JAMADA ALTHANI 12, 1442 AH MONDAY, JANUARY 25, 2021

16 Pages Max 19º Min 04º 150 Fils Established 1961

ISSUE NO: 18343 The First Daily in the Arabian Gulf www.kuwaittimes.net

US ambassador tours Tears, fears as India’s huge Timeless art mechanics McGregor knocked out by 3 Qurain Martyrs Museum 7 virus vaccine push falters 13 embraces 3D future 15 Poirier in stunning upset

Amir renames Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled to form new govt Opposition MPs reject granting premier immunity against grilling

By B Izzak Anas Al-Saleh and foreign minister Sheikh Ahmad Nasser Al-Sabah. 35 passengers KUWAIT: HH the Amir Sheikh Nawaf MP Yousef Al-Ghareeb called on Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah yester- Sheikh Sabah to adopt qualifications only on each day named outgoing Prime Minister and competence as the main parame- HH Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al- ter for selecting the 15-member Hamad Al-Sabah to form the next Cabinet. Seven leading opposition arriving flight Cabinet, weeks after its resignation. lawmakers issued a brief statement Sheikh Sabah tendered his Cabinet’s immediately after Sheikh Sabah was KUWAIT: A decision to limit the capacity of resignation last month, less than a reappointed as premier, insisting that incoming flights to a maximum of 35 passengers month of its formation, after three they totally reject any agreement to on each flight went into effect yesterday, accord- opposition MPs filed to grill him over provide the premier with any immuni- ing to a report in Al-Qabas Arabic daily. This allegations of violating the constitu- ty against political questioning and caused prices to skyrocket to KD 1,000 per ticket tion and backing the election of popular supervision. for nearby destinations, in addition to some airlines Speaker Marzouq Al-Ghanem. The statement, signed by MPs canceling scheduled flights for financial reasons, leading to the cancellation of around 60,000 Under the Kuwaiti constitution, Mohammad Al-Mutair, Khaled Al- reservations. there is no time limit for the premier Otaibi, Shuaib Al-Muwaizri, A circulation sent to airlines operating at to submit his candidates for the new Abdulkarim Al-Kandari, Bader Al- Kuwait airport said the operating capacity for Cabinet. A number of opposition MPs Dahoum, Thamer Al-Suwait and have called on the premier not to Mubarak Al-Hajraf, stressed that the arriving flights will be amended from Jan 24 until KUWAIT: HH the Amir Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah meets HH the Prime retain a number of ministers, especial- issues raised by the grilling filed Feb 6, excluding domestic helpers and transit pas- Minister Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah at Seif Palace yesterday. — AFP sengers. There are no changes to passenger ly Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs Continued on Page 2 capacity for departing flights. An official source said the spread of a coron- avirus variant and the discovery of two cases in “extremely weak physical condition” the country in passengers arriving from Britain Rescuers save and rushed to hospital, CCTV said. made health authorities increase supervision on all The 11 miners were rescued after arrivals by testing them at the airport before they the air ventilator shaft was cleared, enter the country. He said incoming flights could 11 trapped the official state news agency Xinhua be reduced to only 15 daily after some airlines reported, citing the operation’s com- cancelled their flights to Kuwait. Chinese miners mand center. A further 10 remain The source said the decision may be reviewed unaccounted for. Specialist teams after private labs become available at the airport, BEIJING: Rescuers in east China have been battling difficult conditions for which preparations are ongoing. He said com- yesterday pulled 11 miners from hun- since an explosion at the Hushan mine mercial operations in the first stage of a return to dreds of meters underground where in Shandong province trapped the normality allowed for around 5,000 daily arriving they had been trapped for two weeks, miners underground amid rising passengers, but with this decision the number will state media reported, as the race to waters on Jan 10. drop to no more than 1,000. locate the remaining 10 intensified. The explosion occurred in a venti- The miners were brought to the sur- lator shaft, causing a blockage that News in brief face starting from around 11 am yes- damaged the cable car. Yesterday terday, state broadcaster CCTV morning the huge obstacles suddenly reported - a major breakthrough for a fell to the bottom of the shaft, allow- Oman bars expats from some jobs rescue operation that has captivated ing the operation to take a big step QIXIA, China: One (blue helmet) of 22 Chinese miners is rescued yesterday from hundreds of the nation. One miner was in Continued on Page 2 meters underground after being trapped for two weeks after a goldmine explosion. — AFP MUSCAT: Oman announced yesterday it will bar expatriates from certain private sector jobs in an effort to create more employment oppor- kingpin Tse Chi Lop, 57, for years until his arrest by Sam Gor is believed to launder its billions in drug tunities for its citizens amid an economic down- Asia drug lord Dutch police on Friday acting on a request from money through businesses springing up in turn. The Omani labor ministry announced work Australia’s federal police. Southeast Asia’s Mekong region - including casinos, permits of foreigners in those professions will In a statement yesterday, Australian authorities hotels and real estate. Australia’s federal police said not be renewed after their expiry date. Various arrested after said a man “of significant interest” to law enforcement Friday’s arrest followed an operation that in 2012- jobs in insurance companies, shops and car agencies had been detained. A police spokeswoman 2013 nabbed 27 people linked to a crime syndicate dealerships, including finance, commercial and Australia probe confirmed his name as Tse Chi Lop. The Chinese-born spanning five countries. The group were accused of administrative positions, will be “limited to Canadian citizen has been compared to Mexican drug importing “substantial quantities of heroin and Omanis only”, the ministry said. – AFP SYDNEY: The alleged ringleader of Asia’s biggest lord Joaquin “El Chapo” Guzman. He has been named methamphetamine” into Australia, long a lucrative crime syndicate and one of the world’s most wanted by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime market for drug traffickers. “The syndicate targeted men has been arrested in the Netherlands, with (UNODC) as the suspected leader of the Asian mega- Australia over a number of years, importing and dis- Egypt begins vaccination drive Australian authorities pushing for his extradition to cartel known as “Sam Gor”, a major producer and tributing large amounts face trial. Police had been chasing alleged drug supplier of methamphetamines globally. Continued on Page 2 ISMAILIA, Egypt: Egypt began its COVID-19 immunization program yesterday, becoming one of the first countries in Africa to vaccinate its citizens, with a doctor and a nurse receiving the percent success rate in COVID-19 Chinese-made Sinopharm jab. The inoculation Czech trainers detection in samples of human scent. will be available to all health workers for free, “The study is designed to verify dogs’ Health Minister Hala Zayed said yesterday. She teach dogs to ability to detect COVID-19 and gen- also paid tribute to over 330 doctors in Egypt erate a method enabling the use of who have died from the virus. — AFP trained dogs in combatting the pan- sniff out virus demic,” project head Gustav Hotovy told AFP. “The method should also KLINY, Czech Republic: In a dog work with other diseases, even more Polisario rebels launch attack training center built inside a shipping lethal than COVID-19,” Hotovy said.

container located in a Czech mountain “In the end, we should be able to ALGIERS: Pro-independence rebels fighting village, Renda, Cap and Laky are detect a huge number of people in a Morocco over the disputed territory of Western being put to the test. They sniff at six very short time with a trained dog,” Sahara yesterday vowed a military escalation, vessels, each containing a piece of he said, speaking in the snowy village hours after launching an overnight attack. The cloth with scent from patients with Polisario Front said they had bombarded the of Kliny near the German border. COVID-19, negative donors, or fake Morocco-controlled area of Guerguerat, a Vlachova told AFP the first study con- samples. “Good boy!” exclaims Lenka crossing point between Western Sahara and firming dogs are able to detect tissue Mauritania in a UN-patrolled buffer zone. A Vlachova, a trainer working at attacked by a virus was conducted in Moroccan official however told AFP there had Prague’s fire brigade, as jagdterrier the United States about a decade ago. only been “harassing fire”, labeled the attack Renda sits down by one sample, wag- “The virus changes the human tissue, claim part of a “propaganda war” and insisted ging his tail. affecting the scent signature of the KLINY, Czech Republic: Head of the project Gustav Hotovy stands behind his big “the situation is normal”. — AFP (See Page 5) The team of dog trainers are work- person,” she said. Schnauzer dog inside the training center for COVID-19 sniffing dogs located inside a ing in their own time and report a 95- Continued on Page 2 ship container on Jan 22, 2021. — AFP 2 Established 1961 Monday, January 25, 2021 Local Prime Minister expresses gratitude for Amir’s trust

‘Commitment to constructive cooperation to achieve reform’

KUWAIT: His Highness the Amir Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah meets His Highness the Crown His Highness the Amir Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah meets National Assembly Speaker Prince Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah. — Amiri Diwan and KUNA photos Marzouq Al-Ghanem.

His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah meets His Highness the Prime His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah meets a number of Minister Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah. Cabinet members.

KUWAIT: His Highness the Amir Sheikh Nawaf Al- affairs, infrastructure development and public servic- Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah received, at Seif Palace es are of interest to the next government. His Highness yesterday, His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh the Prime Minister added that the executive and leg- Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah. His Highness the islative authorities face numerous challenges in light Amir also received National Assembly Speaker of the international and regional changes, namely Marzouq Al-Ghanem and His Highness the Prime COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, he called for safe- Minister Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al- guarding the country’s security, safety and stability Sabah. His Highness the Amir received as well Deputy under the leadership of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Prime Minister and Minister of Defense Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and His Hamad Jaber Al-Ali Al-Sabah, and Deputy Prime Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Minister and Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs Al-Jaber Al-Sabah. Anas Al-Saleh. Meanwhile, His Highness the Crown His Highness the Amir had signed a decree yester- Prince received Ghanem, His Highness Sheikh Sabah day appointing His Highness Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Khaled, Sheikh Hamad Jaber Al-Ali, Saleh, Al-Hamad Al-Sabah as Prime Minister and assigned Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Dr Ahmad Nasser him to form a government. His Highness the Amir Al-Mohammad Al-Sabah and Minister of Interior assigned His Highness Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled to Sheikh Thamer Ali Sabah Al-Salem Al-Sabah. submit his cabinet line-up to approve their appoint- In the meantime, His Highness Sheikh Sabah ment, the decree read. Meanwhile, Chief of Kuwait affirmed appreciation to His Highness the Amir Sheikh National Guard His Highness Sheikh Salem Al-Ali Al- Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah for putting his Sabah sent a cable of congratulations to His Highness confidence in him. Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled said in a Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled on his appointment as prime statement that the relationship between the govern- minister of the State of Kuwait. In the cable, His ment and the National Assembly was drawn up by Highness Sheikh Salem Al-Ali felicitated Sheikh Sabah Article 50 of the Constitution and stressed on Khaled on earning confidence of His Highness the His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah meets National Assembly enhancing the forms of constructive cooperation to Amir, wishing him all success in the top-level service. Speaker Marzouq Al-Ghanem. achieve desired reform in the national economy and In other news, His Highness the Amir sent a cable of prosperity for Kuwait and its people. He pointed out condolences to Bahraini King Hamad bin Isa Al- that the next government will work to coordinate with Khalifa over the passing of Sheikh Ibrahim bin works in its free time and relies on scant financial members of the National Assembly on all issues, with Abdullah Al-Khalifa. His Highness the Amir extended Czech trainers means provided by a local dog food maker. continuation of combating corruption through a num- his deepest sympathies over the loss, wishing the fam- Cynologist Katerina Jancarikova said the virus- ber of legislations aimed at addressing the elimination ily solace in this time of grief. His Highness the Crown affected tissue made up “just a tiny fragment in the of corruption as well as parliamentary and media Prince and His Highness the Prime Minister sent similar teach dogs to... overall scent, a part of the dogs’ puzzle”. “It’s like elections’ laws. Moreover, the economic and social cables to the Bahraini Monarch. — KUNA looking for Wally,” she said, referring to the popular Continued from Page 1 children’s books in which a tiny character in red and white stripes has to be found in pictures of a huge of Asia’s meth comes from “Golden Triangle” border Hotovy, a retired cynologist whose team started crowd. Jancarikova said any dog can be trained for areas between Laos, Myanmar, Thailand and south- Asia drug lord training the dogs last August, said that the signature detection as long as it is cooperative. west China which are pumping unprecedented changes “so much that it is immediately discernible As Vlachova led Renda back to the van, Hotovy quantities of synthetic drugs into global markets. for the dogs”. The samples used are obtained merely walked into the training centre with a sturdy giant arrested after... A study by the UNODC says Southeast Asia’s by rubbing a piece of cotton against the patient’s schnauzer named Laky who eagerly sniffed at the crime groups are netting more than $60 billion a skin. The team then has to ensure the sample is virus- vessels, placed in a different pattern, before easily Continued from Page 1 year. The production of methamphetamine - either free to prevent the dogs from catching the disease. in tablet “yaba” form or the highly potent crystal- identifying the positive one. “He was once reluc- Using the same sampling method, a Finnish team of illicit narcotics, laundering the profits overseas lized “ice” version - as well as ketamine and fen- tant to cooperate,” he chuckled, adding that the has been using dogs for testing at Helsinki airport, and living off the wealth obtained from crime,” the tanyl, take place primarily in Myanmar’s eastern dogs showed the same eager response when let reporting its dogs can detect the virus with close to Australian police said. As part of the 2012-2013 Shan state, but much of the precursor chemicals loose in a nearby house where a guest who tested raids across Melbourne, police seized AUS$9 mil- needed to cook them flows across the border from 100 percent accuracy. Vlachova said the Czechs positive for COVID-19 had been staying. “They lion (US$7 million) worth of assets, including cash, China. would like to work together with the Finns or with immediately jumped at his bed with the same hap- designer handbags, casino chips and jewelry. Thailand in 2018 netted more than 515 million French and German teams working on similar proj- py reaction they show over a positive sample in The arrest of Tse Chi Lop almost a decade after yaba tablets, 17 times the amount for the entire ects. Unlike their western peers, the Czech team the center,” he said. — AFP that operation’s launch is a major breakthrough for Mekong region a decade ago, said the UNODC. Australian authorities. The country’s attorney-gen- Drug hauls feature near daily in headlines across er miners, who wore black shades to protect their eral will now begin preparing a formal extradition the region, with traffickers finding more creative eyes from the light. One appeared to be holding his request for the alleged drug lord to face trial. Most ways to ship out their illicit products. — AFP Rescuers save hands as if praying. 11 trapped... Contact was first established a week ago with a minister would be selected to form a new Cabinet that group of 11 miners trapped in a section of the mine Amir renames would overcome the political and financial crises fac- around 580 m below the surface. One of them was ing the country through national agreements to fight Continued from Page 1 seriously injured in the initial explosion and died after corruption and apply reforms. The movement warned falling into a coma. Another miner was found alive by Sheikh Sabah... that non-agreement and failure to respond to people’s forward, rescue expert Du Bingjian said. “After rescuers as they attempted to reach the group. demands are likely to lead to a political deadlock and the obstacles fell to the bottom of the shaft, the res- Rescue teams have been lowering food, medicine Continued from Page 1 complicate the situation. cue team started to bring up the miners and sus- and other supplies to the group through several Meanwhile, MP Abdullah Al-Turaiji asked Minister pended the drilling work,” Du told the Global Times. lifeline shafts drilled into the rock. State media against the prime minister are still effective. The of Justice Nawaf Al-Yaseen about the names of cur- “It is currently unclear when the rescuers will reach reported Friday that the health of the miners had grilling filed last month by MPs Dahoum, Otaibi and rent and former MPs and state officials who had been the Sixth Central Section where the missing miners been gradually returning to a “normal state” after Suwait was backed by 38 MPs, well over the 25 votes interrogated by the public prosecution on charges of are believed to be.” regular deliveries of food. Life detectors and nutri- needed to declare non-cooperation with the prime profiteering from public funds, harming public funds State broadcaster footage yesterday showed a ent solutions have been lowered to other parts of minister, which could either lead to dismissing the and forgery. He also demanded to know the amount small elevator carriage lifted to the surface, accom- the mine in the hope of reaching those still missing. Cabinet or dissolving the National Assembly. of money that has been stolen and if the investigations panied by rescue workers. A masked man, who In Dec, 23 workers died after becoming stuck The Kuwaiti Progressive Movement meanwhile have proven that there had been a criminal agreement appeared unable to stand, was carried out. Later underground in the southwestern city of said in a statement that it was hoped a new prime between those accused of stealing public funds. footage showed emergency workers lifting out oth- Chongqing. — AFP Established 1961 3 Local Monday, January 25, 2021 US Ambassador tours Al-Qurain Martyrs Museum Ahead of 30th Anniversary of Kuwait’s Liberation

KUWAIT: US Ambassador to Kuwait Alina L Romanowski visited Al-Qurain Martyrs Museum News in brief yesterday alongside US Senior Defense Official to Kuwait Brigadier General Darrin Slaten and KD 5,000 fine for cutting trees Secretary General of the Kuwait National Council for Culture, Arts, and Letters (NCCAL) Dr Kamel KUWAIT: Official sources said people who Al-Abduljalil. cut down trees can face criminal charges as The visit comes as part of a series of activities per the laws of the environment authority. The organized by the US Embassy to commemorate sources, quoted in an Al-Qabas Arabic daily the 30th anniversary of Kuwait’s liberation. At the reported yesterday, said concerned authorities museum, Ambassador Romanowski discussed key will take strict measures against those felling milestones of the liberation with the Secretary trees, adding there will be no laxity in protect- General, including the events that took place in Al- ing the environment. The sources said after the department that monitors the govern- ment’s performance learned about the issue, head of department Sheikh Ahmad Al-Mishal A reminder of contacted Environment Public Authority Director General Sheikh Abdullah Al-Ahmad Kuwaitis’ and the issue is being followed since. The sources said felling trees in any place KUWAIT: US Ambassador to Kuwait Alina L Romanowski in a group picture outside Al-Qurain Martyrs bravery is a crime punishable under article 41 of the Museum. environmental law, which bans grazing or use of land for irrigated farming or any other January 1991, the late President George HW Bush The US Embassy in Kuwait will roll out a series activity that may harm the amount or quality announced the start of Operation Desert Storm. A of activities in the next few weeks to commemo- of the green cover in any area. Destroying Qurain, where in February 1991 Kuwaiti resistance US-led coalition fought alongside Kuwait to expel rate the 30th anniversary of Kuwait’s liberation, plants and trees and plucking flowers in pub- fighters battled Iraqi soldiers who attacked with Iraqi forces, and Kuwait was liberated at the end including the unveiling of a glass sculpture piece lic areas and facilities are prohibited, tank, rocket, and machine-gun fire during the 10- of February 1991. that will be gifted to His Highness the Amir Sheikh excluding what is mentioned in the imple- hour siege. “The liberation is a pivotal part of our two Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, as well as a mentation rules of this law for development “Al-Qurain Martyrs Museum serves as a countries’ shared history, because it formed the music video collaboration between US and purposes - in any case the removed shrubs poignant reminder of the bravery of the Kuwaiti basis for the unbreakable partnership that we Kuwaiti artists. Later this year, the US and Kuwait and trees must be compensated for. Fines people during the resistance, as well as the sacri- enjoy today,” Romanowski said. “The United will also mark the 60th anniversary since formal may reach KD 5,000 against those involved fices they made to liberate their country,” States is just as committed to Kuwait’s security diplomatic relations were established between the in cutting trees. Ambassador Romanowski said during the tour. In today as it was 30 years ago.” two countries.

