FRIDAY JANUARY 1, 2021 JUMADA AL-AWWAL 17, 1442 VOL.14 NO. 5144 QR 2

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World 5 Business 7 Sports 10 China’s rst COVID vaccine QGMD emerges as top Three-time champion Attiyah hustled to market as race to Qatari stock with 234% awaits Dakar Rally 2021 with inoculate 1.3 bn speeds up gain in 2020 the number 301!

BYE BYE 2020! WELCOME 2021 Investment opportunities Amir exchanges New Year greetings galore in mega QNA DOHA HIS Highness the Amir beach resorts of State of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani exchanged cables of greetings on Thursday with MoCI, in association with QNTC, will unveil leaders of friendly countries on the occasion of the New Fireworks erupt over Sydney’s iconic Harbour Bridge and Opera House to welcome the New Year 2021. The world be- the investment opportunities on January 13 Year, wishing them good gan ushering in the New Year, with pandemic controls muting celebrations for billions of people eager to bid farewell health and happiness and to a virus-ridden 2020. After a grinding year that has seen at least 1.7 million people die from COVID-19, fresh waves TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK their people further pro- of infection have sparked renewed lockdowns and forced would-be revellers to extend their 2020 tradition of watching DOHA gress and prosperity. events from the sofa. The eagerly awaited rst seconds of 2021 fell on the Paci c nations of Kiribati and Samoa from 1000 GMT, with the uninhabited Howland and Baker Islands the last to tip over into the New Year, 26 hours later. New THE Ministry of Commerce and In- Zealand, which has won plaudits for its handling of the coronavirus, followed an hour later with large crowds gathered dustry, in cooperation with the Qatar in Auckland to watch a reworks display. In Australia’s largest city, Sydney, reworks lit up the glittering harbour with a National Tourism Council (QNTC), is 132 face action dazzling display at 1300 GMT, but few spectators watched in person. (AFP) PAGE 6 organising an event to announce in- vestment opportunities to establish for violating beach resorts in Qatar, in partnership COVID-19 protocol between the public and private sec- tors. G Investment opportunities The event is planned to take place include establishing on Wednesday, January 13, 2021, at large beach resorts in MoCI relaxes COVID-19 curbs the Doha Exhibition and Convention Center (DECC). Ras Abrouq, Fuwayrit This initiative comes within the and Bin Ghannam framework of Qatar’s efforts to achieve in amusement centres, parks the Qatar National Vision 2030, aimed G The investment at consolidating economic diversifica- TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK tion and supporting non-oil sectors, opportunities aim at DOHA especially the tourism sector. enhancing public-private QNA The tourism sector largely contrib- partnership DOHA STARTING from Sunday (January utes to strengthening Qatar’s leading 3), amusement centres and parks position as one of the most prominent THE designated authorities on can resume recreational activities tourist destinations regionally and Thursday referred 107 people with an operational capacity not ex- globally. moci.gov.qa/en/investor-registration. to the Public Prosecution for not ceeding 50 percent. According to the ministry, the in- The QNTC has been entrusted wearing masks in places where The Ministry of Commerce and G Amusement centres and parks can resume recreational activities vestment opportunities aim at enhanc- with carrying out strategic industry they are mandatory. Industry (MoCI) has announced the with an operational capacity not exceeding 50% from Jan 3 ing public-private partnership. planning and policy development; the They also referred 25 oth- fourth stage of the gradual lifting of G The resumption of entertainment activities will take place in These opportunities include estab- development and implementation of ers to the Public Prosecution for COVID-19 restrictions on recrea- three stages lishing large beach resorts of various a comprehensive plan to promote in- violating the rule of maximum tional activities at amusement cen- sizes in Ras Abrouq, Fuwayrit and Bin vestment opportunities in the tourism four people in a vehicle, includ- tres and parks. Ghannam. sector; destination marketing and pro- ing the driver, except for cases The resumption of entertain- The ministry has invited investors motion for both leisure and business when they are members of one ment activities will take place in be relaxed. entry, with the exception of chil- wishing to attend the announcement events; and the management of regula- family. three stages. The decision stipulates that rec- dren. of investment opportunities to register tory affairs, including the swift and ef- The measure is in line with The first phase, which will start reational activities managers must Individuals who do not wear from December 31, 2020 until January ficient execution of all tourism licenses the Cabinet decision, decree from January 3, will see the curbs adhere to the precautionary and masks are denied entry, and visitors 7, 2021, on the following website: www. and similar services. law no 17 of 1990 on infectious on outdoor playgrounds, kids’ out- preventive measures outlined by the are required to keep their masks on diseases, and the precaution- door games, billiards and bowling Ministry of Public Health and the while they are inside the entertain- ary measures in force in the being lifted. Ministry of Administrative Devel- ment centres, except for children country to contain the spread of In the second phase, which will opment, Labour and Social Affairs, under 10 years old. coronavirus (COVID-19). begin on January 11, electronic and shall comply with the following Visitors’ temperatures must be Woqod opens new The designated authorities games and trampolines will be al- guidelines: measured, and individuals whose called on the public to adhere lowed. Visitors are allowed entry only temperature is over 38 degrees Cel- petrol station in to the precautionary measures In the third stage (from Janu- after checking their health status sius are denied entry. Lebsayyer (PG 7) in place to ensure their safety ary 24), restrictions on bouncers, code in the EHTERAZ app, and only and the safety of others. inflatable games, and ball pits will those with a green code are allowed Continued on page 2  Eligible community members can book appointment for COVID-19 vaccine soon TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK Everyone who needs to be DOHA vaccinated will get it through- QA brings forward out the year. Quam arcu, nec COMMUNITY members eli- In the first phase of Qatar’s launch of Seattle gible for the COVID-19 vac- COVID-19 vaccination cam- bratent nonser aer flights to Jan 29 (PG 2) cine will be able to book an paign, vaccines are being prior- seras (PG 12 ) appointment on phone or on- itised for people most at risk of Petrol, diesel to cost line soon, according to a post severe complications from the on Qatar Media Corporation’s virus — people aged 70 years Twitter handle @covid19qa- and above, people with severe more in New Year tar. chronic conditions and health- “Vaccinations at health care workers with repeated ex- PETROL and diesel will be costlier in the New Year with Qatar centres will only be given to posure to COVID-19. Petroleum increasing the fuel price for January. Qatar Petro- people with pre-arranged ap- “People who are eligible leum has set the price of diesel at QR1.30 per litre during pointments and all other com- MoPH is working with pharma rms for early for the vaccine at this stage the month of January, as compared to QR1.15 per litre in WISE launches munity members who do not will be contacted directly by December. Similarly, a litre of gasoline super (95) will cost meet the criteria for the early arrival of next shipment of COVID-19 vaccines the Primary Health Care Cor- QR1.35 in January as against 1.25 in December. The price of new initiative to phase of the campaign are poration (PHCC) by SMS or premium grade gasoline (91) also witnessed a rise, as Qatar develop teaching kindly requested to wait until lic Health (MoPH) is work- shipment of vaccines arrives phone call to arrange their Petroleum set its price at QR1.30 per litre for January as it is their turn,” the tweet said. ing with the pharmaceutical in Qatar as early as possible appointment,” according to @ against QR1.20 for December. (TNN) methods (PG 12 ) It said the Ministry of Pub- companies to ensure the next in 2021. covid19qatar. 02 Friday, January 1, 2021

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Quick read Deputy Amir exchanges New Year greetings Qatar Airways advances launch THE Deputy Amir HH Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad Al Thani ex- changed cables of greetings on Thursday with crown princes and vice-presidents of friendly countries on the occasion of the New Year, wishing them and their peoples good health, happiness, of Seattle ights to January 29 progress and prosperity. (QNA) Throughout the pandemic, PM exchanges New Year greetings The airline’s four weekly services to QA never stopped flying to the Washington State’s largest city will launch US in order to take more than PRIME Minister and Minister of Interior HE Sheikh Khalid bin 260,000 Americans home to Khalifa bin Abdulaziz Al Thani exchanged cables of greetings almost two months ahead of schedule their loved ones, with flights to on Thursday with heads of government of friendly countries on Chicago and Dallas-Fort Worth the occasion of the New Year, wishing them and their peoples TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK hancing its connectivity with maintained during the entire further progress and prosperity. (QNA) DOHA the US market. Bringing for- period. The World’s Best Airline ward the launch of flights to continued to grow and innovate BDK Qatar to hold blood-donation drive today QATAR Airways (QA) has Seattle, our second new US since the onset of the pandemic announced it will advance destination since the onset with industry-leading flexible BLOOD Donors Kerala–Qatar (BDK Qatar) will organise a blood- the launch of its four weekly of the pandemic, epitomises booking policies, comprehen- donation campaign today, January 1, in association with Radio flights to Seattle from March this commitment. With flights sive health and safety measures Malayalam 98.6FM and IBIN Ajayan Projects. The camp will 15 to January 29, 2021. The to Washington State’s larg- and a reliable network. be held at Asian Town (Near Plaza Mall) from 2pm to 7pm. For airline will operate a four- est city, our US network will HIA, the airline’s home more details, contact: 3378 4621 or 7788 5174. (QNA) times weekly service operated grow to 11 gateways, surpass- and hub, was recently ranked by its state-of-the-art Boeing ing the number of destinations ‘Third Best Airport in the 777 featuring 42 seats in Busi- we operated in the US pre- launch of flights to Seattle will with it joining oneworld in World’, among 550 airports ness Class and 312 seats in COVID19. We look forward to increase QA’s US network to March 2021, complementing worldwide, by the SKYTRAX Economy Class. launching our Seattle service 66 weekly flights to 11 destina- its existing strong partnership World Airport Awards 2020. Passengers travelling to and connecting with the hub tions, connecting onwards to with fellow oneworld member, Rising from fourth position Ministry reports 213 and from the US, including of our future oneworld part- hundreds of American cities American Airlines. in 2019 to third in 2020, HIA Seattle, can enjoy the world’s ner, Alaska Airlines.” through strategic partnerships Passengers travelling to or has been steadily rising in the Best Business Class Seat, with Port of Seattle Commission with Alaska Airlines, American from Seattle can enjoy more ‘World’s Best Airports’ rank- new COVID-19 cases QA operating Qsuite on all 11 President Peter Steinbrueck Airlines and JetBlue. Seattle flexible travel options via ings since the start of its opera- QNA cases were from the com- of its US routes. The Qsuite said, “Despite the pandemic, joins existing US destinations - the most connected and Best tions in 2014. In addition, HIA DOHA munity and 47 from travel- seat layout is a 1-2-1 configu- Qatar Airways’ new service to Boston (BOS), Chicago (ORD), Airport in the Middle East, was voted the ‘Best Airport in lers returning from abroad ration, providing passengers SEA demonstrates the strength Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW), Hamad International Airport the Middle East’ for the sixth THE Ministry of Public who are subject to quaran- with the most spacious, fully and resilience of our region as Houston (IAH), Los Angeles (HIA). QA currently operates year in a row and ‘Best Staff Health (MoPH) report- tine. private, comfortable and so- an important global travel des- (LAX), Miami (MIA), New York more than 800 weekly flights Service in the Middle East’ for ed on Thursday 213 new The MoPH also recorded cially distanced Business Class tination. We are committed to (JFK), Philadelphia (PHL), San to over 110 destinations across the fifth year in a row. confirmed cases of coro- 122 recoveries from the virus product in the sky, with its improving the global traveller Francisco (SFO) and Washing- the world. By the end of March navirus (COVID-19) with- in 24 hours, bringing the total unique sliding doors. Passen- experience and will continue ton, DC (IAD). 2021, QA plans to rebuild its Seattle Flight Sched- in 24 hours. According to number of recoveries in Qatar gers can also stay connected to invest confidently in pro- In a further demonstra- network to 129 destinations ule: Monday, Tuesday, the ministry, 166 of the to 141,422. with family, friends and col- jects such as the International tion of its commitment to including 21 in Africa, 13 in Wednesday & Friday leagues with Super Wi-Fi con- Arrivals Facility and North the US market, on December the Americas, 30 in Asia-Pa- Doha (DOH) to Seat- nectivity available onboard all Satellite Modernisation pro- 15, 2020, QA launched a fre- cific, 38 in Europe, 12 in In- tle (SEA) QR719 departs: Seattle flights. grammes at SEA.” quent-flyer partnership with dia and 15 in the Middle East. 08:00 arrives: 12:20 QA Group Chief Executive Seattle is the seventh new Alaska Airlines and plans to Many cities will be served with Seattle (SEA) to Doha Violators of COVID-19 Akbar Al Baker said, “Qatar destination added by QA since implement codeshare coop- a strong schedule of daily or (DOH) QR720 departs: precautionary steps Airways is committed to en- the start of the pandemic. The eration with the airline in line more frequencies. 17:05 arrives: 17:15+1 to face legal action Continued from page 1  and directives for health Partial diversion at Al Bidda Street (Majlis and safety regulations issued VISITORS must be made by the Ministry of Public aware of the need to main- Health. Al Taawon) and Khalifa Street at Corniche tain a safe distance of at least  The policies set by the two metres. Ministry of Administrative TRIBUNE NEWS NDETWORK Lekhwair Intersection will The owners of companies Development, Labour and DOHA be reduced from four to providing entertainment ser- Social Affairs on the precau- three lanes and the part of vices should comply with epi- tionary measures to prevent THE Public Works Authority Khalifa Street between Cor- demic prevention circulars, and reduce the spread of the (Ashghal) has announced that niche Street and Oryx Inter- decisions and directives, in- epidemic. a diversion of traffic will take section will be closed. Road cluding: Any violation of this deci- place on Al Bidda Street (Ma- users can use Al Markhiya  Instructions for the sion exposes perpetrators to jlis Al Taawon) and Khalifa Street and the surrounding gradual re-opening plan, and legal accountability and pro- Street in Corniche for a period streets to reach their desti- the timeline announced by cedures. of 90 days starting on Friday, nations. the Supreme Committee for The ministry stressed January 1, 2020 as part of the The Public Works Au- Crisis Management that the success of Doha Central Development thority will instal sufficient  Circulars and decisions each stage of the comprehen- and Beautification Project – road signs to alert road us - issued by the Ministry of sive plan of gradual lifting of Package 4. ers to this closure. Commerce and Industry restrictions depends on the The diversion will be In order to ensure the  Instructions related to compliance of all individu- carried out as follows: the safety of all road users, mo - the responsibilities of em- als with the required pre- number of lanes on Al Bidda torists must comply with ployers to limit the spread of ventive and precautionary Street (Majlis Al Taawon) the speed limit and follow the coronavirus (COVID-19), measures. from Oryx Intersection to the road signs.

