Tuesday December 29, 2020 Jumada Al-Awwal 14, 1442 Vol.14 no. 5141 qR 2

Fajr: 4:57 am Dhuhr: 11:36 am p artly cloudy Asr: 2:33 pm Maghrib: 4:54 pm High : 25°C LOW : 17 °C Isha: 6:24 pm

Nation 2 Business 8 Sports 12 Municipal inspectors LuLu to open 4 new Qatar SC hold intensify ‘Rayyan without branches in Qatar Al Sadd 1-1 to snap workers’ housing’ campaign next year: Althaf Wolves’ winning streak

Kuwait expresses optimism over Amir receives message from Indian PM upcoming P M calls on all GCC summit QNA Kuwait residents to fill Kuwait has expressed op- timism over the upcoming GCC summit. This came as the Kuwaiti Cabinet held its weekly session, chaired by HH in census data the Prime Minister of Kuwait Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al Ham- ad Al Sabah, on Monday. Participation in After the meeting, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister this statistical of State for Cabinet Affairs process is essential Anas Al Saleh said in remarks carried by KUNA that the Cab- for planning and inet was briefed on the mes- development sage received by HH the Amir His Highness the Amir of State of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani has received a written of the State of Kuwait Sheikh message from Prime Minister of the Republic of India Narendra Modi. The message pertains to programmes: PM Nawaf Al Ahmad Al Jaber Al bilateral relations and the ways of supporting and enhancing them. The message was handed over Sabah from His Highness the by Indian Minister of External Affairs Dr S Jaishankar when HH the Amir met him at his office in the QNA Amir of State of Qatar Sheikh Amiri Diwan on Monday. (QNA) Doha Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. In the letter, HH the Amir of Prime Minister and Minister Qatar expressed his apprecia- of Interior HE Sheikh Khalid tion to HH the Amir of Kuwait bin Khalifa bin Abdulaziz Al for their sincere efforts to re- Thani on Monday participated Prime Minister and Minister of Interior HE Sheikh Khalid bin Khalifa solve the Gulf crisis. in the ‘Qatar Census 2020’ by bin Abdulaziz Al Thani fills in online ormf of the census on Monday. The Cabinet, in this re- No. of people taking COVID-19 filling in the online form of the gard, expressed content over census. the positive setting in which The Qatar Census 2020, In a few minutes, I completed the summit will be held, add- vaccine rising: Dr Maslamani launched by the Planning and the Qatar 2020 Census form. ing that it reflected the sense Statistics Authority (PSA), aims Participate in this statistical of responsibility and belief in Tribune News Network During the first at establishing a central registry process because it is an the importance of enhanc- Doha week of the of population, housing and es- essential element in planning ing GCC solidarity to face the vaccination tablishments data in Qatar. and making development grave challenges facing the The number of people turning campaign, the number The Prime Minister programes in a way that region. out at health centres to take thanked those in charge of the They also expressed their the COVID-19 vaccine is very of people turning up at census and those implement- ensures that they cover all content regarding the pros- encouraging and it is increas- health centres to take ing it in the field and online, regions and categories of pects of the latest efforts in ing gradually, Hamad General the vaccine is increasing especially in light of the pre- our society in a fair and effective manner. The yielding positive results that Hospital Medical Director Dr gradually, especially the cautionary measures in place census is also very beneficial to researchers and enhances joint interests and Yousef Al Maslamani has said. target groups, such as the in the country to combat the the private sector, and its success is a national leads to further prosperity. “During the first week of elderly and people with spread of the coronavirus commitment and a development need. the vaccination campaign, chronic diseases.” (COVID-19). the number of people turn- The PM called on all resi- ing up at health centres to — Dr Yousef Al Maslamani, dents of Qatar to fill in the data line form of the Qatar Census categories of our society in a take the vaccine is increasing HGH Medical Director before the end of the specified 2020. Participate in this sta- fair and effective manner. The Pompeo, FM gradually, especially the tar- period of time for the census tistical process because it is an census is also very beneficial get groups, such as the elderly, aging because it leads to en- ods. We do not rely on what in order to achieve its desired essential element in planning to researchers and the private review ties people with chronic diseases hancing people’s confidence is being said on WhatsApp or goals. and making development pro- sector, and its success is a na- QNA and healthcare providers,” Dr in the vaccine and confirming Twitter, but on the people who In a tweet, the PM said, “In grammes in a way that ensures tional commitment and a de- Doha Maslamani told Qatar TV. that the COVID-19 vaccine is have taken the vaccine.” a few minutes, I completed on- that they cover all regions and velopment need.” “I confirm that since safe like any other vaccine.” On the new strain of COV- Deputy Prime Minister and Wednesday, there has been an He said people’s fear of ID-19 virus, Dr Al Maslamani Minister of Foreign Affairs HE increase in the number of peo- a new drug is a natural thing said it is scientifically proven Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdul- ple who took the vaccine, es- and they usually exercise cau- that the new strain will not rahman Al Thani on Monday pecially the elderly and people tion. This fear exists all over negatively affect the lives of Action against received a phone call from the with chronic diseases, as well the world, not just in Qatar, he people compared to the cur- Qatar posts QR9.1 bn 122 for not US Secretary of State Mike as all healthcare providers,” he added. rent strain. Pompeo. During the phone call, added. Dr Al Maslamani said, Mutation in the virus is a wearing masks they reviewed bilateral coopera- Dr Al Maslamani said, “There is a group of people natural thing and it happens trade surplus in Nov tion relations, the latest devel- “The vaccine fears started to who like to talk about theories with the influenza virus con- The designated authorities on opments in the GCC crisis, and diminish after many well- that have not been proven, stantly, he pointed out. Monday referred 122 people to regional developments, espe- known personalities in Qatar and there is a second group the Public Prosecution for not cially the situation in Iraq. took the shots. This is encour- that resort to scientific meth- Continued on page 2  wearing masks in places where they are mandatory. The measure is in line with the Cabinet deci- sion, decree law no 17 of 1990 on infectious diseases, and the measures in force to curb the Ashghal opens cycle track in Al Gharrafa spread of COVID-19. (QNA)

Kerosene sales to be based on int’l price: QP QNA showing a decrease of All kerosene sales to retail Doha 25.1% compared to Novem- consumers at distribution sta- ber 2019, and increased of tions and to bulk consumers Qatar has registered a trade 8.3% compared to October will be based on international surplus of almost QR9.1 2020. prices, which shall be set pe- billion in November, an in- The import of goods in riodically by Qatar Petroleum, crease of nearly QR2 billion November 2020 amounted the oil major has announced. or 28.6 percent compared to around QR7.5 billion, No new bulk consumers will be to October 2020. However, showing a decrease of 22.1 accepted, it added. The QP has the figure saw a decrease of percent over November also announced the following about QR3.4 billion or 27.4% 2019. However, on a month- prices and terms for the sale of compared to the same on month (M-o-M) basis the kerosene from January 1. (TNN) A 5.4km-long cycle path has been set up at the east side of the Al Hatim Street in Al Gharrafa Area on Sabah Al Ahmad Corridor. month of the previous year. imports decreased by 8.9 In its preliminary report percent compared to October Tribune News Network Area on Sabah Al Ahmad Cor- age a healthy lifestyle. Ashghal 22 cycle parks were also set up. regarding the foreign trade, 2020. In November, Japan Doha ridor. has developed a 5.8km pedes- The Supervisory Committee the Planning and Statistics was at the top of the coun- The 5.4km long cycle path trian path with the cycle track. of Beautification of Roads and Authority stated that the tries of destination of Qatar’s QA signs expanded The Public Works Authority has been laid out as part of Ash- As part of the development Public Places in Qatar and a value of the Qatari exports exports with close to QR 3.0 code-share pact with (Ashghal) has opened a bicy- ghal’s efforts to provide resi- work, 1,500 trees and 160,000 group of students planted trees amounted to around QR16.6 billion, a share of 18.0% of cle track on the east side of the dents with space to engage in shrubs too have been planted. on the eastern side of the new billion in November 2020, total exports. page 8 Oman Air (PG 16 ) Al Hatim Street in Al Gharrafa physical activities and encour- Besides, 336 lighting poles and Al Hatim Street. 02 Tuesday, December 29, 2020

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Quick read FM Meets Indian counterpart Indian minister Amir greets Burkina Faso president His Highness the Amir of State of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani on Monday sent a cable of congratulations to President of presents PM’s the Republic of Burkina Faso Roch Marc Christian Kabore, on the occasion of his swearing-in for a new presidential term. (QNA)

Deputy Amir congratulates president of Burkina Faso invite to Amir The Deputy Amir His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad Al Tribune News Network Thani on Monday sent a cable of congratulations to President of Doha During his two-day visit to Burkina Faso Roch Marc Christian Kabore on his swearing-in for Qatar, the Indian minister a new presidential term. (QNA) Indian External Affairs also called on the Father Minister Dr S. Jaishankar Amir HH Sheikh Hamad Indian ambassador to hold Open House on Thursday on Monday handed over a bin Khalifa Al Thani as personal message from In- well as Prime Minister and Ambassador of India to Qatar HE Dr Deepak Mittal will hold dian Prime Minister Nar- Minister of Interior HE Open House on Thursday, December 31, 2020 from 3pm to lis- Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs HE Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al endra Modi to the Amir His Sheikh Khalid bin Khalifa ten to and redress any urgent labour and consular issues of the Thani met with Minister of External Affairs of India Dr Subrahmanyam Jaishankar in Doha on Mon- Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Indian nationals in Qatar. The Open House will be held in online day. During the meeting, they reviewed bilateral relations, particularly in the economic and invest- Hamad Al Thani, inviting bin Abdulaziz Al Thani. mode. Indian nationals who want to participate may register ment field. The meeting also touched on the contributions of Indian labour in the country and other him to visit India and thank- themselves by sending email to [email protected]. (TNN) issues of common concern. (QNA) ing Qatar for taking care of Indian mister discussed the the Indian community dur- ways to strengthen bilateral ing the COVID-19 pandemic. economic and security coop- HH the Amir accepted eration. the invitation to visit India at The discussions with the an early date. deputy PM and foreign min- He also recalled his tele- ister focused on bilateral as Shura refers draft law on Commercial phone conversation with the well as regional and interna- prime minister during which tional issues of mutual inter- both leaders had decided to est. Both ministers discussed set up Task Forces on invest- the ways to strengthen the ment and energy. Both sides multifaceted bilateral rela- Companies to economic affairs panel are in the process of imple- tions in areas such as energy, menting the decision. trade, investment, food pro- QNA that the companies’ incorporation During his two-day visit cessing, health care, educa- Doha documents do not contain anything to Qatar, the Indian minis- tion, culture, defence and that contradicts with those decisions. ter also called on the Father security. The Shura Council, at a meeting The amendments in the draft law Amir HH Sheikh Hamad bin They agreed to maintain chaired by Speaker HE Ahmed bin specified how the members of the Khalifa Al Thani as well as regular consultations and Abdullah bin Zaid Al Mahmoud company’s Board of Directors should Prime Minister and Minister coordination on all issues of on Monday, discussed a draft law be elected and the requirements that of Interior HE Sheikh Khalid mutual interest at multilat- amending some provisions of the must be met by a member of the bin Khalifa bin Abdulaziz Al eral fora. The Indian minis- Commercial Companies Law issued board of directors. Thani. ter extended invitation to the under Law No 11 of 2015. The amendments included re- He also held discussions deputy PM to visit India for The draft law included the placing some phrases and introduc- with Deputy Prime Minister the first Joint Commission amendment of some provisions of ing definitions, in addition to the and Minister of Foreign Af- Meeting in 2021. the law in order to enhance the ease procedures for the meetings of the fairs HE Sheikh Mohammed He also met business of capital flow, remove obstacles, re- Boards of Directors of companies bin Abdulrahman Al Thani. leaders in Qatar and briefed duce time and cost, diversify non-oil and their general assemblies. They HH the Father Amir ap- them about new opportu- income, develop market movement also stipulated the possibility of preciated the contribution nities from Atmanirbhar and enhance international competi- holding the general assembly of the of the Indian community in Bharat. tiveness in establishing and operat- company through modern technol- Qatar. The Indian minister He also held a virtual ing companies. ogy means in accordance with the thanked HH the Father Amir interaction with the Indian The draft law also added new pro- rules determined by the Ministry of for his continued guidance community in Qatar and vis- visions for the purposes of achieving The amendments stipulated that authority shall issue decisions regu- Commerce and Industry. on India-Qatar relations. He ited the Ahmed Bin Ali Stadi- the requirements of anti-money laun- the Minister of Commerce and In- lating their own governance, pro- After the discussion, the Coun- also appreciated Father Amir um that has been construct- dering and combating the financing of dustry shall issue decisions regu- vided that the Board of Directors of cil decided to refer the draft law to for his insights on global and ed by Indian company L&T terrorism stipulated in the Law No 20 lating governance for private joint- the company is committed to imple- the Financial and Economic Affairs regional developments. along with Qatari partners Al of 2019 on combating money launder- stock companies. As for companies menting the aforementioned govern- Committee to study it and submit a On his part, the prime Balagh group. He also visited ing and terrorism financing. listed in the financial market, the ance decisions, taking into account report to the Council. minister and the visiting the Qatar National Museum. ‘Adherence to precautionary measures QC opens multi-service centre in Kyrgyzstan helped in reducing COVID-19 spread’ Tribune News Network Continued from page 1  according to the vaccine man- rus over the past nine months. Doha ufacturer, the vaccine will pro- He said the adherence of the The difference in this muta- vide protection against the vi- people to the precautionary Qatar Charity (QC), with tion is that it has made the rus even after mutation. measures has helped in reduc- the support of benefactors in virus highly transmissible and Dr Maslamani thanked the ing the spread of the virus and Qatar, inaugurated a multi- there is no information this people of Qatar for their com- the average daily cases have service centre in the Chuy new virus is more dangerous mitment to the instructions now dropped to 160, he noted. Region of Kyrgyzstan in the than the current strain, he and precautionary measures of Dr Maslamani said the presence of the Kyrgyz Dep- added. the Ministry of Public Health vaccine will help “us to return uty Prime Minister Ravshan Dr Maslamani said that to contain the spread of the vi- to a normal life”. Sabirov, Qatar’s Ambassador to Kyrgyzstan HE Abdullah bin Ahmed Al Sulaiti and other officials and local dig- nitaries. Municipal inspectors intensify ‘Rayyan The deputy prime minis- ter thanked Qatar, its people and Qatar Charity for extend- without workers’ housing’ campaign ing assistance to the needy and contributing to improv- Tribune News Network ing social services in the Kyr- Doha gyz Republic. The Qatari ambassador The Al-Rayyan Municipality, explained that the strate- in cooperation with the Inter- gic project comes within the nal Security Force (Lekhwiya), framework of strengthening is pressing ahead with the relations between the two second phase of the ‘Rayyan friendly countries and aims to without workers’ housing’ alleviate the suffering of the campaign. families of orphans and poor The campaign, which be- families so that they can lead gan a month ago, seeks to a dignified life. check violation of a law that The centre aims to pro- prohibits workers staying in vide integrated community residential areas reserved for services to the marginalised families. It saw municipal in- The Minister of Munici- fers to the Law No 15 of 2010 and vulnerable, including the spectors checking several resi- pality and Environment has (amended by Law No 22 of families of orphans and poor dential areas in Al-Rayyan city issued the Ministerial Resolu- 2019) which was established families, to uplift their stand- families of orphans and resi- the groundbreaking for the health centre, a mosque and and evacuating residents from tion No 105 of 2020 in which to discourage single men ards of living. It also aims to dents of the surrounding area. multi-service Al Rayyan Char- a sewing workshop. The cen- several properties. it said “the residence of more from living in homes built for improve the levels of public It comprises a school, a health itable Centre project in the tre’s estimated cost is more The municipality said it than five workers in one of families. health and achieve develop- centre, a mosque, in addition Naryn Region of the Kyrgyz than QR5.2mn and it targets would take action against the the places within the families’ The ministry called on citi- ment in areas suffering from to a source of water and heat- Republic in October 2020. more than 18,000 people violators and vowed to con- housing areas is considered zens and residents to abide by lack of basic services. ing. The centre’s estimated The multi-service centre from the families of orphans tinue the campaign until all contrary to the provisions the provisions of Law No 15 of The centre targets more cost is QR900,000. will include 30 housing units, and residents of the sur- violations are caught. of the law.” The law here re- 2010. than 18,000 people from the Qatar Charity carried out a school and kindergarten, a rounding area. Nation Tuesday, December 29, 2020 03 ‘User education, cloud security and XDR Ooredoo’s chief strategy officer critical for Qatar’s cybersecurity in 2021’ wins big at WeQual Trend Micro has predicted that the remote and cloud-based systems would be ruthlessly targeted next year Awards 2020 event Tribune News Network tives managing confidential from unwitting users, mis- Tribune News Network Royce, Centrica and Zurich. DOHA company numbers) will be configurations and attackers Doha Being listed as a finalist at greatest risk. Attacks will attempting to take over cloud in the WeQual awards ena- Trend Micro Incorporated, likely exploit known vulnera- servers to deploy malicious Ooredoo’s Chief Strat- bles candidates to access a a leading company in cloud bilities in online collaboration container images. egy Officer Munera AlD osari range of WeQual support security, predicts that Qa- and productivity software Trend Micro recommends has been honoured with an services and networks de- tar’s home networks, remote soon after they are disclosed, the following steps to mitigate award at the recent WeQual signed to support a move to working software and cloud rather than zero-days. threats in 2021: Awards 2020, the telecom group executive level. Some systems will be at the centre Access-as-a-service busi-  Foster user education company has announced. 25 percent of WeQual award of a new wave of cyberattacks ness models of cybercrime and training to extend cor- Munera Al Dosari won winners have, since their in 2021. will grow, targeting the home porate security best practices the award in the Strategy award win, been promoted Trend Micro’s predictions networks of high-value em- to the home, including advice Development Category of the to the global executive com- report, ‘Turning the Tide’ ployees, corporate IT and IoT against the use of personal WeQual Awards, which were mittees of FTSE and Fortune (https://bit.ly/3nT8LMb), networks. IT security teams devices designed to promote diversi- 500 companies. forecasts that cybercriminals will need to overhaul work  Maintain strict access ty and gender equality within Sabah Rabiah Al Kuwari, in 2021 will particularly look from home policies and pro- controls for both corporate the group executive commit- director PR at Ooredoo, said: to home networks as a critical tections to tackle the complex- networks and the home office, tees of the Europe, Middle “We’re delighted that our launch pad to compromise ity of hybrid environments — including zero trust East and Africa (EMEA)’s colleague Munera has been corporate IT and IoT net- where work and personal data  Double down on best largest companies. works. comingle in a single machine. practice security and patch The WeQual organisa- “As Qatar begins to enter Zero-trust approaches will in- management programmes tion itself, founded by Brit- a post-pandemic world, the Assad Arabi, Managing Director-Gulf Cluster, Trend Micro creasingly be favoured to em-  Augment threat detec- on Katie Litchfield, aims trend for remote and hybrid power and secure distributed tion with security expertise to identify and recognise working is likely going to enced a combined 4,268,553 tar’s organisations were fo- workforces. to protect cloud workloads, female executives ranked a continue for many organisa- email, URL and malware cyber- cused on surviving: now it’s As third-party integra- emails, endpoints, networks level below group C-suite tions,” said Assad Arabi, man- threats detected by Trend Mi- time for them to thrive, with tions reign, Trend Micro also and servers round-the-clock with the aim of supporting aging director – Gulf Cluster, cro, according to Trend Micro’s comprehensive cloud security warned that exposed APIs Cybercriminals will con- them to take up positions in Trend Micro. “In 2021, we Midyear Security Report. as their foundation.” will become a new preferred tinue to go where the money C-suites. predict that cyber criminals “In 2021, Qatar’s secu- The report warns that end attack vector for cybercrimi- is – seeking the greatest fi- Twenty-four finalists will launch more aggressive rity teams will need to dou- users who regularly access nals, providing access to sen- nancial returns on their at- were selected from an ex- attacks to target corporate ble down on user training, sensitive data (e.g. HR pro- sitive customer data, source tacks. Organisations and tensive list of potential can- data and networks in Qatar.” extended detection and re- fessionals accessing employee code and back-end services. security teams must remain didates, with the finalists Showing the breadth of sponse and adaptive access data, sales managers work- Cloud systems are anoth- nimble and vigilant to stay being assessed against seven Munera Al-Dosari cyberattacks, during the first controls,” added Assad Arabi. ing with sensitive customer er area in which threats will ahead of criminals, said the criteria - leadership, cogni- half of 2020, Qatar experi- “This past year, many of Qa- information, or senior execu- continue to persist in 2021, report. tive ability, integrity, drive recognised for her outstand- and resilience, equality, ing contribution to strategy knowledge of the business development at Ooredoo. and personal development. Munera is an incredibly All candidates were as- valuable member of our sen- MoCI recalls Mercedes-Benz GLC - Class model of 2020 sessed blind, with no details ior management team and a of name or company shared role model to many aspira- Tribune News Network GLC-Class 2020 over the lock sumers and ensure that car necessary repairs are carried channels: in their application. tional young Qatari women dOHA of the rear seat backrest on dealers follow up on vehicle out. Call center: 16001 Finalists were then invit- thanks to her talent, dedica- the left side may not match defects and repairs. The ministry urged all cus- Email: [email protected] ed for a 30-minute interview tion and commitment to her The Ministry of Commerce with the factory specifications, The ministry has stated tomers to report any violations Social media accounts: with a panel of judges drawn career. We look forward to and Industry, in cooperation which may cause it to fail to that it will coordinate with to its Consumer Protection Twitter: @MOCIQATAR from a number of differ- seeing Munera progress fur- with Nasser Bin Khaled Auto- operate. the dealer to monitor the and Anti-Commercial Fraud Instagram: MOCIQATAR ent high-profile companies ther, and we’re sure she will mobiles, dealer of Mercedes- The recall campaign is maintenance and repair work Department, which processes Ministry of Commerce and across a range of industries, be an asset to Ooredoo in the Benz in Qatar, has announced part of the ongoing efforts of and will communicate with complaints, inquires and sug- Industry mobile app for an- including JP Morgan, Rolls years to come.” the recall of Mercedes-Benz the ministry to protect con- customers to ensure that the gestions through the following droid and IOS: MOCIQATAR 04 Tuesday, December 29, 2020 Nation ‘81% of professionals in MENA to spend more time searching for remote jobs in 2021’