200+ students expelled In my view KUWAIT: The education ministry has expelled more than 200 students for exceed- Your freedom ing the number of absent days allowed during the first term of school, Al-Jarida Arabic Daily reported yesterday, quoting educational stops here! sources. Some of these students were absent for more than 25 days, the sources said, adding the public education department has By Azzah Al-Ghamdi received more than 200 applications from their parents to reinstate them back to school. his article talks about the need to US Ambassador to Kuwait Alina L Romanowski is taken on a tour inside the museum. The applications are now with the ministry respect each other and accept the oth- undersecretary. Ter, which is the role that UNESCO is entrusted with through the formulation of school curricula in order to avoid the negative Termination conditions effects of hate speech. This is something that UNESCO has not been able to achieve until KUWAIT: An informed source at the Public today, which is what it must take care of in Authority for Manpower said conditions for order to be able to achieve the general goals canceling work permits of absconding work- of the United Nations. ers will be reviewed. Al-Anbaa Arabic daily Thousands of years ago, people fought quoted the sources as saying that among the criminality around the world and intellectual conditions is that the company’s file should intolerance that causes hate. We can say this not be suspended at the authority and the is the most essential element for crime and not work permit must be valid, in addition to hav- accepting each other. Maybe before 100 ing no cancellation request for the worker. years, the world was separate of each other The company must also issue a decision to and many news and opinions were not known terminate the worker’s contract. The sources between societies. This is not the case today said only if all these conditions are present after the Internet and social media. Borders will the authority issue a decision to cancel between states broke down and today we all the work permit, and in turn the residency will know each other. Social media gave us the be cancelled too. chance to discover so many cultures. US Ambassador to Kuwait Alina L Romanowski is seen during the tour. And the challenge today is how we adapt different minds to be able to accept each oth- er. This is the big challenge which faces the United Nations today, to check treaties are effective and force different states to follow international instruments such as the instru- ments of UNESCO. Because some states fol- low these instruments and others don’t, and this is not acceptable. With education, we can reach acceptance by reading and practicing how we should accept differences in societies. These goals were the most important goals of UNESCO, but today after hate speech and different crimes which happened around the world, we can tell UNESCO has failed in reaching its main goal, because hate speech and crimes haven’t been eliminated, and this will cause a crisis in different domains. First we will fail to save the souls from different criminals, and on the other hand, many sectors will be affected negatively, such as the busi- ness sector, because it will be the first sector to be negatively affected from these crises which have been seen from time to time. And the business sector in our opinion is the most important sector that we should support, because today the world’s main lan- guage is the economy. If we will not maintain these sectors, they will be affected negative- ly, and this is not acceptable. On the other hand, some other sectors will also be affect- ed negatively, such as tourism, because if security is not tight, this will affect tourism around the world. This responsibility should make us support the role of the United Nations today more than before. We want the United Nations to take steps and ensure different states respect the treaties which they have been signed. We should all bear this responsibility together without throwing it between each other. The first step is to have good knowledge about freedom and how we should stop our freedom in the area of others without causing any offense to the beliefs of others. This is the most important culture UNESCO should focus on when it starts to set educational sub- jects around the world. • Al-Ghamdi is in her last semester of law at Kuwait International Law School. 4 Established 1961

Monday, January 25, 2021 Local

Established 1961 The First Daily in The Arabian Gulf Kuwait real estate market THE LEADING INDEPENDENT DAILY IN THE ARABIAN GULF ESTABLISHED 1961 slowdown ‘to end by summer’ Founder and Publisher YOUSUF S. AL-ALYAN Editor-in-Chief Association objects government efforts to reduce expats’ numbers ABD AL-RAHMAN AL-ALYAN By Ben Garcia their tenants discounts, while some even waived EDITORIAL : 24833199-24833358-24833432 two or three months of rent to help renters cope,” ADVERTISING : 24835616/7 KUWAIT: The real estate market was adversely he added. FAX : 24835620/1 CIRCULATION : 24833199 Extn. 163 affected by the coronavirus pandemic, especially Dowhees believes the slowdown is temporary ACCOUNTS : 24833199 Extn. 125 commercial properties. But according to the Kuwait and will come to an end at the beginning of summer. COMMERCIAL : 24835618 Real Estate Association, the downturn is temporary “Vaccines have already rolled out in many countries P.O.Box 1301 Safat,13014 Kuwait. and a return to growth is on the horizon. Prior to the around the world and the majority of the population Email: [email protected] pandemic, according to data published by the asso- will be vaccinated by that time. Besides, we have Website: www.kuwaittimes.net ciation, residential properties numbered 371,006 been through many trials - this scenario is very and investment properties 13,353. Based on 2017 familiar to many of us in Kuwait. We have overcome data, only 21,529 apartments were vacant, so the several challenges, from the Al-Manakh stock mar- occupancy rate was 86.8 percent. ket crash to the invasion of Kuwait (by the Iraqis) News in brief The average monthly rent at that time was KD and the Gulf War, but we were able to rise up from 279 and after adjusting the occupancy ratio, the these crises,” Dowhees said. Defense minister congratulates effective monthly rental was KD 242. At that time, “I believe this crisis is temporary too and will KUWAIT: Ahmed Al-Dowhees, Secretary General of the Kuwait Real Estate Association, speaks to Kuwait US counterpart the association expected the construction of an come to an end very soon. We will return to additional 875 buildings or an additional 6.6 per- normal in a matter of months, inshallah, and we Times. —Photo by Yasser Al-Zayyat KUWAIT: Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of cent of apartments during the next two years will be as strong as before - mark my words. Defense Sheikh Hamad Jaber Al-Ali Al-Sabah sent yester- (until 2020). Many commercial establishments were unable Kuwait’s 2035 vision. We need housing projects. day a congratulatory cable to his American counterpart But even prior to the pandemic, there were lin- to cope and closed their shops temporarily; We need to build new cities. We have the Silk City Lloyd Austin on his new position. In the cable, Sheikh gering doubts about the property market, and a many were out of jobs. But if you notice now, project, for example. Who will help us build these Hamad wished Austin all success and to the United States slowdown in occupancy rate was seen due to the we are almost back to normal,” he added. projects? Who will help us run related business- further progress and prosperity. —KUNA sharp drop in oil prices on the international market. Asked if there is an oversupply of apartments es? In fact we need more of them [expatriate “The average monthly rental decreased to KD 278.9 in Kuwait currently, Dowhees said the market is labor],” asserted Dowhees. in Q4 2017 from KD 313.2 in Q2 2015. This is a “UAE and Qatar continuously host expats to 384 COVID cases decline of 10.9 percent over two years, an annual help their economies. We are not unique from decline rate of 5.5 in monthly rentals,” the associa- these countries. They rely on expats and I believe KUWAIT: Kuwait’s Health Ministry listed 384 coron- tion revealed. Kuwait is a great and generous country for expats avirus (COVID-19) cases while no deaths were too,” he added. “But on a personal note, I agree recorded in the past 24 hours. The ministry said in a Huge impact We will be as with the government’s decision to let go of expats statement that this brings the country’s total infections Speaking to Kuwait Times, Ahmed Fares Al- strong as over 60, but only if they have no families here. If to 161,285 while the total deaths remained at 952. The Dowhees, Secretary General of the Kuwait Real they have families, they need to reconsider this ministry added that the number of people who are Estate Association, acknowledged the huge impact before decision. What we want them to look into is the receiving treatment reached 6,080 as of yesterday, of the coronavirus pandemic on Kuwait’s investment fact that 20 expats have to live in one apartment - while 48 patients are in intensive care units (ICUs). It real estate sector, both commercial and residential. this is dangerous and unhealthy.” pointed out that 7,695 swab tests were conducted in “During the first salvo of the pandemic, many In mid-2020, Ibrahim Al-Muhaini of Al- the same period, bringing the total to 1,463,176. The were gravely affected, including the real estate sec- Muhaini Real Estate Center admitted that real ministry had announced earlier 507 recoveries from tor. The same situation goes for other countries as rebalancing. “There is supply and there are ten- estate rentals were gravely impacted by the the virus, bringing the total to 154,254. —KUNA well. Until now, some of the businesses are yet to ants too. People are moving from one flat to departure of expatriates. Nearly a quarter million recover, but this is the reality in a crisis situation another because some flats have now reduced expats have left the country after losing their Aid to Yemenis such as the pandemic. Many businesses have their rent by up to 20 percent. This is normal. jobs due to the pandemic, and according to esti- closed. Restaurants, coffee shops, salons and health People will move from one place to another, mates, this figure could rise to almost one million, clubs were all affected, big and small shops were whether we like it or not. That is why in order to ADEN: The Kuwait Society for Relief yesterday distrib- Al-Rai Arabic daily reported. “I don’t think that uted 6,000 food baskets in four Yemeni governorates closed including entertainment facilities for children, avoid losing their tenants, building owners many expats have left. A few thousands for sure, namely Aden, Taiz, Abyan and Al-Hudaydah. The aid is which are yet to reopen. Tenants said they barely should lower the rent as well,” he said. but not more than 100,000; maybe 67,000 only,” part of Kuwaiti relief campaign that has been providing get anything from the businesses they are in, so Muhaini said. such assistance for war-affected Yemenis for six years. some had to close their companies,” Dowhees said. Expats’ numbers The Kuwait Real Estate Association was estab- During the launching ceremony, general coordinator of “But thank God the government recommended According to Dowhees, the Kuwait Real Estate lished in 1990 to act as an umbrella organization the relief committee Jamal Al-Faqih thanked Kuwait, His several measures to cope with the impact of this Association is against government efforts to for the real estate owners to represent their com- Highness the Amir and the government for their contin- pandemic, including waiving rent and the suspen- reduce the number of expatriates in the country. mon interests in the business community and ued humanitarian effort and support to Yemenis. He sion of repaying loans to banks. Those recommen- “Such moves will drastically affect the real estate oversee the rights of the real estate sector in the lauded the society’s generous backing to all sectors, dations floated by MPs at that time helped us a lot situation in the country. We need expats to work country. It was founded by late Sheikh Nasser noting that this will contribute to improving living con- to quickly overcome the immediate impact of the for us and help us recover from the onslaught of Saud Al-Sabah, who exerted a lot of efforts to ditions of the displaced families in Yemen. —KUNA pandemic. Real estate owners have given many of the pandemic. Besides, we have several plans for create the group.

account’s grand prize Gulf Bank’s song winner was remarkable on several levels. For surpasses 20 million starters, it marked the first time that Gulf Bank has given out a prize views on social media equivalent to KUWAIT: Gulf Bank is marking the successful 1,500,000 Kuwaiti launch of its ‘Al-Danah Taghneek’ song, which Dinars! To mark this was released in celebration of Gulf Bank’s special occasion, we newest Al-Danah Millionaire. In less than a collaborated with week since its release, the song has gained over beloved artists Khaled Najla Al-Essa 1.7 million views on YouTube and more than 20 Al-Mulla and Marwa million collective views across various social Ben Sghaier to release media channels. a comedic and cheerful song that reflects all the In honor of the occasion, Kuwait Pulse FM joy that winning can bring, in addition to the 88.8 hosted Gulf Bank’s Assistant General impact that winning can have on someone’s life. Manager of Marketing, Najla Al-Essa, and the We are extremely proud to mark the song as a stars of the song, renowned artists singers success, especially considering the significant Khaled Al-Mulla and Marwa Ben Sghaier. Essa amount of views the song has garnered in such and the singers discussed their experience in a short period of time. We are delighted at the filming the song and the production of its vari- song’s success, and look forward to working on ous comedic scenes, which highlight the many more projects that our clients can enjoy.” life-altering possibilities that come with winning Essa added, “Although this year’s annual Al- the Al-Danah account’s grand prize. Danah draw event was held virtually in the The song was released ten days ago as part interest of everyone’s safety and in compliance of Gulf Bank’s virtual draw event that aired on with national health requirements, it is neverthe- Al-Rai TV, in addition to Kuwait Pulse FM 88.8 less one of the largest celebrations in Gulf and the Bank’s various social media channels. Bank’s history! In addition to giving out a draw The song paints an exciting picture of all the prize that was bigger than ever, this year also possibilities that can come with winning Al- marked the celebration of Gulf Bank’s 60th Danah’s grand prize of KD 1,500,000 and anniversary. For over six decades, Gulf Bank has alludes to the sheer size and magnitude of the been proud to honor its commitment to sustain- Al-Danah prizes, including the many ways that ability at the economic and community levels, all winners can spend the draw prizes to enhance while offering its clients the highest levels of their lives forever. customer service. Now more than ever, it gives Gulf Bank’s Assistant General Manager of us great pride to be at our esteemed clients’ Marketing, Najla Al-Essa, commented: “This service, and we look forward to continuing to year’s draw event to announce the Al-Danah serve them for many years to come.”

Group picture of the production team. International MONDAY, JANUARY 25, 2021 Russia police violence in spotlight after 3,500 Tears and fears as India’s huge coronavirus vaccine push falters Page 7 protesters detained Page 6

WASHINGTON, DC: Saying, “The Biden’s are a National Guard family,” first lady Jill Biden greets members of the National Guard with chocolate chip cookies outside the Capitol on Saturday in Washington, DC. —AFP For much of world, Biden means continuity The rhetoric might change, but overall goal of US foreign policy could remain the same WASHINGTON: Joe Biden has begun his presidency Blinken also said he would keep the US embassy in mate accord and stop the US exit from the World Health raise awareness of suffering in the country. But she voiced with sharp breaks from Donald Trump in both substance Israel in Jerusalem, a landmark Trump decision on the sta- Organization and rescinding a ban on visitors from a particular concern about the Biden team’s direction on and tone, from climate change to immigration to a general tus of the contested holy city, and stood by US recogni- number of Muslim-majority countries. Blinken said that Israel. “Trump’s actions were designed to placate the most openness to working with the rest of the world. But on tion of opposition figure Juan Guaido as crisis-wracked the administration will end US military support for Saudi extreme elements of Israeli political life and if Biden several key international issues, the Biden administration Venezuela’s president. Even on Iran, where Biden plans a Arabia’s devastating offensive in Yemen, pointing to the doesn’t reverse them, the US position becomes a means of has signaled that it will not deviate from Trump, drawing U-turn by returning to diplomacy, Blinken and the new role of the Trump-aligned kingdom in what the United normalizing those extremes,” she said. unease from some on the left who hoped for a cleaner director of national intelligence, Avril Haines, used nearly Nations calls the world’s largest humanitarian disaster. The bulk of Biden’s key officials served with him under break but also renewing a US tradition of continuity in identical language to emphasize a long road ahead as president Barack Obama, whose legacy was on the line foreign affairs. they put the onus on Tehran to return to compliance with Smaller shift on foreign policy when Trump walked away from the Paris and Iran Paul Poast, a political scientist at the University of a 2015 accord rejected by Trump. Senator Lindsey Phyllis Bennis of the Institute for Policy Studies, a left- accords. Obama, who rose to prominence with his oppo- Chicago, said that the fundamental objective of the United Graham, a Trump ally, smiled and said “we’re off to a good leaning Washington think tank, said that Biden was shap- sition to the Iraq invasion, as president poured troops into States since the end of the Cold War has been to maintain start” with Blinken, a longtime advocate for refugees who ing up to be the most progressive president in modern US Afghanistan, ramped up drone strikes and put a new primacy, a challenge that has become all the more perti- answered the Republican’s question about a caravan of history on key issues including economic equality, racial focus on Asia in the face of China. nent with the rise of China. Hondurans heading to the United States by advising, “I justice and climate. “Having said that, I think foreign poli- Trump vowed to end “forever wars” and break ways “Maybe the rhetoric changes a bit but regardless of would say, do not come.” cy is the arena where you see the biggest gap between with Washington experts but further intensified drone who’s president, the overall goal of US foreign policy The preternaturally calm Blinken’s approach may the Biden or centrist wing, whatever you want to call it, attacks and hiked military spending as part of his remains the same. And with Biden, I’m not expecting that largely be shrewd politics in facing an evenly divided and the progressive wing,” she said. “America First” policy. “If you were ever to see somebody to change.” Antony Blinken, Biden’s pick to be secretary Senate-and it appears to have paid off, with the former “There are some very thoughtful people like Blinken. totally change the direction of US foreign policy, it would of state, in his Senate confirmation hearing said that Senate aide coasting toward easy confirmation as They are smart, they are experienced, but they are also all have been Trump, but even then it’s hard to say that he Trump “was right in taking a tougher approach to China,” America’s top diplomat. Biden has followed through on inside players at a moment when we need bold new ideas,” did,” Poast said. a signature policy of the defeated president that has promises to erase some of Trump’s most controversial she said. She hailed the shift against backing the Saudis in “If anything, Trump was the exception that proved drawn growing bipartisan support. moves, immediately taking action to rejoin the Paris cli- Yemen, calling it the culmination of years of activism to the rule.” —AFP

and Research at The Soufan Group, “the energy and Trump’s backers momentum that the far right has is stronger than any time in News in brief recent memory. angry and not “The question is, what happens next?” 11 fighters killed in IS attack United in anger SAMARRA, Iraq: At least 11 fighters from Iraq’s Many expected that Trump’s exit and the expulsion of state-sponsored Hashed al-Shaabi force were going anywhere extremists from Facebook, Twitter, Parler and other social killed in an ambush by the Islamic State group media would calm things. Instead, it has added to the furor north of the capital on Saturday, Hashed security WASHINGTON: The American far right is angry: Angry at and galvanized the disparate far-right groups. “They are far sources said. The jihadists used light weapons and Joe Biden, angry at Donald Trump, angry at the enigmatic “Q” more united in what they are against than what they are for” the cover of darkness to target the Hashed east of and angry with themselves. The online postings and chat- said Clarke. Tikrit, the capital of Iraq’s Salahaddin province, rooms of extremists have been brimming with disappointment Hayden said the deplatforming by social media companies WASHINGTON: In this file photo supporters of US two days after a twin suicide attack claimed by the and dissent since the failed January 6 insurrection against of users they consider beyond the pale is “becoming a unify- President Donald Trump, including member of the QAnon Congress and the inauguration of Joe Biden as president. ing grievance.” Most have relocated to a few welcoming plat- conspiracy group Jake Angeli, aka Yellowstone Wolf (cen- group killed 32 people in Baghdad. —AFP Followers of the QAnon conspiracy movement-and its forms, foremost Telegram, where new QAnon and Proud ter), enter the US Capitol, in Washington, DC. —AFP Delphic prophet Q-are most in disarray, their millenarian pre- Boys pages have hundreds of thousands of followers. dictions of chaos and doom accompanying Biden’s elevation “The infrastructure really still exists” for the far right to that door. Many are even angry that Trump hasn’t clearly to the presidency not (or not yet) coming true. convene, said Hayden. defended the more than 120 who arrested and hundreds Dubai slows down vaccine rollout Ultranationalists like the Proud Boys, armed militias such as more under investigation for the Capitol attack. the Oath Keepers, and dangerous white supremacists and Q and Trump But the far right “is coming to terms with” his departure DUBAI: The emirate of Dubai has said it was neo-Nazis have been pushed further underground, with fol- QAnon began in late 2017 with cryptic statements from and regrouping without him, said Hayden. slowing down its rollout of the Pfizer-BioNTech lowers who took part in the Capitol attack being swept up by the mysterious Q on the 8kun website. coronavirus vaccine due to a temporary delay in law enforcement. No one knew who Q was, but his statements mobilized Body-blow global deliveries. Dubai, one of the seven emi- Experts in extremism and domestic terrorism say these Trump followers to believe there was a Democratic and QAnon followers though were dealt a second shock. On rates that make up the United Arab Emirates, groups have been dealt a blow by Trump’s exit from power. “deep state” plot against the president. As time passed they Wednesday Ron Watkins, whose father controls 8kun and began mass inoculations in December after the But they also maintain that the groups are not disappearing, absorbed other conspiracy theories, including one about a who many believe is or knows the real “Q,” announced he approval of vaccines by Chinese firm Sinopharm and in some ways are now more motivated toward undertak- global child kidnapping racket, and bizarre end-of-times pre- was quitting the movement and wiped out all of 8kun’s and US drugmaker Pfizer and its German partner ing more dangerous attacks. dictions. And Trump’s tweets, campaigns and rallies became QAnon archives. BioNTech. —AFP The more extreme groups are looking at the large pool of a focal point for Q followers. “We gave it our all. Now we need to keep our chins up disheartened QAnon types for recruits, they say. “The rheto- After his election defeat, they gave momentum to his and go back to our lives as best as we are able,” he posted on ric remains heated, people are not cooling off. They are not “Stop the Steal” campaign centered on the false claim that Telegram. “We have a new president sworn in and it is our adjusting well to Biden,” said Michael Edison Hayden, senior Biden’s victory was somehow fraudulent. responsibility as citizens to respect the Constitution.” Libya to open candidacy process investigative reporter at the Southern Poverty Law Center, That led directly to the January 6 Washington insurrection “That was a massive body-blow to the movement,” said which researches extremism. in Trump’s name that left five dead. But Biden’s inauguration Karim Zidan, an investigator for Right Wing Watch. But Zidan LIBYA: Representatives from rival Libyan camps Far from depleted, said Colin P. Clarke, Director of Policy Wednesday and Trump’s quiet departure to Florida closed said the movement has proven it can live without Q. —AFP said a candidacy process would open Tuesday for key institutional appointments, after a new round normal”. Moroccan TV channel 2M showed images of ty barrier. The Guerguerat road crossing had been of talks in Morocco on ending nearly a decade of W Sahara rebels trucks in the Guerguerat area and reported the situa- “closed” and the situation there was “chaotic”, said Ould conflict. The process, set to run until February 2, tion was “normal” early yesterday. Western Sahara is a Oukal, secretary general of the Sahrawi ministry of secu- aims to quickly fill several strategic posts in order former Spanish colony contested since the 1970s rity. “This is only the beginning,” he said. “It is a warning to facilitate collaboration with an interim executive launch attack, between Morocco, which controls three-quarters of it, to the users of this road and this land. The whole territo- body set to be elected next week in Geneva, a and the Algeria-backed Polisario Front, which demands ry of Western Sahara is a war zone and is not safe.” The joint statement said Saturday. —AFP independence for what it calls the Sahrawi Arab senior Moroccan official contacted by AFP in Rabat warn of escalation Democratic Republic. however said: “There was harassing fire near the area of A UN-backed political process has been suspended Guerguerat, but it did not affect the trunk road, traffic ALGIERS: Pro-independence rebels fighting Morocco since March 2019, and the two sides remain separated was not disrupted. “It’s been part of a cycle of harass- over the disputed territory of Western Sahara yester- by a 2,700-kilometre (1,700-mile) sand barrier. ment for more than three months,” he said. 19 charred bodies found day vowed a military escalation, hours after launching Tensions rose sharply when Morocco on November 13 “There is a desire to create a propaganda war, a an overnight attack. The Polisario Front said they had sent troops into the buffer zone to reopen the only media war, on the existence of a war in the Sahara” but CIUDAD VICTORIA, Mexico: At least 19 bombarded the Morocco-controlled area of road leading from Morocco to Mauritania and the rest “the situation is normal”, he said. The UN-backed charred corpses have been discovered in Mexico Guerguerat, a crossing point between Western Sahara of West Africa, after separatists had blocked it the pre- ceasefire deal was meant to lead to a referendum on near the US border in an area where drug cartels and Mauritania in a UN-patrolled buffer zone. vious month. The Polisario responded by declaring the self-determination for the Britain-sized territory, home often clash, the Tamaulipas state prosecutor’s AFP could not obtain independent confirmation of 1991 ceasefire null and void, arguing the road had not to about one million people. Morocco has offered office said. Police on Saturday found two burnt- the reported rocket strikes, or of any possible casual- existed when the truce was signed and was therefore autonomy but maintains the territory is a sovereign out vehicles containing human remains on a ties, from the remote desert region that is largely off- illegal. The two sides are reported to have since part of the kingdom. Rabat has won the recognition of country road near the town of Carmago. limits to journalists. “The war will continue and esca- exchanged regular fire along the demarcation line. its claim to sovereignty over the entire disputed terri- Preliminary investigations suggested the victims late,” senior Polisario security official Sidi Ould tory from numerous countries which have opened con- had been shot, then their bodies set alight. Loukal told AFP by phone. “All positions of the ‘War zone’ sulates in Western Sahara. Former US president Moroccan army are targets of this war.” Because no bullet casings were found at the The pro-independence rebels overnight launched Donald Trump late last year also backed Morocco, A Moroccan official however told AFP there had scene, police said it was possible the victims four rockets toward Guerguerat, the Sahrawi press breaking decades of precedent, in exchange for Rabat only been “harassing fire”, labeled the attack claim part were killed in a different location. —AFP agency SPS said, also reporting attacks along the securi- normalizing relations with Israel. —AFP of a “propaganda war” and insisted “the situation is 6 Established 1961 Monday, January 25, 2021 International Russia police violence in spotlight after 3,500 protesters detained West condemns ‘harsh tactics’ used against Navalny supporters

