Mountain. “It was crazy,” Asked by Rolling Stone in 2014 what he the police killing of George Floyd, a B Free. But if your history only burns / it’s labels to task, famously scrawling “slave” Hayes says of the vault. “All of this wanted to come of his oeuvre after he Black man. better to resist it.” on his cheek and changing his name to music, like all over the floor, all stacked was gone, Prince himself was character- But Prince was a career activist, advo- The album, out July 30, sees Prince an unpronounceable “love symbol” in the up to the ceiling. You have to think about istically nebulous. “I don’t think about cating for the empowerment of Black level “a laser-focused assault on the con- 1990s to protest Warner’s bid to rein in how prolific a cat has to be to have his ‘gone.’” — AFP people in the recording industry and dition of America”, said Morris Hayes, his prolific musical output. Hayes said own vault full of stuff. And I mean FULL beyond. “You go to school just to learn / Prince’s longtime keyboardist and musi- Prince - who didn’t carry a cell phone of stuff.” about what never existed,” Prince sings cal director. “What’s going on with social and memorized necessary phone num- Hayes recalled that in the mid-1990s on the closing track “One Day We Will All media, social justice, and social con- bers - also discussed freedom in terms of Prince told him he had taken time off for

cottish actor Mike Mitchell, who The marina’s manager, Burak starred in Gladiator and Ardahan, who checked the cabin after SBraveheart, has died at the Turkish the actor was inside for a long time, holiday resort of Fethiye, local media found him lying on the ground and called reported yesterday. He was 65. He is medical services. Mitchell’s body was believed to have died of a heart attack, taken to a morgue for an autopsy to the private DHA news agency reported. establish the cause of death, the DHA The actor, who was on holiday in Fethiye reported. — AFP in southwest Turkey, was found dead in a cabin at a marina, it said. Prince’s costumes and his guitar are on display at Paisley Park.

o the uninformed eye Paisley Park, Prince’s home and studio in subur- Tban Minnesota, could be anything - an abandoned mall, a government com- pound, a utilitarian office building. It’s only the 11-foot purple love symbol stat- ue, the unpronounceable glyph the artist famously went by during a dispute with his label, that gives the 65,000-square foot complex away as belonging to the artist beloved as Prince. The Cordouan lighthouse is seen at low tide on June 10, 2021 off the coast of Le Verdon-sur-Mer, Situated just off the highway leading southwestern France. — AFP photos southwest out of the Twin Cities in the municipality of Chanhassen, Paisley Joseph Teulere in the late 18th century. Park served as the virtuoso international Describing it as a “masterpiece of pop star’s creative and literal home, a maritime signaling”, the committee sanctum where he spent nearly three Prince’s shoes on display at Paisley Park. added: “Cordouan’s monumental tower decades before he collapsed in an eleva- is decorated with pilasters, columns tor there, dying soon after of an acciden- modillions and gargoyles. “It embodies tal painkiller overdose. that those spaces remain just his” - as is Prince’s genius is really second to none,” the great stages of the architectural and the storied vault where he stored troves he said. technological history of lighthouses and of unreleased music, Maguire explained. And to watch him perform there? “It’s was built with the ambition of continuing Exhibit rooms house Prince memorabilia difficult to articulate; I don’t think there the tradition of famous beacons of antiq- including gold records, flashy costumes, are enough words in the English lexicon attered by the wind and swell for uity, illustrating the art of building light- motorcycles and a “purple room” that to fully do it justice,” Maguire continued. 400 years and nicknamed the “king houses in a period of renewed naviga- pays homage to his seminal album “You just got the sense this guy could Bof lighthouses”, France’s Cordouan tion, when beacons played an important “Purple Rain.” move mountains by his gifts, and he was beacon on Saturday won recognition role as territorial markers and as instru- The 12,500-square-foot soundstage, very generous in terms of sharing those from UNESCO. The lighthouse, which ments of safety.” designed for concerts and tour gifts with us. The compound continues to will be added to UNESCO’s World The increase in its height in the late rehearsals, is now backdropped by a hold live music events and also has host- Heritage List, is the last to be inhabited in 18th century and changes to its light giant screen that displays archival Prince ed artists’ recording sessions there, France and only the second after Spain’s chamber at the same time were also Prince’s microphone is on display. concert and video footage, with many of including the likes of Beck. La Coruna to win the plaudit from the noteworthy, the committee said. They his instruments and concert attire on dis- “Part of what it means to continue to world heritage body. “attest to the progress of science and Sunlight streams in from the glass play for visitors. In another room the foster Prince’s legacy is just that - to con- Cordouan was built at the very end of technology of the period. Its architectural pyramid that crowns the complex, where museum is putting on a special exhibi- tinue to make this an active creative the 16th century and stands in the forms drew inspiration from ancient mod- white doves watch over the breezy atri- tion, showing hundreds of Prince’s cus- space,” Maguire said. In 1985, two years Atlantic Ocean at the mouth of the els, Renaissance Mannerism and the um painted with blue skies and fluffy tom-made shoes - including heels, plat- before his complex opened, Prince Gironde estuary in southwestern France specific architectural language of clouds. With four recording studios, a form sneakers and roller skates-in all released the song “Paisley Park” on his in a “highly exposed and hostile environ- France’s engineering school Ecole des soundstage and a club, Paisley Park for their fur-lined, glittering, iridescent, hand- seventh album “Around The World in a ment”, according to UNESCO’s World Ponts et Chaussees”. —AFP years hosted artists including Madonna, painted glamour. Day,” describing a utopian community Heritage Committee which announced its Prince was a mainstay of Minneapolis’ that was as much spiritual as it was tan- decision on Saturday. The lighthouse Miles Davis and Patti LaBelle, also hold- ing concerts and impromptu performanc- cultural scene, regularly hosting surprise gible. “Love is the color / This place was designed by engineer Louis de Foix, concerts with little notice at Paisley Park. imparts,” Prince sang. “Admission is and was later remodelled by engineer es to the delight of fans. The estate was a site of pilgrimage even before the And years before he directed the muse- easy / Just say you believe. Paisley Park artist’s death at 57, and today has taken um, Maguire was a fan in the crowd. “I is in your heart.” — AFP on new life as a museum. think the accessibility that we had as Faced with a tax burden following folks who lived in this community to Prince’s passing, his estate looked to monetize the compound. Six days a week fans can take guided tours at costs ranging from $45-$160, depending on the experience. Visitors must seal their cell phones in special pouches at the entrance, and much of Paisley Park pro- hibits photography, a bid to stay in line with the artist’s wishes. “Prince always preferred that you experience things here at Paisley through your own lens, rather than your camera,” Mitch Maguire, the complex’s managing director, said during a visit by AFP. “Prince was really good at creating an aura of mystique.”

