BUSINESS | Page 1 | Page 12 Italian fi rms New brand invited to focus campaign on investment of Msheireb opportunities Downtown in Qatar revealed

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TUESDAY Vol. XXXXI No. 11770 December 22, 2020 Jumada I 7, 1442 AH

GULF TIMES www. gulf-times.com 2 Riyals

Quarantine for arrivals Sheikh Jassim conveys condolences of Deputy Amir meets Italian FM extended up to Feb 15 Quarantine requirements have Amir on death of Sheikh Nasser Sabah been extended for all arrivals in Qatar up to February 15, 2021, according to information available on the Discover Qatar website. With this, quarantine packages have also been extended until the said date. “For all arrivals, including nationals, residents and visa holders, quarantine requirements are now extended up to 15 February 2021,” the website says. Quarantine packages were earlier extended until December 31. Page 4 QDB extends National Guarantee Programme Qatar Development Bank (QDB) has extended the time for receiving His Highness the Personal Representative of the Amir Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad al-Thani conveyed the condolences His Highness the Deputy Amir Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad al-Thani met at applications for the National of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani to the sons and family of the late Sheikh Nasser Sabah the Amiri Diwan off ice yesterday with Italian Minister of Foreign Aff airs and Guarantee Programme until al-Ahmad al-Jaber al-Sabah at Dar Salwa in yesterday. Earlier upon arrival at Kuwait International Airport, the International Co-operation Luigi Di Maio and his accompanying delegation on June 15, 2021, noting that it will Personal Representative of the Amir was greeted by Minister of Amiri Diwan Aff airs Sheikh Ali Jarrah al-Sabah, Qatar’s the occasion of their visit to the country. During the meeting, they reviewed co- continue to manage and supervise ambassador to Kuwait Bandar bin Mohamed al-Attiyah and the Qatari embassy staff . His Highness Sheikh Jassim left operation relations between the two friendly countries and means of developing this programme by providing Kuwait after off ering condolences. (QNA) them, in addition to a number of issues of mutual interest. (QNA) Page 2 guarantees to local banks to grant loans to private sector companies aff ected by the coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic. It helps private companies pay salaries and rents. Business Page 1 Qatar starts free vaccination tomorrow 3 Gulf countries close borders over virus By Ayman Adly will continue throughout 2021. Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) said. Mariam Abdulmalik, managing di- Three Gulf countries said they would Staff Reporter The fi rst shipment of the approved Dr Abdullatif al-Khal, chair of the rector, Primary Health Care Corpo- zCovid vaccine for 3 halt all passenger flights and close Pfi zer-BioNTech Covid-19 vaccine ar- National Health Strategic Group on ration. groups initially their borders for a week or longer, rived last night at Hamad International Covid-19 and head of Infectious Dis- “Qatar’s strategy will enable every- after a new strain of coronavirus atar will start the free vac- Airport. eases at Hamad Medical Corporation, one to be vaccinated against Covid-19 in zTwo doses to be taken spread quickly in England. cination drive against Cov- “People over 70 years of age, those was addressing a press conference on 2021, but for now with a limited quantity 21 days apart , Kuwait and said Q id-19 tomorrow (Wednesday) with multiple chronic conditions, and Qatar TV, along with Dr Hamad al- of vaccines, we must prioritise people they were suspending commercial at seven primary health centres for key healthcare staff working in close Rumaihi, director of the Health Pro- most at risk from severe complications zVaccination to run travel and banning entry and exit via three priority groups, it was an- contact with Covid-19 patients are the tection and Communicable Diseases and death from the virus,” Dr al-Khal throughout 2021 their land and sea borders. Page 7 nounced yesterday. The campaign priority groups,” a senior offi cial of the Control Department, MoPH, and Dr explained. To Page 12 Gulf Times 2 Tuesday, December 22, 2020 QATAR

PM meets Italian minister Sheikha Moza meets Italian minister

HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Khalid bin Khalifa bin Abdulaziz al-Thani met yesterday with Minister of Foreign Aff airs and International Co-operation of Luigi Di Maio and Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, Chairperson of for Education, Science and Community Development and the accompanying delegation, on the occasion of their visit to the country. During the meeting, they Education Above All, met yesterday with Minister of Foreign Aff airs and International Co-operation of Italy Luigi Di Maio. During the reviewed bilateral co-operation relations between the two countries and means of developing and meeting, they discussed areas of mutual interest in innovation in education and research as well as ways of enhancing joint projects with boosting them in diff erent fields, in addition to issues of common concern. Education Above All.

PM meets CEO of Credit Suisse Group Deputy PM meets chairman of Pakistani Joint Chiefs of Staff

HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Khalid bin Khalifa bin Abdulaziz al-Thani met yesterday with CEO of Credit Suisse Group Thomas Gottstein and the accompanying delegation, on the occasion of their visit to the country. During the meeting, they reviewed co-operation relations HE the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Defence Aff airs Dr Khalid bin Mohamed al-Attiyah met with Chairman of the Joint between Qatar and Credit Suisse Group in the financial and investment fields as well as the exchange Chiefs of Staff of General Nadeem Raza. During the meeting, they discussedissues of common concern between the two sides of experiences in the banking field, in addition to issues of mutual concern. and ways of enhancing and developing them. The meeting was attended by a number of senior off icers of the .

Chief of Staff of Armed Forces meets Sheikha Al Mayassa convenes QLC Board chairman of US Joint Chiefs of Staff

QNA board also discussed upcoming Doha projects and related actions to be taken as the centre continues its mission of enhancing national E Sheikha Al Mayassa leadership development in Qatar bint Hamad bin Khalifa despite the challenges the world Hal-Thani, Chairperson is facing due to Covid-19. The of the Qatar Leadership Centre QLC, and HE Sultan bin Rashid Dr Eiman Mustafawi, and Ab- centre’s management empha- (QLC), convened the 8th meeting al-Khater, Member, Board of Di- dulaziz Saad al-Majali. sised the importance of adhering of the centre’s Board of Directors. rectors. HE Sheikha Al Mayassa During the meeting, the board to the Ministry of Public Health’s The meeting was attended by welcomed the board’s recently discussed the centre’s matters guidelines, while utilising the HE Sheikh Dr Abdulla bin Ali appointed members to their fi rst of organisational priority on the best technological tools available bin Saoud al-Thani, Vice Chair- meeting: Khalid Mohamed al- agenda and the achievements in virtual learning and other ac- man and Managing Director, Hitmi, Aisha Jassim al-Kuwari, during 2020. Furthermore, the tivities in the centre eff ectively.

Qatar, UK review bilateral relations Shura Council lauds HE the Minister of State for Foreign Aff airs Sultan bin Saad al-Muraikhi received yesterday a phone call from UK Minister of State for HE the Chief of Staff of Qatar Armed Forces Lieutenant-General (Pilot) Ghanem bin Shaheen al- Middle East and North Africa Ghanem met with Chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen Mark Milley. During the meeting, Qatar’s pioneering James Cleverly. During the call, they reviewed issues of common interest between the two sides and the latest developments in they reviewed bilateral relations the region. and issues of joint interest. Qatar takes part in role in sports arena Arab housing talks Al-Ghanem meets Pakistan chairman QNA sector and to all the state’s insti- Development, Labour and Social Qatar participated yesterday of Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee Doha tutions and entities for the suc- Aff airs on the ministry’s views in via video conferencing in the cess achieved in containing the this regard. 37th meeting of the Council of Covid-19 pandemic. The Cabinet decision referred Arab Housing and Construction he Shura Council held its The Shura Council also hailed to the recommendation of the Ministers in Tunisia. Assistant weekly meeting yesterday Qatar’s victory in the bid to host Shura Council to the Ministry of Undersecretary for Social Aff airs Tunder the chairmanship of the 2030 Asian Games, as this Interior that priority be given to at the Ministry of Administrative HE the Speaker Ahmed bin Ab- will enhance the pioneering role granting permanent residency Development, Labour and Social dullah bin Zaid al-Mahmoud. the country is playing in the permit to the children of a Qatari Aff airs Ghanem Mubarak al- At the beginning of the meet- sports arena, regionally and glo- woman married to a non-Qatari. Kuwari headed Qatar’s delegation ing, the Council hailed the arrival bally. This is so that the ministry can to the meeting which discussed of the fi rst shipment of the Cov- During the meeting, the Coun- take the necessary measures in housing issues in Arab countries. id-19 vaccine in implementation cil reviewed the Cabinet’s memo this regard to overcome the dif- of the directives of His High- regarding the complementary fi culties facing the children of a Prosecution for not ness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin recommendation of the Shura Qatari mother. Hamad al-Thani to provide this Council regarding the harm to The Shura Council then ex- wearing face masks vaccine to everyone according to the children of divorced and wid- pressed thanks and apprecia- Qatar’s health standards. owed Qatari women from fathers tion to the esteemed government The designated authorities The Council renewed its hailing from blockading nations. for its co-operation and for re- referred 100 people to the Public thanks and appreciation to the This included the letter of HE sponding to its recommenda- Prosecution for not wearing medical personnel in the health the Minister of Administrative tions. masks in places where they are mandatory. The measure is in Qatar takes part in webinar on combating corruption line with the Cabinet decision, Decree Law No. 17 of 1990 on Qatar took part in a webinar on HE the President of the achievements in promoting infectious diseases, and the combating corruption as a path Administrative Control and integrity, transparency and precautionary measures in force in to sustainable development, Transparency Authority (ACTA), preventing corruption, thanks to the country to contain the spread HE the Chief of Staff of Qatar Armed Forces Lieutenant-General (Pilot) Ghanem bin Shaheen al- organised by Jordan’s Integrity Hamad bin Nasser al-Misnad, the vision of our wise leadership of the coronavirus (Covid-19). The Ghanem met yesterday with Chairman of Joint Chiefs of Staff of Pakistan General Nadeem Raza. and Anti-Corruption Commission represented Qatar at the webinar. in upholding the values of authorities called on the public During the meeting, they discussed matters of mutual interest and means to advance them. A to mark the International Anti- HE al-Misnad said in a recorded integrity and transparency.” to adhere to the precautionary line-up of Qatar Armed Forces senior officers attended the meeting. Corruption Day 2020. speech: “Qatar is proud of its (QNA) measures. (QNA) Gulf Times Tuesday, December 22, 2020 3 QATAR

HE the Minister of Transport and Communications Jassim Seif Ahmed al-Sulaiti HE the Minister of Transport and Communications Jassim Seif Ahmed presenting an award yesterday. A graduate of the QDGTP receives her certificate. al-Sulaiti presenting another award yesterday. MoI wins Gold Award of Digital Excellence

