Five-Point Road Map of the State Administration Council Two Million Doses of Sinopharm COVID-19 Vaccines Arrive

TAKE AN EXAMPLE FROM CLOCK TO PEACEFUL HUMAN SOCIETY PAGE-8 (OPINION)

NATIONAL NATIONAL Imports of COVID-19 protective Union Information Minister inspects Sarpay equipment, medical supplies continue Beikman, calls for developing critical thinking of daily young people PAGE-2 PAGE-3

Vol. VIII, No. 132, 7th Waning of Wagaung 1383 ME www.gnlm.com.mm Sunday, 29 August 2021

Five-Point Road Map of the State Administration Council

1. The Union Election Commission will be reconstituted and its mandated tasks, including the scrutiny of voter lists, shall be implemented in accordance with the law. 2. Effective measures will be taken with added momentum to prevent and manage the COVID-19 pandemic. 3. Actions will be taken to ensure the speedy recovery of businesses from the impact of COVID-19. 4. Emphasis will be placed on achieving enduring peace for the entire nation in line with the agreements set out in the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement. 5. Upon accomplishing the provisions of the state of emergency, free and fair multiparty democratic elections will be held in line with the 2008 Constitution, and further work will be undertaken to hand over State duties to the winning party in accordance with democratic standards.

Two million doses of Sinopharm COVID-19 vaccines arrive

A total of two million doses of Sinopharm COVID-19 vaccines, purchased from the People’s Republic of China, arrived at Yangon Internation- al Airport yesterday evening. The vaccines were received by the team led by the Yangon Region Public Health Department Head at the airport and stored at the Central Storage Facility for Vaccine in Yangon. The newly-arrived COV- ID-19 vaccines will be distrib- uted to respective regions and states via roads and with the help of Tatmadaw aircraft under the necessary temperature. The Ministry of Health has been administering the COVID-19 vaccines in states/ regions as per the national priority programme.—MNA

Sinopharm vaccines, purchased from China, arrives in Myanmar yesterday. 29 AUGUST 2021 2 NATIONAL THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR

Statement called for fight against terrorism, for rewarding whistle-blowers, informants

1. Terrorist groups, including the Committee Representing Pyidaungsu Hlut- (d) Providing financial support, collecting, accepting, transferring money, taw-CRPH, National Union Government-NUG and the People’s Defence and participating in instructing to do so. Forces-PDF groups, which were formed under various names, are committing 4. Under the Counter-Terrorism Act, the money and property of the accused terrorist acts every day to disrupt the government administrative machinery will be confiscated and if convicted, it will be confiscated as a State treasury. to prevent it from implementing the five-point roadmap of the State Admin- 5. As information is crucial in fighting against terrorism, people are requested istration Council and to gain the support of the people by intimidating them. to inform respective police stations or security organizations about terrorists 2. As acts of violence are threatening the social security of the people and raising and terrorist organizations and social media users who spread fake news; concerns, as well as degrading the dignity of the country and the people, it is Responsible citizens who report such information will be provided as follows: - essential for the people to work together to eradicate it. (a) Informant can report without mentioning name and address. 3. Not only terrorists who involve in the terrorist acts personally, but also those (b) Informant will be kept strictly confidential and will not be questioned or who commit one of the following acts will be considered as terrorists and will witnessing. be taken action under the Anti-Terrorism Law. (c) Informant and related persons will be provided with security. (a) Urging people to take part in terrorist activities, involved in recruitment, (d) Depending on the accuracy of the information, the informant and whis- propaganda and mobilization. tle-blower will be rewarded with a disclosed amount of money. (b) Hiding and letting a member of the terrorist group in the property in 6. Therefore, in order for the people to have full security in their social life and order to prevent them from being arrested. to be free from fear, please identify members of any terrorist group around (c) Allowing a terrorist or a member of a terrorist organization to use a build- them. ing or a place to gather, to hold a meeting, to conduct terrorist training courses, as well as arranging transportation. Central Committee on Counter Terrorism

Imports of COVID-19 protective equipment, medical supplies continue daily

THE Ministry of Commerce is making efforts to ensure people have access to the essential medical supplies that are critical to the COVID-19 prevention, control and treatment activities, including liquid oxygen and oxygen cylinders, arranging continuous importation on public holidays. On 28 August (Yesterday), anti-COVID-19 equipment, medical products, including oxygen plants and concentrators, were imported by nine companies and transported by 22 vehicles, including four bowsers. A total of 74 tonnes of oxygen (liquid) carried by four bowsers, 6,200 empty oxygen cylinders, 21 oxygen plants, two oxygen generators, 759 home oxygen concentrators, 4,104 sets of COVID-19 test kits, 20,630 sets of PPE suits, and two tonnes of gloves and 49 tonnes of masks were imported via Muse, Chinshwehaw, Kam- paiti, and Tachilek trading posts and Yangon International Airport.

gen gas, 16 storage containers, Mandalay, three to Nay Pyi Taw, Kyauktaga, Wakhema, Thanbyu- nine liquid oxygen distributors, two to Mawlamyine, another two zayat, Dawei, Kungyan Gone, and 18,000 empty oxygen cylinders, to Bago, one each to Monywa and Sittway were successfully trans- 82 oxygen plants, three hospital Thanbyuzayat. ported. oxygen generators, 22 oxygen Next, a total of 82 oxygen It is reported that the Minis- generators, 90,000 oxygen con- plants were allowed to be trans- try of Commerce is coordinating centrators for home use, 190,000 ported. with relevant departments, facil- test kits, 760,000 PPE set, 103 Out of 82 oxygen plants: 41 itating the importation of essen- tonnes of gloves and 1,761 tonnes oxygen plants to Yangon, seven to tial medical supplies required in of the mask were allowed to be Mandalay, four to Lashio, another prevention, control and treatment imported. four to Bago, four to Myitkyina, of COVID-19, as well as contact In the same month, a total three to Kyauk Padaung, two to persons for inquiries can be Four vehicles carrying liq- In August, 1,359 vehicles of 68 oxygen bowsers were al- Monywa, another two to Pakkoku, reached through the Ministry’s uid oxygen were transported to carrying 1,031 tonnes of liquid lowed to be transported. Among two to Hpa-An and one each to Website — www.commerce.gov. Mandalay, and 21 oxygen plants oxygen bowser, 360 tonnes of the 68 vehicles, 54 vehicles were Taunggyi, Nay Pyi Taw, Myitta, mm. — MNA to Yangon, respectively. liquid oxygen, 74 tonnes of oxy- transported to Yangon, five to Moegaung, Magway, Myingyan, 29 AUGUST 2021 THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR NATIONAL 3 BGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGA Scrutinize the spending of budget

The income of the government obtained from levying the tax was lesser because of COVID-19 impacts. So, ministries need to scrutinize the spending of budget as well as to systematically consume drinking water and electricity.

(Excerpt from the speech to the meeting 1/2021 of the Provisional Government of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar made by Republic of the Union of Myanmar State Administration Council Chairman Prime Minister Senior General Min Aung Hlaing on 11 August 2021) CHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHD Union Information Minister inspects Sarpay Beikman, calls for developing critical thinking of young people UNION Minister for Information to make efforts for the public to U Maung Maung Ohn inspected be able to read and develop the the bookstore and library of Sar- literature including the coop- pay Beikman under the Printing eration work for the youths to and Publishing Department in achieve the right knowledge and Yangon yesterday. proper success. The Union Minister also He then said the Ministry met the Sarpay Beikman's edi- of Sports and Youth Affairs was torial team. During the meeting, established for the development he said the Ministry of Informa- of youths, and in the activities tion plays a key role in running carried out by Sarpay Beikman, the state media, and the media the procedures based on the de- sector should not be carried velopment of youths must be out in a traditional way but in changed. They should provide a modern and active way in ac- self-improvement books or lit- cordance with the trend for news erature that can provide criti- nationwide coverage. cal thinking skills or vocational He also highlighted the guidance books for the youths. The MoI Union Minister views around the Sarpay Beikman Library in Yangon yesterday. five-point roadmap and nine Moreover, it should adopt objectives of the Provisional of a genuine and disciplined of the media sector in these op- He also discussed the in- the digital library system and Government, the emergence democratic nation and duties erations. structions of the Prime Minister improve public services. — MNA Gwachaung Bridge project completed 87%

ACCORDING to the Ministry of and 9 inches long bridge is 24 feet difficulties and so the government Region and Rakhine State and was implemented on 18 Novem- Construction, 87 per cent of the in width with 3 feet and 6 inch- constructs Gwachaung Bridge, will help to develop the social sta- ber 2019 and was slated for com- Gwachaung Bridge construction, es wide paths on each side. The said the locals. tus, economy, health and educa- pletion by March 2022, according which was begun in November waterway clearance is 20 feet When completed, it will ben- tion sectors including the tourism to the ministry. – Pwint Thitsar/ 2019, has been completed. in height and 85 feet in width. efit the residents of Ayeyawady industry. The bridge construction GNLM The bridge construction is It would have a capacity to ac- implemented on Gwa-Kyaung commodate loads of 75 tonnes, Chun road of Gwa Township in according to the project officials. Thandwe District of Rakhine The engineers conducted State. The special team (8) of Road foundation of P0, P1, P2 and P3 Department under the Ministry in Gwa side and A2 and P13 in of Construction led the project Ma Kyay Ngu Village side with which will connect Ayeyawady Re- K2,500 million budget of the 2019- gion and Rakhine State using a to- 2020FY. Currently, they continue tal of K8,980 million budget of the PC Girder and deck operations Union Government and Rakhine with K5,400 million budget of the State government. Moreover, 21 2020-21FY. skilled engineers and more than The residents of Ma Kyay 120 workers are deployed in the Ngu and Kyaukchun villages operation, said project engineer have to use boats to travel for their U Kyaw Thura, Deputy Director keeps or health care services to of Road Department. Gwa Township. Therefore, the The reinforced type 139 feet locals including the students face The construction site of the Gwachaung Bridge. PHOTO: SOE MYINT AUNG