Tribune News Network More than two in five of Survey respondents To attract and retain talent, MENA professionals are fo- Doha those who made New Year’s also highlighted expecta- employers will need to meet cused on improving aspects resolutions for 2020 (41%) tions they have of MENA workers’ career expecta- that have a direct impact A whopping 81 percent of said they have achieved employers – which include tions and provide the perks, on the quality of their lives. MENA professionals will all of them and 33 percent more training and learning work-life balance and career Among professionals who spend more time looking achieved some of their reso- resources (56%), offering advancement opportunities are making personal resolu- for remote jobs in 2021, us- lutions for the year. more rewards and benefits they demand.” tions, popular ones are sav- ing online job sites (77%), Furthermore, 78 percent (19%), providing more feed- One way to achieve pro- ing money (64%), exercis- company websites (10%), of the survey respondents back and support (11%) and fessional goals at work is ing and following a healthy social media (7%) and vir- complete their New Year’s being more flexible with tim- through an appraisal, which diet (17%), spending more tual job fairs (2%), The 2021 resolutions with careful ing (7%). allows employees to discuss time with friends and family New Year’s Resolutions Poll planning and hard work “Career-related New their performance, identify (10%) and taking more vaca- conducted by Bayt.com, the while 16 percent do it by Year’s resolutions are popu- strengths and weaknesses, tions (3%). Middle East’s #1 job site, has going with the flow and try- lar among MENA profes- discover what their ambi- Data for the 2021 New revealed. ing different options. Only sionals who aim to improve tions are and work on how to Year’s Resolutions Poll was The survey also revealed seven percent of profession- their career prospects in get there. collected online from Oc- that a majority of MENA als don’t normally complete Ola Haddad, director of Human Resources at Bayt.com the coming year,” said Ola A majority of the re- tober 28 to December 20, professionals (80%) feel their New Year’s resolutions. Haddad, director of Human spondents (63%) have year- 2020. Results are based on a positive about 2021 and 74 Although 70 percent of ents, followed by improving attributes, including career Resources at Bayt.com. end appraisals at their com- sample of 4,062 respondents percent of the survey re- respondents are satisfied skills and productivity (15%) growth opportunities (38%), “Our research shows that pany while only 21 percent from the UAE, Saudi Arabia, spondents have made reso- with their career growth and getting a promotion or a flexible work arrangements getting a new job is among don’t. Appraisals offer an Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Bah- lutions for the new year. during the past year, finding salary raise (8%). (25%), competitive salaries professionals’ top New opportunity to build profes- rain, Lebanon, Jordan, Iraq, Most respondents are a new job emerges as the top While looking for new (14%), work-life balance Year’s resolutions and many sionals’ career and perhaps Palestine, Syria, Egypt, Mo- optimistic about their ability career-related resolution for jobs in 2021, prospective (14%) and a reputable com- professionals will begin lead to a pay increase. rocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Lib- to stick to their resolutions. 75 percent of the respond- candidates will focus on key pany brand (8%). 2021 with great aspirations. Furthermore, most ya, Sudan and others. HMC’s Al Wakra Hospital hones staff’s skills in health research methodologies Online training focused on the best ways to identify and evaluate quality and patient safety factors Tribune News Network Doha

Hamad Medical Corpora- tion’s (HMC) Al Wakra Hos- pital organised a series of workshops titled ‘Fundamen- Ali bin Hassan Al Hammadi, Secretary-General, QRCS. tals of Research in Health Informatics’. This came as part of its efforts to encour- age knowledge-sharing and QRCS top hierarchy improve competencies in the latest research methodolo- gies among its staff. meets with RACA The workshop, which was organised by Al Wakra Hos- pital’s Quality and Patient Director-General Safety Department in col- laboration with the College Tribune News Network of Science and Engineering Doha (CSE) at Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), gathered Ali bin Hassan Al-Hammadi, 24 specialised staff members Secretary-General of the Qatar from Al Wakra Hospital and Red Crescent Society (QRCS), HMC’s Corporate Quality and welcomed Ibrahim Abdullah Patient Safety Department. Al-Duhaimi, Director-General In a special celebration of the Regulatory Authority for ceremony held at Al Wakra Charitable Activities (RACA), Hospital to mark the comple- Dr. Almunther Zakaria receives certificate of participation at the Al Wakrah Hospital workshop. while commending RACA’s ef- tion of the six-week training forts to facilitate and strength- programme, Dr Sabah Al Ka- information, computer sci- en the transparency of Qatar’s dhi, acting CEO and medical ence and technology in health local international humanitar- director of Al Wakra Hospital, care and research. Health in- ian action. Ibrahim Abdullah Al-Duhaimi, honoured CSE faculty mem- formation systems are now The meeting was attended RACA, Director-General bers who delivered the pro- widely used in Qatar as part by Engineer Ibrahim Abdullah gramme for their efforts and of the efforts to improve the Al-Malki, CEO, Faisal Moham- contribution to the success of quality of care delivered to ed Al-Emadi, Executive Direc- the training workshops. patients. tor of Relief and International The online training pro- The team of faculty mem- Development Division, Muna gramme focused on the bers who delivered the train- Fadel Al-Sulaiti, Executive qualitative, quantitative and ing included Prof Raian Ali, Director of Volunteering and mixed methodologies for assistant professors; Dr Dina Local Development Division, health informatics and data Al Thani, Dr Zubair Shah, Dr. Fawzi Oussedik, Head of analysis, as well as the best Dr Tanvir Alam and associ- International Relations and ways to identify and evaluate ate professors Dr Mowafaq International Humanitarian factors related to quality and Househ, Dr Samir Belhaouari Law (IHL), Mohamed Jassim patient safety. and Dr Alaa Abd-alrazaq. Al-Maslamani, Director of The programme also The Corporate Quality and Compliance and Transparen- showcased the latest tools Patient Safety Department cy, and Zahra Adnan Lafi, IHL Eng. Ibrahim Al-Maliki and technologies that can works on improving com- Coordinator. help healthcare researchers, petencies and skills of HMC They discussed a number every possible form of sup- thus improving the overall staff to ensure delivery of of topics related to the nature port. He praised the contribu- quality of care. The train- Dr Sabah Alkadi, acting CEO and medical dircetor of Al Wakrah Hospital, honours lecturers who partici- the safest, most effective and and optimised mechanisms of tions of QRCS in Qatar and ing was implemented under pated in the workshop. most compassionate care to QRCS work. beyond. the supervision of Dr Moza every patient, which contrib- Al-Duhaimi said that At the end of the meeting, Abdullatif Al Ishaq, execu- AbdulJaleel Zakariya, AED of Kazkaz, academic research Health informatics is a utes to increasing patient and RACA has a regulatory, super- the participants thanked each tive director of Corporate Quality and Patient Safety at associate at Al Wakra Hos- unique area of professional family satisfaction and confi- visory and supporting role in other for their mutual cooper- Quality and Patient Safety Al Wakra Hospital. It was co- pital’s Quality and Patient practice, which encompasses dence in HMC’s healthcare humanitarian operations. He ation in the service of human- at HMC; and Dr Al Munthir ordinated by Dr Sara Murhaf Safety Department. the systematic application of services. promised to continue to give ity everywhere. HBKU College of Islamic Studies jointly organises fourth international conference on Muslim Ummah with CIGA Tribune News Network Dr. Shahin said: “We were Doha pleased once again to join the IGCA at Istanbul Zaim University to or- The College of Islamic Studies (CIS) ganis the fourth edition of the con- at Hamad Bin Khalifa University ference, in line with our goal at CIS (HBKU) jointly hosted the Fourth to promote knowledge-based dialog International Conference on Muslim and understanding. Each year, this Ummah with the Center for Islam forum highlights contemporary is- and Global Affairs (CIGA) at Istanbul sues surrounding the Muslim Um- Sabahattin Zaim University, Turkey. mah and, in its fourth edition, found The theme of this year’s confer- meaningful ways to promote schol- ence, held online from 12 to 18 De- arly discourse on governance and cember, was “Governance and Politi- political power in Muslim societies. cal Authority in the Muslim World: We are hopeful that a better under- Examining Theory and Practice.” The standing of newer models and solu- conference aimed to examine the is- provost of HBKU and dean of CIS, sation of Values and Demarcation of day, the gathering of distinguished the conference attempted to provide tions will emerge from the vital ex- sues of political governance and au- delivered the opening remarks of Authority. speakers and a wide range of scholars practical answers to the most chal- changes that we will pursue through thority from a fresh perspective, re- the conference, while Dr. Louay M. The conference explored new sought meaningful answers on po- lenging questions, including the role our CIS research and academic pro- turning to the fundamental issues of Safi, Professor of Political Science models of sovereignty that balance litical power and governance across of political elites, the idea of commu- grams.” leadership without authoritarianism and Islamic Thought at CIS, gave a modern notions of citizenship and modern Muslim societies. In analys- nity, and the imperative of a genuine For more information on the and despotism. presentation on Good Governance the rule of law and democracy with ing case studies of political govern- political revival project across the work of the Islamic Studies College, Dr. Emad El-Din Shahin, interim in Muslim Societies: Institutionali- traditional values. At the end of the ance in different Muslim countries, Muslim world. please visit cis.hbku.edu.qa. World Tuesday, December 29, 2020 05 Bomb blast in Kabul leaves at least 13 people wounded Taliban militants abduct 20 civilians in south-east Afghanistan

Kabul: At least 13 people were wounded in an explosion in the Afghan capital, the Health Kabul: Taliban militants have abducted at least 20 civilians in Afghanistan’s south-eastern province News Ministry said on Monday. A bomb placed in a bicycle exploded in police district seven of the of Ghazni, local officials confirmed on Monday. The people, who were taken from the province’s Qara city, Kabul police spokesman Ferdows Faramarz said. Pictures shared by local media show a Bagh district on Sunday, were transferred to an undisclosed location afterwards, provincial council- in brief minibus with shattered windows. The bus was transporting employees of the National Statistics lors Nasir Ahmad Faqiri and Esmatullah Jamrodwal told dpa. The area where the abduction took and Information Authority, the spokesperson of the institution confirmed. Early in the morning, a place is fully controlled by the Taliban, according to officials.A Taliban spokesman told dpa that magnetic bomb attached to a police vehicle went off in police district four of the city. Police said the group was trying to figure out the issue, without giving further details. Ghazni is amongA fghani- there were no casualties. (dpa) stan’s most volatile provinces, where the insurgents control half of its districts. (dpa) China trial of Chinese citizen journalist jailed ‘Hong Kong 12’ for 4 yrs for Wuhan virus reporting begins as US decries ‘tyranny’

AFP know got to hear the trial”, de- Shenzhen spite the court’s statement say- ing relatives were present. The trial in China of a group “Their so-called ‘crime’ was of Hong Kong pro-democracy to flee tyranny,” a US embassy activists who tried to escape the spokesperson told AFP, ahead city by speedboat for sanctuary of the detainees’ scheduled in Taiwan opened on Monday, court appearance. as the United States urged the Urging their immediate re- immediate release of dissidents lease, the spokesperson said: it says “fled tyranny”. “Communist China will stop at Ten of the so-called “Hong nothing to prevent its people Kong 12” were in court in the from seeking freedom else- southern city of Shenzhen to where.” face charges linked to an illegal The US has used Hong border crossing. Kong’s evaporating freedoms Chinese authorities took as a stick to beat China with in them into custody after their recent months. boat was intercepted on August China’s Ministry of Foreign 23. Affairs went into a familiar at- The hearing began as sched- tack mode over the US com- uled on Monday afternoon and ments. a convoy of vehicles were seen Washington must “imme- departing around four hours diately stop interfering in Chi- later. The Yantian District Peo- na’s internal affairs through the ple’s Court said sentencing will Hong Kong issue and immedi- be at a later date. ately stop interfering in China’s Court officials stayed tight- judicial sovereignty,” spokes- lipped about the case, and the man Zhao Lijian told reporters. Lawyer Zhang Keke (centre), representing Chinese citizen journalist Zhang Zhan (inset), speaks to the media outside the Shanghai Pudong New District People’s Court in Shanghai trial -- like many in China’s Families of the accused -- on Monday. (AFP) opaque legal system -- was not the youngest of whom is just open to foreign reporters or 16 -- have called for the hear- AFP far as they defang criticism of “She said when I visited aches, dizziness and stomach diplomats. ing in the Shenzhen court to Shanghai the government’s response to Zhang was critical of the her (last week): ‘If they give pain. At least two of the group be broadcast live, after they the outbreak. early response in Wuhan, me a heavy sentence then I “Restrained 24 hours a could face around seven years were unable to attend due to A Chinese citizen journalist Beijing has congratulated will refuse food until the very day, she needs assistance go- in jail for organising the at- the short notice for the trial and was jailed for four years for itself for “extraordinary” suc- writing in a February essay end.’... She thinks she will die ing to the bathroom,” Zhang tempted escape from a city Covid-19 requirements. her livestream reporting from cess in controlling the virus that the government ‘didn’t in prison,” Ren said before the Keke, who visited her on where democracy activists They were only notified of Wuhan as the Covid-19 out- inside its borders, with an give people enough infor- trial. Christmas Day, wrote in a note last year led massive protests the trial date on Friday, while break unfurled, her lawyer economy on the rebound while mation, then simply locked “It’s an extreme method of circulated on social media. against Beijing’s rule. their lawyers have been barred said on Monday, almost a year much of the rest of the world down the city’ protesting against this society “She feels psychologically Some of the group were from meeting with the detain- after details of an “unknown stutters through painful lock- and this environment.” exhausted, like every day is a already facing prosecution in ees. Authorities instead have viral pneumonia” surfaced in downs and surging caseloads China’s communist au- torment.” Hong Kong, where a draconian appointed state-approved legal the central China city. a year on from the start of the announced,” Ren Quanniu, one thorities have a history of Zhang was critical of the national security law imposed representation. Zhang Zhan, a former law- pandemic in Wuhan. of Zhang’s defence lawyers, told putting dissidents on trial in early response in Wuhan, by China has largely stamped In a joint letter over the yer, was sentenced at a brief Controlling the informa- reporters confirming the four opaque courts between Christ- writing in a February essay out the city’s protest move- weekend, the families said they hearing in a Shanghai court tion flow during an unprec- year jail term outside Shanghai mas and New Year to mini- that the government “didn’t ment. “strongly condemn” the au- for allegedly “picking quarrels edented global health crisis Pudong New District People’s mise Western scrutiny. give people enough informa- “I would like to urge the thorities’ decision to hold the and provoking trouble” for her has been pivotal in allowing Court on Monday morning. The trial comes just weeks tion, then simply locked down Yantian court to hand down trial in “de facto secret”. reporting in the chaotic initial China’s communist authori- Her mother sobbed loudly before an international team the city”. the verdict as soon as possi- “We urge governments to stages of the outbreak. ties to reframe the narrative in as the verdict was read, Ren of World Health Organization “This is a great violation of ble... With a verdict I can set send embassy personnel to the Her live reports and essays their favour. added. experts is expected to arrive human rights,” she wrote. off for Shenzhen. I just want to hearing to guarantee a proper were widely shared on social But that has come at a se- Concerns are mounting in China to investigate the ori- The court said she had meet my son,” activist Wong and fair trial by the courts in media platforms in February, rious cost to anyone picking over the health of 37-year-old gins of Covid-19. spread “false remarks” online, Wai-Yin’s mother said Monday Shenzhen,” they said, noting grabbing the attention of au- holes in that storyline. Zhang who began a hunger Another lawyer said according to Zhang Keke. evening. that those detained include thorities, who have punished “Zhang Zhan looked dev- strike in June and has been Zhang’s health was in decline Rights groups have also Activist Lester Shum added British, Portuguese and Viet- eight virus whistleblowers so astated when the sentence was force-fed via a nasal tube. and she suffered from head- drawn attention to her case. that “none of the families we namese nationals. More work needed to identify risk Iran warns Israel not to cross Gulf ‘red lines’ from Nigeria strain, says researcher AFP the Persian Gulf signifies for to mark the first anniversary Tehran Tehran accuses its regional Iran,” Khatibzadeh told an on- of the killing of top Iranian AFP samples of virus collected South Africa says a new foe Israel of responsibility line news conference. commander Qasem Soleim- Abuja from patients between August strain detected there could Iran warned Israel on Mon- “Everyone knows the poli- ani in a US drone strike in 3 and October 9. explain the rapid spread of a day not to cross its “red lines” for several anti-Iranian cies (of Tehran) regarding se- January. A researcher who identified a The two samples were second wave that has espe- in the Gulf in the final days of operations, including the curity and national security... “We have sent messages novel coronavirus variant in taken from the same state in cially affected younger peo- Donald Trump’s presidency assassination last month of Everyone knows very well how to the US government and Nigeria has cautioned against Nigeria at different times. ple. and following a reported Is- nuclear scientist Mohsen high the risk is raised if the red our friends in the region automatic assumptions that it They show a variant “dif- Happi stressed that sci- raeli submarine deployment. Fakhrizadeh lines of Iran are crossed.” (warning) the current US re- poses similar risks to strains ferent to the one that has been entists were racing to unlock Foreign ministry spokes- Tehran accuses its regional gime not to embark on a new that have emerged elsewhere. circulating in Nigeria, dif- knowledge about the Nigeria man Saeed Khatibzadeh foe Israel of responsibility for adventure in its final days The new strain was uncov- ferent from the one in South strain and urged people not to stressed the Islamic republic deployed to the Gulf, in a new several anti-Iranian opera- at the White House,” said ered last week by scientists at Africa and different from the “extrapolate.” would defend itself against show of force directed at Iran. tions, including the assassi- Khatibzadeh. the African Centre of Excel- one in the UK,” he said in an “We have no idea, no evi- any American military “ad- Media in Israel have since nation last month of nuclear He said Iran was not seek- lence for Genomics of Infec- interview with AFP. dence to say that this variant venture” in the runup to the reported that an Israeli sub- scientist Mohsen Fakhrizadeh. ing to increase tension and tious Diseases (ACEGID) in Britain tightened restric- is linked to the spike we are January 20 handover of power marine has crossed the Suez The United States, for its called for “rational people in southeastern Nigeria. tions after finding a new seeing in Nigeria or not,” said in Washington. Canal also headed for the Gulf, part, has accused Iran of in- Washington” to take the same ACEGID director Chris- strain there that it said was Happi, explaining that sam- The statement came a week a report that has not been of- volvement in a rocket attack line until President-elect Joe tian Happi said the variant more contagious than initial ples from the latest cases were after the US Navy announced ficially confirmed or denied. last week near its Baghdad Biden replaces Trump in the was found in two out of 200 forms of the virus. being analysed for an answer. a nuclear submarine was being “Everyone knows what embassy, as Tehran prepares White House. ‘Indian army officer planted weapons on Kashmir civilians’ Saudi activist’s jail sentence paves way for early release AFP in south Kashmir and that only informed of the sup- tion, the bodies of the three Under the Armed Forces Srinagar three weapons were found posed firefight after the slain men were exhumed in Special Powers Act, an AFP term of five years and eight on them. The bodies were killings which violated the September and returned to emergency law applied in Riyadh months, but suspended two Indian police on Sunday hurriedly buried in a remote normal rules of engagement. their families after DNA tests. Kashmir since 1990 when an years and 10 months of the accused an army officer and border area. A police statement issued Captain Bhoopendra insurgency against Indian A Saudi court on Monday sen- sentence “if she does not com- two associates of planting The men’s families in the late Sunday said the officer Singh has been charged with rule erupted, government tenced prominent activist Lou- mit any crime” within the next weapons on the bodies of remote mountainous area and two others “planted murder, conspiracy and forces deployed in the region jain al-Hathloul to five years three years, they added. three labourers killed in of Rajouri identified them illegally acquired weapons other offences, the police cannot be tried in a civilian and eight months in prison for “A suspension of 2 years Kashmir to make it look as one month later from pho- and material on their dead statement said. He is now in court unless the New Delhi terrorism-related crimes, but and 10 months in addition to though they were militants tographs that circulated on bodies after stripping them military detention. The two government agrees. she is expected to be released the time already served (since in a staged gun battle. social media. The families of their identities and tagged civilian “sources”, who were No such permission has within months, her family said. May 2018) would see her (re- Their July deaths said the three had only been them as hardcore terrorists with him at the time, are in ever been granted during the Hathloul, 31, was arrested leased) in approximately two sparked a furore in the looking for work in Kash- in possession of war-like police custody. last three decades, despite in May 2018 with about a doz- months,” Lina al-Hathloul, Indian administered side of mir’s apple orchards. stores.” A local court has asked dozens of requests by the en other women activists just the activist’s sister, wrote on the Himalayan region that is The controversy sparked The army said last week the army whether the ac- police after investigations weeks before the historic lifting Twitter. also claimed by Pakistan. rare separate investigations only that the recording of cused officer should be into actions by the security of a decades-long ban on female Another source close to her The army had claimed by the Indian army, which evidence in the case had tried in a civilian court or forces. drivers, a reform they had long family and the London-based that the three men were has more than 500,000 been completed and action subjected to a military court Tens of thousands of peo- campaigned for, sparking a tor- campaign group ALQST said killed in a gun battle in troops in Kashmir, and the would follow. martial, according to the ple, mainly civilians, have rent of international criticism. she would be released by March the village of Amshipora police, who said they were Following the investiga- statement. died in the insurgency. The court handed a prison next year. 06 Tuesday, December 29, 2020