‘Move mountains’ Prince’s living quarters are off-limits completely - “there’s something that I The “love” symbol outside of Paisley Park, Prince’s home and studio in Chanhassen, Minnesota Lighthouse keeper Thomas Dalisson, 38, cleans the lamp of the Cordouan lighthouse. think is really reverential about ensuring on June 30, 2021. — AFP photos Monday, July 26, 2021 13

History-seeking Biles makes flawed entrance at Tokyo Games TOKYO: American gymnastics superstar took three big steps on the beam dis- so we can do our best performance at Simone Biles got off to a shaky start in mount, I’ve never seen her do that team finals, because that’s what matters.” her quest for five gold medals and before,” said Forster. One gold medalist from Rio out of luck Olympic history in Tokyo yesterday, as an Biles qualified top in the all-around yesterday was Sanne Wevers. Uzbeki mother-of-one bid a poignant and vault, and was second on the floor, farewell after a remarkable career span- with the USA occupying the same posi- ‘Tears of happiness’ ning eight Games. tion behind the Russians for tomorrow’s The Dutch beam outgoing champion At 46 years old, Oksana Chusovitina, team final. But in the beam standings she had to wait 13 minutes for the judges to gold medalist at her debut Olympics in paid for her flawed ending to lie sixth of announce her score but when they did it Barcelona in 1992, has earned the right the eight progressing. Biles also booked a sent her not to the final, but to the air- to occupy her time in more sedate ways place for the uneven bars final, though, port. “They’ve just told me I will be on than exploding up a 25 meter runway which the 19-time world champion missed the plane home tomorrow. So, my short- and somersaulting backwards over a at Rio 2016, as the eighth qualifier. term future is just about packing my vault against competitors younger than While there were many moments of bags and going home,” she said, adding her son. dazzling Biles brilliance, Forster was that she had reached the same assess- Among those rivals is Biles, who kept thankful this was only qualifying. “We’re ment of her routine as the judges “in a the wheels on her bid to level Soviet great going to be okay... this is not the finals, lot less time!”. Larisa Latynina’s record of nine gymnas- this is getting into the finals, this might be Another gold medalist, but from much tics gold medals, but her qualifying per- a great awakening for us,” he said. He said further back than Rio, departing Tokyo formances were peppered with rare there was work to do. “Mostly fixing was the evergreen Chusovitina. She imperfections. steps on the floor. Staying in bounds received a hugely affectionate ovation On the floor, Biles over-rotated after would help,” he added, putting the lapses from her team, rivals, media and photog- one series of mesmerizing tumbles and down to “nerves”. raphers when she narrowly failed to qual- TOKYO: USA’s Simone Biles competes in the uneven bars event of the artistic gym- went off the mat, drawing a gasp from at Biles later chose to focus on the USA’s ify for the vault at her eighth and last nastics women’s qualification during the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games at the Ariake least one onlooker in the near-deserted team title defense rather than any person- Olympics. Gymnastics Center in Tokyo yesterday. —AFP Ariake Centre. She rolled her eyes after al ambitions of adding to all the precious Born in 1976, Chusovitina’s Olympic another unsteady landing over on the metal on her sideboard. “I feel we did a odyssey began in Barcelona in 1992, tics,” the stadium announcer said as have supported me for such a long time. vault, and her performance director Tom pretty good job. Obviously there are little where she won team gold, adding silver in teams, officials and journalists applauded. “I’m just so grateful.” Today sees the first Forster expressed disbelief after an things we need to work on, so we’ll go the vault in Beijing 2008. “We thank her She said later she had been crying “tears gymnastics title on offer with the men’s untidy end to her beam routine. “Simone back and practice and work on that, just for her contributions to artistic gymnas- of happiness, because so many people team final. — AFP German gymnasts bring bodysuits to Olympic competition ‘Refreshed’ Osaka TOKYO: Germany’s women’s gym- onto the floor in the bodysuits, featur- nastics team made a statement the ing bedazzled plum legs and a white wins on return as minute they stepped into the venue upper portion. In April, Seitz and for Tokyo Olympic qualifying yester- teammates Sarah Voss and Kim Bui all day, swapping leotards for full-length wore the full coverage outfits. Voss Barty dumped bodysuits. Several German gymnasts said on Friday the team had agreed as debuted the one-piece outfits, which group with their coaches to start out of Olympics cover all of their legs and most of competing in the bodysuits. their arms, at the European champi- “We were used to being in just a TOKYO: Japan’s Naomi Osaka won in straight onships. And the Olympic team were leotard on beam, and some girls said sets on her highly-anticipated return to the wearing them in training at the Ariake they wanted to feel more comfortable court at the Tokyo Olympics yesterday, while Gymnastics Centre earlier this week, in training,” added the 21-year-old, world number one Ashleigh Barty crashed out with three-time Olympian Elisabeth competing at her first Games. “We are in the first round. Osaka, the star of the open- Seitz saying it was “about what feels allowed to wear shorts (in training), so ing ceremony, defeated China’s Zheng Saisai 6- comfortable”. you don’t have the uncomfortable TOKYO: Germany’s Pauline Schaefer-Betz competes in the artistic gymnastics bal- 1, 6-4 and said she felt “refreshed” after taking “We wanted to show that every feeling of your leotard slipping when ance beam event of the women’s qualification during the Tokyo 2020 Olympic an eight-week break for mental health reasons. woman, everybody, should decide you have to do many routines a day.” Games at the Ariake Gymnastics Center in Tokyo yesterday. —AFP “I felt really nervous being in Japan and what to wear,” she said after Friday’s The decision, which Seitz has playing here for the first time in maybe two training. The team said then that they described as “an important signal”, mer team doctor Larry Nassar was made headlines while in Greece for- years, and for it to be my first Olympics,” said would vote on whether to wear the also comes against the backdrop of a found guilty of sexually assaulting at mer gymnasts complained of having Osaka, chosen as the first tennis player to light unitards during Sunday’s qualifiers. series of abuse scandals that have least 265 identified victims over two suffered decades of abuse “akin to the Olympic cauldron on Friday. “It was defi- Appearing in the final session of the rocked the world of gymnastics in decades, including star Simone Biles. torture” at the hands of one of their nitely really nerve-wracking. But I am glad I day, the team’s four athletes filed out recent years. In the United States, for- In Britain, accusations of abuse have coaches. —AFP was able to win, she is a very tough opponent.” The Australian Open champion had not played since May, when she walked out of I planned my day to go and I’m just really frustrated Roland Garros saying that media commitments American teen with myself,” said Jones. “I just put too much pres- were harming her mental health. “I feel like sure on myself going into it, and I really did feel it more than anything I’m just focused on playing Zolotic triumphs in more than I expected on the day. Not having my tennis. Playing the Olympics has been a dream family there to push me out of that fear zone really of mine since I was a kid,” she said, in her first did affect me, and I’m just gutted that I couldn’t appearance before media. “I feel like the break taekwondo as Jones’s have done more on the day.” that I took was very needed, but I feel definite- Alizadeh’s hopes of equaling or improving on her ly a little bit refreshed and happy again.” dreams shattered Rio performance ended with defeat by Tatiana Osaka showed few signs of rust as she Minina in the semi-final and a loss to Turkey’s reeled off the opening five games on the Ariake TOKYO: Jade Jones’s dreams of becoming the first Hatice Ilgun in the bronze medal final. Jones was Coliseum center court, which likely would have athlete to win three Olympic taekwondo titles were succeeded as Olympic champion by American been packed to capacity if not for a spectator shattered yesterday as the Briton exited at the last- teenager Anastasija Zolotic, who beat Russian ath- ban because of coronavirus restrictions. The 16 stage in Tokyo, beaten by Kimia Alizadeh of the lete Minina 25-17 in the final. second seed broke the 52nd-ranked Zheng for Refugee Olympic Team. Alizadeh - Iran’s first ever Zolotic, 18, whooped with delight as the three- a 2-1 lead in the second set and closed out an female Olympic medalist when she won bronze in round contest reached its end, ripping off her hel- 87-minute victory on her third match point. 2016 before defecting in 2020 - let out a shriek of met and running into the arms of her coach. “Yes! TOKYO: USA’s Anastasija Zolotic celebrates winning The 23-year-old Osaka is attempting to delight as she beat Jones 16-12 in the 57kg bout. Yes! Yes! I won!,” she yelled, and blew kisses at the against Russia’s Tatiana Minina in the taekwondo become Japan’s first Olympic tennis champion. Jones’s supporters from Team GB were visibly camera. She then picked up an American flag and women’s 57kg gold medal bout during the Tokyo She will play Switzerland’s Viktorija Golubic in stunned, with three-time taekwondo world champi- ran a lap of celebration in a virtually empty arena 2020 Olympic Games at the Makuhari Messe Hall in the last 32. Osaka is now the clear favorite for on Bianca Walkden bursting into tears and having to due to coronavirus protocols-but even that failed to Tokyo yesterday. —AFP gold after Barty, the reigning Wimbledon be led away by another team member. Alizadeh, rid her of her smile. champion, dropped serve twice in each set and who is Germany-based and had defected from Iran Team GB did not come away empty-handed, as made 55 unforced errors in a 6-4, 6-3 loss to in January 2020, did have previous form against world champion Bradly Sinden took silver in the Sinden, 22, failed to heed his coach’s advice from Spain’s 48th-ranked Sara Sorribes Tormo. Jones, beating her in the 2015 world championships. men’s 68kg category, losing 34-29 to Uzbekistan’s the sidelines-”Don’t look at the scoreboard”-with “I’m disappointed I wasn’t able to get Jones said she had few excuses for her under-par Ulugbek Rashitov. The 19-year-old trailed his British 40 seconds remaining and him leading 23-19. As through today, it just wasn’t my day,” said performance, although she admitted not having her opponent with eight seconds remaining, but a late Rashitov tumbled to the ground on top of his coach Barty. “I never really felt comfortable out there family present due to coronavirus restrictions had head kick secured him the gold and a first-ever in celebration, Sinden wiped a tear away and stood and wasn’t able to play the match on my terms. made an impact. “I’m absolutely gutted-it’s not how Olympic medal for his country in the sport. looking forlornly at a TV screen. — AFP I was a bit erratic and made too many errors.” Sorribes Tormo will go on to face France’s Fiona Ferro in the second round. Meanwhile defending champion Andy Kiesenhofer takes shock road Murray withdrew from the men’s singles with a quad muscle strain just hours before he was race gold after Van Vleuten gaffe scheduled to play Felix Auger-Aliassime. Murray, 34, will stay in Japan to play doubles TOKYO: Austrian mathematician get in front. That is something I could with Joe Salisbury. The pair won their opening Anna Kiesenhofer claimed a shock not take for granted because I am not match of the competition on Saturday. — AFP gold in a women’s Olympic road race good at riding in the peloton. yesterday that saw veteran “I am happy that I was not too Dutchwoman Annemiek van Vleuten scared and I just went for it. I attacked mistakenly think she had won. The 30- and with the group we worked more or year-old national time trial champion less together — it was helpful to have Kiesenhofer, who holds a doctorate in a group. I saw I was the strongest and applied maths from the Polytechnic I knew I had the climb before the long University of Catalonia having also descent. I’m pretty good at descending studied at Vienna and Cambridge so I got some more time and then it Universities, held her nerve after a long was just like a time trial to the finish.” breakaway that the main peloton never Van Vleuten acknowledged that her managed to reel in. raised-arm finish had been in vain. OYAMA: Austria’s Anna Kiesenhofer rides as she leads during the women’s cycling Van Vleuten made up for a horrific “Yes, I thought I had won,” she said. road race of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games at the Fuji International Speedway in crash at the Rio Games in 2016 with “I’m gutted about this, of course. “At Oyama, Japan, yesterday. —AFP silver, although she admitted to a mas- first I felt really stupid, but then the sive gaffe after thinking she had won others (her teammates) also did not when she crossed the line. Italian Elisa know who had won.” on Anna van der Breggen, who was over her shoulder in full knowledge Longo Borghini bagged bronze for the In a dramatic finale to a long day’s targeting back-to-back golds after that the gold was hers in a massive TOKYO: Japan’s Naomi Osaka celebrates a second consecutive Games. “It’s ride, the peloton reeled in France’s winning in Rio, and then Van Vleuten upset of the formbook. Drenched in point against China’s Zheng Saisai during their incredible, I couldn’t believe it, even Juliette Labous and with under four cut loose at the 2km mark, but it was sweat, she collapsed to the ground Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games women’s singles when I crossed the line,” said kilometers to go, the gap to much too late. after coming through the finish line, first round tennis match at the Ariake Tennis Kiesenhofer. “I planned to attack at Kiesenhofer was cut to under three Kiesenhofer shot through the 1km screaming in delight, hands on helmet Park in Tokyo yesterday. — AFP kilometer zero and I was happy I could minutes. First, two-time world champi- run-in smiling and constantly looking in near-disbelief. —AFP 14 Monday, July 26, 2021