MOSCOW: Nearly 3,500 protesters were arrested at protests were illegal and took place during a coron- demonstrations in support of jailed Kremlin critic avirus pandemic. “I see no violations whatsoever,” he Alexei Navalny, a monitor reported yesterday, as said. “These events are illegal.” authorities probed violence on the part of both pro- He also accused TikTok, a Chinese video-sharing testers and police. app beloved by teens, of encouraging minors to par- Police clashed with demonstrators in Moscow as ticipate in Saturday’s protests. “This calls for an inves- tens of thousands took to the streets across the coun- tigation,” he said. Moscow also accused US diplomats try on Saturday following Navalny’s call to demon- of publishing protest routes in advance of the demon- strate against President Vladimir Putin’s 20-year rule. strations and of promoting a “march on the Kremlin” A number of protesters were injured, including a and said the representatives of the US embassy would woman in Saint Petersburg who was hospitalized with be summoned by the foreign ministry. a head injury and was in intensive care Sunday. A US mission spokeswoman said US embassies and The West condemned the arrests and “harsh tac- consulates around the world routinely issue safety tics” used against demonstrators, with EU foreign poli- messages to US citizens. “This is a common, routine cy chief Josep Borrell saying the bloc would discuss practice of many countries’ diplomatic missions,” she “next steps” on Monday. Late Saturday the told AFP. Investigative Committee, which probes major crimes, The OVD Info monitor said police seized at least said it launched criminal inquiries in Moscow over the 3,435 demonstrators across dozens of cities, with use of violence against law enforcement, hooliganism 1,360 people detained in Moscow and 523 in the sec- and property damage. ond city Saint Petersburg. “Investigators are continuing to study and analyze a large amount of photo and video materials,” the ‘Impressed and inspired’ Committee said. In a separate statement, investigators Saturday’s protests took on an unprecedented geo- said Sunday a 36-year-old man hit two policemen at graphic scale, spanning more than 100 cities across the Saint Petersburg protest and was detained. the country. Around 20,000 people protested in Moscow and more than 10,000 in Saint Petersburg, ‘Woman in intensive care’ MOSCOW: Protesters clash with riot police during a rally in support of jailed opposition leader Alexei Navalny in according to AFP estimates. Leonid Volkov, head of But Saint Petersburg prosecutors also said they downtown Moscow .-AFP Navalny’s regional network, praised the turnout. were probing violations “on the part of law enforce- “I am certainly proud, very impressed and ment” and the use of force against a woman. The inspired,” Volkov told AFP. Navalny’s team is hoping to statement was released after local media published a Saint Petersburg’s Dzhanelidze hospital said Yudina people were taken to hospitals and received medical stage a new rally next weekend. Putin’s most charis- video showing a middle-aged woman falling to the was hospitalized with a head injury. “She is in a serious assistance after the protests. matic critic was detained at a Moscow airport on ground after being kicked by riot police. condition,” a hospital representative told AFP on “No one required further hospital treatment,” the arrival a week ago from Germany, where he had been In the video, a woman-identified as Margarita Sunday. “She’s in intensive care.” statement said. The head of the Kremlin’s human rights recovering from a near-fatal poisoning with a nerve Yudina-is seen asking three policemen in full riot gear Moscow authorities for their part insisted that no council, Valery Fadeyev, said most of those detained in agent. He is the target of several criminal probes and why they are detaining a young protester. One of the one remained hospitalized in the capital following the Moscow had been released. supporters fear authorities are planning to sentence policeman then kicks her in the stomach. rallies. Officials said in a statement on Sunday that 29 He also defended the detentions, saying the him to a long prison term to silence him. — AFP

Harsh reality UK’s poorest Kamaljit spent the first lockdown at home. But Brazil’s late and rocky unlike last year, youngsters classed as “vulnerable” can still attend school. She went back to school last week struggle with because of her situation at home. But many families- start on vaccinations many of them from Black, Asian and minority ethnic homeschooling groups worst hit by the virus-are refusing to do so, fuels public ire despite their circumstances, out of fears they will catch it. According to official figures, more than four million LONDON: With schools closed due to the coronavirus or nearly a third of all children in Britain are living in BRASILIA: Brazil’s newly launched vaccination cam- pandemic, millions of children in Britain are struggling poverty. The pandemic has highlighted deep inequali- paign against COVID-19 has gotten off to a late and to learn remotely, because of a lack of computers, ties and the Conservative government has been forced rocky start-as the country is hammered by a second internet or quiet room to study. “At home, I have to into providing free school meals, after a campaign by wave of the disease, it is already close to running out of share the computer with my big brother and sister,” the Manchester United footballer Marcus Rashford. vaccine, syringes and other vital equipment, according said eight-year-old Kamaljit Sultana, who lives in Over Christmas, UNICEF even gave a grant to distrib- LONDON: Britain’s Prime Minister Boris Johnson attends to scientists who blame the government of Jair Tower Hamlets in east London, one of the city’s poor- ute food to children in London-the first time the UN a virtual press conference on the novel coronavirus Bolsonaro. The campaign only began on Monday in the COVID-19 pandemic, at 10 Downing Street in central est boroughs. Without her class teacher to help her, children’s agency had ever done so in the UK. Last country of 212 million, weeks after the United States London. — AFP “it’s more difficult, I’m a bit lost!” she added. month, the government promised to distribute a million and European countries launched their vaccination More than 93,000 people have died in Britain in the laptops to poorer families. It later pledged a further programs. outbreak, and the country has been in a new lockdown 300,000. But there have been delays in delivering the The late rollout, hampered by short supplies, has since early this month, as a new variant of the virus has devices, which campaign groups call a “lifeline.” sparked growing public ire, with widespread complaints caused a worrying surge in cases. Education Secretary According to campaigners, the government initia- Johnson, Biden about people being vaccinated out of turn. Thousands Gavin Williamson is hoping to reopen schools by tive only tackles the tip of the iceberg. “We support of people in several cities mounted protests this week- Easter in April, leaving families several more months to families where there are six people living in one room. to deepen ties, end demanding Bolsonaro’s ouster. The inoculation drive struggle with homeschooling. James Turner, chief They don’t have a table, there’s no chairs... If they want so far involves six million doses of the CoronaVac vac- executive of educational charity the Sutton Trust, said to sit, they have to sit on the bed, or sit on the floor,” work on climate cine from China’s Sinovac, and two million of the British the poorest children suffer the most. said Laurence Guinness, chief executive of the AstraZeneca-Oxford jab, which arrived Friday after sev- Childhood Trust, which helps children in the British eral delays from India where they are made. The capital. The son of one single mother with two chil- LONDON: Boris Johnson and Joe Biden on Saturday Butantan Institute in Sao Paulo, associated with Sinovac, dren “sits in front of the toilet, and uses the toilet seat vowed to deepen ties and cooperate on tackling climate has also received authorization for another 4.8 million as his desk”, he added. change in their first conversation since the US president’s doses of CoronaVac. Other children are forced to stay in houses without inauguration, the British prime minister’s office said. heating and cannot concentrate on lessons. “They get Johnson congratulated Biden on his inauguration and “the Warnings of delays too cold, they have to keep moving,” he added. two leaders looked forward to deepening the close But no sooner had the vaccination program begun Another family had only one lightbulb, he said. They alliance between our nations”, said the statement from than professionals sounded the alarm about delays. This refused more, fearing not being able to pay the bill. For Downing Street. comes at a time when the pandemic has been surging, such children, the closure of schools deprives them of British newspapers reported that Johnson was the first claiming more than 1,000 lives a day and more than “an escape from the very harsh reality of their lives,” European leader to receive a call from Biden, who earlier 215,000 to date, second only to the US total of over said Guinness. spoke to Canadian and Mexican counterparts. 415,000. Any interruption in the supply chain could The right-wing Sunday Telegraph reported that bring the vaccination program to a sudden halt, accord- 18-month delay Johnson was the first leader outside North America to ing to Isabella Ballalai, vice president of the Brazilian Charities are concerned about the long-term speak to Biden “after his scheduled call was brought for- Society for Immunology (SBIM). She denounced what impact of the school closures on children who may be ward two days in what will be seen as a major boost for she called “the incompetence of the Health Ministry” and A boy uses the Moodle learning platform for home- the special relationship between the UK and US.” Biden said greater transparency is needed to restore public schooling.-AFP more vulnerable to gang activity, crime and abuse, and were already lagging behind their peers educationally. on Friday spoke to Canadian Prime Minister Justin confidence. Bolsonaro, who has long played down the “The last lockdown may have reversed as much as 10 Trudeau in his first call to a foreign leader. seriousness of COVID-19, on Friday cast doubt on the Some “either don’t have any devices in their home years of progress in narrowing this gap,” said Turner The White House in a readout of the call said that effectiveness of vaccines. The government acknowl- or they’re trying to learn online using a mobile phone”, of the Sutton Trust. Biden “conveyed his intention to strengthen the special edged this month that it lacked 30 million syringes for he told AFP. And where a phone is available, it is some- Even before the pandemic, the attainment gap was relationship between our countries and also “noted the the first phase of its national plan, which aims-over an times shared between two or three siblings. Kate around 18 months by the time children took GCSE importance of cooperation, including through multilateral unclear timeline-to immunize 50 million people. On top Anstey, of Child Poverty Action Group, says some par- state exams at 16, said Anstey. “The gap will continue organizations, on shared challenges”. of the distribution challenges in this vast country, com- ents were getting up early and writing out worksheets to widen,” predicted Turner. “A few months of lost Johnson tweeted a picture of himself in shirt-sleeves plaints have arisen in several cities about people getting by hand because they do not have a printer. Her group learning could have an impact on these children’s lives laughing as he spoke on the phone. “Great to speak to vaccinated even when not in a priority group. found 40 percent of low-income families were missing for forever,” he said. He praised a national program of President @JoeBiden this evening,” he wrote. The conver- at least one essential resource, such as a laptop, a catch-up tutoring one-on-one or in small groups, and sation appeared aimed at warming frosty relations after ‘Absolute negligence’ In Manaus, the capital of Amazonas state, where hos- device or internet. said it should continue. —AFP Biden in 2019 described Johnson as a “physical and emo- tional clone” of Donald Trump, his predecessor as US pitals are overflowing with COVID patients and oxygen president. Biden has also been critical of Johnson’s Brexit supplies are critically short, the outcry of complaints led take it. Washington diplomatically recognizes Beijing policy, but the Downing Street statement said the leaders to a 24-hour suspension of vaccinations. The Butantan US says support for over Taipei, but remains the latter’s most important “discussed the benefits of a potential free trade deal Institute has said it expects eventually to be able to pro- unofficial ally and military backer. between our two countries”. duce 40 million doses of the CoronaVac; the Fiocruz Beijing baulks at any official contacts with Taiwan Johnson said he intended to resolve current trade foundation, which has links to the Health Ministry, is sup- Taiwan ‘rock-solid’ and tries to keep the island diplomatically isolated. issues “as soon as possible”. Biden, who has Irish roots, posed to produce the AstraZeneca vaccine but has President Donald Trump embraced warmer ties with had warned ahead of his election that if Brexit damaged warned of supply chain problems. the island as he feuded with China on issues like trade the 1998 Good Friday Agreement he would not consent Many experts attribute the delays to Bolsonaro’s fre- WASHINGTON: The United States’ commitment to and national security. Beijing has called for a reset in to a trade deal. That agreement ended 30 years of vio- quent criticism of the CoronaVac vaccine, which they Taiwan is “rock-solid”, the State Department said late US-China ties under Biden and on Thursday warned lence in Northern Ireland. Johnson praised Biden for say has offended the Chinese. The only explanation, said Saturday, as it warned that China’s “attempts to intimi- the US to “cautiously and appropriately handle Taiwan swiftly reversing policy decisions made by his predeces- Margareth Dalcolmo, a pulmonologist and researcher at date” the island are a threat to regional peace. The issues to prevent harm to US-China relations”. But the sor. He “warmly welcomed” Biden’s decision to put the Fiocruz, is “absolute negligence, the diplomatic incom- comments are the first from Washington on relations new US president is expected to remain tough on the United States back into the Paris climate accord and petence of Brazil.” Bolsonaro on Thursday rejected such with Taiwan since President Joe Biden’s inauguration superpower rival despite a softening of diplomatic rejoin the World Health Organization. The prime minister criticism, saying the problem “is bureaucratic and not last week, and came on the same day Taipei reported tone. Protecting Taiwan has become a rare bipartisan also praised Biden’s commitment to reach net zero emis- political.” multiple Chinese jets and bombers had flown into its air issue, especially as Chinese President Xi Jinping has sions by 2050. defense zone. ramped up threats towards the island. Last year, The leaders said they hoped to meet soon and would Rising frustration State Department spokesperson Ned Price said it Chinese airplanes made a record 380 incursions into work together on the United Nations’ global climate Thomaz Favaro, a political analyst with Control Risks, “notes with concern the pattern of ongoing PRC Taiwan’s air defence identification zone and there is lit- change summit to be held in Scotland in November. The pointed a finger at the government, which he said attempts to intimidate its neighbors, including Taiwan” tle sign of a shift since Biden came to power. White House said shared challenges would include “com- “delayed in signing agreements with the laboratories.” and “urges Beijing to cease its military, diplomatic, and Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense said 13 batting climate change, containing COVID-19, and ensur- Brazil has yet to reach agreement to purchase either the economic pressure against Taiwan”. The statement People’s Liberation Army aircraft, including eight ing global health security” and that Biden intended to Pfizer-BioNTech or the Janssen vaccine. But Favaro added Washington would continue to work on “deep- bombers and four jets, entered its defense zone on “revitalize transatlantic ties, underscoring the critical role said Bolsonaro will eventually have to pay a political ening” ties with democratic Taiwan. Saturday. In a tweet on Sunday, Taipei’s Ministry of NATO to our collective defense and shared values.” price, adding, “the delay in the vaccination campaign has Taiwan split from China at the end of a civil war in of Foreign Affairs thanked the US for its statement The leaders “re-committed to the NATO alliance” and a serious impact on economic recovery, and that will 1949. Its 23 million people live under the constant of support “in the face of Beijing’s ongoing coer- “shared values in promoting human rights and protecting increase people’s frustration.” A new poll Friday showed threat of invasion by the mainland, whose leaders view cion.” There was no immediate response from democracy”, Johnson’s statement added. Trump was Bolsonaro’s popularity is at its lowest point — 31 per- the island as their territory and have vowed to one day Beijing yesterday.—AFP highly critical of the transatlantic alliance. —AFP cent-since he came to office in January 2019. —AFP Established 1961 7 International Monday, January 25, 2021 Tears and fears as India’s huge coronavirus vaccine push falters India has vaccinated 1.4 million people in one week GREATER NOIDA, India: India’s huge coron- WhatsApp worries avirus vaccination drive is behind schedule, with a Side effects are a common fear, with a few cases third of recipients not showing up for appointments of severe reactions-and even deaths-reported because of safety fears, technical glitches and a widely in the media and circulating wildly on belief that the pandemic is ending. Facebook and WhatsApp. In the eastern state of After one week, India has vaccinated 1.4 million West Bengal, health chief Ajoy Chakraborty said people, or 200,000 people per day. It had initially that turnout was just under 70 percent, calling it hoped to process 300,000 per day before ramping “not encouraging”. “We could have achieved our up the rollout and inoculating 300 million by July. target if some hadn’t backed out after seeing televi- At the Sharda Hospital in Greater Noida near sion reports of adverse effects following immuniza- New Delhi, pharma student Khushi Dhingra, 17, tion,” Chakraborty said. hugged a friend and wept as she waited to get her But Alisha Khan, 20, a nursing student in Greater shot. “I am very afraid. I hate needles and I am wor- Noida, said people were also hesitant because of ried about side effects,” she told AFP. “My papa is the “rushed” approval of Covaxin. “Why are they very worried too. He is calling me again and again trying to experiment on us? First, they should have to make sure I am okay.” “There are about 80 stu- completed trials in a proper way,” Khan told AFP. “I dents in my batch but only two have opted to get am shivering already out of fear.” the shot,” said nursing student Sakshi Sharma, 21, in Greater Noida. “My friends are saying there will be Coronavirus complacency side effects, that you can even get paralysis.” Dhingra, in the end, did not get a shot after staff India is using two shots for its drive. One is realized she was under 18. She had, however, Covishield, a locally produced version of the received a text telling her to come for the vaccina- Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine, which has been tion from the IT system managing the mammoth HYDERABAD: A member of medical staff reacts as a health worker inoculates her with a Covid-19 coronavirus approved and safely used in a number of other process. The government says that this and other vaccine at a government hospital in Hyderabad. — AFP countries after completing Phase 3 human trials. glitches are being ironed out. The other-Covaxin-was developed locally by One was that if a person did not show up for to be used that day-being thrown away. beginning when there was lockdown, (villagers) Bharat Biotech and has not yet completed Phase 3 vaccination, someone else could not simply take Also hurting the effort is complacency with the were very scared of the coronavirus,” said Asha trials, though the government has insisted it is “110 their place. This led to unfinished vaccine vials- number of coronavirus infections and deaths in Chauhan, 30, who is part of vaccination efforts in percent safe”. which contain a certain number of doses and have India falling sharply in recent months. “In the rural areas. — AFP