The Ministry of Interior (MoI)’s MoTC honours winners of Metrash2 app has won the Golden Award from the Ministry of Transport and Communications (MoTC) for best government digital application for smart devices in ‘Digital Excellence Awards’ terms of content, service, usage, design, functionality, app access, and user experience. he Ministry of Transport the most distinctive way with the while the Ministry of Culture and mation successfully through the The Qatar Digital Excellence and Communications highest level of quality. In this Sports won the golden award. support and contribution from all Awards in the government sector T(MoTC) yesterday an- category, the Public Works Au- The Ministry of Justice won stakeholders and government en- was announced yesterday at an nounced the winners of the Qatar thority (Ashghal) won the silver the silver award for SAK mo- tities, as well as through our com- event attended by HE the Minister Digital Government Excellence award for its Moazanah System, bile app, whereas the Ministry mitment to qualify professionals in of Transport and Communications Awards at a ceremony attended whereas the Ministry of Educa- of Interior (MoI) won the golden the ICT domain to the best quality. Jassim Seif Ahmed al-Sulaiti and by HE the Minister of Transport tion and Higher Education won award for Metrash2 mobile app in The minister pointed out that a number of senior government and Communications Jassim Seif the gold for the Registration and the Best Mobile Application cat- Qatar eGovernment Steering off icials. Ahmed al-Sulaiti and several Transfer of Students of Govern- egory that’s awarded to the best Committee, chaired by MoTC, The award was received by senior government offi cials. ment Schools. digital government application has, since its inception, been en- Brigadier Abdul Rahman Ali al- The event, according to a The Ministry of Municipal- for smart services in terms of couraging all government enti- Farahid al-Maliki, assistant director MoTC statement, also hosted the ity and Environment (MME) won content, service off ering, usage, ties to introduce digital services general of Information Systems, graduation of new batches of Qa- the silver award for Qatar’s Na- design, functionality, accessibil- plans and oversee their execution according to a MoI statement. tar Digital Government Training tional Address ‘Unwani’ while ity, and user experience, to achieve the objectives of QDG The ceremony also witnessed the Programme (QDGTP), stemming MoTC received the golden award In the category of Best Govern- Strategy. The ministry, he said, graduation of the new batches of from Qatar Digital Government for Qatar Open Data Portal in the ment Portal or Website, awarded continues working closely with MoI off icials from the Qatar Digital Strategy. The minister honoured Best Open Government Service to the best portal or website in more than 40 government enti- Government Training Programme the second batch of 17 graduates category, awarded to the best terms of content, service off er- ties pertaining to preparing and (QDGTP). of the Chief Technology Offi cers digital platform or service that ing, usage, design, functional- executing digital service plans. Brig al-Maliki said Metrash2 won (CTO) Training Programme and off ers open data or e-participa- ity, accessibility and user expe- “The human element is the the award for its excellence in the third batch of 28 graduates of tion to the public. rience, Qatar Public Prosecution most important in the digital terms of use and the facilities of HE the Minister of Transport and Communications Jassim Seif the IT Talent Programme. The General Customs Author- won silver for its e-Services Por- transformation ecosystem, and completing direct transactions Ahmed al-Sulaiti presenting the award to Brigadier Abdul Rahman Ali The award is one of the QDG ity won the silver award for its tal while golden award went to from the perspective of develop- without the need to visit the al-Farahid al-Maliki yesterday. initiatives to value and recog- Customs Declaration for Anti- the Ministry of Administrative ing and qualifying Qatari youth Ministry’s service departments or nise the eff orts of government Money Laundering and Ter- Development, Labour and Social to empower them to deploy inno- any security centre. “MoI is proud entities and organisations in de- rorism Financing System while Aff airs for its portal. vative technology solutions and that the Metrash2 app has been veloping and launching digital Qatar Leadership Centre won In the category of Best Spe- support our digital transformation winning many awards for mobile services and making them acces- the golden award for its QSur- cialised Portal, awarded to the plans, MoTC launched QDGTP, applications for ten consecutive sible for benefi ciaries. There are vey System In the Best Innova- best successful portal that is which to date has trained over years, due to its ease of use and seven categories for the Awards: tive Service category, which is built to achieve a specifi c pur- 3,000 government employees in the availability of a large number of Best Digital Service, Best Open awarded to the best innovative pose, target specifi c audience, IT through conducting more than services in it,” he said. Government Service, Best Inno- service that demonstrates inno- empower social responsibility, 500 training courses and special- He added that other services vative Service, Best Government vative thinking or process im- community needs, well-being, ised training programmes and will be added with Metrash2 in Entity in Digital Transformation, provement. and support or improve the com- around 40,000 training hours, in the near future pointing out that Best Mobile Application, Best The Ministry of Commerce and munity standard of living, Mada addition to granting more than QDGTP has provided the required Governmental Portal or Website Industry won the silver award (Assistive Technology Centre) 800 international certifi cations to training for government agencies and Best Specialised Portal. Two in the category of Best Govern- won silver for Mada Innovation programme trainees,” he further raising the level of employees’ awards are provided under each ment Entity in Digital Transfor- Programme while the Ministry of explained. skills in the field of computer usage category: fi rst place (gold) and mation, which is awarded to the Public Health won gold for My- Graduation of the second and information systems. It also second place (silver). best performance in the overall Health Patient Portal. batch of the CTO Training Pro- provided them with leadership The Best Digital Service award digital transformation of a gov- HE al-Sulaiti said that digital gramme takes the total number of skills related to electronic systems is given to the public-facing dig- ernment entity according to its government is the future of gov- its graduates to 41 while the total and solving electronic problems ital service by submitting an end progress and adherence to Qatar ernment services in Qatar and number of IT Talent Programme that help them perform their work to end digital service delivered in Digital Transformation Strategy MoTC will continue this transfor- graduates has now reached 82. in the future. A graduate of the QDGTP receiving his certificate. Qatar Airways wins awards for Qatar’s missions breast cancer awareness drive abroad celebrate atar Airways has won ‘Brilliance in Employee QEngagement in HR’ and the Gold Award for ‘Best Social QNA and prosperity, and who aspire to a Media Campaign’ for its 2019 Doha better tomorrow and a bright fu- Breast Cancer Awareness cam- ture for Qatar and its people. paign at the 2020 BOC Business The ambassador said that Na- Brilliance awards. he embassies of Qatar in tional Day is a dear occasion to The twin awards have been Kuwait and Bangladesh cel- recall the great ancestors, who rewarded for excellence in pro- Tebrated Qatar National Day laid the foundations of a glorious moting breast cancer aware- in commemoration of Founder homeland. ness while engaging thousands Sheikh Jassim bin Mohamed bin He added that the state has of employees and passengers Thani. In Kuwait, the embassy of spared no eff ort in supporting in a 30-day programme during Qatar held a celebration on the oc- education in its various stages and the Breast Cancer Awareness casion of National Day. The cere- providing the best cadres to build Month in 2019, as well as for its mony was limited to the members an educated generation commit- influential social media cam- of the embassy and the military ted to its patriotic, national and paign which shared inspira- attache due to the precautionary humanitarian constants while tional and informative content conditions imposed by the coro- looking forward to a bright future. with millions of Qatar Airways’ navirus (Covid-19) pandemic. Qatar pays special attention followers on social media plat- In a speech on this occasion, to women who enjoyed their full forms. ambassador of Qatar to Kuwait rights as well as to children whom “We are very proud of our HR Bandar bin Mohamed al-Attiyah the state provides all support for internal communications and extended his congratulations to proper upbringing. In Dhaka, am- social media teams who have His Highness the Amir Sheikh bassador of Qatar to Bangladesh won these important awards Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani and Ahmed bin Mohamed al-Dehaimi in recognition of our quest to to His Highness the Father Amir congratulated His Highness the raise awareness for breast can- Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al- Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad cer...We will continue fostering Thani, and to the wise government al-Thani and His Highness the a workplace culture where con- and the people of Qatar who are Father Amir Sheikh Hamad bin nection, communication and loyal to their leadership, who sup- Khalifa al-Thani, and all the Qatari staff engagement is among our port the path of goodness, growth people on this dear occasion. highest priorities,” said Qatar Airways Group chief executive Qatar Airways off icials with the twin awards. HE Akbar al-Baker. The BOC Brilliance Awards communication plays an im- eradicate this devastating dis- Americas, 42 in Asia-Pacific, It was also named ‘Best Air- GAC introduces new system to manage were established to celebrate portant role in building engage- ease,” said Qatar Airways senior 38 in Europe and 15 in the Mid- line in the Middle East’, ‘World’s purchases and facilitate work procedures the most innovative and in- ment among our employees, vice president (Marketing and dle East. Many cities will be Best Business Class’, and ‘Best dustry-leading practices and passengers, as well as the wider Corporate Communications), served with a strong schedule Business Class Seat’, in recog- achievements of entities and community. We are pleased that Salam al-Shawa. Qatar Airways with daily or more frequencies. nition of its ground-breaking The General Authority of Customs (GAC) has introduced a new businesses worldwide. The our efforts have been acknowl- currently operates more than A multiple award-winning Business Class experience, electronic system to manage purchases and facilitate work procedures internal communication bril- edged at an international level 700 weekly flights to over 100 airline, Qatar Airways was Qsuite. It is the only airline to with service suppliers. The System of Suppliers Services (Procurement) liance awards support the vital through the BOC Brilliance destinations across the globe. named ‘World’s Best Airline’ by have been awarded the coveted will facilitate procedures of suppliers and help them communicate role that the internal commu- Awards and we will continue By the end of the IATA Winter the 2019 World Airline Awards, “Skytrax Airline of the Year” easily via the website of GAC. According to a GAC tweet, the system nications function plays in the to advocate for breast cancer Season, it plans to rebuild its managed by the international title, which is recognised as the enables suppliers to register with the database of the authority. Also, success of any organisation. awareness aiming to contrib- network to 126 destinations air transport rating organisa- pinnacle of excellence in the it secures data and information of the companies. Registration can be “Effective and inspiring ute the global efforts made to including 20 in Africa, 11 in the tion Skytrax. airline industry, five times. done on www.customs.gov.qa. Gulf Times 4 Tuesday, December 22, 2020 QATAR Quarantine extended for all arrivals in Qatar up to February 15, 2021

uarantine requirements be determined by the country Quarantine requirements will be website continues, “Once you Exemptions from Exceptional Entry Permit have been extended for all from which the fl ight departs and determined by the country from which have made your booking, it is non- Qarrivals in Qatar up to Feb- whether it is included as a ‘Covid refundable and the dates cannot be Non-Qatari passengers are the owner’s name. The sponsor ruary 15, 2021, according to infor- Low Risk Country’ or not, the the flight departs and whether it is amended. Please, therefore, do not exempted from the Exceptional name mentioned on QID of the mation available on the Discover website explains. book your quarantine package un- Entry Permit requirement ir- non-Qatari passengers should Qatar website. With this, quaran- People are advised to see the included as a ‘Covid Low Risk Country’ til you are sure that the details are respective of their nationality or match the company name in tine packages have also been ex- Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) or not, the website explains correct. origin if they are sponsored by a order for the above exemption tended until the said date for those website for the current list. “As “The only exception to this Qatari Company and the owner to apply. who require hotel quarantine. this list can be revised at any time, to Qatar, and you know what type You will need to choose another condition is if your airline cancels of the company (Qatari national) Quarantine requirements will “For all arrivals, including na- we strongly recommend that you of quarantine you will be required date. “Discover Qatar is not in- your fl ight, in which case you will is travelling with them to Doha still apply to all members of tionals, residents and visa holders, check this regularly for any chang- to complete. “There is a daily limit volved with the Exceptional Entry be eligible to amend the dates of on the same flight. the travelling party, and will quarantine requirements are now es that may aff ect your plans.” on arrivals entering Qatar and Permit process and is unable to your booking once only. Any new There are no restrictions to the be determined by the country extended for all arrival dates up The website further states, demand is extremely high. If you assist with any queries about your quarantine package booked will be number of passengers that can from which the flight departs to 15 February 2021,” the website “Please do not book a ‘Welcome are searching for availability and certifi cate.” subject to availability and the daily travel with the Qatari company and whether it is included as a says. Quarantine packages were Home Package’ until you have no hotels are displayed, it is most Once a booking is confi rmed, arrival limit. owner. The owner of the com- ‘Covid Low Risk Country’ or not. earlier extended until December read all of the information on this likely that the daily arrivals limit amendments to quarantine ho- Any diff erential on the package pany should hold a Commercial Please see MoPH website for the 31. Quarantine requirements will page, you have approval to travel has been reached. tel packages cannot be made. The prices will be payable.” Registration (CR) which states current list. Health ministry answers questions and concerns on Covid-19 vaccines he Pfi zer and BioNTech diabetes, asthma, and heart dis- ternational pharmaceutical zen and resident in the country. A. No. The trials of the vac- important to note that the whole Q. Do I need the Covid-19 Covid-19 vaccine has ease, or compromised immune companies Moderna and Pfiz- However, certain population cine have focused on safety and world is committed to fi nding vaccine if I have already had Tbeen approved for emer- systems, have an increased risk er/BioNTech to procure their groups are at higher risk of se- effi cacy of the vaccine for adults a safe and eff ective Covid-19 the virus? gency use by the Department of of developing severe complica- Covid-19 vaccines as soon as vere Covid-19 complications and the MoPH’s Pharmacy and vaccine and never before has so A. Yes. Covid-19 is still a rel- Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical tions as a result of Covid-19, re- they are approved and released and therefore they will be given Drug Control Department has much eff ort and resources been atively new and unknown virus Control in the Ministry of Pub- gardless of their age. Healthcare for global use. The Pfizer and priority to ensure early access currently approved its use only put into the development of a and while research to date in- lic Health (MoPH). This follows workers: Especially doctors, BioNTech Covid-19 vaccine to the vaccines when they are for people aged 16 years and vaccine. dicates that people who have similar approvals in other coun- nurses and paramedics working has been approved for emer- available. older. Q. Will life return to nor- been infected with Covid-19 tries including the US and the directly with Covid-19 patients, gency use by the Department of Q. I am young and healthy Q. Can people with aller- mal once the Covid-19 vac- build up natural immunity, it UK. According to MoPH web- have an increased risk of being Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical so why do I need the Cov- gies have the Pfi zer and Bi- cines are available in Qatar? is unclear how long this immu- site, initially, vaccines will be exposed to Covid-19 and catch- Control in the MoPH. Their re- id-19 vaccine? oNTech vaccine? A. 2020 has been a difficult nity last for and how effective prioritised for three key popula- ing the virus and becoming sick. view showed that the vaccine is A. Young and healthy people A. People with a signifi cant year for people around the world it is. tion groups: older people, people Additionally, healthcare workers safe and effective in accordance may be at low risk of develop- history of allergic reactions will and Covid-19 has impacted Q. What can I do to protect with certain chronic conditions who catch the virus can spread it with international standards. ing serious complications from not be given the Pfi zer and Bi- many aspects of daily life. The myself and others while we and key healthcare workers. to their patients, many of whom The approval of the Pfizer and Covid-19 but they have the oNTech vaccine. Anyone with arrival and widespread uptake await the Covid-19 vaccine? Older people: Evidence from may be at increased risk of severe BioNTech vaccine means there same risk of catching the virus an allergy should discuss this of the approved Covid-19 vac- A. As we await the approval both Qatar and around the world complications due to chronic is good reason to be optimistic as other people and they can with the before receiving cines among Qatar’s popula- and distribution of the Cov- clearly shows that the risk of conditions or compromised im- that the Covid-19 vaccines can then transfer the virus onto the Covid-19 vaccine. tion will hopefully enable us id-19 vaccines it is very impor- developing severe complica- mune systems. Here are some of enable life to return to normal more vulnerable people includ- Q. The Covid-19 vaccines are to return to our pre-Covid-19 tant that people follow basic tions due to Covid-19 increases the Frequently Asked Questions sooner rather than later. ing elderly relatives. Taking the being developed and tested very lifestyles. preventive measures to protect with age. People over 65 years (FAQs) about Covid-19 vaccines Q. Will the Covid-19 vac- vaccine is as much about pro- quickly – will they be safe? Q. Will the Covid-19 vac- themselves and those around of age have a higher risk of se- and its distribution in Qatar cines be available for every- tecting others as about protect- A. Yes. Despite the speed at cines be free for citizens and them from the virus: wear a vere illness and death. People Q. When will the vaccines one in Qatar? ing yourself. which the Covid-19 vaccines are residents of Qatar? mask as advised; maintain so- with chronic conditions: People be available in Qatar? A. Qatar aims to procure suffi - Q. Is the Pfi zer and BioN- being developed and tested, they A. Yes. Qatar will provide the cial distancing; avoid large with certain long-term chronic A. The MoPH has signed two cient quantities of the Covid-19 Tech vaccine approved for are still following a strict test- Covid-19 vaccines to citizens gatherings of people; and wash medical conditions, including agreements with leading in- vaccines to vaccinate every citi- children? ing and approval process. It is and residents free of charge. hands regularly. Qatar’s active Covid-19 cases drop below 2,000

QNA returning from abroad who are subject cases has enabled the authorities to 5- Protecting the elderly and those crowded places and confined- and those with chronic medical Doha to quarantine. The MoPH also recorded identify a high number of positive with chronic diseases. closed spaces where other people conditions. When spending time at 203 recoveries from the virus during cases in the community. Qatar has one Even though restrictions are being congregate. Now more than ever, we home with elderly family members or the past 24 hours, bringing the total of the lowest Covid-19 death rates in lifted, and numbers are declining, must be careful and protect the most those with chronic diseases, ensure The number of current active cases number of cases that recovered in the world. This is a result of: this does not mean that the Covid-19 vulnerable. you wash your hands regularly, wear a of Covid-19 in Qatar dropped below Qatar so far to 139,927. All new cases 1- Very high quality of care provided pandemic is finished in Qatar. People While the restrictions of Covid-19 mask and maintain social and physical 2,000 yesterday, according to the data have been introduced to isolation and thorough the public healthcare sector continue to be admitted with moderate are gradually being lifted in Qatar, distancing. Anyone suff ering from issued by the Ministry of Public Health are receiving necessary healthcare. for Covid-19 patients. to severe Covid-19 symptoms. Unless it is important for everyone to play Covid-19 symptoms should either (MoPH). Measures to tackle Covid-19 in Qatar 2- Qatar’s young population. we follow all precautionary measures, their role in controlling the virus by contact 16000 helpline or go directly The health ministry said as of have succeeded in flattening the curve 3- Proactive testing to identify cases we may experience a second wave of following precautionary measures: to one of the designated health yesterday there were 1,989 active and limiting the spread of the virus early. the virus and see numbers increasing. n Adherence to physical distancing. centres to undergo the necessary cases of coronavirus with158 new and the number of new daily cases and 4- Expanding hospital capacity, There are already signs of this n Wearing a face mask. checks. confirmed cases during the last hospital admissions is continuing to especially intensive care, to ensure all happening in other countries around n Washing hands regularly. The MoPH has urged people to visit its 24 hours, of which 113 are from decline each week. Qatar’s proactive patients receive the medical care they the world. Most importantly, it is vital that website for regular updates and new community and 45 from travellers and extensive testing of suspected need. Avoid close contact with others, we continue to protect the elderly information.

