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FRIDAY-SATURDAY, JULY 30-31, 2021 / ZUL-HIJJAH 20-21, 1442 AH emergency number 112 NO. 17750 16 PAGES 150 FILS Kuwait, US discuss bolstering ties

Common vision

KUWAIT CITY, July 29, (Agencies): His Highness the Amir Sheikh Nawaf Al- Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah received Thursday visiting US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and the delegation accompanying him. The reception took place with the precence of His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al- Jaber Al-Sabah, as Blinken conveyed to His Highness the Amir greetings and appreciation of US President Joe Biden, as well as best wishes of prog- ress and prosperity for the Kuwaiti people. In turn, His Highness Sheikh Nawaf expressed utmost appreciation for the US President and the friendly American peo- ple, as both countries are celebrating 60 years of historic ties, as well as 30 years of Kuwait’s liberation. During the reception, also attended by Foreign Minister and Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs Sheikh Dr. Ahmad Nass- KUNA photo er Al-Mohammad Al-Sabah, bilateral ties His Highness the Amir Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah received Thursday the visiting US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and his delegation accompanying him. Present at and means to develop them on all levels, the reception was His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Mishal Al Ahmad Al Sabah. in addition to issues of mutual concern and latest regional developments, were discussed. Sheikh Dr. Ahmad Nasser Al-Moham- mad Al-Sabah and Antony Blinken held talks Thursday at the Ministry’s Head- quarters. 280,000 expats stranded abroad Both sides discussed enhancing the bi- lateral, exceptional and strategic relations and stressed the deep and distinguished ties of the two friendly countries and their Problems abound peoples. They also discussed the latest develop- Newswatch ments on the regional and international KUWAIT CITY, July 29: About scenes, as well as reviewing issues of mu- 280,000 expatriates -- Arabs and tual concerns. KUWAIT CITY: His Highness Asians -- with valid residence Views the Amir Sheikh Nawaf Al- permits are reportedly stranded Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah on abroad, reports Al-Rai daily Sheikh Dr. Al-Sabah and Blinken Wednesday issued a decree abol- quoting reliable sources. shared their views to boost cooperation in ishing Decree No. 258 of 2017 The sources explained, the facing the coronavirus pandemic, devel- on appointing His Highness the number of residence permits is- oping health and education sectors, food Amir’s Diwan Affairs minister. sued by Kuwait has fallen since security, and cybersecurity defense and (KUNA) last year including about 250,000 artificial intelligence ❑ ❑ ❑ residents who were outside the They both agreed on holding the fifth round of the strategic dialogue between VIENNA: The UAE and Aus- country and the failure of their the State of Kuwait and the United States tria signed a strategic coopera- sponsors to renew their work during the last quarter of the current year. tion agreement with the presence permits in addition to thousands During the meeting, the Minister of of Abu Dhabi’s Crown Prince leaving Kuwait due to the condi- Foreign Affairs praised the fruitful and Sheikh Mohammad bin Zayed tions imposed by the Covid-19 and Austrian Chancellor Sebas- successful bilateral cooperation between pandemic. the two countries, and the common views tian Kurz on Thursday. The sources indicated “the The agreement was signed on many important regional and interna- expectations of the concerned tional files. by Emirati Minister of Indus- authorities indicate not a large try and Technology Dr. Sultan On his part, the US Secretary of State percentage of the expatriates looked forward to keep the progressive Al-Jaber and Austrian Minister will be able to return to Kuwait of Foreign Affairs Alexander collaborating layout between Kuwait and Schallenberg, during the visit with the opening of the airport the US in all field at all levels. of the Crown Prince to Austria. as of August 1, due to the strict He praised the bilateral relations con- (KUNA) health requirements that will be necting the two brotherly countries and ❑ ❑ ❑ applied, especially immuniza- the Kuwaiti efforts in consolidating and tion,” noting that “in addition to DOHA: The Amir of Qatar maintaining international peace and se- not receiving many of them who curity in the region, stressing at the same Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al- have received the vaccine in their Thani approved, Thursday, a de- time, the US commitments to maintain countries which are not approved the security, safety and stability of Ku- cree for the country’s fi rst Shura by Kuwait, and those who do not Council election due to be held wait. have the barcode to authenticate Blinken said that Kuwait had shown next October. their entry which is one of the The decree also defi ned the great leadership in resolving regional cri- electoral constituencies, and only Palestinian women mourn around the body of Mohammed al-Alami, 12, during his funeral in the village of Beit Ummar, requirements needed by Kuwait ses. The American official, in a joint press one member can be elected for near the West Bank city of Hebron, July 29. Villagers say the boy was fatally shot by Israeli troops while traveling with his to ensure the integrity of the vac- conference, pointed out that the US feels each electoral district, allowing a father in a car. The Israeli military has launched an investigation into the shooting. (AP) cination certificate. proud of its friendship with Kuwait, and broader participation of citizens, In a related context, the sources its determination to strengthen the rela- the Qatari News Agency said. confirmed that “all tourists, fami- tionship on all levels. (KUNA) lies and commercial visit visa He praised Kuwait’s efforts in backing ❑ ❑ ❑ MoH ‘targets’ holders, that were issued earlier peace and international security in the re- Day by Day MPs ‘persevere’ in or issued to some nationalities RAMALLAH: A Palestinian child gion, pointing out that Kuwait is a vital herd immunity upon arrival, are still suspended partner in ending the war in Yemen. has succumbed to his injuries he and are required to be obtained sustained by the Israeli occupa- IN spite of the government “We have appointed a special envoy queries on Mosafer through the Supreme Committee to Yemen, Tim Lenderking, to lead our tion forces’ fi re at Beit Ummar KUWAIT CITY, July 29: being aware of the many for Corona Emergencies,” noting town, north of Hebron (al-Khal- Assistant Undersecretary shortcomings of the ‘Kuwait diplomatic affairs to end the war, and he il), in the occupied West Bank. Mosafer’ application, it con- that “the visas issued at the pres- is working hard. It is up to the Houthis for Public Health Affairs at By Saeed Mahmoud Saleh ent time are for only domestic Mohammad al-Alami, aged tinues to be imposed on the Arab Times Staff to show good intentions to end this war,” 12, was shot in his chest by the the Ministry of Health Dr travelers. workers. he added. Israeli forces Wednesday after- Buthaina Al-Mudhaf con- It is no secret time will KUWAIT CITY, July 29: MP Fayez Al-Jomhour forward- Less than 24 hours after the On the same matter, he expressed ap- noon and died later on, the Pal- firmed that the ministry is tell why this application was ed queries to Minister of Defense Sheikh Hamad Jaber Al- issuance of a decision detail- preciation to Saudi Arabia’s efforts in estinian Health Ministry said in a keen on achieving commu- forced on the traveler. I wish Ali about the complaints that he received from citizens re- ing new travel procedures for reaching that goal, and showed commit- statement. (KUNA) nity immunity against coro- people knew the fate of the 60 garding the problems they are facing while using Kuwait citizens and expatriates; sev- ment to supporting Saudi’s security. ❑ ❑ ❑ navirus; hence, the opening dinars which each citizen paid Mosafer application; as well as suspicions surrounding eral problems surfaced for some to enter the country. financial and administrative issues. groups that wish to enter Kuwait, Attempts KUWAIT CITY: World Health of two vaccination centers in …Yet, tomorrow is another He asked for information about the company which especially the other Gulf citizens, When asked about the Iranian nuclear Organization (WHO) Director- areas where a large number day. reports Al-Qabas daily. General Dr Tedros Ghebreye- launched Kuwait Mosafer application, date of the com- file, he responded, “the US made several of expatriate workers are re- Zahed Matar pany’s establishment and its owners. He requested for Gulf citizens are experienc- indirect attempts for peace talks, but the sus has praised Kuwait’s backing siding — Jleeb Al-Shuyoukh for the organization and vulnera- a copy of the contract between the Directorate General ing confusion in completing Iranians refused to communicate directly, ble world countries in countering Youth Center and Al-Tada- of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and the company. He wants procedures to enter the country we have showed our European allies, the coronavirus pandemic. mon Center, reports Al-Qa- to know if DGCA floated a public tender to launch the as some airports abroad are re- Russia and China that we have the inten- “Thank you once again, bas daily. application and then chose the lowest offer, if DGCA quiring them to present a vac- tion to return to the nuclear file.” Your Excellency, for Kuwait’s Al-Mudhaf disclosed in a is supervising the application directly or indirectly, if cination certificate for any of “The ball is in Iran’s court now, and it strong support for WHO and television statement that the DGCA intends to terminate the contract and cancel the the approved vaccines in Ku- has to show good faith, as we are com- global health, and thank you for application, legal and financial consequences of such wait (Pfizer, Oxford, Johnson mitted to reaching a diplomatic solution, your continuing solidarity with capacity of Jleeb Al-Shuy- oukh Youth Center is 6,000 procedures. & Johnson and Moderna). They but this cannot continue indefinitely if the most vulnerable across the National Assembly Speaker Marzouq Al-Ghanim on are required to have the vac- Iran keeps violating international laws,” world,” Ghebreyesus said dur- vaccinations daily; affirm- Thursday received United States of America (USA) Sec- cination certificate attested by he added. ing a joint press conference ing the ability of the medical retary of State Antony Blinken who is currently on official the Kuwaiti Embassy in their Sheikh Dr. Al-Sabah affirmed that with Kuwait Minister of Health staff assigned in the center visit to Kuwait. countries. They must also travel Kuwait and United States share common Sheikh Dr. Basel Al-Sabah on to accommodate a larger They discussed ways to further strengthen friendly re- at least 14 days after taking the vision with regard to regional and inter- the sideline of his visit to Kuwait second dose of the vaccine. Wednesday. (KUNA) number of people in the next lations between Kuwait and the USA, in addition to the national issues. ❑ ❑ ❑ stage. latest regional issues. Other airports require travel- Sheikh Dr. Al-Sabah in a joint press con- She added the ministry is The speaker accompanied Blinken in a tour of the Na- ers to register on the Kuwaiti ference with the visiting US Secretary of LONDON: Representative of preparing other vaccination tional Assembly building including Abdullah Al-Salem Ministry of Health website, in State said “We were honored this morning His Highness the Amir Sheikh centers in the southern region Hall he briefed the latter on the mechanism of holding which they must enter the civil by meeting His Highness the Amir Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al- sessions. ID number but they do not have Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, His Sabah and Minister of Educa- to ensure that the pace of vac- US Ambassador to Kuwait Alina Romanowski and MP this number; thereby, preventing Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Mishaal tion Dr. Ali Al-Mudhaf pledged cinations is accelerated. Ahmed Al-Hamad were also present at the meeting. them from entering the country Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and His USD 30 million to the Global She said the current total Australian Ambassador Jona- In addition, Al-Ghanim sent a cable of congratulations despite having the complete dos- Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Sabah Education Initiative. number of vaccinations per than Gilbert, a most proac- to Speaker of the Congress of the Republic of Peru Mirtha age of locally approved vaccines, Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah. The grant is part of Kuwait’s day ranges from 95,000 to tive member of the diplomatic Esther Vásquez Chuquilín on the occasion of Peru’s Na- obtaining vaccination certificates The United States is negotiating with commitment to improve educa- community in Kuwait, is a tional Day. from their countries and their tion around the world, especially 100,000; pointing out that Kuwait and other countries whether career officer with the De- On the other hand, Deputy Assembly Speaker MP Ah- desire to upload these certifi- they can host Afghans who supported in the light of the impact of the the opening of more vaccina- partment of Foreign Affairs coronavirus, Dr Al-Mudhaf said tion centers is preceded by and Trade. In an in-depth in- mad Al-Shuhoumi received First Deputy Speaker of the cates on the website of Kuwait’s the American war effort and could face while heading the Kuwaiti del- thorough preparation to regu- terview with the Arab Times, Federal National Council of the United Arab Emirates Health Ministry. Taliban revenge attacks if they stay in egation at the Global Education Ambassador Gilbert shares (UAED) Hamad Ahmed Al-Rahoumi. This raises the question on Afghanistan, America’s top diplomat said late the entry and exit of the how to prove that the vaccination Summit in the UK on Thursday. people, and to ensure the pro- a bit of his personal journey, In a press statement, Al-Rahoumi confirmed that the Thursday. The conference aims to en- his career in diplomacy, pro- meeting was successful on all grounds as it yielded impor- certificate is received electroni- Secretary of State Blinken did not sure proper education for this vision of health care sites for fessional experiences, and tant fruits which will be revealed soon. He said the meet- cally before the Gulf nationals announce any deal or disclose critical generation, taking gender equal- anyone who might experience his thoughts and insightful as- ing conveyed a clear message on the strong ties between board the plane at a time the min- details about the process, such as who ity into consideration, he noted. a health problem during and sessments of Australia-Kuwait the two sisterly countries in terms of their political leaders, istry’s website requires them to would be eligible for relocation or where (KUNA) after vaccination. relationship. — See Page 2 citizens and parliaments. input a civil ID number. they would be housed. ARAB TIMES, FRIDAY-SATURDAY, JULY 30-31, 2021 2

Backpacks and Baghdad A listener’s life in diplomacy

Diplomacy was something I always wanted to do in terms of a career. I loved studying Ambassador Gilbert: Yes, 2020 was By Chaitali B. Roy a challenging time for Australian export- Special to the Arab Times history, geography and current ers and Kuwaiti importers of food given affairs. Travel was also a very COVID-19. Initially, there were delays mbassador Jonathan Gilbert, a most and a shortage of food items coming into Aproactive member of the diplomatic important part of my life after I Kuwait given disruptions to air, land and community in Kuwait, is a career officer sea cargo. We worked closely with Ku- with the Department of Foreign Affairs left high school. In true Austra- waiti authorities to resolve these and to and Trade. Before being posted to Ku- find practical solutions to challenging wait, he was the Deputy Head of Mission lian style, I backpacked all over problems. For example, one of Al-Maw- at the Australian Embassy in Baghdad at shi’s live sheep shipments was stuck in a very challenging time. In Canberra, he the world. Mostly in develop- Fremantle in early June 2020 following served as Team Leader, Staffing Opera- ing countries and often in chal- an outbreak of COVID-19 on board one tions Sections; Assistant Director, India of its vessels. We not only had to ensure Political Section; and Assistant Director, lenging environments. the health and safety of the crew and that Strategic and Defence Policy Section. Australian and Kuwaiti health regula- Ambassador Gilbert has been in Kuwait ❑ ❑ ❑ tions were followed, but also that animal since 2017. In this in-depth interview welfare protocols were adhered to. with the Arab Times, Ambassador Gil- I was Deputy of Mission AT: How has Australia’s commercial bert shares a bit of his personal journey, ties with Kuwait strengthened over the his career in diplomacy, professional ex- at the Australian Embassy in years? Is it right that Australia’s main ex- periences, and his thoughts and insightful ports to Kuwait are motor vehicles, live assessments of Australia-Kuwait rela- Baghdad between 2015 and animals, wheat and dairy products? How tionship 2017. Iraq was always going to important is food security to Kuwait — AT: Why did you choose diplomacy as Australian relationship? a career? be a challenging posting, but it Ambassador Gilbert: Sadly, Austra- Ambassador Gilbert: Diplomacy was lia’s car industry is no more. The last car something I always wanted to do in terms was further complicated by the fully manufactured in Australia was in of a career. I loved studying history, ge- 2017. But you are right. Lots and lots of ography and current affairs. Travel was conflict with ISIS during that Australian manufactured cars used to be also a very important part of my life after time. Large parts of the country exported to Kuwait. I left high school. In true Australian style, Today, the trade relationship is domi- I backpacked all over the world. Mostly were controlled by ISIS fighters nated by food exports. Whether it be in developing countries and often in chal- wheat, barley, lamb, beef, dairy, fruits, lenging environments. and countries like the US, UK, or vegetables, Australia is Kuwait’s food I should add my mother was a librar- Ambassador Jonathan Gilbert partner of choice.You can find Australian ian, so from an early age I was reading Canada, and Australia were food products across all of Kuwait. also sorts of books about the world and AT: You happened to mention Al Ma- different events. My grandfather was also working alongside the Iraqi washi Aussie lamb in your Eid greetings. During one of our earlier meetings, you an influence. He lived a very interesting military to defeat them. At one ies in Iraq liberated from ISIS mentioned how Australian lamb has taken over the market in Kuwait. Is that right? life as British colonial officer, soldier and Ambassador Gilbert: The live sheep trade be- diplomat in Southeast Asia and India. At point there were approximately by the time I tween Australia and Kuwait goes back to the 1960s one stage, he was the British Resident in left the country, and was started by the Kuwaiti businessman Yacoub Brunei. Given his various roles, I grew 600 Australian troops in the Al Homaizi. It is a major market and Al Mawashi is up listening to all sorts of amazing stories although the a close partner. In 2020, Australia exported around about his time in the region before and af- country. 850,000 live sheep globally, the majority of which ter World War Two. Some of his friends I recall some terrible violence resulting death was to the Middle East. The trade continues and de- and colleagues from that time had also mand is strong. However, there remains in place an moved to Australia and I used to attend and suffering across the coun- and destruction export moratorium to the Middle East during the hot their reunions and listen from the end of was very, very summer months to ensure animal welfare and the sus- the table about their experiences. try, including in Baghdad. Car tainability of the trade. AT: You studied International Studies sad, especially Australia’s national fl ag AT: Education is also an essential component of at the University of Sydney — one of the bombings and shootings were Kuwait’s relationship with Australia. Many Kuwaiti top-ranking universities in the world. We commonplace. Thankfully, we in Mosul. and international students are opting for Australian colleges. Am I right? What are will come back to speak about how the the advantages of studying in Australia? I do balk at times at the flying time. But then University has become a popular choice had an excellent security de- ❑ ❑ ❑ that’s a small cost to pay for quality education. for students around the world, including Ambassador Gilbert: Australia is one of the top five study destinations for Ku- Kuwait — but before that — you joined tail and were kept safe. I was Australia is one of the top five waitis. Australian university campuses have students from all around the world who the Department of Foreign Affairs & come to the country looking for the high-quality education. Kuwaitis like the safe and Trade. What is its scope of work? pleased to see several large cit- study destinations for Kuwaitis. multicultural environment in Australia. It is also fun place to be and a great country Ambassador Gilbert: The University to explore. Why endure the cold and bleak winters in the USA, UK, Canada and of Sydney is the oldest university in Aus- Australian university campuses Ireland when you could be enjoying great weather and beaches in Australia? It’s a tralia. I have very happy memories study- have students from all around no-brainer. And with seven universities ranked in the world’s top one hundred, it’s ing there. Whenever I am back in Sydney, I make it a point to walk through its beau- also a great place to study. tiful and historic campus. It’s great to see the success of the University of Sydney the world who come to the AT: During your tenure here, you have also worked on strengthening the sporting in recent years. It was recently ranked #27 by US News in Best Global Universities. links between the two countries. Can you tell us more about this? There are some fantastic academics and students there doing some amazing research country looking for the high- Ambassador Gilbert: Yes, we have been lucky to have had three visits to Kuwait and making a real contribution to Australia’s future success. by Australia’s national football team, the Socceroos. Most recently they played in a I joined the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) in 2007. But before quality education. Kuwaitis qualifying tournament of the World Cup to be held in Qatar in 2022. I am pleased to that I worked as a local staff member at the Australian Embassy in Washington DC. like the safe and multicultural advise that one of the Socceroos, Ryan McGowan, has recently signed with Kuwait This was a great experience and introduced me to a range of areas of cooperation in Sporting Club. He is a good pick up for the club and a strong defender. Looking the US-Australia relationship, including defence, education, and science, technology and innovation. environment in Australia. It is ahead, I hope to see the Australia-Kuwait football rivalry continue and the continued development of sporting links between our two countries. DFAT’s the department of the Australian federal government responsible for for- also fun place to be and a great AT: eign policy and relations, international security (including cyber) and disarmament Australia has been at the forefront of developing sustainable and green ener- issues, overseas aid, consular services and trade and investment. It has a network of country to explore. Why endure gy. South Australia has set an example for the entire world. Please tell us more about 113 Embassies and missions and around about 6,000 staff located in Australia and that and are there lessons that Kuwait can learn from that example. overseas. the cold and bleak winters in Ambassador Gilbert: Australia has one of the highest uptakes of solar in the AT: Before being appointed to Kuwait, you were in Baghdad. Was it a difficult world. This makes a lot of sense for a warm and sun-rich environment like Australia. posting? the USA, UK, Canada and Ire- Currently, one in four homes have solar panels on their roof and this figure is growing Ambassador Gilbert: I was Deputy of Mission at the Australian Embassy in land when you could be enjoy- daily. Wind power is also becoming increasingly common in Australia and contrib- Baghdad between 2015 and 2017. Iraq was always going to be a challenging post- uted 10% of electricity supplied in 2020. As you mentioned, South Australia has set ing, but it was further complicated by the conflict with ISIS during that time. Large ing great weather and beaches an example for the rest of the world with 60 percent of its energy needs delivered by parts of the country were controlled by ISIS fighters and countries like the US, UK, renewable energy. New South Wales, ACT, Queensland and Victoria are also mak- Canada, and Australia were working alongside the Iraqi military to defeat them. At in Australia? It’s a no-brainer. ing good inroads. Finally, Tasmania in the south of the country, is heavily invested in one point there were approximately 600 Australian troops in the country. renewable hydro power, which delivers around 80 percent of the electricity supply. I recall some terrible violence and suffering across the country, including in Bagh- And with seven universities And it is not just renewable uptake that is impressive in Australia. It’s also the in- dad. Car bombings and shootings were commonplace. Thankfully, we had an excel- ranked in the world’s top one novation and technology behind it. Australia has some of the most advanced research lent security detail and were kept safe. I was pleased to see several large cities in Iraq centres working on renewable energy solutions. For example, the University of New- liberated from ISIS by the time I left the country, although the resulting death and hundred, it’s also a great place castle – north of Sydney – has recently launched flexible printed solar panels that are destruction was very, very sad, especially in Mosul. cheap, portable, inexpensive, and light weight to use. AT: How vital is Kuwait’s relationship with Australia? I believe Australia makes to study. In terms of Kuwait and renewable energy, I think there is huge potential for the use important contributions to food security, investment, defence, or education in Ku- of solar power and to a lesser extent wind energy. The important lesson in Austra- wait. lia is that increasing consumer demand, technological innovation and cost efficien- Ambassador Gilbert: Australia and Kuwait share a warm, friendly and longstand- cies drove the rapid rollout of renewable energy. It wasn’t necessarily a top down ing relationship. In my three years in Kuwait, I have seen first-hand the benefits to and government-led process. The private sector needs to be engaged, universities both countries of our close engagement and cooperation. Noting this year marks the involved, and consumers motivated to want to make the switch to renewable energy. 30th anniversary of Kuwait’s liberation, it is timely to recall Australia’s contribution to the US-led Coali- Pleasingly, we have seen several large investments by a subsidiary of Kuwait In- tion during the 1990-91 Gulf War. Since then the relationship has continued to grow and deepen. vestment Authority in renewable energy projects in New South Wales and Victoria, primarily wind farms. The trade in food between Australia and Kuwait is a key and well known aspect of the bilateral relation- These projects have been very successful and are delivering strong returns. Hopefully, there are some les- ship. sons learnt from this experience that can be applied to Kuwait in the future. Pleasingly, education is another area of close cooperation between Australia and Kuwait. Thousands of AT: The theme for Australia in 20021 is Reconciliation — Can you tell us more about this? Here I would Kuwaiti students have studied in Australia over the past twenty years. There are also two Australian affiliat- like to mention the National Sorry Day — is it connected to this theme? ed higher education institutions in Kuwait, the Australian College of Kuwait and Box Hill College Kuwait. Ambassador Gilbert: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures are a critical part of our national Since Kuwait’s liberation in 1991, Australian and Kuwaiti scientists have been working together on im- identity. As Australians, we can all be proud to be the home of one of the oldest continuous civilisations on portant environmental issues, including marine conservation, fisheries management, and land preservation. Earth, extending back over 65,000 years. Investment is also a success story. Kuwaiti investors continue to take advantage of Australia’s high per- After winning the 2007 election, former Prime Minister Kevin Rudd delivered an official apology to forming economy, strategic location in the Asia Pacific, and strong regulatory environment. We are pleased Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in early 2008. He expressed regret for past government poli- to see that investment flows from Kuwait to Australia continue to grow and deliver profits. cies that resulted in the forced removal of Indigenous children from their families. Recognition and saying AT: How has Australia partnered with Kuwait during the lockdown? It would have been tough for Ku- sorry is a big part of healing and national reconciliation. wait if the import of foodstuff from Australia was disrupted. Continued on Page 3

editor’s choice ARAB TIMES, FRIDAY-SATURDAY, JULY 30-31, 2021 3

Weather Expected weather for next 24 hrs: light to moderate north westerly Jahra 49 35 Prayer Timings By Day: Very hot with light wind to light variable wind with Salmiyah 45 35 Fajr ...... 03:37 Asr ...... 15:30 variable wind to light to moderate speeds of 08-28 km/h. Ahmadi 44 36 Sunrise .. 05:07 Maghrib .. 18:42 north westerly wind with speeds Station Max Exp Min Rec Wafra 48 30 Zohr ...... 11:54 Isha ...... 20:09 of 08-35 km/h and some high Kuwait City 47 35 Salmy 47 29 clouds will appear. Kuwait Airport 47 34 Jal Aliyah 49 31 By Night: Hot to rather hot with Abdaly 48 29 Managish - 30

VACCINE REGISTRATION WEBSITE: https://cov19vaccine.moh.gov.kw/SPCMS/CVD_19_Vaccine_Registration.aspx