Myanmar’s displaced Christians News in brief rebuild lives on Yangon’s outskirts NZ detects first virus case WELLINGTON: New Zealand health officials YANGON: Hammering at bamboo from the remote town of Paletwa to yesterday confirmed the first case of COVID-19 poles to erect a stilt house, minority Myanmar’s sprawling commercial in the community for more than two months, Christians who have fled conflict in capital, where they spent brief stints sparking urgent contact-tracing efforts north of northern Myanmar are building a in temporary camps. They settled last Auckland. A 56-year-old woman who recently sanctuary on the outskirts of Yangon. month on a small plot of land in returned from Europe tested positive 10 days The small Christian community in the Yangon’s Hmawbi Township and after completing a compulsory two weeks in Buddhist-majority nation is part of decided to christen their village managed isolation, although she had noticed 200,000 people displaced since Baythala-or “Bethel”-the biblical symptoms several days before getting tested. 2018 by fierce fighting in northern town that served as a refuge for those Contact tracing was underway after it was Rakhine state. in need, says Kan Lwat. “It means revealed the woman and her husband spent sev- The conflict between the Jesus was blessing and helping peo- YANGON: This photo shows Chin people working in Bethel village in Hmawbi, on the out- eral days travelling around the Northland region Myanmar military and the Arakan ple in trouble with this place, which skirts of Yangon. — AFP while she was potentially infectious, visiting Army, a militant group agitating for will be peaceful.” At Baythala, the vil- about 30 different locations. —AFP more autonomy for ethnic Rakhine lagers bathe outdoors, splashing for the Chin migrants to find work. ration for dinner, Hla Sein watches people, has left hundreds dead or themselves with water stored in large “We have no jobs right now,” the vil- men hammering bamboo poles injured. It has spilled over into neigh- urns, while children play nearby and lage leader says, adding that their together to make a nearby house. “I boring Chin state, forcing ethnic women prepare dinner as the sun food supplies are donated from hope to stay in my own house in this Portuguese voted despite lockdown Chin, who are predominantly sets. There is no water supply or Christian organizations and Chin village forever,” says the 35-year-old. Christian, out of their villages and electricity yet, says Kan Lwat, and rights groups. Despite their troubles, “I feel happy living here. It’s a differ- PARIS: Portugal voted yesterday despite the into temporary camps. “We were the building new homes has taken longer having a safe place without the daily ent feeling (than) in my home village.” country’s pandemic lockdown in a presidential hosts of this war from two sides and than expected as they wait for dona- fear of artillery shelling or soldiers Kan Lwat is hopeful that once the election widely expected to see center-right we saw a lot of trouble,” says Kan tions to buy the materials. encroaching on their village is a god- pandemic eases, and the adults find incumbent Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa win anoth- Lwat, who remembers artillery send, says pastor Aung Far. “Even if employment, 30 or so children in the er term. Polls point to a first-round win for shelling on his town in Chin state. A rare peace we wanted to go home, we can’t live village will have access to better edu- Rebelo de Sousa, a former political commenta- The 36-year-old is the leader of The coronavirus pandemic has in peace because there’s still fight- cation. “Even if our lives are not good, tor turned approachable head of state known about 80 Chin people who travelled pushed once-bustling Yangon into an ing,” the pastor says. I hope my children will have a brighter for candid moments like queuing at the super- more than 600 kilometres (370 miles) economic slump, making it difficult As she chops cucumbers in prepa- future ahead,” he says. —AFP market in shorts, plunging into the sea to help girls whose canoe had capsized or sharing a meal with homeless people. But observers have of Joe Biden, 334 won their races in November, their eye on how a far-right challenger will per- LGBT politicians break more than ever before. “As we run more out LGBTQ form-and whether a plunge in turnout could officials (and) they are successful, they lead suc- produce an upset. —AFP barriers across US in cessfully, that inspires more people to come out and it changes attitudes,” said Annise Parker, the group’s president and CEO. “As attitudes change, it’s easier Mistaken Chile tsunami warning historic election wins to be elected.” CHILE: A 7.1-magnitude earthquake that struck WASHINGTON: When Brianna Titone first ran for Discrimination dismantled Saturday off the coast of Antarctica triggered a a seat in the Colorado House of Representatives, American laws that once openly discriminated tsunami warning but panic ensued when a mes- she was viewed as an unlikely candidate, and her against gay, lesbian and transgender people have sage to abandon coastal areas was sent to a opponents didn’t bother to say much about her been dismantled in recent years, most notably with large number of Chileans, some of whom experi- being a transgender woman. But after winning the the Supreme Court’s 2015 decision to allow same- enced a separate, less dangerous temblor. The seat in an upset and becoming the first transgender sex marriage nationwide. Biden, who took office on shallow Antarctic quake struck at 8:36 pm (2336 legislator in state history, a rival lawmaker voiced Wednesday, has unambiguously embraced LGBT ARVADA: In this photo provided to AFP Courtesy of GMT) in the sea east of Chile’s Eduardo Frei robocalls claiming Titone “wants to force a radical rights, issuing an executive order reaffirming pro- Brianna For Colorado, Colorado House of base, the country’s National Emergency Office sexual agenda on every Coloradan.” tections against gay and transgender discrimination Representative from the 27th district Brianna Titone (Onemi) said, prompting the agency to urge When she held campaign events, people began and also appointing a gay man as transportation poses for a photo in Arvada, Colorado. — AFP evacuation from “the beach area of the shouting expletives from passing cars. Yet that did- secretary and a transgender woman as assistant Antarctic” ahead of a possible tsunami. —AFP n’t stop voters in Titone’s suburban Denver district health secretary, both firsts. tor, who is also the chamber’s first Muslim, won office from giving her a second term-one of hundreds of That’s a break from Trump, who attempted to representing a district that normally supports wins across the United States by politicians from strip transgender people of protections in the Democrats. Stephanie Byers acknowledged that her the LGBT community, for which 2020 was their workplace and bar them from the military, decisions district’s Democratic leanings helped her become Canada voices ‘deep concern’ most successful election cycle in US history. “We Parker said pushed many gay people into politics- the first transgender lawmaker elected to the experienced nasty attacks, personal attacks from although most candidates who triumphed last Kansas House of Representatives and the first MONTREAL: Canada voiced “deep concern” my colleagues, not just conservative groups,” Titone November did so in Democratic-leaning states or transgender Native American lawmaker in the Saturday and urged Moscow to “immediately told AFP about her race. “But we turned that around districts. “I can’t tell you how many candidates I country, but said even conservative voters didn’t release” those detained at protests in Russia and we made hay when the sun was shining.” spoke to over the last couple of years who said, ‘I’m seem bothered by her candidacy. “The fact that I demanding the release of the opposition leader The LGBTQ Victory Fund advocacy group said running because I want my country back,’” she said. ran as an openly trans person and there was no Alexei Navalny. “Canada expresses its deep that of the 782 out candidates at all levels of gov- Reliably Democratic Delaware elected the nation’s pushback at all, from any angle, it made the state- concern with the mass detention of protestors ernment who appeared on the ballots voters also first transgender state senator, while in deeply con- ment that the people of Kansas are ready for this,” and members of the media following peaceful used to unseat Donald Trump as president in favor servative Oklahoma, the first nonbinary state legisla- she said in an interview. —AFP demonstrations in Russia,” Global Affairs Canada said on Twitter. “We call on Russian authorities to respect #HumanRights and imme- Rawlings got his first taste of power in 1979 cent avenue were already swarming with soldiers. diately release those who were detained,” Ghana prepares to when he banded together with other junior officers “They’re afraid there’s going to be trouble,” said Ottawa added. —AFP frustrated over widespread corruption to take Esther Amoo, a local business owner, as she stood bury Rawlings as control. watching the troops train for the ceremony. He quickly handed the reins to an elected presi- “Everyone wants to get their hands on our for- Missing man found parties vie over legacy dent but was soon back at the top following another mer president. Since JJ died, it’s a mess every- coup on December 31, 1981. The son of a Scottish where!” she added. After Rawlings died on AUSTRALIA: A man who went missing more ACCRA: As Ghana prepares for the funeral of for- father and Ghanaian mother, he became a national November 12 the organization of the funeral than two weeks ago in Australian bushland has mer president Jerry Rawlings, the two main political icon as he headed Ghana for 20 years until 2001, became a highly coveted political trophy, even as been found alive, apparently surviving his parties are squabbling over his legacy. Rawlings being voted in as president at the ballot box in 1992 the country was in full presidential election swing. ordeal by “drinking dam water and eating held sway for two decades, first as military ruler and and ushering in democracy. His status as former head of state gives him the mushrooms”, authorities said yesterday. Robert later as elected president. Starting out as a populist inspired by the left- right to a state funeral, but the National Democratic Weber, 58, was discovered near a dam by a He died in November at the age of 73 and his wing policies of the Soviet Union and Cuba, he Congress (NDC), a party he founded and which has local property owner yesterday morning after funeral was initially scheduled for December 23 but eventually turned to free-market economics to now gone into opposition, demanded that it be last being seen on January 6 leaving a hotel in was postponed, because of what the foreign min- boost Ghana’s suffering economy. involved in organizing it. One party leader even Kilkivan, about 200 kilometers north of istry called “unforeseen circumstances”. He eventually became a major figure in West threatened to “steal his remains” following the Brisbane. Queensland police said early indica- It will now take place in the capital Accra on Africa and also a symbol of pan-Africanism. funeral so that the party could bury him again. tions suggested Weber had run into trouble Wednesday. Behind the scenes, Rawlings’ family, This is despite the fact that Rawlings made a after his car became bogged on an unfamiliar traditional chiefs and political figures have been at ‘Political trophy’ very public split from the NDC in 2009, calling par- road. “He remained at his car with his dog for odds over the legacy of the former air force flight Days ahead of the funeral ceremony, which will ty elders “old evil dwarfs”. Rawlings even helped three days before running out of water,” a lieutenant, who twice overthrew governments but be held in Independence Square, symbol of Ghana’s current President Nana Akufo-Addo win the office police statement said. —AFP was widely seen by the poor as their champion. victory over colonial Britain, the square and adja- for the first time in 2016. — AFP Established 1961

MONDAY, JANUARY 25, 2021 Amid challenges, Fed holds first meeting of Biden administration Over 10m US workers remain unemployed; specter of inflation looms WASHINGTON: With a new year and a Federal Open Market Committee rebound and improved hiring, Aaronson new administration in the White House, (FOMC) opens its first two-day policy said. Still, so much about the pandemic- the US central bank nonetheless faces an meeting of the year on Tuesday. induced recession has been historic, and unprecedented challenge in guiding the After slashing the benchmark lending the recovery too will present policymak- post-pandemic economic recovery. One rate to zero early in the coronavirus crisis, ers with scenarios they have never thing Federal Reserve Chair Jerome and massively increasing bond purchases encountered. When the recovery does Powell is unlikely to face from President to pump cash into the economy, the begin, the Fed’s main nemesis-inflation-is Joe Biden is the barrage of Twitter attacks FOMC has signaled will not change poli- likely to flare up in areas that bounce he was subject to, sometimes daily, under cy in the near future. “I think they’ve set back first, like hotels, restaurants and air former president Donald Trump. their course pretty clearly,” Stephanie travel. “There are many aspects of our White House spokeswoman Jen Psaki Aaronson, a vice president at the current economy that are still unprece- last week said Biden “clearly has a great Brookings Institution and former Fed dented. And that means that their job is deal of respect and value for the Federal research economist, told AFP. “I would be incredibly challenging,” George Reserve and role they play.” But even surprised if that really changed through- Washington University economist Tara absent political pressures, the outlook is out the spring.” Sinclair said in an interview. daunting. The initial rollout of COVID-19 The Fed last year announced a new vaccines has raised hopes companies Unprecedented scenario framework that gives officials flexibility to will be able to open for business and Business shutdowns imposed to con- address the situation. The central bank shoppers will open their wallets, improv- tain the spread of the virus caused imme- pledged to allow inflation to exceed its two ing the economy’s prospects. But the diate, massive job losses in 2020, and at percent goal for a time to ensure the unem- WASHINGTON, DC: Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell at the inauguration of US historic nature of the job losses during the end of the year, four million people ployment rate drops from its 6.7 percent President-elect Joe Biden on the West Front of the US Capitol in Washington, DC. — AFP the pandemic-more than 10 million US had been unemployed for six months or level at the end of 2020. That is a radical workers remain unemployed-coupled more, comprising 37 percent of total shift from the past, when central bankers noted that Powell will have to communicate that it’s transitory and that this is with the likelihood inflation in some sec- unemployment. The expectation for more would raise rates early to head off inflation. clearly to both Wall Street and small busi- absolutely part of what they’re aiming tors could spike once the recovery takes government aid under the Biden adminis- “They can see the whites of inflation’s eyes nesses to calm concerns. for,” she said. The Fed’s preferred infla- hold, will test the Federal Reserve’s limit- tration-which has proposed a massive before they need to be necessarily thinking Overshooting on inflation “shouldn’t tion measure, the PCE price index, is ed toolkit. These challenges could be $1.9 trillion rescue package-will give the about really changing policy” under the induce a loss of credibility, as long as running at just over one percent as of discussed when the Fed’s policy-setting central bankers hope for a more solid new framework, Sinclair said. But Aaronson they are able to convince people say November. —AFP Libya oil output makes high-stake Ooredoo announces but fragile return Samsung Galaxy S21 TRIOLI: Oil cartel OPEC saw production rise in December, as Libya’s energy sector sprang back launching offer to life following a ceasefire deal in the war-torn country. KUWAIT: After wit- Libya, sitting atop Africa’s largest proven crude nessing massive success oil reserves, has been ravaged by conflict since a and acceptance with the 2011 NATO-backed uprising that toppled and killed Samsung Galaxy S21 long-time dictator Muammar Gaddafi. As global oil preorder campaign, prices remain volatile in the midst of the novel coro- This file photo taken on June 3, 2020 shows an oil refinery in Libya’s northern town of Ras Lanuf. — AFP Ooredoo Telecom, the navirus pandemic, which has rattled the world econ- first to introduce inno- omy, and further rounds of UN-backed peace talks Countries, reached 25.36 million bpd in December, Tripoli. The GNA is backed by Turkey, while Haftar vative digital services in to build on the October ceasefire and resolve an increase of 278,000 bpd compared with the is supported by Russia, the United Arab Emirates Kuwait, announced yes- Libya’s long conflict, what are the prospects for the previous month. Libya is exempt from OPEC’s pro- and Egypt. terday its launching country’s production? duction quotas, so the cartel needs to keep an eye Haftar agreed in September to lift the blockade, offer on the latest Mijbil Alayoub on its output. Libyan petroleum engineer Al-Mahdi several months after the failure of an offensive by Galaxy S21 series, start- Will Libya return to full output? Omar, however, said his country’s industry was his fighters to take the capital. The blockade result- ing today (25 January) until 27 January 2021, in Libya is now producing 1.224 million barrels per “still in difficulty”, despite the spike. “It’s a miracle ed in lost revenues of almost $10 billion, the which customers who buy any of the Galaxy day (bpd) — a tenfold increase from an average of that the oil sector continues to function despite the National Oil Corporation has estimated. On S21 devices will have the chance to enjoy the 121,000 bpd in the third quarter of 2020, before the dilapidation and damage of infrastructure due to October 26, just days after the ceasefire was unbeatable prices, along with valuable gifts val- ceasefire deal. war, negligence or sabotage,” he said. The oil and agreed, the NOC said it had lifted force majeure- ued KD 92. But that is still below the levels of the Gaddafi gas sector represents around 60 percent of external unforeseen elements that prevent a party Customers can benefit from the limited offer era, said Francis Perrin, head of research at the Libya’s GDP. from fulfilling a contract-on the last oil facility in the on Samsung Galaxy S21 series 5G devices; Paris-based Institute for International and Strategic country. And while all Libya’s oil fields are back Galaxy S21, Galaxy S21 Plus, and Galaxy S21 Affairs. Libya was then producing between 1.5 mil- Some facilities still out of service? online, the NOC announced earlier this month that a Ultra, on Ooredoo ADD for existing in commit- lion and 1.6 million barrels per day, he said. Demand In January last year, armed groups loyal to east- pipeline had been closed for maintenance, causing a ment customers starting from KD 11. Customers for crude has sunk under the impact of Covid-19 ern strongman Khalifa Haftar blocked production drop in production of around 200,000 bpd, can also purchase any of the latest Galaxy and producing nations have been adjusting output and exports from Libya’s most important oil fields Bloomberg reported. devices with Ooredoo’s 5G Shamel Pro plans to support prices. and terminals. They demanded a “fairer” distribu- “This gives you an indication that the infrastruc- starting from KD 26 per month with non-stop Libya’s surge has meant production for OPEC, tion of revenues, which are managed by the UN- ture in Libya is really in bad shape,” Bloomberg local calls and roaming internet, non-stop 5G the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting recognized Government of National Accord in quoted NOC chief Mustafa Sanalla as saying. —AFP internet, and up to KD 320 Gift (devices and digital vouchers). Ooredoo Kuwait is having a roadshow at LSE facing the Avenues, phase 4, Burgan Bank Samsung store, and blockbuster Al-Kout mall until ‘Mega Hit Offer’ Wednesday, 27 IPO year January 2021, to wel- on IPAD 8 from come customers who LONDON: London will enjoy a aim to gain insights very strong year for stock market Best Al-Yousifi about Ooredoo’s lat- flotations, analysts say, arguing est Samsung Galaxy S21 5G offer and that both Brexit and coronavirus KUWAIT: Burgan Bank’s prepaid and offer firms a unique opportunity to credit cardholders can now benefit from thrilled to preorder expand. Various big-name busi- the exclusive monthly ‘Mega Hit Offer’ any of the devices. Mijbil Alayoub, nesses that have seen booming ket,” said Scott McCubbin at financing, alongside ultra-low through its partnership with ‘Best Al- Senior Director, Corporate Communications, online demand from home-bound London-based financial services interest rates. Yousifi’, the leading electronics store in Ooredoo Kuwait, said: “Everything about our customers during COVID-19 lock- giant EY. “An uptick in IPO activi- Kuwait. The bank’s valued customers will products and services, generates unforgettable downs have revealed eye-catching ty may well intensify the competi- ‘Ideal for IPOs’ be given the chance to purchase the latest experiences and meaningful connections with plans for initial public offerings tion for investment, placing greater “Over the past few years we “IPAD 8 -128GB-WIFI) for a special dis- our customers. Thus, we develop our offers (IPOs) in recent weeks. emphasis on preparing early for have also seen a strengthening in counted price today. carefully.” Clarity over Britain’s final IPO and raising profile with the financing available for UK and The offer provides limited quantities of Alayoub added: “Innovation is the root of all departure from the European investors. “Confidence continues European companies in the early the highly demanded tablet and is valid for improvement and all growth. And once again, Union on January 1 acted as a cat- to build with the Brexit deal now stages of their growth,” said 24 hours only. Customers can benefit from we kick off the year with great offers and latest alyst for many companies to raise giving clarity around the future Marcus Stuttard, head of UK pri- the ‘Mega Hit Offer’ while making other devices that enrich people’s digital lives, and funds, according to specialists, relationship with Europe and the mary markets at the London Stock purchases only through the “Best Al- put us at the forefront of the competition. We while the rollout of Covid-19 vac- rollout of Covid-19 vaccinations.” Exchange. “This means that there Yousifi” website or mobile application. promise to continue leading the game, innovate, cines also soothed investor con- Added to the mix, online money are now an increasing number of As the only bank in Kuwait to provide this evolve, and deliver world-class experiences.” cerns over the deadly pandemic. transfer specialist TransferWise dynamic businesses at the stage special offer, the selected product’s price Customers can preorder any of the Samsung So far this year, the celebrated has reportedly appointed banks to and size of development that are can also be viewed on Burgan Bank’s Galaxy S21 5G devices or get this offer from shoemaker Dr Martens, app-driven coordinate a planned float. British ideal for an IPO. “These factors social media platforms on the same day of Ooredoo booth at the Avenues, phase 4 in the meals delivery service Deliveroo media report that others could coming together have contributed the offer. To learn more about Burgan Samsung Al-Babtain showroom and Al-Kout or and online greetings card seller include insurer Canopius, EDF- to the strong IPO pipeline we are Bank’s latest offers or any of its products visit any of the company’s branches and can Moonpig have all outlined plans. owned electric vehicle charging seeing at the start of 2021,” he told and services, customers can visit any of view their subscription data online through the business Pod Point, and online AFP. At the same time, investors the bank’s branches or Burgan Banks MyOoredoo application and the company offi- Confidence continues to build fashion retailer Very. have lots of cash, owing to low Instagram page on @BurganBankKuwait, cial website www.Ooredoo.com.kw in addition “Looking to the year ahead, we The IPO market has also borrowing costs and several billion contact the call center or via WhatsApp to contacting the call center through 121 around can expect 2021 to be a very attracted interest in recent years pounds worth of central bank at 1804080. the clock for all enquiries and services. strong year for the UK IPO mar- due to the easier availability of stimulus funds. —AFP Established 1961 9 Monday, January 25, 2021 Business Miami’s successful pitch to tech companies: How can we help? Some firms started moving from Silicon Valley and New York