QRCS DISTRIBUTES WINTER AID TO WORKERS BBSQ hosts badminton tournament to mark QND 2020, Bangladesh Glorious Victory Day

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THE Bangladesh Badminton Society Qatar (BBSQ) recently organised a badminton tour- nament as part of the celebra- tions of the Qatar National Day (QND) 2020 and the Glorious Victory Day of Bangladesh. Ambassador of Bangla- desh to Qatar HE Md Jashim Uddin was the chief guest at the final match and the prize- gratulations to the brotherly work and follow the rules and developed country by 2041. giving ceremony of the tour- people of Qatar on the occa- regulations of Qatar. Embassy officials, Bangla- nament held at Al Saad Sports sion of Qatar National Day. The envoy also highlighted desh Community Qatar (BCQ) Club. The ambassador said the the historic role of the Father President Eng Anwar Hossain A total of 150 players com- Bangladesh Embassy and the of the Nation Bangabandhu Akon, freedom fighter Omar peted in six categories in the Bangladesh community would Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in Farooq Chowdhury, President tournament, which was held always be ready to extend all achieving the independence of BBSQ Alamgir Hossain Ali, in the absence of spectators cooperation to the govern- of Bangladesh. He called upon businessmen Jalal Ahmed due to the COVID-19 restric- ment of Qatar in hosting the the expatriate Bangladeshis to and Abdul Matin Patwari and tions. big sporting events. He called actively participate in the vari- sports organisers Asfaquddin At the prize-distribution on the Bangladesh community ous development activities of Mamun and Aminul Islam Qatar Red Crescent Society (QRCS) distributed 1,000 winter-aid kits to workers at Kahramaa and Pearl ceremony, the ambassador members to engage in regular the government of Bangladesh were present on the occasion. Mall worksites in a joint three-day initiative with the Public Works Authority (Ashghal). (TNN) extended greetings and con- sport activities alongside their to build a knowledge-based Friday, January 1, 2021 03 (http://www.islamweb.net) Under the guidance and supervision of Ministry of Awqaf (Religious Endowments) Islam and Islamic Affairs

Best Ways for Glorifying Allah (Tasbeeh) QUR’AN: A LIVING MIRACLE Question: What is a good ritual to glorify Allah (Tasbeeh) during the day? I like to keep on mentioning Allah all through HE Qur’an is truly a ishing the Jewish doctors who the day, even while cooking, working in the house, driving and living miracle. Go- felt proud of their limited knowl- so on. ing deeper into it, edge of healing and who had Answer: All perfect praise be to Allah, The Lord of the Worlds. one finds amazing begun to disregard and deny the I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allah, and characteristics from supernatural powers of God. that Muhammad, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, is His slave everyT perspective. Similarly, the Qur’an was and Messenger. In Language an immediate miracle for the The best Dhikr (mention of Allah) at all and the best Tas- The Arabs of the 6th and 7th Arabs so many years ago, since beeh is the Quran. No doubt about that. centuries CE were masters of it challenged and far surpassed There are other forms of Dhikr that have great merit such the Arabic language. Eloquence the limits of their literary expres- as saying: ‘Laa Ilaaha Illa Allaah Wahdahu Laa Shareeka Lahu and rhetoric were their lifeblood. sion. Unlike the miracles of pre- Lahul Mulku Wa Lahul Hamdu Wa Huwa ‘Ala Kulli Shayeen The liveliness that marked their vious prophets, which were only Qadeer’ (100 times). It was reported that “Whoever says it gatherings, the gaiety of their applicable for a limited time, (the above Dhikr) 100 times in a day, it is as if he had freed fairs and the virtues of which to this day the Qur’an -- the Fi- ten slaves, he gets 100 rewards and one hundred of his sins they boasted, all found expres- nal Testament given to the Last are erased, and it (this Dhikr) becomes a protection for him sion through poetry and litera- Prophet, peace and blessings from Satan all that day until the evening and nobody will do ture. They were so proud of their of Allah be upon him, -- is still anything better than what he did except someone who did literary accomplishments that a relevant miracle for human- more than him.” [Reported by Al-Bukhaari and Muslim] they disdainfully dubbed all the ity and will remain so as long as Muslim also reported from Abu Hurayrah, may Allah be other peoples of the world as the world exists. We live in an pleased with him, that the Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa “’Ajam” or “Dumb.” It was in this age of science and technology, sallam, said: “Whoever says, when he gets up in the morning atmosphere that there appeared of knowledge, logic and reason. and after sunset: ‘Subhana Allaah Wabi Hamdihi’ one hundred on the scene an unlettered per- Yet, in spite of all the human times, nobody will do anything better than him except the one son, Muhammad, peace and Prophet Muhammad, peace and made, no prediction could be day We shall rescue you with advancement in every sphere of who did the same (number) or more.” blessings of Allah be upon him. blessings of Allah be upon him. more unbelievable because the your body that you may be a life, the principles of the Qur’an Finally, we advise you to get a small book entitled: Hisn Al- He presented before them an While the Prophet, peace initial twelve years of Heraclius sign to those who come after have not been proven wrong nor Muslim (The Forti cation of the Muslim). There is an English ver- oration and declared it to be the and blessings of Allah be upon were evidently declaring an end you.” [Qur’an 10: 91-92] have they become “out-of-date.” sion available in Islamic centers and libraries. Allah knows best. Word of Allah, which claimed him, was still in Makkah, af- to the Roman Empire.” [Fall of At the time of revelation of This is really the great miracle of (what means): ter having been entrusted with the Roman Empire, v.5, p.73-74] this verse, and even centuries the Qur’an, it has proven itself a “If mankind and the jinn prophethood and was being But exactly seven years after afterwards, nobody knew that timeless, universal message for were to gather together to pro- subjected to all sorts of persecu- his first defeat, the Roman em- the body of Fir’awn had been humankind, relevant to every Observing the Rules of duce the like of this Qur’an, they tions by the Makkan idolaters, peror sallied forth from the capi- preserved, but it has been dis- facet of our life — be it politics, could never produce the like exactly at the same time the two tal and inflicted crushing defeats covered only recently and is pre- economics, ethics, science, Recitation of the Qur’an thereof, even if they backed up great powers of Rome and Persia on the Persians at several places, served in a museum at Cairo. literature, arts or entertain- one another.” [Qur’an 17:88] were involved in repeated wars. and after that the Roman armies The Qur’an has stated (what ment. In fact, even non-Muslim Question: What is the ruling on whoever memorises the Such a proclamation was an The Romans were beaten, van- were victorious everywhere. means): “And of everything We scholars have admitted that the Qur’an without observing the rules of recitation but he recites amazing thing. It came from a quished and suffered a great loss Meanwhile, a large num- have created pairs that you may entire ‘Western’ civilisation to- without making grammatical errors? person who had never learned in men and material. At last, the ber of Muslims had migrated take heed.” [Qur’an 51: 49] day, thriving from the “rebirth Answer: All perfect praise be to Allaah, The Lord of the Worlds. anything from the renowned po- Romans were so utterly exhaust- to Al-Madeenah and their wars When this verse was re- of humanity” (i.e. the ‘Renais- I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allah, and ets and scholars of the time, had ed that, far from being in a posi- with the idolaters of Makkah vealed, the general concept was sance’), would not have been so, that Muhammad is His slave and Messenger. We ask Allah never recited even a single piece tion to launch a counter-attack, had already begun. The day on that male and female pairs ex- had it not been for the message to exalt his mention as well as that of his family and all his of poetry in their congregations they could not even take a firm which 313 ill-equipped Muslims isted only among human beings brought by Muhammad. As the companions. and never attended the compa- stand anywhere. This situation were decisively beating their and animals or in some vegeta- celebrated English writer, Rob- It is an obligation on a Muslim who wants to recite the ny of soothsayers. And far from was a matter of jubilation for the enemy – 1,000 heavily armed tion. However, with the advance- ert Briffault, says in The Making Qur’an or to memorise it to learn the rules of recitation of the composing any poetry himself, pagans of Arabia as they iden- Makkan warriors -- at the bat- ment of science, the Qur’anic re- of Humanity: Qur’an because it is an obligation on him to do so. he did not even remember the tified the Persians, being fire- tlefield of Badr, came the news ality is becoming manifest that “The ideas of freedom for Whoever is negligent in learning the rules of the recitation verses of other poets. This proc- worshippers, with themselves that the Romans had defeated male and female pairs exist in all human beings, of human of the Qur’an while being able to do so is sinful if he recites it lamation, repeated several times and the Romans, as “people of the Persians. It was then re- everything. In some instances, brotherhood, of the equality of in a way that changes its meaning, but if he makes mistakes in the Qur’an, was therefore the the Book,” with the Muslims. In alised that the Qur’anic verse, they are termed as male and fe- all men before the law of demo- that do not change the meaning, then he is not forbidden from greatest challenge to their liter- their eyes, the dominance of the (which means): “…on that day male, and elsewhere as positive cratic government, by consulta- reciting it. Allah Knows best. ary expertise, and at the same Persians, presaged their own vic- the Believers will rejoice in Al- and negative, as electron and tion and universal suffrage, the time a fatal stab on their polythe- tory and the defeat of the Mus- lah’s help” [Qur’an 30: 4-5] was proton, or neutron and positron. ideas that inspired the French ist creed and beliefs. Following lims. It was under these circum- meant to denote the twin hap- In another verse, the Qur’an has Revolution and the Declaration this, a hush fell over the whole stances that these initial verses piness of the Romans’ victory as also clarified that the occurrence of Rights, that guided the fram- galaxy of these stirring ora- of the chapter called Ar-Room well as their own victory at Badr. in pairs in many other things is ing of the American Constitu- “Take what is given freely, enjoin what tors and fiery poets. Not a soul (The Romans) were revealed In Science and History still unknown to people. It says tion and inflamed the struggle stepped forward to accept the (which mean): Apart from prophecies, the (what means): for independence in the Latin- is good and turn away from the challenge of producing the like “…The Romans have been Qur’an has pointed out many “Glorified be He Who cre- American countries were not of the Qur’an. They persecuted defeated, in the land close by. scientific and historical facts ated pairs of all things which the inventions of the West. They ignorant.” – [Qur’an 7:199] the Prophet, peace and bless- And after (this) defeat of theirs, which were not only unknown at earth grows, and of themselves find their ultimate inspiration ings of Allah be upon him, called they will soon be victorious with- that time, but could not even be (humans), and of that which and source in the Holy Qur’an. him insane, a sorcerer, poet and in a few years. To Allah belongs imagined given the development they know not.” [Qur’an 36: 36] They are the quintessence of soothsayer, but failed utterly in the command before and after of civilisation. Entire books have A Miracle For Us! what the intelligentsia of me- composing even a few sentences and on that day the Believers will been written (by both Muslims Looking back through his- dieval Europe acquired from like the Qur’anic verses. To this rejoice in Allah’s help…” [Qur’an and non-Muslims) confirming tory, it has been observed that Islam over a period of centuries day, the challenge has remained 30:2-4] the correspondence of scien- the prophets, may Allah exalt through the various societies unmet, although throughout For those who were aware of tific discoveries to the truths ex- their mention, were sent with that developed in Europe in the history and even in modern the military situation concern- pressed in the Qur’an. Again, we miracles that reflected the soci- wake of the Crusades in imita- times, many people have made ing the Romans and Persians, suffice here with two examples: ety and knowledge of the people tion of the brotherhood asso- feeble attempts to do so. this prediction was absolutely The Qur’an has stated that as they were sent to. Thus, Moosaa ciations of Islam. It is highly In Prophecies incredible. In fact, the Persians Fir’awn (Pharaoh) was drown- (Moses), may Allah exalt his probable that but for the Arabs, ““Beware of being the ally of Allah in the open while Among other things, the kept marching forward until ing in the sea he made a confes- mention, was sent with a staff modern European civilisation Qur’an contains prophecies of they reached the city walls of the sion of faith orally, just to save that truly turned into a snake, would never have arisen at all, it being His enemy in secret. If your character in the future events, many of which Roman capital, Constantinople. his life. In response, Allah Said baffling the trickster magicians is absolutely certain that but for open and secret do not equate, then you are a hypo- have come to pass. We repro- The renowned historian Edward (what means): of the Pharaoh. ’Eesaa (Jesus), them, it would never have as- duce here a discussion of one Gibbon has commented on this “What! Now? And indeed may Allah exalt his mention, was sumed that character which has crite and hypocrites occupy the lowest level in Hell- such prophecy, which was ful- prediction thus: before this you did rebel and given the power to cure diseases enabled it to transcend all previ- re.” – [Umar ibn Abdul-Azeez] filled within the lifetime of the “When this prophecy was were of the corrupt. So this and give life to the dead, aston- ous phases of evolution.”

AVING good morals and The last scenario takes place at manners is an essential req- a coffee shop. You are happily sip- uisite of our faith and that PERFECTING OUR CHARACTER ping your mocha latte and reading takes much thought and ef- the newspaper when you look at the fort. time and realize you are late for work. HThe Beloved Messenger of Allah, and the best friend. According to his into a congregation, he, peace and him, asked about this man. It turned why this person does not have a job As you are scurrying to get your stuff peace and blessings of Allah be upon Companions, may Allah be pleased blessings of Allah be upon him, never out that he was ill so the Prophet, like the rest of us. Enter our new and together, you spill what is left of your him, said: “The best amongst you with them, he, peace and blessings demanded to sit at the centre or near peace and blessings of Allah be upon improved moral code — we can ei- latte. You tell yourself that it’s OK, are the best in character and man- of Allah be upon him, was known to the front. He, peace and blessings of him, went to visit him. Genuinely ther give this person money for the one of the employees will eventually ners.” (Al-Bukhaari) be the most honest, patient, trust- Allah be upon him, just sat wherever touched by the Prophet’s, peace and sake of Allah and ask him to buy food realize that there is a spill and clean Improving our character, howev- worthy, gracious and compassionate he found space. blessings of Allah be upon him, visit with it or run over to the nearest fast it up. Enter your moral code that re- er, is not at all an easy task. One must person of their time. His wonderful He, peace and blessings of Allah and sincere thought, the man de- food restaurant and buy this person minds you that someone can slip and go through rigorous self-discipline, character gave him a magnetic per- be upon him, encouraged his Com- clared his belief in the Message of a meal. fall on that. Further, cleanliness is a monitoring and education in order sonality that everyone around him panions, may Allah be pleased with Muhammad, peace and blessings of The lesson here is to never turn part of Islamic belief. So you take a to reform our entire way of thinking loved dearly. The lesson for us is to them, to be the best they could be. He, Allah be upon him. away a person who asks you for help. minute or two to clean it up. and acting. perfect everything we do, however peace and blessings of Allah be upon This teaches us that we should This was the character of our beloved There are a couple of lessons here. What is good character? How can small it is, even in mundane daily ac- him, brought out the best in all of his insist on being kindhearted to peo- Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah First, you prevented a possibly harm- we do good things? The simplest way tions such as slaughtering animals Companions, may Allah be pleased ple, as much as we can, and do it with be upon him. ful slip and fall accident. The Prophet, to answer these questions is to look for food. with them. He, peace and blessings of sincerity, sometimes even for those Scenario number two: A friend of peace and blessings of Allah be upon at the Messenger of Allah, peace and Although he, peace and blessings Allah be upon him, took people who who are not nice to us. This is good yours trusts you with a secret that he/ him, was reported as saying: “Eeman blessings of Allah be upon him, as a of Allah be upon him, was the leader used to bury their own babies alive character. she thinks is important. You promise (belief) consists of more than sixty role model. He, peace and blessings of all the Muslims, he was humble. and transformed them into compas- The way to establish a good moral him/her not to tell anyone. Shortly branches. The highest of which is the of Allah be upon him, is the perfect He, peace and blessings of Allah be sionate, caring human beings. He, code is to clear our heads of bad ideas after, you are speaking with a mu- declaration of the Shahaadah (i.e. the example of good character. Allah says upon him, never belittled his Com- peace and blessings of Allah be upon and interpretations. We have to teach tual friend and you think his/her se- testimony that there is None worthy about him, peace and blessings of Al- panions, may Allah be pleased with him, did not accomplish this by sit- ourselves different and better ways to cret would make a nice conversation of worship except Allah) and the low- lah be upon him, in the Qur’an (what them. When someone would speak ting around and telling people what analyze ideas and events that we may topic. After all, you do not know why est of which is the removal of harm means): “You have indeed in the to him, he, peace and blessings of Al- to do. The Companions, may Allah come across. This may sound easy, your friend is making such a big deal out of the way.” (Ahmad) Messenger of Allah a beautiful pat- lah be upon him, would turn around be pleased with them, emulated his but for most of us, it requires intense out of his/her little secret. Besides, Secondly, you portrayed a posi- tern (of conduct) for anyone whose fully to talk. He, peace and blessings actions, thus caused a domino effect. training and effort. you are going to make the person you tive image of Islam and Muslims. hope is in Allah and the Final Day, of Allah be upon him, did not answer There is a story of a disbeliever Let us look at some scenarios as are telling promise not to tell anyone, Before we act or react to any- and who engages much in the Praise carelessly while walking away nor who used to place fecal matter in examples. Let us say we are going out just like you did. Enter moral code thing, we should ask ourselves: of Allah.” [Qur’an 33:21] did he merely turn his head towards the path that the Prophet, peace for a walk. We are walking along and and you stop, reminding yourself that “What would the Prophet, peace and One salient attribute of the them. When he, peace and blessings and blessings of Allah be upon we get stopped by a homeless per- a promise is a promise. blessings of Allah be upon him, have Prophet’s, peace and blessings of of Allah be upon him, shook hands him, walked every morning. The son who asks us for money for food. The lesson here is to be trust- done?” The prayer and fasting alone Allah be upon him, character was with someone, he gripped with his Prophet, peace and blessings of Al- Some of us will completely ignore worthy, whether it is with feelings, will not guarantee us Paradise. Right- perfection — and that he sought whole hand and never was the first lah be upon him, would see it in his this person and include him in a ste- thoughts and emotions or with ma- eous, positive character is Islamic perfection in everything he did. He, to release his grip. When speaking path until one day he did not. He, reotype we might have of homeless terial possessions. This also was one character. Once we develop a more peace and blessings of Allah be upon with him, he, peace and blessings peace and blessings of Allah be upon people. We might think that this per- of the Prophet’s, peace and bless- positive, Islamic approach on the him, was the best father, the best hus- of Allah be upon him, never was the him, thought this was strange so he, son will use the money for cigarettes ings of Allah be upon him, great events that occur, we will perfect our band, the best leader, the best teacher first to look away. When he walked peace and blessings of Allah be upon or alcohol. We might even wonder characteristics. character. 04 Friday, January 1, 2021