Established September 3, 2006 hamad bin suhaim al thani chairman Opinion adel ali bin ali managing director dr hassan mohammed al ansari editor-in-chief

Justice For Lockerbie: 32 Years After Mass Will Anyone Be Willing Murder On Pan Am Flight 103, Feds Strike To Fly On Boeing’s Federal prosecutors charged the man who Retooled 737 Max? copped to building the explosive device that brought down Pan Am 103 over Lockerbie After two crashes, the public is right to be skeptical of Boeing. More transparency is necessary so technical

n December 21, 32 years his older brother David was experts, engineers and safety advocates can fully assess the fix and be confident it is safe for return to flight to the day after 270 peo- among the murder victims. Ople were murdered in the Dornstein, who went on to John Goglia bombing of a jet traveling become a documentarian, Tribune News sErvice from London to New York, plunged himself into the facts federal prosecutors charged of the case — zeroing in on he ungrounding of Boeing’s 737 Max is un- the man who copped to Mas’ud and discovering that doubtedly a major milestone for an aircraft building the explosive de- he was being held in a Libyan with a sordid history — responsible for two vice that brought down Pan prison. crashes that resulted in the deaths of 346 peo- Am 103 over Lockerbie, The urgent imperative ple, which then exposed a deeply troubling re- Scotland. Credit the Justice now is extraditing Mas’ud lationshipT between the company and Federal Avia- Department under Attorney here to face swift and sure tion Administration regulators who were supposed General Bill Barr, who kicked justice. The two men who ear- to oversee it. off his first stint as AG in 1991 lier stood trial for the murders While it appears that Boeing has met all the cri- by charging two other plot- — in the Netherlands, under teria laid out by the FAA and other authorities that ters, for seeing through the Scottish law — escaped full participated in the review of the Max, now getting investigation on behalf of 190 punishment. One was acquit- people back on the airplane becomes the bigger Americans killed. ted. The other, Abdelbasset problem. That Abu Agela Mas’ud Al-Megrahi, was convicted in The airlines will be implementing all sorts of Kheir Al-Marimi, a Libyan in- 2001, then in 2009 shameful- measures to convince people that the airplane telligence official, now stands ly granted compassionate re- is safe to fly, such as test flights with executives, accused of a capital crime is lease before his death in 2012. waiving change fees or even eliminating the Max due to federal authorities who Last week marked the end branding. They have learned from the aftermath made a specific, concerted ef- of Barr’s second act leading of other aviation disasters that aggressive com- fort last year to close the loop the DOJ. munication that is open, honest, and discusses on long-languishing counter- To say the least, he has their problems and solutions goes a long way to- terrorism investigations; that not always behaved honorably ward rebuilding confidence. While it appears that Boeing has met all the criteria laid out by the FAA and other authorities that participated in the push uncovered a 2012 con- in the position. But his final But the airlines cannot do this alone, and they review of the Max, now getting people back on the airplane becomes the bigger problem. (TNS) fession to Libyan law enforce- acts — flatly rebutting Donald are not going to be successful if Boeing and FAA ment by Mas’ud. Trump’s anti-democratic non- continue to resist providing more transparency on side experts and the families of victims — to show concerning safety culture changes they both des- It is also a tribute to the sense and bringing a terrorist their decision-making — which has been requested an extreme level of transparency about the changes perately need to ensure this situation never occurs aching heart and exhaustive who long evaded consequenc- from groups ranging from pilots’ unions, lawmak- it made to the Max, and the supporting data behind again. It has been reported that Boeing engineers work of Ken Dornstein, a col- es to justice — have been his ers and the family members of those who died in the them, to regain travelers’ trust. This can be accom- were fearful of speaking out on safety concerns, lege student in 1988 when noblest ones. two Max crashes. plished in several ways. while others inside the company were completely In 1979, the FAA grounded the McDonnell First, Boeing should release data regarding the dismissive of the FAA (stating they were “like dogs Douglas DC-10 after a crash, largely caused by changes made to the airplane that support its safe- watching TV”). flawed maintenance procedures, led to the deaths of ty. This does not mean releasing information such The FAA needs to reassert its authority in over- 271 people. Once the ban was lifted after 37 days, as software code or other proprietary information. seeing the industry, and the industry is hopefully the plane was quickly reembraced by carriers and What would be useful is simulator and flight test using this moment to be introspective about its own passengers. data to demonstrate how the “new” Max operates failings. Moreover, the Government Accountability Boeing today faces a much steeper uphill climb. in certain scenarios, and pilot reaction times during Office and the Department of Transportation’s in- First, the plane was grounded for 21 months, and such situations. The Southwest Airlines Pilots As- spector general need to ensure that the FAA fulfills more time only breeds more concern about the safe- sociation recently submitted comments to the FAA its mission of overseeing the industry rather than ty and viability of the aircraft. But more importantly, calling the Max’s new emergency checklists “clunky being captured by it. in 1979 the FAA had the full credibility with the U.S. at best,” which does not inspire confidence in the After two crashes, the public is right to be skep- traveling public and foreign regulatory authori- safety of the redesigned plane. tical of Boeing and the FAA. Under these unique ties. Today, their image is tarnished and they are Second, the public needs an update on the still circumstances, more transparency and disclosure is no longer considered the gold standard. The House unfinished Ethiopian Airlines investigation, which necessary so technical experts, engineers and safety Transportation Committee delivered a blunt assess- was the second Max crash in March 2019. Boe- advocates (as well as the public) can fully assess the ment: “Boeing failed in its design and development ing and regulators have claimed they are unable fix and be confident it is safe for return to flight. of the Max, and the FAA failed in its oversight of to release certain documents until it is completed; Only when this occurs will Boeing’s commercial Boeing and its certification of the aircraft.” however, it raises the question as to why the plane customers embrace the Max, and passengers not Ultimately, the traveling public will not just will- should be ungrounded if an investigation is still hesitate before boarding a plane that hopefully has Credit must go to the Justice Department under Attorney General Bill Barr, ingly accept what the FAA says; one report from pending. If there is no ongoing investigative activity, better and safer days ahead. who kicked off his first stint as AG in 1991 by charging two other plotters, last year found that 40% of regular flyers would be which seems the case, all documents relating to it for seeing through the investigation on behalf of 190 Americans killed. unwilling to fly on the Max. This leaves it to Boeing should be released. (John Goglia served as a member to do what airlines have done for years after their Third, outside of technical data, the FAA should of the National Transportation Safety (tribune News Service) accidents — work with key stakeholders such as out- disclose what assurances Boeing has provided Board from 1995-2004)

Black Police Officers Poised To Play A Critical Role In Reform

Jermaine Harris As a Black police officer raised in Aus- tive justice work of a former drug dealer Tribune News Service tin and a current resident of North Lawn- who has now committed his life to repair- dale on Chicago’s West Side, I am proud ing the harm he caused in the past. Earlier this month, I had the honor of to say I am a member of the community I There are obvious benefits to rela- participating in a panel discussion with serve. This gift provides me the ability to tionship building that arise from sim- retired police OfficerH oward Saffold. He view our neighborhoods with authenticity, ply taking the time to get out of a squad spoke about the discrimination and in- achieved through the acknowledgment of car to walk down a block and talk to the tense racism he faced as a Black officer a the vast number of narratives that exist neighbors sitting on their front porches. mere 50 years ago. Today, as a front-line on the South and West sides of Chicago. Most importantly, it is the understand- supervisor, I work in an era in which my The lived experiences of Black police of- ing that as police, our role is to work with immediate boss is Black and his boss is ficers can play vital roles in police reform. our communities and use the authority Black. For the first time in history the We are positioned in the optimal place at a provided by this office to amplify their three highest-ranking members of the time when the country is primed to make voices. Chicago Police Department are all African substantial repairs to its patterns and Seeing the amazing people in the Black American. practices. It is of utmost important that community as an abundant resource that This year has taught me that there has our voices be heard. Now is the time to un- can be relied upon to create the solutions never been a better time in American his- apologetically inject Black into Blue. to our nation’s problems is a recipe for sus- tory to be a Black police officer. I grew up on the West Side in the 1980s tainability and capacity building. It’s a for- Our nation has faced a critical reckon- and 1990s. This was during the height of mula for destroying a system of inequity. ing in 2020. In every corner of the country the crack epidemic and the prime of or- As a member of the community I serve, the impact caused by COVID-19 has been ganized gangs. This was also a time in Chi- this strategy for diversity, equity and in- felt. Loss of employment, health risks, cago when each year we teetered toward clusion is clear. The necessary training for hunger, insufficient access to education 1,000 murders. Black officers to prepare us to lead in this and constant uncertainty have been intro- The exposure to violence and systemic Chicago Police Sgt. Jermaine Harris stands near Douglass Park, recently. (TNS) evolution process has been taking place duced to many who, before this year, had racism during my formative years shaped since the day God saw it fit to add a darker never experienced such pain. the man I would become, but not in ways through shared experiences ensures that up a leadership role in shaping the future. hue to our outer shells. The murder of George Floyd put into one would expect. Successfully navigating humanity is recognized. For those Black Americans who are The world is watching. I challenge eve- full view the centuries-old practice of de- an environment where each day I could be Introducing cultural competency into contemplating embarking on a law en- ry Black officer to capture this moment so humanizing Black Americans. The margin- one decision away from being a victim or policing is long overdue. The context in forcement career path, I encourage you to that we can use our voices to inspire the alization and neglect of the people whose an offender required a lot of help. So, when which we pursue police reform must be join the fight. We are uniquely capable. It change that will reshape policing forever. blood and tears seeded the foundation of I reflect, it is never about what I didn’t centered on the people. Decisions that is our real-world experiences that give us this great land is not a new revelation. This have. It is about all the things I did have are based solely on fulfilling a mandate or the common sense, when we’re looking for (Jermaine Harris is a sergeant in struggle has been ignored for far too long that made the difference. As a result, I now regulation lack the necessary humanity to a way to reach the youth, to confer with the the Chicago Police Department. The by large segments of the population. Had carry an asset-based lens into the way I po- truly transform. mother figure on the block who opens up views expressed are those it not been for the pandemic lockdown and lice. A talent among Black police officers is I appeal to all the men and women of her arms and kitchen to young people. It of the author and do not reflect its removal of distractions, this struggle the ability to see ourselves in the people color who have made the decision to wear is a no-brainer to develop violence preven- those of the Chicago Police may have gone unnoticed yet again. with whom we interact. This commonality a badge to now assume the courage to take tion strategies by supporting the restora- Department)

THE VIEWS EXPRESSED ON THE OPINION AND ANALYSIS PAGES ARE THE AUTHORS’ OWN. QATAR TRIBUNE BEARS NO RESPONSIBILITY. World Tuesday, December 29, 2020 07 17 fishermen feared dead in Russia trawler tragedy US authorises sanctions for AFP offered “words of support” for emergencies ministry in the Moscow the survivors. northwestern region of Mur- China Dalai Lama meddling “It is with sorrow that I mansk, told AFP. Seventeen fishermen were learnt of the tragedy,” Putin Officials said that two “We are hoping for a New AFP Chinese-ruled Himalayan re- authorities within the Tibetan missing and feared dead on said in a statement released by people had been rescued by Year’s miracle,” he added. Washington gion will wither away without Buddhist tradition.” Monday after a Russian trawl- the Kremlin. a passing vessel, but hopes However a source familiar its charismatic figurehead. The US will impose sanc- er capsized during a storm and Speaking at a govern- were quickly fading that with the details of the search President Donald Trump Beijing said in January that tions on officials “who directly sank in the freezing waters of ment meeting earlier in the more survivors could be efforts told AFP that there was has signed a law that author- the act “grossly interferes in interfere with the identification the Barents Sea. day, Prime Minister Mikhail little hope of finding survivors. izes US sanctions on Chinese China’s internal affairs” after and installation of the future Officials said that two Mishustin tasked officials with found during a snowstorm Officials believe theR us- officials ifthey interfere in Ti- the House of Representatives 15th Dalai Lama of Tibetan people had been rescued by a providing relatives of the vic- over the Arctic waters sian-flagged vessel, which had betan Buddhists’ selection of passed it 392-22. Buddhism,” the new law says. passing vessel, but hopes were tims with necessary help. been operating since 1979, the next Dalai Lama. The Tibet act, introduced The act also bars the US quickly fading that more sur- “A tragedy struck today in conditions had complicated capsized after ice buildup Congress overwhelmingly by both Democrats and Re- from opening new consulates vivors could be found during the Barents Sea,” Mishustin the task. caused it to tilt over. approved the Tibetan Policy publicans, states that it is US in China until it is allowed one a snowstorm over the Arctic said. “People died,” he added, “There is a heavy snow- The disaster struck when and Support Act amid grow- policy that the selection, educa- in the Tibetan capital Lhasa waters. without providing further de- storm, waves are up to four the crew was hauling out a net ing concern that Beijing will tion and veneration of the Da- and authorizes funding to Russian President tails. meters high and temperatures with the catch, said the spokes- seek to handpick a successor lai Lama and other respected groups that promote cultural Vladimir Putin on Monday ex- Officials said that a search- are at around 20-25 degrees man for the maritime and riv- to the 85-year-old spiritual monks are “exclusively spiritu- preservation, education and pressed “deep condolences” to and-rescue operation was un- Celsius below zero,” Alexei er transport agency Rosmor- leader, hoping the movement al matters that should be made environmental sustainability the families of the victims and derway but that poor weather Barinov, spokesman for the rechflot, Alexei Kravchenko. for greater freedoms in the by the appropriate religious in the Himalayan region.