2,932 new cases of COVID-19 reported on 28 August, total figure rises to 389,134

MYANMAR’S COVID-19 positive cases rose to 389,134 after 2,932 new cases were reported on 28 August 2021 according to the Ministry of Health. Among these confirmed cases, 343,668 have been discharged from hospitals. Death toll reached 15,077 after 109 died.—MNA 29 AUGUST 2021 4 NATIONAL THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR Union Minister U Myint Kyaing, Yangon Region Chief Minister U Hla Soe inspect condition of factories under COVID-19 prevention guidelines UNION Minister for Labour U peacefully within the factory Myint Kyaing and Yangon Re- under the law. gion Chief Minister U Hla Soe Since the COVID-19 out- visited Handa (Yangon) Gar- break in Myanmar from March ment Co., Ltd (Sport wears 2020 to August 2021, factories, garment factory) in Shwelinpan workshops and departments Industrial Zone in Hlinethaya were inspected by joint inspec- Township in Yangon yesterday tion teams led by the Ministry morning and inspected the con- of Health under the supervision dition of the factory under the of the Ministry of Labour and guidelines of COVID-19 preven- Nay Pyi Taw Council/Region/ tive measures set by the Minis- State governments. A total of try of Health. 6,348 factories/workplaces/de- At the meeting with the of- partments in the Yangon Re- ficials of the factory, the Union gion were inspected whether Minister said his Ministry is they were operating under the coordinating with Nay Pyi Taw guidelines of the Ministry of Council and respective region Health to control the spread of and state governments to su- the COVID-19 virus among the pervise and allow the operation employees. of factories and workplaces fol- to be closed due to the outbreak ductivity of the country which He clarified that to improve Since 19 October 2020, a lowing the COVID-19 preven- of COVID-19, it may harm the will further weaken the econom- the working relationship of the total of 206 factories/workplac- tive and control guidelines. If interests of the employers and ic development of the country, people, any issue should be es have been inspected via the factories and workplaces have employees, and affect the pro- he continued. resolved constructively and Zoom application. — MNA

Mon Chief Minister inspects construction site Price list of medicines commonly of Banyar Dala affordable housing project, used against COVID-19 as of 6 multi-purpose stadium pm on 28 August

MON State Chief Minister U Zaw systems. ing K5168.11 million of allocat- Price in Company Lin Tun inspected the Banyar The housing project in- ed budget in the 2017-2018 and No Product Name Kyats Name Dala affordable housing project cludes 16 four-storey buildings, 2018-2019FYs. (Retail) in Kyar Inn Village of Mawlamy- with 256 rooms, measuring 650 Then, the Chief Minister and ine Township yesterday. square feet per room. Every party inspected the construction Antibiotics During the visit, the State room will have one master bed- site of a multi-purpose stadium 1 P.O Cefixime 3,600 Aorta Chief Minister instructed for room, one bedroom, living room (120ftx90ft) built by Sone Yay P.O Amoxicillin+ Clavulanic completion of project in time, and kitchen. It was implement- company limited in the Techno- 2 1,800 Aorta Acid sales of units at fair prices and ed by the Department of Urban logical University of Mawlamy- Injection - Levofloxacin 500 other measures to ensure fire and Housing Development on ine with a K349.5 million budget 3 3,000 Yadanar danger, garbage and drainage Mawlamyine-Mudon road us- of 2020-2021FY. — District IPRD mg 4 Injection - Ceftriaxone 1G 700 KCL Injection - Cefoperazone and Ready 5 4,900 Sulbactam 1G Medicine Injection - Cefoperazone and Ready 6 9,300 Sulbactam 2G Medicine 7 Injection - Meropenem 10,000 AA Medical Anti-inflammatory 8 P.O Dexamethasone 1450 JDS 9 P.O Prednisolone 2000 Aorta 10 Injection - Dexamethasone 160 Aorta

Please visit the Website page www.mccpmd.org and Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/323302521392189/ posts/1720802588308835/?d=n to know the prices of other medicines.

CIRCULATION & DISTRIBUTION Printed and published at the Global New Light of Write for us (+95) (01) 8604532, Myanmar Printing Factory at No.150, Nga Htat Kyee www.gnlm.com.mm Hotline - 09 454237515 Pagoda Road, Bahan Township, Yangon, by the Global We appreciate your feedback and contributions. If you have any ADVERTISING & MARKETING New Light of Myanmar Daily under Printing Permit www.globalnewlightofmyanmar.com comments or would like to submit editorials, analyses or reports ( +95) (01) 8604530, No. 00510 and Publishing Permit No. 00629. please email [email protected] with your name and Hotline - 09 251022355 title. [email protected] [email protected] Due to limitation of space we are only able to publish “Letter [email protected] www.gnlm.com.mm to the Editor” that do not exceed 500 words. Should you submit www.globalnewlightofmyanmar.com a text longer than 500 words please be aware that your letter will be edited. 29 AUGUST 2021 THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR LOCAL NEWS 5 Chindwin bridge (Htamanthi) construction project completed 12% THE construction of Chindwin taking responsibility for building Bridge (Htamanthi) was com- Chindwin Bridge (Htamanthi) pleted 12 per cent in Homalin project in Homalin Township. township of Khamti District “The bridge is being built in upstream Chindwin area of to link the Naga area to the Sagaing Region, said U Aung mainland of the country. Upon Thiha, a director (Civil) of completion of the project, local Bridge Department’s Construc- people will have easy access tion Team (2), the Ministry of to the mainland of the country. Construction. The bridge will accomplish The construction project the basic requirement of the has started on 19 January 2021 local people for regional devel- and completed by 12 per cent opment and transportation,” he so far. added. “This year’s budget is for The Chindwin Bridge onshore foundation projects. (Htamanthi) is being construct- We have completed only 12 per ed between Htamanthi and Yin- cent of the project with this ma village. The completion of year’s budget. So far, about the project is based on the avail- 95 per cent of all funding has ability of government funds. been implemented. The current The construction of the bridge project is being imple- The project was launched with K2 billion of the Union budget in the 2020-21 financial year. And the Bridge bridge will be 802 metres long mented with a Union budget. We Department’s Construction Team (2) is taking responsibility for building Chindwin Bridge (Htamanthi) project and 9.4 metres wide. will try to complete the whole in Homalin Township. The total cost of the project bridge project depending upon Aung Thiha. with K2 billion of the Union year. And the Bridge Depart- is estimated to be about K33 the funding available,” said U The project was launched budget in the 2020-21 financial ment’s Construction Team (2) is billion. — Lulay/GNLM Onion price rises slightly Myanmar-India border trade rises as of 20 Aug THE trade between Myanmar od was shared by Myanmar’s and India soared to over US$106 export of $192 million and its million this financial year 2020- import of $1.57 million. 21, said a statistical report of The two countries carry Myanmar’s Commerce Min- out the border trade mainly istry. through Tamu, Reed and Thant- The border trade between lang cross-border trade camps, two neighbouring countries hit while a major part of bilater- $194 million as of 20 August in al trade is delivered through the current financial year 2020- ships. Myanmar mainly exports 21 ending March. to India fruits and vegetable, The border trade during fishery and forestry products, the period increased by $106 while importing from India million compared with the same medicines, electronic products, period of the previous financial motorbikes, cotton yarn, non-al- At the end of August, the price of Monywa Thar onion stood at K480 per viss in the retail market. However, the year. The Myanmar-India total loy steel and other construction Myittha onion touched K520 per viss in the retail market. border trade during the peri- materials. — ACM/GNLM THE prices of onions have seen during the COVID-19 period due eties at the end of August. Due to a rise slightly, according to the to traffic congestion and disease the closure of the Sino-Myanmar onion market. prevention measure, which have border checkpoints, there has On 1 July, Myingyan Thar led to the lower production cost. been a shortage of garlic import- onion was priced at K350 per viss The onion prices may fluctuate ed from China in recent days. (a viss equals 1.6 kilogrammes), depending on the spreading of As a result, the price of the while the price of Myittha onion the pandemic and restrictions stocked garlic in the retail mar- was recorded K459 per viss. thereof. ket has skyrocketed. Further, the At the end of August, the Besides, the kitchen crops tomato price also dramatically price of Monywa Thar onion such as garlic and potato prices surged to K1,100 per viss in the stood at K480 per viss in the re- are also inching upwards in the retail market. tail market. However, the Myit- local market. The onions are primarily tha onion touched K520 per viss The prevailing prices of gar- grown in Mandalay, Magway and A file photo when taken unknown shows local people enjoy in the retail market. lic move in the range of K2,600- Yangon regions, Nay Pyi Taw shopping at the Nanphalon market near Myanmar-India border in The price has been falling 4,800 per viss depending on vari- and Shan State. —NN/GNLM Tamu Township, Sagaing Region.