Authorities arrest 5 for violating home quarantine requirements

The designated authorities arrested yesterday five people who violated the requirements of the home quarantine, they committed to following, which they are legally accountable for, in accordance with the procedures of the health authorities in the country. The arrest of the violators came in implementation of the precautionary measures in force in the country, approved by health authorities represented in the Ministry of Public Health, to curb the spread of the Covid-19. The violators are currently being referred to the designate prosecution, they are: 1- Mohamed Ali Mohamed Ali Moustafa 2- Peter Okoron 3- Haitham Ahmed Mohamed Mahmoud al-Eissawi 4- Mohamed Ahmed Mahmoud Mohamed 5- Abdulrahman Adnan Mohamed The designated authorities called on citizens and residents under home quarantine to fully commit to the Ministry of Public Health’s condition, to ensure their safety and the safety of others. They added that anyone who violates the quarantine will be subject to article no. 253 of law no. 11 of 2004, provisions of Law No 17 of 1990 on communicable diseases, and Law No 17 of 2002 on protecting society. Gulf Times Tuesday, December 22, 2020 5 QATAR Qatar Charity, HMC sign memorandum of understanding atar Charity (QC) and Hamad trust in Qatar Charity. He emphasized According to the MoU, both Medical Corporation (HMC) that Qatar Charity is keen to continue parties agreed to establish a fund Qsigned a Memorandum of cooperation and partnership with to support activities promoted by Understanding (MoU) to cooperate HMC to extend health assistance to Centre of Patient Experience and Staff in supporting patients’ activities and patients, especially those with limited engagement at HMC and support projects. income. patients with limited income during The agreement was signed by He also said that this agreement receiving healthcare services at HMC. Mr. Jassim Muhammad Al-Emadi, comes within the framework of Qatar Under the agreement, 7 million Director of Programs and Community Charity’s community responsibility, Qatari riyals will be allocated to Development Department at Qatar as it constantly seeks to improve the support the patients and medical Charity, and Mr. Ali Al Janahi, HMC’s quality of its services provided for the conditions where zakat funds apply, Acting Assistant Managing Director. benefit of humanity. and purchase a mobile physiotherapy The pact was inked in the presence The MoU includes allocating clear vehicle. of Mr. Ali Abdullah Al Khater, Chief projects for the patients and facilities The MoU also includes Communications Officer at HMC, and and highlighting them through implementing joint activities that serve Mr. Nasser Al Naimi, Deputy Chief of Qatar Charity’s channels, as well as the mutual goals of both parties, in Quality, Center for Patient Experience supporting families of needy patients addition to supporting some activities and Staff Engagement and Director of to face difficulties arising from the and events of social nature made by Hamad Healthcare Quality Institute. diseases or any other social reasons the Center of Patient Experience and Mr. Ali Al-Khater said, this is a good including death. Staff Engagement at HMC. initiative for the benefit of patients, and Qatar Charity always does something that benefits people, expressing his confidence that this agreement will be valuable to patients. Mr. Nasser Al Naimi was delighted with the agreement signed with Qatar Charity. He said that this is the first agreement to enhance HMC’s patient experiences and support their participation with HMC, adding that “We seek to have a community partnership between the community and HMC through Qatar Charity’s donations.” He also indicated that one of the main points under the agreement is establishing a fund to support activities promoted by Centre of patient experience and Staff engagement at HMC, noting that the center will be responsible for developing patient experiences and improving patient services provided by HMC. For his part, Mr. Jassim Muhammad Al-Emadi, Director of Programs and Community Development Department at Qatar Charity, thanked HMC for its great Qatar Charity provides school uniforms for ‘Future’s Leaders’

atar Charity (QC), in cooperation with government school students belonging to the Q Uniform Factory, provided school families with limited income, as the factory Quniforms for the female members of the management believes in social responsibility.” ‘Future’s Leaders’ and the students from families He was delighted with the cooperation that with limited income in the country, benefiting makes it easier for the factory management to 200 students. carry out community service. He also applauded The distribution of the uniforms, which Qatar Charity for its tremendous support for comes as part of Qatar Charity’s ‘Teach Me’ students, noting the continuation of cooperation campaign, took place through coupons given to in the future. the families registered with Qatar Charity. The mothers of the students expressed their Through this project, Qatar Charity aims to pleasure with school uniforms provided for reduce the burdens on the families of the “Future’s their daughters in the time of the coronavirus Leaders” and the parents from low-income pandemic that has badly affected many families, families, and encourage students to continue thanking Qatar Charity and the Q Uniform their outstanding academic performance. Factory management for this kind gesture that had a good impact on their daughters. Qatar Charity, through the “Future’s Leaders” Qatar Charity aims to program, pays close attention to orphans in the fields of education, health and entertainment, “ reduce the burdens according to the highest standards, as part of the inclusive care provided for those sponsored by on the families of the Qatar Charity. Qatar Charity is keen to partner with the “Future’s Leaders” numerous bodies in the country to implement and the parents from various humanitarian projects within the framework of social responsibility, aiming to low-income families, contribute to achieving the Qatar National

Vision 2030, especially in the field of education

and encourage students and culture. Mr. Alaa Al-Abadi General Manager of the to continue their “ Q Uniform Factory said, “This support comes within the framework of an initiative launched outstanding academic by the factory in cooperation with Qatar Charity performance. to provide school uniforms free of charge to Gulf Times 6 Tuesday, December 22, 2020 QATAR QRCS extends support to Nepal Red Cross HEC 10th anniversary logo. in fi ght against Covid-19 HEC Paris retains atar Red Crescent So- ciety (QRCS) has con- top position in Qcluded a project to control the Covid-19 outbreak in Nepal, by building the capac- ity of Nepal Red Cross Society Financial Times (NRCS) and enhancing the pro- tection of its medical staff and facilities. The $20,000 project serves European rankings up to 15,000 people in 21 dis- tricts of seven provinces as fol- lows: Province 1 (Jhapa, Sun- EC Paris, one of the executive programmes has sup- sari, and Udayapur), Province leading providers of ex- ported the HEC Paris achieve- 2 (Sarlahi, Bara, and Rautahat), Hecutive education in the ment in the rankings.” Bagmati (Kathmandu, Bhak- world, has been recently ranked HEC Paris’ International Ex- tapur, Lalitpur, and Dhading), #1 in the Financial Times (FT) ecutive MBA (EMBA) provides Gandaki (Baglung and Syan- European Business Schools executives with a set of fun- jha), Lumbini (Kapilvastu, Rankings 2020, thereby retain- damental skills to expand their Parasi, and Rupandhei), Karnali ing its top position from last knowledge and leadership capa- (Jumla, Dailekh, and Jajgarkot), year’s rankings. bilities. It is a practical and in- and Sudur Paschim (Acham, The rankings are calculated tense 15 to 18-month programme Bhajhang, and Darchula). according to a business school’s which develops participants’ Instead of 20 as originally performance in fi ve main cat- understanding of the social, planned, a total of 55 ambulance egories published by the economic and environmental vehicles from diff erent districts Financial Times during the aspects of international busi- were upgraded with compart- year: MBA, Executive MBA, ness, as well as the skills to im- ment divisions, oxygen cylin- Masters in Management and the plement their vision. ders, oxygen masks, and fl ow two rankings for Executive Edu- The next International EMBA meters. cation (Custom and Open En- intake is scheduled for February Moreover, 20 ambulance driv- rolment programmes). In each 2021. ers were oriented on infection of these categories, HEC Paris The Specialised Master’s in prevention and control (IPC) and The $20,000 project serves up to 15,000 people in 21 districts of seven provinces. placed in the top slots among all Strategic Business Unit Man- the proper way of using masks business schools ranked. agement is the second degree and personal protective equip- distributed in the potentially and had no idea what would I am happily engaged in my ne, Albania, Kosovo, Mon- Commenting on FT’s latest programme off ered by HEC Paris ment (PPE). Covid-19 contaminated areas, come up after transferring the service, feeling proud of being tenegro, Venezuela, El Salva- rankings, Dr Pablo Martin de in Qatar. Altogether, 20 orientation offi ces, and health posts. infected people from Bhara- on duty to serve humanity’. dor, Peru, and Panama. Holan, dean of HEC Paris in Qa- The Specialised Master’s is events were conducted (nine in Dan Bikram Thapa, an am- dashi Gapa to Biratnagar Co- The project is part of QRCS’ The list of activities con- tar, said: “This is another great also delivered in a fl exible 15 Bhaktapur, one in Jhapa, two bulance driver at NRCS’ chap- rona Hospital, which was my initiative to back the fellow ducted by QRCS in support result for HEC Paris. Our success to 18-month modular format Udayapur, six in Sunsari, one in ter in Jhapa, said, “The project first case regarding Covid-19 National Societies in 22 coun- of those countries includes springs from our commitment to starting with a core curriculum Kathmandu, and one in Lalitpur). not only provided me with an response,” said Thapa. tries across six continents, provision of equipment and excellence in research, teaching focused on strategy, fi nance, At the same time, 1,733 PPEs employment opportunity, but “After getting back, I stayed aimed at protecting 320,000 supplies for health facilities, and thought leadership in the leadership and change. were distributed to the frontline also inspired me to serve the in quarantine for 14 days. I re- persons against the virus, with provision of medicines and disciplines that matter in today’s The programme refl ects HEC volunteers in 21 districts. community. These days, I am ceived psychosocial counsel- a total budget of approximate- medical supplies, protection increasingly complex global Paris’ commitment to con- To ensure the safety of involved in transferring those ling at office, which helped me ly QR2.2mn for medical professionals and economy. These rankings refl ect tribute to the development of a NRCS volunteers and staff , the who need to be taken to the to keep my spirit up. I waited These countries are: Pales- volunteers, provision of food not only on the academic excel- knowledge-based economy in premises of its blood transfu- designated hospital for Cov- for the result of rapid diagnos- tine, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and shelter for families worst lence of our programmes, but Qatar and to strengthen cor- sion service centres and eye id-19 test. We were provided tic test (RDT), with the hope Nepal, Tajikistan, Mongo- affected by loss of income, also the relevance and impact we porate competitiveness in the hospitals were regularly dis- with PPE and received first- that it would be negative. Fi- lia, Laos, Vanuatu, Ethiopia, and provision of protec- deliver. Here in Qatar, the suc- region. The next Specialised infected. Disinfectant spray aid training”. nally, it was a relief for me to Chad, Senegal, Mauritania, tive supplies (masks, gloves, cess of our International EMBA Master’s intake is scheduled for bottles (hypochlorite) were “Initially, I was so scared find the result negative. Now, Ivory Coast, Mali, Sierra Leo- sanitisers, etc.). and the growth of our custom January 2021. QFFD and IFAD sign pact to aid small-scale farmers

atar Fund for Develop- “For the fi rst time, Qatar Fund the provision of decent work op- bles primarily because of their ment (QFFD) has signed for Development co-operates portunities, and the thirteenth eff orts. This fi nancial support Qa contribution agree- with the International Fund for goal on combating climate from Qatar Fund for Develop- ment with International Fund Agricultural Development as a change and climate action from ment will enhance our work in for Agricultural Development global strategic partner through the global sustainable develop- increasing the resilience of vul- (IFAD) to support the adapta- this contribution. In order to ment goals, as the rapid rise of nerable small-scale producers to tion programme for smallholder make a real diff erence in the lives hunger in the world confi rms the the impacts of climate change, agriculture, it was announced of rural people and introduce urgent need to improve incomes and help safeguard food secu- yesterday. positive changes on a large scale, and productivity of smallholder rity. This agreement will also QFFD director general Kha- and in particular support the ad- farmers and enhance their resil- contribute to the global call for lifa bin Jassim al-Kuwari said aptation programme in favour of ience to the impacts of climate reducing greenhouse gases while the Covid-19 pandemic and the smallholder agriculture in par- change” ensuring signifi cant income- Off icials at the signing ceremony. eff ects of climate change have ticular. IFAD president Gilbert F related benefi ts for rural people taken a particularly heavy toll on “This agreement comes to Houngbo said: “Small-scale and other vulnerable groups.” mental fi nancing to smallholder benefits from accurate quality ing 8mn affected smallholder the people living in rural areas of serve the fi rst goal concerned farmers in rural areas play a The Adaptation Programme farmers. control and supervision sys- farmers in 43 countries to cope developing countries, where the with the elimination of all forms pivotal role in ensuring sustain- for Smallholder Agriculture is The programme forms part tems. Thanks to joint efforts with the impact of climate majority of the world’s poorest of hunger, the eighth goal on ability, stability, and security in the main activity of the IFAD for of the regular investment proc- and generous support from do- change and to build more resil- and hungry people live. economic empowerment and the world. Food reaches our ta- directing climate and environ- esses that the Fund makes, and nors, the programme is help- ient livelihoods. Partial closure in both directions Kahramaa participates in global of Tariq bin Ziyad Street The Public energy, environment symposium Works Authority (Ashghal) has he Qatar General Elec- to increase the visibility and announced a tricity and Water Cor- advancement of futuristic and three-month Tporation (Kahramaa) has cleaner technologies and will partial closure attended the 12th edition of the focus on renewable and sus- in both International Exergy, Energy tainable energy technologies, directions and Environment Symposium oil and gas technologies, smart of Tariq bin (IEEES-12). grids, e-mobility, desalination Ziyad Street According to a tweet by technologies, sustainable agri- between Kahramaa, engineer Abdul- culture, wastewater treatment, Dar Al Kutub lah al-Wahedi, manager of the among other topics. Intersection General Services Department, The scientifi c part of and the participated in the second day IEEES-12 includes keynote roundabout of IEEES-12 with a presentation speeches from several globally on the on a Simulation Model for De- well-known academicians, ple- intersection signing an Optimal Site-Spe- nary sessions, virtual presenta- of Tariq bin cifi c Renewable Energy Based tions, and specialised parallel Ziyad Street Electric Vehicle Charging Sta- sessions. CSE will be represent- and Al Wifaq tion in Qatar. ed in the sessions by various Street from The virtual IEEES-12 is co- presentations from the Division December 24. organised by Hamad Bin Khalifa Engineer Abdullah al-Wahedi at the symposium. of Sustainable Development The closure in to allow upgrading and expanding works on both Dar Al Kutub Intersection and University’s College of Science and Division of Engineering co-ordination Tariq bin Ziyad Street, as part of the A Ring Road Project. During the closure, and Engineering (CSE) with ation, Turkey, and Ontario Tech tors from all over the world will Management and Decision Sci- with the drivers will be able to use Al Wifaq Street, Shatt Al Arab Street and Al Amani Street Kahramaa as a strategic part- University, Canada. engage in an open dialogue and ences. General as alternative routes as shown on the map. Ashghal will install road signs advising ner and sponsorship from Qatar Academics, researchers, sci- collaborative discussions to- Earlier, IEEES-12 was in- Directorate motorists of the temporary closure and urged all to follow them and abide by the National Research Fund. Other entists, technocrats, and prac- ward achieving sustainable de- augurated by Kahramaa of Traff ic is speed limit to ensure safety. international event partners are tising engineers from diff erent velopment. president engineer Essa bin the National Hydrogen Associ- disciplines, institutes, and sec- The symposium is intended Hilal al-Kuwari. Gulf Times Tuesday, December 22, 2020 7 REGION//AFRICA/ASIA Gulf nations close borders over variant of virus