Australia Boubyan Bank scales 16 fils, KIPCO closes flat

Continued from Page 2 AT: How is the Covid situation now in Australia? With just about 35 thou- Kuwait stock index wraps up month on buoyant note sand cases and around 1000 deaths, the figures are remarkable especially when By John Mathews and National Investment Co held ground at 160 Bank erased 2 fi ls. Al Ahli Bank took in 1 fi l and fi ls and 178 fi ls respectively whereas Boursa Ahli United Bank Kuwait dialed up 2 fi ls. ▼ UUS$/KDS$/KD 0.30040/500.30040/50 you see it in the global context. How Arab Times Staff Kuwait Securities scaled 7 fi ls. NAPESCO slid Kuwait Investment Co rose 3 fi ls to 243 fi ls did Australia manage this? KUWAIT CITY, July 29: Kuwait stocks swung 30 fi ls to 870 fi ls with razor thin trading. on back of 2.8 million shares while International ▲ Euro/KD 0.3576 Ambassador Gilbert: While Aus- higher on Thursday to close out the month on National Industries Group inched 1 fi l higher Financial Advisors and Securities House took in tralia has felt the impact of COVID-19, a buoyant note. The All Shares Index climbed to 227 fi ls on back of 11.6 million shares and 1 fi l each. Kuwait Financial Centre (Markaz) was ■ Yen/KD 0.0027 it fortunately hasn’t been as hard hit as 38.23 points to 6581 points helped mostly Gulf Cable dialed up 2 fi ls. Boubyan Petrochem- unchanged at 180 fi ls and Arzan Financial Group other countries. This can be put down by blue chips even as the broader sentiment re- ical Co slipped 5 fi ls to 848 fi ls while Al Qurain paused at 180 fi ls and 160 fi ls respectively. Al ▲ British £/KD 0.4202 to our excellent medical and health mained mixed. Petrochemical Co dialed down 2 fi ls. Jazeera Deera Group dropped 13 fi ls to 187 fi ls. system, strict border measures, strong The Premier Market jumped 53.70 points to Airways saw a 11 fi ls lift and ALAFCO ticked Kuwait Cement Co eased 1 fi l to 242 fi ls and ■ Indian Rs/KD 0.0040 track-and-trace capabilities, and to be 7164.62 pts taking the month’s gains to 228 1 fi l higher to 221 fi ls with a volume of 1.5 mil- Kuwait Portland Cement followed suit. Metal frank also good luck. However, I am points while Main Market scaled 25.94 pts. lion. Integrated Holding paused at 370 fi ls. and Recycling Co rose 5 fi ls to 128 fi ls while ▲ Philippines Peso/KD 0.0060 sorry to say that in recent weeks the The BK Main 50 index was up 25.94 points at The market opened fi rm and headed north in HEISC and Hilal Cement added 2 fi ls each to Delta variant has arrived in Australia 5737.64 pts. The volume turnover meanwhile early trade. The main index drifted sideways close at 492 fi ls and 98 fi ls respectively. Noor and has caused an uptick in the number jumped past the 400 million mark following the past the mid-session and sagged slightly before Financial Group tripped 1 fi l. ▲ FTSE +61.78 pts at 18:50 July 29 of COVID infections among the com- two-day drop. Over 425 million shares changed resuming the ascent amid strong buying in some Tamdeen Investment slipped 6 fi ls to 251 fi ls munity. Several of our biggest cities hands – a 26 percent surge from the day before. of the counters. It scaled the day’s highest level and KAMCO ticked 1 fi l into green. Bayan In- ▲ Nikkei are currently in lock-down as part of The sectors closed mostly in red. Banking sector of 6583 pts in the fi nal minutes before closing vestment Co gave up 2.2 fi ls whereas KFIC was +200.76 pts at closing July 29 an effort to eliminate the virus. Hope- outpaced the rest with 0.94 pct gain whereas Tech- with moderate gains. unchanged at 91 fi ls. Osoul Investment eased 0.5 Top gainer of the day, Gulf Finance Co sprint- fi l to 81 fi ls. Mashaer Holding tripped 1.4 fi ls fully this will be effective in the com- nology shed 1.89 percent, the worst perfumer of the ▲ Gold $1819.45 per oz (London) ing weeks. Ultimately, we will have day. Volume wise, Financial Services topped with ed 10 pct to 42.9 fi ls while NCCI scaled 8.5 pct and Inovest stalled at 112 fi ls 65.4 million shares while Banking sector continued to stand next. Mushaat skidded 10.9 percent, the Kuwait Foundry Co dipped 14 fi ls to 390 fi ls to learn to live with COVID-19 and ▲ NYMEX crude my personal view is that vaccinations to dominate in value with KD 28.7 million. steepest decliner of the day and Bareeq Holding and NICBM was up 3 fi ls at 198 fi ls. Indepen- $73.28 per barrel Among the standout performers, sector bell- topped the volume with 78.7 million shares. dent Petroleum Group was unchanged at 615 alongside wearing a mask is the only ▲ Brent crude way that we are going to get things wether National Bank of Kuwait paced 6 fi ls on Despite the day’s gains, the losers outnum- fi ls whereas Sultan Centre clipped 2 fi ls. YIA- $74.84 per barrel back of 7.4 million shares to 894 fi ls and Kuwait bered the winners. 57 stocks advanced whereas CO Medical was down 16 fi ls at 450 fi ls. United back to some semblance of normalcy. Finance House scaled 8 fi ls after pushing 11.4 64 closed lower. Of the 142 counters active on Projects Co slipped 8 fi ls to 252 fi ls. LIBOR rate 0.12850% AT: However, there has been some million shares. Boubyan Bank sprinted 16 fi ls Thursday, 21 closed fl at. 14,385 deals worth KD Kuwait and Gulf Links Transport Co eased criticism of the slow rate of vaccine to 800 fi ls whereas Mabanee Co gave up 4 fi ls. 73.5 million were transacted during the session. 0.4 fi l to 52.4 fi ls and Automated Systems Co rollout. Is the situation better? Humansoft Holding vaulted 69 fi ls to KD 3.539. In the banking sector, Gulf Bank took in 1 fi l gave up 2 fi ls. KCPC climbed 6 fi ls to 561 fi ls The market was upbeat during the week. The Ambassador Gilbert: Australia Zain rose 2 fi ls to 591 fi ls after moving over 6 on back of 20.9 million shares whereas Kuwait and Burgan Company For Well Drilling paused main index closed higher in all fi ve sessions, ral- invested heavily in the Oxford Astra- million shares whereas Ooredoo stood pat at 655 International Bank was unchanged at 224 fi ls. at 177 fi ls. Combined Group Contracting Co lying 185 points in last four sessions. It has ral- Zeneca vaccine and has a production fi ls. stc climbed 11 fi ls to 870 fi ls and Agility Burgan Bank trimmed 1 fi l whereas Ahli United scaled 15 fi ls whereas PAPCO fell 3.2 fi ls to lied 194 points from the start of the month and facility in the country. Regrettably, the paced 7 fi ls before settling at 986 fi ls. KIPCO Bank BSC added 3 fi ls with brisk trading. Warba 62.2 fi ls. is up 1009 points year-to-date. use of this vaccine hasn’t been as wide- spread as originally planned owing to medical advice limiting its use for those Australians under the age of 60. Since then the Australian Government has Vaccination campaign been able to acquire additional doses of the Pfizer vaccine and the rollout has picked up pace. In the past week alone, over 1.1 million vaccines were admin- covers laborers abode istered. Around 16 percent of the popu- lation have received two does, while importantly 38 percent have received 12-15 years jabs underway their first vaccine. I think the arrival of the Delta variant has also seen many Australians who were previously hesi- KUWAIT CITY, July 29: The mechanism for implementing the Cabinet’s tant about getting a vaccine starting to decision to allow the entry of non-Kuwaitis Ministry of Health has further into the country, which stipulates that the come forward and roll up their sleeves expanded the vaccination cam- for an injection. decision will be implemented from August AT: What was remarkable, though, paign to cover the laborers’ 1 according to the approved and announced was the apology given by the Austra- accommodations in an effort conditions, does not require an exception lian PM for the slow vaccine rollout. to curb the spread of the virus, from the higher ministerial committee for Indeed, a verbal apology cannot make COVID-19 emergencies, unless a new de- much of a difference, but it’s very tell- while the vaccination of chil- cision is introduced, reports Al-Anba daily ing about democratic traditions and ac- dren who are 12 to 15 years old quoting informed sources. countability in Australia. is ongoing as planned, reports They explained that the announcement Ambassador Gilbert: Politics in Al-Qabas daily quoting sourc- regarding allowing entry as an exemp- Australia is rough-and-tumble and tion issued by the COVID-19 emergency Australians demand transparency and es who affirmed that the minis- committee is related to the remaining time accountability. Our media is also not try is keen on vaccinating this period prior to the implementation date afraid to ask hard and direct questions. of the decision, which is August 1. It was children in preparation for the applicable to certain jobs such as judges, It’s a tough job being an Australian upcoming school year under Prime Minister, especially given the doctors and workers of oil companies. demands and complexities thrown up the supervision of Health Min- The sources reiterated that the condi- by COVID-19. ister Dr Basel Al-Sabah. tions for implementing the Cabinet’s de- cision include valid residency, certifi cate AT: How do you look back at your KUNA photo Sources disclosed the objective is proving the passenger received two doses tenure in Kuwait? What would be the His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah receives the visiting US to vaccinate 280,000 children aged 12 highlights & challenges? Secretary of State Antony Blinken in his office. of the COVID-19 vaccine approved in the to 15 years; indicating the number of country - Pfi zer, Moderna or AstraZeneca Ambassador Gilbert: Kuwait has those who registered in the vaccination been our home for almost four years. HH PM, Speaker receive US top official - or one dose of Johnson & Johnson vac- After not being with my family in platform from this category reached cine, a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours before boarding the plane, and com- Baghdad, it has been a special time His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Sabah tary of State Antony Blinken and the delegation 67,000 in the first 10 days and 35,400 for us. We have made friends, got to Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah received Thursday accompanying him. have been vaccinated so far -- more pletion of seven-day home quarantine, know the different neighbourhoods, visiting US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and According to al-Dustour news network, the than half of those who registered. during the fi rst three days of which a PCR and explored all corners of the country. the delegation accompanying him. meeting saw the discussion of bilateral ties, as Asked about the way to deal with those test is to be performed, and the quarantine We feel very comfortable and relaxed Blinken was escorted by Foreign Minister and well as latest regional developments. who refused vaccination, especially if ends as soon as the result comes negative. Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs Sheikh Dr. MP Ahmad Al-Hamad and US Ambassador to the students return to schools in the next In response to a question about the here. I think part of this is because of Ahmad Nasser Al-Mohammad Al-Sabah. Kuwait Alina Romanowski attended the reception mechanism for approving vaccination cer- the warmth and hospitality of Kuwait- school year, sources pointed out this issue Meanwhile, National Assembly Speaker Mar- before the visiting delegation’s tour of the parlia- is in the hands of the Ministry of Educa- tifi cates for non-Kuwaiti arriving passen- is. We have been invited into homes, zouq Al-Ghanim also received visiting US Secre- ment building. (KUNA) gers, informed sources from the Ministry farms and chalets and shared some tion which will announce the mechanism in this regard soon. of Health said, “So far this has not been wonderful moments with our Kuwaiti determined by the concerned ministry de- friends. On children who traveled abroad with their parents before taking the vaccine, spite being left with just one week before Obviously the last eighteen months Cleaning companies face possible the decision comes into effect.” hasn’t been easy given COVID-19 sources said they will be registered in preparation for their vaccination later. When asked whether non-Kuwaitis will and the various lockdowns. It’s been be allowed to enter directly or will the cur- hard for all of us. But there has also In a related development, the Ministry loss due to ‘fuel subsidy’ removal of Health recently opened a vaccination rent transit procedure continue, the sourc- been a sense of community and getting center in a covered gym in Jleeb Al-Shuy- es said, “So far this is not known. The cur- through this together. For example, I KUWAIT CITY, July 29: The cleaning companies tinuous damages as a result of the large numbers of oukh in a bid to expedite the vaccination rent transit system is implemented without go to know my neighbours in Adailiya contracted with Kuwait Municipality to clean the cit- machines, cars and equipment allocated in those con- process for the country to achieve herd a 14-day stay in the transit capital if the while going for evening walks during ies have complained that the Kuwait National Petro- tracts, which operate on a daily and continuous basis immunity. arriving passenger has an exception from the exercise break in the curfew. Home leum Company (KNPC) has stopped subsidizing fuel in accordance with the terms of these contracts. Meanwhile, in another development, the the COVID-19 emergency committee.” schooling has also been a big challenge for government contracts related to public hygiene, They stressed that, “This has caused huge accumu- for my wife and I alongside many of our reports Al-Qabas daily. lated and confirmed losses in the implementation of Kuwaiti friends. My nine-year boy has In their complaint to the Head of the Municipal Servic- these contracts. This is happening despite the impor- New passport ... amend jab certificate done well to get through this and even es Sector Khalaf Al-Mutairi, these companies explained tance of these works and the extent of their impact on had some fun along the way. However, that they are Kuwaiti companies contracting with the the environment and public health directly on the citi- KUWAIT CITY, July 28: Citizens and expa- Sources stressed the need to amend the I do look forward to him returning to municipality on contracts of “public hygiene - city clean- zens and residents” triates, who renewed their passports after get- passport number to avoid any problems the school classroom and being among liness 2016-2017” for carrying out daily public hygiene The companies highlighted that the prices offered ting the required doses of the vaccine against during travel. Sources affi rmed the ‘Ask his friends again. activities for a period of five years in all regions of the in the current public hygiene contract bids are low coronavirus, should visit the ‘Ask Me’ desk Me’ desk plays an important role in amend- We will be very sad to leave Kuwait State of Kuwait starting from October 11, 2019. compared to the prices of the previous contracts, add- at Kuwait Vaccination Center in Mishref to ing or adding data for those who have been at the end of the year, but I think the Since the privatization of works related to cleaning ing, “Undoubtedly, during the preparation of the fea- amend their passport number in the vaccina- vaccinated -- whether amending names or friendships that I have made here will of public areas and cities, the state has been subsidiz- sibility study and the pricing of bids, the price of sub- tion certifi cate, reports Al-Qabas daily quoting passport numbers; as well as responding to endure. The great thing is that Kuwaitis ing Kuwaiti companies contracting with the munici- sidized fuel was taken into account, based on which sources from the Ministry of Health the public’s queries. like Australians love to travel. I am pality for the fuel required by the fleet of vehicles and those bids were submitted at these low prices”. looking forward to many reunions in equipment designated in the contract, according to the They indicated that it is unfair to exclude several needs and nature of those works. The fuel is disbursed companies from the decision to stop fuel subsidies, the coming years, including welcoming according to the subsidized and allocated quota of 55 and they are still receiving it constantly based on the my Kuwaiti friends to Australia and fils per liter by the Kuwait National Petroleum Com- instructions issued in this regard by a committee to re- showing them all the wonderful things pany, However, in recent months, this support has examine the various types of subsidies provided by the about my country! been suspended, and the new quota is disbursed at 115 state and the Kuwait Petroleum Corporation. fils per liter for diesel, which is an increase of 109 per- The companies expressed their hope for receiving cent compared to the previous price. the required support, similar to the companies that Schools readiness The companies affirmed that cancellation of the were approved to continue receiving support by ad- discussed in talks support has rendered them to incur serious and con- dressing the concerned authorities. KUWAIT CITY, July 29: On the Awqaf, KAC join hands background of continuous meet- ings between the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Education, Dr. Ali Service of country, citizens eyed Al-Yaqoub, with assistant under- secretaries and directors of educa- By Abdel Nasser Al-Aslami Awqaf and Islamic Affairs and Kuwait Airways, tional zones to discuss preparations Al-Seyassah Staff which the two sides aspire in the future to trans- for 2022/2021 scholastic year, the form into a model bilateral partnership, is in the Director of Projects Department at KUWAIT CITY, July 29: The Ministry of Awqaf form of exchanging media experiences and focus- the Ministry, Muhammad Fahd, an- and Islamic Affairs and the Kuwait Airways Cor- ing on educating the community about the lofty nounced the initial plan is to ready poration has agreed to join hands for future co- message of the Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic schools for the next academic year, operation and media partnership keeping in mind Affairs, in addition to working on awareness and reports Al-Seyassah. common goals to serve the country and citizens. guidance works undertaken by Awqaf. Al-Yaqoub chaired the meeting of The gesture of joint cooperation comes within The meeting was attended by the Assistant Un- the Preparations Committee to look at the aspiration of the Ministry of Awqaf and Islam- dersecretary of the Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic the periodic reports and preparedness ic Affairs to establish joint bilateral relations with Affairs for Media and Foreign Relations, Mu- of each relevant sector and general ad- ministries, institutions and bodies, offi cial and civ- hammad Al-Alim, the production observer in the ministrations for educational districts il, in order to achieve the objectives and principles Media Department in the Ministry Salman Al-Kh- and to follow up on the implementa- of its strategy in its fi ve-year plan, which calls for ulaifan, and the Director of the Public Relations tion of recommendations and solu- communicating with the other state entities. and Information Department at Kuwait Airways, tions for the next academic year. The joint cooperation between the Ministry of Fayez Al-Enezi. ARAB TIMES, FRIDAY-SATURDAY, JULY 30-31, 2021 LOCAL 4 Real estate agencies witness 526 pct growth in H1 of 2021 Trend tied to low trading in view of Covid-19 restrictions