ESTABLISHED SEPTEMBER 3, 2006 HAMAD BIN SUHAIM AL THANI CHAIRMAN Opinion ADEL ALI BIN ALI MANAGING DIRECTOR DR HASSAN MOHAMMED AL ANSARI EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Want A Safe 2021? Can Biden Negotiate Us Get Your COVID Shot, And Vaccinate The Kids To A Better America? HILE 2020, sadly, is the year of COV- ents report that their children missed vac- e president-elect made an excellent speech about national unity after he won the election, ID-19, the good news is 2021 should cines because of the virus. It says, “Children Wbe the year of the coronavirus vaccine. are on track to miss an estimated 9 million but blistering bias against a self-immolating working class is downright frightening While we’re at it, let’s make it the year for vaccination doses in 2020, a decrease of up childhood immunizations too. to 26% in childhood vaccination doses com- The COVID-19 vaccine is being rolled out pared to 2019.” JAY AMBROSE for certain healthcare workers and residents Dr Vincent Nelson, chief medical officer TRIBUNE NEWS SERVICE of long-term care facilities. Immunizing at BCBSA, says, “The possibility that pre- healthcare workers does double duty: They ventable diseases, like polio, could become a URING the Democratic presiden- need to be protected from the infection risk threat to public health once again is particu- tial primary, nothing seemed to while caring for those sick with COVID-19. larly concerning.” haunt Joe Biden more than the They also can help model for the rest of us charge of how totally, completely that the vaccine is safe and necessary. Life ANTI-VAXXER DISINFORMATION racist it was for him as a senator won’t return to a semblance of normal until Well before COVID-19, doctors and inD the 1970s to negotiate with Southern, the majority of Americans are immunized. public health agencies were already try- white supremacist segregationists. Why in For those in the general public, expect to get ing to overcome an anti-vaccine movement the world would he even talk to such other your shot as soon as spring. that has dissuaded many parents from get- senators as James O Eastland of Missis- Each version of the COVID-19 vaccine ting their children inoculated. Every state sippi or Herman E Talmadge of Georgia? is tested on thousands of people to rule out requires immunizations for kids attending Because that’s how democracy dangers before receiving Food and Drug public schools, but most also allow parents works, my fellow Americans. If you are Administration approval. There is a remote to claim religious exemptions. in the Senate, you don’t ignore your pol- chance of an allergic reaction, usually soon The movement has had an effect, and icy antagonists or just simply hate them after getting the inoculation, according to it’s not good. In 2000, the World Health Or- and screech about their evils or dream the FDA, but it should be treatable and is no ganization declared that measles had been about their political demise. If their reason to skip the shot. “eliminated” from the United States. But votes are just maybe crucial for some “I feel extreme confidence in the safety it’s made a comeback. Last year, the CDC end you see as vital, you get along with and the efficacy of this vaccine,” Dr Anthony reported nearly 1,300 measles cases nation- them, make sharp arguments, probe the Fauci, the country’s top infectious disease wide, more than triple the number in 2018, details for reasonable, available com- expert, said before he received his first round and the biggest number since 1992. Most promises. You try to get something done of the vaccine. You trust Dr Fauci, right? of those infected, it said, had not been vac- even if the best is still out of reach. Minor side effects, such as soreness, fa- cinated. Whooping cough, or pertussis, has That’s what Biden did, and he helped tigue and headache, are more common, as also rebounded, and up to 20 infants die of a march forward on a foremost issue in with other vaccines, but that’s also no reason it each year. American domestic affairs, nowhere to avoid a potentially lifesaving jab. No one should forget the fearful toll once close to what is ultimately needed, but “Those are not serious and in fact they taken by diseases that have been largely van- a whole lot better than nothing. Nego- are welcome,” Dr Allison Arwady, Chicago’s quished by vaccines. Before the measles vac- tiation is a major skill in the president- public health commissioner, explained be- cine, upward of 3 million Americans were elect’s lap, and he will need it mostly to fore receiving her shot. infected each year, 48,000 were hospitalized deal productively with Senate Repub- “They are signs the immune system is re- and 400 to 500 of the victims died. Pertus- licans if they win two Senate seats in sponding and learning how to fight COVID,” sis, which causes severe, prolonged cough- Georgia and keep control of the Senate. she said. “They may be unpleasant for a day ing, killed about 9,000 Americans each year. Otherwise, he will need it to survive ex- or two, but they are the signs of true protec- treme Democratic leftists. tion ready to take hold.” DON’T FEAR THE WAITING ROOM Actually, he will need it to work with It took the miracle of vaccines, and their both camps no matter what happens. DON’T SKIP OTHER VACCINES widespread use, to largely remove these and If you think he will surely flunk, con - The COVID-19 vaccine isn’t the only pro- other age-old threats. But the success bred sider how an amateur president named tection in town, or under scrutiny, unfortu- complacency, and false claims about side ef- Barack Obama was faced with breaking President-elect Joe Biden delivers a Thanksgiving address to the American people on nately. Since the pandemic hit, childhood fects have convinced some parents to shun a Senate filibuster by Republicans on Wednesday, in Wilmington, Delaware. (TNS) immunizations have declined, exposing immunizations. his proposed stimulus bill at the start large numbers of people to nasty contagions. The drop this year, however, was mostly of his administration. Three Republi- to say McConnell’s the one who has Congress extremely well, or used to. This phenomenon showed up early. After an understandable response to the pandem- can senators had to agree to a vote on recently held back on virus spending. That’s part of the question with this President Donald Trump declared a national ic. Since the spring, though, physicians have the measure to crush the tactic, and a The Senate majority leader and other new but elderly president to be, wheth- emergency on March 13, the Centers for Dis- adopted precautions to make their offices Politico article tells us how Biden made Republican members of Congress have er his mental capacities are anywhere ease Control and Prevention detected an im- safer — taking the temperature of arriving 14 phone calls to Sen. Arlen Specter of pushed over and over for virus relief close to what they once were, and it’s the mediate drop in orders for federally funded patients, limiting the number of people in Pennsylvania who likely sighed as he to small businesses and workers while case as well that he has already veered pediatric vaccines. Some physicians’ offices waiting rooms, more disinfecting of surfaces finally signed on. Biden was also a flap- Democrats have said forget it more into a number of positions to worry postponed routine visits, and some parents and more use of virtual consultations. For jaw success with two others, hallelujah than 40 times, according to a News- about. He made an excellent speech decided not to risk exposing themselves or parents who delayed shots, these changes for Obama. week fact-check. about national unity after he won the their children to the virus. should be reassuring. A Mitch McConnell-Biden broth- To the extent that Biden is truly a presidential election, but blistering bias On March 24, the CDC felt obligated to COVID-19 may actually generate more erhood pledge is hard to imagine, but centrist, a Republican Senate could suit against a self-immolating working class post guidance stressing the importance of interest in vaccinations. The expectation keep in mind that it’s misleading to say his likings more than the whoops and is downright frightening as a pompous getting kids inoculated against a variety of that a vaccine will put an end to the pan- McConnell, then the Senate minority shouts of Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., brand of upper-class ideology is saying serious illnesses, including measles, whoop- demic is a potent reminder of how valuable leader, warned two years into Obama’s Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., or goodbye to America’s greatness, tradi- ing cough, diphtheria and polio. such innovations have been. first term that he wanted him to be a Vice President Kamala Harris, three tional norms and belief in moral truth But the decline persisted. Polio and measles were brought under one-term president. His point was that examples of the center not holding. He that does not waver. A new report by the Blue Cross Blue control. Next up: COVID-19, if everyone gets he would do business with Obama if he could more easily avoid packing the Su- Shield Association found that 40% of par- their shots as advised. would meet the Republicans halfway. preme Court or a Green New Deal that (Jay Ambrose is an He did not want Obama “to fail,” he would be worse than climate change. op-ed columnist for (TRIBUNE NEWS SERVICE) said, but “to change.” It is also phony Either way, he knows the workings of Tribune News Service.) 2020 Was Dif cult, But Not The Worst Year Ever e important lesson from the COVID-19 is to ensure that 2020 will be the worst year in our lifetimes

RYAN YOUNG smallpox’s first appearance and its first Service was even slower than it is today. less as possible, without trade barriers TRIBUNE NEWS SERVICE effective treatment — for a disease with Today, isolation is still hard. But at and nationalist chauvinism getting in the a 30% fatality rate. But inoculation was least we have Zoom, Netflix, Facebook, way. Regulatory agencies need to be more rarely practiced until the 18th century, so text messages and operator-less cell- open to new innovations and approaches. UMANS don’t rule the world, it turns it didn’t help very many people for its first phones. Online food, grocery and retail The FDA’s rapid COVID vaccine approval out. COVID-19 is too small to see, 900 years or so. delivery were all growing before the pan- should be the norm, not the usual process Has President Donald Trump pointed When Abigail Adams had her children demic hit. Thankfully, some of that infra- that averages a decade of waiting and $1.3 out. It has still killed more than 300,000 inoculated in 1776, it was still a scary, new structure was already in place coming into billion per drug. Americans in less than a year. It also end- technology for most people. It was an act 2020, because we needed all we had and For ordinary people and small busi- ed the longest economic boom in Ameri- of courage for her to set a positive exam- more. nesses that need to adapt to quarantines can history and threw millions of people ple like that. And it took an additional two Go back just a few generations, and the on short notice, it is important for regu- out of work. Millions of people who kept centuries for smallpox to be eradicated al- best you could do was the Sears catalog. lators to get rid of excessive permits and their jobs had to adapt to working at home together, in 1977. Our generation’s COVID Thanks to the removal of net neutrality other requirements. If a regulation is not — while also making sure their remote- timetable is unimaginably better than with regulations in 2017, an explosion of in- needed during a pandemic, it was prob- schooling children paid attention to their which our ancestors had to deal. vestment in networks generated enough ably never needed in the first place. Some on-screen teachers. That does not mean COVID is not a new capacity to handle exploding new heavy regulatory housekeeping is in order COVID-19 meant people were mostly serious disease with serious economic and bandwidth demand from widespread vide- as we emerge from the pandemic. unable to go to movies, concerts or sport- social consequences. Yet, it does mean oconferencing and streaming. This was a difficult year. The new year ing events in 2020. And yet, by historical that 2020 was not the worst year ever. Not It is important to learn the right les- will have its own challenges. But previous standards, it was a good year. even close. But we also have ways to stay in touch sons from the COVID-19 pandemic. If we generations had it far worse. Our job go- COVID-19 is a novel disease. No hu- COVID has taken a huge toll on mil- and give comfort to each other that previ- do, we can ensure that 2020 will be the ing forward is to make sure our pandemic man caught it before 2019. Scientists cre- lions of lives. For people who didn’t get ous generations never had. Telephones ex- worst year any of us have to face in our experience is far worse than anything our ated effective vaccines in about a year. By sick, isolation was often the hardest part isted during the 1918 Spanish flu pandem- lifetimes. grandchildren will have to endure. comparison, smallpox has been around of 2020. Depression, suicide rates and ad- ic, but phone companies limited them to The most important lesson is that since at least ancient Egypt in the third diction problems all worsened in 2020. emergency use only, because the women openness is important. Scientists need to (Ryan Young is a senior fellow century BC. The earliest evidence of inocu- Stress from falling behind on bills and rent operating manual switchboards in crowd- be able to communicate across national at the Competitive Enterprise lation dates to 10th century China. That’s could have lasting consequences for mil- ed offices kept getting sick. Radio, televi- borders without restrictions. Supply net- Institute. He wrote this for more than a thousand years between lions of people. sion and email did not exist. The Postal works need to be as open and friction- InsideSources.com)

THE VIEWS EXPRESSED ON THE OPINION AND ANALYSIS PAGES ARE THE AUTHORS’ OWN. QATAR TRIBUNE BEARS NO RESPONSIBILITY. World Friday, January 1, 2021 05 Iran’s Zarif says Trump aims to fabricate ‘pretext for war’ AFP Gulf waters since late Novem- vital interests,” Zarif said. and other foreign military and TEHRAN ber and two American B-52 UN CONDEMNS IRAN’S ‘APPALLING’ Trump said last week said diplomatic sites have been tar- bombers recently overflew the EXECUTION OF YOUNG OFFENDERS he would hold “Iran respon- geted by dozens of rockets and IRAN’S Foreign Minister region. sible” for any fatal attack on roadside bomb attacks since Mohammad Javad Zarif on “Instead of fighting (the GENEVA: The UN voiced outrage at the execution on Thursday of Americans in Iraq after accus- later 2019. Thursday accused outgoing novel coronavirus) in US, @ a man in Iran who was only 16 when he committed his alleged ing Tehran of being behind a Trump unilaterally with- US President Donald Trump of realDonaldTrump & cohorts crime, marking the fourth juvenile offender put to death in the rocket strike on the US em- drew the US from a landmark aiming to fabricate a “pretext waste billions to fly B52s & country this year. The UN human rights of ce said that Moham- bassy in Baghdad on Decem- nuclear deal with Iran and for war” as tensions mount be- send armadas to OUR region,” mad Hassan Rezaiee was executed early on Thursday. ber 20. world powers in 2018 and tween the two countries. Zarif wrote on Twitter. IT did not provide further details about Rezaiee or the crime he Zarif at the time warned launched a “maximum pres- His remarks come ahead of “Intelligence from Iraq was convicted of, allegedly committed when he was 16. the US president against any sure” campaign against Teh- the first anniversary of the US indicate plot to FABRICATE File photo of Abu Mahdi al BUT according to Amnesty International, he was arrested in “adventurism” before leaving ran, reimposing and reinforc- killing of top Iranian military pretext for war,” he added. Muhandis. (AFP) 2007 in connection with the fatal stabbing of a man in a brawl the White House on January ing crippling sanctions. commander Qasem Soleimani Trump ordered a drone and had spent more than 12 years on death row. (AFP) 20, and said “putting your The two countries have in a drone strike in Baghdad strike on January 3 this year to a volley of missiles at Iraqi own citizens at risk abroad twice come to the brink of on January 3. kill Soleimani near Baghdad’s bases housing US and other won’t divert attention from war since June 2019, espe- US aircraft carrier USS international airport. coalition troops, with Trump military response. will OPENLY & DIRECTLY catastrophic failures at home”. cially following the killing of Nimitz has been patrolling Days later, Iran launched refraining from any further “Iran doesn’t seek war but defend its people, security & The US embassy in Iraq Soleimani.