Daily newspapers available online

FOR those who would like to read the Myanma Alinn, the Kyemon and the Global New Light of Myanmar, published daily by the Ministry of Information, please visit www.moi.gov.mm/mal, www.moi.gov.mm/km, www.moi.gov.mm/nlm and www.gnlm.com.mm/e-paper. News and Periodicals Enterprise 29 AUGUST 2021 6 NATIONAL THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR PDF groups responsible for terrorist acts in Yangon arrested with explosives

total of 41 members of People’s Defence A Force-PDF, who have been carrying out destructive acts in Yangon, were arrested together with guns, ammunition and homemade mines and bombs between 9 and 23 August. Security forces have been accelerating investigations on terrorist acts, ensuring the security and safety of the people. On 9 August, a joint security force arrested Zaw Naing Oo, instigator of riots on social media in Hlinethaya (West) Township. Following his confession, Ye Tun Tung and Kyi Pyar Win were arrested on 10 August in Htantapin Township; Tin Win Hline, Aung Lay, Hline Moe Win, Wine Chitthu on 11 Au- gust in Hlinethaya Township (East); Tharzaw, Khin Myo Oo and Tint Wai in Htantap- in Township; Ye Thway, Na- ing Win and Aye Ko Ko Aung together with 43 homemade bombs in Kungyangon Town-