KUWAIT CITY, July 29: Real estate agencies sold 349 tate agencies is due to the low trading in the first half of last year as Photo from the Open House at Indian Embassy auditorium. houses with a total value of KD 119 million in the first a result of closures and health measures taken by the government to half of 2021 -- 526 percent growth compared to KD deal with the corona pandemic. Virtual Open House held The agencies are considered a major gateway for speculation in the 19 million within the same period in 2020, reports Al- residential sector in terms of the period of completing the sale pro- Jarida daily. cess and they are not required to obtain a description certificate from Envoy sheds light on vital issues This huge leap in the volume of residential transactions in real es- Kuwait Municipality. This means a property whose owner committed violations can be sold through a of concern to Indians in Kuwait real estate agency. New CID headquarters in S. Surrah inaugurated The agencies can also avoid KUWAIT CITY, July 29: The Indian Am- approved vaccine as it is same as Astra- paying the real estate registra- bassador to Kuwait, HE Sibi George dur- Zeneca. However, travel clearance will be KUWAIT CITY, July 29: The Min- ing the Virtual Open House at the embassy available on various embassy portals in- ister of Interior and Acting Minis- tion fee -- 0.5 percent, as the fee is fixed at KD 500 for properties premises focused on the following topics cluding how to go about the QR code, he ter of Defense Sheikh Thamer Al- -- New circular on the travel of stranded said. Ali, accompanied by the Minister worth KD 100,000 and above; Indians; issues related to vaccination cer- The Rapid Response Team members are of Public Works and Minister of while the fee is KD 250 for prop- tifi cates and procedure to be followed for available 24x7 to answer queries on travel State for Communications and In- erties less than KD 100,000. Death Registration; and Assistance from guidelines and vaccination certifi cation reg- formation Technology Affairs, Dr Based on the current prices, the ICWF. istration, said the ambassador. Rana Al-Faris, inaugurated the new registration fee is much higher On the ease of travel restrictions, the en- With regards to assistance to the families Directorate-General of Criminal than the real estate agency fee. voy said the embassy is in touch with the of the domestic workers with low salary Investigation headquarters in the Also, housing grant appli- DGCA, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and (less than 120 dinars) who died of Covid South Surrah, reports Al-Seyassah Ministry of Health. He said according to infection (believed to be 564) the Indian daily. cants can use the real estate agency to purchase real estate instructions from Kuwaiti authorities there Community Support Group (ICSG) has of- The ministers were accompanied is no direct entry from India to Kuwait but fered to send Rs 100,000 each to the legal by the Undersecretary of the Ministry property without canceling through a third country, without the need heir of the deceased. of Interior Lieutenant-General Essam their housing grant application for 14 days quarantine. During the Open House two presenta- Al-Nahham, Undersecretary of the because the real estate property However, those doing PCR test on arrival tions were made -- Kamal Singh Rathore, Ministry of Public Works Engineer Photo by Rizk Taufiq is not registered in the Real Es- need not spend quarantine time if the results First Secretary and Fahad Suri, First Sec- Walid Al-Ghanim, the Assistant Un- Minister of Interior Sheikh Thamer and Minister of Public Works Dr. tate Registration Department. are negative, but “my advice is do not book retary and spokesperson of the Embassy on dersecretary for Criminal Security Al-Faris at the opening of the CID headquarters. The agent can dispose the real tickets until things become clear,” he said. ease of travel restrictions and vaccination Affairs Major-General Muhammad estate property and then sell it On the issue of vaccination certifi cates, certifi cate respectively. This was followed Al-Sharhan and a number of assis- the Ministry of Public Works and and duties in each sector of the Min- in the same manner. the ambassador clarifi ed Covishield is an by a question and answer session. tant undersecretaries, senior officials all the parties that participated in the istry of the Interior. working in the criminal security sector completion of the project. Dr Al-Faris confirmed the success The real estate agency bears and the Ministry of Public Works. Speaking on this occasion the of MPW in implementing the new many risks. For example, if there ‘We inspect, test & evaluate food items’ During the visit the dignitaries minister stressed there is a com- building project for the Directorate- are financial cases against the saw the visual presentation on the prehensive strategy to develop and General of Criminal Investigation principal owner and legal mea- stages of completion, maintenance modernize the facilities and build- and handing it over to the Ministry sures are taken against him, the and furnishing, the project imple- ings of the security institution and of Interior is the result of unremit- property sold through the real es- Kuwait airport receives 35K to 37K mentation mechanism and the mas- provide it with modern technologi- ting efforts aimed at completing this tate agent can be seized and this tery of this vital edifice that was cal means and systems to provide an project, which will greatly contrib- directly harms the agent or the food shipments per year: Eng Azmi completed in record time. appropriate work environment for ute to serving the security system in buyer. The minister of Interior thanked securitymen to carry out their tasks the State of Kuwait. KUWAIT CITY, July 29: Head of the Air- “All the rules and requirements for the Reason port Food Import Section affi liated to the work focus on the list of imported food that On the other hand, some con- Public Authority for Food and Nutrition cover all needs. There are no regulations PAFN’s Imported Food Department one of the sider the real estate agency the Eng. Nawaf Fahad Al-Azmi revealed that that need updating, but the current regula- main reason behind the specu- the number of food shipments that arrive tion covers all needs. An accurate descrip- lation on residential real estate through the airport ranges between 35,000 tion of the food items must be included in most important depts at state level: Rashidi and 37,000 shipments per year at a rate of an integrated manner, in addition to the properties; because the sale pro- 250 to 300 shipments per day, reports Al- GSO9 regulation. This regulation entails a KUWAIT CITY, July 29: Superinten- people are exposed to diseases, and causes that make foodstuff harmful... cess is completed within a very Anba daily. list of technical specifi cations of the Public dent of the Imported Food Department about 420,000 die annually due to they may contain toxic substances short period compared to the doc- In an exclusive interview with the daily, he Authority for Food and Nutrition, which is in the Public Authority for Food and consumption of food contaminated that can cause harm to humans, or umentation method, which may said, “Each shipment has between 500 kilo- recognized throughout the Gulf, and covers Nutrition (PAFN) Faisal Al-Rashidi with bacteria, viruses, parasites, tox- they could be contaminated with take a month or more. grams and 15 to 20 tons of various food items all food items and defi nes the ways to verify says the department is one among the ins or chemicals. radioactive materials, or they may The real estate agency is also including fruits, meat, fi sh and others. In ad- them. Also the Food and Agriculture Orga- most important departments at the The com- contain microbes, parasites, pesti- one of the reasons behind the dition to these shipments, there are also some nization (FAO) issues daily circulars based state level, considering the responsi- prehensive cides, chemicals or components that food items brought into Kuwait by travelers on its follow-up to all countries of the world bilities entrusted to it in upholding the approach that may negatively affect human health, increase in the prices of residen- tial real estate properties, as it is for their personal use. It is necessary to ana- and bans some food items from countries security and safety of food products food safety re- or they may contain prohibited sub- lyze them because we do not know the content that are infested with some diseases.” imported into the country, especially quires is what stances, etc.” easier for speculators to buy and since 90 percent of the food items in PAFN is work- Regarding food safety standards, he of the food items they bring. We inspect, test The interview also touched on a number monopolize land and real estate and evaluate them to check if they are for com- of procedures and tasks taken by the depart- the country are imported from over- ing on. Food explained that the imported food items properties and then offer them for seas, reports Al-Rai daily. safety is now should be determined as fi t for human mercial or personal use. ment to ensure the safety of food shipments. In an interview, Al-Rashidi explained based on scien- consumption, after they are tested both sale at higher prices with lower that the department sends about 1,000 tifi c standards, visually and in the laboratory, and they fees through the agency. samples per day for testing. About 3-5 and tests and conform with the specifi cations, in order Some real estate agents pointed KU Prof. Al-Shammari advocates days are needed to get the results of tools have been to be sent to the market. out that the real estate agency sys- the tests. Priority is given to perishable Among the specifi cations is the Al-Rashidi developed to tem is only applied in the State of products. The Food Inspection Sector determine the presence of a certifi cate of halal Kuwait, causing many problems for ‘knowledge-based economy’ depends on scientifi c standards, and the safety of food production, process- slaughter for animal products. Some department has developed many tests ing and handling, and also its proper products may be suitable for human for citizens as the agent may lose the property in case of seizure. KUWAIT CITY, July 29: Professor of Eco- cent of the total programs serve the require- and tools in order to determine the safety preparation. consumption for non-Muslims, but nomics at Kuwait University Dr Nayef Al- ments of the orientation towards a knowl- of the food products. Responsibilities not for Muslims, according to the spe- They suggested that it is better Shammari emphasized the necessity of the edge-based economy, of which technology Regarding World Food Safety Day, cial requirements set for Halal prod- to cancel the real estate agency state’s interest in vocational education in is one of the components. he stressed that the production and The Imported Food Department is ucts. Hence, the State of Kuwait does system and ease procedures for consumption of safe food items will one of the most important departments at not allow the entry of products that are the coming period if it wishes to transform Prof. Al-Shammari expressed surprise by have immediate and long-term ben- the state level, given the responsibilities not legally permitted. transferring the property directly the state economy into a knowledge-based the lack of new specializations in Kuwait’s efi ts for societies and economies of entrusted to it in maintaining the coun- Regarding the international stan- in order to eliminate specula- economy, implement New Kuwait 2035 educational institutions, especially at Ku- countries, which is why the theme of try’s food safety and security. dards, Al-Rashidi revealed that the tion and manipulation. They ex- vision, and fi ll the labor market with citi- wait University, to serve the shift towards this year’s celebration is “Safe food The department is concerned with standards applied by PAFN corre- plained the transfer of a real es- zens instead of expatriates, reports Al-Anba a knowledge-based economy. now for a healthy tomorrow”. monitoring of all food items that enter spond to the standards of international tate document takes months -- a daily. He stressed that there is a focus on Al-Rashidi highlighted that the the country, using organized and clear organizations concerned with food very long period that may result In a press statement, Prof. Al-Shammari specific disciplines such as medicine, Food and Agriculture Organization procedures and in accordance with the safety such as the International Or- revealed that there are major defi ciencies on engineering, business administration and of the United Nations, in coordination imported food regulations and the law ganization for Standardization (ISO), in many variations in prices. The National Assembly ratified the part of a number of training centers and science, which constitute approximately with the World Health Organization, establishing the authority. The depart- the Codex Alimentarius Commission institutes in Kuwait. 97.5 percent of the total graduate special- celebrates this day, which falls on ment has seven external departments at of the Food and Agriculture Organiza- a law to increase the real estate He explained that the training centers izations. June 7 every year. the land, sea and air ports. The depart- tion (FAO), the World Health Orga- agency fee from KD 10 to KD and institutes do not show an exceptional As for the specializations that con- ment inspectors work on shifts round the In response to a question regarding nization (WHO), and the Standardiza- 500 after the market witnessed interest in providing the necessary train- tribute to and serve the shift towards a food safety being a matter of concern clock due to the huge responsibility they tion Organization for the Cooperation many problems as a result of for everyone, he explained that con- have, considering the fact that about 90 Council for the Arab States of the ing programs to the workers in the public knowledge-based economy, Prof. Al- sumption of proper food is neces- percent of the food items in the country Gulf (GSO), which is a regional Gulf dealing with the real estate agen- and private sectors to serve the process of Shammari said they represent only 2.5 sary. The World Health Organization are imported from abroad. body that includes in its membership cy. Before this, the real estate Kuwaitization and ensure the presence of a percent of the total graduates, which is a estimates that more than 600 million Al-Rashidi said, “There are many the national bodies for standards. agency fee was KD 2. knowledge-based economy. Only eight per- very small percentage. Better way of life KRCS distributes electronic items to 200 needy families KUWAIT CITY, July 29: Kuwait Red Crescent Society (KRCS) recently distributed electronic appliances to 200 needy families in the country, reports Al-Jarida daily. Acting Director of the Local Aid Department at KRCS Awrad Al-Yahya told Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) that these appliances include refrigerators, air conditioning units, washing machines and water coolers. He said these items were distributed to needy families registered in KRCS ac- cording to the urgency of need in order to enhance the prin- ciple of social solidarity and community partnership. Al-Yahya added that the aim of distributing these appli- ances is to relieve the suffering of needy families and help them by providing them with a better way of life. He said this project is also aimed at spreading compassion and soli- darity that characterize the Kuwaiti society. He explained the project is an extension of previous initia- tives implemented by the society to help the poorest fami- lies, orphans and those with low income. The project is important for the KRCS management, because this is one of the fruits of cooperation with its partners in chari- table work and part of humanitarian programs for the needy. KOC inks contracts to treat oil-contaminated soil in Kuwait – official KUWAIT CITY, July 29, (KUNA): The Kuwait Oil Com- pany (KOC) on Wednesday signed two new deals to treat the soil polluted by crude oil during the Iraqi occupation in the northern and southern areas of the country. These are last two of the KOC fi ve planned contracts to carry out the rehabilitation and treatment of the petroleum-contami- nated soil in the country, the KOC said in a press statement. KOC’s executive manager Imad Sultan signed the con- tracts with Heisco and Zaopin Hangzhou representatives. The company signed the other three agreements on July 14 making it “the largest environmental rehabilitation proj- ect in the world”. The fi ve contracts aim to treat about 13 million cubic me- ters of the oil-contaminated soil, it noted. ARAB TIMES, FRIDAY-SATURDAY, JULY 30-31, 2021 LOCAL 5 diwaniya A DIGEST OF PUBLIC OPINION ‘Joint Kuwaiti-Saudi fund can provide impetus to economy, industry’ “IT IS necessary to maintain the spirit of the persistent perseverance and the both countries in addition to their cooperation with world industrialists and inves- projects. keenness to achieve the targeted growth and success under the global economic tors in a manner that shall benefi t the national economy, the infrastructure and “Hence, the decision-makers must hasten to accelerate the change process to and political changes,” columnist Ahmad Abdulhadi Al-Sadhan wrote for Al- the automobile industries in addition to the creation of more job opportunities. solve the accumulated problems and get ready to deal with the country’s renais- Rai daily. “All this can be realized through the initiative related to the development of sance and future, because any delay in this connection will be too costly and will “Likewise, it would have been necessary to show keenness to exploit the in- national industries program and the logistic services and signing an agreement for be diffi cult to face the repercussions of this delay.” vestment and commercial opportunities in addition to boosting the interests of metal foundry in addition to launching an initiative for rubber industry as well as ❑ ❑ ❑ various nations in this strategy. the conclusion of another agreement for the establishment of a huge petrochemi- “In this connection, we cite what was reported by the American Bloomberg cals factory (Pan Asia) in the City of Jeezan for basic and convertible industries. “The country has been producing oil since the 1950s. Its budget depends only Agency and was carried by the media indicating the Kuwaiti Sovereign Fund “Besides, the relevant projects, shall include the propounding of giant invest- on income from oil. Throughout this period, why did the country not think about ‘The Future Generation Reserve’ which is managed by Kuwait Investment Au- ment opportunities for establishing the necessary factories for the wind energy creating the necessary and appropriate alternatives like the other Gulf countries thority (KIA), became the third grand sovereign fund in towers in addition to the military industries and the manufacturing of the trains have done?” columnist Hamed Al-Saif wrote for Annahar daily. the world in terms of the volume of its assets, which is wheels as well as the launching of economic hub at the Industrial Al-Jubail City “Where are the huge bodies of advisors and leaders during this long period, estimated at $700 billion. to become one of the biggest industrial centers in the Middle East region.” considering most of the oil revenues went to them? Something is strange in the “Bloomberg said the KIA, which also manages the administration of this country. How long will this last? State General Reserve Fund, is the oldest sovereign fund Also: “In fact, the State does not depend on specialized citizens who are able to in the world and one of the biggest investment funds “The former Minister of Public Works Abdurrahman Al-Mutawa once said in create alternatives. Rather, it relies on the loyalists who receive instructions and which invests in ports, airports and the energy distribu- televised interview with the Al-Arabia Satellite TV Channel, that all that impedes have no right to express personal opinion as they are mere executing the orders tion system throughout the world. the construction of the railway project to link the Gulf Cooperation Council mem- of their superiors. “Consequently, my viewpoint is that the KIA should ber states were surmounted,” columnist Hamed Al-Saif wrote for Annahar daily. “Therefore, this structure has been continuing since the 1950s up to this day, develop a qualitative strategy to benefi t from the neigh- “He added the project, was to be fl oated for investors during the fi rst quarter along with all the losses. The country keeps spending on satisfaction, quotas and boring markets such as the Saudi market, particularly of 2017. For his part, one of the offi cials of the Ministry of Communication was dependence on the rise in oil prices.” since we know the latter is involved in industrial revo- quoted as saying the railway project in the country will be ready by 2018. In the ❑ ❑ ❑ lution attracting industries and signifi cant international meantime, some other sources said the railway project is one of the projects that Ahmad Al-Sadhan “Dismissal from the job ... Deportation from the country ... Frivolous and non- technological investments. had been agreed upon by the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member states and deterrent penalties ... It is neither easy nor simple theft, quarrel or bad manners “So we hope there is necessary cooperation and coordination – if possible – was aimed at linking these states to facilitate the transport of goods and people. ...,” columnist Dr Naji Al-Zaid wrote for Al-Jarida daily. which will be realized by the KIA and the Saudi Investment Fund (SIF) in addi- “However, initially the linking process, was supposed to be completed in 2018, “It is a major theft even if the amount is small. It is a major crime tantamount to tion to founding a joint investment fund between the two parties with a payable but the delay was caused by Kuwait in terms of implementing its part. The GCC premeditated murder. It threatens the entire society, not just some of its members. capital of billions of dollars and eventually get the proposed Saudi-Kuwait Fund Secretariat-General drew the attention of the Kuwaiti government about its delay “It is a crime to issue forged vaccination certifi cates without being vaccinated constituting an important investment platform to invest in the huge Saudi projects in this connection and called on the Kuwaiti government to accelerate the process against corona in exchange for money. This is a crime committed by an Egyptian in addition to the establishment of branches in State of Kuwait benefi ting both but this did not happen because it did not fall within the Kuwaiti government man, an Egyptian woman and an Indian man. Whoever paid a bribe to obtain countries. priorities during that time, and the government in the state of hesitation and the forged vaccination certifi cates should be punished as well. “In this context, however, I would like to cite what was suggested by me in my issue did not get the much needed attention of either the Projects Partnerships “Punishment must be severe in order to ensure the crime is not repeated, be- previous article under the title ‘Projects in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’ includ- Authority or the Public Authority for Roads Transport. cause such an act may lead to the spread of corona disease and its victims will ing vital infrastructures -- commercial or industrial projects – to form the real “As a matter of fact, the government mismanagement in dealing with any pro- undoubtedly be many!” nucleus that might be required to develop the Kuwaiti–Saudi projects in addition ject shall lead to economic and fi nancial losses. It is needless to say, however, the to achieving necessary cooperation between the public and the private sectors of country needs new management of high know-how to manage its vital futuristic — Compiled by Zaki Taleb Other Voices 3 perish in head-on crash Al-Mutla’a historical ruins! Court acquits fashionista, husband By Ahmad alsarraf does not exceed 17 billion. In order to solve the problem of ex- By Munif Nayef here are archaeological ruins isting applications, in addition to the Al-Seyassah Staff and Tin every ancient city such as Agencies Roadmap mulled to expedite major projects Ba’albek, Tyre, Giza, Aswan, Cyprus, requests that will accumulate over the Athens and Persepolis, Iran. Soon we next ten years, it is foolish to continue with the current system and there is KUWAIT CITY, KUWAIT CITY, July 29, (KUNA): Ku- dium-term goals (fi ve) and long-term care and Kuwait International Airport, will have our ruins in the city of Al- July 29: Two Ku- wait’s Cabinet said on Wednesday it has goals (four), Foreign Minister and State amongst others. Mutla’a, which will probably be the need to think of new solutions, in- cluding imposing 3%, interest for waitis and a Filipina reviewed a three-point “roadmap” which Minister for Cabinet Affairs Sheikh The Cabinet has tasked ministerial most expensive in the world. will hasten the implementation of devel- Ahmad Nasser Al-Mohammad Al-Sa- committees with the monitoring and The above paragraph was men- example, on government credit bank died in a tragic ac- loans, and on loans from fi nancing opment projects across the country. bah said after an extraordinary meeting implementation of the state-funded tioned in an article published nearly cident on the Fa- The draft plan, which aims to “sup- at Sief Palace. projects, which will offer the country two months ago about the fate of the and developer companies. This will not increase the burden of haheel Expressway port the national economy and meet the The projects highlighted are in sus- revenues, and has sought to utilise the houses in the new Al-Mutla’a city needs of comprehensive development,” tainable energy, the development of expertise and recommendations of con- where construc- the housing applicant who is current- witnessed a terrible ly being paid by the government, or includes short-term goals (nine), which Failaka Island, environmental fuels, the sultants, specialists and civil society tion has begun, traffi c accident, and will be completed this summer, me- beautifi cation of Kuwait City, health- towards this goal. and predicted is paying a monthly rent that exceeds an Indian was seri- that most of the value of the 3% interest that he them will be will bear, especially since the waiting ously injured. incomplete con- period for acquiring a house will be Initial investigations by crete structures, greatly reduced. the security authorities and even if they This 3% interest will contribute show one of the drivers, a are completed, to encourage several parties to enter Kuwaiti born in 1993 was electricity will into the line of housing provision, and driving in the opposite di- not reach them reduce government burden, with the rection and collided with need to freeze the law which prevents the other vehicle. Riding until after sev- alsarraf eral years. All companies (real estate developers and in the other vehicle were these mistakes occurred due to the others) from owning residential areas three people – a Kuwaiti, parliamentary pressure and every of more than 5,000 square meters as the Filipina and the In- housing minister has caved in due to this law restricted them and prevents dian. the pressure, which prompted a ma- them from effectively contributing According to the details jority of them to distribute residential to building homes at an affordable of the accident, the Opera- lands in any way regardless to what price and sell them to citizens with tions Room of the Ministry happens next. long-term fi nancing and this can be of Interior received a report Today, what we expected turned facilitated by handing over residential that someone was driving out to be correct, after several con- lands at prices below market prices. at a ‘crazy’ speed on the tracting companies terminated con- It is also necessary not to limit opposite direction on the tracts with citizens in light of the housing to horizontal construction Fahaheel Expressway. unreasonable rise in prices of build- and to think of model vertical hous- By the time the patrols ing materials, and demanded that ing projects with complete services rushed to the area, the ac- construction be currently limited to a and modern management, which are cident had already hap- concrete structure especially with the environmentally friendly and meet all pened. The drivers of both lack of approval of the mortgage law safety requirements. vehicles had died on the and the scarcity of credit bank liquid- Finally, it is important to seek to spot and the Filipina while ity, in addition for other obstacles. reduce the land area for private hous- the Indian who survived In a valuable study by former min- ing, as the government had previously the accident was rushed to ister Adel Al-Sabeeh, he mentioned built houses for citizens in the sixties a hospital. that the number of housing applica- in Dasmah, Shamiya, and Keifan, and The remains of the vic- tions until May 2021 was 140,700 others with a land area not exceeding tims have been referred to and there is an annual increase of 200 square meters and many of them Forensics. about 8,000 applications. still remain. ❑ ❑ ❑ He said the lands are available, but Saudi Arabia also has good experi- Couple acquitted: The the state’s resources are unable to ence in building low-cost residential provide services for this number of Court of Appeals acquitted houses, and it should be considered. a fashionista and her hus- requests, in addition to the annual in- ❑ ❑ ❑ crease, as it needs to spend 28 billion band who were accused of dinars, and the state’s annual income [email protected] publishing on their Snap- chat account videos that contained phrases deemed offensive to the honor and MoSA top notch KU takes 244 entries dignity of a famous person. Representing the defend- set for reshuffl e ants was Lawyer Ali Jow- Females exceed males har, who argued that the KUWAIT CITY, July law was not satisfi ed with 29: The Ministry of So- KUWAIT CITY, July 29: enter the fi eld of work from the publishing, but rather cial Affairs is expected While Kuwait University graduates of Kuwait Univer- linked the publication to to shuffle employees in announced last Tuesday sity will be dominated by the criminal intent, which some of its departments evening the names of 244 female component. however is a private intent including four directors male and female students ❑ ❑ ❑ as well as the general intent and observers, reports Al- who are accepted into the to the right of the publisher. faculties of medicine, den- The Kuwait Oil Com- Anba daily. pany (KOC) is in talks with ❑ ❑ ❑ An informed source in tistry and pharmacy, the names reveal female stu- the Central Agency for Pub- Car wash in co-ops: The the Ministry said the rota- lic Tenders (CAPT) with re- dents in three faculties far Ministry of Social Af- tion is expected to happen gard to fl oat a set of tenders exceed the list of those ac- over the next period, reports fairs has asked Kuwait within days. Those targeted cepted by various faculties, Municipality to allow the for reshuffl e include man- Al-Anba daily. reports Al-Qabas daily. The daily learned from establishment of car wash agers, observers in all sec- The lists show out of the stations in cooperative so- tors in addition to heads of responsible oil sources that 151 male and female stu- the tenders are for a project cieties, reports Al-Qabas departments in all sectors, dents admitted to the College to operate and maintain daily. explaining that decisions of Medicine, the number of chemical storage and han- The daily obtained a are expected to be issued male students is only 32, dling facilities, operational copy of the ministry’s let- soon. while at the College of Den- laboratories, and surplus ter to the Municipality re- The source indicated af- tistry, out of the total of 30 water disposal stations in garding the request of Jleeb ter the decisions are issued, male and female students ac- the areas of the Kuwait Oil Al-Shuyoukh Cooperative the Personnel Affairs Com- cepted, the number of male Company, and a mainte- Society to establish a car mittee will hold a meeting students is only two, while in nance station in the south the faculty of Pharmacy out wash station to serve those to approve promotions and and east of Kuwait, while residing in the area. fi ll vacancies in some sec- of the 63 57 are female. the company also intends It is expected that this to fl oat a tender for the The Municipal Council tors. Regarding the retire- batch of students will gradu- provision of maintenance issued a decision on Oct ment of some employees, ate within the next 4 to services for fi refi ghting 10, 2011 about the author- the source explained that 7 years, according to the systems for the south and ized commercial activities decisions are awaiting ap- study system in each col- east regions, in addition to in cooperative societies but proval of the concerned lege, which indicates that export, marine and Ahmadi it does not include car wash authorities. the medical staff expected to subsidiary of the company. stations. ARAB TIMES, FRIDAY-SATURDAY, JULY 30-31, 2021

6

Photos from the event. Bangladesh Cricket Association win Eid Special T20 match

Eid Special T20 match was in Kuwait on the occasion of Eid-ul-Azha with Hossain, general secretary of the Cricket Association were in charge of Bangladesh Cricket Association Kuwait managed to score 120 runs for the initiative of Bangladesh Cricket Association and courtesy of Bangla- conducting the tournament. Al Mulla Exchange was the main sponsor of the loss of 8 wickets by batting in the allotted 20 overs. Batting in reply, desh Press Club. the tournament. Bangladesh Press Club Kuwait managed to score 116 runs for the loss Jahangir Khan Palash, president of the association and journalist Moin Matches were conducted by following social distance and hygiene of 8 wickets. Bangladesh Cricket Association won by two runs. Huma- Uddin Sarkar Sumon, president of the press club, led the association in rules. Public gatherings were not held due to the coronavirus pan- yun Kabir of Bangladesh Cricket Association was declared Best Bowler the cricket tournament held at Abbasia Cricket Ground on July 22, Friday demic. while Sharif Mizan of Press Club won the Best Batman and Man of the afternoon. General Secretary of the Press Club, AH Jubed and Moazzem Bangladesh Cricket Association won the toss and elected to bat first. Match award.

Innovative show ISEK celebrates inaugural ceremony of Enthusia ’21

KUWAIT CITY, July 29: “A school lated each participant, as she believes with a difference” — Indian School of that the fi rst step towards winning is Excellence, Kuwait has been creating participation. new trends in the fi eld of education, Ali Asgar in his interaction with the making it a fun-fi lled and enthralling audience shared his own life experi- experience. Enthusia — Talent Hunt ences as a student and as a performer. 2021, a game-changing set of competi- He also emphasized to the students tions, specially designed for the Indian that stepping back from diffi cult situ- students in Kuwait by ISEK, is going ations is not an option. One should trendy amongst the young talents of Ku- always participate in all the activities, wait. The inaugural ceremony of this in- irrespective of the rewards without novative event was conducted virtually leaving the studies behind. on July 24, attended by eminent person- The Chairman of ICSK and ISEK alities. The dynamic and versatile Indian Board of Trustees, Shaik Abdul Ra- actor and stand-up comedian Ali Asgar himan, expressed his gratitude while inaugurated the event. The Board mem- presenting the virtual memento to Ali bers, Principals and staff members of Asgar for his soulful participation in ICSK and ISEK along with participants the event. He also appreciated and and their parents graced the occasion recognized the efforts taken by the with their presence. team of ISEK under the guidance of Prof Bassam Alameddine and Intermediate faculty members pose for a photo. The show was kick-started with the the Principal Mrs Sherly Dennis. The description of ‘Enthusia – 21’ by the event was made more colourful by the high-spirited host Mrs Nisha Parak- energetic performance of the young koth, of ISEK, who captured all audi- champs of ISEK. First cycle consisted of presentations by 8 faculty members ence attention in no time. Mrs Sidra Mrs Priya Mageshvaran of ISEK, Sayed, from ISEK, narrowed the gap delivered the vote of thanks to eve- between the audience and the chief ryone present. As the inaugural cere- guest with a detailed introduction mony came to a close, the participants GUST holds fi rst cycle of Internal Seed Grant of Ali Asgar. Principal Mrs Sherly were all ready and geared up for their Dennis,who is also the master brain very fi rst competition. The fun-fi lled KUWAIT CITY, July 29: Gulf of Enthusia 2021 welcomed the gath- competitions for 4 categories starting University for Science and Tech- ering. She appreciated the parents for from LKG to Class 12th will continue nology’s (GUST) Graduate Studies their encouragement and support to through the week and the award cer- identify the interest of the children emony for all the 19 competitions will and Research Offi ce (GSR) held its outside the academics. She congratu- be held on 7th August 2021. fi rst cycle of the 2020/21 Internal Seed Grant presentations on June 23. The hour long presentation, which took place in the Board of Trustees conference room, consisted of eight flash presen- tations of the different research initiatives that will be receiving the grant. The presentations kicked-off with short welcome speeches by GSR Director, Professor Issam El- Moughrabi and Vice President for Academic Affairs, Professor Bas- sam Alameddine who congratu- lated the faculty members on be- ing selected for the Internal Seed Grant. A screen shot of the event. The Internal Seed Grant appli- cation was offered to all GUST faculty however, only eight fac- ulty members were selected after going through a rigorous selec- tion process to receive the grant Students participating in the training program pose with officials. in its first cycle for the 2020/21 Academic Year. Those recipi- ents are Dr Khalid Kisswani, Dr Program held in collaboration with KTV 2, AUB Khalid Elmawazini, Dr Abdullah Al Mutairi, Dr Christina Navarro, Dr Hanan Badr, Dr Taher Ali, In- structor Hana Ostad, and Dr Ma- GUST launches Translation Internship Program nal Kady. Vice President of Academ- KUWAIT CITY, July 29: Gulf Uni- Safar and Hessa Al-Toum who were Alduhaim, said “This program is a ic Affairs, Professor Bassam versity for Science and Technology placed as translators at KTV2. Their practical introduction to the fi eld of launched the Translation Internship training included translating Kuwaiti Translation Studies, and an amazing Alameddine, said “The Internal Program, which is the fi rst program songs, Kuwaiti TV shows, and world insight into a translators’ career. The Seed Grant is a great opportu- in Kuwait that provides translation news. They also developed their internship program is an excellent IMAWIS logo design competition winner being presented with his award. nity to help promote GUSTs own students with a chance to boost their skills in creating subtitles as well opportunity to develop your trans- faculty in achieving their aspired professional careers in the fi eld of as learning the difference between lation skills, congratulations on the Admissions open research goals. Good luck to this translation. The internship program audiovisual translation and other fi ve students who completed the in- year recipients in attaining these is organized by the English depart- types of translation. Students Nabaa ternship, a job well done.” goals.” ment’s Post-Doctoral Researcher, Dr Alhaddad, Mohammed Al-baba, and The Translation Internship Pro- The Internal Seed Grant was Asmaa Alduhaim, and was in a col- Shahad Alzaid were placed as trans- gram introduces the students to the Indian Muslim Association reveals first introduced to GUST faculty laboration with Kuwait State Televi- lators at Ahli United Bank in Kuwait real-world experience and further in 2019 with the aim of encour- sion - Channel 2 (KTV2) and Ahli where they attended several training gained a better understanding of aging GUST faculty to be more United Bank (AUB). The program sessions that instructed them on how their potential career and its chal- winner of logo design competition involved in potential research ac- was held over a two-month periodat to translate technically demanding lenges. The internship further pro- tivities. This adheres to GUST’s both institutions starting in April and texts related to banking procedures, vided students with the opportunity KUWAIT CITY, July 29: Indian Mus- welfare activities among the Indian strategy and helps develop it into ending in June. documents and letters. to apply the knowledge and skills lim Association Weekend Islamic community in Kuwait. IMA Weekend a hybrid teaching and research in- Five students enrolled in the pro- Post-doctoral Researcher at the learned in the classroom in a work School (IMAWIS) launched a “Logo Islamic School (IMAWIS) is its recent stitute. gram this year, including Mariam English Department, Dr Asmaa setting. Design Competition” during the last initiative, introduced to provide qual- month, the month of June, for adults ity Islamic education for boys and girls and children to have a logo designed of the age group between 5 and 14. It for its weekend school. Many talented offers online classes every Saturday Program to share Eid Al Adha message artists participated in the competition. from 9 am to 12 pm. Many students WIS — Weekend School Administra- from different communities in Kuwait tion received a number of stunning, have registered themselves so far and IMA to organize online ‘Eid get-together’ on July 30 beautiful and eye-catching logos from started attending their regular weekly people of all faiths. A panel of judges classes on Imaniyat, Seerah, Islamic KUWAIT CITY, July 29: Indian Indian associations and organiza- friends to this program. Below is consisting Jafar Sadiq, Ahmad Ali, Adab, Hifdh, Duas etc. Furthermore, Muslim Association (IMA) Kuwait tions in Kuwait who will deliver the Zoom link given along with the Arshad Khan, Rizwan Danish and Ni- Urdu language is also being taught at is going to organize an online pub- their thought provoking speech on Meeting ID and Password for your sar Ahmad reviewed all the received IMAWIS by well trained and experi- logos. enced teachers. lic program on “Eid Get Together” today’s burning topics like 1-”Im- online login & participation. Logo designed by Abdul Quddus Currently admissions are open for on 30th July 2021 at 5 pm local time portance of interfaith understanding Date: Jul 30, 2021 at 05:00 pm was adjudged the best and he was de- the academic year 2021-2022. Inter- in Kuwait. As the topic suggests, the and mutual respect” 2- “Festivals (Kuwait Local Time) clared the winner of the competition. ested parents are invited to enroll their program will cover in detail the mes- and it’s positive impact” 3- “Im- Join Zoom Meeting: He was presented with the prize at an children by registering at www.imaku- sage of Eid Al Adha to all mankind portance of tolerance and harmony https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83889 event organized by IMAWIS board wait.org/school. For more information in general. in India” & 4-”Unity in diversity is 708421?pwd=MlZlRDl5aUY5enhC chairman and members. Rizwan Danish may be contacted on Other than the key message of Eid India’s great feature” etc. Zy8xSk1xUGVDQT09 IMA Kuwait is a renowned socio- 9963 2314 or send email at imawis@ Al Adha , we will have some promi- IMA Kuwait cordially invites you Meeting ID: 838 8970 8421 religious Association, known for its imakuwait.org A flyer of the event. nent speakers representing different along with your family members and Passcode: 227599 ARAB TIMES, FRIDAY-SATURDAY, JULY 30-31, 2021 INTERNATIONAL 7