US bans palm SINOPHARM JAB oil imports Yemen govt vows from second China’s rst covid vaccine to bring stability Malaysian firm after deadly attack AFP KUALA LUMPUR hustled to market as race to AFP for the first time in Aden ADEN on Thursday, during which THE United States has banned members held a moment of imports from a Malaysian palm YEMEN’S new power-shar- silence for those who were oil giant whose products are ing government vowed on killed in the attack. found in numerous household inoculate 1.3 bn speeds up Thursday to bring stabil- Tens of thousands of goods over concerns that its ity to the war-torn country, people, mostly civilians, workers face a litany of abuse. a day after deadly blasts have been killed and mil- The move against Sime Dar- AFP rocked Aden airport in an lions displaced in Yemen’s by Plantation, one of the world’s BEIJING attack targeting cabinet grinding five-year war, biggest producers, marks the members. which has triggered what second time the US has blocked CHINA has granted “condi- At least 26 people, in- the United Nations calls the shipments from a palm oil com- tional” market approval to cluding three members of world’s worst humanitarian pany in the Southeast Asian na- a Sinopharm vaccine with a the International Commit- disaster. The cabinet min- tion in just months. reported 79 percent efficacy tee of the Red Cross and a isters had arrived in Aden Palm oil is a common in- rate against Covid-19, health journalist, were killed and gredient in items ranging from authorities said on Thursday, scores wounded in the ex- processed foods to cosmetics, a major stride towards in- plosions as ministers dis- with Malaysia and neighbouring oculating the world’s largest embarked from an aircraft Indonesia producing 85 percent population. in the southern city. of the world’s supply. The Sinopharm jab, which All cabinet members But activists have long has surged ahead of a raft of were reported to be un- claimed that low-paid workers Chinese competitors during harmed in what some min- on plantations face abuse, and Phase 3 trials, could signal a isters charged was an attack also blame the industry for driv- breakthrough in the battle to by the Iran-backed Huthi ing destruction of rainforests to squash the pandemic in Asia. rebels who control the capi- make way for the vast agricul- Around 4.5 million doses tal Sanaa and are based in tural estates. of largely unproven emergen- northern Yemen. A damaged van is pictured Announcing the ban late cy vaccines made locally have AFP video footage shows in front of the airport of the Wednesday, US Customs and already been given to health what appears to be a missile southern Yemeni city of Aden, Border Protection (CBP) said workers and other workers strike followed by a ball of on Thursday. (AFP) there was evidence Sime Darby destined for overseas jobs, ac- intense flames, in part of the workers face abuses including cording to authorities. airport which moments be- days after being sworn in by sexual and physical violence, On Wednesday, Sinop- fore had been packed with Yemeni President Abedrab- withholding of wages and re- harm announced its leading crowds. But it is still not bo Mansour Hadi in Saudi strictions on movement. candidate had a 79.34 percent A medical worker takes a swab sample from a child to test for the COVID-19 coronavirus in Shenyang on fully clear what caused the Arabia, which leads a mili- The ban “demonstrates efficacy rate. Thursday. (AFP) explosions. tary coalition against the how essential it is for Ameri- That is lower than rival Foreign Minister Ahmed Huthi insurgents. Hadi fled cans to research the origins of jabs developed in the West millions this winter in the China has broadly bin Mubarak told AFP on to Riyadh after Sanaa fell to the everyday products that they by Pfizer-BioNTech and Mod- Around 4.5 million doses run-up to Lunar New Year. stamped out the virus inside Thursday that the new unity the Huthis in 2014. purchase,” said CBP acting com- erna -- with 95 and 94 percent of largely unproven emer- “I’m convinced -- and its borders, introducing swift government was up to tack- The new government missioner Mark A. Morgan. rates respectively -- but still a gency vaccines made please be convinced -- that the local lockdowns and mass ling the challenges facing a includes ministers loyal to The decision means that all game-changer for China. locally have already been production of Covid-19 vac- testing when cases emerge. country that has long been Hadi and supporters of the Sime Darby palm oil and palm Chen Shifei, deputy com- given to health workers cines can meet the demand Beijing has been at pains the Arab Peninsula’s most secessionist Southern Tran- oil products from Malaysia are missioner of the National and other workers des- of large-scale vaccination we to retool the pandemic story impoverished nation. sitional Council, as well as barred from entering US ports. Medical Products Administra- tined for overseas jobs, have in China,” Mao Junfeng, in its favour, touting the fast “The government is de- other parties. While all op- It came after anti-traffick- tion, on Thursday told report- head of Consumer Goods In- reflexes of its Communist termined to fulfil its duty pose the Huthi rebels, they ing group Liberty Shared peti- ers his agency had granted a according to authorities dustry Department added. leadership in locking down and work to restore stability are deeply divided, and se- tioned the CBP to block Sime “conditional listing” to Sinop- China has also pledged to the country and restarting in Yemen,” he said. cessionists and forces loyal Darby imports over concerns harm’s vaccine. susceptible to a severe viral swiftly share its vaccines with the economy. “This terrorist attack to the central government about labour abuse. In a state- A conditional listing helps infection... and the elderly,” lesser developed countries at China is forecast to be the will not deter it from that.” have sporadically clashed in ment, the producer insisted it hustle emergency drugs to Zeng Yixin, Vice Minister of a “fair price”, as it seeks glob- only major economy to post The cabinet convened and around Aden. was “committed to combat- market in cases when clinical the National Health Commis- al leadership in the recovery positive growth this year. ting forced labour and has im- trials are yet to meet normal sion told reporters. from a pandemic which first But it has been heavily plemented robust policies to standards but indicate they But China faces the un- emerged in the central Chi- criticised for closing down protect workers’ rights”, and will work. precedented challenge of get- nese city of Wuhan a year discussion and reporting pledged to work with US offi- “The known benefits of ting vaccines to a population ago. that questions the official cials to address their concerns. Sinopharm’s new inactivated of more than 1.3 billion peo- As a winter wave of vi- narrative. China con rms Shares in Sime Darby Plan- coronavirus vaccine are bigger ple. rus infections batters much On Monday a Shanghai tation, whose annual exports than the known and potential “The general view is you of the world, spurring fresh court jailed citizen journalist to the US are worth about $5 risks,” Chen added. have to vaccinate 60 to 70 lockdowns and grim spikes Zhang Zhan for four years for Uighur doctor jailed million, fell 3.5 percent in Kua- The listing allows the gov- percent to establish universal in death tolls, attention has her reporting from Wuhan la Lumpur following news of ernment to “extend vaccina- protection,” Zeng added. returned to China’s manage- during the early months of the ban. tion to high-risk groups, those Beijing plans to vaccinate ment of the pandemic. the pandemic. for ‘terrorism’ AFP social order,” foreign ministry BEIJING spokesman Wang Wenbin told reporters. A Uighur Muslim doctor He did not give further de- Clerics among 26 held after Pak Hindu temple burnt has been jailed on terrorism tails of her alleged crimes. charges, Beijing confirmed “We urge US politicians to AFP Ameen Pashteen, told AFP. Thursday, a day after her respect facts, stop fabricating KARAK In Karachi, the capital of family told US politicians lies to smear China, and stop Sindh province and where the she had been sentenced to 20 using the Xinjiang issue to in- AT least two dozen people, in- You must respect other majority of the country’s Hin- years. terfere in China’s domestic af- cluding several Muslim clerics, people’s religion. We are dus live, more than 200 people Gulshan Abbas vanished fairs,” he added. were detained on Thursday af- Pakistanis, and for God’s protested outside the Supreme into detention two years ago, Various Western countries ter a mob attacked and set fire sake, nobody needs to give Court calling for justice. but her relatives told a US and organisations includ- to a Hindu temple in north- “You must respect other congressional committee ing the US, EU and UN have west Pakistan, police said. us a certi cate of loyalty people’s religion. We are Pa- Wednesday that the 58-year- criticised China’s policies in Around 1,500 Muslims on A Hindu member of Sindh’s kistanis, and for God’s sake, old had been sentenced to 20 Xinjiang, most recently high- Wednesday descended on the provincial assembly nobody needs to give us a cer- years in prison because of ac- lighting alleged forced labour temple -- which was destroyed tificate of loyalty”, said Mangla tivism on behalf of Uighurs. practices involving Uighur in similar circumstances in Sharma a Hindu member of Rights groups say an es- Muslims. 1997 -- after staging a pro- identified from videos of the Sindh’s provincial assembly. timated one million Uighurs That has spotlighted al- test against renovations at an attack. Gopal Kamuany, president and other Turkic minorities leged abuses inside the textile adjoining building owned by Discrimination and vio- of the Pakistan Hindu Coun- languish in detention camps supply chain in particular, Hindus. lence against religious minori- cil, accused local authorities of in China’s northwestern Xinji- where cotton harvested in The temple is located in ties are commonplace in Pa- standing by as the attack hap- ang region in prison-like con- Xinjiang by forced or cheap la- a remote village in Karak dis- kistan, where Muslims make Members of Pakistan Hindu Council hold placards during a protest pened. “In the video of the at- ditions. bour is believed to make cheap trict, some 160 kilometres (100 up 97 percent of the popula- against a mob attack on a Hindu temple in a remote village in Karak tack, the administration is just China insists they are “vo- garments for Western high miles) southeast of Peshawar. tion and Hindus around two district, in Karachi on Thursday. (AFP) watching silently as the mob cational training centres”, but streets. “We have arrested 26 peo- percent. Irfanullah Khan, the dismantles the temple. What activists say inmates face tor- A retired doctor who is ple including local clerics for district police chief, also con- Hindus have not lived in Paramhans, who according to kind of justice is that”, Kamua- ture and forced labour. fluent in Mandarin, Abbas destroying a place of worship firmed the arrests. the area since the partition Hindu faith died in the village ny said. “Gulshan Abbas has been was detained in September and inciting people to riot”, He told AFP that a house of British-ruled India in 1947 in 1919. Earlier this month, the sentenced according to the law 2018, according to testimony local police official Fazal Sher adjacent to the temple was when Pakistan was created, “These people have United States placed Pakistan by Chinese judicial organs for from her sister, Rushan Ab- told AFP. recently bought by the Hindu but Hindu devotees occasion- brought a bad name to our on a list of “countries of par- taking part in organised ter- bas, provided to the US Sen- He added police were look- community and was being ren- ally visit the temple and the area and tarnished the image ticular concern” for religious rorism, aiding terrorist activi- ate Foreign Relations Com- ing for a further 50 people ovated, which offended locals. tomb of the Hindu saint Shri of the state,” one local resident, freedom violations. ties and seriously disrupting mittee last year. 06 Friday, January 1, 2021 World Australian anthem World rings in New Year changed to recognise with muted celebrations Indigenous people AFP The move had been previ- SYDNEY ously floated to better recog- As new strains of nise Indigenous Australian virus haunt the A line in Australia’s national history, which spans back tens anthem officially changed of thousands of years, but the pandemic-ravaged Friday in a move the nation’s conservative leader had not leader said was aimed at bet- flagged the change until an- world, vaccines ter recognising the country’s nouncing it late on Thursday bring hope in 2021 Indigenous people. night. Prime Minister Scott Mor- Australia is a country still AFP rison announced the second reckoning with its colonial SYDNEY line in the national anthem, past and inequality facing its Advance Australia Fair, would First Nations peoples, with THE world began ushering in change from “For we are Indigenous children twice as the New Year on Thursday, young and free” to “For we are likely to die before their fifth with pandemic controls mut- one and free”. birthday, according to official ing celebrations for billions of “Australia as a modern na- statistics. people eager to bid farewell to tion may be relatively young, Earlier this year, large pro- a virus-ridden 2020. but our country’s story is an- tests were held in several cit- After a grinding year that cient, as are the stories of the ies around the country calling has seen at least 1.7 million many First Nations peoples for an end to deaths in custody people die from COVID-19, whose stewardship we rightly of Indigenous people -- which fresh waves of infection have acknowledge and respect,” number more than 400 in the sparked renewed lockdowns Morrison wrote in The Age last three decades. and forced would-be revellers newspaper on New Year’s Eve. No prosecutions have to extend their 2020 tradition “Changing ‘young and been brought despite dozens of watching events from the free’ to ‘one and free’ takes of investigations, inquests sofa. nothing away, but I believe it and in some cases video evi- The eagerly awaited first adds much.” dence of abuse. seconds of 2021 fell on the Pacific nations of Kiribati and Samoa from 1000 GMT, with the uninhabited Howland and Baker Islands the last to tip Germany says it has over into the New Year, 26 hours later. New Zealand, which has The New Year’s Eve reworks erupt over Sydney’s iconic Harbour Bridge on January 1, 2021. (AFP) vaccinated 130,000 won plaudits for its handling of the coronavirus, followed an lowed past checkpoints songwriter Patti Smith will the turn of the year. even if vaccines bring some hour later with large crowds around the area, told AFP at ring in the New Year with a On the banks of Lake Bai- hope. as virus caseload gathered in Auckland to watch a bar nestled under the Syd- tribute to National Health Ser- kal in Siberia, where tempera- In Brazil -- which has al- a fireworks display. ney Opera House. vice workers who have died tures plummet to as low as -35 ready recorded more than spikes again Although still isolated In Tokyo, which will see from COVID-19, projected on degrees celsius (-31 Fahren- 193,000 COVID-19 deaths, the by international border clo- in the new year at 1500 GMT, the screen at Piccadilly Circus heit), around a dozen Russians second-largest number in the DPA clude belated numbers from sures, months of zero record- residents face the prospect and streamed on YouTube. emerged invigorated after a world -- fearful medics await a BERLIN other days, the RKI said. ed cases in the community a state of emergency being - Social gathering -Thou- new year’s eve ice dip. new wave. Among those who re- has let life in New Zealand imposed after a daily record sands are expected to attend a The swimmers, known in In recent days, social GERMANY on Thursday reg- ceived the vaccine, 57,406 return to relative normality. 1,300 new coronavirus infec- fireworks and a laser show in Russia as “walruses”, ran sev- media has been filled with istered 32,552 new coronavi- are people living in care In Australia’s largest city, tions were recorded in the Dubai at the Burj Khalifa, the eral kilometers (miles) through videos showing mask-less rus cases within 24 hours as homes, 61,612 received the Sydney, fireworks lit up the last 24 hours. world’s tallest tower, despite a a snowy forest in swimsuits revellers enjoying a night numbers rise again following jab due to their employment glittering harbour with a daz- Italy -- where shocking slew of new cases. and festive costumes before out and television channels a lull in reporting over the - for instance workers at zling display at 1300 GMT, images of makeshift morgues All those attending the plunging into the world’s larg- have even shown live images holiday period. high risk of contagion or care but few spectators watched in and exhausted medics awoke event -- whether at a public est freshwater lake. of police closing bars full of An additional 964 virus- home employees. person. the world to the severity of place, hotel or restaurant -- “It’s invigorating. It stings customers. related deaths were recorded, A total of 31,250 people Plans to allow crowds the crisis -- is on a nationwide will be required to wear masks a little!” Andrei Bugai told AFP “The pandemic peak the country’s Robert Koch who were vaccinated are old- were scrapped amid a clus- lockdown until January 7 and and register with QR codes. after climbing out of the water. was between May and July, Institute (RKI) for disease er than 80. ter of around 150 new infec- a 10 pm curfew is in place. In Beirut, a city still reeling “It’ll make you feel 10 years which was when there wasn’t control said on Thursday. Most vaccinations were tions that have seen travel From France to Latvia to from the August 4 port explo- younger,” said Ksenia Novo- a lot of movement and we The numbers come as the recorded in the states of Ba- to and from Sydney severely Brazil, police and -- in some sion, authorities are also cut- seltseva, another swimmer, looked after ourselves more. RKI said more than 130,000 varia, North Rhine West- restricted. cases -- military personnel are ting loose. with a wide grin on her face. Now there are many cases people have so far been vac- phalia and Hesse, while the “I think everybody is being deployed to make sure A night curfew has been Chancellor Angela Merkel and people are acting as if cinated against COVID-19 in lowest numbers were re- looking towards 2021 as a night-time curfews or bans on pushed back to 3 am. Bars, on Thursday used her New there wasn’t a pandemic,” Germany. ported in the smaller states fresh beginning and a fresh large gatherings are enforced. restaurants and night clubs Year greeting to warn Ger- said Luiz Gustavo de Almei- A total of 131,626 vacci- of Thuringia, Bremen and start,” Karen Roberts, among In hard-hit London, have all reopened and are ad- mans the “historic” coronavi- da, a microbiologist at the nations were reported until Hamburg. the lucky few who were al- 74-year-old American singer- vertising large parties to mark rus crisis will extend into 2021 University of Sao Paulo. Thursday morning, an addi- Germany, with a popula- tional 51,465 jabs compared tion of 83 million, began its to the previous day, though vaccine campaign on Decem- the number could also in- ber 27. US ‘most proli c serial killer’ Samuel Little dies aged 80

AFP the women were never identi- consecutive life-without- Little grew up in Ohio, LOS ANGELES fied or their deaths were not parole sentences, after being dropped out of high school investigated. jailed in 2014. and lived a “nomadic life,” SAMUEL Little, the United After Little began naming Also known as Samuel shoplifting or stealing to buy States’ most prolific serial killer victims from behind bars, the McDowell, Little stood 6ft alcohol and drugs, the FBI according to the FBI, died in Federal Bureau of Investiga- 3in (1.9m) tall and typically said. California aged 80 on Wednes- tion last year confirmed Lit- knocked out his victims with His criminal record began day, prison officials said. tle’s involvement in at least 50 powerful punches before stran- in 1956 with arrests for shop- Little confessed to 93 mur- of the deaths, and described all gling them, leaving no obvious lifting, fraud, drugs and break- ders -- mostly of women -- his other claims as “credible.” signs of homicide such as stab ing and entering. carried out between 1970 and He died in hospital early marks or bullet wounds. He was accused of murder- 2005, but his coast-to-coast Wednesday, with Los Angeles That factor combined ing women in Mississippi and killing spree went undetected coroners yet to determine the with the victims’ backgrounds Florida in the early 1980s but for decades. cause of death, the California meant many of the deaths was not convicted. The former boxer’s victims Department of Corrections were attributed to drug over- US media reports recently A woman working in a nursing home receives the P zer-Biontech File photo of serial killer Samuel were mostly drug addicts and said in a statement. doses or accidents, as well as said he suffered heart disease COVID-19 coronavirus vaccine at the Arena Treptow vaccine center in Little. (AFP) prostitutes, and in many cases Little was serving three natural causes. and diabetes. Berlin, recently. (AFP) Migrants in Bosnia’s burned-out camp fire struggle with freezing temperatures