Home boy Horigome crowned first Olympic skateboarding champion TOKYO: Japanese world champion Yuto Horigome fell on his first run and botched his first two of five held his nerve to be crowned skateboarding’s first attempts at a one-off trick. But he fought back with a Olympic gold medalist after winning a tense street 9.13 and 8.96 to make the final in third place, with competition in Tokyo yesterday. The 22-year-old, Horigome sixth. who grew up just a stone’s throw from the Olympic In the final, Horigome had his head in his hands venue, landed three huge tricks in a row to eclipse after a mistake on his first run, and the world number American favorite Nyjah Huston, who imploded to two fell twice in his second run before recovering his finish seventh. poise in the tricks section. The free-flowing Japanese In searing heat at Ariake Urban Sports Centre, reeled off four scores over 9.0, interrupted by a fall Horigome finished with scores of 9.35, 9.50 and 9.30 on his second trick, tracked by Hoefler and Eaton as for a total of 37.18, with Brazil’s Kelvin Hoefler second Huston faltered. and US skater Jagger Eaton third. “This is special The skating was contested on ramps, rails and because it was held in Koto City, where I was born,” ledges on an undulating, unshaded stretch of con- said Horigome. “For me it’s very meaningful, very crete baking in 33 degrees Celsius (91 degrees inspiring.” But there was disappointment for Huston, Fahrenheit) heat near Tokyo Bay. Skaters each had the much-hyped multiple world champion, who ended two 45-second runs on the equipment and five shots with four straight falls in the tricks section as he at a one-off trick. Their best four scores out of the wound up second-last in the final. Competition took seven make up their final total. place in front of rows of empty blue seats at the pur- Olympic competition crowns a long journey for pose-built arena, with fans barred from most Olympic the counter-culture pursuit, which emerged as “side- events over the coronavirus. walk surfing” — an alternative to surfing — in It was the first of four gold medals to be handed California in the 1950s. After decades of organic out in skateboarding’s Olympic debut, with women’s growth, skateboarding was included in the inaugural street to be contested on Monday followed by the X-Games, created by broadcaster ESPN, in 1995, men’s and women’s park competitions. “There’s an paving the way for an increasingly slick and organ- extra pressure here,” Huston said. “I’ve been skating ized sport. pro-contests for 15 years now but there’s Street “Considering that snowboarding has been in the League, X Games, but if you compare that to the Olympics since 1998, I’m surprised it took this long for Olympics there’s no comparison.” them to figure it out,” skate legend Tony Hawk, speak- ing in Tokyo this week, said of skating’s Olympic Head in his hands inclusion. “I believe they needed a youthful energy to TOKYO: Japan’s Yuto Horigome competes in the men’s street final during the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games at Ariake Sports Park Skateboarding in Tokyo yesterday. —AFP Huston flirted with disaster in the heats, when he the summer Games and it’s overdue.” —AFP