AFP broken out. The Gulf sultan- Riyadh ate of Oman announced it will close its “land, air and sea bor- der starting 1:00am local time ulf countries said they on Tuesday” for a week, the would halt all passen- offi cial Oman News Agency Gger fl ights and close reported. their borders for a week or The decision was based on longer, after a new strain of what “authorities in a number coronavirus spread quickly in of countries announced re- England. garding the emergence of a Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and new Covid-19 strain”, it said, Oman said they were sus- but would not aff ect cargo Iraqi protesters take part in a demonstration in the central city of Najaf, yesterday. pending commercial travel fl ights or cargo vessels. and banning entry and exit Neighbouring Kuwait — via their land and sea borders, which had on Sunday ini- other than for cargo. tially placed a ban on pas- Riyadh said it was stop- senger fl ights from Britain ping international fl ights for — announced that it will at least one week and possibly now suspend all commercial two, the offi cial Saudi Press fl ights until at least January Agency reported late on Sun- 1, according to a government Iraqis hold protest after day night. statement. “Entry to the kingdom The developments come af- through land and sea ports will ter several European countries also be suspended for a week, banned travel from Britain on which can be extended by an- Sunday as the UK government other week,” SPA added, citing warned that a highly infec- the interior ministry. tious new strain of the virus currency value slashed The suspension does not was “out of control”. apply to international aircraft Elsewhere in the Middle AFP in Baghdad’s Tahrir Square, de- were cleared out in an army-led ic, as people rushed out after its change in the price of the dollar.” currently in the kingdom, East, Jordan too said it was Baghdad manding the government change operation in October. announcement to buy dollars or In the southern port of Basra, the which will be allowed to leave, banning all direct and indirect tack, furious at the fi rst devalua- Iraq, which relies on oil sales stock up in supermarkets before head of the city’s human rights SPA said. fl ights from the United King- tion in a half-decade. to fi nance more than 90% of its price rises hit. commission Mehdi al-Tamimi Cargo into Saudi Arabia will dom until January 3, according undreds of angry Iraqis “The government should col- budget, is set to see its economy Elsewhere yesterday, hun- said the jump in food prices was only be permitted from coun- to a statement by Minister of protested yesterday in lapse before the dinar,” one sign shrink by 11% this year, while dreds marched in the eastern a “shock” to consumers. tries where the new strain has State for Media Hseveral cities against a held by a young protester read. poverty doubles to 40% of the city of Kut, near the border with CBI governor Mustafa Ghaleb not been identifi ed as having Aff airs Ali Ayed. currency devaluation that has Many of the protesters were country’s 40mn residents, ac- Iran, where traders said imports Mukhif told state media in a slashed their purchasing power elderly, who said the value of cording to International Mon- would be hit as they used dollars rare interview on Sunday that amid a pandemic-fuelled eco- their pensions had been cut. etary Fund estimates. to buy goods from outside. the bank agreed to the devalua- nomic crisis. Riot police with shields and “If we hadn’t changed the Prices at food markets and tion on the condition the fi nance The Central Bank of Iraq (CBI) helmets stood guard at Tahrir, currency rate or adjusted our ex- wholesalers in the southern city ministry carry out reforms. at the weekend devalued the but the protest was peaceful. penditures, our (foreign curren- of Nasiriyah rose by around 20%, The draft 2021 budget includes US nuclear submarine currency by over a fi fth against Tahrir Square had been occu- cy) reserves could have run out an AFP correspondent said. plans for an income tax, lower the US dollar, offi cially re-peg- pied round-the-clock for a year in six or seven months,” Finance “We’re struggling to shop,” tariff s on electricity and other ging the dinar at a bank rate of by a protest movement demand- Minister Ali Allawi told local re- said Saadi Sahib, a pensioner. ways to try to cut spending, in crosses Strait of Hormuz 1,460 to the greenback. ing an end to government cor- porters on Sunday. “Basic foodstuff s have become addition to the devaluation. Yesterday, hundreds gathered ruption, but the demonstrators The devaluation sparked pan- more expensive after this sudden AFP Royal and USS Philippine Sea, Washington in the strategic strait that Iran US issues additional visa curbs on Chinese offi cials regularly threatens to block. The Georgia’s presence The yesterday im- The United States has been US nuclear submarine “demonstrates the United posed additional visa restrictions clear that perpetrators of human Kenyan doctors strike in protest crossed the Strait of States’ commitment to re- on Chinese off icials over alleged rights abuses like these are not AHormuz yesterday in gional partners and maritime human rights abuses, taking welcome in our country,” he a new show of force directed security with a full spectrum further action against Beijing in said in a statement. US- at inadequate benefi ts, PPE at Iran as the anniversary of of capabilities to remain the final month of US President relations have plunged to their the killing of Iranian Gen- ready to defend against any Donald Trump’s term. worst level in decades as the eral Qasem Soleimani by a US threat at any time,” the Navy Secretary of State Mike Pompeo world’s top two economies spar Reuters The Kenya Medical Practi- secretary-general of the union, drone approached. warned. said the restrictions aff ected of- over issues ranging from the Nairobi tioners, Pharmacists and Den- told Reuters yesterday. The USS Georgia can carry US military officials fear ficials believed to be responsible coronavirus outbreak, Beijing’s tists Union, with 7,000 members He said the country’s fi ght 154 Tomahawk cruise missiles an attack by Tehran to avenge for or complicit in repressing national security law for Hong nationwide, announced their against the coronavirus would and 66 special forces soldiers, the powerful Soleimani, who religious practitioners, ethnic Kong, trade and espionage. octors employed in decision late on Sunday on Twit- be badly hampered by the doc- according to a statement from was assassinated on January minority groups, dissidents and On Friday, Washington added Kenya’s public hospitals ter. tors’ walk-out, but said the the US Navy, which usually 3, 2020 in a US drone strike others. “China’s authoritarian dozens of Chinese compa- Dwent on strike yesterday, It said the government had not medics had no other choice. does not disclose the presence near Baghdad airport in Iraq. rulers impose draconian restric- nies, including top chipmaker saying the government is risk- responded to grievances the un- The doctors’ union joined of its submersibles around the The head of US forces in the tions on the Chinese people’s Semiconductor Manufacturing ing their lives by forcing them to ion has been raising since March nurses and clinical offi cers world. Middle East, General Frank freedoms of expression, religion International Corp and drone treat Covid-19 patients without when the country reported its working in government hos- The statement is illustrated McKenzie, told journalists or belief, association, and the manufacturer SZ DJI Technol- adequate protection and not in- fi rst coronavirus case. “It’s about pitals, used by most people in with photos showing the USS Sunday that Washington is right to peaceful assembly. ogy Co Ltd, to a trade blacklist. suring them for treatment if they the safety and welfare of the the country, who have been on Georgia at the surface, escort- “prepared to react” if Iran at- fall ill. doctors,” Chibanzi Mwachonda, strike for two weeks. ed by the cruisers USS Port tacks them. Singapore receives Asia’s fi rst Australia confi rms two Pfi zer-BioNTech vaccine doses cases of new Covid-19 strain AFP other countries around the fl ight carrying the vaccines Singapore world, including Britain and landed from Belgium. the United States, which have “It’s been a long and arduous Reuters have moved quickly to close approved the jab. year, I hope that this news will Sydney borders to all of Sydney’s 5mn ingapore received Asia’s It plans to innoculate its give Singaporeans cheer this residents, throwing Christmas fi rst delivery of the Pfi z- 5.7mn people by the third quar- festive season, and reason to be travel plans into disarray. Ser-BioNTech coronavi- ter of 2021, with priority given optimistic for 2021.” ustralia confi rmed yes- “2020 is not done with us yet,” rus vaccine yesterday, capping to health workers, the elderly Vaccination in Singapore terday it has detected two Prime Minister Scott Morrison what the city-state’s premier and the medically vulnerable. will be voluntary, but Lee has Acases of a fast-spreading told reporters. said had been a “long and ar- “Delighted to see the fi rst strongly encouraged people to new coronavirus strain that has NSW imposed a lockdown duous” year spent fi ghting the shipment of vaccines arrive in take part in the campaign. forced Britain to reverse plans on Friday in Sydney’s northern pandemic. Singapore,” Prime Minister Lee The Pfi zer vaccine requires a to ease curbs over Christmas, beaches area, home to more than The trade and fi nance hub Hsien Loong wrote on Face- two-shot treatment and must the fi rst confi rmed cases of the 250,000 people, after the cluster last week joined a handful of book, after a Singapore Airlines be kept at temperatures below strain in the Asia-Pacifi c region. emerged, centred on two dining -70 degrees Celsius (-94 de- Australia’s most populous and entertainment venues in the grees Fahrenheit) to work ef- state on Sunday reported six new seaside suburb of Avalon. fectively. cases of the novel coronavirus in About 90 locations includ- Transportation Minister Ong people returning from overseas ing cafes, gyms, casinos and su- Ye Kung said a local facility was and in quarantine, and authori- permarkets across Sydney were producing four tonnes of dry ties said among them were two identifi ed as having been visited ice each day to properly refrig- cases of the fast-spreading new Vehicles queue while medical personnel administer tests for the by infected people. erate the goods. strain. However, New South coronavirus disease (Covid-19) at the Bondi Beach drive-through Authorities have urged anyone Singapore will further ease Wales offi cials stressed that no testing centre as the city experiences an outbreak in Sydney, yesterday. who visited the venues to imme- social distancing restrictions people infected with the new diately get tested and self-iso- from December 28 after weeks strain were believed to be circu- UK is going into 14 days of ho- 30 the previous day, bringing the late, while dozens of domestic of barely any local coronavirus lating in the community. tel quarantine and they are of no total number of cases in a new fl ights due to leave Sydney were infections. “We’ve had a couple of UK risk as that quarantine works so outbreak centred on Sydney’s cancelled. Authorities initially kept returned travellers with the par- successfully,” Chief Medical Of- northern beaches to 83. With travel in chaos, states Covid-19 in check through rig- ticular mutations,” NSW chief fi cer Paul Kelly told reporters. “I’m pleased with what we’ve and territories warned their res- orous contact tracing but the health offi cer Kerry Chant told Authorities were also hopeful seen overnight, but again, it’s idents to leave NSW and return virus later swept through dor- reporters. they were getting to grips with volatile,” NSW Premier Gladys quickly if they wanted to avoid mitories housing low-paid mi- Australia, which has since a fl are-up of the virus in Sydney Berejiklian told reporters. mandatory quarantine. grant workers. March closed its borders to all after New South Wales reported The government would pro- Concrete barriers will appear The city has reported more non-citizens and permanent its lowest one-day rise in new vide an update by Wednesday on on the border between NSW and than 58,000 virus infections residents, said it was not con- infections in three days. “what Christmas and the next Queensland state, with police This handout photograph taken yesterday and released by the but a relatively low 29 deaths. sidering suspending fl ights with The state said 15 people had few days look like” in terms of and military personnel deployed DHL Singapore shows cargo pellets containing the Singapore’s Its borders remain closed to Britain. tested positive for the virus in containment measures, she said. to enforce the rules, the Queens- first shipment of Covid-19 vaccines arriving. most international visitors. “Everyone coming from the the past 24 hours, down from the Other states and territories land state government said. Gulf Times 8 Tuesday, December 22, 2020 AMERICAS/BRITAIN/EUROPE

Two found guilty in UK over Honduras losses from hurricanes Nationalists win weekend election German prosecutors charge Syrian Vietnamese migrant deaths Eta and Iota total $1.9bn: UN in Bosnia’s divided Mostar doctor with murder, torture