AFP have run into objections from erty in the Middle East, Asia cal mayor and residents there zovic warned against what BIHAC, BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA, local residents, with a plan to and in Africa. are also staunchly opposed. he labelled an “inacceptable move them by bus on Tues- Bosnia currently hosts The centre, set up in treatment” of migrants. A thousand migrants from day to a former army bar- some 8,500 migrants. an abandoned factory, was More than half of Bosnia’s a burned-out camp were in racks in the country’s south Nearly 6,000 of them are abruptly closed in early Octo- population of 3.5 million are limbo in Bosnia on Thursday, abandoned. accommodated at reception ber due to protests. Muslims. struggling with freezing tem- The migrants boarded centres while 2,500 to 3,000 Newly re-elected Bihac The EU has provided Bos- peratures and snow as efforts buses, but never left as resi- have no shelter, Peter van der mayor Suhret Fazlic has nia with some 85.5 million by local authorities to re- dents in their destination Auweraert, the head of the vowed to prevent migrants euros ($105 million) to assist house them sparked protests village of Bradina protested IOM mission to Bosnia, told from returning, saying that with migration since 2018. from locals. against their arrival. AFP. “it is about our safety.” The bloc’s foreign policy The migrants, mostly Eventually they were es- The IOM withdrew from On Wednesday evening, chief Josep Borrell said in a from South Asia and the Mid- corted back to the burned the Lipa camp because of the he joined dozens of Bihac statement Thursday that the dle East, had previously been Lipa camp after spending a poor conditions there. residents who gathered in “dire situation needs to be ur- living in a squalid camp close night and a day in buses. It was set up in April as front of the former factory gently addressed” by Bosnia’s to the village of Lipa and the “Unfortunately I learned a temporary solution, and to prevent migrants from re- authorities and added that border with European Union to live like an animal,” Nuha, has since provided shelter to turning. the centre in Bihac should be member Croatia. a 35-year-old Iranian, told more than a thousand people. The IOM and several temporarily reopened “with- The camp was set on fire AFP. Humanitarian organi- other humanitarian groups out any further delay”. on December 23 and police “Whether they will take Migrants leave the camp “Lipa” near northwestern Bosnian town of sations had been warning on Wednesday urged the au- The UN’s human rights believe the blaze was started us elsewhere or leave us here, Bihac recently. (AFP) that the camp, made up of thorities to find an “immedi- office on Twitter warned deliberately to protest the I don’t care. It’s even better where they travel on to their and who have been in Britain large tents without electric- ate solution”. against “unacceptable suffer- withdrawal of the UN’s In- to stay here since the border final destinations, usually for the past two years. ity or running water, was not “The lack of immediate ing” of the migrants from the ternational Organisation for is not far and I will retry the wealthy northern European Bosnia lies on the so- equipped to accommodate action by responsible author- Lipa camp, calling for an ur- Migration (IOM), which had ‘game’ in the coming days.” countries. called Balkans route used people in winter. ities risks grave consequenc- gent solution of the issue. been running operations Migrants use the Eng- For Nuha, the “most pain- since 2018 by tens of thou- The IOM has urged Bos- es to human safety and lives,” “We urge the authorities there. lish word “game” for their ful” is to be separated from sands of migrants heading nian authorities to reopen a they said in a statement. to fulfil their duty to provide Since then, efforts to find attempts to illegally cross his wife and son who was towards Western Europe as reception centre in the near- Meanwhile, Bosnia’s protection and adequate liv- new shelter for the migrants the border into Croatia from born “on the road” in Greece they flee war and their pov- by town of Bihac, but the lo- grand mufti Husein Kava- ing conditions.” Virus-ravaged oil market collapses by a fth in 2020 PAGE 9

FRIDAY, JANUARY 1, 2021

30,383.46 10,435.96 47751.33 1,897.10 -26.10 PTS -98.69 PTS +5.11 PTS GOLD +0.20% Brexit to take full effect as UK DOW QE SENSEX leaves EU single market PAGE 8 PRICE PERCENTAGE PRICE PERCENTAGE 26.45 BRENT 51.41 -0.43 % WTI 48.15 -0.52 % SILVER -0.46% QGMD emerges as top Qatari Global spending on mobile apps crosses stock with 234% gain in 2020 $100 billion in 2020

TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK with the platform supporting Qatar Stock Exchange rises 0.1% in 2020 to register annual gain for the third consecutive year DOHA both premium and budget- conscious devices, according SATYENDRA PATHAK WORLDWIDE spending to Google. DOHA across the App Store and Apple said in January Google Play skyrocketed in 2020 it has 1.5 billion active QATARI stocks continued its 2020 due to the COVID- devices, a jump from 1.4 bil- gaining momentum for the 19-induced lockdowns and lion devices in 2019. third year in a row as the Qatar travel restrictions, with many Mobile spending on De- Stock Exchange (QSE) general customers turning to mobile index eked out a gain of 0.1 games and video-on-demand percent for the pandemic-rav- apps for entertainment, and aged 2020 on the back of a re- video conferencing for work covery in oil prices and strong and education. foreign inflows. Annual consumer spend- Despite the pandemic, ing on mobile apps and the year saw a number of games crossed the $100bn Qatari stocks rise more than m a r k i n 2 0 2 0 , a c c o r d i n g t o a 100 percent compared to new report. Spending reached last year. The Qatar German nearly $106bn globally be- for Medical Devices gained a tween January 1 and Decem- 284.364 percent to emerge as ber 17, 2020, up 30 percent the top gaining Qatari stock year-on-year, San Francisco- for the year. based mobile app researcher Dlala Brokerage and In- Sensor Tower Store Intelli- vestment Holding (193.781 gence said in the report. 30% rise percent), Ezdan Holding Global mobile consumer ● Group (188.78 percent), Inma spending on the Apple App Spending reached nearly Holding (169.263 percent) Store and Google Play – the $106bn globally between and Qatar First Bank (110.391 two largest distribution chan- January 1 and December percent) were among the top nels for mobile apps in the 17, 2020, up 30 percent five gainers of the year. world – increased 34.5 per- year-on-year Like most of the stock mar- cent year-on-year on Christ- kets in the Gulf region, Qatar’s mas Day, the report said. ● Total app revenue earned stock market also suffered Headquartered in Doha, Qatar German Medical Devices is a leading manufacturer of medical devices in the Middle East. Total app revenue earned on December 25 was huge losses in the first half on December 25 was $407.6 $407.6 million, nearly due to the spread of COVID-19 Trading volume witnessed the positive territory. The All percent of total buy during the Ansari was quoted as saying million, nearly $104.6m more $104.6 million more than p a n d e m i c a n d s t e e p f a l l i n a whopping increase of almost Share Transportation Index, year, the foreign institutional by a news agency. than the same day in 2019. the same day in 2019 oil price. 500 percent to reach 55.155 which gained 29 percent, investors accounted for 20.24 “The recovery in crude oil Although Google’s Play However, the local market billion in 2020 as against was the top-performing sec- percent of the total buy. prices to around the $50 b lev- store has more subscribers as trimmed most of its losses on 11.415 billion shares in the tor index for the year. The The foreign individual in- el supported some of the GCC Samsung, Huawei and many oil price recovery and progress previous year. All Share Real Estate Index, vestors also closed the year as markets,” he said. other manufacturers use its cember 25 comprised 4.5 on COVID-19 vaccines and The number of trans- which gained 23.24 percent, net buyers. Dubai’s index closed the Android platform, Apple’s App per cent of the month’s to- closed the year in the positive actions also increased to was the second-best perform- Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia’s year down 10 percent, while Store generated more revenue. tal spending, which reached territory. reach 2.287 million in 2020 er for the year. stock market, which closed the Abu Dhabi’s index lost 0.6 “As in previous years, Ap- approximately $9 billion The QSE index witnessed a g a i n s t 1 . 5 2 9 m i l l i o n i n t h e Except for the All Share year with a rise of 3.6 percent percent in 2020. ple’s App Store captured the g l o b a l l y f r o m D e c e m b e r 1 t o a marginal gain of 10 points previous year. Consumer Goods and Services in 2020 to log its fifth straight Kuwait’s stock market, the bulk of the spending between December 27. to close the year at 10,435.96 The year also saw QSE’s Index and the All Share Insur- yearly gain, was the best per- best performer in the region the two platforms. It saw 68.4 In 2020, the majority of points. market capitalisation rise to ance Index, all other sector forming GCC stocks for 2020. last year, recorded a 13.3 per- percent of the spending, or Christmas spending was on The bourse witnessed QR602.198 billion at the end indices made gains to support “The global distribution cent yearly loss. $278.6m, up 35.2 percent mobile games, which in- heavy trading during 2020 as trade for the year on Thurs- the general index. of vaccines and the process of Bahrain’s index fell 7.5 year-on-year,” the report said. creased 27 percent to $295.6 compared with the previous day compared to QR582.744 Both local and foreign in- vaccination in the GCC region percent in 2020 to log its first Google Play saw $129m in million this year, Sensor year. Trading value reached b i l l i o n a t t h e e n d o f t h e stitutional investors remained would instil further confidence yearly decline in five, while the revenue, an annual increase Tower said. Consumers spent QR105.781 billion during previous year. bullish throughout the year. in investors,” Kamco Invest- Omani index shed 8.1 percent of 33 percent. $112m on non-game apps 2020 as compared to QR67.7 The year saw five of the While Qatari institutional in- ment Strategy and Research for the year, extending losses There are more than 2.5 at Christmas, up 59 percent billion in the previous year. seven sector indices close in vestors accounted for 21.79 Invest Acting Head Junaid to a fourth consecutive year. billion active Android devices, from $70.5 million in 2019. Doha Bank launches easy pay wallet TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK Wallet. Our commitment is DOHA to provide our clients with the latest technological ad- DOHA Bank, one of the larg- vancements. We have an est private commercial banks unrelenting commitment to in Qatar, has announced the always provide our custom- launch of Doha Bank Easy ers with easy, safe and secure Pay Wallet. Customers can banking.” enjoy quick, safe, and seam- Doha Bank Chief Retail less payments by adding their Banking Officer Braik Al Doha Bank Credit or Debit Marri said, “We are proud Cards to their Doha Bank to surpass expectations by Easy Pay bringing a new di- providing unrivalled bank- mension to their wallet. ing methods to our dear cli- Customers can download ents. We will continue to Doha Easy Pay App from the s e e k n e w w a y s s a t i s f y o u r Apple Store or the Google In addition, Doha Bank wallet. customer’s needs.” Play Store which enables Easy Pay also enables the Doha Bank Group CEO Doha Bank customers them to perform quick, safe, users to make fund trans- R Seetharaman said, “We can now download Doha Woqod opens new petrol and seamless payments for fers to beneficiaries instantly are excited to announce the Bank Easy Pay Wallet from their retail purchases by sim- by linking their Doha Bank launch of our latest innova- the Ap p l e S t o r e a n d G o o g l e ply scanning the QR Code. Debit Card to Doha Easy Pay tion, Doha Bank Easy Pay Play Store. station in Lebsayyer

TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK are pleased to open a new rol station is spread over an DOHA petrol station in Lebsayyer. area of 10,800 square meters Woqod aspires to expand and has four lanes with eight India mulls tax on crypto trading AS part of its ongoing expan- its petrol station network in dispensers for light vehicles, sion plans to be able to serve the country to meet the ris- which will serve the Lebsayy- AGENCIES $28,599, taking gains this (GST) on bitcoin transactions. speculative business and at- every area in the country, ing demand for petroleum er area and its neighbour- NEW DELHI year past 295 percent amid The CEIB recently con- tract normal tax rates. In Qatar Fuel (Woqod) opened products and achieve the hood. heightened interest from big- ducted a study on levying GST contrast, authorities may Lebsayyer petrol station on goal of providing customers Lebsayyer petrol sta- THE Indian government is ex- ger investors. on cryptocurrencies. The bu- treat one-off or infrequent Thursday. With the opening with access to best-in-class tion offers round-the-clock ploring the option of imposing New Delhi’s move to im- reau told the Central Board transactions as capital gains, of Lebsayyer petrol station, products and services at services to residents, and a transaction tax on Bitcoin, pose a transaction tax on of Indirect Taxes & Customs long-term or short-term, de- the total number of Woqod their convenience and com- includes Sidra convenience a move that will give more cryptocurrency is aimed at (CBIC) that the government pending on the holding pe- petrol stations in the country fort. Woqod team would like store, manual car wash, oil legitimacy to the cryptocur- generating around $1 billion could gain $981 million annu- riod, and levy a concessional has gone up to 108. to extend their gratitude to change and tyre repair for rency subsequent to Supreme in additional revenue a year. ally by taxing Bitcoin trading. rate of capital gains. Commenting on the all concerned governmental light vehicles and sale of LPG Court’s ruling in March to India’s Central Economic According to Amit Ma- While the Indian gov- opening of the new petrol and private entities that con- cylinders ‘SHAFAF’ in addi- quash the Reserve Bank of In- Intelligence Bureau (CEIB), heshwari, a partner at tax ernment does not consider station, Woqod Managing tributed to the completion of tion to the sale of gasoline dia’s ban on cryptocurrencies. an arm of the finance ministry, and consulting firm AMK bitcoin legal tender, holding Director CEO Saad Rashid this project.” and diesel products for light The world’s most popular has proposed imposing an 18 Global, Bitcoin’s active trad- cryptocurrencies is not neces- Al Muhannadi said, “We The new Lebsayyer pet- vehicles. cryptocurrency hit a record per cent goods and services tax ing would be treated as a sarily illegal or banned. 08 Friday, January 1, 2021 Economy & Business EU ‘regrets’ US decision to slap tariffs in Airbus-Boeing spat

said it would seek a solution to continue these negotiations and method of calculation chosen, Trump administration targets plane the row with the incoming ad- find a lasting solution to the dis- which, according to the Trump ministration, which takes office pute,” it said. administration, has led to an products from France and Germany on January 20. The decision is the latest excessive amount of customs Washington said Brussels twist in the 16-year trade bat- duties levied on American AFP fore Joe Biden is sworn in as had therefore imposed duties tle over aircraft subsidies that products. BRUSSELS US president. on “substantially more prod- turned increasingly sour under The aviation feud predates The USTR said it would ucts” than it would have if the the protectionist instincts of US Trump, but Washington quick- THE EU regretted Thursday raise the levies on the grounds tariffs had been calculated President Donald Trump, and ly embraced the opportunity the US decision to slap more that the EU had improperly ap- based on a “normal period”. comes despite hopes for a trade to impose $7.5 billion in tariffs tariffs on French and German plied tariffs on $4bn worth of The European Commission truce following Joe Biden’s elec- against Europeans after also be- products as part of spat over American products last month said it, “regrets that the United tion. ing cleared to do so by the WTO aircraft manufacturers Airbus by calculating them based on States has chosen to add further The EU was authorised this last year. and Boeing. trade volumes since the coro- EU products to its retaliation year by the World Trade Organ- Washington imposed pu- The move was announced navirus pandemic erupted this list in the WTO Airbus case on ization (WTO) to levy additional nitive tariffs of 25 percent on by the Office of the US Trade year. aircraft subsidies.” customs duties on American iconic EU products such as Representative late on Brussels complained that “The EU will engage with products. wine, cheese and olive oil and Wednesday and will apply Washington had “unilaterally” the new US Administration at The US-EU ght over aircraft subsidies has simmered for years but But Washington believes put a 15 percent tariff on Airbus from January 12 — shortly be- disrupted ongoing talks and the earliest possible moment to escalated sharply during Donald Trump’s presidency. it has been penalised by the planes in March.