News in brief reeled off a string of monster moves, including a dominated the tricks section, in a repeat of the Wonder-trick gives nollie backside 270 railslide that he had never per- world championships final in June where he denied formed before in competition. Huston a fourth straight title. Skaters each have two Suarez Navarro wins The Tokyo native scored 9.50 for the trick, the 45-second runs on the equipment and five shots at Yuto gold medal highest score for any move in the final, as he won a one-off trick. Their best four scores out of the TOKYO: Carla Suarez Navarro secured her first win ahead of Brazil’s Kelvin Hoefler and Jagger Eaton of seven make up their final total. after recovering from cancer as she defeated Tunisia’s for his Pokemon the United States, with American star Nyjah Huston Horigome, who grew up near the Olympic venue Ons Jabeur in the first round of the Tokyo Olympics seventh. “That was new to any competition. I start- but is now based in the United States, said he would yesterday. The Spaniard, a former world number six, TOKYO: Japan’s Yuto Horigome said he would hang ed to practise that trick just before the finals, it’s hang the medal with his others — on his Pokemon returned to action at the French Open last month his gold medal on his Pokemon stuffed toy after he something I’ve never tried in any final,” the Tokyo toy. “First of all I want to show it to my friends and having been diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma in unveiled a wonder-trick to become the Olympics’ native said. “I was very nervous but I was so happy family who supported me,” he said. “Afterwards I’ll September 2020. She lost in the first round at both first skateboarding champion yesterday. Horigome I made it.” keep it in my house. I have other medals on my Roland Garros and Wimbledon, where she was beat- was trailing after two poor runs in the final but he The 22-year-old had four scores over 9.0 as he Pokemon so maybe I’ll keep it next to them.” —AFP en in three sets by eventual champion Ashleigh Barty. But Suarez Navarro, playing at her fourth Olympics, won for the first time since February of last year, before his final lift was allowed to stand. “I thought I beating Wimbledon quarter-finalist Jabeur 6-4, 6-1. “I Chen comeback, had lost it but then I was so elated,” he said. “The am really happy. For me, it was tough all these Chinese are the best, so to say I was just one kilogram months. I was so happy on the court and I really ‘Flamingo’ Li complete behind, I feel very proud.” enjoyed this week,” said Suarez Navarro, who under- Minutes earlier, a delighted Italian Mirko Zanni, 23, went eight sessions of chemotherapy as part of her smashed his clean and jerk personal best by 4kg to recovery. —AFP China lifting hat-trick snatch a surprise bronze with a 322kg total, just ahead TOKYO: Chen Lijun made a stunning comeback to of South Korea’s Han Myeong-mok. Zanni kissed his complete a Chinese hat-trick as the world’s most popu- medal as he spoke to reporters and then looked to the lous nation continued to dominate the Tokyo Olympics sky. “I can’t believe this. I know my granddad was Rowing schedule disrupted weightlifting on Sunday, with Li Fabin also winning watching and helped me do it,” he said, revealing his gold. Lying fourth in the men’s 67kg class, 6kg adrift of grandfather, his inspiration, had died 10 years ago. TOKYO: The tropical storm approaching Tokyo has Colombia’s Luis Mosquera after the snatch, world forced Olympic organizers to postpone tomorrow’s record holder Chen needed to clean and jerk 187kg, Irawan silver rowing finals because of the danger of strong winds. TOKYO: (From left) Silver medalist Colombia’s Luis 1kg short of the world record, to take gold. Earlier in the day, Li Fabin had made it two out of The storm, named Nepartak, is due to come over Javier Mosquera Lozano, gold medalist China’s Chen Moments before, Mosquera thought he had two Tokyo weightlifting medals for China in the men’s eastern Japan tomorrow, bringing rain and gusty Lijun and bronze medalist Italy’s Mirko Zanni stand on snatched a dramatic win when his final 180kg attempt 61kg bodyweight category, as he saw off Indonesian winds to the capital. “Based on the weather forecasts the podium for the victory ceremony of the men’s was reinstated by the jury on an agonising TV review, veteran Eko Yuli Irawan, who became only the fifth received from the Tokyo2020 Olympic Games weath- 67kg weightlifting competition during the Tokyo 2020 after being initially ruled a ‘no lift’, to give him a 331kg lifter in history to win four Olympic medals. The flam- er services, adverse weather is expected on Tuesday Olympic Games at the Tokyo International Forum in aggregate. It forced Chen, successful at 175kg, to pile boyant Li pulled off his signature one-legged ‘flamingo 27 July 2021 which would bring high winds and strong Tokyo yesterday. —AFP on an extra 12kg on the bar for an all-or-nothing shot at lift’ on his opening clean and jerk at 166kg on his way gusts creating unequal and potentially unrowable rac- gold in the Tokyo International Forum. to a 313kg total and an 11kg margin over Asian Games ing conditions,” Olympic organizers said in a state- The 28-year-old from the southwestern city of champion Irawan in the 61kg class. much but Irawan’s second consecutive silver meant he ment. The rowing finals due to have taken place on Chongqing completed an unerring lift before “It’s a lift I wouldn’t suggest anyone else should became his country’s most decorated Olympian after Tuesday, including the women’s four and men’s four screaming and punching the air in delight as he rele- learn,” said Li, who somehow manages to regain his bronzes at the London and Beijing Games. events, will be moved to Wednesday. That means a gated Mosquera to silver by the slimmest of margins, balance by standing on one leg while holding a massive The 32-year-old from rural Lampung in Sumatra, knock-on effect on other finals, which will now be 1kg. “I felt confident,” Chen, who equaled his per- weight above his head. “Standing on one leg is not a who herded goats as a boy, joined four-time medallists moved from Thursday to Friday. Organizers had sonal best set at the 2019 World Championships, told regular balance move. I can only do it because I have American Norbert Schemansky, Germany’s Ronny already brought forward rowing heats as a “protective reporters. “Because I already had the experience to great core and abdomen muscle strength.” Weller, Bulgaria’s Nikolay Pechalov and Greece’s measure” on Saturday because of the storm. —AFP lift this weight. “The clean and jerk is my strength, so Irawan, who went lift-for-lift with Li in a pulsating Pyrros Dimas. But Irawan lamented his disrupted even when I was behind after the snatch I knew I two-horse race, was left with a final attempt at 177kg preparation in coronavirus-ravaged Indonesia. “The could do it.” to win gold, which would have extended his own clean training was harder, yes,” he told AFP. “We have been and jerk world record by a massive 3kg. It proved too training in COVID lockdown since January.” —AFP Olympics ‘sign of hope’ Mosquera said he had suffered mixed emotions