Coronavirus

GOP mocks recommendations CDC mask guidance is met with ‘hostility’ SALT LAKE CITY, July 29, (AP): As he rallied conservatives on Wednesday, one of the Republican Party’s most prominent rising stars mocked new government recommendations calling for more widespread use of masks to blunt a coronavirus surge. “Did you not get the CDC’s memo?” Florida Gov Ron De- Santis joked before an almost entirely unmasked audience of activists and lawmakers crammed into an indoor hotel ball- room in Salt Lake City. “I don’t see you guys complying.” From Texas to South Dakota, Republican leaders responded with hostility and defi ance to updated masking guidance from public health offi cials, who advise that even fully vaccinated people return to wearing masks indoors if they live in areas with high rates of virus transmis- sion. The backlash reopened the culture war over pandemic restrictions just as efforts to persuade unvaccinated Amer- icans to get shots appeared to be mak- ing headway. Egged on by former President Don- ald Trump, the response refl ects deep resistance among many GOP voters to Climate activists hold signs during an event to address the urgent need to counter climate change in the US with transformational investments in clean jobs, at the restrictions aimed at containing a virus Capitol in Washington, Wednesday, July 28, 2021. (AP) DeSantis they feel poses minimal personal threat. The party is also tapping into growing frustration and confu- sion over ever-shifting rules and guidance. But the resistance has real implications for a country desper- America ate to emerge from the pandemic. Beyond vaccinations, there are few tools other than mask-wearing and social distancing to contain the spread of the delta variant, which studies have shown to be far more contagious than the original strain. Infrastructure deal Many Republican leaders, however, are blocking preventa- tive measures, potentially making it harder to tame virus out- breaks in conservative communities. Prohibit Senate acts to take up bill At least 18 Republican-led states have moved to prohibit vaccine passports or to ban public entities from requiring proof WASHINGTON, July 29, (AP): The publicans will eventually join Demo- in Washington can work and he be- of vaccination. And some have prohibited schools from requir- Senate has voted to begin work on a crats to support fi nal passage. lieved GOP support would only grow. ing any student or teacher to wear a mask or be vaccinated. nearly $1 trillion national infrastruc- Senate rules require 60 votes in the “That’s pretty darn good for a start,” In its announcement, the CDC cited troubling new - thus ture plan, acting with sudden speed evenly split 50-50 chamber to proceed he said. far unpublished - research that found that fully vaccinated after weeks of fi ts and starts once the for consideration and ultimately pass That group had labored with the people can spread the delta variant just like the unvaccinated, White House and a bipartisan group of this bill, meaning support from both White House to salvage the deal, a fi rst putting those who haven’t received the shots or who have com- Australia’s former prime minister Julia senators agreed on major provisions of parties. part of Biden’s big infrastructure agen- promised immune systems at heightened risk. The CDC also Gillard hosts a session entitled ‘The the package that’s key to President Joe The outcome will set the stage for da. Swelling to more than 700 pages, recommended that all teachers, staff and students wear masks Power of Education’ on the second day Biden’s agenda. the next debate over Biden’s much the bill includes $550 billion in new inside school buildings, regardless of vaccination status. of the Global Education Summit in Lon- Biden welcomed the accord as one more ambitious $3.5 trillion spending spending for public works projects. The backlash was swift. “We won’t go back. We won’t mask don, Thursday, July 29, 2021. (AP) that would show America can “do big package, a strictly partisan pursuit of In all, 17 Republican senators joined our children,” declared Trump, who routinely cast doubt on the things.” It includes the most signifi cant far-reaching programs and services the Democrats in voting to launch the value of mask-wearing and rarely wore one in public while he was long-term investments in nearly a cen- including child care, tax breaks and debate, but most remained skeptical. in offi ce. “Why do Democrats distrust the science?” tury, he said, on par with building the health care that touch almost every The GOP senators were given a thick Missouri Gov. Mike Parson called the new guidance “dis- News in Brief transcontinental railroad or the Inter- corner of American life. Republicans binder of briefi ng materials during a appointing and concerning” and “inconsistent with the over- state highway system. strongly oppose that bill, which would private lunch, but they asked many whelming evidence surrounding the effi cacy of the vaccines 8.2 quake hits Alaska: A tsunami watch “This deal signals to the world that require a simple majority, and may try questions and wanted more details. and their proven results.” was issued for Hawaii on Wednesday even- our democracy can function,” Biden to stop both. According to a 57-page GOP sum- He, like others, warned that the measure would undermine ing following a large earthquake off the said ahead of the vote Wednesday Lead GOP negotiator Sen. Rob Port- mary obtained by The Associated efforts to encourage vaccine holdouts to get their shots by cast- Alaska peninsula. night. “We will once again transform man of Ohio announced the bipartisan Press, the fi ve-year spending package ing further doubt on the effi cacy of approved vaccines, which According to Honolulu Star Advertiser, America and propel us into the future.” group’s agreement on the $1 trillion would be paid for by tapping $205 have been shown to dramatically decrease the risk of death or The Pacifi c Tsunami Warning Center listed After weeks of stop-and-go nego- package earlier Wednesday at the Cap- billion in unspent COVID-19 relief hospitalization, despite the occurrence of breakthrough cases. the magnitude as 8.1 and said “an investi- tiations, the rare bipartisan showing itol, fl anked by four other Republican aid and $53 billion in unemployment Last week, White House offi cials reported that vaccination gation is underway to determine if there is on a 67-32 vote to start formal Senate senators who had been in talks with insurance aid some states have halted. rates were on the rise in some states where COVID-19 cases a tsunami threat to Hawaii.” But the U.S. consideration showed the high interest Democrats and the White House. It also relies on economic growth to were soaring, as more Republican leaders implored their con- Geological Survey said the quake was mag- among senators in the infrastructure After voting, Portman said the bring in $56 billion, and other meas- stituents to lay lingering doubts aside and get the shots to pro- nitude 8.2 and hit 56 miles (91 kilometers) package. But it’s unclear if enough Re- outcome showed that bipartisanship ures. tect themselves. That includes Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey, who east southeast of Perryville, Alaska at about has pleaded with unvaccinated residents, saying they are the 8:15 p.m. The quake was about 29 miles be- ones “letting us down.” low the surface of the ocean, according to “This self-infl icted setback encourages skepticism and vac- USGS. larusian President Alexander Lukashenko. have spiked dramatically since the EU im- cine hesitancy at a time when the goal is to prevent serious Two other earthquakes with preliminary Lithuania’s border guard service said it posed sanctions this year on more Belarus illnesses and deaths from COVID-19 through vaccination,” magnitudes of 6.2 and 5.6 occurred in the detained 171 people caught crossing in from government offi cials. Parson tweeted. “This decision only promotes fear & further same area within a half hour of the fi rst one, Belarus on Tuesday night, the largest num- “The unacceptable instrumentalization of the U.S. Geological Survey reported. (AP) ber in a single day this year. It brought the people for political purposes must stop. Our division among our citizens.” ❑ ❑ ❑ The announcement “will unfortunately only diminish con- total number of migrants detained so far this fi rst priority must be to assist Lithuania in fi dence in the vaccine and create more challenges for public EU calls to beef up border: The European year to 3,027. The border service said the security its border with Belarus,” EU Home health offi cials people who have worked tirelessly to in- Union’s top migration offi cial is urging migrants, all from Iraq, were to be placed Affairs Commissioner Ylva Johansson crease vaccination rates,” echoed Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey, member countries to help Lithuania beef up in one of Lithuania’s already crowded im- wrote to Lithuania’s 26 partner countries who has banned mask and vaccine mandates in his state. surveillance on its border with Belarus and migration detention centers. in a letter seen Thursday by The Associated not to give in to political pressure from Be- Movements of people across the border Lukashenko Johansson Press. (AP) Ford posts 2Q profit Milton to face securities fraud charges

Sky-high sales prices for its The automaker warned earlier Revenue was $26.8 billion, The founder and one-time ex- legations of fraud. At the time, misleading statements from No- pickup trucks and SUVs helped in the year that it would be hit also above analysts’ forecasts of ecutive chair of Nikola Corp. sur- Milton said he would defend vember 2019 through last Sep- Ford Motor Co. turn a surprise especially hard by the chip short- just over $23 billion. rendered Thursday in New York himself against accusations that tember through social media second-quarter profi t despite age and a fi re at Japanese sup- Ford raised its guidance for on criminal charges alleging that the company made false claims and television, print and podcast a global shortage of computer plier Renesas that manufactures full-year pretax income by about he made false and misleading about its vehicles, allegations interviews about the company’s chips that cut production. many of its automotive-grade $3.5 billion to between $9 billion statements about the electric Nikola rejects. product and technology develop- The Dearborn, Michigan, chips. and $10 billion. But it cautioned and hydrogen-powered truck In an indictment unsealed ment. company said Wednesday that The company said that it that higher commodity prices startup, duping some novice in- Thursday in Manhattan federal The indictment said the claims it made $561 million from April earned 13 cents per share ex- and capital investments would vestors looking to earn money to court, prosecutors charged Milton were aimed at retail investors who through June, largely because cluding one-time items. That was offset sales volume expected to replace income lost during the with two counts of securities fraud did not have professional experi- output from its factories was bet- far better than Wall Street ex- rise by about 30% in the second pandemic. and one count of wire fraud. ence in the securities markets. A ter than the company had ex- pectations of a 3-cent-per-share half over the fi rst half of this year. Trevor Milton resigned from He was accused in the in- message seeking comment was pected. loss, according to FactSet. (AP) Nikola in September amid al- dictment of making false and left with his lawyer. (AP)

Market Movements 29-07-2021 Change Closing pts Change Closing pts SAUDI - Tadawul +78.98 11,012.71 EGYPT - EGX 30 -26.99 10,742.23 JAPAN - Nikkei +200.76 27,782.42 PAKISTAN - KSE 100 -5.70 47,313.33 UK - FTSE 100 +61.79 7,078.42 EUROPE - Euro Stoxx 50 +13.74 4,116.77 UAE - DFM +14.01 2,765.71 PHILIPPINES - PSEi +23.50 6,496.53 INDIA - Sensex +209.36 52,653.07 Business Central bank leaves interest rates unchanged Fed notes improving economy, a step toward easing support WASHINGTON, July 29, (AP): The prices jumped 5.4% in June from a Federal Reserve said that the US year ago, the biggest increase in 13 economy is strengthening and mak- years. And a separate infl ation gauge ing progress on the Fed’s employ- the Fed prefers has risen 3.9% in the ment and infl ation goals, a small step past year. toward dialing back its ultra-low-in- Last month’s infl ation surge terest rate policies, perhaps later this marked a fourth straight month of year. unexpectedly large price increases, The statement the Fed issued after heightening fears that higher costs its latest policy meeting said that on- will erode the value of recent pay going vaccinations were helping to raises and undermine the economic support the economy. But it dropped recovery. But in its statement, the a sentence it had included after its Fed again expressed its belief that the previous meeting that said those vac- increase in infl ation largely refl ects cinations have reduced the spread of “transitory factors.” COVID-19. That was the only refer- Among Fed watchers and inves- ence in the latest statement to the del- tors, there is some concern that the ta variant, which has triggered a spike central bank will end up responding in COVID cases in several hotspots too late and too aggressively to high in the United States and many other infl ation by quickly jacking up inter- countries. est rates and potentially causing an- But at a news conference Wednes- other recession. Earlier this month, day, Chair Jerome Powell suggested Republicans in Congress peppered that the Fed, at least for now, sees no Powell with questions about infl ation. cause for alarm from the delta vari- But at his news conference, Powell ant: said that if “we were to see infl ation “What we’ve seen is with succes- moving up to levels persistently that sive waves of COVID over the past were above signifi cantly, materially year and some months now, there has above our goal ... we would use our tended to be less in the a way of eco- tools to guide infl ation back down” to nomic implications from each wave. the Fed’s target average infl ation of We’ll see whether that is the case 2% annually. with the delta variety. But it’s certain- After a period of broad agree- ly not an unreasonable expectation.” ment during the pandemic crisis, the He added: Fed’s policymakers appear divided “It certainly is plausible that people over how soon to bein tapering its would pull back from some activi- bond purchases. Several regional ties because of the risk of infection. Fed bank presidents support tapering Dining out, traveling, some schools soon, including James Bullard of the might not reopen. We may see eco- St. Louis Fed, Patrick Harker of the nomic effects from some of that or it Philadelphia Fed and Robert Kaplan A screen in a booth on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange shows the rate decision of the Federal Reserve, Wednesday, July 28, 2021. The Federal might weigh on the return to the labor of the Dallas Fed. Reserve said Wednesday that the U.S. economy is strengthening and making progress on the Fed’s employment and inflation goals, a small step toward market. We don’t have a strong sense But Powell has said that the cen- dialing back its ultra-low-interest rate policies. (AP) of how that will work out so we’ll be tral bank wants to see “substantial monitoring it carefully.” further progress” toward its goals Powell also suggested that an in- of maximum employment and price crease in vaccinations would allow stability before it would consider the the nation to “get back to our eco- reducing the bond purchases. To US economy accelerated at nomic activity.” make up for years of inflation re- The central bank is keeping its maining below 2%, the Fed wants benchmark short-term rate pegged inflation to moderately exceed its near zero, where it has remained 2% average inflation target and to since the pandemic tore through the show signs of remaining above that economy in March 2020. The Fed level for an unspecified time. will also continue to buy $120 billion In recent months, as consumer solid 6.5% rate last quarter in Treasury and mortgage bonds each demand has exceeded the supply of month - purchases that are intended to goods and services in some indus- lower rates on longer-term consumer tries, infl ation - led by sharp price in- and business loans to spur more bor- creases for things like used and new Jobless claims down 24,000 to 400,000 rowing and spending. cars, hotel rooms and airline tickets The Fed’s latest policy statement - has topped 2%. WASHINGTON, July 29, three months. And average hourly pay Magnifying the supply bottlenecks Meanwhile, the number of Ameri- comes as the economy is sustaining It’s not yet clear how the highly rose a solid 3.6% compared with a year is a rise in viral cases at transportation cans collecting unemployment benefi ts a strong recovery from the pandem- contagious and fast-spreading delta (AP): Fueled by vaccina- earlier, faster than the pre-pandemic ports in Asia that have caused some slid last week, another sign that the job ic recession, with solid hiring and variant of the coronavirus might af- tions and government aid, annual pace. manufacturing plants to shut down. market continues to recover rapidly spending. The central bank took note fect the U.S. or global economies or the U.S. economy grew at a “The fundamentals for consumers and Those bottlenecks could, in turn, con- from the coronavirus recession. of that improvement by observing, how the job market will fare in com- businesses are still very good,” said Gus tinue to obstruct the fl ow of goods to Jobless claims dropped by 24,000 to for the fi rst time since the pandemic ing months. Hiring could accelerate solid 6.5% annual rate last Faucher, chief economist at PNC Finan- retailers in the United States. 400,000 last week, the Labor Depart- began to ease, that the economy is in September as schools reopen, more quarter in another sign that cial, who said he had so far seen no ef- A shortage of workers, too, has made ment reported Thursday. moving toward making the “substan- parents are able to take jobs and ex- the nation has achieved a fects from a rise in confi rmed viral cases. it harder for restaurants, retailers and The weekly applications have fallen tial further progress” it wants to see panded unemployment aid programs sustained recovery from Consumer confi dence has reached many other service-industry employers more or less steadily this year - from before reducing, or tapering, its $120 expire. its highest level since the pandemic to fi ll jobs as consumer demand surges a peak of 904,000 in early to January. billion a month in bond purchases.” The bond market is signaling little the pandemic recession. struck in March 2020, a key reason why - even employers that have been raising But they remain high by historic stan- This could be an early hint that the concern about future infl ation, with The total size of the econ- retail sales remain solid as Americans wages. Despite the job market’s steady dards: Before COVID struck the Unit- policymakers will start art reducing - the yield on the 10-year Treasury omy has now surpassed its shift their spending back to services - gains, unemployment, at 5.9%, is still ed States in March 2020, claims were or “tapering,” in Fed parlance - their note having fallen by nearly a half- from restaurant meals and airline trips well above the 3.5% rate that prevailed coming in at about 220,000 a week. monthly bond purchases later this percentage point since the spring, to pre-pandemic level. to entertainment events and shopping before the pandemic struck. And the The job market and overall economy year. about 1.26%. This also gives the Fed Thursday’s report from the sprees. Businesses are also showing economy remains 6.8 million jobs short have been recovering from the collapse The economy’s widespread im- more time to consider its options. Commerce Department estimated renewed faith in the economy, with or- of its pre-pandemic total. of the spring of 2020. The rollout of vac- provement, and a pickup in infl ation, Powell has said the Fed will com- that the nation’s gross domestic ders for manufactured goods pointing Should the economy’s shortages cines this year has encouraged businesses are key reasons why Powell and other municate its intention to taper “well to solid corporate investment. persist well into the future, the econ- to reopen or expand their hours and sent Fed policymakers are believed to be in advance” of doing so. Many econ- product - its total output of goods Underpinning the recovery have and services - accelerated in the omy would likely struggle to maintain cooped-up consumers back out to visit moving closer toward pulling back omists think that signal will occur in been trillions in federal rescue mon- its current robust pace of growth. restaurants, bars and shops. their economic support. Consumer late August or September. April-June quarter from an already ey, ranging from stimulus checks to robust 6.3% annual growth rate in expanded unemployment benefi ts to the first quarter of the year. small business aid to just-distributed The quarterly fi gure was less than ana- child tax credit payments. And mil- lysts had expected. But that was mainly lions of affl uent households have because supply chain bottlenecks exerted benefi ted from a vast increase in their a stronger-than-predicted drag on com- wealth resulting from surging home panies’ efforts to restock their shelves. equity and stock market gains. The slowdown in inventory rebuilding, The economy is also receiving sub- in fact, subtracted 1.1 percentage points stantial support from the Federal Reserve. from last quarter’s annual growth. On Wednesday, the Fed reaffi rmed that By contrast, consumer spending it will maintain its key short-term inter- - the main fuel of the U.S. economy est rate at a record low near zero to keep - was robust last quarter: It advanced short-term borrowing costs low. It will at an 11.8% annual rate. Spending on also continue to buy government-backed goods grew at an 11.6% rate, though bonds to put downward pressure on long- down from a 27.4% surge in the fi rst term loan rates to encourage borrowing quarter. And spending on services, and spending. from restaurant meals to airline tick- The recovery, in fact, has been so rap- ets, expanded at a 12% rate, up from id, with pent-up demand from consumers a 3.9% gain in the January-March pe- driving growth after a year of lockdowns, riod as vaccinations encouraged more that one looming risk is a potential spike Americans to shop, travel and eat out. in infl ation that could get out of control. For all of 2021, the economy is expect- Consumer prices jumped 5.4% in June ed to expand perhaps as much as 7%. If from a year ago, the sharpest spike in 13 so, that would be the strongest calendar- years and the fourth straight month of siz- year growth since 1984. And it would able price jumps. Naqeeb Amin and a number of the HR team welcome the new employees. mark a sharp reversal from last year’s Some economists have warned that 3.4% economic contraction - the worst by choosing not to begin withdrawing in 74 years - as a result of the pandemic. its extraordinary support for the econ- AUB organizes training program for its fresh employees Yet overhanging the rosy eco- omy, the Fed may end up responding nomic forecasts is the possibility of a too late and too aggressively to high Ahli United Bank (AUB) organizes a comprehen- that they will be a real addition to the human that helps them improve their skills and achieve resurgent coronavirus in the form of infl ation by quickly jacking up rates sive induction training program for its new em- wealth of which the bank is proud, stressing that their professional aspirations. the highly contagious delta variant. and perhaps causing another recession. ployees. The program ran in July 2021with the the bank is concerned with developing various Amin emphasized AUB’s interest to attract The U.S. is now averaging more than But at a news conference Wednesday, aim to make the new employees familiar with the banking skills and knowledge that its employ- the best young local staff, pointing out that the 60,000 confi rmed new cases a day, up Fed Chair Jerome Powell underscored work systems at the bank, identify the nature of ees need, especially in light of the rapid devel- bank pays special attention to training programs from only about 12,000 a month ago. his belief that recent infl ation readings re- the work of the bank different departments, their opments in the banking industry at the present as part of its commitment towards excellence Should a surge in viral infections cause fl ect price spikes in a narrow range of cat- functions, as well as training them on customer time. and leadership in the Islamic banking sector by many consumers to hunker down again egories - from used cars and airline tick- service skills, providing a detailed explanation Amin added: The provision of good profes- creating an interactive environment between and pull back on spending, it would ets to hotel rooms and auto rentals - that on the excellent products and services the bank sional training and preparation that is made employees and management, enabling them to weaken the recovery. have been distorted by temporary supply provides to its customers, and explaining the ba- available to the bank’s new employees, to form exchange experiences with each other, in addi- For now, the economy is showing shortages related to the economy’s swift sis and rules of the Islamic banking system. their first professional launch in the banking sec- tion to preparing human competencies capable sustained strength. Last month, Amer- reopening. Those shortages involve On this occasion, Naqeeb Amin, HR General tor, is one of the factors that make the work en- of providing an exceptional level of performance ica’s employers added 850,000 jobs, items like furniture, appliances, clothing Manager at Ahli United Bank welcomed the new vironment at AUB most attractive to fresh gradu- that our customers aspire to, that is in line with well above the average of the previous and computer chips, among others. employees, expressing his hope and confidence ates who seek to work within a unique system the bank’s unique position. ARAB TIMES, FRIDAY-SATURDAY, JULY 30-31, 2021 BUSINESS 9