Sterling shines as no-deal Brexit averted Brexit to take full effect as after tumultuous 2020

AFP more than most this year UK leaves EU single market LONDON and the next couple of months is unlikely to be any Customs border THE British pound zoomed better. It’s a long road to re- Thursday to a 2.5-year dol- covery and the Brexit deal checks will be back lar peak before Britain’s will certainly help.” for the rst time in long-awaited exit from the Investors were embrac- European single market, ing this week’s positive decades with a trade deal in the bag news on vaccines, which on the final trading day of a stoked hopes of a return to AFP coronavirus-ravaged 2020. normality. LONDON Sterling jumped to “Investors are continu- $1.3686 in early morning ing to ignore short term BREXIT became a reality on deals to attain the high- risks and are looking ahead Thursday as Britain leaves Eu- est level since April 2018, to more normal times ahead rope’s customs union and sin- boosted also after Britain with vaccines,” said Think- gle market, ending nearly half became the first nation Markets analyst Fawad a century of often turbulent to approve AstraZeneca’s Razaqzada. ties with its closest neighbours. cheap Covid-19 vaccine. London’s benchmark The UK’s tortuous depar- Britain’s departure FTSE 100 index finished 1.5 ture from the European Union from the European Union percent lower in holiday- takes full effect when Big Ben takes full effect at 11:00 pm shortened trading as the struck 11:00 pm (2300 GMT) (2300 GMT), just hours af- strong pound weighed on in central London, just as most ter much of the country was multinationals earning in of the European mainland moved into the top tier-four dollars. ushered in 2021 at midnight. coronavirus restrictions. In the eurozone mean- Brexit has dominated Brit- The nation left the bloc while, the Paris CAC 40 ish politics since the country’s on January 31 but has been stocks index closed down narrow vote to leave the bloc in in a standstill transition 0.9 percent. June 2016, opening deep po- while it sought a free-trade Frankfurt’s DAX 30 shut litical and social wounds which Traf c passes a billboard for Irish uni cation outside Newry, Northern Ireland near the border with Ireland on December 31, 2020. Britain cut all agreement -- which was fi- for the year on Wednesday remain raw. ties with the European Union from 2300 GMT on Thursday when it left Europe’s single market and customs union. (PAUL FAITH/AFP) nally clinched on Christmas with a daily drop of 0.3 per- But both sides are now Eve and was approved by cent. keen to move on to a new fu- will be back for the first time Farage cheered and pro-EU trip as prime minister next lawmakers on Wednesday. Bitcoin stood within ture. in decades, and despite the “remainers” mourned. month, and with incoming US That dispelled long-run- sight of $30,000 after hit Prime Minister Boris John- free-trade deal, queues and But no formal events are president Joe Biden’s admin- ning fears of a chaotic no- another record high over- son called Brexit “a new begin- disruption from additional pa- It’s been a long road. It’s planned for the end of the istration. deal departure that could night on wave of enthusi- ning in our country’s history perwork are expected. time now to put Brexit transition. In the short term, all eyes have sparked a double-dip asm for the world’s most and a new relationship with “It’s going to be better,” behind us. Our future is Public gatherings are will be closer to home and downturn, after Britain popular cyber currency. the EU as their biggest ally”. said Maureen Martin, from made in Europe. banned due to the coronavirus focused on how life outside tanked into a recession ear- - Long dark shadow “This moment is finally Dover, southeast England, outbreak, which has claimed the EU plays out in practical lier this year on coronavirus -Brexit and coronavirus upon us and now is the time to where most voted to leave the European Commission more than 72,000 lives and terms, from changes in pet fallout. have nevertheless cast a seize it,” he added. EU in 2016. “We need to gov- president Ursula von der Leyen infected more than 2.4 million passports to driving licence - ‘Massive sense of re- long dark shadow over The British pound surged ern ourselves and be our own in Britain, including Johnson rules. lief’ -”A Brexit deal may global economies and stock to a 2.5-year peak against the bosses.” himself. That includes disruption have come extremely late in markets this year, particu- US dollar before the long- Britain -- a financial and president Ursula von der Ley- Johnson is looking not at the ports, stoking fears of the day but there will be a larly in London which faced awaited departure from the diplomatic big-hitter plus a en said on Wednesday, as she only to a future free of Covid food and medicine shortages, massive sense of relief that an annual loss of 14 percent. single market. major NATO power -- is the signed the trade pact. but also of rules set in Brus- as well as delays to holiday- the UK won’t be battling That was the worst Legally, Britain left the EU first member state to leave While pro-Brexit newspa- sels, as he attempts to forge a makers and business travel- no-deal on top of everything slump since the notorious on January 31 but has been in the EU, which was set up to per the Daily Mail celebrated global identity for Britain for lers used to seamless travel in else in the coming months global financial crisis in a standstill transition period forge unity after the horrors of a “new dawn”, the Daily Tel- the first time since it joined the EU. -- and that relief can be seen 2008. during fractious talks to secure World War II. egraph, where Johnson made the then European Economic In the French port of Cal- in the pound,” OANDA ana- Paris suffered a 7.1-per- a free-trade agreement with The EU has lost 66 million his name as a Brussels-bashing Community in 1973. ais, officials said they were lyst Craig Erlam told AFP. cent drop but Frankfurt Brussels, which was finally people and an economy worth Europe correspondent, sound- As well as ensuring tariff- prepared but locals in Dover “It’s ending the year on gained 3.6 percent in vola- clinched on Christmas Eve. $2.85 trillion, but Brexit, with ed a note of caution. and quota-free access to the feared traffic gridlock. a high... It’s all about the tile record-breaking deals Once the transition ends, its appeal to nationalist pop- “Politicians will have to get EU’s 450 million consumers, The government said some recovery now for the UK as over the course of 2020. EU rules will no longer apply, ulism, also triggered fears oth- used to bearing much greater Britain has recently signed border controls will not be im- it faces another devastating “A turbulent and strange with the immediate conse- er disgruntled members could responsibilities than they have trade deals with countries in- plemented for months as part (virus) surge and most of stock market year has come quence being an end to the free follow suit. been used to while the UK has cluding Japan, Canada, Singa- of Britain’s staged plan, and it the country moves into tier to an end,” said Comdirect movement of more than 500 “It’s been a long road. It’s been in the EU,” it said. pore and Turkey. was not expecting much dis- four. analyst Andreas Lipkow. million people between Britain time now to put Brexit behind In January, flag-waving It is also eyeing another ruption around the ports until “The UK has suffered and the 27 EU states. us. Our future is made in Eu- Brexiteers led by populist anti- with India, where Johnson next week, with traffic light Customs border checks rope,” European Commission EU former lawmaker Nigel plans to make his first major due to the holiday period. Azerbaijan makes first direct Poland’s watchdog hands bank to state-owned rival gas deliveries to Europe AFP law.” foreign economic influence. AFP (SOCAR) said in a statement, WARSAW Czarnecki added he was The policy has drawn criti- BAKU adding that the country’s gas “shocked” by the move, insist- cism from opposition politi- has already arrived in Italy. POLAND’S BFG banking regu- ing there was a chance for the cians and other commentators AZERBAIJAN said Thursday it The giant Shah Deniz field lator said on Thursday it was bank to “break even” by Febru- who fear it will concentrate started gas deliveries to Europe off the coast of energy-rich taking over an ailing private ary. economic power in the hands from the Shah Deniz field in the Azerbaijan was discovered in bank and turning it over to a BGF, however, quoted an Forced restructuring A clear law violation of the PiS government. Caspian Sea, part of a project 1999 and was estimated by BP leading state-controlled rival, independent Pricewaterhouse- Similar concerns surfaced aimed at reducing European to hold about one trillion cubic a move its mogul owner called Coopers audit showing Idea The state-run Bank Guarantee Idea Bank owner, billionaire Pol- earlier this month when Po- dependence on Russian sup- metres of natural gas. illegal. Bank’s liabilities exceeded its Fund said in a statement ish banker Leszek Czarnecki, land’s state-owned PKN Orlen plies. The first phase to connect The state-run Bank Guar- assets leaving it with a hole of that it had begun the called the move to defacto energy group acquired Polska The Shah Deniz consortium the field with Europe began antee Fund said in a statement 482.8 million zloty (106 mil- “forced restructuring” of nationalise Idea Bank a clear Press, the largest regional and led by British oil giant BP said in 1999, at a time when “some that it had begun the “forced lion euros, $130 million). Idea Bank S.A., insisting violation of the law. Czarnecki local newspaper distributor in in a statement that gas from the were sceptical about the pro- restructuring” of Idea Bank A Polish court refused ear- it was “in danger of added he was shocked by the the EU country. field had arrived via the newly ject,” said SOCAR’s President S.A., insisting it was “in danger lier this month to arrest Czar- bankruptcy”. On January 3, move, insisting there was a The PiS has also has long completed Southern Gas Corri- Rovnag Abdullayev. of bankruptcy”. necki on allegations of acting 2021, the bank will be chance for the bank to break said it wanted to “repolonise” dor (SGC) pipeline system. “Now the mission is ac- “On January 3, 2021, the against the interests of share- the country’s media, accusing Deliveries to Europe complished,” he added. “Azer- bank will be taken over by holders regarding his hold- taken over by Bank Pekao even by February. A Polish foreign-owned publications of through the Trans Adriatic baijan’s natural gas has arrived Bank Pekao S.A,” the BFG ings. SA, the BFG said, assuring court refused earlier this representing outside interests, Pipeline, the consortium said, in Europe. Coming from a new said, assuring Idea Bank cus- He has long clashed with Idea Bank customers that month to arrest Czarnecki on especially German ones. “marks the full integration of source through an alternative tomers that “deposits will be financial and banking authori- “deposits will be transferred allegations of acting against The takeover by the state- the entire SGC gas value chain, route, it will contribute to Euro- transferred in full to the ac- ties appointed by Poland’s in full to the acquiring bank the interests of shareholders owned Orlen raised concerns stretching 3,500 kilometres pean energy security.” quiring bank, as well as loans, governing nationalist Law and about press freedom. from Azerbaijan to Europe.” Gary Jones, the head of BP and customer service will not Justice (PiS) party. Since winning office 2015, “For the first time in his- in Azerbaijan, Georgia and Tur- be suspended.” In 2018, Czarnecki ac- Getin Noble Bank. state, Pekao bank is the coun- the nationalist PiS has taken a tory, Azerbaijan’s natural gas key, described Thursday’s an- Idea Bank owner, bil- cused Marek Chrzanowski, Chrzanowski denied any try’s second largest financial firm hold on public radio and reached the European market nouncement as a “historic mile- lionaire Polish banker Leszek then head of the KNF state fi- wrongdoing but was subse- institution and has figured television, drawing criticism through a direct pipeline con- stone”, calling the new route a Czarnecki, called the move to nancial regulator, of soliciting quently arrested by the CBA prominently in PiS plans to from Poland’s liberal opposi- nection,” the State Oil Compa- “direct, safe and reliable energy “defacto nationalise Idea Bank bribes in exchange for favour- anti-corruption agency. “repolonise” or nationalise Po- tion and international observ- ny of the Azerbaijan Republic link”. S.A. a clear violation of the able treatment for his troubled Controlled by the Polish land’s banking sector to curb ers. Economy & Business Friday, January 1, 2021 09 Painful 2020 ends for US workers, Virus-ravaged oil market layoffs could rise

AFP in April, but it has since de- collapses by a fth in 2020 WASHINGTON clined, falling to 6.7 percent in November as companies DESPITE a drop in week- modified or restarted op- Oil spiked in early January but prices were subsequently slammed by fallout from the pandemic ly jobless claims, the US erations even as the virus economy is far from healed remained rife. after a year in which tens of Nonetheless, the weekly millions of people lost their filings for unemployment jobs due to the coronavirus aid have remained above pandemic, many of whom the worst single week of the remain out of work. 2008-2010 global financial New filings for unem- crisis, and 19.6 million peo- ployment benefits last week ple were receiving jobless dropped below 800,000 for benefits under all govern- the first time in a month, ment programs as of the the Labor Department re- week ended December 12, ported Thursday, but ex- perts say that is more likely a statistical fluke related to the holidays and political maneuvers in Washington, rather than a sign the econ- omy is finally on track for a Statistical uke? sustained recovery. As the United States New lings for continues to weather the unemployment bene ts last world’s largest coronavirus week dropped below outbreak even as vaccines 800,000 for the rst time are finally being deployed, in a month, the Labor analysts see more layoffs on Department reported the horizon, at least in the Thursday, but experts say early weeks of 2021. “While prospects for the that is more likely a economy later in 2021 are statistical uke related to upbeat, the economy and la- the holidays and political bor market will have to nav- maneuvers in Washington, igate some difficult terrain rather than a sign the between now and then,” economy is nally on track Cambodia’s Ministry of Mines and Energy shows an offshore oil platform off the Cambodian coast. (AFP) Nancy Vanden Houten of for a sustained recovery. Oxford Economics said. AFP drone assassination of Iran’s OPEC+ grouping. years. New initial jobless LONDON top general Qasem Soleimani. Plumbing depths Russia refused Saudi Ara- Since those dark days, oil claims slipped to 787,000 according to the Labor De- Burgeoning Iran tensions bia’s request to cut their col- prices have recovered consid- for the week ended Decem- partment. WORLD oil prices slumped by stoked supply worries over ● On April 20, West Texas lective output to counter the erably but have yet to return to ber 26, a drop of 19,000 Covid-19 cases also more than a fifth this year as the Strait of Hormuz -- a vi- Intermediate crude virus-fuelled slump in crude pre-pandemic levels. from the prior week, the La- are hitting new record lev- deadly coronavirus savaged tal shipping lane for a fifth of collapsed to minus $40.32 demand. The market rose strongly bor Department said. els in parts of the country, the world’s appetite for crude, global crude. per barrel -- meaning In response, top global ex- in November and December, Another 308,262 peo- prompting local govern- despite a vaccine-driven up- But prices were subse- porter Saudi slashed its prices aided by the development of ple filed new claims for ments to order renewed turn at the end of 2020. quently slammed by fallout producers paid buyers to and raised output to preserve several crucial COVID-19 vac- Pandemic Unemployment business restrictions, mean- Europe’s benchmark con- from the escalating and deadly take the oil off their hands. market share in the face of cines that have sparked hopes Assistance (PUA), one of ing another jump in claim tract North Sea crude stood COVID-19 pandemic, with ● Brent spiralled as low as Russian opposition. of return to normality -- and a the programs available to filings could be waiting in at $51.13 per barrel in mid- losses accelerating in March The price war, in tandem recovery in energy demand. jobless workers who would the new year. afternoon deals on Thursday. as nations implemented lock- $15.98, plumbing depths with the worsening pandemic, Prices were also given a not normally be eligible for Industries like travel, That was a hefty 22.5 percent downs and shuttered busi- not seen for over 20 years. sent oil prices off a cliff -- and shot in the arm after OPEC and benefits. hotels, restaurants and en- lower than the same stage a nesses to curb the spread. ● Since those dark days, even caused New York’s light its allies struck a deal in early That means the total tertainment have been dev- year earlier. Tightening restrictions sweet crude contract to briefly December to increase produc- new applications remain astated. The oil market had be- slammed the brakes on de- oil prices have recovered turn negative. tion over coming months, but above one million long after Grant Thornton chief gun 2020 on the front foot, mand from oil-intensive sec- considerably On April 20, West Texas by less than anticipated in the business closures or- economist Diane Swonk with prices rising as simmer- tors like aviation, with planes Intermediate (WTI) crude col- their previous accord. dered in March to halt the tweeted that she is “worried ing tensions in the crude-rich grounded worldwide, while flict. lapsed to minus $40.32 per In Thursday mid-af- spread of Covid-19 turned about a jump in claims post Middle East region threatened the world economy tanked Crude futures crashed on barrel -- meaning producers ternoon deals, Brent crude the economy upside down. holiday as those who de- to disrupt valuable supplies. into a downturn. the back of a vicious price war paid buyers to take the oil off dropped 0.7 percent to $51.25 Those business closures layed reup and containment Oil spiked in early Janu- At the same time, the Or- between OPEC cartel king- their hands. per barrel from the prior sent the unemployment measures by states intensify ary, with Brent soaring as high ganization of the Petroleum pin Saudi Arabia and fellow Brent spiralled as low as day. New York’s WTI crude rate spiking to 14.7 percent with post holiday surge.” as $71.75 after US President Exporting Countries (OPEC) producer Russia -- which is a $15.98, plumbing depths not was also 0.7 percent lower at Donald Trump ordered the faced a massive internal con- key member of the enlarged seen for more than twenty $48.05. Germany rings in 2021 with carbon dioxide tax, coal phase-out

AFP from the government’s initial- first to close down as part of by then. lost income will be offset by FRANKFURT ly proposed 10 euros per tonne Germany’s phaseout of coal by Averbeck said the carbon the revenues generated from -- a number widely slammed 2038. tax however allowed for too the C02 pricing. GERMANY is aiming for a as too low by Germany’s Green Energy giant RWE, which many exceptions for “entire Despite a green reputation green start to 2021 by shutting party, environmentalists and has operated the plant since it branches of industry” and abroad, Germany remains down a coal-fired power plant scientists. was built in 1968, said decom- was pegged too low to really heavily reliant on dirty coal, and slapping a CO2 price on The price will increase to missioning the facility -- as change behaviours. partly because of Merkel’s de- transport, but critics say the 55 euros by 2025, and will be required by Germany’s 2020 The Green Budget Ger- cision to abandon nuclear en- efforts aren’t enough to com- decided at auction from 2026. coal exit law -- was “a difficult many (FOeS) think tank said ergy after the 2011 Fukushima bat climate change. Germans will feel the dif- step” that would lead to some that to avoid companies mov- disaster. The measures are the result ference at the pump with die- 300 job losses. ing production abroad to In the third quarter of of hard-fought compromises sel and petrol set to become Under the same legislation, dodge the carbon pricing, the 2020, just over half of the thrashed out by Chancellor more expensive, while heating several power plants fuelled government would have done electricity produced in Eu- Angela Merkel’s right-left coa- buildings will also cost more. by black or hard coal are going better to incentivise climate- rope’s top economy came lition government, and are key The government expects to offline from January, taking a friendly investments instead. from non-renewables, with to Germany’s transition away raise 56.2 billion euros from combined capacity of 4.7 giga- The ADAC motoring as- coal alone accounting for 26 from polluting fossil fuels to- companies buying the new watts off the market. sociation has calculated that percent. wards renewable energy. carbon certificates or “pollu- But the flagship initiatives petrol and diesel will now cost Climate activists, includ- From January 1, 2021 the tion rights” over the next four have drawn criticism. A bucket wheel excavator seen in front of the coal-red power station seven and eight cents more ing the youth-led Fridays for government will charge 25 eu- years. The 25 euro carbon price of Neurath at the Garzweiler lignite open-cast mine, western Germany. per litre respectively. Future movement, have urged ros ($30) per tonne of carbon Also on Friday, the will not “make the necessary To ease the pain, the gov- the government to speed up dioxide emissions released by 300-megawatt Niederaus- contribution” to helping Ger- beck, director of the environ- greenhouse gas emissions by ernment will lower the so- Germany’s coal exit, saying the transport and heating sec- sem D unit power plant near many meet its commitments mental group Climate Alliance 55 percent from 1990 levels by called EEG surcharge Ger- the current timetable of clos- tors. Cologne, running on lignite under the 2015 Paris climate Germany. 2030, and derive 65 percent of mans pay to fund the shift ing all coal-fired plants by The pricetag was raised (brown coal), becomes the pact, said Christiane Aver- Germany aims to cut its its electricity from renewables towards green energy. The 2038 is not ambitious enough.