VATICAN CITY: Pope Francis said yesterday he two years already,” said Nishikori. “I was a little worried hopes the Tokyo Olympics, which opened Friday, will Nishikori aims to that I’d get nervous on the court, but I wasn’t so that’s a be a sign of hope and “universal brotherhood” dur- good sign, especially in the first match. I’m really happy ing the coronavirus pandemic raging around the with the way I played today.” world. “In this period of pandemic, let these games ‘bring better news’, Nishikori, whose ranking has dropped to 69, will play be a sign of hope, a sign of universal brotherhood Marcos Giron of the United States in round two. After and of a healthy competitive spirit,” the pontiff said lift COVID gloom ending Japan’s 96-year wait for an Olympic tennis medal at the end of the Angelus prayer. “May God bless the in Brazil, Nishikori is hoping to challenge for gold at home organizers, the athletes and all those who are collab- TOKYO: Japan’s Kei Nishikori pledged to win as many along with women’s favourite Naomi Osaka. orating for this great celebration of sport,” he told matches as possible at the Tokyo Olympics to brighten “This is something I dreamed of when I was little,” he faithful gathered on Saint Peter’s Square. The Games the somber mood in a city under a state of emergency said. “I think especially now with the COVID situation, if I opened officially on Friday in a nearly empty stadium because of rising coronavirus infections. can win as many (matches) as I can I think that brings after being postponed for a year because of the Nishikori, a 2016 bronze medalist in Rio de Janeiro, better news, and that’s something I’m trying to do this COVID-19 pandemic. —AFP eliminated fifth seed Andrey Rublev 6-3, 6-4 to reach the week.” The 2014 US Open runner-up is appearing at his second round of the men’s singles yesterday. The former fourth Olympics, although strict health rules due to the world number four has battled a succession of injuries to COVID-19 pandemic mean fans are barred from most venues. “Of course, if there are fans and spectators I will TOKYO: Japan’s Kei Nishikori serves to Russia’s Andrey his wrist, elbow and shoulder in recent years, but pro- Rublev during their Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games men’s ‘Unique’ opening ceremony enjoy it much more, but it is what it is. I have to focus on duced a vintage display to beat the talented Rublev. singles first round tennis match at the Ariake Tennis “I was really playing great. It’s been a while since I what I have to do and not to think too much on the Park in Tokyo yesterday. —AFP TOKYO: The Paris 2024 Olympics will feature a played like this and beat a top-10 player, I think it’s been court,” said Nishikori. —AFP unique opening ceremony with the city’s River Seine the scene for the curtain-raising spectacular, said French President Emmanuel Macron. In an interview Mahmoud of the Refugee Olympic Team in with the French sports daily L’Equipe published yes- Indonesian badminton ace playing his Tokyo opener on Saturday. “I kept it terday, Macron revealed that barges on the Seine and alone. After my father and mother is good its quays would provide the urban setting for the cer- again, then I had to tell them. Of course, my emony on July 26, 2024. “We want it to be a ceremony for COVID-victim brother mother is crying a lot.” of the people, open to all and unique in terms of the TOKYO: An Asian champion badminton er said to me, ‘he is already sick’,” the 2018 Christie, the world number seven, says experience it will provide. Something that makes player is gunning for glory at the coron- Asian Games badminton champion said. “My that his parents have now recovered and sense to the French people and conveys a message to avirus-delayed Tokyo Olympics in memory mother and father were ill at the same time, but are “happy to see me in the Olympics”. But the rest of the world,” the 43-year-old leader said in of his brother who died of the disease. in a different hospital to my brother. I was the memory of his brother is never far away Tokyo on the sidelines of the delayed 2020 Games. Indonesia’s Jonatan Christie was competing going to my father and mother’s hospital, and as Christie attempts to stamp his mark on the badminton in the Japanese capital — TOKYO: Indonesia’s Jonatan Christie hits “We want something unique and revolutionary,” he at a tournament in Thailand earlier this year then in the evening I was going to my brother’s even if his preparations were badly disrupt- a shot in his men’s singles badminton said. The Seine and its banks have undergone a radical when he learned that his older brother, Ivan, hospital, so I had to take time out for them.” ed by the family tragedy. “This is for him group stage match against Refugee transformation over the past five years after decades had contracted the illness back home. The Ivan sadly died, and it was up to Christie and I want to do my best for him,” he said. Olympic Team’s Aram Mahmoud during of serving as a city-center highway. Most riverside 23-year-old Christie’s mother, father and to tell his parents the heartbreaking news. The coronavirus saw the Tokyo Games the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games at the brother all eventually ended up in hospital, “After my brother passed away, I have not Musashino Forest Sports Plaza in Tokyo roads now serve as pedestrian routes. —AFP delayed by a year and most events are tak- but his sibling suffered most. told my mother and father for maybe one on Saturday. —AFP “After I came back from Thailand, my moth- week,” said Christie, who defeated Aram ing place without spectators. —AFP Monday, July 26, 2021 15