ship on 12 August; Hein Thiha rested in Kamayut Township in Hlinethaya Township (East) on 18 August; Zaw Zaw Moe, on 12 August. Hein Yupar Aung and Paing Security forces confiscat- Soe Moe were arrested with ed homemade guns and mines weapons and ammunition in and related materials in the Sanchaung; Nyi Nyi Tun was farm of Kalargyi (on the run) arrested in Myaynigone ward in Dedanaw village in Kung- and 4 homemade mines were yangon Township, following confiscated in Win Ko’s home. the confession of the arrested According to the confes- criminals. sion of Zaw Zaw Moe, Khine On 14 August, Thet Naing Khine Lwin was arrested in Htwe, Zaw Win Myint and Zaw Hline Township on 19 August Zaw Htoo were arrested in and 13 homemade mines, 11 Hlinethaya Township and two sound bombs, ammunitions Zaw Min Tun, Win Thaw- members claimed that they ization and Phyo Zeya Thaw grenades and ammunitions and 6 detonators and related tar, Thein Zaw, Myo Thiha, attended the terrorist train- from the NLD party (Former were confiscated in Shwe La items were seized in her apart- Thet Htut Zaw, Wai Yan Thein ing courses in KNLA territory 2015 Zabu Thiri Township Py- Min Motel where they were ment in Kamayut Township. (a) Victor and Thiha Zaw, and carried out a total of 30 ithu Hluttaw Representative). staying. Ze Ya Phyo and Khine Lin were arrested with weapons explosions in Yangon Region It is reported that arrested According to the reve- Htet Kyaw were arrested with and ammunition on 23 August between May and August 2021. terrorists will be taken action lation of Aye Ko Ko Aung, 1 pistol, 1 bullet case, 50 bul- in Dagon Myothit (Seikkan) The arrested suspects under the law, and the people Aung Nanda Oo and Ye Htoo lets, 1 grenade, 8 homemade Township; Hein Kyaw Lwin also revealed that they were are requested to work together Zin were arrested in Minga- mines and related items on and Hnin Ei Wai Zaw in Dagon instructed to carry out terror- for the security and safety of la Taungnyunt Township on 20 August. According to the Myothit (South); Htet Lwin Oo ist acts by Myat Min Thu from the people, by informing on 14 August. Ye Yint Aung was confession of the arrested sus- was arrested with 1 pistol, 2 the NLD party (2015 Hlaing terrorists and related suspects arrested with two homemade pects, Aung Si Toe was arrest- bullet cases and 20 rounds of Thar Yar (West) Township Con- to the relevant authority and mines and related materials ed with 2 icons; Sithu Lwin in ammunition in Bandoula Hous- stituency Former Hluttaw Rep- they will be secretly reward- on 17 August. Following his Hmawbi Township and Thura ing in Dago Myothit (South). resentative of Region (2)), Ma ed.—MNA confession, Myo Min was ar- Soe in Hlinethaya Township. Some of the arrested PDF Kay from NUG terrorist organ- 29 AUGUST 2021 THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR WORLD 7 Afghanistan overshadows Iraq Researchers discover summit as Macron warns against IS world’s ‘northernmost’ island THE Taliban’s takeover of Af- ghanistan overshadowed a sum- SCIENTISTS have discovered there had been an error on my mit in Iraq Saturday attended what is believed to be the world’s GPS which had led us to be- by key regional leaders, with northernmost landmass - a yet- lieve that we were standing on French President Emmanuel to-be-named island north of Oodaaq Island,” said the head Macron warning of the threat Greenland that could soon be of the mission, Morten Rasch Islamic State group jihadists swallowed up by seawaters. from Copenhagen University’s pose. Researchers came upon the department of geosciences and The meeting comes as Iraq, landmass on an expedition in natural resource management. long a casualty of jihadist mili- July, and initially thought they “In reality, we had discov- tancy, also tries to establish it- had reached Oodaaq, up until ered a new island further north, self as a mediator between Arab now the northernmost island on a discovery that just slightly ex- countries and Iran. the planet. pands the kingdom” of Denmark, “We all know that we must Leaders pose at a regional meeting in Baghdad. PHOTO: AFP “We were informed that he added. — AFP not lower our guard, because Daesh (IS) remains a threat, bin Hamad Al-Thani, Dubai’s Iran exerts major clout in and I know that the fight against ruler, Sheikh Mohammed bin Iraq through allied armed groups LDP’s Takaichi seeks these terrorist groups is a pri- Rashid Al-Maktoum, as well as within the Hashed al-Shaabi, a ority of your government,” Ma- Kuwait’s Prime Minister Sheikh powerful state-sponsored para- Japan’s possession of “nat’l cron said, after a meeting with Sabah Al-Khalid Al-Sabah and military network. Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa Turkey’s foreign minister were Baghdad has been broker- defence forces” al-Kadhemi. also present. ing talks since April between Iraq and France “are key More urgent than ever US ally Riyadh and Tehran on SENIOR Liberal Democratic war and stipulates that it will not partners in the war against ter- Iraq is seeking to play a mending ties severed in 2016. Party lawmaker Sanae Taka- maintain an army, navy, air force rorism,” Kadhemi replied. “unifying role” to tackle crises “It was really not easy to ichi has advocated amending the or any other military force. Egyptian President Abdel shaking the region, sources close put the Saudis and Iranians in Constitution so Japan can pos- The constitutionality of the Fattah al-Sisi and Jordan’s King to Iraq’s Kadhemi said. the same room,” a French dip- sess “national defence forces”. SDF has long been debated in Abdullah II flew in for the sum- Oil-rich Iraq has been lomatic source said. Takaichi made the proposal political, judicial and academic mit, while the foreign ministers caught for years in a delicate But an adviser to Kadhemi in an article in the October edi- circles. of regional foes Iran and Saudi balancing act between its two said that just the presence of the tion of the magazine Hanada as Takaichi suggested Ja- Arabia were also present. main allies, Iran and the United two foreign ministers together she expressed her willingness pan procure advanced defence Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim States. was itself a “success”. — AFP to run in the LDP presidential equipment, promote research election set for 29 September in and development, and increase a bid to become the first female defence spending so as to better Losing steam, Polish government plays prime minister of the country. cope China’s military buildup Takaichi, a 60-year-old con- and assertive territorial claims, servative lawmaker known for as well as North Korea’s nuclear immigration card close ties with former Prime and missile programmes. tain that the Law and Justice Minister Shinzo Abe, suggested As for missile defence, she (PiS) party will win a majority or making an explicit reference of called for new legislation that will manage to piece together a co- national defense forces, instead enable Japan to attack enemy alition,” said Agata Szczesniak, of the Self-Defense Forces, in the bases to temporally nullify their a political analyst for the news Constitution. functions. On economic policy, portal OKO. press. The former minister of in- she pledged to pursue bold fis- The government lost its ternal affairs and communica- cal stimulus, placing priority on formal parliamentary majori- tions was referring to the LDP’s crisis management and growth ty earlier this month after the 2012 draft constitutional amend- investments. To that end, she departure of a junior coalition ment proposal that called for the proposed putting on hold the partner. possession of “national defence government’s target of bring- A recent poll by Kantar forces”. ing its primary balance into the also found that PiS had fallen Article 9 of the Constitution black by fiscal 2025. — Kyodo by three points in the polls and renounces Japan’s right to wage News is now neck-and-neck with the Poland is refusing to let in a group of around 30 migrants camped out on main opposition grouping, Civic the border with Belarus. PHOTO: AFP Platform, at 26 per cent. AS it loses steam in the polls, creasingly stringent EU sanc- “To go back up in the polls, Poland’s right-wing populist tions, with Poland and the Baltic PiS is trying to replay what hap- government is playing the an- states calling it a “hybrid attack”. pened in 2015 but even more so. ti-immigration card that helped Political attention in Poland It is focusing public emotion it win in 2015, hoping to take back in recent weeks has focused on around the image and rhetoric the political initiative, analysts a group of around 30 migrants of a war” against migrants, Szcz- said. camped out on the border be- esniak said. Thousands of migrants — tween Poland and Belarus. During Europe’s migration most of them from the Middle Poland is refusing to let in crisis of 2015, PiS leader Jaroslaw East — have crossed from Be- the migrants, said to be Afghans Kaczynski scored electoral points larus into eastern EU states, by a charity trying to help them, in parliamentary elections that including Poland, in recent or give them aid without the con- year with his anti-immigration months. sent of Belarus. rhetoric, including warnings about The EU suspects the influx “It cannot be ruled out that the diseases and “all sorts of par- is engineered by the Belarusian there will be early elections next asites” that the migrants might Sanae Takaichi speaks to reporters at the Liberal Democratic Party regime in retaliation against in- year... and it is by no means cer- bring with them. — AFP headquarters in Tokyo on 26 August, 2021. PHOTO: KYODO 29 AUGUST 2021 29 AUGUST 2021 8 OPINION THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR ARTICLE/NATIONAL 9 Take an example I say what I see: Has Delta killed the herd immunity dream? By Oung Moung Moung E have been seeing in the poorer countries where from clock to and reading news the majority do have little or no THE Delta variant con- And studies have shown that as measles and influenza, the Wstories and articles access to the vaccines! AS tinues its global surge, the vaccine efficacy against in- Covid vaccines offer excellent in the Myanmar Language and According to the Ministry peaceful human experts are questioning whether fection with Delta falls over time protection against severe illness. the English Language as well of Health in Myanmar, about 1.8 the long-held goal of achieving -- one of the reasons why several “What scientists are recom- about Covid vaccines both in million people are fully vacci- herd immunity from Covid-19 countries are now readying for an mending is to get the maximum the printed media and on the nated. This means they have society through vaccination is still viable. autumn third shot, or “booster”, number of people protected” social network over these days. already received both the first Herd immunity is achieved vaccination campaign. through vaccination, said Fla- We also see some sorts of con- and second doses of the Cov- when a certain threshold of the With all this taken into ac- hault. troversies over getting jabbed id vaccines. It also stated that CLOCK is a piece of machinery formed with the escape global population has either been count, absent other health meas- Eventually, of course, all pan- against the Covid-19 disease or vaccines had also already been wheel, main wheel, hands for a second, minute and hour, inoculated against a pathogen ures such as mask-wearing or demics end. “No” to inoculation or against administered to over 2.74 million A marks for minute and hour, case and dial for serving or has recovered from infection. social distancing, Sofonea said Sofonea said it would still vaccination amongst people all people for the first time, total- the humans to know exact time day after day. But whether or not it is it would take more than 100 per be possible that Covid would be- over the world. No doubt! Dif- ling 4.54 million people under The hour hand and the minute hand are slowly moving in achievable with Covid-19, with cent of people to be vaccinated in come another endemic disease ferent countries have different vaccination in Myanmar, so far. the case to indicate the time while the second hand is moving the regular emergence of more order to guarantee transmissions over time, “just not with vaccines situations. The health bureau of Myanmar faster than the two without stopping in order to support the infectious strains, is up for de- end -- an obvious impossibility. alone”. I’ve read the post on social has rolled out its Covid-vaccine showing of time for exact duration. In fact, three hands in the bate. “The Delta variant will still He envisioned a near future media by a friend of mine from inoculation programme effec- case are moving on the dial as part of serving their duties. “If the question is ‘will vacci- infect people who have been vac- where “masks and social distanc- the United States the other day. tive in January 2021. It’s a more The hour hand is mov- nation alone allow us to dampen cinated and that does mean that ing continue in certain regions” Some restaurants prohibit the encouraging piece of news that ing at the lowest level, the and control the pandemic?’ the anyone who’s still unvaccinated, in order to limit transmission ones who have not gotten vac- two million doses of Sinopharm The example minute hand at the middle answer is: no,” epidemiologist Herd immunity is achieved when a certain threshold of the global population has either been inoculated against a at some point, will meet the vi- and, ultimately, severe illness. cinated yet, with a front sign COVID-19 vaccines arrived at level and the second hand Mircea Sofonea told AFP. pathogen or has recovered from infection. PHOTO: ROBYN BECK / AFP/FILE rus,” Andrew Pollard, director of “During the AIDS pandemic, saying “No entry to restaurants Yangon International Airport unveils a at the top level dutifully He said herd immunity Britain’s Oxford Vaccine Group, when scientists said we needed for the unvaccinated”, it posted. yesterday evening. That’s what while indicating respective hinged on two basic factors. strain that emerged in late 2019. infected person infects up to conceivably be possible. Unfor- told lawmakers this month. to wear condoms, lots of people Only 52 per cent of the popula- Myanmar has purchased from meaningful points of the hour, minute “That’s the intrinsic infec- The more effective the virus three others—herd immunity tunately, they aren’t. said: ‘OK, we’ll do it for a while’,” tion have been fully vaccinat- the People’s Republic of China. and second all the time. Ac- tiousness of the virus and the becomes at infecting people, the could have been achieved with ‘Mythical’ said Flahault. ed even in the United States of So, don’t be hesitated but go remark that tually, these three hands efficacy of vaccines to protect higher the herd immunity thresh- around 66 per cent of people im- Waning immunity? But even if, as Pollard “And in the end they kept on America, which stands at the get jabbed against the pathogen are moving together on the against infection. And at the mo- old becomes. munized, Flahault told AFP. According to data published termed it, the “mythical” aim using them. It could well be that top of the world’s death toll list as soonest as possible! all the global same dial inside the case. ment, that efficacy isn’t there.” “Theoretically, it’s a very “But if the reproduction rate this week by US authorities, the of herd immunity is no longer we will continue using masks in due to the COVID-19 pandem- I do sincerely wish for you people joining Time is going with the Delta has shown to be rough- simple calculation to make,” said is eight, as with Delta, that puts efficacy of the Pfizer and Moder- in play, experts stressed that enclosed spaces and on transport ic. Think of, so pityingly, people all good health and wealth. wind gradually. These three ly 60 percent more transmissi- epidemiologist Antoine Flahault. us closer to 90 per cent,” he said. na mRNA vaccines at preventing getting vaccinated remained for quite some time.” the secular world clock hands do not apart ble than the Alpha variant of the For the original virus, which Were vaccines 100 percent infection has fallen from 91 per paramount. from each other. If one of SARS-CoV-2 virus, and up to had a reproduction rate between effective at stopping Delta in- cent to 66 per cent since Delta As with vaccines against oth- SOURCE: AFP ` cannot live alone three hands stops, the time twice as infectious as the original zero and three -- meaning each fections, that 90 per cent could became the dominant variant. er, now-endemic diseases such indication of the clock will but be friends be wrong. If so, the world Myanmar Daily Weather Report based on time will be in (Issued at 7:00 pm Saturday 28 August 2021) with each other. disarray. Whenever these Hence, we all three hands work togeth- Covid symptoms last a year for many patients: study BAY INFERENCE: According to the observations at (18:30) er, the time indication will hrs MST today, the low pressure area over the Northwest Bay need to join be correct as a nature of and adjoining Westcentral Bay of Bengal off North Andhra a clock. Pradesh-South Odisha coasts still persists. Monsoon is mod- hands in the In human society, we ATIGUE and shortness their capacity to work,” The Lan- weakness, and twice as likely jobs a year later. workers and patients affected the condition and better care for erate over the Andaman Sea and Bay of Bengal. all are living in the same of breath still afflict cet said in an editorial published to be diagnosed with anxiety or The study adds to previous by Covid. patients who suffer from it. society without world. We all are related to F many patients a year with the study. depression. research that warned authori- “Long Covid is a modern FORECAST VALID UNTIL MORNING OF THE 29 August, each other in society una- after their hospitalization for “The study shows that for But it said 88 per cent of ties in different countries they medical challenge of the first SOURCE: AFP 2021: Rain or thundershowers will be scattered in Nay Pyi hatred and with voidably. We land a helping Covid-19, according to a new Chi- many patients, full recovery patients who worked before their must be prepared to provide order,” the editorial said, calling Taw and Magway Region, fairly widespread in Lower Sagaing, hand to each other or one nese study calling for a better from Covid-19 will take more diagnosis had returned to their long-term support to health for more research to understand Mandalay Regions and (Northern and Southern)Shan, Rakh- compassion another. If so, we can re- understanding of the pandemic’s than 1 year.” ine, Kayah States and widespread in the remaining Ragions forever similar store perpetual peace for long-term health effects. The study followed nearly and States with likelihood of isolated heavyfalls in Sagaing, all. Peace can bring pros- Around half of patients dis- 1,300 people hospitalized for Mandalay, Taninthayi Regions and Kachin State. Degree of to the hands of a perity to human society by charged from hospital for Covid Covid between January and May certainty is (100%). enabling the global peoples still suffer from at least one per- 2020 in the central Chinese city clock in working to taste heaven. In the vi- sistent symptom -- most often of Wuhan -- the first place af- STATE OF THE SEA: Sea will be moderate in Myanmar cious circle, we cannot fatigue or muscle weakness -- fected by a pandemic that has waters. Wave height will be about (6 – 8) feet in off and along together without evade each other even if after 12 months, said the study since infected 214 million people Myanmar Coasts. we are enemies. We cannot published in British medical worldwide, killing more than 4 disturbance to run away from the vicious journal The Lancet Friday. million. OUTLOOK FOR SUBSEQUENT TWO DAYS: Weak monsoon. circle similar to the hands The research, the largest The share of observed pa- each other. of the clock when we cannot yet on the condition known as tients with at least one symptom FORECAST FOR NAYPYITAW AND NEIGHBOURING leave society before joining “long Covid”, added that one in decreased from 68 per cent after AREA FOR 29 August, 2021: Isolated rain or thundershowers. the religious orders. three patients still have short- six months to 49 per cent after Degree of certainty is (100%). A clock gives an excellent example to the people so as ness of breath a year after their 12 months. to correctly look at the secular world. The example unveils a diagnosis. Respiratory discomfort FORECAST FOR YANGON AND NEIGHBOURING AREA meaningful remark that all the global people joining the secular That number is even higher increased from 26 per cent of FOR 29 August, 2021: Isolated rain or thundershowers. Degree world cannot live alone but be friends with each other. in patients hit more severely by patients after six months to 30 of certainty is (100%). Hence, we all need to join hands in the society without the illness. per cent after 12 months, it said. hatred and with compassion forever similar to the hands of a “With no proven treatments It found affected women FORECAST FOR MANDALAY AND NEIGHBOURING clock in working together without disturbance to each other. or even rehabilitation guidance, were 43 per cent more likely AREA FOR 29 August, 2021: Isolated rain or thundershowers. long Covid affects people’s abil- than affected men to suffer from Degree of certainty is (100%). A medical worker walks along a special COVID-19 ward at a hospital in Bandung on 27 August 2021. PHOTO: AFP ity to resume normal life and fatigue or persistent muscle 29 AUGUST 2021 10 ENVIRON: WORLD THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR NEWS US south coast braces for ‘extremely dangerous’ IN BRIEF Hurricane Ida Ocean surface climates may RESIDENTS evacuated high- braced for Hurricane Ida, ex- storm when it hits the southern ond-highest on the Saffir-Simp- disappear by 2100: risk areas and lined up to buy pected to strengthen to an “ex- United States this weekend. son hurricane wind scale, with supplies Friday as Louisiana tremely dangerous” Category 4 The National Weather a minimum wind strength of 130 study Service is now forecasting a miles (209 kilometres) per hour. “life-threatening storm surge” Louisiana has declared a Up to 95 percent of Earth’s ocean when the hurricane makes state of emergency in prepa- surface will have changed by landfall along the coasts of Lou- ration for the storm, forecast the end of the century unless isiana and Mississippi, warning to make US landfall Sunday humanity reins in its carbon of “catastrophic wind damage” -- 16 years to the day after the emissions, according to research and urging those in affected devastating Hurricane Katrina published Thursday. areas to follow advice from local first hit the state, which flooded Ocean surface climates, officials. 80 per cent of New Orleans and defined by surface water “The time to act is NOW. killed more than 1,800 people. temperature, acidity and the Hurricane Ida is now forecast Officials have already or- concentration of the mineral to make landfall as a category dered mandatory evacuations aragonite -- which many marine 4 hurricane,” the New Orleans outside the levee-protected animals use to form bones and branch of the US National areas of New Orleans and shell -- support the vast major- Weather Service urged in a flood-prone coastal towns on ity of sea life. The world’s seas Hurricane Ida passed through eastern Cuba on Friday, forcing thousands tweet. the state’s coast such as Grand have absorbed around a third of to evacuate their homes. PHOTO: AFP That level is the sec- Isle. — AFP all carbon pollution produced since the Industrial Revolution. But with atmospheric CO2 levels increasing at a rate un- Experts estimate endangered Galapagos pink precedented in at least three million years, there are fears that iguana population at 211 ocean surface climates may become less hospitable to the spe- SCIENTIFIC experts sent to The pink iguanas were first cies it hosts. US-based research- the Galapagos Islands to count discovered in 1986 and identified ers wanted to see what effect a critically endangered lizard as a separate species from the carbon pollution has already species estimate there to be just Galapagos land iguana in 2009. had on ocean surface since the 211 pink iguanas left, local au- They live exclusively in a mid-18th century. They also pro- thorities said Friday. 25 square kilometre (9.5 square jected the impact of emissions Around 30 scientists and miles) area on the Wolf Volca- through to 2100.—AFP Galapagos park rangers took no, where the PNG has set up part in the expedition this month cameras to study the iguanas’ on Wolf Volcano, in the north of behaviour and the threats they Indigenous protest Isabela Island -- the largest on face. as Brazil high court the archipelago. Prior to the census, Ecua- hears land case “In the census, 53 iguanas doran expert Washington Tapia were located and (temporarily) told AFP that there could be as THOUSANDS of indigenous captured, 94 per cent of which many as 350 pink iguanas. protesters marched through live more than 1,500 metres So far, “no juveniles have Handout photo released by the Galapagos National Park of a group of park ranger monitoring a Galapagos pink iguana at Wolf Volcano on Brazil’s capital Wednesday, (4,900 feet) above sea level,” said been discovered”, said Tapia, the Isabela Island. PHOTO: PARQUE NACIONAL GALAPAGOS/AFP dancing to the beat of pounding the Galapagos National Parks director of the American Galapa- drums, as the Supreme Court (PNG) in a statement. gos Conservancy NGO that took stricted to one single site makes The Galapagos Islands are a prepared to take up a case that That allowed the experts part in the expedition. the species more vulnerable.” protected wildlife area and home could eliminate reservations on to “estimate a population of 211 In quotes released by PNG “Urgent action is required to to unique species of flora and their ancestral lands. pink iguanas”. on Friday, Tapia said “being re- guarantee their preservation.” fauna.— AFP In what organizers said was the country’s biggest indigenous protest ever, an estimated New birth of a mountain gorilla in DRCongo’s Virunga park 6,000 demonstrators marched to the seat of power in Brasilia, filling the ultra-modern square DR Congo’s famed Virunga Na- The national park said that bordered by the Supreme Court, tional Park announced Friday the new baby belonged to the Congress and the presidency the birth of a mountain gorilla in Baraka family of gorillas which with traditional costumes and this tourist region threatened by was ‘currently composed of chants. The protest aimed to armed groups. about 18 individuals”. pressure the high court as it The birth of a new baby male The Baraka family records began a session where it will occurred on the morning of Au- its first birth of the year and this consider a case that could re- gust 22,” the park’s communi- last one brings the number to 13 move protected status for some cation officer Olivier Mukisya since January 2021,” from all the native lands, opening them to told AFP. gorilla families in the region, said agribusiness and mining. The The discovery was made Mukisya. protesters, who hail from more by “a team of eco-guards” dur- Situated on DR Congo’s bor- than 170 ethnic groups, were ing a routine monitoring visit to ders with Rwanda and Uganda, also fighting what they call the home of the gorillas in the Virunga covers around 7,800 systematic persecution under Kibumba area of North Kivu in square kilometres of the North far-right President Jair Bolson- Virunga National Park’s new arrival. PHOTO: VIRUNGA NATIONAL the east of the country, Mukisya Kivu province, of which Goma is aro.—AFP PARK/AFP explained. the capital.—AFP 29 AUGUST 2021 THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR PANDEMIC: WORLD 11 To encourage vaccinations, more US New Zealand extends firms turn to incentives and threats national virus lockdown NEW ZEALAND on Friday signs the outbreak would soon IN the wake of full US approv- extended a national lockdown peak if stay-at-home orders real for the Pfizer/BioNTech an- sparked by a Delta virus out- mained in place. ti-Covid vaccine this week, more break into next week but warned “We may be seeing the be- and more American companies restrictions would last longer in ginning of a plateau in cases,” are looking at mandatory vac- the infection epicentre of Auck- she said. “Our job is to keep up cinations for employees -- and land. the hard work in order to bend, customers. The Delta cluster emerged and then flatten, the (infection) CVS Health, Chevron, Dis- in Auckland last week, ending curve.” Ardern said a nation- ney and Goldman Sachs are a six-month run without local wide lockdown imposed on Au- among the firms who have transmission that had made gust 17 would now continue until since told some or all of their New Zealand one of the world’s August 31. She said Auckland, workers that inoculations will last Covid-free zones. where all but 14 cases have been no longer be optional, requiring While there were 70 new found, and the neighbouring re- proof of shots within a certain cases reported on Friday, taking gion of Northland, were set to time period. the total to 347, Prime Minister face at least an extra two weeks On social media, some of Jacinda Ardern said there were of hard lockdown.—AFP those firms are coming under The CEO of Delta Air Lines has said employees who decide not to receive a Covid vaccination will be charged an extra $200 a month for health attack from users who say re- insurance. PHOTO: AFP/FILE quiring vaccinations is a vio- lation of personal freedoms, a variant, no public figure is spe- thing for our employees, rather value near and dear to most cifically hitting out at corporate than worrying about the safety Americans. America -- at least not yet. of our reputation,” Hass told One Republican state law- For Mark Hass, a professor AFP. maker from Florida, Anthony who specializes in marketing at “Almost every company is Sabatini, even filed a proposal Arizona State University, even going with some sort of mandate that would prevent the state’s though the crisis is both medical or requirement or incentive,” he surgeon general from requiring and political it is impossible for said. “I think the lack of criticism any vaccinations, ever. companies to thread the needle of corporations is because most But at least so far, amid a between liberals and conserva- of them have acted responsibly surge in coronavirus infections tives on the issue. in dealing with the pandemic,” New Zealand on Friday extended a national lockdown sparked by a and hospitalizations fuelled by “The right way to think Hass added, noting the rise of Delta virus outbreak into next week but warned restrictions would the highly transmissible Delta about this is what’s the right telework.—AFP last longer in the infection epicentre of Auckland. PHOTO: AFP