MIAMI: The city of Miami, with a growing reputation The COVID factor as a financial services center enhanced by its balmy “The trend of people moving to Miami has been climate and low taxes, is now making a concerted and going on for quite a while, but Covid has accelerated increasingly successful push to attract hi-tech firms this in a big, big way,” said Haggman, while adding that from Silicon Valley and New York. Goldman Sachs and he had no numbers to support that observation. For other financial firms already have a presence in the Lucy Guo, summing up the city’s attractions is simple: southern Florida metropolis. “weather and friends,” she told AFP. The latest arrival is New York firm Blackstone, Plus, she wanted to find a city where her favorite which earlier this month rented a building for a tech- gym-Barry’s Bootcamp-was still open despite the pan- nology unit. And now “techies” are starting to arrive in demic, which “narrowed it down significantly,” said the increasing numbers-investors, designers and engi- 26-year-old businesswoman. She said Mayor Suarez neers-attracted by a thriving technological ecosystem, had persuaded her that Miami “is most likely to by word of mouth from their earlier-arriving peers, and become the next startup hotspot.” by pandemic conditions in some ways more favorable than in hotspots like California and New York. Also A conditional welcome arriving this month was PayPal co-founder Bill Harris, According to Suarez, Miami’s defining demograph- who in his LinkedIn profile has announced he is “build- ic-more than half its population speaks Spanish-makes ing a new fintech in Miami”-a digital consumer finan- it a perfectly welcoming place for new arrivals. “Miami cial services firm. is a startup in and of itself,” he said. “Our people know what it means to struggle and fight hard for what you Viral tweet believe in.” One of those responsible for the surge in tech The question for those techies already in Miami is arrivals is Miami Mayor Francis Suarez, who has whether the new wave of digital nomads will act like an become a star of the tech Twittersphere. His popular- MIAMI: In this file photo, a sign urging people to wear masks is seen in Miami amid the Coronavirus pandemic. The city of Miami, exotic, invasive species or will work to fit in. Will they ity on that social media platform was instantly con- with a growing reputation as a financial services center enhanced by its balmy climate and low taxes, is now making a concert- be able to live with reggaeton tunes played at full vol- firmed in December when Delian Asparouhov, direc- ed and increasingly successful push to attract hi-tech firms from Silicon Valley and New York. — AFP ume on the city’s sunny beaches? Will they grow to tor of the venture capital firm Founders Fund, asked love snacks of croquetas with coffee? Or will they rhetorically, “what if we move Silicon Valley to ‘Cafecito talks’ Haggman, vice president of the economic development merely drive up local housing costs while bringing lit- Miami?” and the Republican mayor immediately In his latest “cafecito talk”-as he calls such meet- group Miami-Dade Beacon Council, told AFP. tle in return? responded, “How can I help?” ings-Suarez chatted with Cameron and Tyler Both Suarez and Haggman stress that the attrac- More than 350 people who have been building That tweet went viral and attracted 15,000 new Winklevoss, the twin brothers who co-founded tions of their “magic city” are not limited to low taxes Miami’s technological ecosystem for years signed their followers to Suarez’s account, including even Twitter Facebook, about the possibility of establishing a Miami and a pleasant year-round climate. names to a manifesto welcoming the newcomers but co-founder Jack Dorsey. “We’re building a holistic headquarters for their cryptocurrency firm Gemini. “What we’ve been quietly building over the last 10 asking them to embrace the city’s principles of inclu- infrastructure where people will want to come to Also announced on social media were the moves in years is the financial and educational backbone to sion, multiculturalism and multilingualism. “There may school here, stay and work here, start their business December of high-powered “unicorn” investors Keith support the entrepreneurs and businesses that are be a lack of concrete plans to welcome new arrivals, or here, raise their children here,” the Cuban-American Rabois, who began his career with PayPal, LinkedIn now seeing what Miami is all about,” the mayor said. (adequate) incentives to create a tech district” like in mayor told AFP. He has spent countless hours over and Square; and of Backend Capital’s Lucy Guo, who The coronavirus pandemic has provided Miami with San Francisco or New York, said Rosa Jimenez Cano, a the weeks in relaxed meetings with investors and co-founded the artificial intelligence platform Scale AI. an added attraction: its balmy weather facilitates out- technology expert who signed the #MiamiTech mani- technical advisors on how best to build and convert “It’s a wave. Every day new people are moving to door meetings, and sanitary regulations are relatively festo. “But it is a great opportunity to create some- Miami into a hi-tech hub. Miami, often announcing their arrival on Twitter,” Matt relaxed. thing that did not exist.” — AFP US existing home sales hit 14-year record despite virus

WASHINGTON: Record low mortgage rates amid the coronavirus pandemic fueled a US housing boom last year, pushing existing home sales to the highest since 2006, according to a survey released Friday. Existing home sales totaled 5.64 million in 2020, 5.6 percent higher than in 2019, the National Association of Realtors (NAR) said. Even as prices LuLu Hypermarket officials in Kuwait, and a gathering Another appealing feature of the India Fest 2021 is rose due to high demand and constrained supply, LuLu Hypermarket of shoppers and well-wishers. the variety of food counters on display from the differ- low borrowing rates and the pandemic’s disruptions The India Fest 2021 food festival, which will run ent states of India, and which offer shoppers the to daily life allowed those who could afford it to buy from 20 to 26 January at all branches of LuLu opportunity to relish delicacies from across the length homes. In December, the pace of sales rose more launches India Hypermarket in Kuwait, coincides with the upcoming and breadth of India. It needs to be emphasized that than expected to 6.76 million annualized, 0.7 per- Indian Republic Day celebrations on 26 January, and the celebrations are being held under strict COVID-19 cent more than November but 22.2 percent higher Fest 2021 provides the Indian community with an additional health and safety protocols. The ‘India Fest 2021’ is than the same month last year. opportunity to celebrate together. part of LuLu Hypermarket’s commitment to create “Home sales rose in December, and for 2020 as a During the week-long celebrations there will be unique and special shopping experiences for their cus- whole, we saw sales perform at their highest levels KUWAIT: LuLu Hypermarket, the leading hypermar- special offers on all Indian-branded products, and on tomers, while providing a range of quality products at since 2006, despite the pandemic,” NAR Chief ket in the region, launched the popular annual Indian fruits and vegetables imported from the country. competitive prices. In addition, the festival is another Economist Lawrence Yun said. “What’s even better food festival on 21 January at the hypermarket’s Al-Rai Cutout displays of traditional monuments from across reminder of the hypermarket’s innovative initiatives is that this momentum is likely to carry into the new outlet. Indian Ambassador to Kuwait Sibi George inau- India will showcase the country’s proud culture and and special promotions that are held throughout the year, with more buyers expected to enter the mar- gurated the exciting festival in the presence of top heritage. year to enhance customer relations. ket.” Ian Shepherdson of Pantheon Macroeconomics disagreed, saying much of the gains were fueled by a wave of home buying that peaked over the summer. “We expect a renewed, sustained, increase in housing activity in the spring, when the COVID pandemic should be receding, but sales are unlikely to rise further before then,” he said in an analysis. Homebuilders have struggled to keep up as sales of new and existing homes boomed, with inventory dropping to 1.07 million units, 16.4 percent lower than November and down 23 percent from the year- ago period. Unsold inventory is at a 1.9-month sup- ply, NAR said, an all-time low. Strong demand caused prices to jump 12.9 per- cent in December from the same month in 2019 to a median of $309,800. Joel Kan of the Mortgage Bankers Association warned the rising prices and tality,” Johnson said at a news conference. He blamed tightening inventory could cut into future sales. Reliance profit Stocks falter as Johnson the variant for the grim situation engulfing the country, “More acute affordability challenges will emerge where another 1,401 fatalities were announced Friday, if inventory stays this tight and home-price growth taking the overall toll to 95,981 — the highest in continues to accelerate,” he said in a statement. soars despite oil says new UK virus Europe. “A lot of people are still fearful about being “This in turn would be especially challenging for out of the market,” O’Hare said. New data showed first-time homebuyers, who make up a third of all business slump strain more deadly existing home sales in December rose more than home sales.” — AFP expected, capping a strong 2020 as Americans took advantage of low borrowing rates to buy homes amid MUMBAI: Indian conglomerate Reliance Industries NEW YORK: Global stocks mostly fell Friday as the upheaval of the coronavirus. said that its profit soared 12.5 percent during the last investors fretted about the economic impact of fresh Among individual companies, Dow member IBM quarter of 2020 despite sharp revenue fall in its domi- virus shocks amid worries that newer Covid-19 strains plunged almost 10 percent as it reported another drop nant oil-to-chemicals business. may be even more deadly than earlier ones. in quarterly revenue. Intel, another blue-chip company, The Mumbai-based oil-to-telecom behemoth- A raft of economic data highlighted the worsening shed 9.3 percent despite reporting better-than- which is owned by Asia’s richest man, Mukesh situation for Europe, which is on course for a double- expected results as the chipmaker faces calls to out- Ambani-said its consolidated profit rose to over 131 dip recession as new COVID lockdowns hit hard, source its manufacturing operations. Carnival dropped billion rupees ($1.79 billion) in the last three months of although US data were relatively strong. 2.5 percent as it canceled more cruises and extended 2020 from around 117 billion rupees a year earlier. The British Prime Minister Boris Johnson warned a new- its pause in business because of the coronavirus, 12.5 percent growth figure was in line with the market er COVID-19 strain may be more deadly, while US announcing US cruises will be offline through April 30. estimates after a 15 percent fall in its quarterly profits President Joe Biden said fatalities in the hard-hit coun- A closely watched survey of eurozone business during the quarter ending September 2020. The com- try are expected to exceed 600,000. The tech-rich activity showed the slowdown accelerated in January, pany said its operating revenues fell 22 percent to 1.23 Nasdaq edged to a fresh record in the United States, confirming worries about the hit from the latest trillion rupees for the quarter, while oil-to-chemical but the Dow retreated, along with bourses in Europe. COVID-19 restrictions. “A double-dip recession for revenues plunged over 28 percent despite witnessing “The optimism of earlier in the week has evaporated,” the eurozone economy is looking increasingly some improvement in the sector. noted Chris Beauchamp, chief market analyst at IG inevitable as tighter Covid-19 restrictions took a fur- “At a time when the Indian economy is poised for a trading group. “The market is underpinned by a great ther toll on businesses in January,” said Chris confident recovery, we at Reliance are humbled that deal of momentum,” said Briefing.com analyst Patrick Williamson, chief business economist at IHS Markit. we have been able to contribute to it with our O’Hare, noting that the Federal Reserve and the newly- An IHS survey on Britain was also weak, underscor- Company’s impressive performance in the third quar- installed Biden administration are intent on taking suf- ing fresh recession fears as well, Williamson said. ter of FY21,” Ambani said in a statement. The company ficient measures to boost the economy. Sterling, which Thursday hit a three-year high against WASHINGTON: Record low mortgage rates amid the coron- recorded a strong growth in its telecom arm Jio, with “In addition to spreading more quickly, it also now the dollar on optimism over a UK vaccine rollout, then avirus pandemic fueled a US housing boom last year, pushing existing home sales to the highest since 2006, according to a profits soaring 15.5 per cent during the October- appears that there is some evidence that the new vari- declined heading into the weekend as Britain sees survey released Friday. December 2020 period.—AFP ant... may be associated with a higher degree of mor- record deaths from COVID-19. — AFP 10 Established 1961

Monday, January 25, 2021 Business Burgan Bank intends to redeem KD100m, Subordinated Tier 2 bonds issued in 2016 Kamco Invest mandated as Fiscal and Principal Paying Agent for bonds KUWAIT: Burgan Bank K.P.S.C — Kuwait’s sec- Following the successful issuance, the Bank Condition 4(d) (Call Option) of the terms and con- Investment Company K.S.C.P. (Kamco Invest) was ond largest conventional bank by asset size - suc- announced yesterday that it issued a notice of early ditions attaching to the bonds as outlined in the mandated as the Fiscal and Principal Paying Agent cessfully placed $500 million Subordinated Tier 2 full redemption of its KD 100 million Subordinated bonds’ Prospectus dated 9 March 2016. for the bonds, and will be advising on and manag- Capital Securities in the international debt capital Tier 2 bonds due 9 March 2026 (bonds), in accor- The prior written approval of the Central Bank ing the bonds’ redemption process. markets in December last year. The bonds have an dance with the terms and conditions of their of Kuwait for Burgan to exercise its Call Option Burgan is rated A+ by Fitch, A3 by Moody’s and eleven-year tenor and an option for redemption issuance. The terms and conditions of the bonds’ was issued on 28 October 2020. Burgan is electing BBB+ by S&P, and is a regular issuer in the inter- after six years from the date of their issuance issuance stipulate that Burgan may exercise a Call to exercise its Call Option to redeem the bonds (in national debt capital markets. All of the Bank’s pre- (11NC6), and are rated A- by Fitch. The bonds Option to redeem the bonds five years from the whole at their principal amount, together with vious bond issuances have been successfully set- comply with the Basel III regulatory framework, as date of their issuance or on any interest payment interest accrued thereon) on their fifth anniversary tled in accordance with the terms and conditions adopted by the Central Bank of Kuwait. date thereafter, subject to the satisfaction of of 9 March 2021 (redemption date). Kamco of their offering. Grand Hyper opens its 68th store in Jahra, Block 4 Tesla sues former employee for stealing 26,000 files SAN FRANCISCO: Tesla has sued a former employee for allegedly stealing about 26,000 confidential files in his first week of working at the company, according to a court filing seen by AFP. The company said on Friday that within three days of being hired, software engineer Alex Khatilov “brazenly stole thousands of trade computer scripts that took Tesla years to develop” and transferred them to his personal Dropbox, a cloud storage service. Tesla said that when confronted by Tesla’s security team, Khatilov claimed he had only transferred “a cou- ple of personal administrative documents”, whilst try- ing to delete the evidence. Khatilov told the New York Post the software files ended up in his Dropbox by mistake when he had been trying to make a backup copy of a folder on his com- puter. Tesla said the files, which represented “200 man-years of work”, were extremely valuable to both the company and its competitors, as they could pro- vide “a roadmap to copy Tesla’s innovation.” It said Khatilov’s team made up the handful of Tesla employees — 40 out of 50,000 — that had access to the scripts, but that they “had nothing to do with his responsibilities.” Tesla’s security team detected the file downloads on January 6, after Khatilov was hired on December 28, and confronted him via videocall as he was working from home, according to the court filing. Tesla said during this call, Khatilov delayed sharing his screen with the team, during which time “he could be seen on videochat hurriedly deleting information KUWAIT: Grand Hypermarkets count- Thehaseer Ali, Dr Abdul Fathah, CEO enable customers with easy access to Kuwait has opened abiding to the from his computer.” However, investigators were still ed as the foremost hypermarket chain Mohamed Suneer, COO Rahil Bassim, food and other necessary products at guidelines and safety measures laid able to view thousands of confidential files uploaded in GCC region has opened their 68th Aslam Chelat, BDM Sanin Wasim along their vicinity as most people prefer to down by Ministry of Health, Kuwait. to his Dropbox, which Khatilov “claimed he somehow outlet in Kuwait at Jahra @ Hayaween with other management members and travel in their locality for shopping Grand has taken all precautionary ‘forgot.’” Khatilov, who told the New York Post that Mall, Block 4, Street 4 on 20th January well-wishers. during this time. With opening of Jahra, measures ensuring safety of customers he was unaware he was being sued until the newspa- 2021. The new store was inaugurated Earlier last year, during COVID-19 Grand Hyper is now present in all parts visiting the store which involves regu- per called him on Friday, was fired the same day. by Sheikh Dawood Dawood Salman outbreak, Grand Hyper MD Dr Anver of Kuwait within the easy reach of all lar cleaning and sanitization of all cus- “When it happened, I was shocked,” he was quoted as Al-Sabah in the presence of Jasim Al- Ameen had stated in a press-release residents of Kuwait. tomer touch points, mandatory rule of saying. “I didn’t lie (about) anything.” —AFP Sharrah, RD Ayyoob Kachery, Jamal Al that Grand Hyper will spread its pres- The new Grand Hyper which also temperature check for entry, wearing Dossary, Saad Al-Hamadah, Director ence to every location in Kuwait to happens to be the 22nd branch in mask and gloves at all times.