China’s December factory activity slows Amazon in agreement to buy hit AFP chasing Managers’ Index etary Fund expects the Chi- podcast production rm Wondery BEIJING (PMI) -- a key gauge of man- China’s PMI dipped to nese economy to expand by AFP customers to streaming as we a variety of providers, an Ama- ufacturing activity in China 51.9 from 52.1 in 1.9 percent this year. WASHINGTON expand selection and ensure zon statement said. Industry FACTORY activity in China -- dipped to 51.9 from 52.1 in November. It was also China’s non-manufactur- we are a destination for our tracker Podtrac ranked Won- slowed slightly in Decem- November, the National Bu- slightly lower than the ing PMI - a gauge of senti- AMAZON has said it signed a customers to find, discover, dery as being the fourth most ber, data showed Thursday, reau of Statistics said. It was ment in the services sector - deal to acquire the hit podcast and listen to the creators and listened to podcast publisher though it continued to grow also slightly lower than the 52.0 forecast by analysts fell to 55.7 in December from production firm Wondery, in a artists they enjoy,” Amazon’s in the US in November, with as the world’s second-largest 52.0 forecast by analysts. 56.4 in November. move which boosts the US tech music team said in a blog post. slightly more than 9 million economy stays on track to re- The dip came as demand steady recovery, with the China has largely curbed giant’s efforts to round out its of- “Wondery is an innovative people tuning in to audio pro- cover from COVID-19. for Chinese exports was hit pace at a relatively high level the spread of the virus but a ferings from its music platform. podcast publisher with a track grams it hosts. Podcasts have While the rest of the by fresh lockdowns and strict for the year,” Zhao said. series of local outbreaks in Wondery, which produc- record of creating and produc- boomed in popularity in recent world has struggled to over- containment measures in key The manufacturing PMI cities including Beijing have es popular podcasts such as ing top-rated podcasts that en- years, with people tuning in to come the deadly virus, China markets including Europe collapsed to a record low of reduced the number visit- “Dirty John,” “Dr. Death,” and tertain and educate listeners.” hear compelling real or script- has bounced back from a rare and the United States. 35.7 in February after the vi- ing restaurants, cinemas and “The Shrink Next Door,” will Terms of the deal were ed stories as well as interviews. contraction in the first three Still, NBS statistician rus brought much of China other public venues. be incorporated into Amazon not disclosed, but reports this The move comes with Am- months of the year and is ex- Zhao Qinghe said the coun- to a standstill but economic These mini-outbreaks Music, which is ramping up its month said Wondery was seek- azon facing increased scrutiny pected to be the only major try’s economic recovery “re- recovery helped it bounce have also raised fears of re- efforts to compete with rivals ing $300 million. from antitrust enforcers for its economy to avoid a recession mained strong”. back to a three-year high in duced economic activity dur- like Spotify and began offering The deal, which has not yet growing dominance over key this year. “The overall manufac- November. ing the Lunar new year holi- podcasts earlier this year. been finalized, will allow Ama- sectors of the economy as it ex- The closely watched Pur- turing sector maintained a The International Mon- day in February. “Together with Wondery, zon Music subscribers to listen pands in retail and streaming we will continue to bring more to Wondery podcasts through media. Manchester United striker Cavani handed three-match ban over social media post FRIDAY, JANUARY1, 2021 PAGE 11 Three-time champion Attiyah awaits Dakar Rally 2021 with the number 301! 43rd Dakar Rally starts January 3 in Saudi Arabia

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ON Thursday afternoon, 30 of the top competitors in the 2021 Dakar Rally participated Thirty of the top competitors in the 2021 Dakar Rally participated in a video conference revealing their ambitions for the race on Thursday. in a video conference revealing There are just a few days to go before the action heats up on the tracks from Januray 3 to 15 and in the dunes of Saudi Arabia, but the Dakar their ambitions for the race to champions have already somehow discovered uncharted territory by taking part in a digital press conference. come and a lot more. This in- cluded Qatar’s ace driver and three-time Dakar champion Winning is always the goal. I have always won with the number 301. But, I have respect for all the Nasser Al Attiyah. The Gazoo Toyota challenge drivers, and I am especially grateful to all those who worked so hard so that we could be together for hinges around triple Dakar and this Dakar in Saudi Arabia because this year has been very dif cult for everyone. Toyota’s 2019 winner Nasser Al Attiyah and Matthieu Baumel Qatar’s ace rally champion Nasser Saleh Al Attiyah even surpassed all of my ob- as long as 28 hours, I am used and 2009 winner, Stellenbosch jectives by winning the quad to it. But here, it will be for 12 race hero Giniel De Villiers and imposed on them upon their set among the bikers. so that we could be together tunity to provide their vision of category three times. So, when days! My main worry is the Alex Haro Bravo. Toyota has arrival in Jeddah, the main It is the same idea from for this Dakar in Saudi Ara- the Dakar. I received the offer from the fear of the unknown.” worked and tested throughout favourites spoke of their ambi- Stephane Peterhansel on the bia because this year has been The memories of their first Buggyra team, I didn’t hesi- The Dakar Rally is ac- lockdown to be ready for Dakar tions, recreating a bivouaclike eve of his 32nd participation, very difficult for everyone.” participation, the fear after tate: it was, of course, yes.” knowledged as one of the Rally 2021. atmosphere through the use of remembering “that in the be- All impatient and relieved a fall, the desire to surpass Ricky Brabec (USA - greatest rally raids in the There are just a few days to video screens. ginning, the Dakar was a dream to start the 43rd edition, the themselves in this competi- bikes), said, “Whether you win world. It depicts the ultimate go before the action heats up “We are all 100% commit- and even today it’s still not a leading tenors of the rally, from tion, which motivates them it or not, the Dakar changes human and sporting experi- on the tracks from Januray 3 ted once we put on our hel- job, but rather a pleasure.” Carlos Sainz to Ricky Brabec via more than any other, or humil- your life. The victory is just the ence over several thousand to 15 and in the dunes of Saudi mets, but once we arrive at Delighted on having the the returning Sebastien Loeb, ity in the face of the hazards icing on the cake.” kilometers of some of the most Arabia, but the Dakar cham- the bivouac, we experience the car number 301, Nasser Al At- Ignacio Casale who is starting that the rally holds in store. Kirsten Matlock (USA - challenging, hostile, and ma- pions have already somehow same pleasure when talking tiyah, said, “Winning is always a new career behind the wheel Ignacio Casale (Chl - SSV), said, “The Dakar is at jestic terrain on the planet. discovered uncharted territory about what we saw during the the goal. I have always won of a truck, Yazeed Al Rajhi who trucks), said, “My first Dakar, the very top of my list of things In spite of the challenges, by taking part in a digital press day, donkeys or camels along with the number 301. But, I carries the hopes of Saudi Ara- in 2010, was in a truck along- I want to accomplish in my the 43rd Dakar promises to conference. the tracks. In reality, it’s like have respect for all the drivers, bia, and Seth Quintero who is side my father. It was so hard life. On the Baja 1000 in the be supreme once it gets under Isolated in their hotel rooms a second family,” said Toby and I am especially grateful to plunging into the deep end at that I swore I would never do United States, I drove from way with over 4800 km of rac- adhering to the health protocols Price in describing the mind- all those who worked so hard the age of 18, have the oppor- it again. But I have met and start to finish and it can last ing over two weeks. Al Shaqab Cup for Injaaz Stud’s Lekhraib

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INJAAZ Stud’s Lekhraib stormed to Al Shaqab Cup vic- tory guided by jockey Marco Casamento on the dirt rack at Qatar Racing & Equestri- an Club’s Al Rayyan Park on Thursday. QREC Racing Manager Abdulla Rashid Al Kubaisi presented trophies to the win- ners of Al Shaqab Cup. Casamento rode the Mo- hammed Ghazali-trained 6-year-old horse to a con- vincing 5¼-length win in the 1700m run for Local Purebred Arabians, clinching the top prize of QR 57,000. Lekhraib (AF AlBahar x Trainer Mohammed Gazzali receives the trophy from QREC Racing Grace T) clocked a time of Manager Abdulla Rashid Al Kubaisi. 1:59.76 in the six-entry contest The winning group of Injaaz Stud’s Lekhraib with the Al Shaqab Cup and other trophies at QREC’s Al Rayyan Park on Thursday. held under lights. Soufiane Saadi, astride Hazm Al Sulaimi, finished in second spot. Lama, who had Ali Khalid Al Mosallam in the saddle, clinched the third place. Saadi won QR 22,000 while Al Mosallam’s efforts were worth QR 11,000 in what was the feature race at Al Rayyan Race Park. Earlier, Al Sakab Stud’s homebred Al Faisaliya (Coach House x Shielaligh) won the Local Thoroughbred Handi- cap (70-90). Jockey Ronan Thomas rode the Ibrahim Al Malki- QREC Racing Manager Abdulla Rashid Al Kubaisi. hands the owner’s trained 4-year-old filly to a trophy to Injaz Stud representative at Al Rayyan Park on Thursday. 2-length win a time of 1:12.96. Thomas won the top prize of (0-95) with Saadi who rode Jaber’s Southernmachoman QR 34,200. the Hamad Al Jehani-trained (Mucho Macho Man x Deep Killian Leonard, astride 4-year-old colt to a ¼-length South) won in the Thor- Sarmad Bu Thaila (trained by win in the 6 furlong run. Saadi oughbred Handicap (0-75). Mohamed Khaled Elahmed) won QR 31,30. Ali Khalid Al Mosallam rode finished in second place Return To Senders (Marco the Hadi Al Ramzani-trained whereas the third spot was Casamento) and The Singer 4-year-old colt to a short grabbed by stabelmate (Carlos Henrique) completed head win in the 6f run. Dhergham Bu Thaila, who had the top three. Khalifa Bin Sheail Al Ku- Michael Forest in the saddle. Also, Ali Hassan Ali Alab- wari’s Qawaafi (Mukhadram x Leonard won QR 13,200 dulmalik’s Alizoom (Invincible Fashion Rocks) won the Local while Forest picked up QR Spirit x Lady Springbank) won Thoroughbred Maiden Plate 6,600. the Thoroughbred Handicap with Michael Forest in the sad- Jockey Matco Casamento guides the Mohammed Ghazali-trained Lekhraib to victory in the 1700m run for Local Purebred Arabians, In the day’s sixth race, (0-85). Jockey Ivan Rossi rode dle. Forest rode the Moham- Saeed Nasser Al Qadi’s Zaran- the Debbie Mountain-trained med Riyaz-trained 3-year-old ifa Bin Sheail Al Kuwari won trained 3-year-old filly to a Injaaz Stud’s Mister General rode the Mohammed Riyaz- di (Scat Daddy x Zaralanta) 7-year-old gelding to a short filly to a 2½-length win in the the Purebred Arabian Maiden 3½-lenght win in the 6f run (General x Last Guest) won trained 4-year-old colt to a completed a double winning in head win in the 1900m run. 1700m run. Plate with jockey Casamento. for unrated 3-6-year-olds. the Purebred Arabian Maid- convincing 5¾-length win in the Thoroughbred Handicap Abdulaziz Saleh Al Salsabiel, owned by Khal- The Mohammed Ghazali- In the day’s opening race, en Plate as Khalid Al Balushi the 1700m run. Sports Friday, January 1, 2021 11 HH the Amir Cup 2021 Champions Liverpool looking over draw on January 4 their shoulders at chasing pack QNA said any thoughts of the ti- DOHA Last year’s winners tle should be put out of their minds. HH the Amir Cup draw will Liverpool top “We can’t look too far be held on January 4, 2021, the pile but the ahead,” he said. “We are a the Qatar Football Association team that is still doing a lot of (QFA) said. The draw ceremo- Premier League is work on ourselves and to be ny - to be attended by QFA of- looking at the table so early ficials, team representatives wide open going on in the season is a bit stu- and the media - will be held at into the new year pid of us. the Ritz Carlton. “We have to take it one The draw for the 49th edi- DPA game at a time and if we can tion of HH the Amir Cup will LONDON keep finding ways to win like be based on the ranking of this we will see where we are the teams and their positions THE new year begins on Fri- at the end of the season.” in the QNB Stars League for day with champions Liverpool Everton could move to the last season 2019-2020 in on top of the Premier League within a point of top spot if which 16 clubs from the first table but with a host of teams they beat West Ham on new and second divisions were snapping at their heels. year’s day, having seen their seen in action. Juergen Klopp’s side hold last scheduled match with The draw for the Round a three-point lead but with Manchester City postponed 16 matches will be conducted just four points covering Man- because of rising coronavirus after the participating teams chester United in second to cases in the City squad. have been classified into two Southampton in ninth, almost Richarlison will be back brackets. half the 20 teams are targeting for Everton after concussion Group A that will include a high league finish. but James Rodriguez has the first eight teams in the Back to back draws not yet recovered from a calf final standings of the QNB dropped Liverpool closer to injury. League competitions for the the pack and with their three Providing Manchester City 2019-2020 season which are: main centre backs out through are ready to go again, they Duhail, Al Rayyan, Al Sadd, Al injury, they are fighting for travel to Chelsea on Sunday Gharafa, Al Sailiya, Al Wakra, form as they prepare to travel while on Saturday Tottenham Al Arabi and Qatar SC. to Southampton on Monday. Liverpool players look on as Newcastle United’s Irish defender Ciaran Clark heads towards goal during their English Premier League match at welcome a Leeds side fresh Group B will include teams Midfielder James Milner St James’ Park in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, England, on Wednesday. The match ended in 0-0 draw. (AFP) from a 5-0 win at West Brom. ranked from ninth to 12th said the new year offers Liver- Bottom side Sheffield place in the QNB Stars League pool the chance to push on again dropped points, everyone the coronavirus restrictions tally for everybody and it’s the year’s day. United, desperate for points, namely Al Ahli, Umm Salal, Al and retain the title they won so seems to be dropping points. and the rising number of cases same in football. Hopefully we Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s go to Crystal Palace, second- Khor and Al Shahaniya along convincingly last season. (Manchester) United have in the country meant this sea- can get out of this the other side have won three of their bottom West Brom host Arse- with the first three-ranked “I think it’s a positive (to had a good run and they’re son is unlike any other. side and it’s the same with past four matches to move into nal and third-bottom Fulham teams of the second divi- be top) but it seems to be at probably the only team who “The world is in a very football - we just need to keep second place after a poor start are away to Burnley. sion (2020-2019 season) Al this moment in time that no- are putting a run together. It’s strange place at the moment plugging away.” Manchester to the season. Brighton face Wolves and Kharaitiyat, Al Markhiya and body wants to take it by the important that we need to kick and it’s the same in football,” United could draw level with But striker Marcus Rash- Newcastle meet third-placed Al Shamal. scruff of the neck,” Milner told on now and try to get a few he said. “Everybody’s lives are Liverpool if they beat fifth- ford, who scored the winner Leicester in the weekend’s Muaither team, who quali- Liverpool’s website. “We’ve three-pointers.” Milner said upside down, it’s tough men- placed Aston Villa on new against Wolves last time out, other matches. fied from the preliminary match that was held between the fourth and fifth place hold- ers in the Second Division, will also be part of the draw. Man Utd players cannot ‘fake’ QFA has confirmed that Williamson overtakes Smith, the first match will be played on January 25. their way into team: Solskjaer Kohli as top Test batsman AFP years in the dugout. to play for the 20-time English LONDON The United boss said the champions. AFP eight in Australia’s second players had grown mentally “When you’re here, enjoy it CHRISTCHURCH (NZ) Test against India while Kohli Man Utd striker OLE Gunnar Solskjaer says stronger since he had arrived as much as you can and maybe was on paternity leave. players cannot “fake” their in 2018. you’ll experience some fantas- NEW Zealand skipper Kane “They are incredible play- Cavani handed way into the Manchester “One, they’re two years tic times,” he said. Williamson has overtaken Aus- ers of our generation,” Wil- United team, pointing to fierce older than when I came,” he “We’ve got winners like tralia’s Steve Smith and India liamson said as he arrived in three-match competition for places and a said on Thursday. “Two, some Juan Mata and Nemanja Matic, captain Virat Kohli to be the Christchurch ahead of the sec- stronger mentality as factors of them are really strong per- who don’t really play every sin- number one Test batsman in ond Pakistan Test which starts ban over social in their rise. sonalities that we’ve brought gle game but are so influential the world in the latest ICC rank- on Sunday. The Old Trafford giants in and they have really been a in the group, in the build-up to ings released on Thursday. “Those two players are the media post will kick off against Aston Villa good influence. games and even during games Williamson leaped from best so for me to sneak up per- on Friday second in the Pre- “I think we have competi- when they’re not playing.” third to first after his player- New Zealand captain Kane haps in some way, is very sur- DPA mier League, just three points tion for places, which means Solskjaer made six changes of-the-match effort leading the Williamson. (AFP) prising and humbling.” LONDON behind leaders Liverpool and you cannot go around and for the last-gasp 1-0 win against Black Caps to a 101-run victory All three players were this with a game in hand. think that you can just fake Wolves on Tuesday, when Luke over Pakistan this week, scor- overtake Smith, who held the week named in the Interna- MANCHESTER United striker Solskjaer has so far been your way through being part Shaw, Anthony Martial and ing 129 in the first innings and top spot for 313 days this year, tional Cricket Council’s team Edinson Cavani was suspend- coy on talk about a push for of this team because you only Scott McTominay came off a a rapid 21 in the second when and Kohli, who was number of the decade with Smith also ed for three matches and fined a first Premier League crown deserve to be in a team that bench that included Mata, Fred New Zealand were building a one for 51 days. named as the individual Test 100,000 pounds (136 million since 2013 but was more you contribute to.” and Donny van de Beek. lead before declaring. Smith slipped to third in player of the decade. Kohli dollars) by the Football Asso- forthcoming when it came to Solskjaer said his players “We have a strong squad,” The New Zealand skipper the rankings behind Kohli fol- took the award for the best ciation (FA) on Thursday after the advances made in his two had realised it was a privilege the Norwegian said. described it as “humbling” to lowing scores of nought and One-day player. admitting a charge relating to a social media post. The 33-year-old Uruguay forward, who must also com- plete face-to-face education, used a word in an Instragram ‘King’ James celebrates b’day with milestone in Lakers win post that can be construed as racist in some contexts. AFP 21 points and four assists. Jimmy Butler for the second Cavani later deleted the LOS ANGELES Wesley Matthews had his straight game. post when he was told of its best game since joining the “You want to constantly de- impact but was still charged LOS Angeles superstar LeB- champions, scoring 18 points velop some grit and toughness by the FA and will now miss ron James celebrated his 36th off the bench as he made all during the course of a long sea- the Premier League clash with birthday Wednesday with an- six of his three-point attempts. son, and our guys responded in Aston Villa, Carabao Cup other NBA milestone, scoring an appropriate fashion,” said semi-final against Manchester double-digit points for the Humbled Heat Heat coach Erik Spoelstra, who City and third-round FA Cup 1,000th straight game in the bounce back acknowledged before the game tie against Watford. Lakers’ 121-107 victory over In early action, the Mi- that there was “a lot of anger In a statement, the FA said the Spurs in San Antonio. ami Heat rebounded from an and frustration” after the blow- the Instagram post was “in- James finished with 26 embarrassing 47-point loss out loss on Tuesday. sulting, abusive, improper and points to extend his already to Milwaukee with a 119-108 “As well there should have brought the game into disre- record streak of double-digit NBA victory over the Bucks. been,” he said. pute.” The full reasons for the games in the regular season. The Heat didn’t have to In Brooklyn, Kyrie Irving sanction, which was the mini- He sealed the milestone wait long for revenge as they scored 17 of his 25 points in mum ban allowed for the of- midway through the second hosted the Bucks for the sec- the fourth quarter and Kevin fence, will be released in “due quarter with a turnaround ond straight night. Durant added 33 points, 11 re- course” and Manchester Unit- jump hook that gave the Lak- Goran Dragic came off the bounds and eight assists as the ed said they hoped it would be ers a 46-37 lead. bench to lead Miami with 26 Nets dealt the Atlanta Hawks agreed Cavani is “not a racist”. “I just try to live in the mo- points, Bam Adebayo added their first defeat of the young “As he has stated, Edinson ment and just try to continue to 22 points, eight rebounds and season, 145-141. Cavani wasn’t aware that his get better with my game, try to 10 assists and Tyler Herro Irving’s late burst helped words could have been miscon- get better with my teammates scored 21 points with a career- the Celtics withstand 30-point strued and he sincerely apolo- and try to just maximize when best 15 rebounds as the Heat performances from Atlanta’s gised for the post and to anyone I’m on the floor,” said James, rallied to stave off another Trae Young and John Collins. who was offended,” United said who is in his 18th NBA cam- home defeat. Boston, powered by Jaylen in a statement on their website. paign after leading the Lakers The Bucks had dominated Brown’s career-high 42 points, “Despite his honest belief to the 2020 title in the league’s on Tuesday with an NBA-re- defeated the Memphis Griz- that he was simply sending quarantine bubble in Orlando. cord 29 three-pointers in their zlies 116-111. an affectionate thank-you in “I’ve been blessed to play 144-97 triumph. The Celtics led by 12 response to a congratulatory the game that I love for 18 The Bucks, fueled by a points after the opening message from a close friend, years and hopefully I can con- triple-double of 26 points 13 quarter and took full control he chose not to contest the tinue to play at a high level,” rebounds and 10 assists from with a 17-0 scoring run in the charge, out of respect for, and he said. LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers dunks past spurs defenders during rst half action at AT&T two-time NBA Most Valuable second period. solidarity with, the FA and the James’ double-digit scor- Center in San Antonio, Texas, on Wednesday. (Getty Images/AFP) Player Giannis Antetokounm- Los Angeles Clippers star fight against racism in football. ing streak began on January 6, po, looked like making it two Kawhi Leonard, who missed “The club trusts that the in- 2007, when he was playing for the game. “He deserves a lot Shortly after James becoming the first woman to wins in a row when they led by two games with a mouth injury dependent Regulatory Commis- the Cleveland Cavaliers. of credit for being the consum- reached the milestone, Popo- direct a team in an NBA game. 14 in the third quarter. from an elbow to the face, re- sion will make it clear in its writ- “It’s a tribute to his tenac- mate professional. His mental vich was ejected from the con- Anthony Davis scored 20 Donte DiVincenzo scored turned in a protective mask to ten reasons that Edinson Cavani ity level ... his commitment state along with his physical test for arguing with officials. points and pulled down nine 15 points and Jrue Holiday score a game-high 28 points in is not a racist, nor was there any to excellence,” Spurs coach state really makes him really Assistant Becky Hammon rebounds for the Lakers, new- added 13 for the Bucks, but the his team’s 128-105 victory over racist intent in his post.” Gregg Popovich said before special.” took over on the Spurs bench, comer Dennis Schroder added Heat rallied despite missing the Portland Trail Blazers. 12 Friday, January 1, 2021 The Last Word QF’s WISE launches initiative to develop educational models