UPS earns $2.7b but volume dips as stores reopen A UPS driver enters a Free from the pandemic noon trading. reopened their stores, and most packages into the com- United Parcel Service lockdowns of last year, more Higher rates helped the as economies reopened, pany’s network. store with packages in shoppers are venturing into delivery giant boost revenue, customers went back to Tomé said UPS is no long- Jackson, Miss., Monday, stores and relying just a bit but shipping volume fell near- those stores,” CEO Carol er seeking to simply boost July 26, 2021. UPS’ less on brown UPS trucks. ly 1% worldwide and almost Tomé said on a call with volume, and instead the com- second-quarter results United Parcel Service said 3% in the United States. analysts. pany is focusing on lucrative topped Wall Street’s view Tuesday that it earned al- Company executives said Tomé said the company markets such as health care as the company continues most $2.7 billion in the sec- they couldn’t match the surge anticipated that shoppers and small- and medium-size to benefi t from people ond quarter. However, do- in online shopping and home would be eager to venture businesses. UPS said small increasingly having more mestic volume was weaker deliveries during the height of out of their homes - and sug- and medium businesses and more products deliv- than Wall Street expected, the pandemic. gested UPS is moving away made up 20% of its revenue ered to their homes. (AP) and the company’s shares “Many of our brick-and- from a laser focus on large re- last year, and that is now up tumbled nearly 7% in after- mortar enterprise customers tail customers that pump the to 27%. (AP) Stocks rise on economic data, earnings Investors await market debut of online brokerage Robinhood Nokia profi t up NEW YORK, July 29, (AP): Stocks rose on Wall Street in third quarter Thursday as the latest gov- HELSINKI, July 29, (AP): Wireless ernment data showed con- network maker and 5G technology tinued economic growth and provider Nokia reported substan- investors reviewed another tially improved second-quarter batch of mostly positive cor- profi t Thursday, citing the help of its new operating model and boom- porate earnings reports. ing sales of 5G equipment. Investors are also awaiting the The company, based in Espoo, market debut of online broker- Finland, reported net profi t of 539 age Robinhood. The company has million euros ($640 million) for the drawn millions of new investors April-June period, up 71% from 316 to Wall Street with commission- million euros a year earlier. Sales free trades, but has also attracted were up 4% at 5.3 billion euros. controversy. It and other online CEO Pekka Lundmark, who took brokerages rattled Wall Street ear- over Nokia’s top job a year ago and lier this year when investors used has drastically changed the business the platforms to drive up prices to strategy, said the second-quarter re- seemingly unreasonable levels for sults showed the company was on “meme” stocks like GameStop. the right track. The S&P 500 index rose 0.5% as “We are already seeing the ben- of 11:31 a.m. Eastern time. The Dow efi ts of our new operating model, Jones Industrial Average rose 171 which helped us to deliver such a points, or 0.5%, to 35,102 and the Nas- strong fi nancial performance,” Lun- daq rose 0.4%. The gains were broad, with about dmark said. 77% of the stocks in the benchmark Vowed S&P 500 rising. Technology companies made some of the biggest gains, along The executive has vowed to make with a wide range of retailers and other Nokia the world leader in 5G - the consumer-oriented companies. new generation of broadband tech- Facebook fell 3.6% and weighed nology - even if it means sacrifi cing down the communications sector after short-term profi tability. it warned of slower growth through the In 5G technology, Nokia is in a rest of the year. Trader Ben Tuchman works on the fl oor of the New York Stock Exchange, Wednesday, July 28, 2021. Stocks rose on Wall Street Thursday as the latest tight race with Nordic competi- The yield on the 10-year Treasury government data showed continued economic growth and investors reviewed another batch of mostly positive corporate earnings reports. (AP) tor Ericsson, China’s Huawei and note remained relatively stable. It fell to remain steady as businesses reopen a surprise second-quarter profi t on sales days of declines. Sydney’s S&P-ASX The China Securities and Regulatory South Korea’s Samsung, among to 1.25% from 1.26% late Wednesday. others. A government report helped ease and people return to many of the things of its pickup trucks and SUVs. 200 added 0.5% to 7,417.40. Southeast Commission’s meeting with top invest- they were doing before the pandemic. Internet retail giant Amazon will re- Asian markets rose. ment bankers on Wednesday night “ap- Lundmark said Nokia has revised some concerns on Wall Street about its full-year profi t outlook upwards the pace of the economic recovery. “Eventually the growth rates will port its results after the market closes. “The Fed maintained its accommo- pears to have calmed the most frazzled The Commerce Department said the slow, but it’s important to understand France’s CAC 40 added 0.7% to dative monetary policies near-term. of nerves,” said Venkateswaran Lavan- and “we now expect comparable U.S. economy grew at a solid 6.5% that just because the rate is slowing 6,657.53 and Germany’s DAX gained While discussions of tapering plans are ya of Mizuho Bank. operating margin between 10 and annual rate last quarter. The total size doesn’t not mean were entering into a 0.2% to 15,597.87. Britain’s FTSE 100 underway, the markets may be relieved Meanwhile, the Fed said Wednesday 12% for full year 2021, compared of the economy has now surpassed its contraction,” Horneman said. rose 0.7% to 7,066.91. that no tapering timeline was set out,” that “the economy has made progress” to our previous range of 7-10%.” pre-pandemic level. It also revised its Investors also got encouraging news Asian stocks rose after the Federal Yeap Jun Rong, market strategist at IG toward its goals of low unemployment “We have executed faster than fi gures for 2020, showing that the econ- on the broader employment picture, Reserve kept its accommodative mon- in Singapore, said in a report. and stable infl ation. planned on our strategy in the fi rst omy contracted by a slightly smaller which has tended to lag the rest of the re- etary policies and signaled that the U.S. Games and social media giant Ten- The central bank however left its key half, which provides us with a good amount than previously reported. covery. Claims for unemployment ben- economic recovery was on track. cent Holding Ltd. surged 9.1% in Hong interest rate unchanged at the end of foundation for the full year,” he said. The latest GDP fi gure fell short of efi ts dropped by 24,000 to 400,000 last Chinese technology giants led the Kong. Internet search giant Baidu Inc. a two-day policy meeting. It will also Lundmark acknowledged, how- economists forecasts for 8.5% growth, week, the Labor Department reported. way as authorities moved to soothe jit- was up 6.2% in the territory, while its keep buying $120 billion in Treasury ever, that Nokia faced “headwinds” but investors have largely brushed off The upbeat economic data follows the ters over stricter anti-monopoly and data Wall Street-traded shares jumped 5.7% and mortgage bonds each month until in markets like the United States the wide miss. Federal Reserve’s statement on Wednes- security enforcement of the industry. E-commerce giant Alibaba Group more progress is made. “That’s still an eyepopping number,” day signaling that it will keep its support Tokyo’s Nikkei 225 gained 0.7% to shares in Hong Kong climbed 6.9%, In energy markets, benchmark U.S. ,where the company has lost mar- said Megan Horneman, director of port- measures for the economy intact. 27,782.42, while the Kospi in South outperforming a 5.3% gain on Wall crude rose 64 cents to $73.05 per barrel ket share. Challenges also loom in folio strategy at Verdence Capital Advi- Yum Brands, which owns KFC and Korea advanced 0.2% to 3,242.65. The Street overnight. in electronic trading on the New York China, where Nokia’s market share sors, on the latest GDP fi gure. Taco Bell, rose 5.4% after strong cus- Hang Seng in Hong Kong jumped 2.9% Chinese Internet shares had slid earli- Mercantile Exchange. It picked up 74 has remained low despite the com- Analysts have been expecting the tomer demand helped it handily beat to 26,222.72. er this week on reports that Beijing was cents to $72.39 on Wednesday. Brent pany recently securing an important economic recovery to slow down from Wall Street’s profi t and revenue fore- The Shanghai Composite Index re- considering restrictions on for-profi t crude oil, the basis for international oil 5G deal with key operator China its breakneck pace earlier this year, but casts. Ford rose 3.5% after it reported bounded 1.5% to 3,411.72 after three education ventures. prices, added 62 cents to $74.49. Mobile. Gupshup gets $240m in ‘additional’ funding SAN FRANCISCO, July 29, (Agencies): Gupshup an- nounced it has raised an additional $240 million in follow-on funding from an industry-leading group of investors includ- ing Fidelity Management and Research Company LLC, Ti- ger Global, Think Investments, Malabar Investments, Har- bor Spring Capital, certain accounts managed by Neuberger Berman Investment Advisers LLC, White Oak, Neeraj Aro- ra and others. This funding round follows the $100 million raise from Tiger Global in April, at a $1.4 billion valuation. Gupshup will use this investment to continue executing its vision and for secondary purchase of shares from current and former employees as well as prior investors. Gupshup con- tinues to invest in product innovation for digital commerce enablement as well as expanding go-to-market initiatives in mobile-fi rst economies around the world. Gupshup is also exploring M&A opportunities to expand its business oppor- tunities. The company earlier announced an expansion in its executive team with leadership hires in Corporate Develop- ment, International Business Development, Sales, Customer Success, Marketing, and IT. “We see substantial growth in India’s digital economy,” said Shashin Shah, Managing Principal at Think Invest- ments. “Gupshup’s platform is an essential tool for business- es building a digital footprint. We’re excited to partner with Gupshup, given its market-leading position, innovation-led growth and attractive fi nancial profi le.” “We have followed Gupshup’s progress for a long while and believe that they are the most evolved customer commu- nications platform In India and increasingly in other emerg- ing markets, with a leadership position in the most attractive and fastest growing sub-segments of the market,” said Su- meet Nagar, Managing Director, Malabar Investments. “We believe that Beerud and team have the unique opportunity to expand the addressable market on the back of new offerings and scale the business up signifi cantly, which is a perfect recipe for massive value creation. I have known Beerud for over three decades, and all of us at Malabar are delighted to partner with Gupshup in the next stage of their journey.” “We believe the digitization of India is in the early stages of transformational growth, powered by critical communica- tions infrastructure,” said Subir Jajoo, a Partner at Harbor Spring Capital. “Gupshup has built a leading platform to en- hance business-consumer engagement, and we are pleased to partner with the company as it continues to improve the digital experience through innovation, reliability and cus- tomer service.” “Conversations represent the new digital storefront for businesses - virtually every business will need to build them,” said Beerud Sheth, co-founder and CEO, Gupshup. “We are transforming digital commerce around the world with conversational messaging. We look forward to part- nering with our new investors given their incredible track record of backing category-creating companies. We are also gratifi ed by the opportunity to provide partial liquidity and great returns to early investors and employees that put their faith in Gupshup.” Enabling digital commerce with conversational messag- ing, helps businesses across industries take their customers on AI-powered conversational journeys on messaging apps, across marketing, commerce, and support workfl ows. Cus- tomers can discover products, pay for them, track delivery, provide feedback and get support, while chatting with their favorite brands like they would with friends and family. American plans to invest in a budget airline based in Chile

American Airlines plans to invest in a Chilean fi cer, said the deal would let both airlines grow Colombia. budget airline and sell seats on each other’s profi tably throughout Latin America as the JetSmart is one of several low-cost carriers American Airlines fl ights to help American extend its reach in travel industry recovers from the pandemic. controlled or partly owned by U.S. private eq- passenger jets South America. He said two-thirds of passengers on Ameri- uity fi rm Indigo Partners. Others include Den- prepare for depar- American said Thursday that it has signed can fl ights to and from South America start in ver-based Frontier Airlines, Mexico’s Volaris ture, Wednesday, a letter of intent for the deal with JetSmart. South America, and the deal will give them and Hungary’s Wizz Air. July 21, 2021, American executives declined to say how more fl ight options. American has struck deals in South Amer- near a terminal at much the airline proposes to invest in JetSmart JetSmart was founded in 2016 and has ica before. Its longtime partnership with the Boston Logan In- other than describing it as a minority stake. just 20 planes, although it has 79 more on continent’s biggest airline, Latam, collapsed ternational Airport, If the companies close the deal and win order. It specializes in short hops among in 2019 when Delta Air Lines swooped in to in Boston. (AP) government approval, travelers could earn 33 destinations in South America, mostly in make a $2 billion investment in the Chilean and spend American frequent-fl yer points on Chile and Argentina. JetSmart overlaps with carrier. After the pandemic crushed air travel JetSmart fl ights. American in a half-dozen cities including in 2020, Latam fi led for bankruptcy protection Vasu Raja, American’s chief revenue of- Buenos Aires; Santiago, Chile; and Bogota, in the US. (AP)

‘A huge moment for the fast-growing company’ Robinhood makes its $32bn debut on Wall Street NEW YORK, July 29, (AP): Robin- hood’s stock began trading Thursday on Wall Street, the very place the on- line brokerage has rattled with its stated goal of democratizing fi nance. Through its app, Robinhood has introduced millions to investing and reshaped the brokerage industry, all while racking up a long list of contro- versies in less than eight years. Robinhood Markets and three of its executives are selling up to 60.5 mil- lion shares of its stock in the initial public offering, with trading expected to begin on the Nasdaq under the ticker symbol “HOOD.” It was priced late Wednesday at $38 a share, the low end of its expected range of $38 to $42, perhaps a sign of tepid investor interest. That price puts the company’s total value at close to $32 billion, which puts it on par with companies like Stanley Black & Decker and V.F. Corp., whose apparel brands include Timberland boots and Supreme streetwear. Robinhood itself raised nearly $1.9 billion in the deal, which it plans to use to expand and to help pay for expected tax obligations. Still, it’s a huge moment for the fast-growing company based in Menlo Park, California, which is reserving many of the shares for its own custom- ers, rather than just big professional in- vestors. Can Robinhood convince them to embrace its stock, just as it helped a generation of investors take on trading stocks, options and cryptocurrencies? Here are a few things to keep in mind ahead of what’s one of the most antici- pated IPOs on Wall Street this year: How does a free service make money? Robinhood’s revenue soared 245% last year to $959 million. It then hit $522 million in the fi rst three months of 2021 alone, more than quadrupling from the year-ago level. Robinhood doesn’t charge trading commissions or require customers to carry big balances - one reason why it’s so popular. It makes the bulk of its money - 81% of revenue in the fi rst PowerSchool CEO Hardeep Gulati, second from right, rings the New York Stock Exchange opening bell, celebrating his company’s IPO, Wednesday, July 28, 2021. Low interest rates and hefty quarter- by funneling investors’ orders returns have driven record demand for IPOs, but with valuations for newly public companies now at levels last seen during the dot-com bubble, some analysts are raising concerns that boom to big trading fi rms, such as Citadel may be nearing an end. Last quarter was the U.S.’s biggest for initial public offerings in over two decades, with 115 companies raising proceeds of $40.7 billion, according to Renaissance Capital. Securities, which take the other side of This demand has driven valuations to levels not seen since since two decades ago. (AP) the trade. They also give a payment to Robinhood. The practice, called “payment for Analysts raising concerns the boom may be nearing an end order fl ow,” has drawn criticism from lawmakers and regulators. But legal experts say tighter regulation may be diffi cult to bring about. Brokerages need to make money somehow, and IPO mkt nears peak as valuations hit 20-yr high if Robinhood can’t get it from pay- ment for order fl ow, it could go back By Damian J. Troise in 2000, according to Ritter. Those valua- company AppLovin raised $2 billion when go public with the intent of buying a private to charging trading commissions, said tions have begun to drop in 2021, but remain it went public in April. The tech sector ac- company, in effect making the purchased Joshua Mitts, a law professor at Co- ow interest rates and hefty returns have lumbia University. Ldriven record demand for IPOs, but with historically high. counted for more than half of the quarter’s company a publicly-traded company without What if the trading boom fi zzles? valuations for newly public companies now Enthusiasm from companies and inves- billion-dollar IPOs. having to go through the IPO process itself. Even if payment for order fl ow at levels last seen during the dot-com bub- tors drove the number and overall proceeds The average return for investors on IPOs Only 63 SPACs went public last quarter, sticks around, Robinhood’s depend- ble, some analysts are raising concerns that higher in the fi rst half of the year, but returns reached 33.4% and 73.8% during the third raising about $12.2 billion, down from the ence on the practice could be an issue. boom may be nearing an end. are slipping and that could further temper and fourth quarters of 2020, respectively. 298 who raised $87 billion in the fi rst quar- During normal times, Robinhood may pricing for IPOs. That stimulated demand from investors and ter. get about 75% of its money from trans- Last quarter was the U.S.’s biggest for action-based revenue, roughly triple initial public offerings in over two decades, The IPO market took off partly because interest from companies to go public during Even with investors a bit more cautious what some competitors get, said Tom with 115 companies raising proceeds of historically low interest rates made stocks an the fi rst half of 2021. about pricing, the IPO market is expected to Mason, senior research analyst at S&P $40.7 billion, according to Renaissance Cap- attractive investment, even as the pandemic “Returns are the fuel that drive the IPO is- remain strong through the year, though the Global Market Intelligence. ital. IPOs also set a record in the fi rst quarter. sapped the broader economy. Those low suance engine,” said Kathleen Smith, found- pace will likely moderate because of a more Robinhood says its revenue could In 2020, companies raised $61.9 billion, rates can help boost returns for companies ing principal at Renaissance Capital. volatile market, Smith said. fall in the July-September quarter going public. “It’s really hard to tell what will happen Thursday’s listing of online brokerage Rob- when compared to the April-June pe- the most since 2000, according to a measure riod, when revenue rose an estimated by Jay Ritter, a fi nance professor at the Uni- Low interest rates are especially benefi - with these markets, but if investors aren’t inhood is being closely watched as a gauge of 124% to 135%. Besides seasonality is- versity of Florida. cial for technology stocks whose rich valu- making returns they demand better pricing,” further investor appetite for IPOs. It could raise sues, Robinhood said it expects to see This demand has driven valuations to lev- ations are based on high expectations for Smith said. “We’re seeing a little bit of pric- about $2.3 billion. The company found itself decreased levels of trading activity, els not seen since the dot-com bubble two their future earnings. Technology companies ing sensitivity.” embroiled in this year’s meme stock phenom- particularly in cryptocurrencies, which decades ago. In 2020, investors valued IPOs were dominant in the second quarter, with Special-purpose acquisition companies, or enon, when retail investors used the platform accounted for 17% of revenue in the at a median of 38 times the company’s rev- China-based ride-hailing company Didi rais- SPACs, are being hit hardest by investors’ to drive up share values for seemingly weak fi rst three months of the year. enue, close to the nearly 41x valuation seen ing more than $4.4 billion. Mobile gaming new-found sensitivity over pricing. SPACs companies, like GameStop. (AP) Among other risks, Robinhood’s customers could spend less time on the app if a fading pandemic means they can go on with their lives and do other CEO exalts the ‘metaverse’ things with money. Robinhood also hasn’t always kept customers happy: Its platform has had some high-profi le outages, and early Facebook profi ts top $10b this year it temporarily barred inves- NEW YORK, July 29, (AP): Concerns Although the social network dou- tors from making trades in GameStop, about a revenue growth slowdown bled its profit in the second quarter, in when manic movements in its stock pushed Facebook’s shares lower in part because of higher average prices it were the talk of the market. after-hours trading Wednesday, not charged for the ads it delivers to its Trusting customers as investors Robinhood is taking the unusual step long after the company reported that nearly 3 billion users. But the compa- of allowing users of its trading app to its second-quarter profits doubled ny said it doesn’t expect revenue to buy up to 35% of its IPO shares before thanks to a massive increase in adver- continue to grow at such a breakneck they begin trading. That’s the largest tising revenue. pace in the second half of the year. portion by far of pre-IPO shares to be But CEO Mark Zuckerberg set his Separately, Facebook said on designated for retail investors in an sights far beyond the second half of Wednesday that it will make vaccines underwritten offering, says Matt Ken- 2021, exalting what he sees as the next mandatory for employees in the U.S. nedy, senior IPO market strategist at phase of how people experience the who work in offices. Exceptions will Renaissance Capital. internet. What the rest of the world be made for medical and other reasons. Typically, only institutional inves- might know as augmented and virtual Google announced a similar policy tors and company insiders can buy reality with a dash of science fiction, earlier in the day. shares in companies before they go Zuckerberg and others are calling “the The Menlo Park, California-based public, and ordinary investors miss out metaverse,” a futuristic and somewhat company earned $10.39 billion, or on any fi rst day pop. Between 2001 and vague notion that encompasses AR, $3.61 per share, in the April-June 2020 the average U.S. IPO returned VR and new, yet-to-be-imagined ways period. That’s up from $5.18 billion, 14.5% from the offer price on day one, of connecting to one another via tech- or $1.80 per share, a year earlier. according to Renaissance Capital. The nology. Revenue jumped 56% to $28.58 bil- return this year is an even-better 25% Zuckerberg expects the metaverse lion from $18.32 billion. Analysts, when looking at IPOs that raise at least to be the next big thing after the mobile on average, were expecting earnings $100 million. internet, although he’s had a spotty of $3.04 per share and revenue of The biggest risk, Kennedy says, is track record when it comes to predict- $24.85 billion, according to a poll by that retail investors are more likely ing major trends of the near future. At FactSet. than institutional traders to flip their Facebook’s f8 conference four years Advertising revenue growth was shares for a quick profit, raising the ago, for instance, Zuckerberg predict- driven by a 47% year-over-year possibility of increased volatility on ed a future where you will sit in your increase in the average price per ad the first day of trading. For its part, bedroom wearing a headset and take a and a 6% increase in the number of ads Robinhood has warned that users virtual vacation with faraway friends shown to people. Facebook said it who sell IPO shares within 30 days of and family, or use your smartphone’s expects ad prices, not the amount of the IPO will be restricted from buy- camera to virtually spruce up your ads it delivers, to continue to drive ing shares in IPOs on Robinhood’s dinky apartment. growth. platform for 60 days. ARAB TIMES, FRIDAY-SATURDAY, JULY 30-31, 2021 SCIENCE 11