US ships more than 2 mln more NEWS Covid vaccines to Africa IN BRIEF Florida governor takes local mask mandates to focus on getting Americans to court vaccinated after suffering the world’s highest toll from corona- Florida Governor Ron DeSantis on Thursday said he expects his virus, has since expanded his goal executive order aimed at preventing local mask mandates will be to make the United States the settled in court. vaccine “arsenal” internationally. DeSantis said Wednesday “there will be consequences” for The “administration under- school districts that have enacted mask mandates despite his exec- stands that putting an end to this utive order. That order states that parents should be able to decide pandemic requires eliminating whether or not their children wear masks at school. it around the world,” the White Speaking in Orlando on Thursday, DeSantis said the Florida leg- House official said. Biden has islature’s recent “parental bill of rights” is a good thing which helps come under fire for authorizing guarantee parents decide whether or not their children wear masks Americans to get booster shots to school. Florida Attorney-General Ashley Moody said disputes The United States is shipping more than two million doses of Covid-19 vaccines to Algeria, Ghana and Yemen, the White House said Thursday, starting in September, but US offi- about laws need to be settled in court, and said no one has the right boosting efforts to combat a third wave of the pandemic across cials say there is enough capacity, to flagrantly disregard the law.— AFP Africa. PHOTO: AFP even while maintaining the flow of donations abroad. Colombian man gets vaccinated seven times THE United States is shipping including Nigeria and hard-hit The latest shipments will more than two million doses of South Africa last month. raise the total number of US shots In Cali, Colombia, authorities are dealing with a bizarre case in Covid-19 vaccines to Algeria, Taken from surplus in the US delivered in Africa to more than which a man was vaccinated against COVID-19 seven times. Ghana and Yemen, the White stockpile, 604,800 doses of John- 25 million, the official said. The 65-year-old man in question, according to the Ministry of House said Thursday, boosting son & Johnson will go to Alge- Africa is in the grip of a third Health, is known to suffer from psychiatric complications, but was efforts to combat a third wave of ria, just over 1.2 million doses of wave of infections and losing the able to produce vaccination confirmation tickets for seven first-time the pandemic across Africa. Moderna to Ghana, and another race to mass vaccination. shots of the Pfizer, AstraZeneca, SinoVac, and Janssen vaccines. The shipments, which a 151,200 J&J doses to Yemen, said Less than two per cent of Authorities say the man has not presented any health compli- White House official told AFP the official, who asked not to be people across the continent cations resulting from the sheer number of vaccinations he went would land before the end of identified. All the shipments are are fully vaccinated, with some through and have no intention to press charges or punish the man. this week, will be the first do- being made through Covax, the countries having to destroy un- Of greater concern to the authorities was how he was able to nated by the United States to all distributor backed by the World used shots because they lack the even do this much, which Cali officials blame on the subpar con- three countries. They come on Health Organization and the Gavi health infrastructure to admin- solidation of databases across vaccines, allowing the man to access the heels of recent deliveries to vaccine alliance. President Joe ister them or have met strong each vaccine without anyone being the wiser that he had already other countries on the continent, Biden, who took office promising vaccine hesitancy.—AFP received another one.— AFP 29 AUGUST 2021 12 ECON: WORLD THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR

NEWS IN BRIEF Petronas returns to black in Q2 with profit Fed chief signals after tax of 2.29 bln USD US economy may be ready for less Petronas said in a state- in prices. ment, the profit after tax was The group’s revenue for half stimulus by year driven by higher earnings before year rose 17 per cent year-on- end interest, taxes, depreciation and year to 109.6 billion ringgit from amortization (EBITDA) and low- 93.6 billion ringgit a year ago, The US economy and labour er impairment loss. mainly attributed to favourable market have healed to the The group’s quarterly rev- average realized prices for ma- point that the central bank enue also increased by 68 per jor products and higher sales could begin to withdraw its cent year-on-year to 57.1 billion volume impact mainly for LNG stimulus measures by the end ringgit from 34 billion ringgit a and sales gas. of the year, Federal Reserve year ago, mainly driven by the The group’s capital in- Chair Jerome Powell said Fri- favourable impact on prices for vestments stood at 12.7 billion day. But the Fed chief stressed major products and higher sales ringgit, mainly attributed to up- that there was no hurry to volume impact for liquefied nat- stream projects. raise interest rates, arguing ural gas (LNG) and petroleum While the oil and gas indus- This undated handout picture provided by PETRONAS shows that current inflation pres- products. try has seen a recovery in price their Sabah gas platform off the coast of Sabah, on northern Borneo sures will be temporary. island. PHOTO: PETRONAS MALAYSIA / AFP/FILE For the first half ended June and demand following the reo- When Covid-19 hit the 30 this year, the group also re- pening of key economies globally, world’s largest economy last MALAYSIA’S state-owned second quarter of 2021, from a turned to the black with a profit Petronas said, the anticipated year, the Fed jumped into ac- oil and gas firm Petronas an- loss after tax of 21 billion ring- after tax of 18.9 billion ringgit, rise in oil supply and fresh lock- tion to prevent a major reces- nounced Friday it has returned git, supported by the recovery from a loss after tax of 16.5 billion downs triggered by the emer- sion, slashing the key lending to the black with a profit after in commodity prices following ringgit, in tandem with higher gence of new COVID-19 variants rate to zero and buying huge tax of 9.6 billion ringgit (about improved economic conditions EBITDA and lower impairment may impact the price and de- amounts of Treasury debt 2.29 billion U.S. dollars) for the coupled with lower costs. loss following an upward trend mand recovery.—Xinhua and agency mortgage-backed securities to provide liquidity to the financial system. The pandemic recession US prices rose 4.2% in July from year-ago: govt data was “the briefest yet deepest on record,” Powell said in his A KEY US inflation gauge con- ing growth is more likely than highly anticipated speech tinued to climb last month and consumers retrenching and the to the annual Jackson Hole income shot higher as the econo- economy going into reverse,” central banking symposium.— my bounces back from last year’s Lydia Boussour of Oxford Eco- AFP downturn, according to govern- nomics said. The Commerce ment data released Friday. Department credited the spike The personal consumption in incomes to government poli- Real household expenditures (PCE) price index cies like the expanded Child Tax spending in India to rose at a rapid 4.2 per cent pace Credit approved in President Joe post 8.9 pc growth: in July compared to the same Biden’s March stimulus pack- month in 2020, slightly faster than age, while increases in employee Fitch the rate in June, the Commerce compensation also played a role. Department said. While the US economy is Fitch Solutions has forecast Meanwhile, income rose 1.1 The latest high inflation data could up the pressure on the Federal generally on the upswing, the real household spending in per cent compared to the month Reserve to roll back its easy money policies. PHOTO: AFP/FILE return to normalcy is complicat- India to post a growth of 8.9 prior, far above expectations, but ed by supply bottlenecks as well per cent year-on-year in 2021 spending cooled to 0.3 per cent, Delta variant of Covid-19 making setting in and leading to strong as labour shortages that have following a contraction of 9.3 in what analysts viewed as a con- some consumers hesitant. emotional responses, we be- pushed some employers to hike per cent in household spend- sequence of the fast-spreading “While pandemic fatigue is lieve cooler consumer spend- wages.—AFP ing estimated over 2020. This marks the beginning of a recovery in spending with Persian rug makers eye new market in Japan as U.S. sanctions bite total household spending in real terms forecast to reach Rs IRAN’S Persian carpet industry our biggest market,” explained 72.6 lakh crore in 2021, below is creaking under the weight of Mohammad Jafari, a 43-year-old 2019 (pre-pandemic) levels of U.S. sanctions and the coronavi- weaver at Zollanvari, a long-es- Rs 73.5 lakh crore. rus pandemic. But its craftsmen tablished carpet company in Teh- As a result, said Fitch, the may have found a way to innovate ran. Jafari and other Zollanvari recovery of India’s consumer their way out of trouble -- weav- artisans were putting the final and retail sector will spill into ing miniaturized versions of the touches to a scaled-down version 2022 where it forecast real traditional rug as substitutes for of a Gabbeh rug, a traditional vari- household spending growth Japan’s ubiquitous “zabuton” ety of Persian carpet. Measuring to reach 7.1 per cent. floor cushions. Iranian carpet roughly 40 square centimetres, or “In 2022, we project real weavers have seen their sales about the size envisioned for a za- household spending to reach a roughly halve in the last few years buton cushion, the colour scheme total of Rs 77.7 lakh crore. This as rivals in India and Turkey look is reserved, unlike the brightly is 5.8 per cent larger than total to grab market share. “We sell 60 coloured products exported to the spending in 2019, indicating per cent of our products to Japan United States. “The product is that a full consumer spending because economic sanctions ban the polar opposite (of the carpets recovery will take place in us from exporting them to the exported to the United States),” Photo taken on June 22, 2021, shows Ali Jahan holding a traditional India in 2022.”—ANI United States, which used to be said Jafari.— Kyodo Persian rug at a bazaar in Tehran. PHOTO: KYODO 29 AUGUST 2021 THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR BIZ: WORLD 13 Low-quality semiconductors likely Amazon-backed electric vehicle circulating across Japanese market maker Rivian announces IPO

LOW-QUALITY semiconductors, the firm said. the components through uncon- such as imitations of major man- Semiconductor makers had ventional supply chains, such as ufacturers’ products, are likely cut output amid the coronavi- trading companies specializing in circulating widely across Japan, rus pandemic, but demand has handling semiconductors that are a survey by a testing firm has sharply rebounded for chips used no longer in production, accord- indicated, raising concern over in a wide range of products from ing to Oki Engineering. an increase of defective items laptops and game consoles to The subsidiary of Oki Elec- using such components amid a cars, in tandem with a recovery in tric Industry Co. started a chip global chip shortage. the global economy. A fire that hit verification service in June on the More than 30 per cent of major Japanese chipmaker Re- back of growing demand for qual- the semiconductors, which Oki nesas Electronics Corp. plant in ity checks for semiconductors Engineering Co. checked upon March further tightened supply. procured from such routes, as it In this file photo taken on 7 January 2020, Rivian’s R1T, an all-electric the requests of over 100 compa- Amid the crunch, more is difficult for assemblers to tell pick up truck is displayed at the Amazon booth during CES 2020, in nies, were imitations, used chips manufacturers that need chips whether their labels are authentic Las Vegas, Nevada. PHOTO: AFP passed off as new or defective, for their products are obtaining and if they function well. The most common method RIVIAN Automotive, the Am- pledged to purchase 100,000 is changing the manufacturer’s azon-backed manufacturer of electric delivery vans from name printed on chips to a ma- electric trucks and utility ve- the startup. Its valuation was jor company. Some chips were hicles, said Friday it had filed pegged at $26.7 billion earlier sold as new despite having been for a stock market listing as it this year. In addition to the Am- taken from discarded electrical prepares to ramp up produc- azon delivery vehicles, Rivian appliances made 10 years before, tion and delivery. is producing electric trucks while others were of such a sub- The California-based firm and sport utility vehicles for par level they should have been said it had filed confidentially consumers with prices starting disposed of. Such semiconductors for an initial public offering, un- from around $70,000. were used in products including der a provision allowing it to The news from Rivian facial massagers, blood-pressure keep its financial data private. comes as governments around gauges, dashboard cameras, and The size and price range the globe, including in the Unit- e-cigarettes sold at stores. Some for the offering was not dis- ed States, make the develop- failed to work straight out of the closed. Rivian has raised more ment of electric cars a priority box, while others caught fire or than $10 billion in funding since and as the global auto sector An Oki Engineering Co. worker conducts an X-ray examination on a emitted smoke, according to Oki its founding in 2009, includ- accelerates EV production.— semiconductor in Tokyo on 18 August 2021. PHOTO: KYODO Engineering.—Kyodo ing from Amazon, which has AFP Kenya says aquaculture development NEWS IN BRIEF on course to boost food security TEPCO to help Singapore’s SP Group build