Surfing finally makes Olympic bow under blazing Japan sun

ICHINOMIYA: Under blue skies and a blazing sun, In the women’s event, American Carissa Moore and surfing made its Olympic debut yesterday, more than a Australian seven-time world champion Stephanie century after Hawaiian Duke Kahanamoku first pushed Gilmore both progressed. The waves yesterday were for its inclusion at the Games. The action began early bigger than they had been leading up to the competi- at Tsurigasaki Surfing Beach, about 100 kilometers (60 tion, with Ferreira saying they offered “more opportu- miles) east of Tokyo, with the first surfers paddling out nity” for spectacular moves. in favorable wave conditions. Brazil’s Italo Ferreira, the 2019 world champion, Storm threat who learned to surf standing on the foam box his Conditions have been helped by a tropical storm father sold fish from, caught the firstwave as the men’s approaching off the Japanese coast, which could dra- heats got under way. “I’m so glad to be here, for sure,” matically affect the four days of competition. said Ferreira, dripping with water and beaming as he “Everyone can say they know the ocean and they have stood on the dark brown sand. “It’s special for the fans, advantages or whatever, but every wave is different,” for the surfers. All the surfers are watching at home. said Japan’s Kanoa Igarashi. “It’s about adapting, It’s special for everyone.” about who can surf the best in every condition, and I Yesterday’s competition saw the start of the men’s think the winner will be well-deserved.” and women’s heats — featuring 20 riders in each Igarashi, whose father grew up surfing on the same event. But it also marked a huge milestone for the sport beach, is one of the home favorites, with his bleach- in general, with efforts to get it added to the Olympic blond hair and mega-watt smile. But fans have been program dating back more than 100 years. locked out of all but a handful of events at the Tokyo “I cannot take my mask off, but behind this mask is Games, with organizers wary of turning them into a a very happy face,” said flamboyant International virus super-spreader event. Surfing Association president Fernando Aguerre, Large barriers prevented locals from sneaking a resplendent in a Hawaiian shirt, straw hat and shell look at the surfers, although a huge sign in support of CHIBA: Brazil’s Italo Ferreira rides a wave during the men’s Surfing first round at the Tsurigasaki Surfing Beach, in necklace. “I believed that it was possible, but many female Japanese rider Mahina Maeda could be seen Chiba, yesterday during the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games. — AFP times there were such odds against us. So difficult. draped on a nearby hill. “I had a ticket for the final, but There was not really a clear process for a couple of we’re in a pandemic so it can’t be helped,” local guest- decades.” house owner Muneharu Yamaura told AFP. “Only the however, with every surfer stepping onto the Olympic fied through the repechage later in the day. “I was The biggest names in the competition safely nego- people who surf here are excited about it. People who stage for the first time. “It’s a fun experience, it’s amaz- thinking that all the way to 2024, 2028, hopefully it will tiated the opening rounds, with Ferreira and Brazilian don’t — I don’t think they welcome it.” ing being here,” said American John John Florence, be in those Olympics as well. I think it’s amazing for compatriot Gabriel Medina winning their men’s heats. There was plenty of excitement inside the venue who failed to make it through the first heat but quali- our sport and I’m happy to be here.” — AFP

Titmus threw down the gauntlet at the Australian Ledecky edges Titmus trials last month, with a sizzling 3:56.90, the second fastest of all-time and just outside Ledecky’s world record 3:56.46. “I felt really good, probably the most in 400 free heats as relaxed I’ve felt in a while,” said the Australian, who will also challenge Ledecky in the 200 and 800. Olympic records tumble “Tonight was really about trying to conserve your emotions for tomorrow morning.”

TOKYO: Katie Ledecky edged Australian arch-rival Cleared the nerves Ariarne Titmus yesterday to be quickest in the 400m Fellow Australian sensation Kaylee McKeown got freestyle heats, setting the scene for an epic battle for her maiden Olympic campaign off to a flying start with gold, on a Tokyo night that saw two Olympic records a storming 100m backstroke heat. The 20-year-old fall. The American great kickstarted a grueling sched- smashed Regan Smith’s world record last month, the ule, which will also see her tackle the 200m, 800m and only Olympic distance mark to fall this year, and, given 1500m freestyle, by touching in 4mins 00.45secs at her form, is considered the gold medal favorite. the Tokyo Aquatic Center, where heats are in the She touched in a new Olympic record time of 57.88, evening and finals each morning. Titmus, who stunned just minutes after Smith had also lowered the mark to the Olympic champion at the 2019 world champi- 57.96, with her swim following Canadian Kylie Masse onships and has been posting red-hot times this year, doing the same with her 58.17. The previous Olympic cruised through the next heat in 4:01.66, with both best of 58.23 had not been bettered since 2012 with keeping plenty in the tank for Monday’s final. the woman who held the time until Sunday, Australia’s “It’s gonna be a great race with Ariarne and a lot of Emily Seebohm, still racing and in contention. great swimmers in that field,” said Ledecky, who won “To get out there and put up a really good swim gold in the 200m, 400m, 800m and 4x200m free relay cleared out the nerves so hopefully moving onwards in Rio in 2016. She added that she didn’t pay attention and upwards,” said McKeown ahead of the semi-finals TOKYO: China’s Shi Tingmao (left) and Wang Han pose with their gold medals on the podium after winning the to times, after being told how Titmus went. “I mean we today. “I put the pressure on myself to be honest. I like women’s synchronized 3m springboard diving final event during the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games at the Tokyo were (always) going to be there in the middle lanes in the nerves, it means you’re going to do something spe- Aquatics Center in Tokyo yesterday. — AFP all likelihood, it’ll be a great race tomorrow.” cial and you care about what you’re doing.”—AFP

for an athlete and what name would help me as an China win first athlete. And actually I think it did help me a great deal, so I’m grateful for it.” Shi, who also won synchronized 3m springboard diving gold gold at Rio 2016, and Wang had been hot favourites on day one of diving at the coronavirus-delayed of Tokyo Games Tokyo Games. And the pair did not fluff their lines, leading from the first round on the way to taking the title with 326.40 points. TOKYO: China’s “Dream Team” diving squad Canada’s Jennifer Abel and Melissa Citrini- launched their bid for a golden sweep at the Tokyo Beaulieu won silver (300.78 points), with Germany’s Olympics with an ominous victory yesterday — with Lena Hentschel and Tina Punzel earning bronze a little help from a superstitious grandfather. Shi (284.97 points). It continues a strong start to the Tingmao and Wang Han claimed a dominant win in Games for China, who enjoyed golden success on the women’s synchronised 3m springboard, with Saturday in shooting, fencing and weightlifting. Canada taking silver and Germany bronze. China underlined their supremacy in diving by Afterwards, Shi — who now has three Olympic winning seven of eight golds in Rio — Britain sur- gold medals in her career — talked about how her prisingly nabbed the other. But there are high grandfather changed her name when she was a child hopes back home that the Chinese can go one bet- because he believed that it would bring her greater ter in the Japanese capital. Tears in their eyes, Shi sporting success. She used to be called Shi Tingting and Wang embraced warmly at the end, then held — the latter is a common name in China — but it can hands on the podium at the Tokyo Aquatics Centre, also sound like “stop”. where spectators are barred as part of virus-pre- “This happened when I was very young,” the 29- vention measures. year-old said, appearing to laugh behind her red Wang, 30, for whom this was a first Olympic mask. “Because I used to be a gymnast from the age medal, warned that China were only just getting start- of four, then at eight I started diving. But Shi Tingting ed and said hard training was behind the team’s suc- was actually not a great name for an athlete. So my cess. “We make all of the effort we can in our training TOKYO: An underwater view shows USA’s Kathleen Ledecky during a heat for the women’s 400m freestyle swim- grandfather spent days looking through dictionaries every day,” she said. “We have already worked for ming event during the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games at the Tokyo Aquatics Center in Tokyo yesterday. — AFP for names trying to find a name that would be good five years, and we are fully ready for this.” — AFP Established 1961 Sport