Coronavirus

US extends J&J expiry dates Youth focus of infection in Mexico’s third wave

MEXICO CITY, July 29, (AP): Hours after Mexico City au- thorities raised the capital’s COVID-19 alert level in the face of surging infections, especially among young people, resi- dents packed a plaza on a pleasant evening in the charming Coyoacan borough. Among them was Mario Estrada Flores, a lanky 21-year-old college student, who along with nine friends — all without masks — started up an impromptu rap performance that drew dozens of applauding onlookers. “I’m not worried about getting infected because I’m young,” Estrada Flores said. “I have more defenses than an older per- son ... we have the idea that since we’re young nothing bad is going to happen to us or if we do get it it’s not going to be so strong.” Specialists say that attitude is com- mon in Mexico’s youth, a population that is driving the increase in infections in the country’s third pandemic wave. Mexico has registered 2.75 mil- lion confi rmed infections and more than 238,000 COVID-19 deaths, both fi gures the government concedes are signifi cant undercounts. The country’s death total places it behind only the United States, Brazil and India. Throughout the pandemic, Mexico Obrador President Andrés Manuel López Ob- rador has resisted imposing strict lock- downs seen in other countries or limiting travelers arriving from abroad. His government opted for a rapid expansion of hospital beds to treat COVID-19 patients, recognizing early on that much of the population had to leave home every day to A student wears a face mask while doing work at his desk at the Post Road Elementary School, in White Plains, NY, in this Oct 1, 2020, file photo. US health of- work and feed their families. ficials say the highly contagious delta version of the coronavirus is behind changes to mask guidelines. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention this week The number of new infections has been rising since mid- announced that fully vaccinated people should resume wearing masks indoors if they live in areas where the virus is surging. CDC officials said new information June and is now up more than 40%, according to government about the spread of the delta variant forced them to reverse course. The agency also said teachers and students everywhere should go back to wearing masks in fi gures. But unlike the last spike in cases in December and schools. (AP) January, hospitalizations, and especially deaths, have been ris- ing much more slowly. Assistant Health Secretary Hugo López-Gatell said Tues- day that the number of infections were about 37% higher than Coronavirus Mexico’s fi rst wave, but still had not reached the heights of its second. He said mortality was 77% lower than during the fi rst wave and 87% lower than the second. Population Tokyo sets another cases record “The potential of this epidemic is very large and it is grow- ing very rapidly,” said Dr. Andreu Comas, a professor at the San Luis Potosi Autonomous University’s Medical School and Center for Health Science Research and Biomedicine. He said Japan minister urges jabs for young in the 29th week of Mexico’s pandemic, the country exceeded 16,000 daily infections, a fi gure 2.7 times larger than the same TOKYO, July 29, (AP): As Olympics tee says more than 80% of athletes and medical workers to give shots. The time last year. host Tokyo saw another record num- staff staying in the Olympic Village pace then picked up in mid-May when Comas said this new wave could be far-reaching because ber of coronavirus cases Wednesday, have been vaccinated — and they are imports stabilized and more staff to “now it is hitting the bulk of the population which is the group Japan’s vaccination minister said the expected to remain largely in the locked- give the shots was secured. between 16 and 55 years old.” That counts for half of Mexico’s speed of the country’s inoculation down athletes’ village and venues. Still, The government says 33.4 million 126 million residents. campaign is less urgent than getting the bubble is based more on the honor people, or 26.3% of the public, have “It is the population that moves the most because on one shots to young adults, whom some system than offi cial enforcement. been fully vaccinated and 47 million, hand it is the country’s economic engine and on the other it is health experts are blaming for the cur- Vaccination rates are not clear or 37%, have had at least one shot as the population with the most social life,” he said. rent surge in infections. for other participants coming from of Monday. About 25 million elderly The younger side of that group also remains largely unvac- Taro Kono told The Associated abroad, many of whom are staying in people, or about 70%, are completely cinated, making them more vulnerable in this wave, said in- Press that Japan is “overshooting” its Tokyo hotels, and experts warn that inoculated while 30 million, or 85%, fectious disease expert Dr Francisco Moreno Sánchez, of the goal of a million shots a day, so “speed even strict rules won’t prevent people have had at least one dose. ABC Medical Center in Mexico City. A health worker prepares to admin- doesn’t matter anymore.” He said Ja- from mingling, especially among non- Despite Kono’s comments on the This week, in an attempt to slow rising infections, the gov- ister an AstraZeneca COVID-19 vac- cine at a health center in Buenos Ai- pan is averaging about 10 million shots athletes. speed of inoculations, there are still ernment added people 18 and over to those eligible for vacci- a week after a late start that critics have “There’s a limit to the bubble,” with worries about the vaccination pace. nations. So far, about 42.4 million people have been vaccinat- res, July 27. After overcoming a legal impasse, Argentine health authorities blamed on extra red tape. reporters and other people going in and Workplace inoculations began in ed, according to the health ministry. That is about 47% of the “Even if we slow down a little bit, out, said Dr Kazuhiro Tateda, a Toho mid-June, with thousands of compa- adult population, but only about 30% of the total population, announced they reached an agree- ment with Pfizer to receive 20 million I’m OK. Rather, we need to reach out University infectious diseases expert nies applying for a chance to vacci- leaving many vulnerable, Moreno Sánchez said. vaccines this year. (AP) to the younger people, so that they who is on a government COVID-19 nate employees. But the government “Many of them are going to be infected, they are going to would feel that it’s necessary for them panel. then indefi nitely stopped taking such have to be hospitalized and there is no system that can help to get vaccinated,” Kono said during While Japan has so far kept its cas- applications because of tight vaccine control this,” Moreno Sánchez said. an interview in his offi ce. “If we could es and deaths lower than many other supplies and vaccinations at about half The Delta variant is another factor in this most recent surge vaccinate (those in their) 20s or peo- countries, its vaccination campaign of 5,000 worksite locations have been in cases, as it has been in much of Latin America. It is far more ple in (their) 30s for 80% or higher, it started with health care workers only on hold. contagious and has a shorter incubation period, Moreno said. would be a good number for me.” in mid-February, behind many other Vaccine distributions from the cen- The San Luis Potosi Autonomous University has said it is He said offi cials will turn to the in- large economies. Japan required addi- tral government to municipalities also present in at least 23 of Mexico’s 32 states. ternet to get the message out to young tional clinical testing for the vaccines, declined, from 18.7 million doses in López Obrador downplayed the threat of the latest wave, adults and work to combat vaccine a time-consuming step that many ex- June to 12 million doses for July-Au- saying that it would be “less damaging” than the fi rst two, “be- misinformation. Young adults are now perts called medically meaningless. gust, forcing towns across the country cause we have fewer hospitalizations and most importantly, eligible for vaccinations under Japan’s Kono said Parliament demanded the to postpone or suspend vaccination fewer deaths.” largely age-based immunization sys- additional tests, and that there’s a long reservations. The president ruled out closing stores or other businesses, tem, but many are not eager. history of people suing the government Japan had received about 100 mil- saying the government would not “exaggerate with authoritar- Tokyo reported 3,177 new corona- over vaccination campaigns. lion COVID-19 vaccine doses by June, ian measures” because “we all already know how to take care Marx Myrivili virus cases Wednesday, an all-time “Now we’ve learned a lesson, so if and an additional 70 million shots are of ourselves.” López Obrador was infected with the virus in high for the city and the fi rst time it there’s going to be another pandemic, expected between July and September. January. exceeded 3,000 infections in a day. I think we would do it a different way, Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga has On Tuesday, the president revealed that his 14-year old son Discovery The new cases bring the total for the for sure,” Kono said. tried to accelerate the delivery of vac- Jesús Ernesto had recently been infected. He said they had Japanese capital to 206,745 since the cines, including in a meeting with the been together, because they didn’t know he was infected be- pandemic began. Progress CEO of Pfi zer. cause “it doesn’t hit adolescents hard.” He said neither he nor Tokyo is under its fourth state of Health experts have noted that cases Suga is under increasing pressure, his wife had problems because they were vaccinated. Nations brace for heat wave: Au- among younger, unvaccinated people thorities in several southeast European emergency, which will last through and his political future may be tied in López Obrador said he shared that information to calm fears the Olympics and stop two days before are rising sharply. While about two- part to an Olympics that are perceived and remind people that the vaccines have demonstrated their countries have issued weather warnings before a heat wave in the region expected the Paralympics begin Aug 24. Experts thirds of Wednesday’s cases were peo- as successful. There’s also the geopo- effectiveness. had earlier warned that the more conta- ple in their 30s or below, those in their litical competition with rival Beijing, Authorities will focus on expanding the vaccination cam- Thursday that is set to push temperatures to as high as 43 C (109.4 F) in inland ar- gious delta variant could cause a surge 40s and 50s now dominate Tokyo’s the next Olympics host, to make sure paign because there is no other option for facing the virus, he during the Olympics, which started nearly 3,000 hospitalized patients and the Games go off without major ca- said. eas. Public health offi cials in North Mac- Friday. are gradually fi lling up available beds. lamity. During a break in the rap performance, while some of his edonia on Wednesday said all six of the Some scientists have questioned Dr. Ryuji Wakita, director general of Asked about the political considera- friends danced to reggaeton in the plaza, Estrada Flores, a fi rst country’s administrative regions would holding the Tokyo Games at all, and the National Institute of Infections Dis- tions of going through with the Tokyo year student in administration, conceded that being out without be affected by the emergency and urged there is widespread public opposi- eases and head of a government adviso- Games, Kono said: “I think it’s irrel- a mask “is a little ignorant on our part because we’re taking a a pause in construction work and called tion to them. Many fear that the tens ry board, said vaccination progress has evant.” risk and we have older relatives, and we also put them at risk.” for municipal-level initiatives to help the of thousands of visitors will make the been limited mostly to elderly people. Japan has kept its cases and deaths While some of his friends don’t trust the vaccines, he said elderly and the homeless. virus situation worse. Wakita acknowledged that the rise lower than many other countries, but he was open to getting it, because “it’s better to take care of High temperatures are expected Kono said he was confi dent that a of serious cases is modest compared to its vaccination campaign started very ourselves, because of the older people we have at home.” through the weekend in North Macedonia “bubble” is keeping Olympic visitors the sharp increase of daily cases, but late in comparison to other large na- Across the city, Alejandro Carrillo, a 28-year-old doctor, and neighboring Albania, Bulgaria, and away from regular Japanese citizens, even so, the ongoing surge could cause tions and there is fear that rising cases was in a small bar drinking beer and dancing salsa with 20- Greece, as well as parts of Romania and reducing the risk of more cases. He also younger and unvaccinated patients to could overwhelm hospitals. some others, all without masks. Serbia. said he didn’t think the Games would develop serious cases while being left Japan’s seven-day rolling average “I had not gone out, but now I’m vaccinated,” Carrillo said In Albania’s central Dimal region, tem- create a “Tokyo variant” of the virus untreated. of cases is now about 4 per 100,000 by way of explanation. He said infections were rising because peratures reached 42 C (107.6 F) Wednes- day. that could spread around the globe. Inoculations for the elderly started people compared to 18.5 in the United “people are overconfi dent.” “We’re not really worried about that in mid-April, but were slowed by States, 48 in Britain and 2.8 in India, He said Mexicans would have to keep taking care of them- In the Bulgarian capital, Sofi a, munici- pal workers handed out free bottles of wa- issue,” Kono said. initial supply shortages, cumbersome according to data from Johns Hopkins selves because “infection is going to be everywhere, in the The International Olympic Commit- reservation procedures and a lack of University. metro, on the bus, here, in the street, anywhere.” ter at several locations in the city. Trucks were sent to water drying out sections of Also: public parks and gardens. WASHINGTON: Federal health regulators on Wednesday again Municipal authorities in Athens this week began providing air-conditioned second-highest level. eters (3.1 miles) from the crater’s mouth. recent weeks. (AP) extended the expiration dates on Johnson & Johnson’s COV- spaces to the public, and advised residents The 2,600-meter (8,530-foot) moun- They’ve been warned about lava while ❑ ❑ ❑ ID-19 vaccine, providing health workers with six more weeks to remain indoors at midday and the early tain has been rumbling since last year and authorities were closely monitoring sen- to use millions of doses of the shot. villagers were advised to stay 5 kilom- sors that picked up increasing activity in ‘Garden’ earns Heritage nod: Glob- afternoon. ally renowned for its natural beauty, Rio The Food and Drug Administration said in a letter to J&J The Greek capital has also appointed a that the shots remain safe and effective for at least six months de Janeiro received a new international chief heat offi cer, becoming the fi rst Eu- distinction Tuesday as UNESCO add- when properly stored and refrigerated. It’s the second time ropean capital to do so. the FDA has extended the shelf life on the vaccines since ed landscape architect Roberto Burle Athens is part of a European network of Marx’s former home to its list of World June, when the agency said they could be used for up to 4-1/2 cities created to combat the effects of high Heritage sites. months. When fi rst authorized in February, the FDA said the temperatures, alongside Paris, Rotterdam, The Sitio Burle Marx in western Rio vaccines could be stored for three months at normal refrigera- Glasgow, and Seville. features more than 3,500 species of plants tion levels. “We’ve been talking about global native to Rio and is considered a labora- Health authorities in many states had recently warned that warming for decades, but we haven’t tory for botanical and landscape experi- they could be forced to throw out thousands of doses of the talked much about heat,” the new Athens mentation. one-shot vaccine without an extension. offi cer, Eleni Myrivili, said following her The recognition was granted dur- The change gives health providers more time to use remain- appointment last week.” (AP) ing a meeting of UNESCO’s Heritage ing shots sitting at pharmacies, hospitals and clinics. After ❑ ❑ ❑ Committee in China. The site was des- plateauing earlier this summer, vaccination rates have begun Sinabung spews ash: A rumbling ignated a Cultural Landscape, a cat- climbing again as the contagious delta variant surges across volcano on Indonesia’s Sumatra island egory that celebrates places allowing many parts of the country. on Wednesday shot billowing columns of interaction between the environment Vaccine expiration dates are based on information from ash and hot clouds down its slopes. and people. drugmakers on how long the shots stay at the right strength. The ash released by Mount Sinabung “The garden features the key char- J&J previously stated that it continues to conduct stability test- in North Sumatra province reached more acteristics that came to defi ne Burle ing with the aim of further extending the shelf life of the shots. than 4,500 meters (14,760 feet) into the Marx’s landscape gardens and infl u- The FDA has been reviewing expiration dates on all three atmosphere, and an avalanche of searing enced the development of modern gar- US-authorized vaccines as companies have continued to test gas clouds blew 1 kilometers (0.62 mile) dens internationally,” UNESCO said in batches in the months since the shots fi rst rolled out. Vaccines to the east and southeast, Indonesia’s Vol- a statement. from Pfi zer and Moderna, authorized in December, have a six- canology and Geological Hazard Mitiga- “The garden is characterized by sinu- month shelf life. tion Center said. ous forms, exuberant mass planting, ar- J&J’s vaccine was highly anticipated because of its one- There were no casualties from the af- This undated photo provided by Elizabeth Turner, Laurentian University, shows chitectural plant arrangements, dramatic and-done formulation and easy-to-ship refrigeration. ternoon eruption, said Armen Putra, an a field location in Northwest Territories, Canada. Canadian geologist Elizabeth colour contrasts, use of tropical plants, offi cial at the Sinabung monitoring post, Turner may have found the earliest fossil record of animal life on Earth in the and the incorporation of elements of tra- and an alert has been maintained at the area shown, according to a report published, July 28, in the journal Nature. (AP) ditional folk culture.” (AP) Books FRIDAY-SATURDAY, JULY 30-31, 2021 FFeatureseatures air onAMCnextyear. Bothshows prequel to“Breaking Bad”issetto tweeted, “He’sgoingtobeOK.” Nate, theelderofhistwochildren, was released,Odenkirk’sson local hospital. took the58-year-oldactortoa members calledanambulancethat ing itssixthandfi “Breaking Bad”spin-offisshoot- on theAlbuquerquesetwhere ery.” time asBobworksonhisrecov- and askfortheirprivacyatthis for theoutpouringofwellwishes would alsoliketothankeveryone stayed byhisside.TheOdenkirks cast, crewandproducerswhohave looking afterhim,aswellhis the incredibledoctorsandnurses would liketoexpressgratitudefor statement said.“Heandhisfamily ing aheartrelatedincident,”the stable conditionafterexperienc- day. his representativessaidWednes- stable asherecoversatahospital, Mexico he collapsedontheshow’s a “heartrelatedincident”when Saul” star as Dr MarlenaEvans, linois the fi Salem” willtakeplaceawayfrom ing isstilltobeannounced. as series, including past andpresentcharactersofthe lem.” Theserieswillfeatureboth “Days ofourLives:BeyondSa- that ithasorderedfi vice, Peacock,announcedMonday its ownspinoffforPeacock. era “DaysofourLives”isgetting (AP) renewed throughSeptember2023. be onthecase. Security Allianceagentwhowill comes inasshe’sanInternational where Rinna’scharacter,Billie, in acaseofstolenjewels.Thisis or Zurich, NewOrleans,Phoenix ling foralongweekend,visiting LOS ANGELES: NEW YORK: “American Beauty”inhernewbook“TheGreatPeace”(Hachette). soning forwritingaboutKevinSpaceyonthesetoftheir1999fi NEW YORK,July29,(AP):MenaSuvariwantstoexplainherrea- Mena SuvariexplainswritingaboutKevinSpaceyinnewbook comes fi suburban husbandandfatherinthemidstofamidlifecrisis,whobe- that camebeforeittoshowwhereIwasatandcreateaconversa- was justcommonplace.Itunderstood.” what intimate,situation,andthatwasOKwithme”saidSuvari.“That a roomwithmanolderthanme--insituationlikethat,some- it wasjustanothermomentwheremeasayoungwomanendedupin his junior,shedidn’tquestionthesituation. of sexualabuse—buttoshowhowasayoungwomanabout20years career hashaltedinrecentyearsduetolegaltroublesandallegations the storyinherbookwasnottosayanythingagainstSpacey—whose with tendernessandsincerity. as “ageniusmove”becausetheywentontofi time fromdirectorSamMendes.Inthebook,shedescribestactic held her“lightly.” room withabed,”wheretheylaiddown,facingeachotherwhilehe sofa together,Suvariwritesthatatset,Spaceytookher“intoasmall The sixthseasonof thespin-off Shortly beforethestatement Odenkirk collapsedTuesday “We canconfi As itsnamesuggests,“Beyond NBCUniversal’s streamingser- “Days ofourLives”hasbeen Billie Reed Paulina Price Miami Spacey wonanOscarforhisroleinthefi Suvari said:“Itriedtosharethatstoryinconnectionwiththeothers “I usedthatstoryandmomentwithKevinsimplytoshow Suvari tellsTheAssociatedPressthatthereasonwhysheincluded Suvari, 42,saysshedoesn’tknowifitwasaninstructionatthe On thedayoffi ctional townof , andfollowcharacterstrave- set, andhisconditionis xated on his daughter’s best friend, Angela, played by Suvari. xated onhisdaughter’sbestfriend,Angela,playedbySuvari. ❑ asthey’recaughtup Bob Odenkirk The NBCsoapop- and rm Bobisin “BetterCall Deidre Hall . 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tion ofhisimmense talentsand around theworldis aclearrefl of affectionandconcern fromfans night. “Theimmediateoutpouring said inastatementWednesday work withforalongtime,”AMC known andbeenluckyenoughto Albuquerque were shotinandmostlyset “Bob issomeonewehave Bidegain andNoéDebré—atfi co-wrote “Stillwater”withMarcusHinchey,Thomas hero inverted. along theway.Heiscringe-worthy.anAmerican language andjusticesystem,relyingonGallickindness son: Billclumsilybulldozesthroughanewculture, true killer.Excepthe’snoJasonBourneorLiamNee- streets ofthefading,cosmopolitanMarseillefor insists shedidnotcommit. she’s inprisonforanAmandaKnox-likemurdershe part istrue.Butit’snotlikeshe’sstudyingabroad— visiting hisdaughter(AbigailBreslin)inFrance—that im-wearing roughnecknamedBillwithasadpast.He’s pretending tobeathriller. in thisfascinatingfi stuff out.Buttruthitselfgetsmorethanalittlesmeared plies. port cityofMarseille.“Visitingmydaughter,”here- and offers him another chance at fatherhood, this time and offershimanotherchanceatfatherhood,thistime eagle-and-skull tattoo.Sheseesthoughhisgruffexterior ou Siauvaud.Togethertheypullhimoutofhiscliché. 9-year-old daughter,Maya,playeddelightfullybyLil- tin, staroftheNetfl (played brilliantlybytheFrenchactressCamilleCot- the chase. viewers suckedinbyaposterandtrailerthatdwellon quility. Thetonalshiftsmightbetoomuchforsome real killerforlongstretchestofocusondomestictran- and, astonishingly,themovieabandonshuntfor ethically wrongtofreehisdaughtermightbeabadidea. ter failingtograspthatdoingsomethingbothlegallyand the buttofContinentaldisdain. ing innotionsoftheUglyAmerican,thatbrashboorat E In ‘Stillwater,’ Americanhero roams France Oscar-winning directorTomMcCarthy—who A potentialbreakinthecaseunleashesBillon Matt DamonstarsastheOklahoman,agoateed,den- That’s onlysortofright,itturnsout.Heleftsome The girl teaches him French and does not recoil at his The girlteacheshimFrenchanddoesnotrecoilathis Damon’s characterbefriendsalocalsinglemother But “Stillwater”isaftermorethanjustcaricature “You soundveryAmericanrightnow,”Billistoldaf- Oklahoma isaskedwhathe’sdoingintheFrench arly onin“Stillwater,”agruffoilrigworkerfrom Variety lm asLesterBurnham,a lm anintimatescene Danticat, Groffamongcontributorstobook‘SmallOdysseys’ . By MarkKennedy This imagereleasedbyFocusFeaturesshowsMattDamoninascenefrom‘Stillwater.’(AP) ixseries“CallMyAgent”)andher lm that’sreallyacharacterstudy ec- lm Film rst seemstobetraffi space andopeningupforsomethingelsetocomeintomylife.” after shefi but myhusbandandIcanbereal,”shesaid. third husband,setdecoratorMichaelHope.“It’snoteasy,it’smessy, by herlife. owning whathappened.She’salsodevelopingaTVseriesinspired tered, becauseIwouldalwaysexcuseit.” to “considerhowIwastreated,”and“thetypeofthingsthatencoun- and thatshe’s“stilldoingthework”toremainsober. She saysalcoholanddrugshelpedhercope,whichledtomethuse, led herintosexualsituationsinwhichshewasn’talwayscomfortable. toxic encountersthatshedidn’tquestionatthetimewithpeoplewho Los Angelesasayoungteentopursueacting,therewerenumberof She alsowelcomedherfi The “WhatLiesBelow’’actorisnowinahealthymarriagetoher Sharing herstory,saysSuvari,isabouttakingpowerbackand She creditstherapyforenablinghertolookbackandallowherself Suvari wassexuallyassaultedatage12,shesaid.Aftermovingto dnikHall Odenkirk A fascinatingAmandaKnox-likemurder mystery abuse andfi ships, herstruggleswithself-esteemandbodyimage,substance that.” fi tion aroundthat,because,again,thatwork’snotdoneandI’mstill guring thatout.Butit’sinterestingtomewhyIthoughtnothingof In “TheGreatPeace,”Suvaridoesidentifypastabusiverelation- nished writingthebook,shegotpregnant.“Itwasmaking nancial troubles. ck- The restofthefi struction torebuild. Americans alwaysreturntothesiteoftheirhome’sde- fellow tornadocleanupworkerswhomarvelatwhy but thoughtfulwork.ItopenswithBillcarpooling questions thatconstantlypopupinthisoverlylong burgers andataSubwaysandwichshopeveninFrance. dusty baseballcap,listeningtocountryandeatingham- wears high-waistedworkjeans,steel-toedbootsanda martial —sticksoutonthestreetsofMarseille.He was aHillarybacker. a cuteside-stepoftheissue,butthere’szerochancehe Donald Trumpandhecouldn’t—felonscan’tvote.It’s and hedoes,twoof‘em.Heisaskedifvotedfor see thingshisway. (“yes, ma’am”)anddevout,honorableaslongyou plays himwithahauntedsadness,unfailinglypolite hard sinceheoutwardlyrevealslittleemotion.Damon ing afl of four. violence. Runningtime:140minutes.Threestarsout in theatersJuly30,isratedRforlanguageandsome ugly, Americans. how theworldseeshim.Andresult?It’ssometimes rare redstateheroinaforeignlandforcedtoexamine “I don’tthinkAmericansliketochange,”onesays. 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Weareholdinghimclosein condition andreceivingexcellent so gratefultoknowheisinstable people. Likeeveryoneelse,weare ability tobothmoveandentertain lm isatestofthatobservation,using Compassionate Odenkirk hasbeen nominated nd grace?Thosearethe y, unyielding,almost in astatement. word,” ries, andofthepowerimportancebothwrittenspoken will togethermakeforamomentouscelebrationofoursignaturese- Wall SelectedShortseventwewillpresentjustafteritispublished, featuring storiesfrom“SmallOdysseys.” writers. SymphonySpaceplansaspecialanniversaryeventinMarch, thia Nixon for whichsuchactorsas this momentandwillstandthetestoftime.” “The mixofincrediblytalentedauthorsandsubjectsfeelsperfectfor Algonquin publisher which comesoutMarch22,2022. forming artscenteranditsnationallyaired“SelectedShorts”program. ries toacollectionco-sponsoredby Maria Machado and others. along with previously unreleasedworkbyCunningham,DanticatandMachado, Odysseys: SelectedShortsPresents35NewStories,”whichfeatures NEW YORK: “The collaborationwithAlgonquin,andthelarge-scaleWallto The bookwillhelpmarkthe35thanniversaryof“SelectedShorts,” “We cannotwaittogetthesegorgeousstoriesoutintotheworld,” Algonquin Books lawyer named many wishingOdenkirk wellon the “BetterCallSaul,” wasamong co-star whoplayed hisbrotheron “Breaking Bad.” appeared indozensofepisodes man, the“criminallawyer”who adopts thepseudonymSaulGood- becomes increasinglycorruptand Kathy Landau Michael McKean mier Access. opens onJuly30intheatersandDisney+withPre- iconic Disneylandthemeparkrideofthesamename, ventures sagaofthisdecade,”hesaid.(AP) such aniconicmoviewhichwe’llhopebecomesthead- chise. (AP) also hintedatthepossibilityofasequelornewfran- him becausehegrewupwatchingDisneymovies.He Dwayne Johnson the villainousSpanishconquistadorAguirreopposite upcoming movie“JungleCruise,”inwhichheplays with incredibleeffi space becauseofthedeltavariant,whichis“spreading fi where COVID-19casesaresoaring,WhiteHouseof- information intimesoffearanduncertainty.” dations andbeveryresponsiblewiththewaywehandle of fearthereisalotmisinformation,”Ramírezsaid. is veryimportanttobecarefulbecauseintimes defeated polioandsmallpoxwithvaccines,thatit ting vaccinated. tance ofavoidingfakenews,trustingscienceandget- ferring toorwheretheywere,hestressedtheimpor- attentive tothisdiseasebecauseithasnotended.” COVID, soitisveryimportantthatweremainalertand I amtalkingtoyou,havefamilymembersdyingof terview from mine inaterribleway,”Ramírezsaidremotein- cause ofCOVID. Wednesday thathisownfamilyissufferinggravelybe- the pandemic,fi stand thatalthoughtheworldisstartingtocomeoutof cials saidThursday,andhospitalsarerunningoutof NEW YORK: Lauren Groff,DaveEggers,ElizabethStrout,LisaKo Neil Gaiman have readworksatSymphonySpacebyleadingfi Ramírez saidthatbeinginthisfi “Jungle Cruise,”anadventuremovieinspiredbythe “It’s beautifultobepartoftheDisneyuniversein Ramírez spoketotheAPwhilepromotingDisney’s Vaccinations arebeginningtoriseinsome “Weneedtotrustscienceandfollowtherecommen- “Remember thatourgrandparentsandparents While hedidnotspecifywhichrelativeswasre- “Many families...continuetobeaffected,including The VenezuelanactortoldAssociatedPresson Michael Cunningham,EdwidgeDanticat areamongtheprize-winningauthorscontributingsto- Jimmy McGill isteamingwithSymphonySpaceon“Small Betsy Gleick , executivedirectorofSymphonySpace,said Los Angeles Édgar Ramírez Meryl Streep,MorganFreeman iswritingaforewordfor“SmallOdysseys,” , Odenkirk’s and ciency.” ght isnotyetover. Also: Emily Blunt Also: Manhattan who said inastatementWednesday. . “Atthisverymomentthat wantspeopletounder- concern. (AP) co-stars alsoshowed theirloveand tweeted. “Yougotthis,brother.” @mrbobodenkirk,” McKean zation wasreleased. beyond hiscollapseandhospitali- night anddaywherelittlenews social mediaduringananxious lm “meansalot”to . ’s SymphonySpaceper- Odenkirk’s “Breaking Bad” “Sending hugelovetoour US and states and Carmen Carmen ction Cyn- ARAB TIMES, FRIDAY-SATURDAY, JULY 30-31, 2021 NEWS/FEATURES 13