the launching of products to this segment in Q4 2020. GameStop shares Kuwait’s FinFirst “Of the personal finance applications represented the majority - 60 percent - of the consumer applications, rocket as frustrated with the remaining 40 percent being taken up by appli- reports multi-million cations for auto-finance. The results are clear: about 90 short-seller walks away percent of leads received on our super app convert - dollar first year deals after rejecting poor leads based on bank criteria - this SAN FRANCISCO: Shares in GameStop rocketed is exponentially higher compared to price comparison on Friday as an activist short-seller said he was KUWAIT: FinFirst, the innovative digital financial serv- sites, digital ads, and organic traffic. walking away from the stock in the retailer due to ices facilitator has closed a total of $4 million of equity In addition, we have successfully converted a what he called an “angry mob” that has terrorized investment from institutions and individuals. “This growing number of financial services providers who him and his family. Andrew Left of Citron demonstrates the level of confidence in the market for a are impressed by FinFirst’s ‘Pay as you lend’ Abbas Hijazi Afrah Al-Hubail Research put out word of the decision on Twitter product which is simply transforming the face of the approach which exposes them to opportunities for a day after he posted a video at YouTube detail- financial services sector,” said Abbas Hijazi, Group higher conversation rates and lower client acquisi- ing reasons he was certain the retailer was over- CEO of Kuwait-headquartered FinFirst Capital. tion costs,” explained Country CEO Kuwait, Afrah secure, digital app-based financial services market- priced in the market. The FinFirst super app and web platform allows Al-Hubail. place which facilitates banking, financial services, and GameStop shares were up some 39 percent in businesses and individuals to apply for a range of “These first-year results stand us in good stead to financial processing from anywhere, at any time and late day trades, having more than tripled since the financial services in less than 20 clicks with a matching build upon a solid foundation of strong business and instantly matches users with the best providers. This year began mere weeks ago. Short-sellers borrow service with selected banks. Following its March 2020 consumer appeal which is enhanced by the speed and one-stop shop for financial needs is transforming the shares they think are priced unreasonably high, then launch of services for the SME sector, FinFirst has ease of our digital application app. In the coming year industry by making physical interaction, paper trans- sell them in the hope of buying them back cheaper a received $40 million worth of financing applications we will look to enhance our offering further working actions or bureaucracy obsolete. FinFirst is providing bit later and pocketing the difference. They lose from small-to-medium enterprises and $7.7 million with existing finance providers and extending our transparent services across Business Banking and money if they bet wrong. worth of consumer applications being received since partner and product base.” The FinFirst App is a Consumer Banking. Left said in a letter shared on Twitter he still believes GameStop share price is due to collapse, into their workflows as backup cameras. However, when but will no longer comment on the company XD Fusion HDR video: the quality of images that a camera delivers is strongly because Citron has become a target of “an angry correlated with the size of its camera, how can smart- mob who owns this stock.” “This is not just name Huawei Mate 40 phones, which usually feature much smaller sensors, calling and hacking, it includes serious crimes compare with their much bulkier cousins? Here’s the such as harassment of minor children,” Left said in short answer: computational photography. the letter. Pro’s powerful Today, every major smartphone company has its own “We are investors who put safety and family software solutions for enhancing image quality. Each first and when we believe this has been compro- processing capabilities solution has its niche, but with the recent HUAWEI Mate mised, it is our duty to walk away from a stock.” A 40 Pro, Huawei took its solution to the next level with KUWAIT: Throughout its short history, the visual art XD Fusion HDR Video, enabling users to achieve the video in which Left makes a case for GameStop video capture - that is, to apply bracketing and other we know today as ‘motion picture’ has had many names same outstanding quality on their videos as they do shares being overpriced remained available at processes - it would need an exponentially greater pro- - films, movies, moving pictures and so on. In essence, when taking photos. YouTube on Friday, where it had logged more cessing power. For example, a three-second 30fps video films comprise many frames of still images, played than 82,600 views. clip has 90 frames in total, meaning the pipeline has to sequentially at a relatively high rate to ‘fool’ our eyes What is XD fusion? A livestream of the presentation on Twitter was process 90 times the information compared to generat- into believing the objects in frame are in motion. For a Before we talk about the XD Fusion HDR Video fea- delayed a day this week due to hacker attacks on ing a still output. better part of their existence, motion pictures were cap- ture, let’s quickly recap what the XD Fusion Engine is. In the Citron account, according to the company. In With HUAWEI Mate 40 Pro, Huawei expands the tured on actual, physical films, and for a long time, the short, it is a computational photography solution that his talk, Left pointed out that despite record video functionality of the XD Fusion Engine to benefit movie industry had used 35mm films as the standard. As fuses and processes multiple frames from the imaging game hardware sales in the US in December of videography as well. The flagship device can process technology advanced and the industry gradually transi- hardware into a high quality output. It exemplifies frames at a much higher rate, allowing it to employ the last year, GameStop saw decline at its physical tioned towards digital production, the 35mm standard Huawei’s expertise in mobile imaging, which spans hard- XD Fusion Engine pipeline to process 4K HDR video locations. was kept, becoming the size of camera sensors that we ware and software. capture in real time. GameStops model of customers trading in old categorize as ‘full frame sensors’. The solution involves a pipeline that processes input With XD Fusion HDR Video, HUAWEI Mate 40 Pro game discs for new or other used titles has From photojournalism to online video content pro- in three phases. In the initial stage, multiple cameras col- can help you capture absolutely spectacular videos become “antiquated” and is out of synch with duction, full frame DSLR and mirrorless cameras are lect high-fidelity RAW frames for visual information whenever inspiration strikes. But if you’re looking to add trends of downloading game software online or perhaps the most commonly used cameras for profes- including exposure and depth. These frames are a bit more movie magic to your piece, don’t miss out on playing games hosted in the internet cloud, Left sional work today. Compared to more specialized equip- processed through high-level semantic recognition to the many amazing third-party apps available on reasoned. Like other traditional retailers, ment, full frame cameras offer very usable image quality deconstruct them into Scenarios, Biological Information, AppGallery. As one of the top three app marketplaces GameStop is under tremendous pressure to adapt and incredible versatility, especially when we take price Body Mask, Skin Mask, Face Parsing and Face Landmark worldwide, Huawei’s platform offers users with a wide to online shopping trends where it faces rivals into consideration. But in recent years, a particular cate- layers. Before outputting, the solution conducts pixel- range of global popular apps, games and services - gory of products is quickly closing the gap between level imaging to enhance bokeh, dynamic range, detail such as Amazon, BestBuy, Target, and Walmart, the video editing apps included. There’s also Petal Search, professional gear and consumer electronics. and colour of the image, resulting in the final ‘extreme short-seller noted. Huawei’s official search engine, that complements You’ve guessed it - smartphones. Every year, smart- definition’ photo. He said that he is pressured by GameStop sup- AppGallery with its app search. Now available in over phone manufacturers - which are some of the most tech- porters “who are ordering pizzas to my house or 170 countries and regions, and over 50 languages, Petal nologically advanced and resourceful players - put out XD fusion HDR video signing me up for Tinder” to harass him. “If you want Search quickly and conveniently finds users their new flagship devices that push the envelope of what’s As mentioned above, motion pictures and videos are to save the company, take your energy, go out there favourite apps, news, videos, images, shopping, travel, possible in a pocketable camera. We’ve come to a point actually made of a series of images. What this means is if and actually buy something from GameStop, because flights, local businesses, and more. Huawei users can where some professionals are integrating smartphones a Huawei device is to support the XD Fusion pipeline for that is the only thing that saves this,” he wrote. —AFP easily download the most popular apps on Petal Search. Classifieds Monday, January 25, 2021

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Aries (March 21-April 19) Cancer (June 21-July 22) Libra (September 23-October 22) Capricorn (December 22-January 19) Some problems might arise with equipment Stress, strain, and a little conflict within a busi- Too many demands placed on you by others Relations with partners of all kinds - business, that you use at home or with the structure of the house, ness, romantic, or creative partnership could have you toy- could have you feeling used, abused, and stressed, Libra. romantic, creative - might be somewhat strained today, Aries. Appliances might go on the blink or the plumbing or ing with the idea of ending it, Cancer. Don't do anything You might come close to losing your temper. That isn't Capricorn. You and the other parties involved may have electricity could require repairs. This could be a drag. It rash right now. Wait a day or so and then think about it. necessary. All you have to do is learn to say no. It might been under a lot of stress, and you could be snapping at each other. It might be a good idea to keep contact might involve staying home to wait for help. Still it must be This is likely to be a temporary situation. If you break it off not be easy, since you tend to want to please everyone, between you to a minimum. If you can't, try to be cordial done. Find a good book and settle onto the couch. You now you will probably regret it tomorrow. Spend time but you have to look out for yourself. Help when the and cooperative even if you don't feel like it. won't have to worry about this tomorrow. alone and give your partner some space. request is urgent and postpone the rest.

Taurus (April 20-May 20) Leo (July 23-August 22) Scorpio (October 23-November 21) Aquarius (January 20- February 18)

Some disturbing news could come today, Today, Leo, you might feel a little insecure Today you might have thoughts of Stress due to overwork might be causing your energy to flag somewhat today, Aquarius. You Taurus. This isn't likely to concern you directly. It's apt to be about your state of physical fitness. You could decide to expanding your horizons, perhaps on a monumen- might even feel a little under the weather. This is a something about the world situation that might eventually make up for any lack of exercise over the past few weeks. tal level, Scorpio. You might consider traveling or This is fine, but take it slowly. This isn't the day to push your- even moving to a distant place. Returning to school great day to stay home and recover. Stay out of stress- reflect indirectly on you. It could be gossip about someone ful situations and do things on your own, preferably self. Strained muscles and exhaustion could result, and that for an advanced degree could also be a possibility. you know. Whatever it is, check it out before accepting it as routine tasks that you can do without thinking. In the won't do you any good. Work out, but pace yourself. Your mind could be on expansion less for financial fact. The information could be garbled. The situation is prob- gain than for personal growth. This is good, because evening, order a pizza and watch TV. Don't make ably more positive than it seems. the latter often leads to the former. Go for it. more work for yourself by cooking.

Gemini (May 21-June 20) Virgo (August 23-September 22) Sagittarius (November 22-December 21) Pisces (February 19-March 20) Today you may receive some information about A rise in your income could lead to a transforma- A friend may be going through some pretty big Today you could feel a rush of sensual pas- how to increase your income in a short period of tion in your values, Gemini, particularly where business is changes, Virgo, and come to you for a sympathetic ear. The sion and desire, Pisces. You may want to get together time, Sagittarius. This information may or may not be valid. Be concerned. You could be opening up to the vast potential for problem is that you might be a little stressed yourself and not with a love partner in the evening, but not be able to do cautious. Check out the facts before committing, wait a few prosperity that exists now. This is definitely something you feel much like hearing about someone else's troubles. Show it right now. Other responsibilities could get in the way should explore. Take care that you don't lose sight of what some compassion. Try to listen for a little while. You might days, and then check them again. Great opportunities abound of what you want to do. Perhaps it's best to schedule a really matters. Money is meant to enhance the other depart- need a shoulder to cry on at some time in the future. and should be explored, but what you hear about today meeting of some kind, even if it's very late in the evening. You will need the comfort if nothing else. ments of life, not consume them. might not be one of them. 12 Established 1961 Lifestyle Features Monday, January 25, 2021

hen “The Little Things” was writ- certain things and so narrow-minded, a ten, Denzel Washington had just certain tunnel vision about what has to Wwon his first Oscar, Jared Leto be achieved in life... we perhaps start to was an unknown actor fresh off the bus neglect the most important things.” in Hollywood, and Rami Malek had bare- For Leto, a sense of always “running ly finished elementary school. Now each on the treadmill” in pursuit of career suc- an Academy Award-winning star in their cess with “no time to focus” had kicked own right, the trio have combined to final- in even before coronavirus brought the ly bring the three-decade-old dark, world to a halt. Leto had famously detective thriller to the screen, out Friday checked into a silent desert retreat when in theaters and on HBO Max streaming. the pandemic first hit the US, meaning Set in the murky criminal underworld of he was oblivious about Covid-19 until In this file photo US actor Rami Malek arrives In this file photo US actor/musician Jared Leto In this file photo US actor Denzel Washington 1990 Los Angeles, the movie finds a comparatively late. “When I went away on the red carpet for the Time 100 Gala at the arrives for the 2019 LACMA Art+Film Gala at arrives for the 47th American Film Institute semi-retired cop (Washington) pairing up there was only 150 cases in America, Lincoln Center in New York. — AFP photos the Los Angeles County Museum of Art in Los (AFI) Life Achievement Award Gala at the with a hotshot young sergeant (Malek) to and we had no phones, no eye contact... Angeles. Dolby theatre in Hollywood. track a suspect in a string of grotesque when I came out there was a state-of- killings (Leto). a fiery devotion to police work regardless vinced to revisit his script by “Breaking trans woman with HIV in “Dallas Buyers emergency shutdown,” he recalled. The A-list cast helped director John of the cost to his personal life, or those Bad” producer Mark Johnson. Club.” “But after seeing the opportunity For deeply spiritual Washington, the Lee Hancock dust off his script, chang- caught in the crossfire. Despite the Washington told journalists he signed up here I just couldn’t say no.” pandemic has evoked the Book of ing dialogue and re-sculpting characters seemingly formulaic premise, Hancock because the writing just felt “different”- Exodus, when God “sent the plague while leaving the action in its original time penned the film as a macabre response and “if it ain’t on the page, it ain’t on the ‘Back to our tent’ down and sent every man, woman and period-long before “CSI”-style forensics to the buddy cop movies of the early stage.” Despite the throwback setting-careful- child back to their tent.” “We’ve all been or cellphones. “You don’t imagine the 1990s, setting out to “embrace the genre “Bohemian Rhapsody” star Malek said ly crafted with shots of Los Angeles land- sent back to our tent,” he explained, character the first time you read the and subvert it at the same time.” having Washington on board made the marks that have avoided redevelopment before offering a somber warning. “As script-you have to find the character,” Nothing is clear-cut, from the film’s project “a no-brainer,” and praised Leto over the decades-the stars said the film’s we go back outside, if we don’t look out said Washington, a double-Oscar win- mysterious suspect to the lack of neatly for completing the trio’s “explosive ener- flawed heroes offered a surprisingly and take better care and treat our fellow ner. “You’re introduced to him or her solvable clues, as the two lawmen strug- gy.” “There was a moment where I did modern cautionary tale for the pandemic man and woman as we would want to be when you read the script, but that’s day gle with their own demons while they think ‘I’ve kind of walked on the darker era. “Where obsession starts to overtake treated, we will all be destroyed.”— AFP one of the work.” For Washington’s role, race to get a murderer off the streets. side of the universe a lot in my career- so many other aspects of your life... this that meant imbuing sheriff’s deputy Joe Hancock, after finding mainstream suc- maybe it’s time to not do that again,’” year probably has taught us a lot about “Deke” Deacon with a shadowy past and cess with “The Blind Side,” was con- added Leto, who won an Oscar playing a that,” said Malek. “We get so focused on

At the same time, the explosion in the number of channels and platforms Netflix’s ‘Lupin’ has generated an appetite for content never seen before, while redefining the notion of success. “Something that 10 marks rise years ago was considered a failure now can easily be a success,” said Barra. The emergence of international of international platforms, mainly Netflix but also more recently Amazon and Disney+, has played a leading role in driving this In this file photo US actor and director Robert In this file photo actress Carey Mulligan In this file photo British actor Daniel Kaluuya TV content appetite for content. Bolstering its Redford attends the 18th edition of the attends the 2020 Sundance Film Festival - poses on the red carpet upon arrival at the international appeal, Netflix has also he success of the French crime Marrakech International Film Festival. “Promising Young Woman” Premiere at The BAFTA British Academy Film Awards. set up subtitling for all its productions series “Lupin” on Netflix, riding on Marc Theatre. — AFP photos and dubbing for many of them, allow- Tthe heels of hit Spanish show ing a non-English series like “Lupin” to “Money Heist,” may hint at a waning of top global viewing rankings. US dominance on the small screen as ambitious European, Latin American and South Korean players kick down the doors on streaming platforms. “Ten years ago, 90 percent of creativity was in the United States,” said Pascal Breton, founder and head of the Federation Entertainment production company. “There were some good little n normal years, the Sundance Film interested to see how people choose to ‘Snow boots for slippers’ local creatives, but it didn’t travel.” Festival kicks off in late January with use that window.” For now, Sundance organizers are But the increase in internet speed, IHollywood’s award season already in urging Hollywood to stay home and the rise of on-demand television and full swing. Producers, stars and journal- ‘Feeling the heat’ watch virtual premieres and Q&As on the example given by American pay ists meet in the spectacular Utah moun- Even beyond Sundance, indie films their laptops. Industry networking events channels, led by HBO, have pushed tains to swap last-minute Oscar tips, appear poised for a landmark year at will see filmmakers’ and artists’ “avatars” their counterparts abroad to bet on TV and catch a first glimpse of the next various delayed awards including the roam and mingle with audiences in chat shows, having mainly relied on cinema year’s batch of contenders. This year, Golden Globes-which would ordinarily rooms and virtual-reality cinemas. Some and sport in the past. “Spiral,” (origi- due to the pandemic, everything has have taken place by now, but are yet to drive-in and arthouse theaters will host nally “Engrenages”), “Carlos”, or been turned upside-down. Indie film even announce nominations. With the real-world screenings and talks, in spe- “Braquo,” all produced for Canal+, extravaganza Sundance, beginning majority of US theaters closed by coron- cific parts of the US where local condi- highlighted a growing global appetite Thursday, will take place largely online. avirus, studios have repeatedly pushed tions allow. But plans to host Sundance for non-anglophone TV productions And with the Oscars delayed to their lat- back the releases of their biggest, most events at venues in Park City and near and series. They were followed by est-ever date-April 25 — several top expensive movies. Presumed big-bud- Los Angeles had to be scrapped after shows from public channels such as contenders have not been released or get Oscars frontrunners including Utah and southern California suffered the 2010-13 Danish political phenome- even screened for critics yet, meaning “Dune” have missed the award window, some of the nation’s most severe winter non “Borgen” and, from 2010, the Sundance could play an outsized role in while this week’s latest pandemic domi- Covid spikes. British “Sherlock” which, despite being the awards conversation. no effect saw James Bond film “No Time Instead, attendees can “trade in your made in English had a particularly non- “It certainly became apparent that To Die” and Sony comic book spinoff snow boots for slippers and just experi- American flavor. ‘oh, this is new, we’re going to be in the “Morbius” push back their releases. ence the festival and see more films than Luca Barra, of the University of awards window,’” Sundance festival In fact, with several major 2020 film you would ever normally get to do on the Bologna and co-author of a study on head Tabitha Jackson told AFP. Warner festivals scrapped or curtailed, bizarrely mountain,” said Jackson. Other high- European television shows, said Bros has set a Sundance world pre- this year’s Sundance hits may end up lights among 72 feature films at the festi- improved standards had been driven To gain a foothold overseas, US miere for its much-hyped “Judas and contending with front-runners that val co-founded by Robert Redford by pay TV stations trying to differentiate platforms produced local content in the Black Messiah,” with Daniel debuted at the very same festival least include Nicolas Cage’s supernatural themselves from public broadcasters several countries, through production Kaluuya’s turn as the young, tragic year. These include Anthony Hopkins’ action-horror “Prisoners of the by coming up with the kind of premium houses based there. In South Korea, Black Panther leader Fred Hampton hot- harrowing dementia drama “The Father” Ghostland,” and cult musical biopic “The content you used to only see on the big and now in Europe, video-on-demand ly tipped for recognition. Others that and #MeToo revenge thriller “Promising Sparks Brothers” from Edgar Wright. screen. Channels, he said, noticed services on the internet are also could contend are wilderness drama Young Woman” starring Carey Mulligan. Ridley Scott and Kevin Macdonald will that their premium output “was not just required to contribute financially to the “Land”-the directorial debut from Also in the mix from the previous unveil “Life in a Day 2020,” a follow-up to a distinctive feature of every national audiovisual sector in the country where “House of Cards” star Robin Wright-and Sundance are “Minari,” a Korean- their 2011 documentary using thousands market, but something that had an they are established. In this new land- period romance “The World To Come,” American family portrait hoping to emu- of videos shot and submitted by mem- appeal also in other markets.” This scape of television production, produced by and co-starring Casey late last year’s best picture “Parasite,” bers of the public from a single day in “change in mentality” has also favored Americans “remain very powerful”, Affleck. “In one sense it’s a short runway and documentaries “Boys State” and July to paint a “global portrait of life on the development of transnational pro- acknowledged Breton, but “there is a (to the Oscars), but in the other there’s “Time.” “So many of the films that are our planet.” Sundance runs from duction companies such as Federation real rebalancing,” which he expected still uncertainty about what 2021 is now feeling the heat of the cultural con- Thursday through to February 3. — AFP Entertainment-particularly in Europe-to to accelerate.—AFP going to look like” for movie releases, versation began their life at Sundance cope with significantly increasing said Jackson last month. “So I’ll be last year,” said Jackson. budgets, he said.

to yourself and to be more in tune with those around you. You will be learning and applying music skills with your group to create masterpieces! They will also discover their leadership skills through practical exercises to create creative pieces of music during the third week of Fadfada and under the slogan: “sing it out”“. In the fourth week, Participants will LAPA’s CEO Fareah Al-Saqqaf express their feelings through dancing! APA launched a group of creative through the different kinds of arts and the Under the slogan: “Dance it out”. And with Corona and its bad psychological the Sheraton Hotel”. and artistic classes in its new project techniques of each kind of them, and the about this program, Ana Mosquera, the effects on everyone such as stress, anxi- The second week of Fadfada’s slogan “Fadfada”. About the project, most important is that they will have a dance instructor, said: “Through move- L ety, depression and fear, and as we is “paint it out” and it will be under the LAPA’s CEO Fareah Al-Saqqaf said: space of entertainment, comfort, and ment you will embody your feelings and know, ladies and girls are facing doubled supervision of the artist Zena Dabbous, “Fadfada is a new unique program which meditation. Fadfada will be a reward for inner reflections. This experience will stress, between home worries and work who said: “It will be a unique art work- we are presenting for women as we every woman who believes that she express your thoughts and emotions pressures. And therefore, LAPA launched shop in which the participants will learn believe that we are responsible toward deserves to reward herself. If a woman through dance. vent out all your frustra- its new project, “Fadfada” for ladies who self-reflection, by drawing and coloring them and we appreciate the great role can not take care of herself, she will not tions by dancing it away!”. The last week are +21 years old. The program will be 5 portrait of themselves. All ladies are invit- they play in our daily life. Women are car- be able to take care of others”. of Fadfada will be under the supervision weeks, including 30 sessions on ed to vent themselves through art, without rying great responsibilities: home, work Fareah Alsaqqaf added: “The first of Sarah Atallah with the slogan: “Act it Saturday, Monday, and Wednesday, for any restrictions”. and family and everyone expects them to week of Fadfada will be under the slo- out” where the ladies will discover and two hours, from 4:30 to 6:30 pm” Nisreen Nasser, the head of LAPA’s succeed in all of this”. She added: “The gan “write it out” where we will focus on express themselves through movement, Atallah added: “the program will music department and the supervisor of program is studied and designed careful- writing under my supervision. sound and speech all combined. They include classes in creative writing, Fine Fadfada’s third week said: “For every ly so woman can discover her passion Participants will express themselves will also explore the effect of role play Art, music, dance and drama under the woman that suffered from the conse- and the artist inside her, and to give her through discussion then through cre- exercises to look at daily life situations in supervision of a group of professional quences of “Corona”, when things are the space and opportunity to change the ative writing. They will learn new tools to a different way”. and creative instructors. The program going against your desire, when your stress, anxiety and depression into a cre- express their creativity and get closer to In other words, Fadfada is a space for aims to encourage ladies to express plans and dreams are delayed, when ative energy. the creative child within them, and this all possible types of expression. By medi- themselves and their feeling through dif- you’re overwhelmed of stress and anxi- The program is designed for small will be reflected in words that will give tating, talking, writing, singing, playing, ferent kinds of arts which will help in ety, Fadfada program will give you a groups, only 7 women per group so their lives a new dimension that we will acting, drawing with colors, or dancing. It relieving stress, and to heal with art. As I space to Reach the wisdom, tranquility every woman can get the extreme bene- discover together”. is an invitation to every woman and girl to explained, the program is social, cre- and joy within you. Through melody, har- fit. The participants will learn tools that Sarah Atallah, the supervisor of the vent it out with LAPA ! ative, and bilingual. And it will be held at mony, and rhythm, you will learn to listen enable them to express their creativity project said: “the world is still struggling Established 1961 13 Lifestyle Features Monday, January 25, 2021