KENYA has partnered with do- the country to meet universal county of Siaya during the launch underground substation nors and the private sector to goals related to health, poverty of the Aquaculture Business De- TOKYO Electric Power Company Holdings Inc. and two other establish a robust aquaculture eradication, food and nutrition velopment Program that aims Japanese companies have signed a contract to provide consulting sector in order to boost food se- security. to boost the production of fish services to Singaporean utility SP Group over an underground curity and rural incomes, officials Omuhaka opined that it will at the small-holder level. The substation project. said on Friday. provide alternative and healthy programme seeks to counter the Tokyo Electric Power, known as TEPCO, said the deal is Lawrence Omuhaka, chief diets besides supporting the declining production of fish in designed to address challenges associated with the construction administrative secretary in the livelihoods of about one million large freshwater bodies linked of Southeast Asia’s first 230kV-class below-ground substation in Ministry of Agriculture, Live- people who directly or indirectly to climatic stresses, pollution the southern harbour area of Labrador, which is scheduled to be stock, Fisheries and Coopera- work as fish farmers, traders and and over-exploitation by local completed in 2024. TEPCO Power Grid Inc., a subsidiary of the tives, said that promoting sub- processors. and foreign industrial fishing utility giant, and electrical engineering firm Kandenko Co. are also sistence aquaculture will enable He spoke in Western Kenyan giants.—Xinhua involved in the deal sealed last month with SP PowerAssets Ltd. The contract’s amount was not disclosed.—Kyodo

COVID-19: Shoe exports from Agra begin to increase AMIDST the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, shoe exports have shot up in the city thereby bringing slight relief to the sellers. Compared to last year, many of them appreciated the current situation for ensuring smooth exports of shoes. Speaking to ANI, a shoe exporter in Agra, Shruti Kaul said, “My company, Trishuli creations usually gets a good demand for shoes from various countries. However, since March 2020 last year, the demand for shoes dipped significantly due to the pandemic. Also, the demand in the domestic market declined. It was surely a difficult period for us.” “But now, the situation in the market is changing. The situation is beginning to ease as COVID-19-induced curbs are being gradually lifted. In May this year, we got an order from UAE. We have restricted our exports to China. Also, the demand in Workers at African Blue Fish Farm tend to the fish cages in Uyawi, Siaya County, Kenya. PHOTO: CGTN/ XINHUA the domestic market has increased,” Kaul added.— ANI 29 AUGUST 2021 14 SOCIETY THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR Peruvian congress approves At least 21 killed in president’s cabinet after lengthy Bangladesh boat accident, dozens missing debate AT least 21 people were killed likely rise. and dozens remain missing as Local fire service spokes- a boat packed with passengers man Taufiqul Islam said divers and a sand-laden cargo ship were searching the scene of collided Friday in a lake in the accident for more bodies, eastern Bangladesh, officials and that reinforcements had said. been called in from neighbour- The boat was reportedly ing towns. Locals also joined carrying some 60 passengers the rescue efforts. when the incident occurred on Police said at least seven a lake in the town of Bijoyna- people were taken to a local gar, local government admin- hospital after they were res- istrator Hayat-ud-Doula Khan cued from the sunken boat. said. Survivor Akhi Akter said The cargo ship’s steel tip she was travelling with her son, and the boat collided, causing mother-in-law and brother-in- the passenger vessel to cap- law in the passenger boat. size, he said. “When the accident oc- “We have recovered 21 curred, I managed to swim Peru President Pedro Castillo (centre, wearing hat) accompanies his cabinet to congress awaiting a vote of bodies including nine women back to the bank. But the rest confidence. PHOTO: PRESIDENCIA DE PERÚ/AFP and six children so far,” he told of my relatives are still miss- PERU’S under fire leftist Pres- mer rural schoolteacher Castillo corruption scandals saw three AFP, adding that the toll would ing,” she said tearfully.—AFP ident Pedro Castillo staved off a thanked congress on Twitter. different presidents in office in political crisis on Friday as the “The quest for consensus a single week last November. right-wing dominated congress allows us to govern together with Seven of the country’s previ- approved his first cabinet. the people and for the develop- ous 10 leaders have either been In a bitter debate that began ment of public policies of a social convicted or are under investi- on Thursday, the cabinet headed character,” said Castillo. gation for graft. by Guido Bellido was approved Had the vote gone against Castillo’s appointment of by 73 votes to 50 against. Bellido, Castillo would have had Bellido, an electronic engineer “Consequently, the ques- to name a different cabinet chief. with no experience in public of- tion of confidence has been ap- It would also have prolonged fice, was controversial. proved,” said Maria del Carmen the state of political uncertainty Peruvian media claim Bel- Alva, the opposition legislator that has gripped Peru since the lido was investigated by prose- that heads congress. beginning of the year, when the cutors for an alleged “apology Having survived the first big electoral campaign got under for terrorism” over statements Onlookers gather as others conduct rescue operations for the victims test of his presidency, that began way. Peru has suffered years of made shortly after taking up his of the boat capsized in Brahmanbaria on 27 August 2021. PHOTO: AFP only a month ago, 51-year-old for- political upheaval and a series of seat last month.—AFP Visually impaired Paralympian NEWS IN BRIEF hit by self-driving bus Two years on, fallout mounts from Austria’s ‘Ibiza-gate’ A VISUALLY impaired Paralym- after the accident on Thursday are fully cooperating with the pian was hit by a self-driving bus afternoon. police on the case,” the company Austria’s former vice-chancellor Heinz-Christian Strache was con- in the athletes’ village in Tokyo, One of its electric buses added. Several major local media victed Friday over graft charges linked to the giant “Ibiza-gate” scan- suffering head and leg injuries, “made contact with a pedestri- outlets named the injured pedes- dal, which is still roiling national politics two years after it broke. Japanese media said Friday. an who is visually impaired” on a trian as Japanese judo athlete What happened in Ibiza? Toyota, which developed the pedestrian crossing, Toyota said Aramitsu Kitazono. The scandals can be traced back to a meeting in 2017 on the autonomous shuttle buses used in a statement. The 30-year-old fell and and Spanish resort island of Ibiza between Strache, then leader of the in the compound, said it had sus- “We deeply apologize for will need two weeks to recov- far-right Freedom Party (FPOe), and a woman posing as the niece of pended operation of the vehicles those who suffered injuries. We er from his injuries after being a Russian oligarch. treated at the village’s clinic, the Strache was filmed promising the woman state contracts in reports said. exchange for helping his party to campaign for elections on an Tokyo 2020 did not imme- anti-migration, anti-Islam platform. —AFP diately respond to a request for comment. Kitazono was due to Actress hit with $46 mn tax fine as China compete in the men’s 81-kilo- targets celebrity culture gramme division on Saturday. It was unclear if his injuries meant Top Chinese actress Zheng Shuang was hit with a $46 million tax he could not fight. evasion fine Friday while references to film star Zhao Wei were Two bus operators -- on wiped from video streaming sites as Beijing steps up its campaign board to supervise the autono- against celebrity culture. mous driving -- said they noticed Beijing is on a mission to rein in what it calls “chaotic fan cul- the athlete, but thought he would ture” and celebrity excess, after a spate of scandals in recent months stop walking as the bus was ap- that have taken down China’s biggest entertainers including singer Self-driving shuttle buses are operating 24/7 in the Village. proaching, according to Japan’s Kris Wu, who was arrested on suspicion of rape earlier this month.— PHOTO: AFP Asahi daily.—AFP AFP 29 AUGUST 2021 THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR GLOBAL AFFAIRS 15 Nuclear test ban would limit development of NEWS IN BRIEF new weapons, says head Afghan evacuation restarts after IS THE new head of the Com- adopted by the U.N. General suicide bombings prehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Assembly in 1996. Japan ratified kill at least 110 - Treaty Organization said the it in 1997. treaty would place a “real limit” For the treaty to come into reports on the further development of effect, it must be signed and rat- Last-ditch evacuation flights new weapons by nuclear armed ified by all 44 countries that had took off from Kabul airport states if it comes into effect and nuclear reactors for research on Friday, a day after twin becomes legally binding. or power generation while the suicide bombings on crowds Robert Floyd, who was ap- treaty was under negotiation, trying to flee Taliban-con- pointed executive secretary of but eight including China and trolled Afghanistan killed the preparatory commission the United States have yet to scores of people, including 13 for the CTBTO this month, told do so. US servicemen and two UK Kyodo News in a recent inter- “The CTBT as a treaty en- nationals. view that having the test ban joys really strong support by According to Al Jazeera’s team enter into force would also make the vast majority of states in the in Afghanistan, at least 110 it “practically impossible” for world,” Floyd said, adding that people were killed. any non-nuclear armed states the pact is “actually already hav- Other media outlets have put Robert Floyd, the new executive secretary of the preparatory the death toll at 170. to develop such weapons in the ing an effect” due to the global commission for the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty future. norm against nuclear testing. Organization, speaks to Kyodo News in Vienna, Austria, on 20 August The blasts, claimed by the Is- The CTBT, which prohibits With the CTBTO providing 2021. PHOTO: KYODO lamic State jihadist group, countries from carrying out all the International Monitoring injected further panic into types of nuclear explosive tests, System, a worldwide system observing radioactive particles out that being detected, which the final days of an already has been signed by 185 states that detects nuclear explosions among other verification tech- gives us some benefit already,” frenzied US-led airlift. and ratified by 170 after it was by collecting seismic data and nologies, “nobody can test with- Floyd said.—Kyodo The attacks targeted US forces, but hit hardest the mass of people fearing life under the US warns ‘credible threats’ to Future of Kabul airport subject Taliban who converged on the airport in a desperate bid to Kabul airlift after IS attack of intense negotiations board a flight out. Kabul resident Abdul Majeed WHO will ultimately run the ment spokesman Ned Price said he saw a few hundred airport in Kabul after US forces said Friday, cutting off specu- people - dead and alive - leave? That question -- a vital lation about the possibility of it brought overnight to hospital, one for Afghanistan’s new Tali- falling into international hands. as he searched for his younger ban rulers but also for Western However, the Afghan brother who had been among nations still hoping to evacu- government collapsed in the the crowds. ate everyone eligible -- is the face of the Taliban advance on “My brother was not among subject of intense and complex Kabul, and now the onetime them,” he told AFP.— AFP talks. insurgents are in power but Next week, on 1 Septem- still haven’t even formed a gov- ber, Hamid Karzai Internation- ernment. Bobby Kennedy’s al Airport will be under the con- “Running an airport is not assassin granted People disembark from a Royal Air Force military transport aircraft trol of the hardline Islamists, an uncomplicated piece of busi- parole in California carrying evacuees from Afghanistan in the United Arab Emirates on who already on Friday claimed ness,” Price said. “I think that 19 August. PHOTO: GIUSEPPE CACACE/AFP to have moved into certain ar- it is probably unreasonable to The man convicted of shoot- eas of the military side of the expect that there will be nor- ing dead Robert F. Kennedy THE high-risk Kabul airlift oper- wards an August 31 deadline. facility. mal airport operations on Sep- in a 1968 assassination that ation to evacuate Americans and US media reports suggest- “We are departing by 31 tember 1.” The idea that the rocked the United States was Afghan allies still faced “specific, ed the toll could be more than August. Upon that date, we are airport could be temporarily granted parole Friday. credible threats”, the Pentagon double that, but officials in Kabul delivering -- we’re essentially closed was raised on Wednes- Sirhan Sirhan, now 77, has said Friday, one day after a sui- did not immediately reply to AFP giving the airport back to the day by his boss, Secretary of been behind bars for five cide bomber targeted the throng inquiries about the figure. Afghan people,” State Depart- State Antony Blinken. —AFP decades -- despite doubts that trying to flee Taliban-controlled “We still believe there are he fired the shots that likely Afghanistan, killing scores of credible threats... specific, cred- changed the course of US people including 13 US service- ible threats,” Pentagon spokes- politics. men. man John Kirby told reporters. Kennedy, the younger brother The blast claimed by the Is- “We certainly are prepared of slain president John F. Ken- lamic State jihadist group tar- and would expect future at- nedy, was campaigning for the geted US forces, but hit hardest tempts, absolutely,” he said. Democratic nomination when the mass of people who had con- The Pentagon clarified he was gunned down in a Los verged on the airport in a desper- that there was one explosion Angeles hotel. ate bid to escape the Taliban’s Thursday, not two as previously His murder came just months feared hardline rule. believed. At the White House, after the killing of Black civil At least 72 civilians and 13 President Joe Biden’s press sec- rights leader Martin Luther American troops were killed, ac- retary Jen Psaki said the coun- King Jr, and as a divided Amer- cording to various authorities, in try’s national security experts ica was deep in an unpopular an attack that came after a cho- have said another attack is “like- war in Vietnam. The Hamid Karzai International Airport in Afghanistan (tarmac rus of warnings of an imminent ly” and the next few days will be Sirhan was convicted and sen- pictured in this handout satellite image released by Maxar threat to the US-led evacuation “the most dangerous period to Technologies) is in a bad state, according to US officials. PHOTO: tenced to death in 1969 after effort, with the clock ticking to- date”.— AFP SATELLITE IMAGE ©2021 MAXAR TECHNOLOGIES/AFP/FILE pleading guilty.—AFP 29 AUGUST 2021 16 SPORT THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR MFF highlights FIFA president statement on its media Republic of the Union