Investigators name Nashville bomber, say he died in blast AFP Tennessee Bureau of Inves- Washington tigations chief David Roush confirmed at the press con- The man suspected of set- ference was a match to DNA ting off a bomb in Nashville found in a vehicle Warner that ripped through the had used. southern US city’s down- Police said at the time of town on Christmas morning the blast that it was an “in- was named by authorities on tentional act” but the motive Sunday as they confirmed he remained unclear, and FBI died in the blast. behavioral analysts were in- “We’ve come to the con- volved in the investigation. clusion that an individual Tennessee senator Mar- named Anthony Warner is sha Blackburn on Twitter the bomber, he was present praised the law enforcement when the bomb went off, officerswho responded to and that he perished in the bombing,” federal prosecu- tor Don Cochran told a press The motorcade of US President Donald Trump drives towards Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach, Florida on Sunday. (AFP) conference. The special agent in charge of the FBI’s Memphis field office,D oug Korneski, said that there was “no indi- cation that any other persons Trump, under pressure, signs were involved,” although he added they were still fol- lowing leads. Authorities at the press conference said that with the investigation ongoing they could not give Anthony Quinn Warner (afp) $900 bn COVID-19 relief bill details on any motive, but said Warner had not been on and are investigating the But for days, Trump had re- tion included too much excess their radar prior to the blast. bomb, and said she had asked The new stimulus package extends federal fused to put his signature on it, spending on unrelated pro- Police had reportedly President Donald Trump to aid to the unemployed until mid-March calling the bill a “disgrace” and grams. identified Warner, 63, on grant Nashville a federal dis- I am signing this bill to catching both Democrats and He has not said why he Saturday as a “person of in- aster declaration, a technical Republicans off guard with his waited until the bill was al- terest” in connection with move that triggers federal as- AFP efits, stop evictions, provide restore unemployment complaints, which came after ready approved to make his the explosion, which came sistance in repairing damage West Palm Beach rental assistance, add money benefits, stop evictions, months of negotiations. views known. from a parked motorhome and providing aid. for PPP (Paycheck Protection provide rental assistance, Influential Republican The new stimulus pack- that blared a warning min- According to a timeline After delaying for nearly a Programs), return our airline return our airline workers senator Mitt Romney said he age extends federal aid to the utes before it blew up. provided by the authorities, week and under pressure from workers back to work, add back to work, and much was “relieved” at the signing. unemployed until mid-March, They had searched a police were called to the area all sides, US President Donald substantially more money for “Help is now on the way to and provides guaranteed loans house in Antioch, a neigh- to respond to gunfire at 5:30 Trump finally signed a mas- vaccine distribution, and much more workers, families, and small and billions of dollars in aid to borhood in the Nashville am, and officers spotted the sive $900 billion stimulus bill more,” the president said in a US President Donald Trump businesses across the country small businesses, restaurants, area, but declined to confirm motorhome at 6:00 am. Sunday, in a long-sought boost statement from his Christmas who are desperately in need,” hotels, airlines and other com- at the time if they had a sus- Fifteen minutes later, for millions of Americans and vacation at his Mar-a-Lago re- he tweeted. panies. pect. they heard an audio count- businesses battered by the cor- sort in Florida. initial Covid-19 relief plan ex- Earlier on Sunday, he had It extends the moratorium Friday’s explosion in his- down coming from the vehi- onavirus pandemic. The turnaround came after pired at midnight on Saturday, urged Trump to “immediately on evictions of people unable toric downtown Nashville, cle warning of a bomb -- in- The package “providing a day marked by calls from all cutting off an estimated 12 mil- sign or veto the COVID-19 re- to pay their rent, suspends the United States’ country terspersed with music -- and coronavirus emergency re- sides of the political spectrum lion Americans, according to lief package so Congress can foreclosures and provides music capital, damaged the need to evacuate. sponse and relief” is part of a for action to avert an economic The Century Foundation think act before it’s too late.” funds for the distribution of about 40 buildings and in- Police have not said if larger spending bill that, with and social disaster, especially tank. In his statement on Sun- Covid-19 vaccines. jured at least three people, anyone was inside the mo- Trump’s signature, will avoid for America’s vulnerable popu- The relief package, which day, the president continued to The aid is essential to the with the streets largely aban- torhome at the time but a government shutdown on lations. was first passed by Congress push for the $600 direct pay- world’s largest economy, hit doned at the early hour. lauded the officers who ar- Tuesday. Two federal unemploy- on December 21, extends those ments to US taxpayers spelled hard by restrictions put in Authorities found human rived at the scene and took “I am signing this bill to ment benefit programmes ap- benefits as well as others set to out in the bill to be more than place to halt the spread of Cov- tissue at the blast site, which quick action. restore unemployment ben- proved in March as part of an expire in the days ahead. tripled, and argued the legisla- id-19. S Africa logs million cases as virus surges worldwide Azerbaijan soldier killed in Armenian ambush colleagues died of Covid-19. South Korea became the latest nation on Known coronavirus infec- AFP gorno-Karabakh region. Monday to detect the new virus variant tions surged past 19 million in Baku More than 6,000 people the United States on Sunday, were killed in the conflict before AFP ant experts believe could be the worst-hit country in the Azerbaijan said on Mon- the peace agreement that saw Johannesburg more transmissible. world, adding a million cases day that one of its soldiers Armenia cede swathes of terri- South Africa became the in less than a week. was killed during a skirmish tory it had controlled for dec- South Africa logged its first African nation to log one US cases have been surg- with Armenian separatists, in ades to its longstanding rival. millionth case of Covid-19 million cases, official data ing at an alarming rate in an apparent escalation of hos- Azerbaijan said on Mon- and South Korea on Monday showed Sunday, as authori- recent months. The world’s tilities underminding a recent day that six Armenian fight- became the latest country to ties considered reimposing largest economy has added at Russian-brokered ceasefire. ers died in the attack near the detect the new coronavirus restrictions to battle a second least one million new cases The defence ministry said village of Agdam, which was variant, as the pandemic wave of infections driven by per week since early Novem- in a statement that an illegal captured by Baku’s army in showed no signs of letting up. the new variant. ber, according to Johns Hop- group of Armenian fighters in November. Global infections have South Korea became the kins University data. territory adjacent to the dis- The defence ministry raced past 80 million with latest nation on Monday to But there was some relief puted Nagorno-Karabakh re- vowed to take “decisive meas- nearly 1.8 million deaths, even detect the variant, in three for Americans on Sunday gion carried out the ambush ures” if repeat attacks were as vaccination drives gather individuals of a London-based when President Donald Trump on Sunday. carried out by Armenian pace in North America and family who arrived in the finally signed a $900 billion “As a result of the attack, troops. Europe, with a top US expert country last week. Masked pedestrians walk through the Myeongdong shopping district stimulus bill, a long-awaited a soldier of the Azerbaijan A Russian peacekeeping warning that the pandemic The new variant was first in Seoul recently. (AFP) boost for millions of people army... was killed,” it said, force of around 2,000 soldiers might get even worse in the detected in Britain, and made whose livelihoods have been noting another serviceman deployed to Karabakh as part coming weeks. its way to a number of other campaigns over the weekend, especially during the first battered by the pandemic. was wounded but in a stable of the terms of the November The explosion of cases nations including Japan and boosting hopes of an end to wave of the pandemic,” said While the United States condition. accord. worldwide in recent weeks has Canada, prompting dozens the pandemic, especially in Isabella Palazzini, an Italian has also begun vaccinations, A peace deal mediated The mission reported ear- prompted the return of many of governments -- including some of the hardest-hit parts nurse in Cremona. experts have said that because by Russia ended in early No- lier this month that one Rus- unpopular restrictions, in- European nations -- to impose of the continent. “They were very difficult of the expected surge in cases vember six weeks of fighting sian solider died during a cluding some lockdowns, and travel restrictions on the UK. “Today is a big moment times, both for the patients over the Christmas holidays, between Azerbaijan and sepa- mine-clearing operation but concerns have grown after the Most European coun- when you think back to all and for us, the care givers,” the situation could get much ratists backed by Armenia for says the peace deal is largely detection of a new virus vari- tries began their vaccination that we have been through... said Palazzini, three of whose worse. control of the disputed Na- holding. Bolstered by pandemic, tech titans face growing scrutiny page 9

Tuesday, December 29, 2020

30,438.12 10,559.36 47353.75 1,879.60 +238.25 pts -4.97 pts +380.21 pts Gold -0.19 % Brexit trade deal gets green light Dow QE sensex from the European Union page 10 Price percentage Price percentage 26.50 Brent 50.90 -0.76 % WTI 47.65 -1.20% Silver +2.29 % LuLu to open 4 new branches in Qatar next year: Althaf Satyendra Pathak tional next year,” Althaf said. Qatar. It will ensure that all COVID-19 pandemic, Althaf Althaf also revealed that Doha “We are also in the pro- essential items are delivered said, “Qatar as the country Lulu’s international export cess of opening more branch- in the country without any remained resilient and very distribution centre will be op- Hypermarket giant LuLu es and offer more services disturbance,” he said. supportive to the private sec- erational in Milan next year. Group is all set to open four before the start of the 2022 “We have also entered tor. The country faced the “Infrastructure for the new hypermarkets in Qatar FIFA World Cup in the coun- into a partnership with al- crisis very well. We are very distribution centre is ready. in 2021, the Group’s director try. Qatar has always been most 40 local companies to happy that we also played We were scheduled to open it has said. a very good market for us. localise production of many a small role in supporting in 2020, but the opening got Talking to Qatar Tribune With all the developments lulu brand of products. These the country in overcoming extended due to COVID-19. I on the sidelines of an event taking place in the country, companies will manufacture the crisis. Despite the pan- am quite hopeful that it will in Doha recently, Lulu Group Qatar has become a hotspot many of our products in Qa- demic, we kept all our sup- be operational by April next International Director Mo- for many of the global play- tar that were earlier manu- ply chain intact. We never year,” he said. hamed Althaf said that the ers. So we are expanding our factured in other countries,” allowed the prices to go up. “We expect a huge in- Group will open at least four footprint, deepening our re- Althaf said. We also helped in servicing crease in bilateral trade be- new branches in Qatar in lationship and further devel- All these initiatives, Al- the community whenever it tween Qatar and Italy once 2021 to expand its presence oping our infrastructure in thaf said, are aimed at en- was needed. For example, the distribution centre is in the country. the country,” Althaf said. suring that all essential food when there was a lockdown operational. There are many “Construction work on all “Logistically speaking, products are available in Qa- in the Industrial Area, with- companies in Italy that our upcoming branches in we are building food security tar despite any possible dis- in 24 hours we set up pop- want to export. The facility areas including Maider and warehouses in Qatar now. We Lulu Group International Director Mohamed Althaf turbance in the supply chain. up stores to cater to people would provide small busi- Ain Khalid is going on. I am have taken up a place from Praising Qatar for ex- there. We also ensured fast nesses in Italy access to in- quite hopeful that the new Manateq in Wukair to build products. We are also in the of-its-kind fulfilment centre tending support to the coun- delivery of essential items to ternational markets like Qa- hypermarkets will be opera- deep storage to keep essential process of setting up a first- exclusively for e-commerce in try’s private sector during the such areas.” tar,” Althaf said. Fitch affirms CB’s Qatar posts trade surplus rating at ‘A’ with of QR9.1 bn in November stable outlook Tribune News Network  Total exports amount to QR16.6 bn in Nov  Japan emerges top destination for Qatar’s exports Doha Fitch Ratings has affirmed Tribune News Network Commercial Bank’s un- Doha changed long-term issuer de- fault rating at ‘A’ with a stable Qatar’s foreign merchan- outlook. dise trade balance, which The rating is driven by an represents the difference ‘extremely high probability’ of between total exports and support from the Qatari au- imports, showed a surplus of thorities, and reflects Qatar’s QR 9.1 billion in November, strong ability to support do- according to the prelimi- mestic banks. nary figures of the value of As per the report released exports of domestic goods, by Fitch, Commercial Bank’s Given the challenges re-exports and imports re- strong commercial banking imposed by COVID-19, the leased by Planning and Sta- franchise is underpinned by affirmation of Commercial tistics Authority (PSA) for established public and private November 2020. corporate relationships. Bank’s stable outlook is a This represents a de- According to Fitch, Com- very positive outcome. It is crease of about QR3.4 bil- mercial Bank has succeeded mainly due to the prudent lion, or 27.4 percent, com- in executing its turnaround economic management by pared to November 2019 and strategy that began in 2016 by Qatar as well as our increase of nearly QR2 bil- strengthening its core capi- lion, or 28.6 percent, com- talisation. financial strength pared to October 2020. The rating agency said that According to PSA, the to- the bank has also succeeded Commercial Bank Group CEO tal exports of goods includ- in reducing its concentration Joseph Abraham ing goods of domestic origin Import of goods by Qatar in November 2020 amounted to around QR7.5 billion. in real estate and contracting and re-exports amounted to and increasing government prudent economic manage- around QR16.6 billion in No- compared to October 2020. nearly QR2.5 billion, a de- In November, China was the imported group of com- and public sector exposure, ment by Qatar as well as our vember, showing a decrease The year-on-year decrease crease by 41 percent. the leading country of origin modities with QR0.4 billion, improving operational effi- financial strength and com- of 25.1 percent compared to in total exports was mainly In November, Japan was of Qatar’s imports with about showing a decrease of 62.2 ciency and strengthening risk mitment to our strategy es- November 2019, and an in- due to lower exports of pe- at the top of the countries QR1.2 billion, a share of 15.3 percent. controls and oversight of in- tablished in 2016.” crease of 8.3 percent com- troleum gases and other gas- of destination of Qatar’s percent of the imports, fol- In second place was ‘Mo- ternational operations. With Fitch’s rating in pared to October 2020. eous hydrocarbons such as exports with close to QR3 lowed by the United State of tor cars and other motor ve- Commercial Bank Group place, Commercial Bank cur- The imports of goods in LNG, condensates, propane billion, a share of 18 per- America with QR1 billion, hicles for the transport of Chief Executive Officer Jo- rently enjoys strong credit November 2020 amounted and butane reaching QR9.5 cent of total exports, fol- a share of 13.8 percent and persons’ with QR0.3 billion, seph Abraham said, “Given ratings from all the major to around QR7.5 billion, billion approximately in No- lowed by China with almost India with QR 0.5 billion, a a decrease of 27.8 percent the challenges imposed by agencies. The bank’s long- showing a decrease of 22.1 vember 2020, a decrease of QR2.7 billion and a share of share of 6.5 percent. and in third place was ‘Parts COVID-19, the affirmation term outlook is rated A3 by percent over November 32.2 percent and petroleum 16.5 percent, South Korea The group of Turbojets, of Aeroplanes or Helicopters’ of Commercial Bank’s stable Moody’s, and BBB+ by Stand- 2019. However, the imports oils & oils from bituminous with about QR 2.3 billion, a Turbo propellers and other with QR0.2 billion, a decrease outlook is a very positive out- ard & Poor’s. All ratings are decreased by 8.9 percent minerals (crude) reaching share of 13.9 percent. gas turbines was at the top of of 47.7 percent. come. It is mainly due to the with a stable outlook.

SAB launches phase-3 of GTA signs agreements with four risk management project banks to facilitate tax payment QNA ment project is one of the will be completed during the Doha strategic projects that SAB next year. QNA has adopted with the aim of The project aims to iden- Doha The State Audit Bureau improving the risk manage- tify and analyse the data of (SAB) has launched the third ment process in state insti- risks that any party subject to The General Tax Authority (GTA) phase of the risk manage- tutions through an integrat- the Bureau’s control may be and Qatar National Bank (QNB) on ment project, which aims to ed risk management system exposed to, and to determine Monday signed a financial services develop risk management that achieves more effective the efficiency of these enti- agreement. The authority also signed processes in the entities un- management and optimum ties in managing these risks, three memorandums of understand- der SAB control, and enable utilisation of resources and which may affect the achieve- ings (MoUs) with Masraf Al Rayyan, them to develop proactive ensures reaching the stra- ment of goals and the imple- Dukhan Bank, and Al Ahli Bank. and Executive General Manager Ali was to facilitate the process of paying plans to reduce risks and tegic objectives of these mentation of strategic plans. The MoUs are about creating an Rashid Al Mohannadi, Masraf Al taxes so that it can be done electroni- preserve public funds. entities. SAB is considered one electronic link between the banks and Rayan General Manager and Whole- cally. The four-day third phase All bodies subject to the of the first regulatory agen- the authority to encourage the pay- sale Banking Head Mohamed Isamil He added that the banks were targets 53 entities subject to Bureau’s control will ben- cies in the world to have ment of taxes and by using different Al Emadi, Dukhan Bank CEO Khalid selected based on how ready were the Bureau’s control. efit from this important adopted the risk manage- e-payment methods. Youssef Al Subaei and Al Ahli Bank their infrastructure to implement the SAB Risk Management project, he said pointing ment project, which aims The agreement was signed by GTA Deputy CEO Mohamed Al Namla. process. He called on other banks to and Quality Assurance De- that 58 entities have taken to monitor all types of risks Tax Affairs Assistant Head Ghanem The plan to link the authority with complete their infrastructure so that partment Director Sheikh part in the first and second including strategic, finan- bin Khalifa Al Attiyah, QNB Finan- banks will gain momentum in the fu- they can offer the same service in the Sultan bin Nayef Al Thani phases of the project, while cial or operational risks in cial Services Chief Operating Officer ture, Attiyah said adding that the goal future. said that the risk manage- participation of all parties various entities. Economy & Business Tuesday, December 29, 2020 09 China orders Ant to return to online Bolstered by pandemic, tech payment roots titans face growing scrutiny AFP Beijing

Chinese fintech giant Ant Govts, users are belatedly coming to terms with the power held by the likes of Apple and Amazon Group has been ordered by regulators to drastically change its business model and return to its roots as a payment services provider, as the state squeeze contin- ues on the once unbridled empire of tech tycoon Jack Ma. China’s central bank summoned Ant execu- tives over the weekend and demanded the company Alibaba founder Jack Ma “strictly rectify” its lending, insurance and wealth man- porations. agement services, accord- Xinhua news agency ing to a statement released reported Ant Group is now on Sunday. “strictly prohibited from The edict comes just unfair competition” and is weeks after Ant Group’s urged to redress its “illegal” record-breaking IPO was financial activities. halted at the last minute The online payment by Beijing, which has been titan’s problems include ruthless in its takedown of alleged flaws in corpo- a company once vaunted as rate governance, poor le- the poster child for Chinese gal awareness and a lack technology. of regulatory compliance, Last Thursday regula- while it stands accused of tors also launched an anti- “leveraging market domi- monopoly investigation nance to exclude competi- into Alibaba -- of which tors”. Ant Group is a subsidiary Its reach into the daily -- sending the share price spend of Chinese has also of the e-commerce giant caused anxiety over the tumbling and intensifying potential for personal debt the troubles of its billion- to turn sour and poison the The digital giants stand accused of not paying enough taxes, unfair competition, stealing media content and spreading fake news. (AFP/File) aire founder Ma. wider economy. Alibaba’s dropped near- As global demand AFP Airbnb’s share value doubled Department and 11 states to support them in a crucial ly nine percent in Monday for the dual Hong Kong- Paris on the day of its IPO. launched proceedings against referendum in November. trading in Hong Kong, as Shanghai listing pushed Meanwhile Chinese apps, Tech march Google, accusing it of having And in France, Amazon is investors grow increasingly the IPO toward record val- Accelerating the transi- long confined to the local mar- ● While governments are illegally strengthened its mo- accused of destroying small nervous over a company in uations -- potentially hand- tion to an ever more digital ket, are exploding in app stores spending trillions of dollars nopoly on online searches and business, exploiting its em- the teeth of Beijing’s regu- ing Ma and Ant Group even existence, the coronavirus around the world: notably Tik- advertising. ployees and promoting over- lators. more funding, legitimacy pandemic has tightened tech Tok but also SHEIN for clothes to avoid widespread In China, meanwhile, au- consumption with disregard Ant Group made its and clout -- Chinese regu- giants’ grip on billions of cus- shopping and another video bankruptcies and mass thorities have been tighten- for the environment -- yet the name via its main product lators acted. tomers’ lives. sharing platform, Likee. unemployment, shares of ing regulation of content for French branch of Jeff Bezos’ Alipay, the online payments The outspoken and Governments and users are tech giants have been several months, and recently company made record sales platform and super-app charismatic Ma -- a for- belatedly coming to terms with Taking back control rising since January announced new rules for e- during the “Black Friday” sales that is now deeply embed- mer teacher -- had previ- the power held by the likes of The pandemic may have commerce. bonanza. ded in China’s economy. ously lashed out at China’s Apple and Amazon, particu- strengthened these high-flying ● Facebook’s stock is up November’s dramatic sus- But the company also outdated financial system, larly in focus this year thanks digital giants, but it has also 35%, Amazon 67% and pension of the IPO for online ‘Surveillance capitalism’ expanded into offering calling state-owned banks to their role in everything from energised calls to regulate the Apple 68% payment giant Ant Group -- Shoshana Zuboff, a profes- loans, credit, investments “pawn shops” in an Octo- setting up video meetings to conglomerates which continue which was expected to raise a sor at Harvard Business School and insurance to hundreds ber speech that led to him doing our shopping for us. to expand through hundreds of ● Zoom, created in 2011 by record $34 billion -- was inter- and the author of a book on of millions of consum- being summoned for regu- Most of the planet has acquisitions. a Californian engineer, has preted by many observers as a “surveillance capitalism”, has ers and small businesses, latory talks shortly before spent at least part of 2020 in “Until 2017, the benefits, watched its share price jump shot across the sector’s bows denounced the sale of personal spurring fear and jealously Ant’s IPO was suspended. lockdown, and as Western especially in terms of innova- 600% in 2020, while from the Chinese government. data to advertisers. in a wider banking system He has edged away consumers clicked through tion, were considered to out- Airbnb’s share value doubled And last week, market Speaking on a European geared more for supporting from the limelight since the Google and Facebook, hun- weigh the damage,” said To- on the day of its IPO regulators launched an anti- Parliament panel last week, state policy and large cor- IPO collapsed. dreds of millions of Chinese ledano, who has written a book monopoly investigation into she said Google’s possible users turned to Baidu, Alibaba, about taking control back from Ant parent company Alibaba acquisition of fitness weara- Tencent or Xiaomi. Google, Amazon, Facebook The bloc’s competition shortly after Communist Party bles maker Fitbit should be These “superstars” of on- and Apple. chief Margrethe Vestager has leaders vowed to crack down on blocked. line capitalism “have given That has changed, howev- said the draft laws would bring “disorderly capital expansion”. “Google’s assurances can- the impression, in this world er, as they now stand accused “order to chaos” online, rein- not be trusted,” she said. where so many things that of not paying enough taxes, ing in the massive “gatekeep- Little economic damage Some argue that targeted seemed solid are now fragile, unfair competition, stealing ers” who dominate markets. Despite public outcry over advertising is nothing new, that they are above it all and media content and spreading The United States is also their failings to rein in mis- however. even invincible,” said Paris- fake news. acting on competition con- information or hate speech, Jacques Cremer, a profes- based economist Joelle To- The European Union has cerns, with US federal and among other things, tech com- sor at the Toulouse School of ledano. unveiled an ambitious set of state antitrust enforcers filing panies have seen little impact Economics in France, said it is While governments are new rules to clip their wings, suits against Facebook on De- on their bottom line. “normal” that Facebook, Goog- spending trillions of dollars to ranging from limits to their cember 9 seeking to overturn In the US, Facebook was le or Twitter “use the data they avoid widespread bankrupt- power over the market to its acquisitions of Instagram boycotted in July by a hundred have on me to show me ads”. cies and mass unemployment, cracking down on hate speech and WhatsApp. or so advertisers against the “We must regulate the shares of these companies and requirements for trans- “For nearly a decade, Face- backdrop of the Black Lives platforms, but be careful not have been rising since Janu- parency over algorithms. book has used its dominance Matter movement, without to make scapegoats of them,” ary: Facebook’s stock is up 35 Drawing lessons from past and monopoly power to crush any major economic damage. said Cremer, who last year ad- percent, Amazon 67 percent failures -- delayed and drawn- smaller rivals and snuff out Ride-hailing platforms vised the European Commis- and Apple 68 percent. out procedures and weak pen- competition, all at the expense Uber and Lyft, which refused sion on proposed regulation. Zoom, created in 2011 by alties -- the Digital Services Act of everyday users,” Letitia to take on their thousands of “They are incredibly imagi- This file photo shows the Ant Group headquarters in Hangzhou, a Californian engineer, has could see companies face crip- James, New York’s attorney drivers as employees as re- native companies, extraordi- in China’s eastern Zhejiang province. (AFP) watched its share price jump pling fines or even bans from general, said. quired by California law, man- narily well managed, and offer 600 percent in 2020, while the EU market for breaches. In October the Justice aged to convince voters there a high quality of service.”