Two people were found guilty yesterday of manslaughter and Hurricanes Eta and Iota have caused about 45.7bn lempiras Nationalist parties have won a weekend election in Mostar, the A Syrian doctor living in who was arrested on people smuggling over the gruesome discovery of 39 dead ($1.9bn) in damages and losses in Honduras, according to the Bosnian city that symbolises the communal splits and broken suspicion of having committed crimes against humanity Vietnamese migrants in the back of a lorry in England last year. United Nations economic commission for the region, a far politics that have haunted the country since the 1990s war. in Syria faces more charges including one case of murder, The bodies of the men and women were found inside a sealed lower estimate than the government’s figure of $10bn. Sunday’s vote was the first local election in 12 years in Mostar, German prosecutors said yesterday. container near London in October 2019 after suff ocating in The Economic Commission for Latin America and the which remains divided on ethnic lines between predominately The suspect, identified as Alaa M, was arrested on June 19. sweltering temperatures. Caribbean (ECLAC) said it conducted the evaluation of Catholic Croats and Muslim Bosniaks. He was first charged with two instances of torturing detainees Lorry driver Eamonn Harrison, 24, from Northern Ireland, and losses and damages at the request of Honduran President The main Croat party the HDZ won in the city’s Croat zones at a prison run by Syrian intelligence services in the city of Romanian national Gheorghe Nica, 43, were found guilty on of Juan Orlando Hernandez and that it was assisted by the and was also leading across Mostar, with more than 37% of Homs in 2011. 39 counts of manslaughter by a London court. government, World Bank and Inter-American Development the vote, according to preliminary results announced by the But prosecutors said he now stands accused of far more They are expected to be sentenced early in January. Bank (IBD). electoral commission on Monday. violations than initially thought – including for allegedly killing Christopher Kennedy, 24,and Valentin Calota, 38, were also Honduras Foreign Minister Lisandro Rosales said on December The country’s main Bosniak coalition, led by the Muslim Party one person and another 18 counts of torture. convicted for their part in the smuggling operation. 14 that the hurricanes, which hit within two weeks of each of Democratic Action (SDA), was trailing behind with 29%. Alaa M was a doctor at the military prison in Homs in 2011 All four were found guilty over their roles in a smuggling ring other last month, bringing disastrous flooding to much of The city of 100,000 people has not had a local vote since when he allegedly carried out horrific abuses. which prosecutors said had been motivated by greed. Central America and hitting Honduras particularly hard, 2008 because the two parties could not agree on the legalities Alaa M left Syria in mid-2015 and moved to Germany, where he The latest convictions bring the total number found guilty in caused about $10bn in damages. around organising an election. also practised as a doctor. the UK in connection to the crime to eight. They were not as deadly as Hurricane Mitch, which in 1998 Contact between the two communities in Mostar are still Syria’s civil war, which started with the repression of anti- Prosecutors are considering charges against a further three killed some 10,000 people in Central America, including a minimal in what was once the former Yugoslavia’s most government protests, has killed more than 380,000 people people. particularly high death toll in Honduras. cosmopolitan city. and displaced nearly half the country’s pre-conflict population. UK isolated over virus strain Brits rush to supermarkets this stage,” tweeted the anti-EU vaccine against coronavirus ahead of Christmas as Bruges Group think tank. “Re- should be eff ective against it and borders close stricting freight movements, the disease otherwise “looks the however, as the French govern- same as any other form of Covid AFP/Reuters ment is about to do, appears po- infection”. London litical.” Britain has been badly hit by and Britain are locked the pandemic, with more than in heated debate about fi shing 67,000 deaths of those testing ritish Prime Minister Boris rights post-Brexit, the key stick- positive for the virus. Johnson sought yesterday ing point in negotiations. Britons rushed to supermar- Bto sound a note of calm, London Mayor Sadiq Khan and kets yesterday to stock up for saying that he is working “as Scottish First Minister Nicola Christmas, after stricter pan- fast as possible” to unblock trade Sturgeon were among leading demic rules meant last-minute across the Channel after France politicians calling yesterday for changes to their plans and as shut its borders to UK hauliers in an extension to Brexit talks to countries closed borders to Brit- a bid to contain a new variant of avoid disruption over New Year. ain, raising fears of supply short- the coronavirus. Germany, Russia, Canada, ages. Following conversations with Italy, Chile and Argentina are On traditionally one of the French President Emmanuel among other countries to an- busiest shopping days of the Macron over the ban, which has nounce fl ight bans to and from year, large queues snaked around caused chaos around the key UK Prime Minister Johnson: the country. some Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Wait- port of Dover and led to concerns supply chains remain strong and Britain had looked to have rose, Marks & Spencer, Aldi and of food shortages just days before robust. turned the corner in its attempt Lidl stores, according to Reuters Christmas, Johnson said supply to quell the virus, with the rollout reporters across London. chains remained “strong and ro- warned that prolonged disrup- of a vaccine and falling infection Many shoppers were buying bust”. tion could lead to “gaps over the rates. traditional Christmas fare, or “These delays only apply to a coming days” in the supply of But the emergence of the new adapting it after Prime Minister very small percentage of food en- lettuce, caulifl owers, broccoli strain has thrown the govern- Johnson imposed stricter meas- tering the UK,” the prime minis- Toilet paper rolls are seen on an almost-empty shelf at a Sainsbury’s store in London yesterday. and citrus fruit. ment’s plans into disarray, just ures from Sunday which have ter told a press conference, add- The ban on all but unaccom- as it reaches the crunch fi nale of stopped many families meeting ing that he wanted to sort out the the event of a no-deal Brexit. Britain leave the EU without a land, had been left stranded in panied freight crossing to France talks with the EU. up and pushed people to rush to problem “in the next few hours”. Earlier in the day, the prime deal in 10 days. Dover trying to make a delivery to comes as companies scramble to The government had initially buy food for their own gather- France’s snap decision on Sun- minister called a meeting of the However, Johnson said that Belgium. shift merchandise with days to announced an easing of restric- ings. day, which was initially set to last Cobra emergency committee to during his call with Macron that “It’s been a frustrating year go until Britain fi nally quits EU tions to allow families to meet “Sunday was exceptionally for 48 hours, was made in a bid discuss the situation regarding the pair had “vowed” not to dis- hasn’t it, for everyone, so this trade structures. over Christmas, but changed its busy – today has gone bananas,” to contain the new strain of the international travel and in par- cuss Brexit as negotiations be- just adds to it. A bad end to a bad Those hoping for a deal warned plans after it was presented last said one supermarket manager. coronavirus, discovered in the ticular the regular fl ow of freight. tween London and Brussels con- year really,” he told AFP. the current chaotic scenes could week with a dire analysis of the At Waitrose in Clapham, many UK, which offi cials have said is Misery was piled on travellers tinue. “We hope to make it home for become a familiar sight without new strain that is running ram- shoppers had planned to leave 70% more transmissible. trying to leave Britain as around Road signs near the Chan- Christmas. We’ll just sit tight and a breakthrough before the New pant across southeast England. London to see family for the fes- The coronavirus causes the 30 nations introduced bans on nel port, through which 10,000 await decisions that are made out Year deadline, leading to the im- The UK government’s chief tive period but were now stocking Covid-19 respiratory disease. individuals arriving from the UK heavy goods vehicles pass each of our hands today,” he added. position of new tariff s. scientifi c adviser Patrick Val- up for a Christmas in the capital. The ban caused Britain to bring in a bid to contain the new coro- day, urged people to go home, A disused airfi eld was to be But Brexit supporters accused lance said at a press conference Meat and milk were sold out forward “Operation Stack”, the navirus variant of the disease. saying that the French border opened later to serve as a lorry France of exploiting the crisis to yesterday that transmission of in some supermarkets but tradi- contingency plan drawn up to The chaos on the roads sur- was closed. park for up to 4,000 stranded try and force trade concessions. the new variant of Covid-19 had tional panic buying targets such deal with anticipated freight tail- rounding the key port is a stark David King, a lorry driver from drivers. “Restricting tourist travel “clearly substantially increased”. as baked beans and pasta were in backs on roads around Dover in sign of what to expect should Birmingham in the west of Eng- UK supermarket Sainsbury’s from the UK seems justifi able at However, he added that the good supply.

Countries adjust Covid curbs for Christmas Barr won’t appoint special counsel

„ Hungary and Slovenia loosen virus curbs for Christmas to probe US president’s claims „ Czech government to discuss tightening restrictions „ Sweden blocks travel from Denmark over virus fears „ Luxembourg to tighten lockdown after Christmas Reuters „ Vatican says vaccines ‘morally acceptable’ Washington

AFP/Reuters measures to curb Covid-19 in- Budapest fections by closing non-essen- S Attorney-General Wil- tial retail shops or further re- liam Barr has no plans to stricting travel and gatherings Uappoint special counsels he Hungarian and Slov- from December 25, Health Min- to investigate President-elect enian governments both ister Jan Blatny said yesterday. Joe Biden’s son, Hunter Biden, Tannounced yesterday The country has seen a spike or to investigate President Don- that they would relax their in Covid-19 cases in Decem- ald Trump’s unfounded claims of coronavirus-related restric- ber and has already toughened election fraud, he said yesterday. tions in order to allow families up many restrictions that were Speaking to reporters two days to gather for Christmas. loosened at the start of the before he plans to step down The coronavirus causes the month. from his position as the na- Covid-19 respiratory disease. Restaurants are again closed, tion’s top law enforcement of- A Hungarian government although shops remain open fi cial, Barr once again distanced Barr: I stand by that statement (made in a December 1 interview with spokesman told a press confer- under reduced capacity for himself from Trump’s claims, the Associated Press). ence that the curfew currently Christmas shopping. contrary to evidence, that his in force would be suspended Sweden announced yes- election defeat was the result of cials have repeatedly said there is fi cials for possible crimes in con- from the evening of December terday it was barring travellers widespread fraud. no evidence to support Trump’s nection with their early-stage 24 until the following morn- from neighbouring Denmark af- Barr, one of Trump’s staunch- claims that his defeat was the re- probe of whether Trump’s 2016 ing, and that children under 14 ter a new mutation of the coro- est supporters, said he saw “no sult of widespread fraud. presidential campaign colluded would not be included in the navirus, fi rst seen in the UK, was basis” for the federal govern- Multiple courts have rejected with the Russian government. 10-person limit on gatherings. reported in the country. ment to seize voting machines lawsuits brought by Trump sup- On December 1, Barr disclosed However, Chief Medical Of- This is the fi rst time during used in the November 3 presi- porters advancing those claims. he had elevated Durham to the fi cer Cecilia Muller cautioned the pandemic that the Scandi- People are seen near a giant bear illuminated by Christmas dential election and affi rmed Biden beat Trump by 306 to role of special counsel in Octo- that “the epidemic is still a navian country has closed the decorations at a main commercial street of Athens. earlier comments that he saw no 232 votes in the state-by-state ber so that he could continue his threat” adding that “the tem- border on one of its neighbours. evidence of systemic fraud in the Electoral College that chooses criminal investigation – a move porary lifting of the curfew is “The new mutated virus has lockdown rules after Christmas, concern for some Catholics, but election. the president, as well as by more that will make it politically dif- an option which should only be also been confi rmed in Den- Prime Minister Xavier Bettel said in a note that “it is morally “I stand by that statement,” than 7 million ballots in the pop- fi cult for Biden to remove him used carefully”. mark and some other coun- announced yesterday. acceptable to receive Covid-19 Barr said yesterday, referring to ular vote. from the post until the probe has “It’s important that this op- tries. But Denmark has also had From December 26 the over- vaccines that have used cell comments made in a December Hunter Biden disclosed earlier concluded. portunity shouldn’t make any- an increased spread lately and night curfew will begin two lines from aborted foetuses in 1 interview with the Associated this month the US Attorney’s Of- Barr said yesterday that he one careless or endanger those elected to close down for ex- hours earlier at 9pm, and shops their research and production Press. fi ce in Delaware is investigating expected Durham and his team suff ering from serious illnesses,” ample all shopping malls dur- deemed non-essential will be process”. Barr last week said he would his tax aff airs. “will be able to fi nish their work”. she said, emphasising that par- ing Christmas and the holidays,” told to close down. The use of such vaccines leave offi ce on Wednesday (De- The Hunter Biden investiga- Trump was impeached by ticular care needed to be taken Home Aff airs Minister Mikael The reopening of schools af- “does not constitute formal cember 23), a little less than a tion “is being handled responsi- the Democratic-led US House around older family members. Damberg told reporters. ter the Christmas and New Year co-operation with the abortion month before Biden is sworn in bly and professionally currently of Representatives in Decem- The government in neigh- “There is an obvious risk break will be postponed until from which the cells used in on January 20. within the department”, Barr told ber 2019 on charges of abuse of bouring Slovenia also an- that Danes will be tempted to January 10. production of the vaccines de- Trump announced Barr’s res- a news conference. power and obstruction of Con- nounced that restrictions on cross over to Sweden to shop The Vatican has urged Cath- rive”, it said. ignation after criticising him for Last week, Barr’s successor, gress stemming from his eff orts gatherings would be suspended for Christmas presents or spend olics to get vaccinated against The Vatican added that while not supporting his fraud claims. Deputy Attorney-General Jeff rey to pressure Ukraine to investigate from noon on December 24 until time in Malmo for instance,” he coronavirus and said it was vaccination “must be voluntary Barr declined to say if he Rosen, in a Reuters interview de- Joe Biden and Hunter Biden. 8pm on December 25. added. “morally acceptable” to take ... in the absence of other means thought Trump could pre-emp- clined to say if he would appoint Trump was acquitted by the Six adults from two house- Neighbouring Norway, Den- vaccines that use cell lines from to stop or even prevent the epi- tively pardon himself, which a special counsel to investigate Republican-led Senate in Febru- holds will be able to meet within mark and Finland have all im- aborted foetuses. demic, the common good may would eff ectively immunise him Hunter Biden or election issues, ary. that time window, and the ban posed travel restrictions at Cells derived from foetuses recommend vaccination, espe- from federal investigations after but said he would he would act Trump has privately been on travel within the country in times during the pandemic on aborted decades ago have been cially to protect the weakest and leaving offi ce. on any issues “on the basis of the mulling whether to pressure the force since November will also Sweden, which has seen a much used by some researchers racing most exposed”. The US courts have not re- law and the facts”. Justice Department to appoint be temporarily lifted. higher death toll than the rest of to fi nd a vaccine against corona- Those who refuse to use vac- solved if a president as a legal In May 2019, Barr tapped fed- a special counsel to look in to Meanwhile, the Czech Re- the Nordics. virus. cines “must do their utmost to right to do this, as no president eral prosecutor John Durham to Hunter Biden, according to a public government will debate Luxembourg will join its The Vatican acknowledged avoid” spreading infection, it has yet attempted a self-pardon. investigate Obama-era intelli- person familiar with the matter, tomorrow whether to tighten neighbours in reinforcing virus that the issue was a cause of added. State and federal election offi - gence and law enforcement of- Reuters reported earlier. Gulf Times Tuesday, December 22, 2020 9 INDIA

Railways in talks with govt for transportation of Covid vaccine

IANS for transporting the vaccine, it cussing the possibilities”, to a express trains. The vans have a traffi c. It was procured through were procured through Con- The railways has also given New Delhi will be announced. question over the transportation capacity to carry fi ve tonnes of Rail Coach Factory Kapurthala. cor for movement of fruits and approval to the Central Railside He said that there are several of Covid vaccines in railways’ re- frozen items and an additional The Indian Railways currently vegetables to different parts of Warehousing Corp (CRWC) “technical issues” with implica- frigerated vans. capacity of 12 tonnes for perish- has a fl eet of nine such refriger- the country. to develop temperature-con- ven as the trials of sev- tions as to the temperature re- He further said that as of now able cargo like fruit and vegeta- ated vans and they can be booked The temperature-controlled trolled storages at Fatuha and eral Covid vaccines are in quired for the transportation of “no decision” has been taken. bles. on a round-trip basis. perishable cargo centres were Mancheswar. Cold storage fa- Eprogress, the Indian Rail- the vaccine and others. “We are in continuous touch In August this year, the Indian According to railways, the commissioned at Ghazipur cility has also been developed ways is in talks with the govern- “And these points are being with several ministries for the Railways started Kisan Special Kisan Rail train with frozen Ghat in Uttar Pradesh, New at Dadri in Uttar Pradesh. ment over the transportation of discussed. transportation of Covid vac- Parcel Trains to transport per- containers is expected to build Azadpur in New Delhi, and Raja The Fresh and Healthy En- the vaccine through its refriger- So once the decision is taken, cines,” Yadav had said. ishable goods, a promise made in a seamless national cold supply ka Talab again in UP, as a pilot terprise Ltd (FHEL) has been ated wagons, however, no fi nal we will update everyone,” the of- The national transporter op- the Union Budget 2020-21. chain for perishables, inclusive project under the Kisan Vision redeveloped as the Agriculture decision has been taken on the fi cial added. erates several refrigerated vans The Railways has developed a of fish, meat and milk. Project by Concor through a Logistic Centre at Rai in Har- same, offi cials said yesterday. On Friday, Railway Board for the transportation of perish- new design of refrigerated parcel Railways has 98 Reefer (Ven- CSR initiative while another yana’s Sonepat, which is Con- A senior railway ministry of- Chairman and CEO V KYadav able cargo like vegetables, fruits, vans with the carrying capacity tilated Insulated) rail contain- project is under construction cor’s 100% -owned subsidiary, fi cial, wishing anonymity, said had said “We are in talks with dairy products, fi sh and meat of 17 tonnes for the transporta- ers with a carrying capacity of at Lasalgaon in Maharashtra’s developed on land measuring that once the decision is taken the government and we are dis- attached in several of its mail or tion of highly perishable parcel 12 tonnes per container which Nasik. 16.40 acres.