MONDAY, JULY 26, 2021 Japan celebrates gold rush on day of upsets at Olympics

TOKYO: A Japanese skateboarder claimed a piece of Olympic history as the host nation enjoyed a gold rush on a day of upsets at the Tokyo Games yester- day. The second full day of competition saw 18 gold medals up for grabs, including the first ever in skateboarding, one of several new sports intro- duced in Tokyo as part of an International Olympic Committee drive to attract younger fans. A perfectly scripted final saw Japanese world champion Yuto Horigome strike gold in a tense Tokyo Olympics medals table after yesterday’s street competition. The 22-year-old, who grew up events (G = Gold, S = Silver, B = Bronze, T= just a stone’s throw from the Olympic venue, landed Total): three huge tricks in a row to eclipse American G S B T favorite Nyjah Huston, who finished seventh. “This is special because it was held in Koto City, where I China 6 1 4 11 was born,” said Horigome. “For me it’s very mean- Japan 5 1 0 6 ingful, very inspiring.” United States 4 2 4 10 Horigome’s victory was one of four golds snaf- South Korea 2 0 3 5 fled by Japan yesterday. The haul included a Russian Olympic Committee 1 4 2 7 remarkable judo double, with brother and sister Uta Italy 1 1 3 5 and Hifumi Abe both winning Olympic titles within Australia 1 1 1 3 an hour of each other. France 1 1 1 3 Uta Abe was first to strike gold in the women’s Hungary 1 1 0 2 under-52kg category, beating Amandine Buchard of TOKYO: Japan’s Uta Abe celebrates winning the judo women’s 52kg final bout against France’s Amandine Buchard dur- Tunisia 1 1 0 2 France in the final. She then cheered on as her big ing the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games at the Nippon Budokan in Tokyo yesterday. — AFP Austria 1 0 0 1 brother Hifumi overpowered Georgian judoka Vazha Ecuador 1 0 0 1 Margvelashvili in the under-66kg gold medal fight. Iran 1 0 0 1 Earlier, unheralded swimmer Yui Ohashi had The other swimming medals were split between Tsurigasaki Surfing Beach. Blue skies and blazing Kosovo 1 0 0 1 sparked the Japan gold spree in an action-packed the US and Australia, with Chase Kalisz winning the sunshine greeted surfers as they paddled into the Thailand 1 0 0 1 morning finals session at the Tokyo Aquatics Center. 400m medley and Australia taking gold in the Pacific Ocean for the men’s and women’s heats. It Uzbekistan 1 0 0 1 Ohashi powered to victory in the women’s 400 indi- women’s 4x100m freestyle relay in a world record marked the culmination of efforts to get surfing Canada 0 2 0 2 Netherlands 0 2 0 2 vidual medley, toppling Hungary’s defending cham- time of 3:29.69. added to the Olympic program which date back The upsets extended beyond the pool later more than 100 years. Brazil 0 1 1 2 pion Katinka Hosszu. Taiwan 0 1 1 2 Ohashi — whose previous best performance on Sunday, with Australian world number one Ashleigh The specter of COVID-19 meanwhile continued Barty crashing out in the first round of the women’s to stalk the Olympics, with the men’s golf tourna- Britain 0 1 1 2 the world stage was a silver medal at the 2017 Indonesia 0 1 1 2 tennis singles. Barty, the reigning Wimbledon cham- ment upended by two high-profile withdrawals. World Championships — touched in 4:32.08 ahead Serbia 0 1 1 2 of US duo Emma Weyant and Hali Flickinger. “I pion, lost 6-4, 6-3 to Spain’s Sara Sorribes Tormo. World number one Jon Rahm was ruled out after Belgium 0 1 0 1 swam believing in myself. I really did not think of Austrian mathematician Anna Kiesenhofer mean- returning a positive test — his second COVID-19 Bulgaria 0 1 0 1 winning the gold,” said Ohashi. while claimed a shock victory in the women’s positive in two months — while Bryson Colombia 0 1 0 1 cycling road race, which ended in bizarre fashion DeChambeau also saw his Olympic hopes end with Georgia 0 1 0 1 Cycling, tennis upsets with Dutch veteran Annemiek van Vleuten crossing a positive case. India 0 1 0 1 Ohashi’s win was upstaged however by Tunisian the line mistakenly thinking she had won. In gymnastics, US superstar and defending Romania 0 1 0 1 teenager Ahmed Hafnaoui, who pulled off a massive Van Vleuten punched the air as she finished, champion Simone Biles produced a rusty perform- Spain 0 1 0 1 shock in the men’s 400m freestyle to take gold. The oblivious to the fact that Kiesenhofer had broken ance in qualifying, with several uncharacteristic mis- Germany 0 0 2 2 18-year-old had only qualified eighth-fastest for the away from the peloton earlier to take gold. “Yes, I takes in a near-empty arena. Biles rolled her eyes Kazakhstan 0 0 2 2 final but produced a devastating late burst to win in thought I had won,” van Vleuten said. “I’m gutted after one unsteady landing on the vault and had her Turkey 0 0 2 2 3min 43.36sec, overhauling Australian Jack about this, of course. At first I felt really stupid, but performance director Tom Forster shaking his head Ukraine 0 0 2 2 McLoughlin, who took silver in 3:43.52. then the others (her teammates) also did not know in disbelief after a shaky end to her beam routine. Estonia 0 0 1 1 who had won.” “Simone took three big steps on the beam dis- Zionist entity 0 0 1 1 “I just can’t believe that, it’s amazing,” Hafnaoui Mexico 0 0 1 1 said. “I felt better in the water this morning than mount, I’ve never seen her do that before,” said Golf chaos, Biles wobbles Forster. “We’re going to be okay... this is not the Mongolia 0 0 1 1 yesterday and that’s it. I’m the Olympic champion Slovenia 0 0 1 1 Elsewhere yesterday, a century-long wait to see finals, this is getting into the finals, this might be a now.” It was Tunisia’s first ever Olympic medal in Switzerland 0 0 1 1 the event and just their third gold ever in swimming. surfing at the Olympics came to an end at great awakening for us,” he said. — AFP