formal deal expected this week EU member states clear way for China investment pact

AFP could now be formally announced expressed concerns over China’s Brussels this week. Berlin wanted to get the agree- rights record, especially its “We have to be careful, but ment signed off at a joint clampdown in Hong Kong and EU member states gave politi- as long as China is in agreement, EU-China summit in treatment of the Uighurs. cal backing to Brussels’ planned there could be an official an- September, but the coronavirus China’s increasing global as- investment pact with China on nouncement from Brussels and pushed the event online and sertiveness under President Xi Monday, clearing the way for a Beijing by the end of the week,” Jinping has given some in Europe deal between the world’s biggest the senior envoy told AFP. no deal was signed pause for thought. economic blocs. The deal would be a major But the bloc’s leading eco- At a meeting of ambassadors, boost for both sides and strength- Wuttke told AFP this month that nomic power Germany, which the German EU presidency noted en economic ties between the negotiators had “apparently made holds the rotating EU presidency no member had “raised a stop giants before the arrival of US great strides on market access”. until the end of the year, had sign and the way for a political president-elect Joe Biden in the As part of the accord the EU made securing the deal a priority endorsement was thus cleared”, a White House in January. has also been pushing Beijing of its time at the helm. diplomat said. Outgoing US leader Donald to reinforce respect for intel- Berlin wanted to get the The diplomats noted “recent Trump has engaged in a trade lectual property, end obligations agreement signed off at a joint positive developments” in nego- war with China but his successor to transfer technology, reduce EU-China summit in September, tiations, with China reportedly has also expressed concern about subsidies for public enterprises but the coronavirus pushed the addressing concerns over the the EU outreach, with his team and improve on climate commit- event online and no deal was alleged use of forced labour on its urging Brussels to consult with China has pushed past the United States in the third quarter of this year to ments. signed. farms. Washington. become the EU’s top trade partner. While Trump’s administration China pushed past the United This came after the Chinese The European Commission, has engaged in a war of words States in the third quarter of this foreign ministry said last week the EU executive, had said before the capitals’ green light. access to the huge Chinese mar- with Beijing, Brussels has taken a year to become the EU’s top trade that “negotiations have entered Christmas that the draft of the China’s commitment to labour ket for its companies. balanced approach. partner, as the Covid-19 pan- the final stretch” -- and a second “political agreement” was “95 rights had remained a hurdle, but The head of the EU chamber The EU states treat China demic disrupted the US economy EU diplomat said an agreement percent ready” and just needed Europe has long sought greater of commerce in Beijing Joerg as a “systemic rival” and have while Chinese activity rebounded. 10 Tuesday, December 29, 2020 Economy & Business Crossing Channel post-Brexit: Big Brexit trade deal gets green changes in store light from the European Union AFP ish travellers and hauliers Lille, France could shift their custom to Belgium or the Netherlands The British parlia- Despite London and if they face long delays in ment will have to Brussels reaching a trade France. deal to limit the fallout of With Britain also leav- ratify the deal later Brexit the flow of people ing the EU customs union, and goods across the Chan- exporters and importers on this week, but Brus- nel will change significantly either side of the border will sels will apply it on January 1, when Brit- need to declare their goods ain’s departure from the EU to French customs online, provisionally becomes complete. before their shipments Britain leaves the EU leave the factory. AFP single market and customs France has devised Brussels union at 11 pm (2300 GMT) a new high-tech “smart on December 31, which is border”, designed to keep The European Union gave midnight in Brussels. goods moving smoothly the green light on Monday to As the free movement along the world’s busiest its post-Brexit trade deal with of goods and people across shipping route. the UK, clearing the way for it Britain’s borders with its Lorries departing Brit- to come into effect in the New neighbours comes to an ain must present customs Year. end, AFP looks at how trav- officials with customs docu- The British parliament will el and trade with France ments containing a barcode, have to ratify the deal later this will be affected. which the agents will scan week, but Brussels will apply it Around 60,000 pas- and forward, along with the provisionally, cushioning the sengers and 12,000 trucks truck’s registration number, economic shock of the divorce. cross the Channel between to officials on the other side Customs and regulatory Britain and France each of the Channel. controls on cross-Channel day. The barcode will allow commerce will still come into From January 1, British French authorities to iden- effect on January 1 after Brit- citizens arriving in France tify the truck’s contents and ain leaves the EU single mar- via the Channel Tunnel or quickly determine, before ket. Pedestrians walk over the Millennium Bridge as the mist covers buildings in the City of London. Business breathed a sigh of relief this week ferry will have to produce the driver arrives in France, But there will be no imme- after a post-Brexit trade deal was agreed, but many issues remain unresolved, notably the place of financial services.(To lga Akmen/AFP) a passport, which will be whether or not the vehicle diate return to a regime of tar- stamped. They can stay in needs to be inspected upon iffs and quotas that could have tion.” the EU for 90 days in a 180- arrival. disrupted trade after Britain’s British parliamentarians day period, after which they Those transporting ani- decision to quit the club. British fishermen say they feel ‘betrayed’ are to meet on Wednesday to will need a visa. mal products or plants that Sebastian Fischer, spokes- debate the accord. The potential for travel require EU health checks man for the German presiden- DPA use with fish that they didn’t use and that Although the 2016 Brexit chaos in the event of delays will be directed on arrival to cy of the EU, said: “EU Am- London enabled us to put together an annual fishing referendum that set the di- at the border was brought veterinary services. bassadors have unanimously plan,” Locker added. vorce in motion proved to be home to travellers on either The rest will be waved approved the provisional ap- British fishermen have said they feel “be- “What we have got now is a fraction of extremely divisive, the vote is side in the run-up to Christ- through, provided the forms plication of the EU-UK Trade trayed” by the trade deal struck between what we were promised through Brexit. We expected to go smoothly. mas, when thousands of filled out by the exporter and Cooperation Agreement.” Prime Minister Boris Johnson and the Euro- are going to really, really struggle this year,” The MPs have not had trucks remained blocked on online are in order. Under EU procedure, the pean Union. he said. long to study the 1,200-page roads leading to Dover after Some 230 veterinary decision by ambassadors from “I am angry, disappointed and betrayed,” Cabinet Office Minister Michael Gove text, but Prime Minister Bo- France temporarily closed staff will vet animal prod- the 27 member states to en- Andrew Locker, head of the National Federa- disagreed, telling the broadcaster that Britain ris Johnson has a comfort- the border over coronavirus ucts, animal feedstuffs and dorse the plan will take effect tion of Fishermen’s Organisations (NFFO), will be in a much stronger position than the able majority of Conservative fears. plants in the ports of Calais, at 3:00 pm (1400 GMT) on told broadcaster BBC on Monday. EU. MPs in the Commons and has From around 20 sec- Dunkirk and Boulogne-sur- Tuesday. “Boris Johnson promised us the rights to Under the EU’s common fisheries policy, hailed the accord as a victory. onds per person currently Mer. But there is no expectation all the fish that swim in our exclusive econom- British fishermen would only have access to The minority Scottish Na- in the British port of Dover Besides checking the that any EU members will ic zone, and we have got a fraction of that,” 50 per cent of the fish in British waters. That tional Party will oppose the -- the main staging post for haulier’s documents against now slow the adoption of the he said. number will now rise to two-thirds by 2026, deal -- as it opposed Brexit crossings to the Continent the cargo the inspectors trade deal, the fruit of a tortu- Johnson had promised that no fisherman said Gove. Fishing plays only a small role in -- but the main Labour op- -- travellers could be de- may also carry out health ous 10-month negotiation. would be worse off under his deal, Locker said, Britain’s economy but played a symbolic role position will back it to avoid layed for up to a minute on checks on a sample of the Germany holds the rotat- but now “we are absolutely worse off.” “When in the torturous Brexit negotiations. further disruption. average after January 1, of- merchandise. ing EU presidency and Chan- we were within the EU, we used to trade fish Ultimately, London made concessions to The deal offers the Brit- ficials estimate. French authorities esti- cellor Angela Merkel’s spokes- with the EU. We used to swap things we didn’t seal a deal on Thursday. ish duty-free and quota-free Britons could also be mate that 10-12 percent of woman Ulrike Demmer said access to its market of 450 subjected to immigration trucks arriving in northern the coalition government has million consumers, and gives checks on arrival in France French ports will be sub- no objection to the text. were discussing the possibil- the end of February, but EU Michel Barnier met the presi- European fishermen access to but French officials say ject to checks to prevent the “Germany can accept the ity of pushing that date back parliamentary leaders asked dent of the European Parlia- UK waters for at least another they consider Britain a safe spread of plant diseases. negotiated accord,” she said. further to give themselves on Monday for a few more ment David Sassoli and the five-and-a-half years. third-party country and will Trucks carrying ani- The European Parliament more time to study the text weeks to arrange a vote in MEPs coordinating EU-UK But it provides for Eu- aim to keep traffic flowing mal products such as lamb will want to study the deal and to watch how relations March or April. ties on Monday. rope to impose compensatory as smoothly as possible. from EU member Ireland even after its provisional ap- develop. But if London refuses this He described the ex- measures on British busi- French ports are also over the so-called UK land plication and was expected to delay, they have agreed to changes as “fruitful” and ness if London backslides on anxious to keep things bridge will be exempted convene a session in the first ‘Trust and support’ hold a special plenary session thanked the MEPs “for their standards for state aid, the moving, mindful that Brit- from the inspections. half of next year to ratify it. The member states’ provi- on or around February 23. trust and support throughout environment, labour law and But on Monday, MEPs sional approval will last until Brussels’ chief negotiator this extraordinary negotia- taxation.

Gig workers say they can no longer survive Mate 40: Maximizing security AFP ibility -- you have to work Paris when there’s demand. You’re with ‘minimum authorization’ going to work late nights, Whether in Paris, Kuala long weekends and every sin- Tribune News Network Lumpur or California, gig gle holiday.” Doha economy workers fear they In the spring, she gave can no longer survive on mea- up driving for fear of catch- We’ve all been there: you’ve just down- gre earnings from jobs that ing Covid-19 but had to fight loaded a new app and now it’s asking you leave them increasingly vul- for unemployment benefits of for permissions. It’s time to make a choice nerable. $450 per week instead of the between “always allow” or “deny”. All too The term “gig” stretches $167 paid to gig workers. often, it’s not much of a choice, because if back a century to jazz musi- She received a $600 per you choose “deny”, you can’t even open the cians who used it to refer to a week supplemental federal app. With the development of the Internet one-off show but now the “gig benefit that the US intro- as our window to the world, there has been a economy” involves millions duced as part of its Covid-19 parallel development of innovative technolo- of people in all sorts of jobs, stimulus measures but it ran gies that can protect us. from Uber drivers to Deliv- out after four months. Huawei has made great progress in eroo delivery teams. Mighetto is bitter about consumer privacy protection, evident in Wissem Inal does more a California referendum -- the Mate 40 Pro. For example, the Notepad than 700 kilometres (450 “We should be able to penses in 2017 but a series of backed by Uber -- to overturn app has a lock feature, which allows users miles) a week on his scooter, defend ourselves,” he main- rate cuts caused that to fall to a state law that would have to protect individual notes with a password delivering up to 10 takeout tains. $20 at the beginning of the forced gig firms to recognise or fingerprint or even the option of remov- meals in the Paris suburbs year and to less than $10 in their drivers as employees, ing the location and time information of a every evening. ‘Flexibility’ or ‘on demand’? March. and pay them minimum wag- photo before sharing it with friends through “At the moment, with the When Erica Mighetto be- She finds the algorithms es and benefits. Huawei Share. lockdown I end up with 500 gan driving with Lyft three opaque and pernicious. California voters ap- However, the most practical feature of euros ($600) a month net,” years ago, “I just loved it”, “So it knows me person- proved the measure with 58 all is Minimum Privacy Authorization. With said the 32-year-old who has she said. ally,” said Mighetto. “And the percent of the vote. this feature, whenever a new app requests driven for Deliveroo since Her grown son had left bonus offers were changed, “We shouldn’t be strip- permissions, in addition to “always allow” 2017 but also takes jobs for the house and she thought it you know, based on what I ping workers of basic labour and “deny”, you have other alternatives, Uber Eats and Stuart. would be a great move until was willing to accept.” protections so people can get namely, “allow this time only” and “allow Inal has trouble seeing she found a job in bookkeep- If friends were getting bo- cheap rides,” she said. only while in use”, protecting you from per- the “good side” of his job at ing or property management. nus offers of $50 for doing 20 Twenty-seven-year-old missions overreach. crokernel. It also comes with Dual biometric the moment and criticises “I really enjoyed, you rides per week, the algorithm Devon Gutekunst delivers for Huawei has established a comprehen- authentication, which consists of 3D Face calculations by Deliveroo’s know, choosing my own would offer her $350 -- but DoorDash, which just took sive privacy protection mechanism covering unlock and an in-screen Fingerprint sensor. algorithm that decide how hours,” she told AFP. “I for 120 rides a week. in almost $3.4 billion in its everything from hardware to software, with We entrust more and more aspects of much to offer him for jobs. thought life was good.” To get enough jobs and stock market debut. implementation at many different system our lives to mobile apps, and as a conse- “A delivery that’s worth Mighetto lived in Sacra- claim the bonus, drivers His smartphone offers layers. At this year’s flagship product launch quence, our mobile phones contain more six euros at noon is worth just mento but would drive more would accept lower fees. him a job -- $5.50 for a 4.6- events, ‘innovative technologies that protect personal information than ever. In the three euros in the evening. than an hour to the San Fran- “You’re in this like, vi- mile delivery in 30 minutes. privacy’ was a phrase that came up again coming Internet of Everything era, mobile You can’t earn a living with cisco area on weekends be- cious cycle black hole,” said “That’s the equivalent of and again. phones will carry thousands of times more this job, unless you’re willing cause there was more work in Mighetto. $11 an hour, that’s too little,” In addition to this, the Huawei Mate 40 information than they do already. By sort- to live like a slave.” the richer towns. She does not buy the ar- said Gutekunst. Pro ensures top-notch safety with its CC ing out appropriate levels of authorization, He recently joined an as- She slept in her car or gument that gig work is flex- “My personal minimum EAL5+ certified Trusted Execution Environ- we can protect our security and privacy, the sociation of gig delivery driv- shelled out $25 for a room. ible. is $18 an hour. I often make ment operating system, the highest certifica- importance of which will only increase in the ers that seeks to improve Mighetto was pulling in “I personally call it on de- more than that, because I tion level for commercialised security mi- years to come. working conditions. $60-$80 an hour before ex- mand work... there’s no flex- have a strategy.” Tuesday, December 29, 2020 11 Economy & Business Boeing on edge as shrunken commercial jet industry limps into 2021 Laid low first by 737 Max crashes and pandemic downturn, the US commercial jet champion has this year been piling up debt and bleeding cash