Kerala to hold special assembly session for resolution Farmers pledge to carry on against farm laws

IANS Thiruvananthapuram

o take the fi ght into protests despite cold, deaths the enemy camp, a Tspecial one-day ses- Reuters sion will be held tomorrow to New Delhi pass a resolution against the Farm Laws introduced by the Narendra Modi government ens of thousands of In- at the Centre. dian farmers, protesting Kerala Governor Arif Mo- Tover agricultural laws hamed Khan yesterday gave that they say threaten their live- the nod for convening a spe- lihoods, have vowed to carry cial session after the Pinarayi on their around-the-clock sit- Vijayan government sent a ins despite cold weather that request for convening a spe- has already led to some deaths cial one-day session for this. among them. In the 140-member Kerala Farmers from the northern Assembly, the BJP has a lone states of Punjab, Haryana and member in O.Rajagopal and Uttar Pradesh and the desert hence the question of the as- state of Rajasthan have camped sembly passing a unanimous on key national highways for resolution is most unlikely. weeks demanding a repeal of The special session is be- the laws, withstanding temper- ing convened for one hour atures dropping to 2-3 degree and only the party leaders Celsius. representing the various par- The farmers, including a large ties will speak and at the end number of older people, said the resolution will be passed. they would endure the bitter Already Chief Minister Pi- winter sweeping northern In- narayi Vijayan has sounded dia, including the capital New that Kerala will seek legal Delhi, to force Prime Minister recourse and the special ses- Narendra Modi’s administration Farmers display placards as they continue to demonstrate against the central government’s recent Congress party activists and supporters take part in a demonstration sion is seen as the fi rst step to to rescind the laws introduced agricultural reforms blocking a highway at the Delhi-Haryana state border in Singhu, yesterday. to protest against the central government’s recent agricultural reforms that. in September. in New Delhi, yesterday. The Bills — the Farmer’s “It’s very diffi cult to camp out we will.” Since late November, farmers said. About ten people ment take back the laws soon,” Produce Trade and Com- in this weather, but we aren’t when thousands of farmers have been killed in road ac- Paagh Singh, 76, said, wrapped turned into a sea of small tents “I don’t care how cold it merce (Promotion and Fa- scared,” said Balbir Singh, an arrived in trucks and tractors cidents near the protest sites, in a blue blanket. “It’s a de- and tarpaulin-covered tractor gets,” said farmer Surminder cilitation) Bill, 2020, and octogenarian from the Patiala to camp out on the borders of they said. mocracy, and he (Modi) has to trolleys. Singh. “I’m neither scared the Farmers (Empowerment district of Punjab. “We won’t New Delhi, nearly 30 people “We don’t want more peo- listen to us.” But some demonstrators of the cold nor of Modi. Our and Protection) Agreement go back until our demands are have died, several of them as ple to die in this protest, and As temperatures dropped, have to spend the night sleep- struggle will continue until the of Price Assurance and Farm met. Even if we have to die here, a result of freezing weather, I hope Modi and his govern- one of the main protest sites ing in the open air. laws are withdrawn.” Services Bill, 2020 — were passed by both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, Incidentally Kerala in January this year became Glamour the first state in the country India suspends UK BJP lawmaker to to file a suit in the Supreme Court against the Citizen- ship Amendment Act fl ights over fears of serve divorce notice (CAA) 2019. new virus strain as wife joins TMC

Reuters spread to other places, then we IANS ly the president of Bharatiya Mumbai will consider it,” Civil Aviation Kolkata Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM) Congress Minister Hardeep Singh Puri told and Member of Parliament Reuters partner ANI, outlining (MP) from Bishnupur Lok ndia said yesterday it would the possibility of extending the ithin a few hours Sabha constituency in West veteran suspend fl ights from the ban to more countries. of his wife Su- Bengal. IUnited Kingdom until the India has recorded the Wjata Mondal Khan “I give you the freedom end of the year over fears of a world’s second highest number joining Trinamool Congress and I request you to kindly Vora dies new strain of the coronavirus. of infections, breaching the yesterday, Bharatiya Janata remove my surname from Separately local media report- 10mn case milestone over the Party (BJP) MP from Bish- your name,” he said. ed the government was readying weekend. More than 145,000 nupur in Bankura district In a major blow to the IANS its fi rst deal to buy 50mn Cov- people have died from Cov- Saumitra Khan said that he BJP, West Bengal’s ruling New Delhi id-19 shots, while India’s worst- id-19 in India, and the govern- would send a divorce notice Trinamool Congress wooed aff ected state of Maharashtra ment says it is getting ready to to her. back Soumitra Khan’s wife said it would impose an 11pm- vaccinate its citizens starting He termed Sujata’s move Sujata Mondal Khan to its day after celebrating 6am curfew in major cities until next month. as a “big mistake”. fold. Sujata joined the Tri- his 93rd birthday, vet- early January. CNBC-TV18 news channel, Khan broke down in tears namool Congress yesterday Aeran Congress leader and India’s fl ight ban will come citing unnamed sources, said at the press conference and in presence of veteran Tri- former Madhya Pradesh Chief into eff ect tomorrow and all pas- the government would soon said: “They cut your power namool Congress Lok Sab- Minister Motilal Vora passed sengers arriving from Britain be- place an order for 50mn doses supply, they gave you life ha MP Saugata Roy and the away yesterday afternoon. He fore then will be tested on arrival of the Oxford/AstraZeneca threats. Your job was taken party’s spokesperson Kunal was 93. at airports, the aviation ministry vaccine with local manufac- away by Mamata Banerjee or Ghosh. Vora breathed his last at the said on Twitter. turer Serum Institute of India Abhishek Banerjee. At that “BJP has given me all rec- Fortis hospital here, where he Maharashtra, home to India’s (SII). A spokesman for SII, the point, I kept my promise and ognition and I am obliged had been admitted since Decem- fi nancial capital Mumbai, said it world’s largest manufacturer of transferred 50% of my salary for that. You were my wife ber 19 with complaints of dysp- would mandate 14 days of insti- vaccines by volume, declined to your account every month and I admit that you cam- noea or shortness of breath with tutional quarantine for all travel- comment. so that you don’t have to ask paigned for me in the past. altered sensorium and hypoten- lers arriving from Europe and the A spokeswoman for India’s for it. Now you have joined But at the same time it is sion (low blood pressure). Middle East, the chief minister’s federal health ministry did not Bollywood actress Ananya Pandey leaves a meeting in hands with those who had also true that I wouldn’t He was admitted under criti- offi ce said. “If we receive infor- immediately respond to ques- Mumbai, yesterday. harmed you in past.” have won the seat without cal care cardiologist Dr Sameer mation that the new strain has tions from Reuters. Soumitra Khan is current- BJP’s name,” Khan said. Srivastava. Yesterday morning, he complained of hypotension and hypoxaemia, after which he was intubated. He experienced a septic shock thereafter and was declared dead Bengal govt spent Rs202bn on development works: Mamata at 3.52pm. His son Arun Lal Vora, a MLA from Chhattisgarh, tweeted: IANS and benefi ts, received enormous and availed the services at these mand for such schemes at the care scheme), nearly 27.13 lakh counter the saff ron party’s rise “One of the strongest trees of Kolkata response across the state. camps. All bureaucrats, nodal camps, we have decided to re- (2.713mn) applications out of 42 in Bengal. the Congress family and a jewel Banerjee’s remark came just a offi cers and volunteers are work- lease an additional Rs8,700 lakh (4.2mn) applications have Banerjee announced that of the country’s politics, the day after Shah launched a scath- ing day in and day out. About crore (Rs87bn) over the next one been approved so far. she will hold a rally in Bolpur body of my revered father will day after Union Home ing attack on the Trinamool 1.12 crore (11.2mn) people have month,” she added. Banerjee The Duare Sarkar programme on December 29 and then go to be kept at his Delhi residence Minister Amit Shah con- Congress-led state government. attended 11,056 camps so far till said that the state government started on December 1 and will Birbhum district for an admin- from 6pm to 8pm for paying Acluded his two-day visit, The CM said that in just two December 20,” she said. would leave no stone unturned continue till January 25. “It is istrative meeting. “I will also last tributes.” West Bengal Chief Minister weeks, over one crore people The CM said that the state in ensuring that the people of a new model in India and the hold a rally on December 29,” the Vora, one of the tallest lead- Mamata Banerjee said yesterday across Bengal have enthusiasti- government spent Rs20,212 Bengal are able to get the ben- world,” she said. CM said, adding that the Union ers of the Congress, held sever- that her ‘Duare Sarkar’ campaign cally visited more than 10,000 crore (Rs202.12bn) in 2020-21 on efi ts of government services According to BJP sources, Home Minister spoke “a garbage al key positions, including the (door-to-door government), Duare Sarkar camps. development expenditure apart that they are eligible for, right Banerjee’s attempt to shower of lies yesterday” during a press Madhya Pradesh Chief Minis- envisioned to ensure doorstep “I would also like to thank from the benefi ciary schemes. at their doorstep. She said that doles ahead of the crucial state conference. She called the BJP a ter and Governor of delivery of government services every participant who visited “After witnessing the de- for the Swasthya Sathi (health- Assembly polls is targeted to ‘cheatingbaaz’ party. Uttar Pradesh. Gulf Times 10 Tuesday, December 22, 2020 COMMENT