Swiss master Francois Junod posing with his tools and some heads used for the molding of parts of moving mechanical artworks, in his workshop in Sainte- Croix. — AFP photos

Photo shows parts of moving mechanical artworks. Photo shows heads used for the molding of parts of moving mechanical artworks, at the entrance of the workshop of Swiss master Francois Junod.

n his snow-bound workshop, Swiss works again-the mystery comes back, the with the profession,” said 61-year-old Fairies and the future master Francois Junod’s moving magic returns. “It revives this profession Junod, who is the fourth generation of his A timeless charm which can still find a Imechanical artworks whir into action: which had disappeared somewhat.” family working in mechanics in Sainte- captive audience among the smartphone birds whistle, historical luminaries write Croix. generation, as happened with La Fee poetry-traditional craftsmanship newly Quiet hum of cogs His 20-year-old nephew is among the Ondine: a bejeweled fairy sat on a lilypad, recognized as being among the world’s Pristine snow engulfs Junod’s studio in five people working in the studio: a her wings fluttering as she wakes to watch cultural heritage. In the Jura Mountains the village of Sainte-Croix in western Steampunk’s dream filled with cogs, pis- a water lily open and a butterfly emerging. running along the French-Swiss border, Switzerland, more than 1,000 meters tons, mechanical butterflies, a cantering “Wherever we showed it, whether in the precision skills behind some of the (3,300 feet) up in the Juras, and less than horse, 19th-century music boxes and col- Beijing, London, Paris or Geneva, every planet’s finest watches and automatons five kilometers (three miles) from the orful giant birds. There is even a skeleton time, young people swarmed around it have been handed down through the in a feathered hat, used to model move- with their iPhones filming it. Because it Photo shows birds part of a moving mechani- generations. ment; hands and legs hanging down from moves. It’s poetic,” said Junod. The local cal artwork, in the workshop of Swiss master The region’s historical pre-eminence in the ceiling; shelves full of miniature heads; watchmaking and art mechanics indus- Francois Junod. a field combining science, art and tech- tools galore and a giant eye with a rotat- tries were thought to be dying out when nology has also been given a boost by ing music-playing iris. digital technology began to creep in from the United Nations. In December, the the 1970s onwards. craftsmanship of mechanical watchmak- Patience and time But traditional Swiss watches saw off ing and art mechanics in the Juras were Junod and his team work on five or the challenge, and art mechanics also jointly added to UNESCO’s six pieces at once. The art form requires survived by embracing the possibilities Representative List of the Intangible patience and curiosity. The automaton of opened up by computer simulations and Cultural Heritage of Humanity. They now Russian writer Alexander Pushkin-which three-dimensional printing. “Now we mix sit on a par with Argentine tango, Belgian could write 1,458 poems in ink-took five modern tools with ancient traditional Photo shows a moving mechanical artwork in beer culture, Chinese calligraphy, French years; the Tapis Volant flying carpet took methods,” said Junod, meaning the art the workshop of Swiss master Francois cuisine, Indian yoga, Japanese Kabuki two. “You have to like difficulty. You form’s limits are an ever-moving target. Junod. theatre, Mexico’s Day of the Dead and need patience. And you have to be pas- “We can design objects that were Spanish Flamenco. Junod is working on sionate,” said Junod. The job satisfac- impossible to manufacture in the tradi- an automaton of Leonardo da Vinci. His French border. The area is a hotbed of tion comes from seeing the finished tional way and thanks to 3D printing, you eyelids blink, and his sparkling eyes creation in watchmaking and its close rel- product come to life, having overcome can make incredible parts,” he said, move, following his pen strokes as his arm ative, art mechanics. It has been so since all the technical and aesthetic hurdles. even in gold and silver. “The imagination moves from left to right. the 1685 revocation of the Edict of “Even within the same studio, everyone can go even further.” Almost everything “It’s close to magic,” Junod told AFP as Nantes, which saw Protestants flee will have their own style in making an is possible.”— AFP A photo shows the back of a moving mechani- he brought Da Vinci’s head to life. “There France en masse, many heading for safe- automaton,” said Junod. “It’s that which cal artwork representing Leonardo da Vinci is renewed interest in these objects ty in the frontier mountains, taking their gives it it’s soul. It really has a soul. No writing in the workshop of Swiss master because we are living in an electronic skills and industriousness with them. “The two are ever the same. “That’s the charm Francois Junod. age, and to see these mechanical art- tranquility of the mountains goes very well of this craft.”

A photo shows a moving mechanical artwork representing An employee working next to hanged heads used for the Photo shows the back of a moving mechanical artwork Photo shows Swiss master Francois Junod working on a a clown writing. molding of parts of moving mechanical artworks. representing Leonardo da Vinci writing in the workshop of moving mechanical artwork, in his workshop. Swiss master Francois Junod.

ennifer Ellis has never met Bernie through a common acquaintance that his oven mitts”-but had lent them to harmless and not political,” Ellis said. Sanders but she is enjoying a taste Sanders liked the mittens. Last year, as someone else. Ellis said she was so “The thing that I wish for everybody is Jof his celebrity as the woman Sanders was running again for presi- touched by this that she sent Sanders more joy,” she added. “And you know, if behind the mittens that gave the Vermont dent, Ellis learned that he was wearing another 10 pairs. you have something and you give it senator his viral moment at President Joe the mittens-”people were calling them away, and it brings somebody joy and Biden’s inauguration. Ellis, a 42-year-old 13,000 emails then it blows up and the entire world elementary school teacher, lived a quiet That earned her a buzz of notoriety experiences joy, that’s amazing.” Ellis life in the Vermont town of Essex but it was nothing compared with the could make a lot of money because in Junction-until Wednesday. She was fuss since the inauguration, when people two days she says she has received teaching class online like any other day, saw Sanders wearing the mittens. And around 13,000 emails from people who as Biden was being sworn in, when her Sanders’s overall look-in a frumpy winter want to buy her mittens. “Not just one phone started pinging with texts. The coat, his legs crossed, no glamor what- pair-people want lots of them,” she said. messages were all the same, Ellis told soever-prompted a gush of light-hearted But she could never satisfy that AFP via a video interview: “Bernie memes. Ellis’ phone will not stop ringing demand, with her 30-year-old sewing Sanders is wearing your mittens!” and her email inbox is exploding. One of machine, and her job as a second grade Not your typical hand warmers, they the memes placed Sanders on a bench teacher. And she does not even want to. are made from repurposed wool next to Tom Hanks in “Forrest Gump”, “I think it would just ruin the beauty of it if I sweaters and fleece made from recy- another put him in detention with the started price gouging people,” she said. cled plastic bottles for the inside lining. teenagers from “The Breakfast Club” and She prefers to spend time with her family, The ones Sanders wore are big and he also made it into numerous “Star including her five-year-old daughter. And thick and in shades of brown and beige. Wars” scenes. if others are out there selling mittens on And they have story behind them. Ellis, “I mean, people are so funny. And the internet, she wishes them well. On a fan of Sanders, sent him a pair of mit- that’s what we need right now: it’s a very Friday, some websites were advertising tens after he lost to Hillary Clinton in the In this file photo Senator Bernie Sanders tough time for a lot of people, people mittens they said were identical to Ellis’s In this file photo Former presidential candi- 2016 Democratic presidential primary, wears mittens as he attends the inauguration have had a rough year, and they need creation, for $85 a pair. — AFP date, Senator Bernie Sanders sits in the as a consolation gift. She learned of Joe Biden. something to laugh about that’s totally bleachers on Capitol Hill. — AFP photos 14 Sports Monday, January 25, 2021 Arthur bags first Juve goal in Bologna win to put pressure on Milan teams AC Milan stay top despite Atalanta defeat as rivals Inter held MILAN: Brazilian midfielder Arthur scored his first react,” said Milan star Zlatan Ibrahimovic. “Now the goal for champions Juventus in a 2-0 win over difficult phase begins.” Bologna yesterday to pile the pressure on the Milan Milan were outplayed at home with Atalanta’s teams. Andrea Pirlo’s side bounced back from last Cristian Romero heading in the first goal after 26 weekend’s 2-0 league defeat by Inter Milan, and fol- minutes in the San Siro. Josip Ilicic added a second lowed on from their morale-boosting Italian Super from the penalty spot eight minutes after the break Cup triumph over Napoli midweek. after receiving a Franck Kessie elbow in the face. AC Milan held top spot in Serie A on Saturday Ibrahimovic missed a chance to equalize just despite falling 3-0 at home against Atalanta after before half time with the veteran Swede sending second-placed Inter were held to a goalless draw at side. Milan’s new signing Mario Mandzukic came off Udinese. Roma are third after a 4-3 win over Spezia the bench for the final 20 minutes but could not find on Saturday with Juventus moving fourth ahead of the net on his debut despite testing Atalanta keeper Atalanta into the Champions League berths, seven Pierluigi Gollini. points behind AC Milan with a game in hand. Colombian striker Duvan Zapata connected with Juventus dominated 13th-placed Bologna in Turin a Romero cross to seal the three points with quarter with Arthur breaking through after quarter of an of an hour to go in the San Siro. For the first time hour with a shot that took a big deflection off this season Milan failed to score a goal, falling to Bologna defender Jerdy Schouten. It was the first their second defeat this campaign after losing to goal for the ex-Barcelona player in 19 appearances Juventus earlier this month. since joining Juventus last summer from the Liga Atalanta move fourth into the Champions League side in a transfer worth up to 82 million euros ($99 places, seven points behind the leaders, and two million). US midfielder Weston McKennie got the points adrift of Roma who went third after a 4-3 win second on 71 minutes nodding in off a corner. over Spezia. Coach Gian Piero Gasperini hailed “one Bologna could have suffered more but for goalkeep- of our best performances in recent years”. “Tonight er ?ukasz Skorupski. The Pole kept out a quick-fire we were a bit superior on everything, a great satis- double in the first half from Cristiano Ronaldo and faction to play like this in the San Siro.” TURIN: Juventus’ American midfielder Weston McKennie (second right) celebrates after scoring during the Italian Serie A Federico Bernardeschi off the rebound. football match Juventus vs Bologna yesterday at the Juventus stadium in Turin. — AFP Juan Cuadrado sent over after half an hour with Conte sees red Skorupski getting a hand to a Weston McKennie Antonio Conte’s Inter failed to follow on from turmoil since their chaotic 4-2 extra-time loss to six-minute spell at the Stadio Olimpico. An error effort three minutes before the break. Dutch defend- their win over Juventus last weekend, and the chance Spezia on Tuesday. The official scoreline was from Chris Smalling allowed former Roma winger er Matthijs de Ligt returned from coronaivrus, com- to go top with a victory in Udine. Chances were few changed to 3-0 on Friday, as Roma made six substi- Verde to equalise in the 90th minute, firing home ing off the bench for the last quarter of an hour. for Inter with Lautaro Martinez having a goal ruled tutions, with just five allowed, during the last-16 left-footed after the England defender missed his As Juventus pushed for a third, Skorupski offside and Nicolo Barella volleying wide in the rain. clash which they finished with nine men. Captain attempted clearance. denied two more off Adrien Rabiot and Ronaldo in Frustrations boiled over with Conte banished Edin Dzeko was left out of the team on Saturday, Pellegrini had the final say, though, drilling the ball the final minutes. Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen from the sidelines at the end of the game for arguing officially because of a muscular injury, but amid into the roof of the net from close range after Bruno returns for the southerners for the first time since with the referee. “I think that more time could have reports of a fall-out with Fonseca. Peres’ unselfish cutback. It was a first league win in November 8 after recovering from a shoulder been added on. I made the point to the referee and Borja Mayoral scored a double for the hosts, net- three games for Roma, after last week’s defeat by injury and coronavirus. he sent me off,” he said. ting the first after quarter of an hour, only for Roberto Lazio in the Rome derby and a draw with title rivals In Rome, Lorenzo Pellegrini scored a last-gasp Piccoli to pull 14th-placed Spezia level seven minutes Inter Milan. “The team has come through a really Milan’s lead cut winner as Roma bounced back after their Italian later by pouncing on a mistake by home goalkeeper tough week where we lost two games that we Stefano Pioli’s Milan saw their lead on second- Cup defeat by Spezia with a 4-3 win over the pro- Pau Lopez. Real Madrid loanee Mayoral slotted home shouldn’t have,” Pellegrini said. “This should bring a placed Inter cut to two points but hold pole position moted side. Pellegrini blasted home in injury time, his second on 52 minutes, before Rick Karsdorp bit of calm.” Fiorentina, in 12th, eased their relega- at the half-way stage of the season for the first time minutes after Daniele Verde had pulled Spezia level, tapped in to make it 3-1 three minutes later. tion worries with a 2-1 win over rock bottom since they last won the title in 2011. “Being winter with relieved Roma coach Paulo Fonseca racing to Diego Farias again responded for the visitors just Crotone, thanks to first half goals from Giacomo champions means nothing to me, now we have to hug the midfielder. The capital side have been in before the hour, scoring the third goal of a dramatic Bonaventura and Dusan Vlahovica. — AFP

Abraham’s hat-trick Hazard leads Real takes heat off Lampard as Chelsea Madrid to Alaves rout MADRID: Eden Hazard said Bettoni. “I think the best advance in FA Cup scored one goal and set up version of Hazard has been another as Real Madrid seen a little today and that LONDON: Tammy Abraham eased the pres- thrashed Alaves 4-1 on every game we’ll see it a bit sure on under-fire Frank Lampard as the Saturday to ease the pressure more.” Chelsea striker’s hat-trick sealed a 3-1 win on their coach Zinedine Benzema was the chief ben- against Luton in the FA Cup fourth round yes- Zidane, who was absent after eficiary as Madrid forgot their terday. In just his second season in charge at testing positive for COVID-19. recent woes in attack. There Chelsea, Lampard is fighting to avoid the sack Zidane’s position has come were strong performances too after a wretched run in the Premier League. under scrutiny again after from Toni Kroos, Casemiro An embarrassing FA Cup exit against Wednesday’s defeat by third- and Luka Modric in midfield, Championship opposition would have pushed tier side Alcoyano in the Copa the latter providing a handful Lampard closer to the axe, but Abraham’s clin- del Rey but Madrid responded of supreme passes, one of LONDON: Chelsea’s English striker Tammy Abraham (center left) heads home their second goal during the ical display gave his manager some much- at Mendizorroza without their which led to Benzema’s second needed breathing space. Abraham scored English FA Cup fourth round football match between Chelsea and Luton Town at Stamford Bridge in coach, or their captain Sergio and Madrid’s fourth. twice in the first half before Jordan Clark got London yesterday. — AFP Ramos, who was out with a Madrid’s first half was one back for Luton after yet another blunder knee injury. probably their best of the sea- from Chelsea keeper Kepa Arrizabalaga. Abraham’s movement was too clever for Luton standing Ben Tozer’s long throw and Alfie May Goals from Casemiro, son, prompted by an early Luton gave Lampard some nervous and the striker netted again six minutes later. fired in from close range just before the hour Karim Benzema and Hazard goal from Casemiro to boost moments after that, before Abraham finally sent Reece James hooked a cross into the Luton mark. Guardiola threw on Ilkay Gundogan and put Madrid three up at half- confidence, the Brazilian head- Chelsea through to a last 16 tie at second tier area and Abraham got in front of his marker to Joao Cancelo in a desperate bid to find a way time and while Alaves briefly ing Kroos’ corner inside the Barnsley. Lampard will know that Chelsea, who power an unstoppable header over Sluga for back into the game and was rewarded in the threatened a fightback when post. Hazard scuffed a chance were FA Cup runners-up last season, are still a his 10th goal of the season. Luton were gifted a 81st minute when Foden volleyed in Cancelo’s Joselu headed in, Benzema wide but was involved in the long way from the finished article. lifeline in the 30th minute when James Bree cross. Three minutes later Jesus made amends added a second to put the second as he tried to flick One of his biggest headaches has been crossed towards Clark and his scuffed shot for his earlier miss and Torres made it 3-1 with result beyond doubt. The vic- Lucas Vazquez’s pass into the poor form of Timo Werner and there crept past Kepa’s woeful attempted save. the final kick of the game, turning in tory is only Real Madrid’s sec- Benzema but feathering it was was more bad news for the Germany strik- Kepa’s howler sparked a prolonged period Gundogan’s low cross. ond in six matches. “The goals enough, with Benzema given er as he missed a late penalty. After notori- where Chelsea’s anxiety returned and their are good for the confidence, space to fire into the top left- ously demanding Blues owner Roman momentum disappeared. Christian Pulisic, Arsenal out for everyone,” said Benzema. hand corner. Abramovich bankrolled a £200 million stretching to meet James’ cross, was denied by Earlier, Arsenal, who have won the competi- “It’s been a tough week for us Hazard made it three four spending spree in the close-season, Sluga early in the second half. Yet Lampard’s tion a record 14 times, went down 1-0 at because we always have to minutes later. Kroos looked up Lampard was expected to mount a title men remained nervous and Kepa had to make Southampton courtesy of a Gabriel own goal. win, always have to be on the and as Alaves pushed out, challenge. a good save to keep out Harry Cornick’s shot Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta made seven changes up. There’s always pressure. Hazard surged in behind, the But a dismal run of five defeats in their after Luton carved open the Blues defense. from his team’s 3-0 league win against Today it went well, not just for ball looping over for him to last eight Premier League games has left Fortunately for Lampard, his decision to Newcastle on Monday, with Pierre-Emerick me, for everyone.” control and finish past Chelsea languishing in ninth place. Amid talk send on Callum Hudson-Odoi proved decisive. Aubameyang and midfielder Emile Smith Rowe Zidane was confirmed to Fernando Pachecho. Alaves that Lampard will be sacked if Chelsea don’t Hudson-Odoi surged away down left, played a both absent. have tested positive on Friday, pushed hard after half-time finish in the top four or fall completely out one-two with Billy Gilmour and crossed low Southampton, FA Cup winners in 1976, leaving his assistant David and were given hope when of contention, former Paris Saint-Germain for Abraham to complete his treble from a earned a well-deserved lead in the 24th minute Bettoni to take charge in the Joselu headed in from Lucas boss Thomas Tuchel and ex-Juventus man- yard out in the 74th minute. Werner had a when Kyle Walker-Peters’ ball across the six- dug-out, although Bettoni was Perez’s free-kick. Yet the ager Massimiliano Allegri have been linked chance to score just his second goal in 16 yard area was inadvertently turned in by pictured on the telephone in comeback was short-lived as with his job. games when he was tripped by Clark, but his Gabriel. The visitors went close to an equalizer the second half. “He was very Benzema raced onto another dreadful spell continued as his tame penalty through Eddie Nketiah’s deflected shot but happy with the attitude of the curling Modric pass out to the Clever Abraham was saved by Sluga. were forced to leave empty-handed. team,” said Bettoni when left, nipped inside and stroked Lampard insisted this week that he is a West Ham, who will face either Manchester asked what Zidane had told into the far corner. “fighter” capable of dragging Chelsea back Man City survive or Liverpool in the next round, crushed third- him after the game. “He told Earlier, Youssef En-Nesyri into contention for the Champions League Manchester City were given a huge FA Cup tier Doncaster 4-0 despite multiple changes me to congratulate the players, scored his second hat-trick in places. But as snow blanketed west London, scare by fourth-tier Cheltenham before a late from manager David Moyes while fellow as he would have done if he four games as Sevilla dis- leaving the Stamford Bridge pitch with a blitz gave them a 3-1 win on Saturday after Premier League sides Brighton and Sheffield was with us.” patched Cadiz 3-0 to move up white dusting at kick-off, the potentially Southampton dumped holders Arsenal out of United also progressed. Bettoni took off Hazard as to third. The Moroccan strik- treacherous conditions must have alarmed the competition. Six-time winners City were Pablo Fornals gave impressive West Ham an Alaves were gaining belief er’s treble takes him level with Lampard, who made seven changes from the minutes away from exiting at the fourth-round early lead at home to Doncaster as they domi- early in the second period but Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez midweek defeat at Leicester stage before goals from Phil Foden, Gabriel nated the League One side from the kick-off. the Belgian enjoyed a positive at the top of the league’s scor- Standing huddled in a thick winter coat and Jesus and Ferran Torres broke the hearts of the Andriy Yarmolenko doubled the lead before a outing overall that Zidane will ing charts with 11 goals and hat on the touchline, Lampard’s fears were ini- brave League Two side. City boss Pep second-half own goal from Andy Butler and a hope is the start of a revival. makes it seven for him in the tially assuaged as Chelsea made the perfect Guardiola made 10 changes for the trip to the late strike from debutant Oladapo Afolayan. The 29-year-old has had a last four matches. start. Abraham was denied by Luton keeper southwest of England but his side was still Goals from Yves Bissouma and Steven nightmare year and a half in Cadiz, meanwhile, slip to Simon Sluga and Kurt Zouma ahead over packed with internationals. Alzate were enough to seal a 2-1 win for Spain, with this only his third ninth, below Real Betis, who before Chelsea scored in the 11th minute. A The home team — 72 places below City in Brighton against League One Blackpool. Chris goal in La Liga and his first in came from behind to salvage a quick throw caught Luton napping, with the football pyramid-produced a stirring Basham and Billy Sharp scored for Premier the league away from home 2-2 draw at Real Sociedad by Nathan Jones’ side complaining that two balls defensive display but also sporadically threat- League strugglers Sheffield United against since joining from Chelsea for scoring twice in the last five were briefly on the pitch at the same time. ened at the other end of the pitch. Jesus hit the League One opponents Plymouth. Elsewhere, 100 million euros. minutes. Real Sociedad drop Chelsea took advantage of Luton’s loss of post shortly after the restart as City upped the Swansea thumped fellow Championship side “We have to have more to sixth, three points adrift of concentration and Werner’s deflected cross tempo following a goalless first half but it was Nottingham Forest 5-1, while Bristol City beat patience, it’s true that at Real Barca in fourth. Betis climb to reached Abraham, who slotted a composed low the home team who broke the deadlock. Millwall 3-0. Barnsley beat Championship Madrid patience is difficult,” eighth. — AFP finish into the far corner from 10 yards. The visitors failed to deal with the out- leaders Norwich 1-0. — AFP Established 1961 15 Monday, January 25, 2021 Sports Nets hold on to beat shorthanded Heat, Curry passes Miller on 3pt list Lakers beat Bulls to stay perfect on the road