People & Places

Music

Top Spotify charts Italy’s Maneskin enjoy blurring stereotypes

ROME, July 29, (AP): Several years ago they were four teenagers busking in the piazzas of Rome. These days, the members of the rock band Maneskin are basking in adoration after triumphing in the Eurovi- sion Song Contest and consistently riding high in Spo- tify charts. With their androgynous outfi ts, in-your-face videos and what their lead singer calls “cathartic anger,” they tell The Associated Press they’re having a blast blur- ring stereotypes. Taking a break from their high-octane artistic routines, Maneskin members sat still on a couch in a Rome hotel on Tuesday evening for a half-hour to refl ect on how they plan to use their new-found fame. “We feel free to wear what- ever makes us feel right, and we are also trying to send a message about blurring all these kinds of stereotypes, be- tween gender norms and stuff,” said bassist Victoria De Ange- lis. “We think it’s just fi ne to wear whatever makes you feel good with yourself.” Whatever it is they do — defying neat categories in the De Angelis process- music listeners love it. On the day of the interview, Maneskin’s “Beggin’” was No. 1 on Spotify’s global chart, with more than 6.8 million streams. Their win- ning Eurovision number, “Zitti e Buoni’’ (Italian for ”shut up and behave”) ranked 77th, with some 1.1 mil- lion streams. In this Wednesday, Dec. 8, 1982 fi le photo, Ron Popeil, the man behind those late-night, rapid-fi re television commercials that sell everything from the Mr. Micro- In Italy, known more for exporting cheese, Ferraris phone to the Pocket Fisherman to the classic Veg-a-Matic, sits surrounded by his wares in his offi ce in Beverly Hills, Calif. Ron Popeil, the quintessential TV pitch- and designer fashions, not rock bands, Maneskin’s “I man and inventor known to generations of viewers for hawking products including the Veg-O-Matic, the Chop-O-Matic, Mr. Microphone and the Showtime Rotisserie Wanna Be Your Slave” was getting nearly 300,000 and BBQ, died Wednesday, July 28, his family said. (AP) streams. When they started out, De Angelis, now 21; lead singer Damiano David, now, 22; guitarist Thomas Raggi and drummer Ethan Torchio, both 20, it wasn’t Obituaries easy to be a rock band in Rome. “Let’s say that, especially from the point of view of the situation of bands, especially emerging ones, it’s not very easy,’’ said De Angelis, who switched seam- lessly between English and Italian. She recalled how ZZ Top’s Dusty Hill dies in his sleep at 72 they found it hard to fi nd places and events where they could perform. So they started playing in the street. Blending Popeil, king of TV pitchmen, dies at 86 David said the problem is especially true for bands, “while for individual artists, especially in the indie LOS ANGELES, July 29, (AP): Ron the bottom again and built himself and Simpsons” and “King of the Hill.” and hip-hop music sector, in Rome many new artists Popeil, the quintessential TV pitchman his company back up. By the 1990s, Popeil is survived by his wife of 25 are growing.” and inventor known to generations of as the infomercial gained footing and years Robin; daughters Kathryn, Lau- Hours earlier, Maneskin’s members were mellow viewers for hawking products includ- cable television’s infl uence spread, he ren Contessa and Valentina; and four but clearly pleased as Mayor Virginia Raggi (no rela- ing the Veg-O-Matic, the Pocket Fish- was doing full-length shows that evan- grandchildren. A fi fth daughter, Shan- tion to the guitarist) gave out in their honor tiny rep- erman, Mr. Microphone and the Show- gelized about such devices as pasta non, died before him. licas of the Lupa, the she-wolf foster mother who is time Rotisserie and BBQ, has died, his makers, food dehydrators and “GLH” a symbol of Rome, an appropriate award for a band family said. (Great-Looking Hair), which was Also: blending genres. Popeil died “suddenly and peaceful- commonly called “hair in a can.” HOUSTON: ZZ Top’s Dusty Hill, the Asked about their often angry lyrics, David said Bassist and vocalist Dusty Hill, from ly” Wednesday at Cedars Sinai Medi- He appealed to consumers in part long-bearded bassist for the million- their dissatisfaction with the diffi culty of native rock the US rock band, ZZ Top performs cal Center in Los Angeles, his family because he was a classic American selling Texas blues rock trio known bands in Italy fed their determination to succeed. “We at the F1 Rocks concert on Sept. 25, said in a statement. He was 86. No showman, equal parts P.T. Barnum for such hits as “Legs” and “Gimme never agreed with this way of seeing it. This gave us 2009, in Singapore. ZZ Top has an- cause of death was given. and Thomas Edison — an inventor All Your Lovin’,” has died at age 72. the strength and the cathartic anger to change this kind nounced that Hill, one of the Texas Popeil essentially invented the and innovator, yes, but a popularizer In a Facebook post Wednesday, of situation.” blues trio’s bearded fi gures and bass- popular image of the American televi- as well, a man who saw consumers’ guitarist Billy Gibbons and drum- Beyond their own evolution, Maneskin’s rock- ist, has died at his Houston home. He sion pitchman, whose novel products needs and then found accessible ways mer Frank Beard said Hill died in ers also refl ected on Italian society moving forward, was 72. In a Facebook post, band- solved frustrating problems viewers to entice them into making purchases. his sleep. They didn’t give a cause of slowly. mates Billy Gibbons and Frank Beard didn’t know they had. He popularized death, but a July 21 post on the band’s Political debate has been raging over a stalled bill in revealed Wednesday, July 28, that much of the vernacular of late-night Invent website said Hill was “on a short de- the Italian Senate to expand hate-crime protection for Hill had died in his sleep. (AP) TV ads and infomercials, with lines In a 1997 Associated Press inter- tour back to Texas, to address a hip is- those who are targeted with racism and anti-Semitism like “Now how much would you pay?” view, he said his drive to invent was sue.” At that time, the band said that its to include homophobia and transphobia. Right-wing and “Set it and forget it.” more than mercantile; it was a bit ob- longtime guitar tech, Elwood Francis, leaders want provisions about gender identity re- Popeil, whose father was also an sessive. “I have enough money today,” would fi ll in on bass, slide guitar and moved from the bill. inventor-salesman, built his ability he said at the time. “But I can’t stop. If harmonica. With their generous use of eyeliner, painted fi n- to sell things as a young man in the there’s a need for these things, I can’t Born Joe Michael Hill in Dallas, gernails, costumes defying gender stereotypes, and open-air markets of Chicago, where help myself.” he, Gibbons and Beard formed ZZ videos that feature female-male and male-male inter- he moved as a teen in the 1940s af- He seemed always to have new Top in Houston in 1969, naming them- actions, the artists constantly put gender identities up ter spending his earliest years in New products at the ready: the Ronco Elec- selves in part after blues singer Z.Z. for grabs. York and Miami. tric Food Dehydrator, Popeil’s Pasta Hill and infl uenced by the British pow- Their lyrics frequently span a gamut of possible Building on an invention of his fa- & Sausage Maker, the Inside the Egg- er trio Cream. Their debut release, “ZZ identities and roles. “I wanna be a champion/I wanna ther’s, the Chop-o-Matic, he marketed shell Egg Scrambler, the Bagel Cutter, Top’s First Album,” came out in 1970. be a loser,’’ sings David in ”I Wanna Be Your Slave.” the slicing-and-chopping machine he the Hav-A-Maid Mop, the Speed Tuft- Three years later, they broke through In the past, said De Angelis, “you just grew up be- called the Veg-O-Matic, sold by the ing Kit, The Whip-O-Matic. commercially with “La Grange,” a ing told who you are and who you should be. And Taylor Carlson company he founded and named after When home shopping networks funky blues song in the style of Slim you don’t even get to get in contact with yourself himself — Ronco. arose, he found a natural home, and he Harpo’s ”Shake Your Hips” that paid and understand who you truly are or who you like.” He would take the product-slinging sold Showtime Rotisseries in droves tribute to the Chicken Ranch, a notori- But now, she ventured, people are getting “a bit more style previously done at state fairs and on QVC. ous brothel outside of the Texas town open-minded.” Variety Woolworth stores to television start- Popeil was constantly parodied in of La Grange. At those words, David leaned forward and held two ing in the late 1950s, offering viewers pop culture. He was sent up by Dan The band went on to have such fi ngers close together to signal that open-mindedness a chance to skip stores and buy straight Akroyd in the early days of “Saturday hits as “Tush” in 1975, and the 1980s in Italy still has a substantial distance to go toward HELENA, Mont: A video showing a Mon- from the source with a simple phone call. Night Live” with his “Bass-O-Matic” songs “Sharp Dressed Man,” ”Legs,” equality for transgender and gay people. tana man confronting Tucker Carlson is As his infl uence grew, he crafted an sketch. “Gimme All Your Lovin’” and “Sleep- Said De Angelis: “I think it is quite shameful that circulating widely on social media after the enthusiastic, guy-next-door presence “Weird Al” Yankovic had a song ing Bag.” The band’s 1976 “World- there is still no law to protect an entire category that is man called the Fox News host “the worst that suffused the 1970s with commer- on his “In 3-D” album titled “Mr. wide Texas Tour,” with its iconic discriminated against on a daily basis.” human being known to mankind.” cials for such gadgets as the the Popeil Popeil,” whose lyrics said, “I need a Texas-shaped stage festooned with Torchio, on the shy side in much of the interview, The video posted Friday shows Dan Pocket Fisherman, a self-contained Veg-O-Matic! I need a pocket fi sher- cactuses, snakes and longhorn cattle, Bailey talking closely to Carlson inside a vigorously nodded his agreement. Montana fl y fi shing shop. Carlson can be fi shing apparatus, and Mr. Micro- man! I need a handy appliance that’ll was one of the decade’s most success- The band is eager to embark on an international heard in the video saying, “I appreciate phone, a then-groundbreaking wire- scramble an egg while it’s still inside ful rock tours. Their million-selling tour after so many bans on big events during the that” and “I’m not going to debate.” less mic that was amplifi ed through the its shell! ... Help me, Mr. Popeil!” albums included ”Eliminator,” “After- COVID-19 pandemic and hope to capitalize on their In a social media post with the video, nearest AM radio. Popeil was happy to take part in burner” and “Antenna.” Eurovision moment in the spotlight. Bailey accused Carlson of spreading mis- “But wait — there’s more,” he’d say the parody himself, understanding ZZ Top was inducted into the Rock “After we won Eurovision, we had this huge information about COVID-19 vaccinations in the ads. and embracing his campy public im- and Roll Hall of Fame in 2004, in- amount of new opportunities, of course, to relate to and supporting extreme racism. Though Ronco Teleproducts went age. He played or voiced himself on troduced by Rolling Stones guitarist this international audience, and we’re really happy A Fox News spokesperson said in a bankrupt in 1984, Popeil started from shows including “The X Files,” “The Keith Richards. about it because it’s what we always dreamt of,’’ said statement that Bailey had ambushed the David. ”So it’s like a dream come true.” “Tucker Carlson Tonight” host while he Organizers have announced Maneskin appearances was in the Livingston store with his family, with ESPN expired. ESPN and Taylor announced that they during the nightly 2 1/2 to 3 hours of in Lokeran, Belgium, on Aug. 5; Prague on Aug. 13; calling it “inexcusable.” NBC formally made the announcement could not agree on a new contract. Her fi rst “Prime Plus” coverage as well as serve as a Gydnia, Poland, on Aug. 19; and Schijndel, in the “No public figure should be accosted during its primetime Olympic show Friday assignment for NBC will be the Tokyo correspondent. Netherlands, on Sept. 4. The Netherlands event will regardless of their political persuasion before a replay of the opening ceremony. Olympics, where she will join Mike Tirico NBC also said that Taylor will be a take them back to their country where they clinched or beliefs simply due to the intolerance host and contributor for “Football Night in their Eurovision win. of another point of view,” the statement America” on Sundays during NFL season Until they take the stage, the band will be practicing says. and will host the network’s coverage of this at least fi ve hours a day, both together and individually, On his program, Carlson has repeatedly season’s Super Bowl. questioned the COVID-19 vaccine, even “Maria has excelled in a wide range of Also: as other Fox News hosts have recently roles at marquee events, and will be a pow- NEW YORK: Carlos Santana, LL Cool J and Barry encouraged viewers to get vaccinated. erful addition to our team. We are always Manilow are among the performers who will join Carlson has previously refused to respond looking to improve, and Maria is going to when asked if he is vaccinated. make us better. We are very excited for previously announced headliners Paul Simon, Bruce Last week, he did say that “we’re not her to join us right away in Tokyo,” NBC Springsteen and Jennifer Hudson at next month’s saying there is no benefi t to the vaccine. ... Sports chairman Pete Bevacqua said in a Central Park concert to celebrate New York City’s We never encouraged anyone to take or not statement. recovery from COVID-19, Mayor Bill de Blasio said to take the vaccine. Obviously, we’re not Taylor had been with ESPN since 2014 Tuesday. doctors.” but her contract expired Tuesday. Her last The Aug. 21 concert will be broadcast worldwide The fl y fi shing store where the confron- assignment for the network was Tuesday on CNN and will also include performances by Elvis tation occurred said workers “treat every night at the NBA Finals, where she was Costello, Andrea Bocelli, Wyclef Jean and Cynthia customer equally and respectfully.” the pregame and postgame host for the net- Erivo, the mayor said. Patti Smith will duet with “Our staff was professional and cordial work’s “NBA Countdown” show. Taylor Springsteen. to Mr Carlson, as we are with all of our had hosted “NBA Countdown” since 2019 “This is going to be an historic, monumental mo- customers,” Dan Bailey’s Outdoor Com- as well as being a reporter for “College ment for all New Yorkers and all Americans,” de Bla- pany said on its Facebook page. GameDay” and ABC “Saturday Night sio said. “I’ll put it plainly: You’re going to want to While they share a name, the man who Football” since 2017. be here.” posted the video that’s been viewed mil- Taylor said in a statement: “Literally, City offi cials said 80% of the tickets for the con- lions of times “has no affi liation with our hosting the Olympics, Football Night in cert will be free. Free and for-purchase tickets will be business, other than share the same name America, and the Super Bowl is what I as our founder, who passed away in 1982,” dreamed of when I started in television released to the public in batches starting on Aug. 2 at Members of the Maneskin band, (from left), Damiano David, Thomas Raggi, — and this would not be possible without nyc.gov/HomecomingWeek. the shop said. (AP) ❑ ❑ ❑ Victoria De Angelis and Ethan Torchio attend a ceremony to be awarded the standing on the shoulders of all of those Proof of COVID-19 vaccination will be required Lupa Capitolina (She-wolf Capitoline) award, in Rome’s city hall Campidoglio, who came before me and made this path for entry, de Blasio said. LOS ANGELES: Maria Taylor has joined Tuesday, July 27. The Italian band from Rome won the Eurovision 2021 song possible. And I plan to pay it forward.” NBC less than a week after her contract contest. (AP) (AP) ARAB TIMES, FRIDAY-SATURDAY, JULY 30-31, 2021 SPORTS 14

Dodgers dominate Giants 8-0 Italy win rematch with US in Judge hits tiebreaking single in 10th as Yankees top Rays ST. PETERSBURG, Florida, July 29, men’s ‘Tokyo Oly’ water polo (AP): Aaron Judge went from being a late scratch to hitting a tiebreaking sin- gle in a two-run 10th inning to help the New York Yankees beat the Tampa Bay Hungary rout winless South Africa 23-1 Rays for the second straight day, 3-1. Judge was taken out of the lineup about 30 minutes before the scheduled TOKYO, July 29, (AP): fi rst pitch. Although no announcement Francesco Di Fulvio and was made about why, the All-Star right fi elder struck out in the fi fth pinch-hit- Italy won the 2019 world ting for Estevan Florial. championship in men’s Judge returned to the team Tuesday after going on the COVID-19 injured water polo, establishing list July 16. themselves as gold medal Chad Green (4-5) pitched a per- contenders for the Olym- fect inning before Aroldis Chapman worked the 10th to get his 20th save in pics. Then the coronavirus 24 chances. pandemic arrived. Dodgers 8, Giants 0 Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitch- A year after the Games were In San Francisco, Walker Buehler er Walker Buehler delivers against supposed to occur, Di Fulvio sees pitched three-hit ball over seven domi- the San Francisco Giants during the a wide-open competition in Tokyo. nant innings for Los Angeles to extend fi rst inning of a baseball game, on “We are the same team. We do the his mastery of San Francisco. July 28, in San Francisco. (AP) The Dodgers had lost three straight same play, the same game,” he said. fi rst four games of the fi ve-game series. “But now, in Tokyo 2020, maybe, against their division rivals and were three games behind the fi rst-place Gi- Tigers 17, Twins 14 here can win, in my opinion, six, seven In Minneapolis, Jeimer Candelario teams. They improve their game. We ants in the NL West before Buehler’s gem on his 27th birthday. and Eric Haase each drove in three runs did the same. So I think there will be and Detroit outscored Minnesota de- nice games.” Cody Bellinger homered for the de- fending World Series champions. Max spite giving up seven homers and not Italy played one of those nice games hitting any. Thursday against the United States, ral- Muncy and AJ Pollock had three hits apiece. After the Tigers scored eight times lying for a dramatic 12-11 victory. Di in the top of the fourth to make it 10- Fulvio scored fi ve times as the Italians Angels 8, Rockies 7 In Anaheim, Calif., Shohei Ohtani 0, Minnesota got six runs in the bot- jumped over the Americans in Group A hit his major league-high 37th home tom half, highlighted by Ryan Jeffers’ with fi ve points after playing to a 6-6 run, a three-run shot that helped Los grand slam. draw against Greece on Tuesday. Angeles beat Colorado. Orioles 8, Marlins 7 Five years after Serbia won gold Phil Gosselin had a tiebreaking single In Baltimore, Ryan McKenna drew a at the Rio de Janeiro Olympics as in the eighth inning for the Angels, who bases-loaded walk from Steven Okert to the reigning world champion, there Hungary’s Szilard Jansik (8) shoots against South Africa during a preliminary round men’s water polo match at the force in the winning run in the ninth in- is no superpower towering over the 2020 Summer Olympics, on July 29, in Tokyo, Japan. (AP) ning, and Baltimore got home runs from 12-country fi eld in Tokyo. Just a ton BASEBALL Trey Mancini and Pedro Severino in the of possibilities. he converted a rebound with 1:40 to South Korea outlast DR in 5 sets trailed early but scored fi ve in the fourth comeback victory over depleted Miami. “I’ve never seen eight teams, nine go. The U.S. had one last chance in the and another in the fi fth for a 7-3 advan- Baltimore erased an early 5-0 defi cit teams strong that can win medals,” closing seconds, but turned it over. tage. The Rockies rallied with three runs and battled back from a 7-5 hole in the Italy coach Alessandro Campagna “At the end we had the power, we in the seventh and one in the eighth. eighth. said. “So every match is a fi ght, every had the concentration and we had the Defending women’s ‘volleyball’ Indians 7, Cardinals 2 Athletics 10, Padres 4 match.” passion to wait for the right moment to In Cleveland, Franmil Reyes homer- In San Diego, Sean Manaea took a go in front,” Campagna said. champs China drop 3rd straight ed twice, the fi rst a second-inning blast perfect game into the sixth inning and OLYMPICS The U.S. still appears to be in a that bounced out of Progressive Field Matt Chapman hit a three-run homer to strong position to advance, but it and almost dinged a bicyclist pedal- help Oakland beat San Diego. closes group play with games against TOKYO, July 29, (AP): After winning to strong play from 21-year-old sub Li ing on a street, and Cleveland beat St. Manaea (8-6) kept the Padres off Campagna’s team is certainly Hungary on Saturday and Greece on gold in Rio de Janeiro and coming to Yingying. After China dropped its sev- Louis. the basepaths until he walked former among those medal contenders. Italy Monday. the Olympics fi ve years later as one of enth straight set to open the Olympics, Reyes’ leadoff homer in the second Athletics player Jurickson Profar with is seeking its fi rst Olympic title since “I think once you get to the quarter- the favorites, China’s women’s volley- a sense of relief came when the team glanced off the pedestrian bridge in one out in the sixth. Pinch-hitter Eric 1992 and No. 4 overall. It won silver fi nals, I think anybody can beat any- ball team is just trying to win a match pulled out the second set. left fi eld and landed on the plaza area Hosmer then lofted a bloop single to in 2012 and bronze in Rio. body,” U.S. goaltender Drew Holland in Tokyo. The Chinese players danced in cel- between the ballpark and Rocket Mort- shallow center to end Manaea’s bid for The U.S. fi nished 10th in Brazil, but said. “There’s lots of good teams and The Chinese dropped their third ebration and followed that up by win- gage Fieldhouse. The ball traveled an a second career no-hitter. it picked up some momentum with a it’s the Olympics and we’re getting straight match in pool play at the ning the third set and then having two estimated 446 feet. Astros 11, Mariners 4 runner-up fi nish in this year’s World kind of to the nitty-gritty point. But Olympics with a fi ve-set loss to the match points in the fourth. But the Rus- Reds 8, Cubs 2 In Seattle, Yuli Gurriel singled, dou- League Super Final that included a again, build through the group play Russian team on Thursday that dealt sians managed to save those and won it in Chicago, Joey Votto homered bled and homered to drive in three runs 10-8 victory over Italy. It then won stage and be playing our best water another big blow to China’s medal 15-12 in the fi fth, setting off their own twice for the second consecutive day, in Houston’s victory over Seattle. its fi rst two games in the Olympics polo for the crossover.” chances. celebration as the Chinese could only going deep in his fi fth straight game to Carlos Correa also had three hits and against Japan and South Africa. Croatia also got an important win, Coach Lang Ping’s team overcame watch. match a Cincinnati record in the Reds’ Kyle Tucker homered. The Astros have Looking to strengthen its position beating Montenegro 13-8 behind three three losses in fi ve pool-play matches Lang then told her players to walk victory over Chicago. won seven of their last nine games. for a possible berth in the quarterfi - goals from Loren Fatovic. Croatia, in Rio, but she knows the situation now out with their heads high despite losing Tyler Mahle (8-3) tossed six score- Starter Jake Odorizzi (4-5) gave up nals, the U.S. scored the fi rst four goals which won gold in 2012, was coming is much more dire with China in fi fth once again. less innings for the Reds, who beefed three runs on fi ve hits in 5 1/3 innings. against Italy and led 11-9 with 5:22 off an 11-8 loss to Australia on Tuesday. place in Pool B with only one point Lang won Olympic gold as a player up their bullpen again by acquiring Brewers 7, Pirates 3 left. But it couldn’t hold on. Croatia faces Serbia on Saturday in through three matches. in 1984 and then became the fi rst per- right-hander Mychal Givens from Col- In Pittsburgh, Lorenzo Cain and “I think that we should win the a rematch of the 2016 Rio fi nal. son to win gold as both player and orado before the game. Tyler Stephen- Luis Urias hit two-run doubles, Adrian game,” U.S. coach Dejan Udovicic Hungary, Spain, Greece and Ser- coach in men’s or women’s indoor vol- son and Shogo Akiyama each had two Houser pitched fi ve scoreless innings said. “We got a few times to conclude bia also won. Hungary routed winless OLYMPICS leyball in Rio. RBIs, and Jesse Winker doubled twice and Milwaukee beat Pittsburgh. the game and we didn’t and they pun- South Africa 23-1, and Spain moved The coach known as the “Iron Ham- and drove in a run. Pirates rookie Rodolfo Castro be- ished us.” to 3-0 with a 16-4 victory over Ka- “Yes it is,” Lang said through an in- mer” tried to break up the monotony Blue Jays 4, Red Sox 1, 1st Game came the first player in major league Di Fulvio tied it at 11 with a pen- zakhstan. Greece beat Japan 10-9, and terpreter when asked if this was a more of training leading up to the delayed Red Sox 4, Blue Jays 1, 2nd Game history to have his first five hits all be alty shot with 2:22 left, and Nicholas Serbia topped Australia 14-8 in the last diffi cult situation than 2016. “But we’ll Games by having her players take part In Boston, Rookie starter Tanner home runs after hitting two more long Presciutti got the game-winner when game of the day. go try.” in fun soccer games and races. Houck struck out seven over four in- balls. Castro broke the mark set by The biggest difference from 2016 But none of that has mattered with- nings and Boston beat Toronto to split a Trevor Story in 2016 with Colorado. to 2021 is the health of star Zhu Ting, out Zhu playing at her best. doubleheader. Diamondbacks 3, Rangers 2 who was the MVP of the tournament China still has matches left against The Jays won the opener by the same In Arlington, Texas, Madison Bum- garner pitched four-hit ball over seven in Rio and again at the World Cup in undefeated Italy and winless Argen- score as Robbie Ray pitched six strong innings and Randal Grichuk homered innings to win for the fi rst time in 2 1/2 2019. tina and will likely need to win both to months and Arizona beat Texas after Zhu came into these Olympics with have a chance to advance as one of the and drove in three runs. Houck gave up one run and two hits. both teams scratched their top hitters a lingering right wrist injury that has top four teams in Pool B. The United from the starting lineups. sapped her of much of her usual power Garrett Whitlock (4-1) followed with States won its fi rst two matches and two scoreless innings and Matt Barnes Arizona traded third baseman Eduar- as a blocker and spiker. The player played later Thursday against Turkey, closed for his 23rd save in 27 opportu- do Escobar, its only All-Star this sea- U.S. coach Karch Kiraly called the which is 1-1 thanks to a win over China nities. son, to Milwaukee for two prospects. “bedrock” of the Chinese team, has in the opener. Rookie Jarren Duran hit his fi rst ma- Royals 3, White Sox 2, 10 Innings looked nothing like that in Tokyo. The Russian team improved to 2-1 jor league triple, an RBI drive in the In Kansas City, Mo., Michael A. She played only sparingly in an with six points following the win. fourth. He also scored on the play when Taylor’s two-out single in the 10th in- opening loss to Turkey, getting un- Teams get three points for winning center fi elder George Springer bobbled ning drove home Hunter Dozier from characteristically subbed out in both in three or four sets with the winner the ball. second base to lift Kansas City past the second and third sets. getting two points and the loser one in Mets 2, Braves 1 Chicago. Zhu has remained on the court the fi ve-set matches. In New York, Pinch-hitter Brandon The Royals tied it at 2 in the ninth past two matches, but hasn’t been Italy beat Argentina in straight sets Drury had a tiebreaking homer in the when Salvador Perez hit his 24th hom- nearly as effective as usual and Lang earlier in the day. seventh inning and right fi elder Mi- er, a solo shot to left-center off Liam said she would have to consult with South Korea outlasted the Domini- chael Conforto threw out a runner at the Hendriks. the doctors to determine whether Zhu can Republic in fi ve sets and Serbia plate in the ninth in New York’s victory Scott Barlow (3-3), who took over Nataliya Goncharova, of the Russian Olympic Committee, (right), spikes will be able to play in the fi nal two pool swept Kenya in the fi rst two matches over Atlanta. in the 10th as the fi fth Royals pitcher, the ball during a women’s volleyball preliminary round pool B match be- matches. of the day in Pool A. Serbia is also 3-0 The fi rst-place Mets have maintained struck out two and walked one. Ryan tween China and Russian Olympic Committee at the 2020 Summer Olym- Despite Zhu’s injury, the Chinese with the maximum nine points through their fi ve-game lead on the third-place Burr (2-1) pitched the fi nal inning for pics, on July 29, in Tokyo, Japan. (AP) appeared to be back on track thanks three rounds of pool play. Braves in the NL East by splitting the Chicago. US pole vaulter sends Aussies into isolation

The fragile nature of an Olympics during the training track this week, and Australia an- pandemic came into sharp focus Thursday nounced it had put its entire 54-person team Australia’s Stephanie when the entire Australian track team spent (41 athletes and 13 offi cials) in isolation and Anna Kershaw (14) time in a brief quarantine after American pole subjected it to testing after three athletes and New Zealand’s Liz vaulter Sam Kendricks pulled out of the To- reported having casual contact with Kend- Thompson (16) battle for kyo Games because of a positive COVID-19 ricks. the ball during a women’s test. A few hours after that, the Australian Olym- fi eld hockey match at the The news about Kendricks - a two-time pic Committee announced the trio had tested 2020 Summer Olympics, world champion and the American record negative and all but those three had been on July 29, in Tokyo, holder - deprived the meet of one of its high- cleared to return to normal activities. Japan. (AP) profi le athletes, then rippled across the sport, The three athletes remained in isolation, which was scheduled to open less than 24 allowed to resume practice under strict dis- hours after the announcement. tancing protocols. Australia said everyone He was one of dozens of athletes on the was expected to be able to compete. (AP)