CHAIRMAN Abdullah bin Khalifa al-Attiyah EDITOR-IN-CHIEF The Covid-19 pandemic’s Faisal Abdulhameed al-Mudahka Deputy Managing Editor K T Chacko P.O.Box 2888, Doha, Qatar long economic shadow [email protected] 44350478 (News), By Stephen S. Roach 44466404 (Sport), New Haven 44466636 (Home delivery) he outlook for economic and 44350474 fi nancial markets hinges on the facebook.com/gulftimes interplay between two cycles T– the Covid-19 cycle and the twitter.com/gulftimes_Qatar business cycle. Notwithstanding the true miracles of modern science that we are now witnessing, the post-pandemic economy is in need of more than just a vaccine. Extraordinary damage was GULF TIMES done by last spring’s lockdown. Now, a second and more horrifi c wave of the coronavirus is at hand – not dissimilar to the course of the 1918-20 infl uenza outbreak. Will international In the United States, the adverse economic repercussions are evident in mounting jobless claims in early December and a sharp decline in cricket’s bubble retail sales in November. With partial lockdowns now in place in about three-quarters of US states, a decline in economic activity in early 2021 seems burst in 2021? likely. The history of the US business cycle warned us of the possibility of a double International cricket found a way through this year’s dip. Eight of the last 11 recessions coronavirus pandemic but the strain of ‘bubble life’ was featured just such a pattern. Yet the fourteenth century – each with The interplay between the short-term of policy mistakes made in the late evident by the end of 2020. fi nancial markets still made a big bet death counts in excess of 100,000 dynamics of the US business cycle and 1960s and early 1970s, when overly The women’s Twenty20 World Cup, won by Australia in on a V-shaped recovery. Investors were – highlights the long shadow of the the longer-term pattern of the Covid-19 accommodative monetary policy set lulled into a false sense of complacency economic carnage. Real rates of return cycle bears critically on the current the stage for a wrenching and lasting front of a Melbourne crowd of more than 86,000 on March by reading too much into the dead- on “safe” European assets – a measure policy debate. Yet hope is widespread acceleration of infl ation. How diff erent 8, escaped the ravages of Covid-19 but the men’s game soon count bounce of a 33% annualised surge of the interplay between aggregate that this time is diff erent – that creative is today’s seemingly enlightened ground to a halt during an Australia-New Zealand series. in real GDP in the third quarter, as initial supply and demand – were found to be new policy strategies can off er new penchant for open-ended quantitative In a perfect summary of the topsy-turvy cricket year, India lockdowns were lifted. But reopening depressed for several decades following solutions to old economic problems. easing? eventually went to Australia and were bowled out for 36 in a after a sudden stop hardly qualifi es as a these earlier horrifi c outbreaks. That is certainly true of so-called The confl uence of the pandemic cycle self-sustaining economic recovery. It is The long shadow of the Covid-19 Modern Monetary Theory, which and the business cycle – the second humiliating fi rst Test defeat. more like a fatigued swimmer gasping cycle looms as well. Lost in the supposedly gives fi scal authorities wave of Covid-19 and a double-dip After the March lockdown, international cricket, sustained for air after a deep dive. celebration of an imminent V-shaped open-ended license to binge on debt. in the US economy – has left US by the broadcast income from tours and tournaments, did The source of the coming economic economic recovery have been many But MMT is neither modern nor a policymakers with little choice but to not resume again until the England-West Indies Test series in relapse hardly comes as a surprise. hints of lasting damage. In the US, theory. What is new is something far approve another relief package, this July. It is the echo eff ect of the first wave employment is still 9.8mn jobs below more basic: the supposed death of time for $900bn. Never mind, argues That month also saw the International Cricket Council of Covid-19. Despite extraordinary its pre-pandemic peak, and consumer infl ation. As long as infl ation remains MMT, if that puts US federal debt on the breakthroughs in vaccines, therapeutics, expenditures on services – restrained subdued, goes the argument, then both cusp of exceeding the previous record announce it was postponing this year’s men’s World and treatment protocols, the second by persistent and understandable fears monetary and fi scal authorities can of 108% of GDP, reached in 1946, in the Twenty20 in Australia until 2022. wave is far worse than the fi rst in terms of face-to-face interaction – have ignore the risks of higher borrowing immediate aftermath of World War II. The England-West Indies series, played at the ‘bio-secure’ of infection, hospitalisation, and death recouped only 66% of the plunge that costs and work in tandem in providing Yet back then, the mounting debt venues of Southampton and Manchester, established a rates. While the new restrictions on occurred during the March-April relief for a pandemic-stricken real overhang was fi nessed by a refl ationary template for cricket amid the pandemic and spared the economic activity are not as tight lockdown. economy. surge in GDP, which caused the debt- as those last April, they are already Moreover, a second wave But nothing in economics is forever to-GDP ratio to plummet to 47% by England and Wales Cricket Board, one of the wealthier having an adverse impact on aggregate of partial lockdowns will only – not even the death of infl ation. Here 1957. “All” it took was a 6.4% average national governing bodies, from a crippling fi nancial hit. economic activity. The double dip of reinforce dislocations that are now is where it gets especially tricky. US consumer infl ation rate from 1946 to But the ECB still early 2021 will be a painful reminder painfully evident in most major infl ation is hardly immune to further 1951. Maybe that is all it will take this postponed its new of the lingering vulnerability of the US US cities, including excess offi ce dollar depreciation, which seems time as well. But what might that spell The England- domestic Hundred business cycle in the aftermath of a and public-transit capacity, along increasingly likely, given a sharp for interest rates, debt service, and tournament, a 100 balls major recessionary shock. with the devastation of hospitality, deterioration in the US current-account incredibly frothy fi nancial markets? West Indies series The longer-term consequences of entertainment, and retail businesses. defi cit, the strengthening of the euro, Don’t look to MMT for an easy answer. per side competition the Covid-19 cycle are likely to be more The permanent destruction to aggregate and the weak-dollar bias of a Federal – Project Syndicate established a for men and women, severe. While mass vaccination points supply and demand, in conjunction Reserve that remains wedded to zero- while announcing 62 to an end to the pandemic itself (one with fundamental shifts in behavioural interest rates. Supply-chain disruptions O Stephen S. Roach, a faculty member template for redundancies and pay hopes by late 2021), it does not provide norms, aligns the long-shadow contour – reversing the powerful disinfl ationary at Yale University and former chairman cuts for players. immunity against lasting economic of the Covid-19 cycle with comparable forces of globalisation – should also of Morgan Stanley Asia, is the author cricket amid the damage. Recent research on the impact patterns in the aftermath of earlier boost underlying infl ation. And, of of Unbalanced: The Codependency of The ECB also forecast a of 19 major pandemics dating back to major pandemics. course, there are painful memories America and China. pandemic loss of more than $135mn this year, potentially rising to $270mn in 2021. West Indies won the fi rst Test but lost the series. Together with Pakistan, another of world cricket’s fi nancially poorer leading sides, the West Indies spent much Can Americans forgive one another? of 2020 on the road, the two teams travelling to both England and New Zealand. West Indies captain Jason Holder, who played in another By Martha Minow President Richard Nixon explored bubble during a lucrative Indian Premier League moved to Cambridge the possibility of pardoning himself over the Watergate scandal, his own the on health grounds, articulated the Justice Department opined that the stresses of cricket in confi nement. s someone who often writes presidential pardon power does not “Going from bubble to bubble, being isolated in a room, about law and forgiveness, extend that far – a position that has sometimes the room just gets smaller and smaller by the I have been receiving many not been revised since. second,” said Holder following the second of West Indies’ two Aqueries lately. Should Presi- Most important, a self-pardon would dent-elect Joe Biden pardon President vitiate the rule of law, understood as the innings defeats in New Zealand earlier this month. Donald Trump? Should pandemic-era commitment to restrict the arbitrary Meanwhile England’s Tom Banton and Tom Curran both debts be forgiven? Should the United exercise of power with well-defi ned withdrew from Australia’s Big Bash League after citing bubble States establish a truth and recon- and established rules. The rule of fatigue. ciliation commission to heal national law calls for laws to be promulgated December saw England abandon their tour of divisions? publicly, enforced equally, and judged after breaches of their hotel bubble. These questions do not have obvious independently. If Trump were to issue a answers, especially when such diffi cult self-pardon, the distrust that has been Michael Vaughan branded the decision “alarming”, with times still lie ahead. But wrestling with eroding US institutions would surge to the former England captain writing in the Daily Telegraph: “I them may yield valuable guidance for new heights. worry that in future it will only be the rich nations that can the near term and beyond. The second thing that should not put on cricket in bio-secure bubbles.” Let’s start with the basics: In addition the right have been appealing even more investigate Trump and, if warranted, happen is a further outpouring of But Judge Zak Yacoob, the interim board chairman of to surging Covid-19 infections and openly to white resentment, stoking prosecute him for potential federal scorn toward others. This will not be the pandemic’s attendant economic fears about race and crime. crimes? Should the country – or local easy. Whatever one’s political beliefs, Cricket South Africa, criticised “an awkward narrative hardships, the US is seething with These cynical politicians are right communities – pursue a South- we are all capable of contempt for coming out that third-world countries can’t manage these resentment and division. Donald about one thing: Americans are Africa-style truth-and-reconciliation other viewpoints. But insisting on the things properly”. Trump, the lame-duck president, bitterly divided. But this fact raises process to hear grievances and exclusive rightness of one’s own views As 2021 approaches there are fears whether international openly speculates about pardoning a diffi cult question. How can we talk responses? Or should the events of is antithetical to freedom and can lead cricket will be able to sustain itself if the pandemic situation himself, and has raised vast sums of about forgiveness and healing when the recent past be put aside so that to suppression and violence. continues. money on the false claim that Biden we don’t know who should be doing we can focus squarely on managing To be sure, allowing for the possibility owes his victory to widespread electoral the forgiving, or what others should be the pandemic, delivering vaccines, that I could be wrong may feel like an A new strain of the virus that emerged in Britain has fraud. Already, people have sent the forgiven for? We cannot agree about and addressing economic dislocation unthinkable sacrifi ce of freedom. It may complicated the situation with most countries shutting Trump campaign more than $200mn to what is wrong, or who did what. We – not to mention longer-term seem like too much to ask in the face fl ights to the country. fund his eff ort to overturn the election don’t even agree about who counts as challenges such as criminal-justice of so much that I see as clearly wrong. If that strain fi nds its way to other countries it could well result. “we.” reform and climate change? But the US federal judge and legal lead to more shutdowns and disruptions. And yet, neither 50-plus lawsuits Indeed, the belief that we are divided To simplify the choice before us, it philosopher Learned Hand put it well nor investigations by Trump’s own is perhaps one of the few things that should now be clear that resolving the when he argued in 1944 that liberty is Cricket players and fans, meanwhile, can only wait and Department of Justice have produced Americans still have in common. We all immediate health and economic crisis not “freedom to do as one likes,” for that watch. evidence to challenge Biden’s triumph. know in our hearts that we are on the comes fi rst. In the meantime, there leads straight to society’s overthrow. The responses from judges hearing right side, and that those on the other are at least two things that should not Instead, he explained: these cases – even those who were side are wrong, and we resent them happen. “The spirit of liberty is the spirit To Advertise appointed by Trump – have been mostly for it. Nelson Mandela, who waged a First, Trump should not pardon which is not too sure that it is right; scathing. At the same time, ordinary lifelong struggle against apartheid and himself. The US Constitution’s the spirit of liberty is the spirit which [email protected] Americans, including many who helped oversaw its peaceful end, knew better. presidential pardon power is notably seeks to understand the minds of other Display to administer the November election, “Resentment,” he said, “is like drinking broad, but it makes an explicit men and women; the spirit of liberty is are growing increasingly frightened by a poison and then hoping it will kill your exception for “cases of impeachment,” the spirit which weighs their interests 44466621 44418811 threats of violence. enemies.” and it applies to only federal (not state alongside its own without bias; the Managing a peaceful transfer of Whatever happens next in the US or local) crimes. The Constitution also spirit of liberty remembers that not Classified power is only the start of the challenges will depend on which priority wins obliges the president to “take Care that even a sparrow falls to earth unheeded.” 44466609 44418811 facing the US. Although this summer’s out in the coming months. While the Laws be faithfully executed,” which If Americans genuinely care about protests against police violence – many are issuing righteous demands is hardly compatible with the legal liberty, they will have to disarm enough Subscription ignited by the deaths of Breonna for justice, others would prefer to immunity that a self-pardon would to disagree with civility, if not yet to Taylor, George Floyd, and many other start mending societal fissures, while entail. render justice. – Project Syndicate [email protected] African-Americans – have quieted with still others want to focus on righting For hundreds of years, it has been the arrival of winter, the demands for the ship of state. These options an axiom of justice that “no man O Martha Minow, University justice and reform have grown more cannot all be pursued at the same should be judge in his own case” Professor at Harvard University, is a © 2020 Gulf Times. All rights reserved persistent. Meanwhile, politicians on time. Should the Biden administration (“nemo judex in causa sua”). When former dean of Harvard Law School. Gulf Times Tuesday, December 22, 2020 11 PAKISTAN Authorities plan study of nation’s PIA relocating head ocean waters

Internews Aslam said the “blue” econ- Islamabad omy is an emerging popular concept which encompasses offi ces to Islamabad around protecting the oceans he government of Paki- and sustainable use of natural Internews departments will be relocated by sage facility) is being rationalised The fast track accountabil- ployees will be mandatorily re- stan and World Bank will resources, including water for Rawalpindi the end of March, and the engi- to extend the same facility to all ity includes initial/completion of tired based on performance, dis- Tconduct a three-month sustainable growth and devel- neering department by the end of classes of employee. departmental investigations and cipline, and value addition. study on Pakistan’s ocean wa- opment. June 2021. The number of tickets au- inquiries, aggressive perusal of Mandatorily-retired employ- ters for assessment of carbons The blue economy concept he head offi ces of Paki- The human resource cost of thorised to employees is being legal cases in court and speeding ees will not be off ered VSS finan- sequestered by the country’s also supports the sustainable stan International Airlines the PIA is Rs24.8bn a year, which reduced as these contribute to up investigations at the National cial packages or medical/passage ocean waters and mangrove usage of ocean resources for T(PIA), including the fl ight will be reduced under the re- indirect expenses in terms of fuel Accountability Bureau (NAB) and facilities post-retirement. forests, said Special Assist- economic growth, social inclu- services division, commercial structuring plan. cost. the Federal Investigation Agency PIA Offi cers Association gen- ant to the Prime Minister on sion, and the preservation of department, and human re- The PIA management is also The PIA had on December 7 (FIA). eral secretary Safdar Anjum has Climate Change Malik Amin livelihood. source divisions, will be shifted considering introducing “Sehat launched a Voluntary Separation Eff orts are being made to let alleged that the airline manage- Aslam. At the same time, it ensures from Karachi to Islamabad by the Card” (government heath card Scheme (VSS) to get cut 3,500 the employees go in a dignifi ed ment had leaked the restruc- Talking to media, he said that environmental sustainability end of January as part of the re- facility) for employees, discon- employees and achieve the 1:250 manner, with a good fi nancial turing plan with an intention to a blueprint had been planned of the oceans and coastal areas structuring plan of the national tinuing the present model of (250 staff per aircraft) ratio, and package. create panic and fear among the to assess the economic value of as well as promotion of envi- fl ag carrier. medical facility which, it be- set a deadline of December 22 for According to the restructuring employees, so that they avail of millions of tonnes of carbons ronmental-friendly activities, The airline’s other operations, lieves, is a huge fi nancial burden the scheme. plan, if the separation of the re- the VSS. stored in the country’s ocean including renewable energy, including fl ight scheduling and on the airline. The deadline for the Manda- quired number of 3,500 employ- “Since the VSS scheme had waters and mangroves. fi sheries, maritime transport, medical division, corporate de- It said that if the “Sehat Card” tory Separation Scheme (MSS), ees was not met through the VSS, been introduced, only 650 em- “The study will help identify coastal tourism, waste man- velopment department, works option could not be materialised, which is based on performance the MSS will be launched soon ployees have applied so far,” he the scale of Pakistan’s ocean agement and climate change division, and supply chain man- then either government hospitals and discipline, is January 2021. after. tweeted. waters’ carbon storage poten- risk management. agement, will be shifted to the would be taken on panels instead The deadline for separat- All departments/categories Anjum said that all the em- tial. It will also help weigh up The coastal ecosystems of federal capital by the end of Feb- of expensive private hospitals, ing non-core functions and fast of PIA employees will be ration- ployees who had been transferred the amount of carbon storage mangroves, tidal marshes and ruary. or nominal medical encashment track across-the-board account- alised to achieve the required from Karachi to Islamabad are capacity of the country’s en- sea grass meadows provide The PIA’s internal audit, cor- would be made part of salaries. ability has been set for March number of 3,500 employees. facing diffi culties getting accom- tire ocean ecosystem as well as plenty of benefi ts and environ- porate secretariat, and fi nance The air tickets scheme (pas- 2021. According to plan, excess em- modation and other facilities. the carbons stored so far in the mental services that are vital ocean waters and coastal man- for climate change adaptation grove forests.” along coastlines, including Punjab chief Aslam added: “We believe protection from storms and that so far the country’s ocean sea level-rise, coastal erosion, minister goes into waters have stored carbons coastal water quality contami- Pakistan signs $1.7bn debt relief deal self-isolation worth economic value estimat- nation, provision of habitat for ed to be billions of dollars.” commercially important fi sh- Punjab Chief Minister Usman The adviser said that the eries and endangered marine AFP Buzdar is self-isolating on country’s seabed territory ex- species and food security for Islamabad doctor’s advice after feeling panded by around 50,000sq km many coastal communities. unwell, his media team confirmed in year 2015, after a UN body “These vital ecosystems se- yesterday. accepted Islamabad’s claim for quester and store signifi cant akistan has secured a Buzdar is self-isolating in the extension of sea limits. amounts of coastal blue car- $1.7bn debt relief agree- Chief Minister House, said a “On March 19, 2015, the bon from the atmosphere and Pment to help off set the statement issued by the media United Nations’ Commission ocean,” Aslam said. “These fi nancial headwinds sparked by team. on Limits of Continental Shelf coastal ecosystems are now the coronavirus pandemic, of- “Buzdar has suspended all his (UNCLCS) completed its re- considered of unprecedented fi cials said yesterday. work engagements, and has been view and accepted Pakistan’s importance for their role in cli- The deal, following months of advised by his doctors to rest,” claim for extension of its con- mate change mitigation.” negotiations with creditors, will they tweeted. tinental shelf limits, extending He lamented that despite provide a moratorium on debt As per the statement, the chief Pakistan’s sea limits from 200 numerous benefi ts and serv- payments for large swathes of minister has been self-isolating nautical miles to 350 nautical ices, coastal blue carbon the current fi scal year and help after being diagnosed with miles,” he said. ecosystems are some of the ease the cash-strapped coun- Covid-19, the respiratory disease Following the acceptance of most threatened ecosystems try’s massive fi nancial obliga- caused by the coronavirus. the claim, Pakistan’s off shore on Earth, with an estimated tions. However, at the time of filing the territory of 240,000sq km ex- 980,000 hectares being eroded “The government of Pakistan report, no off icial confirmation panded by another 50,000sq annually. has successfully negotiated and came from the Punjab km, allowing the country to Mangroves provided at least concluded rescheduling agree- government about Buzdar benefi t from the natural re- $1.6bn annually in ecosystem ments with 19 bilateral credi- testing positive for Covid-19. sources contained in the ex- services, which consisted of tors, including members of the He had chaired many meetings in panded area. supporting fi sheries by provid- Paris club,” the country’s min- the past week. The blue carbon ecosystem ing critical spawning grounds istry of economic aff airs said in It is worth mentioning that many and carbon storage assessment for commercial fi sh species. a statement. politicians, including Pakistan strategy prepared for imple- They also fi lter pollut- The ministry went on to de- Peoples Party (PPP) chairman mentation soon will help capi- ants and contaminants from scribe the deal as “timely” that Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, Saeed talise on the carbon storage po- coastal waters and contribute will help save the “lives and Ghani, the Pakistan Tehreek-e- tential of the increased ocean to healthy coastal marine wa- livelihoods of millions”. Insaf (PTI)’s Asad Umar, Sindh belt as well as the country’s ter quality besides protecting Pakistan’s economy was al- Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah and mangrove cover, which would coastal communities against ready on life support before of- others have been infected with be applied at industrial scale. storms, fl oods and erosion. fi cials began shuttering large the virus. segments of the economy in the As per the National Command spring as a range of lockdown and Operation Centre (NCOC) 21 politicians under serious threat to measures were rolled out to fi ght Ministry of Economic Aff airs Secretary Noor Ahmed and Yves Manville, deputy head of mission of the statistics, the pandemic has the spread of the coronavirus. French embassy, exchange agreement copies of the G20 Debt Service Suspension Initiative (DSSI), in claimed 62 lives in past 24 hours. their lives, says interior minister Prime Minister Imran Khan Islamabad. During the aforementioned has repeatedly called for debt period, 1,792 new infections were Interior Minister Sheikh Rasheed has revealed that Jamiat Ulema- forgiveness from international poorest countries in 2020, as impact of the coronavirus pan- Beijing has been stead- reported across the country. e-Islam – Fazlur (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman and 20 other donors as tax revenues cratered, sweeping virus lockdowns up- demic. ily pouring cash into Pakistan, The total count of active cases is political leaders have serious life threats, local media reported. infl ation soared, the currency turned the global economy. To add to the country’s woes, investing more than $50bn as 40,491, and the positivity rate is The minister added that all the politicians have been alerted was devalued, and fi scal defi cits In June, Pakistan was named Pakistan has also been facing part of the China-Pakistan Eco- recorded as 5.15%. regarding the development. widened. as one of a handful of countries questions about the amount of nomic Corridor (CPEC) that has With the fresh inclusion of the Addressing a press briefing in Islamabad yesterday, he said: “More Earlier this year the G20 and to secure a moratorium on debt debt it has taken on in recent upgraded infrastructure, power infections in the country, the than 20 political leaders, including those from the opposition have the Paris Club agreed to waive repayments from the Paris Club years through Chinese-fi nanced and transport links across the national tally of cases now serious life threats.” debt payments for the world’s in an eff ort to ease the economic infrastructure projects. country. currently stands at 458,968. The interior minister also said that Rehman’s fight against the government is for his own personal gain. “The ultimate loss of this movement will be to Fazlur Rehman,” Rasheed remarked. He repeated his claim that the opposition parties allied under the banner of the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) will take part Election commission breaks silence over Senate polls in the upcoming Senate polls.