TCA/DPA id - and has asked its suppliers to be Seattle ready next year to raise that to 47 jets per month if demand rebounds. Boeing faces 2021 in bad shape, “This industry will survive,” said its reputation tarnished and its Knittel. “It’ll be a smaller industry commercial jet business shrunken when it comes out of this, but it will - yet with a glimmer of hope for a grow again.” First, a brutal winter turnaround after its bleakest year in For now, the ongoing destruction many decades. in the airline world has left most of At this pivot point, the commer- Boeing’s customers reluctant to take cial airplane workforce in the Pacific new aircraft. Northwest is on edge. Ray Goforth, This month Alexandre de Ju- executive director of the engineer- niac, director general of the Inter- ing union, says employees feel “a national Air Transport Association sense of frustration and precarious- (IATA) called the impact of the cor- ness.” Laid low first by the 737 Max onavirus pandemic on air travel “the crashes and then by the dramatic greatest deconnecting of the world pandemic downturn, the US com- since the Second World War.” “Bor- mercial jet champion has this year ders are effectively closed, freedom been piling up debt and bleeding of movement has been severely re- cash. It had to sharply reduce pro- stricted, and the impact on aviation duction and slashed about 13,000 has been catastrophic,” de Juniac jobs in the state. said at a CAPA Center for Aviation In the single-aisle jet market - conference. which five years ago was split evenly At the same conference - which with Airbus but has steadily swung of course was virtual because no one toward the European rival - the Max could travel - Angus Clarke, chief crisis has floored Boeing and al- commercial officer at Air France, lowed its rival to grab about 60 per conveyed the blow Covid-19 has de- cent of that high-volume business. livered to long-haul international As for the bigger, most profitable flying for airlines such as his. jets, final assembly of Boeing’s most “North America is always hugely popular widebody plane, the 787, profitable for Air France and it’s will be gone from Everett by March, gone down to next to nothing. And that work consolidated in South Asia has gone negative,” Clarke Carolina. said. “There’s no heartbeat.” Closer Talk of Boeing leaving the Pa- to home, American Airlines has ac- cificN orthwest is “too simplistic celerated the retirement of all of its and exaggerated,” said Goforth, but Boeing 767s and 757s, its Airbus he thinks it should be a priority for A330s and its Embraer E190s. company leaders “to reassure peo- American started 2020 with ple in the Puget Sound region that 13,800 pilots and was hiring 100 this is a place to make a career with new pilots per month. By early De- Boeing.” Boeing declined to make cember, almost 1,000 had taken any executive available for a year- early retirement, 1,000 more were end interview. working half schedules or less, an Aviation experts on a panel con- additional 6,400 had taken short vened by the Machinists union this term leaves of absence, and more month broadly agreed that Boeing than 1,200 had been furloughed. can only hunker down for the next (This past week, American an- couple of years and roll out the lim- nounced it would recall those fur- ited number of planes the down- Boeing’s first priority in 2021 will be clearing its inventory of hundreds of parked and undelivered Maxes, while smoothly ramping up production inside the Renton factory. loughed as a result of the expected sized market can take. extension of the Payroll Support With Washington state losing “They don’t have to talk about pandemic too. But with no parallel Program.) IATA projects airlines the 787, and the 777X production it,” Leahy said. “They have to be to the Max crisis to contend with, it’s globally will lose 118 billion dollars rate very low, it’s likely that Boeing working on it.” A slow rebuilding The Boeing troubles faring better than Boeing. this year and a further 38 billion will cut local jobs further, warned ahead New hope for Boeing arrived ● oeing in the summer discovered serious quality control problems in its This year, the European dollars in 2021. Ron Epstein, aerospace industry late in 2020, when US regulators planemaker cut about 15,000 jobs This catastrophe in the aviation analyst with Bank of America. after 20 months finally ungrounded 787 manufacturing processes that delayed deliveries for intensive worldwide, mostly through attri- industry has also hit Boeing’s sup- “The bad news is, it’s not a rich the 737 Max. inspections, so that it hasn’t been able to meet even the severely tion and employee buyouts. In the pliers. environment for work for a few The aviation authorities in Eu- depressed demand for that airplane US and Canada, it cut 550 jobs out Kevin Michaels of consultancy years,” Epstein said. rope and Canada have said they will ● November saw zero 787 deliveries, and a build-up of the jets not yet of 5,400. Aerodynamic Advisory - another of And the 1-billion-dollar compos- follow in January. And the arrival of US job losses were minimized the experts on the International As- ite wing facility Boeing built in Ever- coronavirus vaccines at least offers a ready for delivery may take most of next year to clear. by opening a second A220 assembly sociation of Machinists (IAM) “Fu- ett for the 777X “will basically spend chance that air travel will rise above ● Boeing projected in October that by the end of next year it will employ line in Mobile, Alabama. ture of Boeing” panel - said up to a couple of years idle,” said Richard the rock-bottom level that devastat- 31,000 fewer people company-wide than at the beginning of this year Though Boeing’s 737 Max back- 20 per cent of the small suppliers to Aboulafia, industry analyst with the ed demand for airplanes this year. log has shrunk by more than 1,000 the industry “could disappear, con- Teal Group. Boeing’s first priority in 2021 aircraft this year due to cancella- solidate or fail,” damaging Boeing’s Looking further ahead, the panel will be clearing its inventory of hun- tions or removals because custom- supply chain. concluded that Boeing can recover dreds of parked and undelivered in the pandemic, some airlines will the 787,” he said. ers no longer had the money, Air- Boeing had already “burned its former glory only if it launches Maxes, while smoothly ramping up want the Max for its fuel-efficiency. Unfortunately, Boeing in the bus’s backlog for the rival A320neo bridges with many of its suppli- a new airplane around 2023. With production inside the Renton fac- And when long-haul flying resumes, summer discovered serious quality family has largely held. ers” before the current crisis, Mi- Boeing’s debt swollen and its cash tory. larger carriers are expected to want control problems in its 787 manu- In an interview, Jeff Knittel, chaels said, by squeezing them for draining away, however, investment Ryanair and Alaska Airlines, the 787 Dreamliner because of its facturing processes that delayed de- chief executive of Airbus Americas, years with demands for unilateral in a new airplane seems a long way each taking advantage of Boeing relatively small size for a widebody liveries for intensive inspections, so said the European manufacturer price concessions and insisting on off. Chief executive Dave Calhoun discounts to be ready to grow when jet. that it hasn’t been able to meet even has had deferrals in the downturn stretching out payments for goods in January shelved the New Mid- the pandemic recedes, were the first Scott Hamilton, industry analyst the severely depressed demand for but “not a ton of cancellations.” At delivered. market Airplane, the only new jet airlines to place new orders for the with Leeham.net, said those are the that airplane. the end of November, the Airbus The suppliers to Boeing’s 737 project Boeing had going. Max. only two jets in Boeing’s lineup like- November saw zero 787 deliver- A320neo order backlog stood at Max program are particularly hard Yet former Airbus executive “For now, it’s all hands on deck ly to have healthy sales in the near ies, and a build-up of the jets not yet 5,904 jets while Boeing’s Max back- hit. John Leahy - the now-retired super- to get the Max out the door,” said term. The 747 and 767 are no longer ready for delivery may take most of log was just 3,290 jets. Boeing in 2018 had asked all of salesman who lifted Airbus from Leahy. “The cash it brings in is im- offered as passenger planes, and the next year to clear. Boeing has said it’s aiming to them to invest heavily in equipment nowhere to strategic parity with the portant... They cannot afford to 777X is too large to sell with inter- Boeing projected in October that ramp up Max production to 31 jets to get ready for a big production US giant - said in an interview that stumble on the Max.” He added national passenger flights almost by the end of next year it will employ per month by early 2022. Mean- ramp-up to about 60 aircraft per to protect its competitive position, that he’d have “no qualms about empty. 31,000 fewer people company-wide while, Airbus has been producing month. Boeing must plan now for an all- flying on a Max or taking my wife “The future of Boeing right now than at the beginning of this year. A320neos at a rate of 40 per month “Then the Max shut down. And new jet. and grandchildren on one.” Even revolves around the Max and then Airbus has been hit hard by the - down from 60 per month pre-Cov- now COVID,” said Michaels. 2020 emissions: Precedent-setting or bucking the trend?

AFP the Global Carbon Project several Covid-19 vaccines economic recovery packages than levels before the crisis.” Paris both said this month that ramping up in 2021, enabling we will go back to where we The UN in its annual planet-warming carbon pol- an anticipated global econom- were before the pandemic.” Emissions Gap report said last For a few moments in late lution was set to fall seven ic rebound, will 2020 be the Birol pointed to China, the week that 2020’s dip in emis- April of 2020, oil -- normally percent this year, the largest start of an annual downward world’s largest polluter, which sions would have only a “neg- the lifeblood of the world single-year drop in history. emissions trend, or just a mo- he said was an “important test ligible impact” on long-term economy -- became more ex- As pressure mounts on mentary blip? run” for how other nations warming without a profound pensive to store than to pay governments to match ac- “I am afraid that if govern- power their Covid-19 recovery. shift towards green energy. someone to take it away. tion to their promises to slash ments do not take major new “We all know China was It said emissions hit a re- Crude oil’s wildly fluctu- emissions, such a historic drop policies we may well see that the first country to have the cord high in 2019 of 59.1 bil- ating futures prices reflected is welcome even if it only came the decline we are experienc- coronavirus, the first where lion tonnes of CO2 equivalent the impact of the coronavirus about due to the pandemic. ing in emissions this year will there was a lockdown and -- a whopping 2.6 percent pandemic, with record falls in It puts 2020 roughly in rebound,” Fatih Birol, execu- where the economy declined,” higher than the year before. greenhouse gas emissions and line with what the UN says tive director of the Interna- he said. Yet the countries that pol- fossil fuel demand making is needed to keep the Paris tional Energy Agency, told “But China is also the first lute the most have prioritised 2020 an unexpectedly good climate deal goal of limiting AFP. country where the economy sectors heavily reliant on fossil year for the climate. warming to 1.5C within reach. “If governments do not put rebounded and as of today fuels in their stimulus pack- The United Nations and But with distribution of clean energy policies in their Chinese emissions are higher ages. Faf du Plessis slams 199 as South Africa push Sri Lanka towards defeat TUESday, DECEMBER 29, 2020 page 14 Federer to miss Australian Open for the first time in 22 years AFP in July, but in June he had an- Federer will now concen- at 39, is also on the entry list All players must undergo a Melbourne other operation that ruled him trate on getting himself ready as she again attempts to equal mandatory 14-day quarantine out for the rest of 2020. for the rest of the 2021 sea- Margaret Court’s record of 24- on arrival, during which they Twenty-time Grand Slam A huge favourite with the son, which includes the Tokyo time Grand Slam singles titles. will constantly be tested for champion Roger Federer will Melbourne crowds, Federer , Olympics and the chance of Federer’s withdrawal COVID-19 but allowed to train miss the Australian Open for hasn’t missed the Australian his first singles gold medal. comes as former world number for five hours a day in a bio-se- the first time in his career as Open since his debut in 2000, “He has made strong pro- one Andy Murray, a five-time cure bubble. he continues his recovery from winning the trophy six times. gress in the last couple of Australian Open finalist, was The men’s and women’s two rounds of knee surgery, “In the end Roger ran out months with his knee and his given a wildcard entry. qualifierswill be held in Doha organisers said on Monday. of time to get himself ready for fitness,” his agent Tony God- Tiley welcomed the and Dubai respectively from The 39-year-old Swiss has the rigours of a Grand Slam sick said in a statement. 33-year-old back to the tourna- January 10-13, with players ar- been out of action since Feb- and he’s very disappointed he “I will start discussions ment, two years after his first- riving in Melbourne from Janu- ruary but recently resumed won’t be coming to Melbourne this coming week for tourna- round exit prompted fears his ary 15 on special charter flights. training and was on the entry in 2021,” said tournament ments that begin in late Feb- career was at an end. Melbourne only emerged list for year’s opening Grand chief Craig Tiley. ruary and then start to build “Seeing him come back, from a months-long lockdown Slam, which will make a de- “We wish him all the best a schedule for the rest of the having undergone major sur- in October following a second layed start on February 8. as he prepares for his come- year,” Godsick added. gery and built himself back up wave of COVID-19, compli- Federer has played in back later in the year and look Swiss ace Roger Federer has played in the Australian Open 21 years to get onto the tour again, will cating planning for the Grand the Australian Open 21 years forward to seeing him in Mel- in a row, but his agent said missing the tournament was “the best Murray wildcard be a highlight,” Tiley said. Slam and how to allow so many in a row, but his agent said bourne in 2022.” decision for him in the long run”. Federer’s absence will be The opening Slam of the players and support staff to en- missing the tournament was Federer sat out most of felt at the Australian Open, de- year, which will be played in ter the country safely. “the best decision for him in the Covid-disrupted 2020 He underwent keyhole The Swiss could only watch spite a top-quality field led by front of at least 50 percent Australia has largely con- the long run”. season after losing to Novak surgery on his right knee in as Rafael Nadal matched his all- world number ones Djokovic of normal crowds, has been tained the coronavirus, although In February, Federer had Djokovic in the Melbourne February, before needing a time men’s record of 20 Grand and Ashleigh Barty. pushed back three weeks to a new outbreak in Sydney has arthroscopic surgery on his semis in January, his last follow-up operation and call- Slam singles titles with a 13th US superstar Serena Wil- February 8 over difficulties sparked fresh restrictions and right knee. He hoped to return competitive match. ing off his season to recover. victory at the French Open. liams, Federer’s contemporary caused by the coronavirus. even state border closures. Qatar SC hold Al Sadd 1-1 to snap Wolves’ winning streak Al Gharafa held by Umm Salal 1-1; Wakrah edge Kharaitiyat 2-1 Tribune News Network Doha

Coach Xavi Hernandez’s warning to his team Al Sadd ahead of the QNB Stars League clash against Qatar Sports Club wasn’t out of place. “We are facing a team who appear at their best level in the league so far,” Xavi had said. And much to his fears, Qatar SC came up with an in- spired show in their Week 11 match to play out a pulsating 1-1 draw at the Suhaim Bin Hamad Stadium on Monday. While Al Sadd extended Nam Tae-hee of Al Sadd runs in to battle for the ball with Qatar SC’s Ali Karimi during their QNB Stars Qatar Sports Club fans during the Qatar SC-Al Sadd Week 11 clash of the QNB Stars League at the Qatar their unbeaten streak, the League match at the Suhaim Bin Hamad Stadium on Monday. Suhaim Bin Hamad Stadium on Monday. only team to do so, as the 12- club tournament reached pre- cisely the halfway stage, they, QNB Stars League Standings however were denied a tenth Club MP W L D GF GA GD Pts successive win. 1 Al Sadd 11 9 0 2 37 9 28 29 Consistent scorer Anthony 2 Al Gharafa 11 7 3 1 25 16 9 22 Okpotu put Qatar SC ahead in 3 Al Duhail 11 7 4 0 26 16 10 21 the 31st minute and Santo Ca- 4 Qatar SC 11 6 4 1 18 10 8 19 zorla drew parity for Al Sadd 5 Al Ahli 11 6 4 1 17 22 -5 19 in the 42nd minute with a pen- alty goal. 6 Al Rayyan 11 4 3 4 12 9 3 16 Al Sadd raised their points 7 Al Wakrah 11 4 6 1 12 14 -2 13 tally to 29 and Qatar SC to 19 8 Al Sailiya 11 3 5 3 13 19 -6 12 points. 9 Al Arabi 11 3 5 3 13 20 -7 12 Both teams went into the 10 Umm Salal 11 2 5 4 7 15 -8 10 match in great form, having 11 Al Khor 11 1 6 4 8 21 -13 7 won their last few matches in 12 Al Kharaitiyat 11 2 9 0 8 25 -17 6 succession. Qatar SC had com- pleted their fifth consecutive parried away by diving keeper hamed Benyettou, in the 28th victory, whereas Al Sadd were Shehab Ellethy. minute, swivelled on his feet fresh from their Qatar Clasico In the seventh minute, Ce- and attempted a right-footed victory over Al Rayyan. Action from the Al Wakrah-Al Khairaitiyat match. Al Gharafa’s Ahmed Alaaeldin (2nd right) during the match against ballos charged ahead on the shot into the Al Kharaitiyat Al Sadd attacked from Umm Salal at the Abdullah Bin Khalifa Stadium on Monday. right flank, but slipped in a cross goal, but he went wayward the beginning, with the likes Ahmed had a chance to give Al Gharafa showed intent for Omar Ali stationed inside the with his direction as the ball of Baghdad Bounedjah, Nam his side the lead a second time, early on attacking Umm Salal a sliding tackle that brought was blocked by keeper Malick. box. Despite having time and sailed away above the cross- Tae-Hee and Abdelkarim Has- but his shot was blocked by the from the first minute. The for- down Ahmed Alaaeldin. space, Omar fired wayward with bar. Two minutes later, Omar san raiding the rival citadel goalkeeper in the 80th minute. mer champions even won a cor- The referee pointed to the Al Wakrah beat Kharaitiyat his right-footed drive. jumped high on a long cross time and again, giving Qatar Soon, Bounedjah shot wide ner kick in the first 40 seconds. spot and Hanni converted the In what was their fourth Six minutes later, Ceballos, but his snap-header from close SC goalkeeper Jassim Al Hail of the target and Cazorla too Al Gharafa continued with penalty. win in the league, Al Wakrah this time on the right flank of range also went wayward. a harrowing time. hit wide, in the 90th minute, an attacking game and Jona- Pat came Umm Salal’s re- beat Al Kharaitiyat 2-1 at the Al Kharaitiyat goal, slipped in In the 33rd minute, Ev- However, it was Qatar as the deadlock continued. than Kodjia broke into the ply. Adel Alawi clipped in a Al Duhail Stadium thanks to a a cross for Ahmed Moein, who ans Mensah – running down SC who took the lead against Umm Salal box in the sixth neat cross for Rodrigues who 90th minute strike from Jas- drilled a left-footed shot that the flank – clipped in a cross the run of play when Okpotu Al Gharafa held by minute. Kodjia, who dominat- arrived with perfect timing to sim Ali Al Hashimi. was pouched by Ellethy. which was expertly deflected took advantage of a defensive Umm Salal ed throughout the match, fired deflect the ball on the volley Ousmane Coulibaly earlier A few minutes later, Al by Mohammed Osman. The mistake committed by Tareq Al Gharafa drew their first a bullet from close range, but from close range as Umm Salal struck in the 43rd minute for Kharaitiyat opened the scor- fast-paced deflection was in- Salman. match of the league being held his shot was blocked by keeper fans celebrated the equaliser. The Blue Wave, who now have ing. Abdelhalim curled in a stinctively blocked by Al Wak- Okpotu tested goalkeeper 1-1 by Umm Salal at the Al Du- Baba Malick. Kodjia managed a Al Gharaafa’s Homam El- 13 points. long-range free-kick in the rah keeper’s foot. Meshaal Barsham again in the hail Stadium. repeat attack in the ninth min- amin, after sneaking into the Al Kharaitiyat’s only goal 22nd minute. The ball sailed Results 37th minute. SofianeH anni opened the ute and this time his shot went Umm Salal box from the far was scored by Mahmoud Saad above two players who wanted Qatar SC 1 (Anthony Pkpotu Al Sadd equalised when scoring for Al Gharafa by con- to the left of keeper Malick. right, unleashed a shot that in the 21st minute. The Thun- to head the ball into the net. 31’) vs Al Sadd 1 (Santi Cazorla Cazorla converted a penalty verting a penalty in the 12th Al Gharafa opened the scor- was saved by keeper Malick in ders stood on six points. None of the attempts were 42’ (P)) awarded after Qatar SC’s Ali Ka- minute, while Kayke Rodri- ing off a penalty. Ahmed Alaael- the 22nd minute. In the third minute, Al successful as the ball swung Al Wakrah 2 (Ousmane Couliba- rimi brought down Bounedjah. gues equalised for Umm Salal din charged towards the Umm In the 28th minute, on a Wakrah’s Cristian Ceballos and dipped late with Al Wak- ly 44’, Jassem Al Hashemi 90’) Al Sadd had much more in the next minute of the hard- Salal box despite being under long cross from Yousef Muf- curled in a long-range free- rah keeper Mohamed Ibrahim bt Al Kharaitiyat 1 (Mahmoud of the ball, but the teams took fought match. pressure from Aymen Abden- tah, Kodjia volleyed towards kick. Lucas Mendes jumped in no position to stop the ball Abdelhami Saad 21’) the half-time break with a 1-1 Al Gharafa now have 22 nour. Just as he entered the the Umm Salal net in spectacu- high to head the ball from that zipped past his right and Al Gharafa 1 (SofianeH anni scoreline. points and Umm Salal 10 box, Umm Salal keeper Mal- lar fashion, jumping high and close range, but missed the into the net. 12’ (P)) vs Umm Salal 1 (Kayke Qatar SC’s substitute Eisa points. ick stepped out and produced then firing a powerful shot that flight of the ball which was Al Wakrah skipper Mo- Rodrigues 13’). Sports Tuesday, December 29, 2020 13 Messi says he wants to play in the United States Madrid and Barcelona media reflect on Argentinian’s prime-time TV interview DPA lined with: “I would send that ing to do yet,” Messi said told Since joining at the age did rule out joining Real Ma- Barcelona Burofax again”. La Sexta. of 13, Messi has become the drid and admitted he was hap- It was a reference to the “I’m going to wait until club’s record goalscorer, won pier than he was last summer There was a mixed response Argentine’s dramatic demand the season ends. I would like 10 La Liga tiles, the Cham- he did not rule out leaving at to Lionel Messi’s hour-long for a transfer last summer to play in the United States pions League four times and the end of the season. interview aired on Spanish tel- that led to a two-week stand- and experience life and the the Ballon d’Or – awarded to During the interview Mes- evision on Sunday evening. off between Barcelona and league there, but ultimately the world’s best player - six si came across honest and at Media reaction on Monday their captain who has been at come back to Barcelona in times. times vulnerable. morning mainly depended on the club as a boy and played some capacity. In Barcelona, the interview He admitted his wife had allegiances. in the first team since 2004, “Right now the most im- was not surprisingly received advised him to seek coun- Madrid-based Marca winning every title possible portant thing is to focus on with more positivity and seling and that while agreeing headlined with: “The club is with them. the team and finish the season optimism. it would be a good thing he in a very bad way” on its front The Argentina forward, 33, well, to focus on trying to win “Now I’m happier here,” had not taken the step. page. Messi had told interview can begin negotiations with trophies and not get distracted Diario Sport’s front page said. “This affirmation made by Jordi Evole on Spain’s La overseas clubs in January. by other things.” Barcelona’s other big someone like Leo Messi seems Sexta: “It will be difficult Speculation over his fu- Barcelona, who did not win sports daily, El Mundo De- very brave to me. And it shows for the club to get back to ture has been intense since he a trophy last season, are fifth portivo, was slightly less up- someone who is extremely where it was.” handed in a transfer request in La Liga after their worst beat, saying “Messi leaves the normal,” Interviewer Evole Another Madrid based in August. start to a league campaign in door open”. tweeted after the interview. sports daily, Diario AS, head- “I don’t know what I’m go- 33 years. It was true that while he (Inputs other agencies)