their final game of the opening phase France almost ‘on plane back’ Champions Brazil against Saudi Arabia, who lost 3-2 to There was still time for France to snatch Germany to be eliminated from the compe- a winner, as Gignac found Teji Savanier to USA lose first men’s Olympic tition. Felix Uduokhai’s 75th-minute goal drill in a low strike in the second minute of held, Gignac gave Germany, who had Amos Pieper sent added time. “After each South African goal basketball game since 2004 off midway through the second half, a cru- it felt a little more like we were on the plane rescues France in cial three points. The Germans, looking to back,” said Gignac, who has played for win men’s gold for the first time as a unified Mexican club Tigres since 2015. “We saw nation, will reach the next round with victo- the joy after Teji’s goal and we gave our- Olympic football ry over the Ivory Coast in three days’ time. selves a final against Japan. With heart, we France would have been staring at an early can do well. We don’t want to return to TOKYO: Reigning champions Brazil were exit with a slip-up against South Africa, but France.” South Africa, who were hit by two play- held to a goalless draw by the Ivory Coast veteran striker Gignac rescued Les Bleus in ers testing positive for COVID-19 in the in the men’s Olympic football competition a pulsating match in Saitama. The Group A Olympic Village before the tournament yesterday, while Andre-Pierre Gignac’s hat- encounter burst into life after a goalless started, will need to beat Mexico in their trick in a 4-3 win over South Africa kept first half, which saw South African midfield- last group game and hope Japan get the France’s hopes alive. er Luther Singh miss a penalty, as better of France to have any chance of Brazil, who won gold for the first time Kobamelo Kodisang put the underdogs making the last eight. The hosts held on to five years ago on home soil in Rio, could ahead eight minutes after the restart. register their second straight win with a 2-1 have moved to the brink of qualification The 35-year-old Gignac, captaining success against Mexico, who are second for the knock-out stage in Yokohama but France in Japan, leveled shortly afterwards, above France on goal difference. were denied by a stubborn Ivory Coast. only for Evidence Makgopa to restore South Goals from Real Madrid youngster It could have been worse, though, as they Africa’s slender lead in the 72nd minute. Takefusa Kubo and Ritsu Doan put them in had to play more than an hour with 10 Former Marseille star Gignac, who last control inside the first 11 minutes and it SAITAMA: USA’s Kevin Wayne Durant (right) fights for the ball with France’s Rudy men after Aston Villa midfielder Douglas played for the French senior team in 2016, proved enough despite Roberto Alvarado Gobert during the men’s preliminary round group A basketball match between Luiz’s 13th-minute red card for bringing halving the deficit. Spain moved to the top equalized again. France and USA during the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games at the Saitama Super Arena down Youssouf Dao when he was of Group C as Mikel Oyarzabal’s late strike in Saitama yesterday. — AFP through on goal. Teboho Mokoena thought he had won — their first goal of the tournament — Eboue Kouassi’s late dismissal evened up the match with just nine minutes to play downed Australia 1-0. Argentina beat Egypt with a wonderful curling strike that flew in TOKYO: A USA team led by 11-time ing. We had to show the team how to the numbers, but the Ivorians held on as 1-0. In Group B, Honduras came from NBA All-Star Kevin Durant were beat- attack them,” Fournier said. France off the crossbar, but Gignac slotted home former Barcelona winger Malcom missed a behind to beat New Zealand 3-2 and South en 83-76 by France in a huge Olympic clawed back from a 10-point deficit to Korea thrashed 10-man Romania 4-0 to late chance for the South Americans. Brazil his fourth goal of the tournament from the basketball upset yesterday. The French, set up a breathless final quarter and as leave all four teams on three points. — AFP lead Group D on goal difference ahead of penalty spot five minutes later. with a team containing NBA players the USA failed to find any rhythm, the including Rudy Gobert and Evan French smelled victory in the Saitama Fournier, inflicted the Americans’ first arena, where spectators were absent defeat at an Olympics since the 2004 because of coronavirus measures. Kuwait’s skeet shooters Athens Games. Fournier’s three-pointer with 57 Durant was held to just 10 points in seconds remaining put his team ahead look to qualify today the first-round game and was unable to 76-74 and when Durant hit the rim inspire his team as the French came with a three-pointer himself the French from behind to take control in the final closed out the game with a succession TOKYO: Kuwaiti men skeet shooters Abdullah Al-Rashidi and quarter. The Americans had looked of free throws. When Jayson Tatum Mansour Al-Rashidi finished yesterday the first round of Tokyo 2020 Olympics skeet qualifiers held at the Asaka Olympic fields. Abdullah rusty in the build-up to Tokyo, losing to fouled Nicolas Batum, the French vet- Al-Rashidi scored 74 dishes out of 75, while Mansour Al-Rashidi 71, Nigeria in a warm-up game, and the eran NBA forward hit both from the as second round to be completed today, with two rounds to deter- defeat will underline Durant’s fears line to seal a famous victory. mine the six shooters who qualify for the finals. Abdullah Al-Rashidi expressed before the Games that his Utah Jazz center Gobert played down made a strong start in the first three rounds, in which he was able to side will not face a “cakewalk” in Japan. the French victory. “I mean it’s great, but get the sixth place, equal with four other shooters, and one plate Fournier was sensational for until we have what we want to have ahead of the first place winners. TOKYO: Kuwaiti skeet shooter Abdullah Al-Rashidi participates in the France, top-scoring with 28 points. around our neck, it doesn’t really matter,” Meanwhile, Kuwaiti rower Abdulrahman Al-Fadhel took fourth first round of Tokyo Olympics skeet qualifiers held at the Asaka Olympic Although the Boston Celtics player Gobert said. “Every single guy that came place in the third round to improve positions in the rowing competi- fields. — KUNA only scored four from 12 from beyond in the game brought us something,” he tion of men individuals, recording 8.56.83 minutes, to have his last the three-point line, he found his added. “It’s really the team that we want race on July 29. Fadhel lost chance to qualify for quarterfinals in the Games. The delegation includes national coach Bader Abbas, player range when it mattered to help the to be and it’s exciting for the rest of the last second round, after he came fourth, recording 9.04.73 minutes in Yaqoub Al-Youha and player Madhawi Al-Shammari. The athletics French stun the Americans. tournament.” The USA face Iran in their the race held at Tokyo Bay “Sea Forest Waterway”. competition for Madhawi Al-Shammari will start on the 30th of this “I tried to be aggressive. As an NBA next game on Wednesday when France On the other hand, Kuwaiti national athletics team delegation are month in the 100m race, while the athlete Yaqoub Al-Youha will par- player I know the players we were fac- take on the Czech Republic. — AFP expected to arrive in Tokyo to participate in the 32nd Olympic ticipate on the 3rd August in the 110m hurdles. — KUNA