ing the skills gap and antici- LELL aims to create a global pating what type of learning is needed in what spaces,” community that looks at ways said Gog. Other panellists at the to learn in di erent regions event included Sébastien Turbot, CEO and Chief Cura- TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK nity organisations, as well as tor at eko6, and Rosie Clay- DOHA government agencies) creat- ton, co-founder of Weaving ing new learning opportuni- Lab. They all discussed vari- WISE, the global education ties and pathways to success. ous ways in which coalitions think tank of the Qatar Foun- They are usually supported can be formed to enhance dation (QF), has launched a by an innovative credential- Alexandra Agudelo Soon Joo Gog David Atchoarena Rosie Clayton learning and education devel- new initiative ‘Learning Eco- ing system or technology opment in different parts of systems Living Lab (LELL)’ platforms that replace or aug- ister of education in Medellín, in education systems. to create and manage Learn- an example where Learning the world to take the burden to promote collaboration to ment the traditional linear Colombia, gave a keynote ad- “Through partnerships ing Ecosystems. Ecosystems are being used to off formal education insti- develop educational models. system of examinations and dress at the panel highlighting with different organisations, David Atchoarena, direc- research how skills are chang- tutes and better prepare for The latest push by WISE graduation.” how her city used formal and we can reimagine educa- tor of the UNESCO Institute ing with transformation of the multidimensional needs to disrupt linear models of The new initiative was non-formal education systems tion and have more sustain- for Lifelong Learning and a global and regional econo- of learning in our fast-chang- education worldwide, LELL launched with LELL’s first to become a “learning city”. able goals beyond 2030 or speaker on the LELL panel, mies, and how new jobs and ing world. will regularly bring together digital panel titled ‘Design- “We want to create an 2050. Educational develop- said that these ecosystems educational opportunities can “We need a more holis- practitioners, experts, poli- ing Vibrant and Purposeful ecosystem where the learn- ment might be slow, but we do not need to be limited to cater for these new skills. tic vision for education. Of cymakers and innovators to Learning Communities’. The ing of people is embedded need to keep going and sup- just enhancing learning, but “A Learning Ecosystem is course, the school system is create a global community of panel brought together edu- in the city, and everyone can port each other, especially in should also aim to serve oth- about key stakeholders com- key, but it’s not enough,” said practise and thought-leader- cation experts from across have access to education, these kinds of difficult times er purposes like employment, ing together about why learn- Atchoarena. “If you want to ship that is designing Learn- the world to discuss the chal- with inclusion throughout brought on by COVID-19.” welfare, social cohesion, and ing is important from a social promote lifelong learning, you ing Ecosystems for different lenges of creating learning their life from early child- While theoretical founda- public health. and economic perspective, can’t just invest in schools. regions of the world. ecosystems and to discuss hood onwards,” said Agudelo, tions of Learning Ecosystems Meanwhile, panelist Soon and how we can design an We need to move beyond the WISE defines Learn- their development using ex- adding that the collaborative are gaining wide traction, the Joo Gog, Chief Research Of- alignment to make the supply education system and go into ing Ecosystems as “diverse amples from different region- platforms like WISE’s LELL LELL initiative aims build a ficer and Chief Skills Office at and demand of learning have private sectors such as digi- combinations of providers al contexts. initiative can play an instru- community of practise and SkillsFuture Singapore Agen- a socio-economic outcome tal learning and workplace (schools, businesses, commu- Alexandra Agudelo, min- mental role in filling the gaps practical guidelines on how cy, highlighted Singapore as for citizens. It involves clos- learning.” ‘A quarter of global rms Bazm-e-Urdu Qatar hit by seven or more organises online int’l cyber attacks last year’ poetry symposium

TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK Trend Micro’s cyber risk index, DOHA now with global data, reveals BAZM-E-URDU Qatar (BUQ), the oldest Urdu literary organisation in an increased risk of attack Qatar, organised an online interna- tional poetry symposium recently. TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK BUQ, founded in 1959, has been DOHA organising monthly poetry sympo- siums for the last five decades. It TREND Micro Incorporated, a leader in cloud se- also organises quarterly and annual curity, has published survey findings that show that Urdu seminars and international 23 percent of global organisations have experienced symposiums. seven or more attacks infiltrating their networks or The last session was held on De- systems over the past year. The vast majority -- 83 cember 26 giving poets couplet lines percent -- of the organisations surveyed expect such from noted classical poet Mirza attacks to be “somewhat” to “very” likely to be suc- Khan Dagh Dehlvi to write their own cessful in the next 12 months. poetry in line with the idea. The findings are published in the latest version of Iqbal Khilash, a poet from In- the Trend Micro Cyber Risk Index (CRI) www.trendmi- dia, presided over the programme cro.com/cyberrisk calculated by the Ponemon Institute while Dr Ahmad Ali Barqi Azmi, by measuring the gap between the current security pos- Jon Clay also from India, was the chief guest. ture of the organisation and the likelihood of attack. Poets Dr Ahmad Nadeem Rafi (the “The CRI is fast becoming an indispensable re- “Trend Micro’s CRI is a useful tool for companies US) and Sarfraz Bazmi (India) were source for CISOs looking to assess their readiness to to better understand their cyber risk,” said Dr Larry the guests of honour. respond to cyberattacks,” said Jon Clay, Global Threat Ponemon, CEO for Ponemon Institute. “Expanding The programme started with Communications Director for Trend Micro. “This this to be a global resource in 2020 opens the door recitation of the Holy Qur’an by Dr year, we have added data from Europe and APAC to for more organizations to leverage this useful infor- Saad Rafiq Shad. BUQ Chairman Dr provide a truly global insight. It will help organisa- mation. Businesses of all sizes and industries across Faisal Hanif welcomed the gather- tions around the world to find better ways to over- the globe can use the CRI to improve their protection ing and offered the account of the come complexity, mitigate insider threats and skills strategy and better prepare their cybersecurity pos- organisation’s activities, along with shortages, and enhance cloud security to minimise ture in the year to come.” introducing classical poet Daagh cyber risk and drive post-pandemic success.” There have also been differences between certain Dehvli. The CRI is based on a numerical scale of-10 to 10, countries. In the US, respondents were unique in list- General Secretary of BUQ with-10 representing the highest risk level. The cur- ing the costs of outside consultants as a major nega- Iftekhar Raghib kicked off the pro- rent global index is-0.41, representing “high” risk, tive consequence of the attack, while APAC damage gramme by inviting Qazi Abdul Ma- although the risk is highest in the US (-1.07) due to to the critical infrastructure organisations concerned. lik and Abul Khair Khan to recite perceived lack of cyber preparedness compared to The top global security risks within IT infrastruc- poems of Daagh in rhythm. other regions. ture were highlighted as: organisational misalignment President of BUQ Mohammed Responding organisations claimed their top cy- and complexity, negligent insiders, cloud computing Rafique Shad Akolvi proposed the (India), Mohammad Rafiq Shad Mansoor Azmi, Dr Wasi Bastavi, ber-threat risks globally are: phishing and social en- infrastructure and providers, shortage of qualified vote of thanks. Akolvi, Iftikhar Raghb, Rashid Mansoor Qasmi (Saudi Arabia), gineering, clickjacking ransomware, fileless attacks, personnel and malicious insiders. The participants included Sheikh (the US), Zamir Ahmed Shahbaz Shamsi (the UAE), Dr botnets and man-in-the-middle attacks. This is the third CRI study in the United States Iqbal Khalish (India) Dr Ahmad Zamir (India), Farid Anwar Sid- Tariq Faiz (India), Izhar Rashid Across the globe, organisations’ key concerns are and shows a significant increase in cyber risk in 2020. Ali Berqi Azmi (India), Dr Ahmad diqui (the UAE), Zeenat Kausar (India), Vaijnath Shah Manto, Ra- the loss of customer data, access to IP and financial The full report shows this change over time, includes Nadeem Rafi (the US), Sarfraz Lakhani (Pakistan), Fayyaz zia Kazmi (the US), Alia Taqvi (In- information, customer churn and stolen or damaged the greatest security challenges for businesses around Bazmi (India), Jaleel Nizami, Alok Bukhari Kamal, Farooq Raza (In- dia), Sufyan Ahmed (India) and equipment. the world, and tips on minimising security risks. Kumar Shreevastiv Shaz Jahani dia), Ajit Singh Badal (India), Nazhat Nausheen (India). Al Sulaiti inaugurates Ibn Rayeb Cultural Street at Katara

TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK hind the amphitheatre at Katara. Street as ‘Katara jewel’, which in- lectuals from across the world and keep abreast of everything new in For his part, Khalid Abdul Ra- DOHA The opening included the cludes pavilions of libraries and become a permanent meeting place the publishing world in a way that him Al Sayed, director of Cultural launch of a cultural initiative in co- publishing houses, Sulaiti said the for them, and a venue to which contributes to spreading the culture Affairs and Events at Katara, said GENERAL Manager of the Cul- operation with the Qatari Publish- street would serve as an arena for book lovers and knowledge lovers of reading among all segments of the street was named after Ibn Al- tural Village Foundation (Katara) ers and Distributors Forum, with the meeting of cultures and ex- flock to. society, in line with efforts to sup- Rayb, an Arab poet and one of the Dr Khalid bin Ibrahim Al Sulaiti the participation of 15 publishing change of visions and ideas. He said Katara the cultural port local publishing houses that desert knights, in recognition of his on Thursday inaugurated the Ibn houses and a library. He expressed hope that the street to facilitate readers’ access are witnessing a great boom and contributions to literature and cul- Rayeb Cultural Street, located be- Describing Ibn Rayeb Cultural street will attract writers and intel- to local publishing houses and renaissance. ture.