MYANMAR Football Fed- do so in the future. The re- players in the world com- of Myanmar eration yesterday high- lease of players in the up- pete in leagues in England lighted the statement of coming international win- and Spain, and we believe State Administration Council the FIFA president Gianni dows is a matter of great these countries also share Infantino on its official urgency and importance,” the responsibility to pre- website to show up My- FIFA president said. serve and protect the Nine Objectives anmar’s football world is “I am grateful for the sporting integrity of com- 1. Political affairs connecting with the world support and cooperation petitions around the world. (a) To build a Union based on democracy and federalism, through a level. from many stakeholders “Together we have disciplined and genuine multiparty democratic system that is fair In the statement, the in the game during this shown solidarity and unity and just. FIFA president pointed out challenging period. I am in the fight against COV- (b) To emphasize the achievement of enduring peace for the entire the struggles of the football calling on a show of soli- ID-19. Now, I am urging nation in line with the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement (NCA). world during the pandemic darity from every member everyone to ensure the and future plans of football association, every league, release of international (c) To continue implementing the principle of peaceful co-existence across the globe. and every club, to do what players for the upcoming among countries through an independent, active and non-aligned “We have faced global is both right and fair for the FIFA World Cup qualifi- foreign policy. problems together in the global game. ers,” the FIFA president 2. Economic affairs past and must continue to “Many of the best added. —GNLM (a) To enhance production based on agriculture and livestock through modern techniques and strengthen all-round development in other sectors of the economy. Paralympics: New regime pays off (b) To develop a stable market economy and promote international investment in order to enhance the economic development of the for leaner, meaner Sato entire National people. (c) To promote and support local businesses to create employment Sato installed a new, ul- opportunities and increase domestic production. tralight magnesium alloy 3. Social affairs leg rest on his wheelchair, while replacing iron wheel (a) To ensure a strong and dynamic Union spirit, the genuine spirit of fastenings with lighter ti- patriotism. tanium. His leaner 70-kilo- (b) To respect and promote the customs and traditions of all National gram body, down 8 kg from peoples and preserve and safeguard their cultural heritage and Rio, was achieved largely national characteristics. thanks to the efforts of his (c) To enhance the health, fitness and education quality of the entire wife Mayuko, who prepared nation. his meals after spending time studying nutrition. Sato nevertheless Svitolina steps up US Open prep by Tomoki Sato (L) of Japan celebrates after winning gold came into the race rough- for the men’s wheelchair T52 400-meter at the Tokyo ly 20 kg heavier than the reaching Chicago WTA final Paralympics on Aug. 27, 2021, at the National Stadium in reigning Paralympic 400 Tokyo. PHOTO: KYODO and 1,500 champion, U.S. OLYMPIC bronze medallist Elina Svi- net of France. Cornet defeated Russian AFTER taking silver in the physique and lighter wheel- racer Raymond Martin, tolina continued her US Open build up Varvara Gracheva 4-6, 6-1, 6-0 to reach men’s wheelchair T52 400 chair, the 31-year-old set a who got off to a much fast- with a three-set win over Rebecca Pe- Saturday’s final in one of two WTA events and 1,500 meters at the 2016 Paralympic 400 record of er start. terson to reach her first WTA final of serving as final tune-ups for the US Open Rio de Janeiro Paralym- 55.39 seconds Friday to win But after a furious final 2021 at the hardcourt event in Chicago. that starts Monday in New York. Svitolina pics, Japan’s Tomoki Sato Japan’s first athletics gold stretch, Sato got his nose in The top-seeded Ukrainian, who hadn’t fired 29 winners, including seven aces, decided to make whatever medal of the Tokyo Games. front to finish just 0.20 sec- reached a final since her title run in Stras- on the way to a much needed victory. changes he could to reach Believing even the tini- ond ahead of Martin, who bourg last September, defeated Sweden’s Since earning bronze at the Tokyo Games the top of the podium. est weight reduction could he will battle again in the Peterson 6-1, 6-7 (4/7), 6-3 to line up a Svitolina had lost her opening matches in With a trimmed-down make a crucial difference, 1,500 on Sunday.—Kyodo meeting with ninth-seeded Alize Cor- both Montreal and Cincinnati.—AFP

Paralympic triathlete who helped Spain fight Covid wins gold

DURING Spain’s tough lockdown last her boss would hold a meeting each “I was also afraid of catching year, Paralympic triathlon champion morning. “He gave the new data, and Covid,” said the athlete, who has al- Susana Rodriguez trained furiously things were going really wrong,” the binism and is partially sighted, and at home and helped fight the corona- 33-year-old told AFP ahead of her competes with a guide. “For a blind virus in her job as a doctor. competition at the virus-postponed person, we rely a lot on touching Rodriguez -- who swam, cycled Tokyo Paralympics. “I realised that things, and when (the pandemic) and sprinted to gold in Saturday’s the Games would not be possible started, everything turned to dis- PTVI race for athletes with visual before they said they wouldn’t be in tancing, and touch was not the best impairments -- said working in a hos- 2020.” She then put her specialisation idea. So it was difficult, especially in pital meant she “knew Covid was very in physical medicine and rehabilita- the beginning.” Rodriguez, who has serious, since the very beginning”. tion to use by helping patients recover competed in para-athletics since she In the fraught early days of the from the most severe infections -- was a child, eventually took a break pandemic, when she was on the phone while fitting in hours on her treadmill from her medical career to focus on Spanish gold medallist Susana Rodriguez celebrates with lines to assess people with symptoms, and exercise bike between shifts. preparing for victory.— AFP her guide. PHOTO: SARA LOEHR /AFP