Real Madrid resume PREMIER LEAGUE Atletico chase as Messi Chelsea fail to lift the absent for Barcelona AFP time to time it’s inevitable.” cited” to play under Koeman. pressure on Lampard, Madrid Atletico have respond- “Barca is my life, I’m in ed well to the 2-0 defeat by love with the club. And the Real Madrid will attempt to Real earlier this month that city, my children were born sign off the year with a sixth snapped their 26-match un- here,” Messi said in an in- held by Aston Villa win on the bounce as Zinedine beaten league run. terview with Spanish TV Zidane’s in-form side continue However, the loss of Ki- channel La Sexta broadcast AFP their pursuit of La Liga leaders eran Trippier is a substantial on Sunday. London and city rivals Atletico Madrid blow to a defence that has “I feel good right now, on Wednesday. conceded just five goals in 13 ready to fight for everything.” Chelsea failed to ease the Defending champions Real matches, easily the fewest in Player to watch: Iago As- mounting pressure on man- are level on 32 points with the division. pas The Celta Vigo forward, ager Frank Lampard as Aston Atletico but have played two The England defender, an the leading Spanish scorer in Villa came from behind to earn games more than Diego Sime- ever-present for Atletico in La Liga three of the past four a 1-1 draw at Stamford Bridge one’s men ahead of their trip La Liga and Europe this term, years, has inspired a turna- on Monday, as a coronavirus to Elche. was recently hit with a 10-week round at Balaidos after the outbreak at Manchester City Karim Benzema has been ban for breaching betting rules team won just one of their first caused their clash at Everton the driving force behind Re- and will be unavailable until 10 matches. to be postponed. al’s excellent December run, March. The club is said to be The 33-year-old Aspas, Lampard’s men have now claiming key goals in wins considering an appeal. who in November became the won just one of their last five over Athletic Bilbao, Eibar and Diego Costa has reportedly club’s all-time leading scorer league games to fall six points Granada after securing the asked to terminate his con- in the top flight, has netted behind leaders Liverpool in club a spot in the Champions tract for family reasons, hav- eight times in 15 appearances sixth and having played a League knockout phase. ing just returned from a blood this term and led Celta back game more than the champi- Eden Hazard is also in clot that sidelined the Brazil- into the top half following ons. line to feature after recovering born Spain international for a four wins in five games before Chelsea also trail Villa on from his latest injury setback. month. Christmas. goal difference, despite Dean The Belgian was an unused Joao Felix is expected to Much like with Real and Smith’s men having two games substitute in last week’s vic- return after missing the 2-0 Benzema, who is level at the in hand, and the visitors were tory over Granada and has win at Real Sociedad, although top of the scoring charts with well worthy of a point. made just three league starts the Portuguese star hasn’t Aspas, Celta’s success in 2021 “Now it’s a tough moment this campaign. scored in the league since No- could heavily rely on the for- and you have to fight through Real coach Zinedine Zidane vember 7. mer Liverpool attacker. it,” said Lampard. “Nobody hopes the short festive break Barcelona will bid to end Fixtures (all times GMT) Tues- let me down tonight, everyone afforded to his players over a turbulent 2020 on a win- day: Sevilla v Villarreal (1600), worked, we just didn’t quite Christmas will not interrupt the ning note at home to Eibar, Barcelona v Eibar (1815), Cadiz get the rub of the green.” momentum built over a domes- but Ronald Koeman’s side will v Real Valladolid, Levante v Real Lampard was able to make tic five-game winning streak. be without Lionel Messi after Betis (2030) six changes from the side beat- “We’re going to keep work- the Argentine was granted an Wednesday: Granada v Valen- en at Arsenal 48 hours ago. ing hard. We have an awful extended break as he recovers cia (1600), Atletico Madrid v Olivier Giroud was one lot of games, we should be from an ankle knock. Getafe, Celta Vigo v Huesca of those drafted into the side pleased with what we’re do- The six-time Ballon d’Or (1815), Elche v Real Madrid and the French international ing,” said Zidane. winner admitted his aborted (2030) proved his worth with a pre- Chelsea’s French striker Olivier Gir- “We’re going to lose games departure in the summer had Thursday : Athletic Bilbao v Real cise near post header from oud (right) vies for the ball against again, but we’re going to try to affected him at the start of the Sociedad (1300), Osasuna v Ben Chilwell’s cross to open Aston Villa’s Brazilian midfielder win as many as possible. From season, but stressed he felt “ex- Alaves (1515). the scoring with his ninth of Douglas Luiz during their English the season. Premier League match at Stamford By contrast, Smith made Bridge in London on Monday. (AFP) just one enforced change from Defending champions Real the team that played for 45 are level on 32 points with minutes with 10 men in Sat- urday’s 3-0 win over Crystal play every game and if they are urday and the trip to Selhurst run of play. Atletico but have played two Palace. doing well keep playing them.” Park, Leicester boss Brendan Vardy was summoned games more than Diego But Villa showed no signs Rodgers made seven changes from the bench to find a route Simeone’s men ahead of of fatigue in the second-half Leicester pay penalty with Jamie Vardy, James Mad- back into the game, but instead and levelled when Anwar El without Vardy dison and Youri Tielemans it was the in-form Barnes who their trip to Elche. Ghazi turned home his fifth Earlier, a much-changed among those left on the bench. scored an excellent equaliser goal in as many games from Leicester moved up to second Vardy in particular was as he wriggled clear of a num- Matty Cash’s cross five min- thanks to Harvey Barnes’ late missed as Kelechi Iheanacho ber of Palace challenges before utes into the second-half. equaliser in a 1-1 draw at Crys- had a first-half penalty saved firing into the bottom corner. “I’m still yet to see a player tal Palace. by Vicente Guaita. Results: Crystal Palace 1 (Zaha carried off the pitch with ex- With little over 48 hours rest Wilfried Zaha’s stunning 58) Leicester 1 (Barnes 83) haustion,” said Smith. “I’m between the Foxes’ 2-2 draw near post volley then put Chelsea 1 (Giroud 34) Aston Real Madrid’s French coach Zinedine Zidane. (AFP) a big believer in you want to with Manchester United on Sat- the Eagles in front against the Villa 1 (El Ghazi 50).

Man City’s clash at Everton postponed due to positive cases

AFP already reported on Christmas after reaching last season’s “Manchester City lodged tinues to have full confidence London Day,” City’s statement added. Champions League quarter- a request with the Premier in its protocols and rules, and “With the security of the finals. League today to rearrange the the way in which all clubs are Manchester City’s Premier bubble compromised, there It is just the second time match following an increase implementing them.” League visit to Everton on posed a risk that the virus that a Premier League match in positive COVID-19 test re- Guardiola’s mother died Monday was postponed after could spread further amongst has been postponed due to sults received by the club this of coronavirus earlier this year multiple new positive tests for the squad, the staff and poten- Covid-19 since the 2019/20 morning, on top of the cases and speaking after Saturday’s coronavirus were detected at tially beyond.” season resumed in June. reported on Christmas Day,” 2-0 win over Newcastle, the City, the club confirmed. The club’s training ground Aston Villa’s clash with the Premier League said in a City manager said the health of “Based on strong medical will now close for an “indeter- Newcastle earlier this month statement. his players must take priority. advice the Premier League, in minate period” with further was called off due to an out- “This rise has created un- “What we want is that Ga- consultation with both clubs, testing on players and staff to break at Newcastle’s training certainty and the Premier briel and Kyle don’t get worse have decided to postpone the take place before it can reopen. ground. League Board received medi- and can be asymptomatic fixture,” City said in a statement. City are due to face Chelsea cal advice that the match and pass this 8-10 days with- City announced on Christ- away in the Premier League on Postponement a ‘precaution’ should be postponed. out tough symptoms,” said mas Day there had been four Sunday and Manchester Unit- The Premier League said “The Board agreed to rear- Guardiola. positive tests at the club for ed in the League Cup semi- the decision was taken as range the game as a precau- “Covid is here. It is not players Kyle Walker and Gabri- finals on January 6. a “precaution” and remain tion, and further testing will just here in Man City, it is all el Jesus and two staff members. Pep Guardiola’s men al- confident the protocols put now take place tomorrow. The around the world attacking “After the latest round of ready face a congested sched- in place to stop the spread of decision has been taken with hard so that’s why we have to Covid-19 testing, the club re- ule as they are still involved in the virus were still working the health of players and staff be careful and what we want is turned a number of positive four competitions and started despite the rise in infections the priority. the next days is for them not to cases, in addition to the four their league season a week late across England. “The Premier League con- have symptoms and recover.” 14 Tuesday, December 29, 2020 Sports Kohli, Perry named cricketers of the decade

AFP Dubai India’s all-formats captain Virat Kohli was India captain Virat Kohli was the decade’s highest named the ICC’s male crick- eter of the decade on Monday run-scorer with 20,396, as Australia all-rounder Ellyse hitting the most fifties Perry swept the top women’s (66) and having the awards. Kohli and Perry were the highest average (56.97) big winners in the Internation- of players with more al Cricket Council’s Awards of than 70 innings. He was the Decade, while Austral- ian batsman Steve Smith was also the only player with crowned the best Test player. more than 10,000 One- Kohli, who was also named day international runs, ODI player of the decade, lift- ed the 2011 World Cup and the including 39 centuries 2013 Champions Trophy with and 48 fifties at an India, before inspiring their average of 61.83. first Test series victory on Aus- tralian soil two years ago. “It’s just been an honour India captain Virat Kohli celebrates after winning the fifth Twenty20 me,” he said. Former In- for me to be able to go out there Ellyse Perry of Australia celebrates a dismissal during the ICC Women’s World T20 final.(AFP) match against New Zealand at the Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui. (AFP) dia captain Mahendra Singh and perform for my team, and Dhoni won the decade’s Spirit it’s a great honour for me to Australia all-round Ellyse Perry, who also played football for Australia at the the decade. tampering scandal at the 2018 of Cricket award for sporting- win this award,” Kohli said in “It has been tremendous Cape Town Test which saw ly calling back England bats- a video message. 2011 World Cup, won four T20 world titles and the 2013 one-day World Cup, to develop the women’s T20 him banned for a year. man Ian Bell after a bizarre “My only intention was to scoring 4,349 runs and taking 213 wickets in the decade. game and take it forward,” Meanwhile, Afghanistan run-out in the 2011 Notting- make winning contributions for Perry said. “Amazing to see spinner Rashid Khan said he ham Test. the team and I just strive to do highest average (56.97) of play- at an average of 61.83. Perry, who also played where it’s come from when I was “speechless” after being And Scotland’s Kyle that in every game,” he added. ers with more than 70 innings. Perry was named female football for Australia at the was introduced to it.” picked as the men’s T20 player Coetzer and Kathryn Bryce India’s all-formats captain He was also the only player cricketer of the decade as well 2011 World Cup, won four T20 Smith, who averaged of the decade. were named the decade’s best was the decade’s highest run- with more than 10,000 One- as the top ODI and T20 player world titles and the 2013 one- 65.79 with 26 centuries and “For someone from Af- male and female cricketers scorer with 20,396, hitting the day international runs, includ- as she cleaned up in the wom- day World Cup, scoring 4,349 28 fifties, won the Test award ghanistan to get this award, from associate, or non-Test most fifties (66) and having the ing 39 centuries and 48 fifties en’s awards. runs and taking 213 wickets in despite his role in the ball- it’s a special moment for playing, countries. Battle of broken toe: NZ dominate Pakistan despite Wagner injury

AFP things and run and it’s not go- out of the way from a ball wide Mount Maunganui (NZ) ing to stop me. It’s sore and it’s of off stump, only to see it jag bloody uncomfortable but its back and he was bowled for 25. Not even a broken toe could just one of those things you’ve In the following over Trent stop New Zealand’s pace at- got to deal with and I still felt Boult, who had troubled Ab- tack dominating day three that I didn’t want to let my bas with a succession of short of the first Test against Pa- teammates down.” balls, found an edge with a full kistan, but their efforts to delivery and Ross Taylor held quickly wrap up the innings the catch at first slip. were slowed by Mohammad Kiwi paceman Neil Wagner Azhar Ali and Haris Sohail Rizwan and Faheem Ashraf’s ignored the pain from a stayed together for 50 deliver- late century stand on Monday. broken toe to charge in ies but contributed only nine As intermittent showers for 21 overs to take two runs before both went in one and an unseasonal hail storm for 50. He hobbled off at Tim Southee over. disrupted proceedings at Wagner tested his foot Mount Maunganui, the Black stumps describing it as with three overs before lunch Caps’ pace foursome took five one of the toughest days and continued with a seven- for 50 in the first two sessions of his career and revealed over spell after the break, before Pakistan rallied to be all he needed pain killers to during which he took the only out for 239 at stumps, still 192 keep going. wicket to fall in the middle ses- in arrears. sion with a trademark bouncer India’s Ravindra Jadeja (left) and Ajinkya Rahane (centre) celebrate dismissing Australia’s Matthew Wade on the third day of their second Rizwan and Ashraf provid- that Fawad Alam edged to cricket Test at the MCG in Melbourne on Monday. (AFP) ed a face-saving partnership Early declaration wicketkeeper BJ Watling. for Pakistan with 107 for the New Zealand need to win The nine-run knock con- seventh wicket before Rizwan both Tests against Pakistan to tinued a run of low scores was run out for 71 by Mitch- be in with a chance to make for Alam who has adopted ell Santner’s smart underarm the World Test Championship an unusual side-on stance India rip through Aussie batting throw from square leg. final in June, and Pakistan that suggests he is expecting Ashraf soldiered on to a batting coach Younis Khan the ball to come from square career-best 91 before he was said that would put added leg – even more exaggerated the last wicket to fall. pressure on the Black Caps go- than that of West Indies great to eye series-levelling win Kyle Jamieson returned ing into their second innings Shivnarine Chanderpaul. the best figures for New Zea- on Tuesday. AFP ell Starc and Nathan Lyon took done over this Test match.” M. Agarwal lbw Starc ...... 0 land with three for 35, while “If New Zealand want Scoreboard Melbourne three wickets each. He added that setting India S. Gill c Paine b Cummins ...... 45 Neil Wagner ignored the pain to win this Test match they New Zealand (1st innings): 431 Australia needed some of a target of “anything over a 100 C. Pujara c Paine c Cummins.. 17 from a broken toe to charge in should do some brave deci- Pakistan (1st innings: Overnight A depleted Indian attack ripped their big names to stand tall in will be good”. A. Rahane run out ...... 112 for 21 overs to take two for 50. sions so we are expecting 30-1) through Australia’s top order the run chase. Opener Matthew H. Vihari c Smith b Lyon ...... 21 He hobbled off at stumps there will be an early declara- S. Masood c Watling b Jamieson ...... 10 to leave the world’s number Wade did well with a fighting Rahane run-out R. Pant c Paine b Starc ...... 29 Abid Ali b Jamieson ...... 25 describing it as one of the tion and we are ready for that,” M. Abbas c Taylor b Boult ...... 5 one team with a slender two- 40 off 137 balls before being India started the day at R. Jadeja c Cummins b Starc.. 57 toughest days of his career and Khan said. Azhar Ali c Watling b Southee ...... 5 run lead and in deep trouble trapped lbw by the spin of Jade- a chilly Melbourne Cricket R. Ashwin c Lyon b Hazlewood ..14 revealed he needed pain kill- When Pakistan resumed H. Sohail c Nicholls b Southee ...... 3 Monday after day three of the ja. But Steve Smith, Marnus Ground in front of 24,995 so- U. Yadav c Smith b Lyon ...... 9 ers to keep going. the day at 30 for one, Abid Ali F. Alam c Watling b Wagner ...... 9 second Test. At stumps in Mel- Labuschagne and Joe Burns all cially-distanced fans with an J. Bumrah c Head b Lyon ...... 0 M. Rizwan run out (Santner) ...... 71 “After the first rain break and nightwatchman Moham- F. Ashraf c Watling b Jamieson ...... 91 bourne, Australia were 133 for failed. Burns lasted just 10 balls, 82-run advantage after taking M. Siraj not out ...... 0 I just went ‘dammit I can’t mad Abbas put on just nine Yasir Shah b Boult ...... 4 six with Cameron Green on 17 caught by Rishabh Pant off Ya- charge Sunday with a gutsy re- Extras: (b12, lb6, w2, nb2) .... 22 bear the pain’ and I got a jab runs in 74 balls while Wagner S. Afridi c Latham b Wagner ...... 6 and Pat Cummins on 15 in their dav for four to follow his first- sponse to their embarrassing 36 Total: (All Out, 115.1 overs) .326 and that took the pain away was kept out of the early attack. Naseem Shah not out ...... 0 second innings as the visitors innings duck. all out in Adelaide. Fall of wickets: 0-1 (Agarwal), Extras: (b3, lb4, w2, nb1) ...... 10 a little bit... but it started The partnership was bro- Total: (All Out: 102.2 overs) ...... 239 zeroed in on levelling the se- Even if David Warner fails But Australia quickly made 2-61 (Gill), 3-64 (Pujara), 4-116 wearing off pretty quickly,” ken by Jamieson who hurt Fall of wickets: 1-28 (Masood), 2-39 (Abid ries after losing the first Test by to recover from a groin strain for inroads. Rahane, captain in (Vihari), 5-173 (Pant), 6-294 said Wagner, who broke a Abid Ali with the last ball of his Ali), 3-43 (Abbas), 4-51 (Azhar Ali), 5-52 eight wickets. the next Test in Sydney, it will place of Virat Kohli who has (Rahane), 7-306 (Jadeja), 8-325 (Sohail), 6-80 (Alam), 7-187 (Rizwan), 8-196 (Yadav), 9-325 (Aswin), 10-326 toe on his right foot when first over which smacked into (Yasir Shah), 9-235 (Afridi), 10-239 (Ashraf). India are doing so with a be hard for selectors to again returned home for the birth of batting on day two. the batsman’s fingers. Bowling: Southee 26-7-69-2, Boult 26-4- weakened attack after Umesh justify picking Burns, with Mar- his first child, rode his luck on (Bumrah). “Injuries happen and Two balls into Jamieson’s 71-2 (1w), Jamieson 23.2-13-35-3, Wagner Yadav pulled up in his fourth cus Harris among those waiting day two, when he was dropped Bowling: Starc 26-5-78-3, Cum- it’s unlucky but I can still do next over Abid kept his hands 21-5-50-2 (1w, 1nb), Santner 6-2-7-0. over with a calf problem, limp- in the wings. Labuschagne fell on 73 and 104. But after add- mins 27-9-80-2, Hazlewood 23- ing off the field. for 28, caught by Rahane off a ing eight to his overnight 104, 6-47-1, Lyon 27.1-4-72-3, Green It was a setback for India, thick edge from Ravi Ashwin. brilliant awareness from La- 12-1-31-0. who were already missing in- At the other end, the usu- buschagne saw him run out. jured regulars Mohammed ally flamboyant Wade dug in Jadeja, back in the team Australia (2nd innings) Shami and Ishant Sharma. But but Smith again went cheaply, after missing the first Test in- J. Burns c Pant b Yadav ...... 4 the remaining bowlers, led by bowled by Bumrah for eight. jured, dabbed Nathan Lyon to M. Wade b Jadeja ...... 40 Ravindra Jadeja (2-25) and Jas- After Wade departed, Travis point and set off for a single as M. Labuschagne c Rahane b prit Bumrah (1-34), admirably Head was the last recognised he looked to bring up his 50. Ashwin ...... 28 picked up the slack. batsman but he became a vic- Rahane responded but wasn’t S. Smith b Bumrah ...... 8 “I think we played really tim of paceman Mohammed quick enough with Paine whip- T. Head c Agarwal b Siraj ...... 17 well. I thought the bowlers Siraj on debut, slashing a ball to ping off the bails after La- C. Green not out ...... 17 came out really strong and Mayank Agarwal. buschagne’s throw. T. Paine c Pant b Jadeja ...... 1 bowled in all the right areas. Captain Tim Paine fell to It ended a 121-run partner- P. Cummins not out ...... 15 It was good to see,” said India Jadeja for one, leaving Green ship and one of the 32-year- Extras: (nb3) ...... 3 captain Ajinkya Rahane. and Cummins to knuckle down old’s most important innings, Total: (For 6 wickets, 66 overs) “But this game is not over in a 34-run partnership and having come to the crease 133 yet, we still have to get four take the Test into a fourth day. with India in trouble at 64 for To bat: Mitchell Starc, Nathan New Zealand paceman more wickets.” “Cummo is not an estab- three. Jadeja brought up his Lyon, Josh Hazlewood. Neil Wagner celebrates India were all out for 326 in lished batsmen, but he has done 15th Test half-century before Fall of wickets: 1-4 (Burns), 2-42 the wicket of Pakistan’s their first innings on the stroke well for us at this ground in misjudging a Starc bouncer, (Labuschagne), 3-71 (Smith), Fawad Alam on the third of lunch, adding just 49 to their the past and we all know what then Lyon and Josh Hazle- 4-98 (Wade), 5-98 (Head), 6-99 day of their first Test at overnight 277 for five in reply to Greenie is capable of if he can wood mopped up the tail. (Paine). the Bay Oval in Mount Australia’s 195. get in,” said Wade. Scoreboard Bowling: Bumrah 17-4-34-1, Maunganui on Monday. It gave them a 131-run lead, “So it’d be really good for Australia (1st innings): 195 Yadav 3.3-0-5-1, Siraj 12.3-1- (AFP) courtesy of Rahane’s magnifi- these two to get a nice partner- India (1st innings; Overnight 23-1, Ashwin 23-4-46-1, Jadeja cent 112 and Jadeja’s 57. Mitch- ship together, which we haven’t 277 for one) 10-3-25-2. Sports Tuesday, December 29, 2020 15