Internews Senate elections in the last few tions is the commission’s consti- Democratic Movement (PDM) to organise the polls. Islamabad days. tutional and legal responsibility plan to delay elections by resign- The process is spread over dif- Security forces foil a major sabotage In a brief statement issued under articles 218 (3) and 224 (3) ing from the federal and provin- ferent phases and takes about a plot in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa district yesterday afternoon, the ECP of the Constitution and Section cial assemblies. month to conclude. he Election Commission said the various statements cre- 107 of the Election Act 2017. Elections cannot be held more During the last election in Security forces have foiled a major sabotage plot in Bajaur, after of Pakistan (ECP) has fi - ated ambiguity. On December 15, the federal than a month before the outgoing 2018, the ECP issued schedule launching a successful operation yesterday on a tip-off about Tnally made a statement re- Till now, the commission had government decided to hold Sen- senators’ term ends, nor can they on February 2, and elections were presence of militants in Barang Tehsil. garding the Senate elections and issued no statement, but now ate elections in February rather be delayed beyond the expiry of held on March 3 across four pro- According to the off icials, the security forces recovered two suicide the controversy surrounding the feels that there is a need to pro- than in March. such term. vincial assemblies. jackets that were intended for use in Peshawar and Rawalpindi. date for the elections. vide legal and constitutional The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf The poll schedule is issued by A separate schedule was issued In the last few days, security forces have conducted successful The ECP said that various clarity over the matter. (PTI) government’s bid to pre- the ECP every three years. for the election of two senators operations in Bajaur district, killing several commanders of banned speculations had been made in The ECP has now clarifi ed that pone Senate polls was because Under the election law, the by the National Assembly, span- militant outfits. the media over the conduct of the the conduct of the Senate elec- it wishes to upset the Pakistan commission is the sole authority ning 28 days.

Educational activities at seminaries suspended in northwest

The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) government has lockdown in several areas in Peshawar. Istanbul-Tehran-Islamabad train suspended all educational activities at madrassahs Meanwhile, the Sindh government has also closed all until further orders due to an increase in the seminaries across the province. coronavirus cases in the province. “The deputy commissioners and assistant KP Home Secretary Ikramullah Khan said the decision commissioners concerned, as well as personnel of likely to start operating next year was taken in the public’s larger interest. the law enforcement agencies not below the rank He appealed to ulema to co-operate with the of inspector of police or equivalent rank of other government until the pandemic is over. law enforcement agencies, are empowered under Internews Transport and Communications Ministers improve the transit route of the goods Any violators of the restriction will be penalised under Section 3(1) of the said acts to take legal action on an Karachi Meeting, which was held in Istanbul. from Istanbul to Islamabad. the relevant law. act contravention of this order issued thereunder,” a The trial run of the ITI train was During the trial, the freight train from Last week, the city administration imposed a smart notification issued by the Sindh home department said. launched in 2009 as a project under the Islamabad to Istanbul took nearly 13 days he Istanbul-Tehran-Islamabad ECO – a 10-member Asian trade bloc. to make the 6,500km journey. (ITI) train is expected to resume However, the rail route has so far only The journey duration was later reduced Drive-in movie theatre opens in Islamabad for one month Toperations next year after the key been used for test journeys. to 11.5 days. requirements for the revival of the service The railway line project has been spe- In comparison, the transport of goods To provide an entertainment facility to the citizens Shafqaat said that this new initiative has received a have been completed, local media has re- cifi cally designed to boost economic ties from European countries to Pakistan by during the coronavirus pandemic, Islamabad opened “massive response”. ported. between Istanbul, Tehran, and Islamabad. sea takes almost 45 days. a drive-in cinema last week at the Parade Ground “There has been a lot of distress and tension in the city. The ITI framework was launched in The ITI will also be benefi cial for Af- The train has a maximum capacity for adjacent to Islamabad Highway, local media reported. This is an idea, where we could provide some kind of 2009 and exists as a project under the Eco- ghanistan, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyr- twenty 40-feet containers. Jazz, in collaboration with the Capital Development relief to the people,” he said. nomic Co-operation Organisation (ECO). gyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and The rail route is spread over 2,600km in Authority (CDA) and Activemedia, set up the drive-in Movies will be screened in the evenings from Friday to The decision for service resumption was Uzbekistan. Iran, 1,950km in Turkey, and 1,990km in cinema for one month. Sunday, and will follow a weekly theme ranging from taken during the 10th edition of the ECO The railway line is intended to greatly Pakistan. The capital’s Deputy Commissioner Mohamed Hamza classics to action, sci-fi, fantasy, and animation. Gulf Times 12 Tuesday, December 22, 2020 QATAR ‘Smart City with Soul’ unveiled at Msheireb sheireb Properties has was attended by Msheireb Prop- where humanity and cultural is the new hub, off ering people a gather the community once revealed the new brand erties management and market- identity connect, giving soul to new way of living, working and more. Mcampaign of its fl agship ing team. the space around it, and ensuring entertaining,” al-Kuwari said. In the past, it was the place city Msheireb Downtown Doha, Aiming to reposition Msheireb a better quality of life to current Using smart technology, il- where people used to meet to wa- refl ecting the true essence of the Downtown Doha as a “Smart City and future generations. lustrations were projected on the ter their livestock and spend time smartest and most sustainable with Soul”, the tagline refl ects the “Msheireb Downtown Doha buildings showing how Msheireb together. city district in the world. main concept of the city of the represents the essence of Qa- Downtown Doha connects the Barahat Msheireb is the largest The new tagline, “Smart City future built with humanity and tar thanks to its position in the past with the future, with stories open-air covered square in the with Soul”, was unveiled in a spe- cultural identity at its core. memories and hearts of Qataris,” of older generations and Qatar Middle East, featuring the largest cial event at Barahat Msheireb at It will also enhance Msheireb Msheireb Properties acting chief cultural symbols that refl ect the retractable roof in the region. Msheireb Downtown Doha, and Downtown Doha as the place executive Engineer Ali al-Kuwari meaning of the campaign. It is the place to socialise, said. “We are proud to present The campaign strengthens meet, relax and enjoy an open such a modern city while pre- the city’s position as “Msheireb space. serving its architectural spirit, Downtown Doha is where tech- ‘Smart City with Soul’ aims to which represents a source of na- nology, heritage and cultural reposition Msheireb Downtown tional pride for everyone.” identity meet”. Doha and highlight the main fea- “Today, we are launching the It is built around three main tures of the city in terms of its new tagline ‘Smart City with hubs in the city: Al Kahraba architectural spirit, smart and Soul’, clearly refl ecting what Street, Barahat Msheireb, and- sustainable features, and the new Msheireb Downtown Doha is all Sikkat Wadi Msheireb. way of life it off ers residents and about, and sends a clear message Al Kahraba street at Msheireb visitors. that looking to the future doesn’t was the fi rst street to be powered Built with intelligence, sus- mean we overlook our history or by electricity, and is now reviv- tainability and cutting-edge traditions,” he added. ing this heritage by introducing technology, Msheireb Downtown Barahat Msheireb is the largest open-air covered “We are moving to a new phase the fi rst smart and sustainable Doha is the place where technol- square in the Middle East featuring the largest where Msheireb Downtown Doha district to cope with new tech- ogy, humanity and cultural iden- retractable roof in the region. has become a main part of the nology. tity connect, giving soul to the country’s major attractions and Sikkat Wadi Msheireb is now surrounding space and ensuring Right: Msheireb Downtown Doha, where technology, the beating heart of the capital. the soul of the city, where main a better quality of life today, and humanity and cultural identity connect. The smart and sustainable city activities are taking place to for future generations.

Jupiter and Saturn in National Museum of Qatar announces great conjunction collector car edition of Mal Lawal 3

Exhibition celebrates car arrival of the fi rst shipments of collectors in the wider cars into Qatar in the mid-1950s. community During this time, cars were mainly imported and acquired al Lawal 3 Cars, the with the intent to facilitate eve- classic cars edition of ryday life activities. Mthe Mal Lawal 3 exhibi- The excitement generated by tion, is showcasing a selection the new cars ultimately trans- of cars from two established lo- formed into a passion for collect- cal car collectors at the National ing cars. Museum of Qatar (NMoQ). People collect cars, among Mal Lawal is a platform that other reasons, to document and celebrates the art of collecting preserve pivotal moments in the and brings together private col- nation’s social history, evoke a lectors from Qatar to showcase sense of nostalgia, and establish their collectibles. a collection of exclusive classic The cars on display at the exhi- cars. bition, which opened on Decem- “When collecting, I always ber 17 and will run until August 1, take into consideration the ve- 2021, will be changed every three hicles’ relevance in documenting months. the history of transportation in “Mal Lawal has evolved into Qatar.” al-Mohannadi said. “I al- a platform that transcends mu- ways try to get to know the story seum walls to record local herit- behind each of the cars, all the ‘Mal Lawal 3 Cars’ presents the age, enhance collecting practic- previous owners, and their uses private collections of Salem es, and promote local collectors for the vehicles.” Saeed al-Mohannadi and Omar and their knowledge among the “I have a particular interest in Hussain Alfardan. wider community,” Qatar Muse- the history of the rare ones, es- ums (QM) chief executive Ahmad pecially those that have a distin- has expanded its programmes Musa al-Namla said in a press guished past with previous own- and will launch with the classic statement. “Ahead of Mal Lawal ers that include princes, sheikhs cars collectors exhibition in its 3, the QM is delighted to present and rulers,” he added. “When fi rst opening phase. a car exhibition showcasing two it comes to the Gulf and Arab In the fi rst quarter of 2021, the of Qatar’s most prominent col- world, or to prominent fi gures in NMoQ, together with a promi- lectors. society, particularly, those dating nent sponsor, will launch the “This collection provides fas- back to the beginning of the last second phase, providing a plat- Qatar skies yesterday witnessed the ‘great conjunction’ cinating insights into the coun- century, I always keep the cars in form to present the stories of 26 between the two gaseous giants in the solar system Jupiter try’s evolving history and passion their original condition without Qatari collectors. and Saturn. The angular distance between the two planets for cars.” changes to the body or colour.” “It is an honour to participate during the phenomenon is only six arc minutes, which is the Mal Lawal 3 Cars presents Mal Lawal, which means “of and attend the 3rd edition of Mal focus on the history, underlines who have invested in their intui- closest visible conjunction between them in the evening sky the private collections of Salem the past”, is an exhibition that, Lawal, one of the most extensive the evolution of car collectors in tion and their passion,” he added. in 794 years, Qatar Calendar House said. Qatar residents were Saeed al-Mohannadi and Omar since 2012, has showcased an exhibitions on Qatar heritage and the region.” “I hope that what we have built able to observe this rare conjunction with the naked eye above Hussain Alfardan. incredible range of local and re- collection,” said Alfardan. “This “Qatar has always been a will inspire generations to come the southwestern horizon after the sunset yesterday until The local passion for car col- gional collectors. year’s launch of the Classic Car breeding ground for great ideas and this exhibition gives us the 7.04pm Doha local time. PICTURE: Jayan Orma lecting can be traced back to the In its third edition, Mal Lawal programme, with its extensive carried out by courageous people opportunity to do so.” Qatar starts free vaccination tomorrow

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The MoPH’s Department of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Control had approved on Sunday the Pfi zer-BioNTech Covid-19 vaccine for emergency use. “The vaccine, which comes in two doses and is to be taken three weeks apart, has been proven safe and secure and passed all the necessary phases and proce- Dr Abdullatif al-Khal Dr Mariam Abdulmalik Dr Hamad al-Rumaihi dures,” Dr al-Khal reassured. Despite the speed at which the with a second and third wave in invited to attend an appointment ture that could last up to three vaccine has been developed and many countries, in Qatar the sit- at one of the seven designated days, if it happens. tested, it has still followed a strict uation is stable, with only around health centres,” she explained. “The Covid-19 vaccine has testing and approval process. 150 cases a day,” Dr al-khal said. Dr al-Rumaihi reiterated that been given to thousands of peo- “Several countries around “However, people should con- though the Covid-19 vaccination ple in the UK with very limited the world, including the United tinue abiding by the preventive is voluntary, the vulnerable cat- side eff ects other than the rare Kingdom, the United States and and precautionary measures,” he egories are advised to take it. cases with hypersensitivity,” he Canada, have already begun ad- cautioned. The widespread uptake of the said. “Since the appearance of ministering the Pfi zer-BioN- Dr Abdulmalik said the vac- vaccination throughout the pop- the novel coronavirus, it has had Tech Covid-19 vaccine,” he said. cine will be initially available at ulation is the best hope of ending at least three genetic mutations, “There are only very rare and mild Al Wajbah, Leabaib, Al Ruwais, the pandemic and life returning changing the way the disease side eff ects. I myself will take the Umm Slal, Rawdat Al Khail, to normal. spreads, but there is no evidence vaccine, and highly recommend Muaither, and Al Thumama pri- Dr al-Khal pointed out that that the vaccine would not be ef- that those targeted should also mary health centres. most of the reported side eff ects fective in such cases.” take it as soon as available.” “Patients who have been se- of the Covid-19 vaccine are mild, For more information, people The first shipment of Pfizer-BioNTech Covid-19 vaccine arrives in Qatar last night. (Picture from MoPH “Though the pandemic is still lected for vaccination will be such as headache, pain at the in- can call the Covid-19 helpline on Twitter) spreading and is active globally contacted by phone/SMS, and jection site, and mild tempera- 16000.