ARAB TIMES, FRIDAY-SATURDAY, JULY 30-31, 2021

15

Canadian women get 1st hoops win over South Korea Spain beat Argentina, tie Doncic’s Slovenia atop Group C SAITAMA, Japan, July 29, (AP): to Doncic and lost 118-100 in its Hernangomez had the fi nal four the third quarter and led 49-39 go- Ricky Rubio scored 26 points and opener. Luis Scola added 13 and points to make it 40-34 at halftime. ing into the fourth. Spain remained unbeaten in the Facundo Campazzo had 10. Spain opened a 14-point lead on Natalie Achonwa fi nished with Olympics by beating Argentina 81- This game, featuring 41-year- Gasol’s three-point play in the fi nal a double-double - 14 points and 10 71 on Thursday in a rematch of the olds Pau Gasol and Scola meeting minute of the third. Argentina cut rebounds -for Canada. The 6-foot-3 Basketball World Cup. again in their men’s basketball re- it to eight headed to the fourth but forward looked comfortable playing Sergio Llull added 10 for Spain, cord-tying fi fth Olympics, was the Spain quickly pulled away again, with a brace on her right knee that which improved to 2-0 and will latest matchup between nations that pushing it to 16 points midway she sprained June 12 with the WN- face Luka Doncic and Slovenia on have been basketball’s best outside through the period. BA’s Minnesota Lynx. Kayla Alex- Sunday for the top spot from Group Argentina fi nishes pool play ander added 10 points for Canadians. C. against host Japan, also 0-2. JiSu Park, a member of the Las Rubio was the MVP when Spain BASKETBALL Fernandez is also in his fi fth Vegas Aces, scored 15 points and beat Argentina 95-75 two years Olympics. grabbed 11 rebounds for South ago in China to win its second of the U.S. over the last two dec- Meanwhile, Bridget Carleton Korea. Leeseul Kang and Danbi world championship - with the fi rst ades. scored 18 points, and Canada got Kim added 11 apiece. Alba Torrens coming in this very Saitama Super Argentina got off a strong start its fi rst victory of the Olympic scored 25 points to lead Spain to an Arena in 2006. and led 15-6 when Laprovittola women’s basketball tournament 85-70 win over Serbia. The Spanish might have another made a 3-pointer. Rubio had 11 beating South Korea 74-53. Cristina Ouvina added 10 points, run at an Olympic medal in them points in the fi rst quarter but Spain The Canadians never trailed in eight rebounds and eight assists to after winning silvers in 2008 and trailed 25-20. the game, which was close early.. help Spain (2-0) remain unbeaten 2012, and bronze in 2016. The Argentines still held a one- They led 16-15 after the fi rst in group play. Slovenia’s Luka Doncic (77), (left), is fouled by Japan’s Yuta Watanabe Nicolas Laprovittola scored 27 point lead after Scola made his only quarter and 33-28 at halftime. Can- The Canadians conclude pool (12), (center), during men’s basketball preliminary round game at the 2020 points for Argentina, which fell basket of the half, but Rudy Fer- ada took control of the game with a play against Spain and South Ko- Summer Olympics, on July 29, in Saitama, Japan. (AP) to 0-2 after giving up 48 points nandez made a 3-pointer and Willy 10-0 run, including the fi rst six of rea will take on Serbia on Sunday. Olympic Medalists Djokovic dominates Nishikori CANOE SLALOM GOLD: Italy (Valentina Rodini, Federica Cesarini) Women’s Canoe SILVER: France (Laura Taran- GOLD: Jessica Fox, Australia tola, Claire Bove) SILVER: Mallory Franklin, Britain BRONZE: Netherlands (Marieke BRONZE: Andrea Herzog, Ger- Keijser, Ilse Paulis) many to reach Tokyo medal rounds SHOOTING FENCING Trap Men Women’s Foil Team GOLD: Jiri Liptak, Czech Repub- GOLD: ROC (Inna Deriglazova, lic Bencic, Vondrousova set for women’s singles fi nal Adelina Zagidullina, Larisa Ko- SILVER: David Kostelecky, robeynikova, Marta Martyanova) Czech Republic SILVER: France (Anita Blaze, BRONZE: Matthew John Coward TOKYO, July 29, (AP): Astrid Guyart, Pauline Ranvier, Holley, Britain Kei Nishikori thought he Ysaora Thibus) Trap Women BRONZE: Italy (Erica Cipressa, was playing well. Then he Arianna Errigo, Martina Batini, Al- GOLD: Zuzana Rehak Stefece- played Novak Djokovic. ice Volpi) kova, Slovakia SILVER: Kayle Browning, United The top-ranked Serb never gave GYMNASTICS States Nishikori a chance in a 6-2, 6-0 BRONZE: Alessandra Perilli, San Women’s All-Around GOLD_ rout of the home favorite from Ja- Marino Sunisa Lee, United States pan to reach the semifi nals of the SILVER: Rebeca Andrade, Brazil SWIMMING tennis tournament at the Tokyo BRONZE: Angelina Melnikova, ROC Men’s 100m Freestyle Olympics on Thursday. GOLD: Caeleb Dressel, United The dominant performance ad- JUDO States vanced Djokovic into the medal rounds SILVER: Kyle Chalmers, Australia Men — 100 kg and - more importantly - moved him BRONZE: Kliment Kolesnikov, one step closer to fi nishing off this seg- GOLD: Aaron Wolf, Japan ROC SILVER: Guham Cho, South Ko- ment of his Golden Slam bid. rea Men’s 200m Breaststroke In the women’s tournament, 12th- BRONZE: Jorge Fonseca, Portu- GOLD: Izaac Stubblety-Cook, ranked Belinda Bencic of Switzerland gal Australia and 2019 French Open fi nalist Marketa BRONZE: Niiaz Iliasov, ROC SILVER: Arno Kamminga, Neth- Vondrousova of the Czech Republic Women -78 kg erlands will meet in the gold-medal match. BRONZE: Matti Mattsson, Finland GOLD: Shori Hamada, Japan Bencic beat Elena Rybakina of Ka- SILVER: Madeleine Malonga, Men’s 800m Freestyle zakhstan 7-6 (2), 4-6, 6-3 and Von- France GOLD: Robert Finke, United drousova - who eliminated Naomi BRONZE: Anna-Maria Wagner, States Osaka in the third round - defeated Germany SILVER: Gregorio Paltrinieri, Italy fourth-seeded Elina Svitolina of BRONZE: Mayra Aguiar, Brazil BRONZE: Mykhailo Romanchuk, Ukraine 6-3, 6-1. Ukraine ROWING Women’s 200m Butterfl y Men’s Pair GOLD: Croatia (Martin Sinkovic, GOLD: Yufei Zhang, China TENNIS Valent Sinkovic) SILVER: Regan Smith, United SILVER: Romania (Marius Coz- States Novak Djokovic of Serbia plays Kei Nishikori of Japan during the quarterfi nals of the tennis competition at the 2020 miuc, Ciprian Tudosa) BRONZE: Hali Flickinger, United Djokovic - who is in his third Olym- Summer Olympics, on July 29, in Tokyo, Japan. (AP) BRONZE: Denmark (Frederic States pic semifi nal but has never made it to Vystavel, Joachim Sutton) Women’s 4 x 200m the gold-medal match - will next face Djokovic After it was done, Djokovic called it US qualify for quarters Lightweight Freestyle Relay either Alexander Zverev of Germany or Jeremy Chardy of France. The other his “best performance” of the tourna- Men’s Double Sculls GOLD: China (Muhan Tang, Yi- semifi nal will feature Karen Khach- ment. GOLD: Ireland (Fintan Mc Carthy, fan Zhang, Jie Dong, Bingjie Li, anov of ROC against Pablo Carreno For the second straight day, Djoko- Junxuan Yang, Yufei Zhang) Fiji upset Canada, Black Ferns Paul O’Donovan) Busta of Spain. vic had two matches scheduled. He’s SILVER: Germany (Jonathan SILVER: United States (Arabella Sims, Paige Madden, Kathryn Mc Khachanov beat Ugo Humbert of also playing again later with Serbian Rommelmann, Jason Osborne) France 7-6 (4), 4-6, 6-3 and Carreno partner Nina Stojanovic against the BRONZE: Italy (Stefano Oppo, Laughlin, Brooke Forde, Allison fend off Britain in women’s 7s Pietro Ruta) Schmitt, Kathleen Ledecky) Busta defeated second-seeded Daniil German pair of Laura Siegemund and BRONZE: Australia (Mollie Medvedev of ROC 6-2, 7-6 (5). Kevin Krawietz in the mixed doubles TOKYO, July 29, (AP): Reputations women had early control of the game. Women’s Pair O’Callaghan, Meg Harris, Brianna Djokovic, who has already won the quarterfi nals. and rankings meant nothing when Fiji While the bronze and silver medalists GOLD: New Zealand (Grace Throssell, Tamsin Cook, Ariarne Australian Open, French Open and Bencic also had another match upset Canada and Britain raced to a from 2016 either lost or had close calls, Prendergast, Kerri Gowler) Titmus, Emma McKeon, Madison Wimbledon this year, needs the Tokyo scheduled. She was scheduled to play 21-point lead against New Zealand on defending champion Australia opened SILVER: ROC (Vasilisa Stepano- Wilson, Leah Neale) Games title and the U.S. Open trophy with Swiss partner Viktorija Golubic Day 1 of the Olympic women’s rugby with a 48-0 win over Japan and a 26-10 va, Elena Oriabinskaia) sevens competition. win against China. The U.S. women also BRONZE: Canada (Caileigh Film- TABLE TENNIS to become the fi rst man to achieve the against the Brazilian pair of Laura Golden Slam. Pigossi and Luisa Stefani in the semifi - The lack of international competi- posted back-to-back wins over China er, Hillary Janssens) Women’s Singles tion during the COVID-19 pandemic and Japan, in contrasting fashion, to GOLD: Meng Chen, China As it’s been for months, it seems nals of the doubles tournament. Lightweight that Djokovic, who has not dropped a If she also wins in doubles, Ben- has created uncertainty for every team. qualify for the quarterfinals. SILVER: Yingsha Sun, China A night after Fiji’s men clinched The Chinese women made an Women’s Double Sculls BRONZE: Mima Ito, Japan set in the tournament, is getting better cic would become the fifth player to match by match - so much so that it reach two finals at the same Olym- back-to-back Olympic golds, the impressive Olympic debut, scoring looks like he’s hardly being tested. pics since tennis returned at the Pacific island nation’s women’s team early points against the United States Over the course of the match, there Games in 1988, joining Serena and shocked Canada 26-12. Fiji piled on before losing 28-14, and also against was really only one moment when Djok- Venus Williams, Andy Murray and 21 points before the 2016 bronze med- Australia. South Korea rally to beat ovic was in slight trouble. It came in the Nicolas Massu. alists could respond. U.S. coach Chris Brown said he opening game of the second set when The results means that Switzerland The British women took an equally could understand having a little rust in Nishikori held a break point. Djokovic is guaranteed a tennis medal at a fourth unexpected lead with three quick tries the opening match against China, but responded with a rally that sent Nishikori consecutive Olympics after Federer against New Zealand, but the Black was far from happy with the 17-7 win Israel in Olympic baseball scrambling from corner to corner before and Stan Wawrinka won gold in dou- Ferns responding like competition over Japan in the night session. favorites should and rallied for a 26-21 The U.S. will play Australia on YOKOHAMA, Japan, July 29, (AP): ond pandemic rule used in 2020 and this unleashing a forehand cross-court win- bles in 2008, Federer took silver in sin- ner that the Nishikori couldn’t come gles in 2012 and Martina Hingis and victory. Three tries to winger Michaela Wednesday to determine top spot in Most of the Olympics is a competition season. Blyde and one to Tyla Nathan-Wong Pool C. among the best in each sport. Israel’s Jaegyun Hwang sacrificed, and Ji close to getting his racket on. Timea Bacsinszky claimed silver in That prompted a loud roar from doubles in 2016. New Zealand leads Pool A over the fate in its baseball debut came down to Hwan Oh popped out to Ty Kelly, who Russian team and Britain, and France a pitcher whose last professional game made an over-the-shoulder catch in leads Pool B following a wins over Fiji was nearly 23 months ago. short left field. RUGBY It didn’t work out. Bleich (0-1), whose big league career (12-5) and Brazil (40-5). The top two Jeremy Bleich forced in the game- consisted of two games for Oakland in teams in each group and the two best ending run by hitting batters with con- 2018, hit Kyoungmin Hur on the rear, quickly restored order and New third-place teams will advance to quar- secutive pitches in the 10th inning, giv- then brushed the jersey of Euiji Yang Zealand finished Thursday atop Pool terfinals on Friday night. ing defending champion South Korea a with his next pitch. A. The group placings will be decided 6-5 victory Thursday night. Kinsler had taken a called third strike New Zealand has won just about in the morning session, when the The 34-year-old left-hander has been that ended the top of the 10th against everything there is to win in women’s French face a Canadian lineup desper- working as a front office assistant for former St. Louis, Toronto and Colorado rugby sevens since their disappointing ate to get back on track. the Pittsburgh Pirates, focusing on reliever Seunghwan Oh (1-0), who loss to Australia in the Olympic final Canada started slowly before beat- defensive shifting and positioning. His struck out the side to give four South at Rio de Janeiro five years ago. ing Brazil 33-0 but never really got last professional game was Sept. 1, Korean pitchers 17 strikeouts. They started the tournament with an going against Fiji. 2019, for Triple-A Rochester at Major League Baseball refuses to aura of invincibility but, after a 29-7 The Canadian squad lost a month of Syracuse. make 40-man roster players available opening win over Kenya, that was seri- practice in May because of a COVID- On a night when Ryan Lavarnway and many teams refuse to let top eligible ously tested. 19 outbreak and have had an unsettling homered twice for Israel and Ian Kinsler prospects play. Several players have In the morning session, Britain coaching overhaul after John Tait also went deep, South Korea overcame said they hope the Olympics serves as a edged the Russian team with Abbie stepped down in April following an 2-0 and 4-2 deficits, and Israel rallied showcase that gets them signed for Brown scoring long after the full-time independent review of his five-year from down 5-4. major league stretch runs. siren sounded to even the score and tenure. Bleich entered to start the 10th. Japan, which opened Group A with a Holly Aitchison converting for a Mick Byrne, a former assistant Under international rules, extra innings win over the Dominican Republic, does comeback 14-12 win. coach with Australia’s national men’s start with runners on first and second, have most of its top players after the Canada’s Britt Benn, (left), is tackled by Fiji’s Ana Maria Naimasi in their That was against a team in its team who replaced Tait, said he was an even bigger distortion than the con- Central and Pacific Leagues stopped women’s rugby sevens match at the 2020 Summer Olympics, on July 29, Olympic debut. Against the highest- confident Canada could come back troversial major league runner on sec- their seasons. in Tokyo, Japan. (AP) rated team in the sport, the British quickly. ARAB TIMES, FRIDAY-SATURDAY, JULY 30-31, 2021 16

China’s Chen Meng com- petes against countrywoman Sun Yingsha during the gold medal match of the table tennis women’s singles at the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo. (AP) Sports Latest sports scores at — http://sports.arabtimesonline.com BIG DAY FOR DRESSEL, CHINESE IN POOL; FOX MAKES OLY HISTORY Lee keeps American streak alive Wolf wins Japan’s 8th gold in judo

TOKYO, July 29, (AP): An American fi nished atop Medals Table the podium in the women’s Olympic gymnastics all- around, just like always. TOKYO, July 29: Olympic Games Sunisa Lee became the fi fth medals table on Thursday. straight American woman to claim G S B T China 15 7 9 31 the Olympic title on Thursday, Japan 15 4 6 25 edging Rebeca Andrade of Brazil United States 14 14 10 38 in an entertaining and hotly con- ROC 8 11 9 28 tested fi nal while defending cham- Australia 8 2 10 20 Great Britain 5 7 6 18 pion Simone Biles watched from South Korea 4 3 5 12 the stands. France 3 5 3 11 Lee’s total of 57.433 points was Germany 3 3 7 13 just enough to top Andrade, who Italy 2 7 10 19 earned the fi rst gymnastics all-around Netherlands 2 7 4 13 medal by a Latin American athlete but Canada 2 3 5 10 Hungary 2 1 2 5 missed out on gold when she stepped Slovenia 2 1 1 4 out of bounds twice during her fl oor Croatia 2 0 1 3 routine. Russian Kosovo 2 0 0 2 gymnast Angelina Brazil 1 3 3 7 Melnikova earned Switzerland 1 3 2 6 bronze two days Romania 1 3 0 4 after leading ROC Chinese Taipei 1 2 3 6 Czech Republic 1 2 1 4 to gold in the team New Zealand 1 2 1 4 fi nal. Georgia 1 2 0 3 Lee and the Serbia 1 1 2 4 Americans earned Austria 1 1 1 3 a silver in that Hong Kong 1 1 0 2 event, one in Tunisia 1 1 0 2 which Biles with- Estonia 1 0 1 2 Dressel drew after one Ireland 1 0 1 2 Uzbekistan 1 0 1 2 rotation when she Bermuda 1 0 0 1 decided she was not mentally prepared Ecuador 1 0 0 1 to compete. Fiji 1 0 0 1 Biles opted to pull out of the all- Iran 1 0 0 1 around fi nal, too, leading to the jarring Latvia 1 0 0 1 sight of the gymnast considered the Norway 1 0 0 1 greatest of all-time watching the big- Philippines 1 0 0 1 Slovakia 1 0 0 1 gest meet in fi ve years from the stands Thailand 1 0 0 1 Spain’s Sergio Rodriguez (6) drives to the basket against Argentina’s Gabriel Deck (14) during a men’s basketball preliminary round game at the 2020 alongside teammates Grace McCal- Spain 0 2 1 3 Summer Olympics in Saitama, Japan. Spain won 81-71. (AP) - See Page 15 lum, Jordan Chiles and MyKayla Skin- South Africa 0 2 0 2 ner. Indonesia 0 1 2 3 The 24-year-old Biles’ absence cre- Mongolia 0 1 2 3 7:40.73, while Australia took the ated an opportunity the 24 women who Belgium 0 1 1 2 bronze in 7:41.29. It was the fi rst took the fl oor at the Ariake Gymnastics Denmark 0 1 1 2 swimming world record of the Tokyo Kuwaiti swimmer misses semis Centre probably didn’t think possible Bulgaria 0 1 0 1 Games -- in fact, all three medalists Colombia 0 1 0 1 broke the previous mark of 7:41.50 TOKYO, July 29, (KUNA): Ku- pic Games in Tokyo for the fi rst when they landed in Tokyo earlier this India 0 1 0 1 waiti swimmer Abbas Qali, com- time, competing in the 50 meters month: a legitimate shot at the top of set by the Aussies at the 2019 world Jordan 0 1 0 1 championships. peting in the men’s 100-meter category. the podium. Biles had captured every North Macedonia 0 1 0 1 butterfl y at the Tokyo Olympics In athletics, runner Madhawi major international competition since Poland 0 1 0 1 Australia’s Jessica Fox made Olym- pic history at the Tokyo Games as the Games, fi nished fourth in his heat Al-Shimmeri will take part in the 2013 except the 2017 world champi- Turkmenistan 0 1 0 1 Thursday and missed the semifi - 100 meters run. Al-Shimmeri had onships, which came during the year Venezuela 0 1 0 1 fi rst gold medalist in women’s canoe Ukraine 0 0 4 4 slalom. Fox made the last run of the nals. achieved two personal records re- she took off after her triumph in Rio de Qali clocked 53.62 seconds, cently in a competition in Qatar Janeiro fi ve years ago. Kazakhstan 0 0 3 3 fi nal and crushed it. Egypt 0 0 2 2 She beat rival and silver-medalist not enough to make the top 16 for and an international tournament in Mexico 0 0 2 2 Mallory Franklin of Britain with a the semifi nals Friday at the Tokyo Bursa, Turkey. OLYMPICS Turkey 0 0 2 2 winning run through the rapids of of Aquatics Centre. In the rowing competition, Ab- Argentina 0 0 1 1 Several Kuwaiti athletes will dulrahman Al-Fadhel will go into Côte d’Ivoire 0 0 1 1 the Kasai Canoe Slalom Center. The Cuba 0 0 1 1 women’s canoe slalom is one of 18 participate, Friday, in a number of his last performance in the Olym- events at held at the Tokyo 2020 pics. He already lost his chance of Yet if Lee, Andrade and the rest of Finland 0 0 1 1 new events introduced to the Olym- Israel 0 0 1 1 pics this year in a push for gender eq- Olympic Games. winning since July 23, as he will the contenders were nervous, it hard- Kuwaiti swimmer Lara Dashti, only compete to improve his rank- ly showed. Andrade’s near-perfect Kuwait 0 0 1 1 uity. Andrea Herzog of Germany took Aaron Wolf of Japan, (left) and Cho Portugal 0 0 1 1 bronze. aged 17, will take part in the Olym- ing and points now. Gu-ham of South Korea compete in Cheng vault gave her an early lead, San Marino 0 0 1 1 but Lee used her spectacular uneven Note: Table reads as gold, silver, Aaron Wolf won Japan’s eighth the men’s -100kg fi nal judo match bars set - the hardest one currently gold medal in judo at the Tokyo Olym- of the 2020 Summer Olympics in bronze and total and Ciprian Tudosas won silver. Den- medal in men’s lightweight double being done in competition - to pull pics, defeating South Korea’s Cho Gu- Tokyo, Japan. (AP) mark’s Frederic Vystavel and Joachim sculls. closer. ham 5:35 into golden score for his fi rst Sutton won bronze. The Irish boat looked secure through Lee, an 18-year-old Hmong-Amer- Olympic title in the men’s 100-kilo- kyo Olympics. New Zealand’s Grace Pendergrast the fi rst 1,000 meters before the Ger- ican from Minnesota, gutted her way gram division. Rehak Stefecekova hit 43 of 50 tar- and Kerri Gowler won gold in the mans closed the gap with 500 to go and through a nervy beam routine. She Wolf, whose father is American, gets on a breezy day at Asaka Shoot- women’s pair. threatened to pull even. A late surge nearly came off while executing a wolf won the draining fi nal bout by ippon ing Range, beating American Kayle The Kiwi duo over the fi nal 200 meters sent the Irish turn - basically a seated spin - and ba- with an o-uchi-gari throw. Wolf beat Browning. Georgian veteran Varlam Liparteli- won the world to the win by 0.86 seconds. Alessandro Perilli took bronze to sically needed to suction cup her toes championship in Italy’s Stefano Oppo and Pietro to the 4-inch slab of wood to stay on. ani in the semifi nals to reach his fi rst earn the fi rst medal in San Marino’s Olympic fi nal. 2019 and were Ruta won bronze. 61-year Olympic history. Her score of 13.833 moved her in front favored to grab Italy’s Valentina Rodini and Fed- of Andrade heading into the fl oor ex- Portugal’s two-time world champi- A 37-year-old police offi cer, Rehak on Jorge Fonseca and Russian athlete victory in Tokyo. erica Cesarini surged over the fi nal Stefecekova took silver at the 2008 ercise. They are just the 50 meters to win gold in the women’s Bobby Finke of the United States Niiaz Iliasov won bronze. Cho upset Beijing and 2012 London Games, and Fonseca in the semifi nals. third non-Europe- lightweight double sculls. missed Rio in 2016 due to the birth of captured gold in the debut of the men’s an team to win the The Dutch team of Marieke Keiser 800-meter swimming freestyle event at Shori Hamada won gold medal her son. in judo at the Tokyo Olympics, beat- Olympic event and Ilse Paulis had led nearly the entire Czech shooter Jiri Liptak has out- the Tokyo Aquatics Centre. and the fi rst since race but collapsed to the bronze medal Italy’s Gregorio Paltrinieri grabbed ing French former world champion lasted teammate David Kostelecky in a Madeleine Malonga by ippon just 1:08 1996. Stefecekova in the fi nal 20 meters as the French shoot-off to win men’s trap gold at the the silver after leading most of the Russia’s team of Laura Tarantola and Claire race, while the bronze went to Mykhai- into the women’s 78-kilogram fi nal. Tokyo Olympics. Hamada, who won the 2018 world Vasilisia Stepanova and Elena Ori- Bove won silver. Liptak and Kostelecky tied after lo Romachuk of Ukraine. abinskaia surged past Canada’s The Dutch team nearly slipped out It was a thrilling fi nish. Germany’s title, was the third Japanese woman to 50 shots, hitting 43 targets to set an win gold in the past week. Caileigh Filmer and Hillary Janssens of the medals entirely, and only took Olympic record. Both shooters hit the Florian Wellbrock grabbed the lead over the fi nal 300 meters to take the the podium by 0.01 seconds ahead of from Paltrinieri on the fi nal fl ip, with Germany’s Anna-Maria Wagner fi rst six targets in the shoot-off before silver medal. Canada won bronze. Britain. Kostelecky missed on the seventh. Finke lurking back in fourth. But the -- the current world champion -- and Brazil’s Mayra Aguiar won bronze. Irish duo Fintan McCarthy and Paul Slovakia’s Zuzana Rehak Stefecek- Britain’s Matthew Coward-Holley American turned on a dazzling burst O’Donovan held off a late charge from ova set an Olympic record in women’s took bronze. of speed at the end of the 16-lap race, Alvaro Morais Filho of Brazil reacts Russian fencers won gold in the to a play during a men’s beach vol- women’s team foil by beating France Germany’s Jonathan Rommelmann trap to deny the United States a third- Liptak fi nished 18th at the 2012 passing all three swimmers ahead of and Jason Osborne to win the gold straight shotgun gold medal at the To- London Games, but did not compete in him to take the gold. leyball match against the Nether- 45-34 in the fi nal. lands at the 2020 Summer Olym- The Russians stayed on course for Rio fi ve years ago. Kostelecky earned Izaac Stubblety-Cook of Australia pics, Thursday, July 29, 2021, in his second medal in his sixth Olympics won the 200-meter breaststroke at the gold despite an early medical timeout Tokyo, Japan. Brazil (Alison Cerut- when Marta Martyanova rolled her an- with the gold he won at the 2008 Bei- Olympic pool in Tokyo. ti; Alvaro Morais Filho), def. Nether- jing Games. Stubblety-Cook rallied on the fi nal lands (Alexander Brouwer; Robert kle. She stayed in the game and con- tributed 14 of the team’s points. For the ninth straight Olympics, a lap to pass Arno Kamminga of the Meeuwsen), 21-14, 24-22. (AP) Chinese woman won the gold medal in Netherlands, who went out fast and The Russian Olympic Committee team has won fi ve fencing medals in table tennis. tried to hold on. The winning time was Chen Meng beat teammate Sun an Olympic record of 2 minutes, 6.38 American swimmer Caeleb Dressel Tokyo in women’s events. France was claimed the fi rst individual Olympic Yingsha 9-11, 11-6, 11-4, 5-11, 11- seconds. on the podium in the women’s team gold medal of his career. foil for the fi rst time since 1984. 4, 11-9 in the women’s singles fi nal, Kamminga was under world-record Dressel held off the defending keeping China perfect in the event pace through the fi rst 150 meters, but Italy beat the United States 45-23 Olympic champion, Australia’s Kyle for the bronze medal to make the po- since its debut at the 1988 Seoul he faded to the silver in 2:07.01. The Chalmers, with a furious sprint to the Games. bronze went to Finland’s Matti Matts- dium in the event for a record seventh Despite its predictability, the win wall. The winning time was an Olym- consecutive Olympics. son in 2:07.24. pic record of 47.02 seconds. marked a return to form after China Zhang Yufei of China turned in a Croatian brothers Martin and Valent surprisingly lost to Japan in the mixed Dressel beat Chalmers by a mere Sinkovic dominated the men’s pair in dominating performance to win the six-hundredths of a second, leaving the doubles fi nal. women’s 200-meter butterfl y with 2016 winner with a silver medal this Olympic rowing, cruising to gold in a In the fi nal game, the players traded an Olympic-record time of 2 min- time. The bronze was claimed by Rus- race they led from the start. the lead before Chen ended up on top. utes, 3.86 seconds. She was more sia’s Kliment Kolesenikov. The Croatians were the heavy fa- She then went to hug her coach before than a body length ahead of the pair China surprised the U.S. and Aus- vorites. They won double sculls in she and Sun posed together holding the of Americans, Regan Smith and Hali tralia with a world-record performance 2016, then switched boat disciplines Chinese fl ag and their paddles. Flickinger. to win gold in the women’s 4x200- and won two world championships In the bronze medal match, Mima The U.S. swimmers dueled back meter freestyle relay. before claiming another Olympic gold Ito, part of Japan’s gold-medal win- and forth for the silver, with Smith China won in 7 minutes, 40.33 sec- medal. They are the fi rst men to win ning mixed doubles team, beat Yu pulling ahead at the end to touch in Olympic gold in both double sculls Gold medallist Sunisa Lee of the United States displays her medal for the onds. artistic gymnastics women’s all-around at the 2020 Summer Olympics in Mengyu of Singapore. 2:05.30. Flickinger earned the bronze The Americans claimed silver in and the sweep pairs. in 2:05.65. Romania’s duo of Marius Cozmiuc Tokyo. (AP) Medalists — See Page 15

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