QBF Ladies Championship ends with a thrilling finish, Space Jam champs

Players and team officials of Space Jam and Pro Sports are seen with event organisers Qatar Basketball Federation (QBF) at the end of the QBF Ladies Championship final at Al Gharafa Sports Hall on Monday. Space Jam beat Pro Sports 42-41. Eight teams featured in the Nov 11-Dec 28 event. The Qatar Women’s National Team finished third.( TNN) Du Plessis, South Africa NBA Mavericks thrash Clippers, Hornets punish injury-hit Lanka hand Nets first loss of season AFP AFP at mid-on. Los Angeles Centurion Du Plessis shared part- nerships of 179 for the fifth The Dallas Mavericks powered Sri Lanka lost two early wicket with Temba Bavuma to an NBA-record 50-point second innings wickets af- (71) and 133 for the seventh halftime lead on the way to a ter taking a pounding from wicket with Keshav Maharaj, 124-73 demolition of the short- South Africa’s batsmen on who made a Test-best 73. handed Los Angeles Clippers the third day of the first Test The former captain ad- on Sunday. at SuperSport Park in Cen- mitted he had a point to The Mavs, taking full ad- turion on Monday - but bat- prove after being criticised vantage of the absence of in- ting coach Grant Flower said after South Africa lost a series jured Clippers star Kawhi they were effectively five or against England last season. Leonard, set the tone early. six wickets down. “The highest tree some- Point guard Luka Doncic Former captain Faf du times gets the most wind,” he scored 18 of his 24 points in the Plessis led the batting as- said. “(In) the series against first half and the halftime score sault, hitting 199 as South Af- England we didn’t play our of 77-27 gave Dallas the larg- rica took a commanding 225- best cricket and there was a est margin at the break ever in Serge Ibaka #9 of the Los Angeles Clippers shoots over Maxi Kleber run first innings lead. lot of pressure on me as cap- the NBA, according to the Elias #42 of the Dallas Mavericks in the second half at Staples Center in Then fast bowler Lungi tain.” Sports Bureau. Los Angeles, California, on Sunday. (Getty Images/AFP) Ngidi struck twice at the start Du Plessis said he had Josh Richardson added 21 of Sri Lanka’s second innings used the long Covid-induced points and Tim Hardaway Jr. Hayward scored 28 points as with 29 points and Kyrie Irving to leave the tourists on 65 for break to prepare himself chipped in 18 for the Mavs, the Hornets cooled off red-hot had 25 for Brooklyn, which had two, still 160 runs behind, on to be the best cricketer he who had opened the season Brooklyn, handing the Nets become the first club since the a pitch of increasingly unpre- could be. “It was a statement with two defeats. their first defeat of the season 2008-09 Lakers to win their dictable bounce. to people who might have “Everything was clicking on 106-104. first two games by 20 or more Flower said batsman South Africa’s Faf du Plessis plays a shot that lead to his dismissal at doubted my ability to say all cylinders,” Hardaway said, Terry Rozier -- Hayward’s points. Dhananjaya de Silva was out 199 runs on the third day of the first Test against Sri Lanka at Super- that I can still improve.” adding that the Mavericks did former teammate in Boston -- It looked like the Nets of the series after suffering Sport Park in Centurion on Monday. (AFP) not realize how big their half- added 19 points and P.J. Wash- might pull out a close one when a torn thigh muscle on the Scoreboard time lead was until they were in ington chipped in 14 points and they erased a 16-point fourth- first day, while fast bowlers one of their quicks today and mid-January but that Angelo the locker room. 12 rebounds for the Hornets, quarter deficit, twice trimming Sri Lanka (1st innings): 396 Kasun Rajitha and Lahiru I suspect all teams will lose Mathews, who missed the South Africa (1st innings; Overnight Coach Rick Carlisle said who held the Nets to 42.7 per- the gap to two points with less Kumara were unlikely to bat quicks as it goes on because South African tour because 317-4) the key for the Mavericks going cent shooting. than three minutes to play. after suffering groin injuries the rigours of the workloads of injury, could be fit to face D. Elgar c and b Shanaka ...... 95 forward would be to maintain “Unbelievable win for us,” Durant missed a fadea- while bowling. are going to be too much with England. A. Markram c Shanaka b Fernando ...... 68 the intensity they showed in said Hayward, who joined the way jumper with 7.4 seconds H. van der Dussen c Dickwella b Kumara ...... 15 First innings top scorer Covid around and the quar- Debutant leg-spinner F. du Plessis c Karunaratne b Hasaranga ...... 199 the first half. Hornets from the Celtics in left and Rozier made two free Dinesh Chandimal saw out antine process.” Wanindu Hasaranga was off Q. de Kock c sub (Thirimanne) b Hasaranga ...... 18 “Our guys established a November. “Just proud of our throws that sealed the win. the day in partnership with He blamed the spate of the field for part of the af- T. Bavuma c Dickwella b Shanaka ...... 71 standard for collective tough- effort, man, proud of our de- The Hornets were playing Kusal Perera but lay down injuries on conditioning, ternoon after falling on the W. Mulder c Dickwella b Hasaranga ...... 36 ness and will that we need fense. We finally got it together without center Cody Zeller, K. Maharaj c b Fernando ...... 73 near the boundary as he left with players having had to ball trying to make a diving A. Nortje c Dickwella b Fernando ...... 0 to find a way to maintain,” it seemed like on that end.” who broke his left hand in their the field and had to be driven train in their homes during save on the boundary. But he L. Sipamla lbw b Hasaranga ...... 0 he said. In Charlotte, Gordon Kevin Durant led the Nets season opener. to the dressing room on a mo- lockdown in Colombo, then returned to finish with four L. Ngidi not out ...... 2 Extras (b9, lb18, nb7, w10) ...... 44 torised stretcher rather than playing in the Lanka Premier wickets, albeit at the high cost Total (142.1 overs) 621 climb the steep steps to the League for a month until of 171 runs. Fall of wickets: 1-141 (Markram), 2-200 (Van der dressing room. shortly before departure for At one stage, Sri Lanka Dussen), 3-200 (Elgar), 4-220 (De Kock), 5-399 World Cup skiing cancelled as wind blows barriers away “We’re maybe six down South Africa. had four substitutes on the (Bavuma), 6-476 (Mulder), 7-609 (Du Plessis), 8-610 (Nortje), 9-611 (Sipamla). with a groin injury to Chan- “In terms of loads, con- field, while captain Dimuth Bowling: Fernando 31.1-2-129-3 (3w), Rajitha 2.1- Semmering (Austria): Powerful in freezing but already blustery of her father in February. The di,” said Flower. ditioning and quarantining, Karunaratne and Kusal Men- 0-16-0 (1nb), Shanaka 28.5-2-98-2 (3nb), gusts of wind at the Austrian ski conditions as the American star men’s World Cup super-G race at Head coach Mickey Ar- I think you can throw all of dis were called into action as Hasaranga 45-5-171-4 (1nb), Kumara 21.1-0-103- resort of Semmering blew away Mikaela Shiffrin came in fourth. Bormio on Monday was resched- thur said he would use his them into a melting pot and emergency bowlers. 1 (2w), Karunaratne 6.5-0-36-0, Mendis 7-0-41-0 the safety barriers at the finish Vlhova took 1min 02.15sec uled for Tuesday after heavy snow position on the Internation- every one of them probably Du Plessis and the other (2nb). line of the World Cup giant slalom to negotiate the 43 turns on hard- made the fearsome Stelvio piste al Cricket Council’s cricket plays a role.” South African batsmen took Sri Lanka (2nd innings) event on Monday causing the packed snow with Italy’s Marta unmanageable. committee to discuss the pos- He said he hoped leading advantage with a free-scoring D. Karunaratne b Ngidi ...... 6 second leg to be abandoned. Bassino 0.22sec off the pace The much-awaited men’s sibility of injury substitutes, fast bowler Suranga Lakmal display. Du Plessis made his K. Perera not out ...... 33 Race organisers said they and Swiss Michelle Gisin in third downhill race scheduled for Tues- K. Mendis c Van der Dussen b Ngidi ...... 0 with injuries being more would be fit for the second highest Test and first-class D. Chandimal not out ...... 21 would decide at a later time at 0.35sec. Shiffrin was 0.59 off day has also been pushed back likely because of the Covid-19 Test starting in Johannes- score and appeared to be Extras (b4, nb1) ...... 5 whether or not the race could be Vlhova’s pace. Earlier this month by 24 hours to Wednesday. pandemic. burg on January 3. Look- cruising to a double century Total (2 wkts, 12 overs) ...... 65 completed after the first run had Shiffrin, a three-time overall World The relentless heavy snow “I will be having a chat at ing further ahead he said before he tried to loft Hasa- Fall of wickets: 1-10 (Karunaratne), 2-22 (Mendis). been successfully staged in the Cup champion, won her first falling in the Italian Alps Monday Bowling: Ngidi 6-0-28-2, Nortje 3-0-23-0, Mulder the end of this Test match,” De Silva could miss a series ranga over his head and hit a 3-0-10-0 (1nb). morning. World Cup leader Petra race since January after a year is expected to give way Tuesday said Arthur. “I saw India lost against England starting in simple catch to Karunaratne Toss: Sri Lanka. Vlhova produced a slick first run marked by the sudden death to light snowfall. (AFP) 16 Tuesday, December 29, 2020 The Last Word Prime minister meets Indian foreign minister Qatar National Library selected to play host to Interlending & Document Prime Minister and Minister of Interior HE Sheikh Khalid bin Khalifa bin Abdulaziz Al Supply Conference 2021 Thani met with Minister of External Affairs of India Dr Subrahmanyam Jaishankar and his ac- companying delegation in Doha on Monday. Dur- ing the meeting, they re- viewed bilateral relations between the two friendly countries and the ways to strengthen them, in addition to discussing a number of issues of common concern. (QNA)

Tribune News Network Doha The ILDS service is an integral component of the global informa- Qatar National Library (QNL) has tion network, which consists of Qatar Airways and Oman Air agree been selected to host the 17th Inter- national, academic, public, pri- national Federation of Library As- vate and scientific libraries, pro- sociations and Institutions (IFLA) Interlending and Document Supply viding users with access to print on code-share expansion as part (ILDS) Conference from October 4 to and digital collections in diverse 7, 2021. The successful bid is the re- languages and formats from sult of close cooperation with Qatar around the globe National Tourism Council (QNTC), which provided support and commit- of boosting strategic cooperation ment in promoting this event. education, research and knowledge. The ILDS conference will bring in- Through hosting events such as this, ternational delegates from across the QNTC works with stakeholders to at- The number of destinations available to Oman Air passengers to go up from 3 to 65 on QA network world to the library to discuss innova- tract visitors to our shores and build tive practices, strategies and experi- a sustainable tourism sector. We look Tribune News Network commercial cooperation with Oman mand, the airline has grounded its ences in the field of interlending and forward to welcoming ILDS delegates DOHA Air to provide even more benefits to fleet of Airbus A380s as it is not en- document supply. The ILDS service is to Qatar next year for a holistic visi- our customers.” vironmentally justifiable to operate an integral component of the global tor experience rooted in service excel- Qatar Airways is expanding its Oman Air Chief Executive Of- such a large, four-engine aircraft in information network, which consists lence and our tradition of hospitality.” portfolio of strong, globally strate- ficer Abdulaziz Al Raisi said: “We the current market. QA has also re- of national, academic, public, private Peter Collins, director of re- gic partnerships by signing an ex- are delighted to expand our com- cently launched a new programme and scientific libraries, providing us- source sharing at OCLC and IFLA panded code-share agreement with mercial cooperation with Qatar Air- that enables passengers to volun- ers with access to print and digital DDRS Section chair, added: “The Oman Air that will boost connectiv- ways, which will streamline flying tarily offset the carbon emissions collections in diverse languages and IFLA Document Delivery and Re- ity and provide more flexible travel for leisure travellers from across the associated with their journey at the formats from around the globe. source Sharing Section is excited to options for both airline’s customers. world to enjoy Oman’s culture, sce- point of booking. HE Dr Hamad bin Abdulaziz Al partner with Qatar National Library The expanded code-share agree- nic beauty and hospitality, and fa- The national carrier of Qatar Kawari, Minister of State and Presi- on the 17th Interlending and Docu- ment is the first step in further cilitate travel for those who visit the continues to rebuild its network, dent of QNL, said: “Interlending and ment Supply Conference in Doha. strengthening strategic cooperation Sultanate of Oman for abundant, which currently stands at over 110 document supply is one of the cor- ILDS is the premier global resource between the two airlines that began fast-growing business opportunities destinations with plans to increase nerstones of any library’s operations, sharing conference. In this digital in 2000. Sales of the additional des- across a diverse range of sectors. to 129 by the end of March 2021. A and continued cooperation between age, information and research knows tinations will commence in 2021. The expansion of our code-share in Oman Air’s network. Both air- multiple award-winning airline, QA institutions is critical to our ability to no boundary, and resource sharing QA Group Chief Executive Ak- agreement is just the first step, and lines will also explore a number of was named ‘World’s Best Airline’ serve our users. By hosting the 2021 provides the foundation for libraries bar Al Baker said: “We are pleased we look forward to working with joint commercial and operational by the 2019 World Airline Awards, IFLA Interlending and Document to support education, research, and to further expand our code-share co- Qatar Airways to further strengthen initiatives to further optimise their managed by Skytrax. It was also Supply Conference, the library is scientific advancement. We believe operation with Oman Air, one of the our strategic partnership to enhance partnership. named ‘Best Airline in the Middle reaffirming our support for this im- that Qatar National Library will be leading airlines in the Gulf region. the business and leisure travel expe- QA’s strategic investment in East’, ‘World’s Best Business Class’ portant field, and we look forward to the perfect venue to showcase pres- Now more than ever, it is important rience for our customers in Oman a variety of fuel-efficient, twin- and ‘Best Business Class Seat’ in welcoming delegates from around the entations, papers and cutting-edge to strengthen strategic partnerships and throughout the world.” engine aircraft, including the larg- recognition of its ground-breaking world to participate in these impor- innovation by industry leaders from across the industry to optimise our The code-share expansion will est fleet of Airbus A350 aircraft, Business Class experience, Qsuite. tant discussions.” around the world.” operations and provide seamless significantly increase the number has enabled it to continue flying The Qsuite seat layout is a 1-2-1 Akbar Al Baker, secretary-general Topics to be discussed include connectivity to hundreds of destina- of destinations available to Oman throughout this crisis and perfectly configuration, providing passengers of QNTC and chief executive of Qa- resource sharing, copyrights, open tions across the globe for our pas- Air passengers from three to 65 on positions it to lead the sustainable with the most spacious, fully private, tar Airways Group, stated: “We are science, pandemic effects on ILL ser- sengers. Since 2000, both airlines the QA’s network across Africa, the recovery of international travel. comfortable and social distanced pleased to have won the bid to host the vices, the importance of digitisation have seen the benefits that com- Americas, Asia Pacific, Europe, In- The airline recently took delivery Business Class product in the sky. ILDS conference, as it further estab- on collection sharing and ways to mercial cooperation has brought, dia and the Middle East. QA pas- of three new state-of-the-art Airbus It is the only airline to have been lishes Qatar’s reputation in the knowl- enhance cooperation among lending providing our passengers with un- sengers will also benefit from addi- A350-1000 aircraft, increasing its awarded the coveted ‘Skytrax Air- edge space. Business events are a key institutions. rivalled service and more flexibility tional connectivity, with the ability total A350 fleet to 52 with an av- line of the Year’ title, which is recog- part of our tourism strategy, and is an The library’s Interlending and to travel when they want. I look for- to book travel on an additional six erage age of just 2.6 years. Due to nised as the pinnacle of excellence in area showing sustained growth, allow- Document Supply Service is free for ward to further strengthening our destinations across Africa and Asia COVID-19’s impact on travel de- the airline industry, five times. ing us to leverage Qatar’s offerings in all members.

‘Love of horses is the only prerequisite to volunteer at EVMC’ Qatar Foundation’s Equine Veterinary Medical Center offers a unique volunteer opportunity for university students Tribune News Network be by their side. Doha “These foals are baby animals and just like human Students at Qatar Foun- babies. They need stimula- dation (QF) have a unique tion, interaction and sup- opportunity to learn more port. And just the warmth about veterinary medicine of having somebody who through an educational vol- can give them a few hours unteer programme designed of dedicated undivided at- to equip them with the skills tention is vital for their heal- and knowledge they need to ing process and makes them help take care of critically ill much happier. neonatal equine patients. “We have an amazing The volunteer pro- opportunity as we are affili- gramme, the ‘Foal Sitting ated with a number of uni- Project’, offered by the versities and may have many Equine Veterinary Medical people who are interested in Center (EVMC), a QF mem- horses, or who are looking to ber, aims to engage uni- pursue an equine or veteri- versity students providing nary related career, and we critical and intensive care thought we can harness this for newborn foals, who are resource through offering a either sick with infectious volunteer opportunity.” disease, or who have had According to Dr Jamie- The volunteer programme ‘Foal Sitting Project’ offered by EVMC aims to engage university students providing critical and intensive care for newborn foals, who are either sick birth trauma, and need a lot son, foal sitters do not need with infectious disease, or who have had birth trauma, and need a lot of support during the first 24 to 48 hours through the first two weeks of their lives. of support during the first 24 to have any previous experi- to 48 hours through the first ence in veterinary medicine, be there to guide and train portunity to closely inter- tionary measures. I would wants to do something in the equine or veterinary field. two weeks of their lives. and volunteering students them,” said Dr Jamieson. act and engage with a baby highly recommend this pro- equine or veterinary field, a “My absolute dream Dr Camilla A Jamieson, regardless of their major or Describing her experi- horse, but the foal sitting ject to all QF students since student who wants to be a vet would be to have a student senior clinical veterinarian, area of studies are welcome. ence as a volunteer and foal project made that possible it was a truly rewarding and or a veterinary nurse, or even who comes through and does Internal Medicine, EVMC “There is no experience sitter, Zainab Qazi, a student for me. valuable experience for me.” someone interested in horse our foal sitting programme said: “One of the most im- necessary. Loving horses is at Georgetown University “I was able to learn more Speaking about the im- training or breeding work. and gets attached to it. And portant things that these the only prerequisite and the in Qatar, QF partner uni- about them from the EVMC pact that the programme “I would hope that we can we see them season after foals need is a person who only requirement. You don’t versity, said: “It has been a medical professionals and I will have for the future, guide some people and give season; then follow them cares for them, who is inter- need to be a vet or highly wonderful and truly unique had no concerns regarding Dr Jamieson said: “It is an them the inspiration, or help through vet school, and may- ested, and motivated, and qualified, but just a person experience for me. I never safety due to the enforce- amazing opportunity, es- them realise that they really be even have them as interns who can pay attention to and who cares for horses. We will thought I would get the op- ment of extensive precau- pecially for anybody who want to pursue a career in an in the clinic in the future.”