LOS ANGELES: Kevin Durant scored a team-high ering they were missing key starters, including last 31 points as the new-look Brooklyn Nets solved season’s playoff hero Jimmy Butler, who is out some of their defensive woes on Saturday to hold because of COVID-19 health protocols. Besides on and beat the shorthanded Miami Heat 128-124. Butler, the Heat were without Avery Bradley Since putting together the dynamic trio of Durant, (COVID-19 protocols) and Tyler Herro (neck Kyrie Irving and James Harden, the Nets have had spasms). Herro has missed the last four games and no trouble showcasing their offence but have did not make the trip for the two-game series. struggled at the other end of the court. Irving finished with 28 points, and Harden was Curry three-pointer milestone held to just 12 but dished out 11 assists, as Brooklyn Elsewhere, the Golden State Warriors star halted a modest two-game losing streak. “It’s not Stephen Curry surpassed Hall of Famer Reggie every day you see this collection of guys playing Miller for second-most three-pointers in NBA his- together in NBA history, so we want to take full tory, reaching the milestone early in the third quar- advantage of that,” Irving said. ter of Saturday’s 127-108 loss to the Utah Jazz. Brooklyn has now allowed 396 points in their Curry finished with 24 points and five three- last three games including back-to-back losses to pointers, and now has 2,562 threes in his career. He the Cavaliers, including an 147-135 double overtime is now 411 three-pointers behind Ray Allen (2,973) defeat on Wednesday. Durant returned to the line- for the most in NBA history. Asked what it felt like up against the Heat after sitting out Friday’s 125-113 to pass Miller, Curry said: “It is special. I tried to loss to Cleveland. Irving scored 18 of his 28 in the enjoy it in the middle of the game because I knew it fourth quarter on Saturday, including 10 in the final was on the horizon. I looked up to him growing up. three minutes. I emulated a lot of things he did.” “All three of those guys, they’re just so damn The record-breaking three came on his first skilled. Off the dribble, their shooting ability, their basket of the second half. Curry drove into the lane, ability to see open players, and that’s why they’re passed the ball out to Draymond Green on the three of the best in this business,” Miami coach wing, shifted to the corner and nailed the shot off a Erik Spoelstra said. “And those are shots that only quick feed from Green. Donovan Mitchell led a bal- NEW YORK: Goran Dragic #7 of the Miami Heat drives around Kyrie Irving #11 of the Brooklyn Nets as Bam Adebayo #13 of the Miami Heat makes the block at Barclays Center on Saturday in New great players can manufacture.” anced and explosive offensive for the red-hot Jazz York City. —AFP Joe Harris added 23 points and tied a career- with 23 points, and seven rebounds in 27 minutes of high with seven three-pointers in the win. Bam playing time. Adebayo finished with 41 points and nine assists to delivered a double-double with 17 points and 11 points, while Patrick Williams (13) and Lauri lead the Heat, who rallied from a 14 point deficit at Lakers perfect 9-0 on road rebounds for the Lakers, who won for the seventh Markkanen (12) also scored in double digits. In the start of the fourth quarter to give the Nets a In Chicago, Anthony Davis scored a team-high time in the past eight games. Arizona, Nikola Jokic had 29 points and 22 run for their money down the stretch at Barclays 37 points and the Los Angeles Lakers improved to Zach LaVine led the Bulls with 21 points and 10 rebounds, and Canada’s Jamal Murray scored 26, Center arena in New York. a perfect 9-0 on the road to start the season with a rebounds. Chicago had their three-game win as the Denver Nuggets beat the Phoenix Suns The Heat’s performance was impressive consid- 101-90 win over the Chicago Bulls. LeBron James streak snapped with the loss. Coby White had 14 120-112 in double overtime. —AFP

pair’s first contest in 2014 which he won by TKO Poirier then found his range in the second, weak- McGregor knocked after just 109 seconds. But Poirier, who now has a ening McGregor’s base with more calf kicks before UFC record of 27-6, used low calf kicks in an effort exploding for the shock finish. He staggered to put McGregor (22-5) off his usual ferocious McGregor with a big overhand left and then out by Poirier in stand-up game — and it worked. dropped him to the canvas with a straight right flush Hurt and heartbroken, “First off I want to say Conor took this result on the Irishman’s nose before referee Herb Dean stunning UFC upset professionally. We’re 1-1 and maybe we’re going to waved it off. McGregor ponders have to do it again,” said Poirier, hinting at the “The low calf kick was very good but Dustin is ABU DHABI: American underdog Dustin Poirier prospect of a trilogy fight. “I’m happy with the some fighter,” said McGregor. “I’ll dust it off and future after KO shock shook up the world of mixed martial arts yesterday, place I am in. I’m happy with the face I see in the come back because that’s what I’ll do. I’ll take my beating up the legs of Irish superstar Conor mirror. The goal was to be technical and to pick my licks. I’m gutted, it’s a tough one to swallow. I just ABU DHABI: Conor McGregor admitted he was McGregor before knocking him out at UFC 257 in shots, not brawl at all. I had him hurt and I went a want to go back to the hotel and chill with my kids “heartbroken” yesterday after a shock UFC Abu Dhabi. little crazy.” and regroup.” knockout by underdog Dustin Poirier left the “I’m happy but I’m not surprised. I put in the McGregor likes to call himself “Mystic Mac” and The second-ranked Poirier is now in prime posi- superstar’s future in the cage uncertain. “It’s hard work,” Poirier after the referee stepped in after had spent the week leading into the fight predicting tion to either inherit or fight for the UFC’s light- to take,” Irishman McGregor told a post-fight 2min 32sec of the second round to save McGregor he would end it inside 60 seconds. But it was a dif- weight belt, most recently held by the now-retired news conference. from further damage after he was dropped by a ferent Poirier to the one who had looked over- unbeaten Russian Khabib Nurmagomedov. “I felt “(It’s) the highest highs and the lowest lows in fierce combination of punches. matched when the pair previously met at UFC 178 like this was the title fight. If Khabib’s not coming this game. I don’t know where I’m at, at the minute, The 32-year-old Poirier was ranked second in at the lighter featherweight. back then I’m the champion,” said Poirier. to be honest,” said the biggest drawcard in mixed the flyweight division going into the fight, but still The fight was held inside the new Etihad Arena martial arts. The 32-year-old McGregor had been rated a heavy underdog by bookmakers to beat his ‘I’m gutted’ on the “Fight Island” bio-secure sporting hub of Yas an overwhelming favorite to register a winning fourth-ranked opponent, arguably the most famous Poirier worked the legs and took McGregor Island that the Abu Dhabi government established return after a year away from the octagon. fighter the sport has seen. down into a grapple for much of the first round — last July. The three UFC events staged over the past But Poirier (27-6), who lost in 109 seconds to The controversial McGregor, known as avoiding a boxing face-off against a man who once week have been the first to allow fans to sit cage- McGregor in their first fight in 2014, used a lower “Notorious”, was returning to the octagon for the shared the ring with Floyd Mayweather and had side, with around 2,000 in attendance for the main leg kicking strategy to negate his opponent’s first time in a year and hoping for a repeat of the touted a future fight against Manny Pacquiao. event. —AFP stand-up style. The American then launched a sustained barrage of blows to the head culminat- ing in a straight right dropping McGregor to the floor moments before the fight was stopped at South Africa Tests mark 2min 32sec of the second round. “I have no excuse. It was a phenomenal per- ‘monumental moment’ for Pakistan formance from Dustin. It’s a bitter pill to swal- low,” said McGregor, who hobbled onto to stage KARACHI South Africa will play their Indies for white-ball series. If all go with help of a crutch and revealed his calf had first Test in Pakistan for 14 years this untroubled, then Australia will arrive blown up “like an American football.” The unex- week, a match being described as a for Tests and one-day matches next pected defeat left many MMA fans wondering “monumental moment” for the revival year, having not toured Pakistan since what will be next for McGregor, who will face of international cricket in the country. 1998. “We have an exciting year ahead questions about his future in the sport. The match in the port city of Karachi of us as our efforts are bearing fruit,” starting tomorrow marks a significant said Khan, a former England county McGregor mocked vote of confidence for Pakistan where player and ex-chief executive of The loss will scupper any possible rematch international cricket was suspended Leicestershire. with Russian Khabib Nurmagomedov, the following a terrorist attack on the Sri unbeaten UFC lightweight champion who has Lanka team’s bus in Lahore in 2009. Unknown conditions now retired. Nurmagomedov’s submission victo- Foreign teams refused to tour the On the field a dominant South Africa ry over McGregor in 2018 set an all-time record terror-hit country on security fears and — having won 15 of the 26 Tests for UFC pay-per-view (PPV) with 2.4 million it was only in the last six years that between the two teams with four losses buys. Pakistan hosted limited-over series and seven draws — will take on a new- KARACHI: Pakistan’s Sarfaraz Ahmed (C) prepares to catch the ball during a The Russian was quick to mock McGregor on before Test cricket was revived for the look Pakistan with Babar Azam making practice session at the National Stadium in Karachi yesterday, ahead of their social media after yesterday’s fight. “This is what first time in a decade with the visit of his Test captaincy debut. It will be a first cricket test match against South Africa to be played tomorrow. —AFP happened, when you change your team, leave the Sri Lanka in December 2019. dream come true for Azam, who was a sparring partners who made you a champion and A tight security cordon has been ball boy during South Africa’s last tour sparring with little kids, far away from reality,” thrown around the venue and Pakistan in 2007, but he faces a task to lift Kock, whose team blanked Sri Lanka Head coach Mark Boucher did tour tweeted the Russian. Cricket Board chief executive Wasim Pakistan after being swept 2-0 in Tests 2-0 at home in their recent series, said Pakistan as a player three times — UFC boss Dana White said yesterday’s UFC Khan said South Africa’s visit was sig- in New Zealand in the past month. he expects spin to be a big factor. 1997, 2003 and 2007. “I think Mark 257 was tracking to be among the top three nificant. “These are very exciting times Azam is back to full fitness after “Those selections say a lot about Boucher and one or two other guys PPVs in history, with all featuring the wildly pop- for fans and supporters,” said Khan. “I missing the New Zealand tour with a where they want to go and how they who have played here would keep us ular McGregor. But the defeat may mean would say that it’s a monumental fractured thumb and leads an inexpe- want to prepare these wickets,” said updated and guide us,” said De Kock. McGregor now explores other avenues, such as a moment that South Africa is here after rienced 20-man squad with nine play- De Kock, who has left-armer Keshav The second Test is in Rawalpindi from money-spinning boxing match against the 14 years and everybody is looking for- ers yet to play a Test. One of the Maharaj as his frontline spinner. De February 4-8 followed by three Philippines’ great Manny Pacquiao. ward to the matches.” uncapped spinners, Nauman Ali and Kock cautioned that none of his squad Twenty20 internationals in Lahore on McGregor fought retired unbeaten boxing England have also agreed to play Sajid Khan, is expected to win their have played in Pakistan before. “Our February 11, 13 and 14. The coron- great Floyd Mayweather in 2017, earning an esti- two Twenty20s in October on their first first cap partnering seasoned leg- biggest challenge would be the condi- avirus pandemic means all the match- mated $30 million dollars in a blockbuster trip to Pakistan since 2005, to be fol- spinner Yasir Shah. tions that we could face because they es will be played without fans in crossover bout. McGregor deflected questions lowed by New Zealand and the West South Africa captain Quinton De are unknown to us,” he said. attendance. —AFP about the possibility of a fight against eight- weight world champion, saying he was more concerned with healing his damaged leading Sri Lanka’s Lasith Embuldeniya claimed seven Buttler added: “I think we just have to praise right leg. “I’ll regroup,” said McGregor. “I’ll pick Root’s 186 helps wickets and broke a key seventh-wicket stand of not just the technical and tactical aspects of his myself up, get up off the floor and go again. I’ll 81 between Root and Dom Bess, who fell to the game, but the physicality and concentration to keep my head high.” England close left-arm spinner for 32. Root, who completed his apply himself for so long is quite amazing.” Pacquiao had wished McGregor luck on social 19th Test ton in 99 matches before lunch, kept Debutant Ramesh Mendis took his first interna- media ahead of and tweeted afterwards: pushing in the marathon knock of 309 balls. tional wicket when he dismissed Buttler for 55 “Beautiful thing about the fight game, anything in on Sri Lanka The captain, who hit a match-winning 228 in his after the batsman’s reverse sweep hit his boot and can happen! Congrats to @DustinPoirier Huge team’s opening win, was helped along by wicket- the ball lobbed for an easy catch to short leg. win! #UFC257.” There was still time though for GALLE: Skipper Joe Root was run out shy of a keeper-batsman Jos Buttler in a partnership of 97 Buttler survived a similar call in the morning one last flash of McGregor’s old brashness, second successive double century yesterday as runs. “Quite an amazing innings,” Buttler said of session when replays showed his shot had hit the before he limped away, when he was told of England scored 339 for nine in reply to Sri his skipper. “To back up his double hundred in the boot and ground, and he went on to register his Nurmagomedov’s mocking social media posts. Lanka’s 381 on day three of the second Test in first Test... both physically and mentally to show 18th Test fifty. Embuldeniya, who registered his “That’s the character of the man for sure, behind Galle. Root was out to a direct throw from the application to go and do it again to their spin- third five-wicket haul, struck twice early in the the mask,” McGregor snapped back. “If he wants Oshada Fernando on 186 in the final over of the ners. A masterclass really. It has been a great edu- day with his left-arm spin, including the key wick- to have his disrespectful comments, come back day, and stumps were called with England trailing cation for all of us really watching it from the et of Jonny Bairstow, to break a 111-run third- and let’s go again.” —AFP by 42 runs. sidelines.” wicket stand with Root. —AFP Established 1961 Sport

MONDAY, JANUARY 25, 2021 Man Utd get better of Liverpool

Red Devils progress to fifth round of FA Cup after five-goal thriller

MANCHESTER: Bruno Fernandes’ stun- side packed with firepower featuring ning free-kick inflicted more misery on Marcus Rashford, Mason Greenwood, Liverpool as Manchester United pro- Edinson Cavani and Paul Pogba. gressed to the fifth round of the FA Cup Rashford’s raking cross-field pass just with a thrilling 3-2 win at Old Tafford yes- evaded James Milner and Greenwood terday. Both sides struggled to create did not look like a striker lacking confi- chances in a cagey 0-0 draw when they dence as he fired past Alisson Becker for met in the Premier League last weekend. his first goal in 11 games. But there was no repeat of that caution A number of injuries to center-backs in a wide-open contest that ended have disrupted Liverpool’s season with Liverpool’s hopes of a first domestic cup Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez expected win under Jurgen Klopp for another sea- to miss the rest of the season, while Joel son. The English champions lost a league Matip has struggled to stay fit. Klopp has game at Anfield for the first time in nearly been forced to field two midfielders in four years to Burnley on Thursday to fall six Jordan Henderson and Fabinho together points behind United at the top of the table. at the heart of the defense in recent In response, Klopp named a strong weeks and the performance of 19-year- side despite making five changes as old Rhys Williams showed why the Mohamed Salah and Roberto Firmino German has been reluctant to rely on his returned. Liverpool’s only goals in their young center-backs. previous five games came against an Williams failed to cut out Greenwood’s Aston Villa youth team in the last round of through ball for Rashford three minutes the FA Cup after Dean Smith’s side were into the second half and the England struck down by a coronavirus outbreak. international composed himself before But shades of the side that stormed to slotting past the advancing Alisson. This a first league title in 30 years last season time, United’s momentum was short-lived were restored even if Klopp’s wait for a as Milner should have leveled for first win at Old Trafford goes on. Firmino Liverpool when he spooned a glorious and Salah combined perfectly for the chance over from close range, but quickly opener on 18 minutes as the Brazilian’s made amends by teeing up Salah to MANCHESTER: Manchester United’s Brazilian midfielder Fred vies with Liverpool’s Egyptian midfielder Mohamed Salah during the English pass opened up the United defense and smash home his second just before the FA Cup fourth round football match between Manchester United and Liverpool at Old Trafford yesterday. — AFP the Egyptian provided a dinked finish hour mark. over Dean Henderson. Both managers turned to their match Salah as Liverpool’s attack began to click from Sporting Lisbon that has trans- for their old rivals. Fernandes’ strike was a United have made a habit of coming winners off the bench for the final half- back into gear. formed United’s fortunes. A year ago, worthy winner of a thrilling tie as he used from behind to win this season and took hour as Klopp first turned to Sadio Mane But it was Fernandes who won the United trailed Liverpool by 30 points in Pogba to unsight Alisson and fired the ball just eight minutes to hit back. Ole before Fernandes made his entrance. game with a brilliant free-kick 12 minutes the Premier League having played two low into the Brazilian’s left-hand corner. Gunnar Solskjaer handed Fernandes a Trent Alexander-Arnold stung the palms from time. This week will be the first games more. The past seven days have United will face West Ham in the last 16 rare rest from the start, but still picked a of Henderson, who then saved twice from anniversary of the Portuguese’s arrival shown they are now more than a match next month. — AFP